Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kunikuzushi lived a cruel life. He was unwanted from the moment he was born. He had no use. No one to love. No one to love him… No one would dare to love him anyways. He learned that the best way to clap back at his cruel fate was to be cruel himself. He would never let anyone into his heart. Not after last time…

He lived with his two mothers and his sister Raiden. They lived high, emotionless lives. His Mother Ei lived a noble life. Full of riches and glamor. His Mother Yae lived a hard working and successful life. She was a famous publisher , and everyone loved her work. She shared her riches with Mother Ei and his sister Raiden.

Raiden on the other hand was different. Cold and emotionless. She made no mistakes. She did as she was told and was her mothers prized possession. She was the golden child. The perfect child. She would continue to lead their family into success one day when their mothers passed. But Kunikuzushi on the other hand?

Useless.

When he was younger he was far too emotional. Far too clumsy. Far too dumb. Far too… Imperfect. He tried so hard, but nothing he did was ever good enough. It's not like he had a chance anyways. When he was born, he cried far too loud. His mother Ei would say “This one is much too weak. We’ll have to try again.”, and so they did, and so came along Raiden. Their perfect little daughter.

Disgusting. Who the hell needs a family anyways? Who needs riches and glamor and love when you have yourself…?

All the happiness his family showed when out and about was pretend anyways. Their joy and smiles would immediately fade as soon as the doors were closed. Though Kunikuzushi never got to attend events or go out in public with them, he’s seen their plastered smiles through the window.

But he knows. He knows nobody's happiness is true. How could anyone be happy in such a heartless world? There’s only selfish desires. The need for power. Anything else is bullshit.

“Scara!” Mother Ei yelled from downstairs. Scara, or Scaramouche if it was urgent or if he was in trouble, was his nickname. Kunikuzushi was too long for his family's delicate lips, so they improvised. How ridiculous. Why give him a name in the first place if they were just going to be cruel?

Kunikuzushi took his time going downstairs out of spite. Though he’d never speak back to his Mothers or sister, he would still do slightly annoying things that simply aren’t worth complaining about. Why go out of his way to try more than he has to for people that never loved him when he could get very… petty and small revenge.

Kunikuzushi made his way down to the kitchen. His hair was dirty and fell past his eyes, his clothes were decades old and covered in dirt, ash, and archons know what else. They were torn and overgrown. His pants went up to his ankles and if Kunikuzushi raised his arms too high, his thin stomach would show.

Though he had some muscle on his arms from all the work he would have to do during the day, he was still relatively thin due to the lack of food he was fed. If he wanted to eat that day, he had to earn. Make no mistakes, no problems, and don’t become more of a burden than you already are.

Though he was dirty, he smelled of pine trees. He had a fair, handsome face, and despite the dirt, he had beautiful, dark violet hair. His eyes were a deep blue, like the night sky with a bright moon. One had the danger of getting lost in such beautiful eyes if they stared into it for too long.

“Get your head out of the clouds and sort these lentils," Mother Ei barked. “The prince is holding a ball tonight and we will be going. I want these sorted when we get back.”
“The prince is holding a ball? For what reason?” Kunukuzushi dared to ask.
“He’s looking for a partner to marry. As the future head of the family, that partner will be me.” Raiden spoke softly.
“Oh? How did you manage that?” He asked
“She hasn’t yet, but knowing her she will.” Mother Yae sighed. “Are you always this dull?”
Kunikuzushi didn’t respond.
“Besides, she has three nights to swoon the prince. He’s holding a festival this weekend and he’ll be holding a ball each night. Anyone in their right mind wouldn’t dream of rejecting your sister anyways. You on the other hand… Oh dear, you’d be lucky if the prince ever even looked at your shoes.” Mother Yae smirked.

Why must she make so many small, irritable comments? He didn’t ask for this. If he didn’t know better he’d be throwing the bucket of lentil right at Mother Yae’s face.
One day, he’ll show them. He’ll show them that he is strong, and perfectly capable of everything and more. He’d make them regret ever treating them this way…

He grabbed the bag of lentil and started making his way to the table to sort them
“What are you doing? You need to help us get ready for the ball first. Pitiful child.” Mother Ei spewed.
Kunikuzuahi didn’t dare even sigh. The last thing he wanted was to be scolded by all of them even more.
“Now be a dear and go grab our gowns for tonight. The ones we usually wear to fancy dinners.” Mother Ei demanded. “You want him to fetch us our gowns? He’s filthy…” Mother Yae repulsed. “Then he’ll wash up before he grabs them. I want those gowns here within ten minutes, Scara.” Mother Ei waved her hand and turned to brush her long, violet hair.

Kunikuzushi seethed. Oh how he hated them, but oh… how he wanted to be loved by them. By his Mother Ei… What pitiful thoughts. They will never love him. No one will ever love him. Everyone in this world is too selfish to love another, and those who are unselfish… They don’t survive in this world.

But alas, Kunikuzushi still longed for love, for happiness, for fun, and most of all… freedom.
He found himself desperately wishing to go to this ball… He hadn’t cared to go to an event with his family since he was a child. He realized he’d never get to go and gave up on that dream. So why did he want to go to this one? Why did he feel such a need to go to this one?
Kunikuzushi quickly shook these thoughts. Don’t. He would tell himself. Don’t convince yourself you have a chance.

Kunikuzushi quickly washed up, and brought down his family's gowns. Should he ask? Don’t. But he wants to go… oh so bad… Don’t do it. Maybe after all this time of proving himself they’ll give him just this one thing. You know the answer. Maybe-

“Get your head out of the clouds, Scara.” Mother Ei interrupted his thoughts. “I wonder what could be on your mind now…” Mother Yae pondered “Maybe… you want to come to the ball with us?” She smirked.

Kunikuzushi lit up, and that immediately answered her question. “Aw! Look at that! He does!” Mother Yae laughed.

“Oh?” Raiden’s lips curled up into a smile. “Well, as the future head of the household, I say we let him.” Mother Ei looked at Raiden with wide eyes. What in Celestia could she be talking about?

Kunikuzushi stared at her in shock, before glaring at her suspiciously. “The catch?” He asked.
“If you finish sorting the lentils, and find something suitable to wear, you may come with us.” Raiden said sharply.

Of course. Of course he’d have to do something impossible. Sorting the lentils will take all night, and finding something suitable to wear? Hah. Impossible. He only had three pairs of clothes, and none of them even fit him properly. Two day time outfits, and one for bed. Why was he disappointed? He knew this would happen. How dare she play with him like that…

“What’s with the long face? I could manage to do that within an hour. Can you not?” Raiden looked at Kunikuzushi through the mirror. Then why don’t you? Kunikuzushi thought. If you’re so damn good at everything, why don’t you do it yourself?

His mothers and sister snickered and laughed. He really was far too emotional…

“Aw, don’t look so sad, Scara.” Mother Yae used her fan to lift up his face. “A sad expression will ruin the only redeeming quality you have.” She lightly smacked him on the nose with the fan and turned around “Now leave, we must dress.” And with that, she waved Kunikuzushi out the door.

…

Kunikuzushi watched out his bedroom window as they left. Well, what was his bedroom. It was a small attic, there was enough space for a small mattress, and that was it. He growled and made his way down to the kitchen where the lentils were. He poured them on the counter and stared at them for a moment, pondering, before opening the kitchen window, and whistling a tune.

When he was a boy, he had gotten angry that his family left for a banquet, obviously, without him. He felt sad and alone, and had run into the woods behind their house. He ran deeper and deeper and before he knew it, he was lost. He then sat on a beautiful willow tree and sobbed for what felt like hours, before he heard a voice.

“Eh? Hey little guy, what are you crying for? You sound like you just got your heart broken a thousand times over!” Kunikuzushi looked up at the tree, and there sat a brightly dressed bard. The bard hopped down and sat next to Kunikuzushi. “There there, it’s alright, are you lost? I can help you get home!” The bard cheered.

Yes, he was lost, but did he want to go home? No… no, he didn’t. “No! I don’t want to go home!” The boy cried
“Oh?” The bard’s eyes widened “And why is that?”
“Because they’re mean! They don’t love me! I tried to get them to love me but no matter what they don’t! Not Momma Ei, or Momma Yae, or even little Raiden!” Kunikuzushi choked out.

The bard stared at him for a moment. “What’s your name, little one?” The bard asked. “Kunikuzushi… But my Mommas call me Scaramouche…” Kunikuzushi hung his head low. “Scaramouche? What kind of nickname is that?” The bard asked. “Scaramouche is the name of the bad guy in the story book Momma Yae likes…” The boy sniffed.

“Ah…” The bard cleared his throat. “Well I’m Venti! Venti the bard!” Venti said as he picked the boy up and put him in his lap. Kunikuzushi tensed up. What was he doing?

“Hm? What? Have you never been hugged before?” Venti couldn’t stop himself in time before he realized what he was saying. “Ah, probably not… Well don’t worry, it’ll be okay, I promise.” The wind caressed their faces, and the leaves from the willow tree swayed. “You feel that?” Venti sighed as he admired the leaves. “Feel what?” Kunikuzushi was confused. “The wind! Isn’t it wonderful?” Venti was beaming. “Yeah… I guess I do…” Kunikuzushi closed his eyes and focused on the wind. It felt cold against his wet face, but so nice, it felt… free.

“I don’t think I can help your situation at home very well… but…” The bard smiled, “I can do something else.”
“What’s that…?” The boy looked up at the bard.
“Do you know how to whistle?” The bard asked. The boy nodded his head. He loved to whistle. When he had to feed the chickens in the morning, he would whistle, and that’s how they knew it was feeding time. “Great! We got step one done already!” Venti cheered. “Now, listen closely, I’m going to whistle a tune, and I want you to repeat it back to me, okay?”
The boy nodded.

Venti then whistled a soft, beautiful tune, and the wind brushed against their hair. “Now, your turn.” Kunikuzushi nodded, and carefully whistled the tune.
After a moment of silence, Kunikuzushi heard a bird chirping, then another one, and then another one, then even more. Kunikuzushi turned his head up to see dozens of birds on the willow tree.
“If you ever need any guidance in life, you can whistle that tune and the birds will help. So long as you’re nice to them that is!” Venti smiled. “Now, little dandelion seed, let the wind be your friend, and guide you back to safety…” Kunikuzushi looked at the bard curiously. “Go on, close your eyes, and go where the wind guides!” Venti stood up, and placed Kunikuzushi back on his feet.

Kunikuzushi closed his eyes, and soon the wind blew his hair. He walked forward, and forward, and forward. Letting the wind be his direction. Before he knew it, he was back at home. Kunikuzushi excitedly turned around, “Thanks Mr. Ven- Oh…” The bard was gone, and so was the tree. Of course the tree was gone, but why did the bard leave him? He thought they had become friends, but he just let Kunikuzushi go off on his own…

Later in his life, he would consider this “The first betrayal.”

Kunikuzushi had never thought of using the birds for assistants till now. In all honesty, he had been so upset over the bard leaving him behind that he had forgotten about this neat little trick. He hoped the birds would assist him. Though he may not be the most kind soul in the world, he didn’t think he was the worst. Besides, he would feed birds any extra seeds they had left for the chickens, so hopefully that was good enough.

Thankfully, it was enough.

About a dozen finches flew in through the window and landed on the counter. They all chirped and bounced excitedly. “I… can’t believe that worked.” Kunikuzushi was in disbelief. “Uh… Can you help me sort these lentils?” The finches immediately got to work. With all 12 birds and Kunikuzushi, the task that would have taken him all night, was done within half an hour.

Kunikuzushi stared at the sorted lentils in awe. He, out of all people, summoned birds to help him do chores. Well, that’s a new one for the books…

The finches all started to fly around him excitedly. “Agh- What the hell do you want?” He tried his best not to wave his hands around to get them to go away. The birds chirped and all flew towards the door, doing flips and singing. “What? You want out? The window is open.” He raised an eyebrow. The birds got even louder. “Alright, fine! I’m sorry!” Kunikuzushi opened the door, and let them free.

But they didn’t leave.

One bird started to pull on a strand on Kunikuzushi’s hair, urging him forward. “Ow- Ow- Stop it! Do you want me to follow you or something?” The birds sang with joy. Yes! Yes! Follow us! Kunikuzushi sighed and hesitantly followed them.

They led him deep into the forest, tugging on his hair if he dared to turn back. Eventually, after what felt like hours, they made their way to a familiar willow tree. It was the willow tree! “What?” Kunikuzushi laughed “You’re kidding. I begged the wind to help me find this place again for years and all I had to do was whistle a little tune and feed some birds?” Kunikuzushi scoffed.

“No.” A little voice spoke from behind the tree. “You just needed a miracle.” A little girl popped up from behind the tree and smiled. Her hair was white with green streaks in it. It was brushed into a ponytail on the side, and she had piercing green eyes. “A miracle?” Kunikuzushi raised an eyebrow “What miracle?”

The little girl giggled “The one I’m about to give you!” Kunikuzushi glared. He knew better than to trust this little girl. What was she doing here anyways? “I’m Nahida! It’s nice to meet you Kunikuzushi.” Nahida smiled, and Kunikuzushi's eyes widened. “How do you know my name?” He took a step back, and got defensive, ready to kick this puny girl into the sky at any moment.

“I’m your fairy godmother!” Nahida walked up to him “I know what you’re thinking, and please, I really wouldn’t appreciate being kicked into the sky.” What? How did she know that? “Because I can read your thoughts!” She giggled.

…What?

“This also means I know exactly what you need right now!” She clapped excitedly. “Oh? And what’s that?” Kunikuzushi sneered. “You need… An outfit for the ball!” She beamed. Kunikuzushi stared at her. How was this little girl, or supposed fairy godmother, supposed to find him an outfit for the ball?

“You’ll see~” The little girl sang as she held a hand out at him. She closed her eyes for a moment, before opening them, to reveal them glowing brightly. The wind started to pick up, the aroma of flowers and maple filled the air. Suddenly a green light flashed before his eyes, and he felt… heavier. And warmer.

He looked down, to find he was in a luxurious navy blue and gold suit. There were gold designs and buttons carefully sewn onto the navy blue fleece. He had dark pants, and a gold chain that went from his right waist to his left thigh. He had linen colored boots, with golden cuffs on the tip of them, and on his right shoulder laid a navy blue cape embedded with golden designs.

How? How was this possible? “Let's answer the questions another time.” Nahida smiled “First, I must tell you something very important, then we must suit you with a carriage! Now, listen closely to Kunikuzushi. When the clock strikes midnight, you need to leave the ball, no matter what you’re doing, and have your carriage bring you straight back here. Understand?” Kunikuzushi nodded. “Now, for the carriage…” Nahida looked around when suddenly she spotted a pinecone. She picked it up and held it at eye level. “This will do!” She said. Kunikuzushi didn’t even want to ask at this point…

Once again, Nahida closed her eyes, and then opened them as they glowed and beamed at the pine cone. She threw it up into the sky, and it turned into a beautifully crafted black and gold carriage. You’d never even know it was a pinecone a moment ago.

Nahida looked up and the finches that had gone to rest at the tree and nodded. Four finches flew down to the carriage. Two perched up on the front seat of the carriage, where a driver would usually sit, and the other two in front of the carriage, where the horses would usually stay. Nahida once again closed her eyes, opened them, glowing eyes beaming at the birds.

The first two birds spun around in the air before poofing into people, and being placed back onto the carriage seats. The next two birds grew, until they turned into horses and fit just right in front of the carriage.

Kunikuzushi was… bewildered, to say the least. How was this even possible in the first place? And more than anything… Why him? What did he do to deserve this? Nothing. That’s what. And why should he trust this little girl? She’ll probably just end up leaving him too anyways.

But… Maybe it was worth a shot. Maybe getting into this carriage this little girl somehow created and going to the ball would be worth it. Maybe there was a chance that something, anything, could happen, that might make his life a little more bearable.

One of the finches, well, now a human, turned to the carriage door and opened it. Kunikuzushi hesitantly walked in and sat down. There was no glass where the windows were, so he could thankfully still feel the wind. Did she do this on purpose? The wind was the only thing in the world that didn’t leave or hurt him. It was all he had.

Nahida giggled and waved goodbye. “Good luck! And remember, you must be back once the clock strikes midnight!” Before Kunikuzushi could respond, he heard a whip, and they were off. Off to the festival. Off to the princes ball. Off to freedom…

Chapter Text

W- In about fifteen minutes the carriage rolled up to a grand palace. A line of carriages filled the front lot as families emptied. All hoping they or someone in their family might win over the prince's heart. Kunikuzushi doubted the prince would even look at him, but just being here… It felt so good in so many ways. There was freedom, rebellion, and there was going to be fun.

As his own carriage made its way to the stairs that led up to the castle, one of the finches got down from the carriage and opened the door. “Good luck!” The finch winked at him. Huh? At what? Winning the prince's heart? As if.

Once Kunikuzushi stepped out the carriage door was closed and it rode off to park nearby the other carriages. Kunikuzushi hoped he’d find it in time when the clock struck midnight. He walked up the stairs with his head high. Tonight, he was one of them. He was high and mighty. And he was going to own it.

C- Other guests gawked at him. Archons… he was beautiful. He was majestic, and looked demeaning, in the most beautiful way possible. Girls and guys gasped and blushed as he walked by.

W- What in the world are they staring at? Can they tell he wasn’t actually one of them? Whatever. He said he was going to own it, and he would. He could care less about what anyone says. He came here to have fun, and to be better than everyone else.

Kunikuzushi stepped in front of the grand doors. Behind these doors was his family. Would they recognize him? He doubted it, they’d be too busy swooning over the prince to notice he was there, and even if they did see him, he was barely recognizable with this new look. Well, a clean look. Actually… His hair seemed a bit shorter. Almost as if it was trimmed. He felt the back of his neck. Good, his undercut was still grown out.

Two knights grabbed the doors, and with a creek, they opened. Kunikuzushi stepped in. “What’s your name, young sir?” A man with a trumpet asked. Huh? Oh no- He can’t use his real name or he’d be caught. Quick, think of something damn it-

“Wanderer. Call me Wanderer.” He responded. What kind of name was that? Eh, it was kind of cool. Majestic, but had a tint of carefree too. He liked it. “And where are you from?” The man with the trumpet asked. “Huh?” Kunikuzushi was confused. “Your family name, or where you’re from.” The man seemed to be getting annoyed. Oops, oh well. His problem if he got upset over simple confusion. Kunikuzushi couldn’t say the Shogun family, or else he would also get caught. Hm… ah. “The Willow. Wanderer of the Willow” The man with the trumpet cleared his throat, before playing his trumpet and yelling “Sir Wanderer, of the Willow!”

K- The prince looked up to see who had just arrived now. The prince had his long hair into a ponytail like he usually did, his red streak passed down from his family curled into his bangs. He wore his classic red and white suit. It had a red belt across his waist, and a gold cape with leafs embedded into it. His pants were red, with high boots that went up to his knees. He looked gentle, kind, and peaceful.

As the prince met eyes with their new guest, his eyes widened. He was… beautiful. This stranger… who was he? Wanderer of the Willow? That sounded like something from a poem. He was a mystery the prince was now determined to unravel. He reminded him of the rain, of a storm, of the calm after the storm. He reminded him of the blue tint on pine trees. He reminded him of the deep blue ocean. He looked like if you got too close, he would trap you in his eyes and they’d never leave your mind, no matter how many more eyes you met. The prince had to dance with him. The problem was, he was already dancing with somebody. Her name was Yoimiya of Naganohara. She was pretty, the prince won’t lie, and earlier she had quite a bubbly personality while talking to him, however, she seemed very… uninterested now that they were dancing. She must’ve caught his heartfelt gaze at the new guest, because she used this opportunity quite well.

“Ohhh, someone caught your interest!” Yoimiya teased “Are you going to dance with them?” She asked. “Ah, uhm-” He didn’t want to be rude. “I’m dancing with you at the moment, I’ll worry about that later” Before the prince could say anything else, Yoimiya released her hands that were intertwined with his, and let go of her dress. “Miss Yoimiya, what-” The prince started. “Shhh, I’m sure you’re great and all Mr. Prince, but can I be honest?” Yoimiya put an arm around the prince’s shoulder, and pointed at the blue haired girl, her hair was braided into a bun, and she wore a silky blue and sakura pink dress. “That’s Ayaka of the Kamisato clan. Our families are friends. I’ve had a crush on her since like… forever!” Ah, that’s why she was uninterested. She wanted to be friends, not lovers. She had already given her heart to someone else.

The prince smiled and nodded. “I wish you luck with her. You were a joy to talk to, I hope we meet again.” Yoimiya giggled and ran off to her blue haired princess. The prince then looked back at the entrance, only to find his ocean eyed boy was no longer there.

He frantically made his way to the stairs that led up to the entrance and scanned the area. Where was he? He only looked away for a moment! Suddenly the prince heard a sharp whistle. He turned around to meet the sound and saw Yoimiya at the bottom of the stairs, holding her blue princess’s hand. The blue princess looked mighty flustered. Yoimiya was pointing to her right. The prince followed the direction of her finger and eyed Wanderer. It looked like he made his way to a crowd and seemed to be trying to hide amongst them. It wasn’t working though, everyone kept eyeing him.

The prince chuckled, and made his way down the stairs and through the crowd. People pushed themselves aside. All desperately hoping the prince would approach them or their kins. He felt bad disappointing them, but he had to dance with this boy.

W- When Kunikuzushi’s fake name and title was announced, he immediately made eye contact with the prince, and the prince seemed… he didn’t know how to describe it. Scared? He didn’t know, his eyes went wide, and he stared till the girl he was dancing with said something. He didn’t mean to attract so much attention to himself. He wouldn’t have cared if he scared anyone else, but the prince? You gotta be kidding… just his luck to scare a prince. A very, very handsome prince.

Kunikuzushi had never seen such a captivating person. He was angelic. The gods above perfectly constructed him with the highest quality in mind. His ruby red eyes, his silky hair, his soft skin…

Ugh- What was Kunikuzushi thinking? Why was he thinking all this sappy shit? How did he even know if the prince's skin was soft? He only saw him from a distance. Whatever. He’ll probably just dance around with a few other people and enjoy luxurious food he’d never even dream of having.

Wanderer sighed. He turned around to see that the crowd had parted, and there was the prince himself, holding out his hand.

“Wanderer of the Willow, may I have the pleasure of dancing with you?”

…WHAT?!

The prince? Wanted to dance with him? Didn’t he scare the prince? Wait… no, he didn’t scare the prince…

He captivated him.

Wanderer reluctantly took the prince's hand. What was he doing? This was definitely going to draw attention to himself. But he just couldn’t help himself… The prince was so alluring, something about him drew Wanderer, but he didn’t know why. What was this feeling? It feels warm, and breathless. Something was fluttering in his stomach and sweeping him off his feet. Something was capturing him, and he couldn’t escape.

The prince took Wanderer to the dance floor. He must have sensed that Wanderer hadn't the slightest idea how to dance, because he took Wanderer’s hands and placed them around his shoulders, and then proceeded to wrap his hands around Wanderer's waist.

“Just follow my lead.” The prince smiled at him. Kunikuzushi felt the wind get knocked out of him, if he didn’t know better he would have gasped for air at that moment. The prince was smiling at him, and he looked beautiful while doing so.

Should he say something? What if he said something that offended that prince? Usually he wouldn’t care, but he valued his life…somewhat. Kunikuzushi had heard that angering royalty could get you beheaded. Would that really be such a bad thing though if it meant he got to dance with the prince…?

“Don’t be so nervous, I promise I’m not one full of senseless anger.” The prince spoke softly. Ouch. That felt like a personal attack against Kunikuzushi. It’s not like the prince could have known that Kunikuzushi was filled with so much rage, hatred, and sadness though. How would he feel if he knew that though?

“My apologies, your highness. I’m just shocked you asked to dance with me of all people.” Wanderer finally spoke up. There, that was an appropriate response. The prince frowned. Shit- Maybe he shouldn’t have that. “Of all people? What is that supposed to mean?” The prince asked, tilting his head.

Okay… that was cute. He looked like a little puppy, innocent of the world's trials and tribulations. “I’m no one important. There’s much better people here to dance with your highness. For example, someone that actually knows how to dance.” Wanderer said sarcastically. After a moment of silence, the prince chuckled. Cute…

“I guess the dancing part is fair, but everyone is important. Even petty thieves and lofty criminals. And please, forget the formalities. Call me Kazuha.” Kazuha stated. Even criminals huh? “Even the worst of criminals?” Wanderer asked. “Sure.” The prince shrugged. “Everyone is important, and deserves love, but at the end of the day your choices dictate if you get those honors.”

Kunikuzushi once made a choice. Multiple, actually, that he wishes he could change. If he could change them, maybe they’d still be alive… No, they would be alive. He was a murderer, and there was no excuse for the crimes he committed.

Kazuha frowned again. “What’s on your mind?” He asked. Wanderer looked up at him and smiled. “Don’t mind me, I often have my head in the clouds.” He responded. “I see, a dreamer are we?” Kazuha smiled. “If you want to call it that…” Wanderer said playfully with a smirk.

K- Kazuha turned his gaze towards the orchestra. Kazuha knew this song, and it was almost over, which would mean he’d have to dance with someone else. He didn’t want to though… He longed for the mysterious Wanderer. He felt drawn to him. But all good things must come to an end. Kazuha sighed. “What’s wrong, your-” Wanderer cleared his throat. “Kazuha?”

Kazuha’s cheeks grew slightly red. Kazuha. Something about this Wanderer saying his name made him feel giddy like a child. The only ones who ever called him by his name anymore were his mothers, and two of his close friends on occasion. Though he often asked people to use his first name, most people didn’t, because it felt wrong and disrespectful to them. This Wanderer however, didn’t seem to feel the same way. It was as if Wanderer felt that Kazuha was an average person like everyone else. It made Kazuha feel human. It made him feel free.

Kazuha met Wanderer's eyes. “This song is almost over. I’ll have to dance with someone else soon.” The prince looked quite disappointed. “Is that a bad thing? Go dance with someone who knows what they’re doing.” Wandereri said. “Believe it or not you seem to be a natural. You haven’t even stepped on my shoes.” Kazuha replied. “Hm, maybe you’re just a good teacher.” Wanderer raised an eyebrow.

W- Part of Wanderer didn’t want the dance to end. Part of him wanted to rest his head on the prince's shoulder and dance the rest of the night away. The other part of him, however, wanted to dance with others. He wanted to explore a little bit, eat food, even meet people. Though he won’t deny he thoroughly enjoyed the dance with the prince, this was a very rare opportunity, and he knew he had to make it worth it.

With that, the song ended, and the prince sighed. “Lets not make this the last dance we have tonight, Wanderer of the Willow.” Now that was something Wanderer could agree with. Wanderer then took Kazuha’s hand, and gently kissed it. “I agree, Prince Kazuha.” And Wanderer wandered off, looking for a new partner to dance with, leaving Kazuha a flustered mess.

B- A booming voice laughed on a balcony overlooking the ball. There sat two thrones, one embedded with gold, the other with rubies, and in them sat the two queens, as they watched their son Kazuha attempt to find a lover.

“I think he found the one!” The queen with dark chestnut hair beamed. She wore an outfit fit for a king, and had her hair split into a bun. Her suit was red and black. She wore gold jewelry wherever possible, and a red cloth over her right eye. The woman next to wore a white silk gown, with gold designs at the bottom. “Indeed, I don’t think he’s ever been so flustered before.” the lady in gold smiled.

“I don’t think he ever HAS been flustered before! Ahaha!” The woman in red raised her glass of wine. “Might as well cancel the rest of the dances now!”
The lady in gold sighed. “You know we can’t do that Beidou, that will disappoint the people, and you never know, it’s just one night, maybe he’ll find someone else.”
“Aww, I know you don’t believe that! I mean, look at us Ningguang!” Beidou laughed.
Ningguang smiled. “Hm… I guess you’re right.” She took Beidou’s hand and kissed it for a moment, enjoying her warmth.
“Aw, don’t worry my queen, just a few more hours and you can enjoy all of me~” Beidou smirked, as Ningguang rolled her eyes.

W- Wanderer ended up dancing with a lavender haired girl with her hair tied into cat ears. She wore a midnight blue dress that went to her knees, and she seemed very bored. Quite frankly, Wanderer was bored too. He looked over to see Kazuha dancing with a girl wearing spikes and chokers, and a fiery orange dress. They were laughing and seemed like they were having a great time. Wanderer felt a mix of sadness and anger boil inside him. What was this feeling?

The lavender hair girl sighed. “If you’re worried about that girl stealing your prince, I assure you you’re safe.” Wanderer glared at her. “I’m not worried, nor do I care, if he wants to dance and talk with other people so be it.” He looked away with a huff, and the girl rolled her eyes. “Pretty sure she already has the hots for that opera singer over there. The girl directed her head towards a violet haired girl wearing a gold and deep purple dress. “They’re both musicians, and from what I hear they seem very close. Me and Ganyu noticed they dance with each other every other song.” Wanderer raised an eyebrow “Ganyu?” He asked. The girl nodded. “My… partner, of sorts. Kind of. We haven’t entirely made it official, we don’t think her parents would approve of me because she is of higher status, though we both have confessed.” The girl sighed.

“Hm, pathetic.” Wanderer shook his head. “Who the hell cares about status? One day we’re all going to die, and nobody will give two shits about you, or remember you. Might as well make it official while you can.” The girl looked at him, judging him from the inside out. “Aren’t you a joyful one?” She sighed. “But… that’s not the worst advice. I’ll take it into consideration. Thanks.”

She looked over at a girl with curly blue hair and smiled. “Is that her?” Wanderer asked. The girl nodded, and then looked at Wanderer. “What’s your name anyways? I’m Keqing.” The girl asked. “Call me Wanderer.” He said boredly. “Are you going to dance with the prince again after this song?” Keqing asked. Wanderer shrugged. “I’ll wait and see, but if he doesn’t seem interested in dancing with me again I’ll find someone else.” Keqing frowned. “You’re not going after him?” Wanderer looked annoyed. His patience was running thin.

“No, he’s the prince, there’s a lot of people going after him tonight, and I’m not going out of my way to try and dance with him again if he doesn’t even want to.” Wanderer stated. He desperately wanted to dance with Kazuha again, but had a sinking feeling that wasn’t going to happen. A very forced sinking feeling. Wanderer refused to get his hopes up.

The song then ended, and Keqing immediately let go of Wanderer. “It was… a bit of a pleasure meeting you.” She curtsied and made her way over to the curly blue haired girl. He then looked over at Kazuha and the girl he was dancing with, and like clockwork, she made her way over to the opera singer, and started dancing.

While Wanderer’s mind was occupied on the musician girl, Kazuha had made his way over to him. “Hello Wanderer.” He smiled and held out his hand. “I hope you won’t mind another dance.” Wanderer took his hand without hesitation and smiled. “I could never say no to such a pretty face.”

K- “You’re quite charming, Wanderer of the Willow.” Kazuha chuckled. “You really like to say that don’t you?” Wanderer smirked. “It rolls off the tongue quite well. It sounds like something from a poem, and I quite like poems.” Kazuha replied simply. “Oh? Do enlighten me, Kazuha.” There was his name again. He maintained his reaction this time around, but it still made him feel warm inside.

“Why of course, however, I don’t believe this is a very appropriate scene for poems.” Kazuha let go of Wanderer's hips and held out his arm. “Will you do the pleasure of accompanying me to the garden?” Kazuha asked. Wanderer nodded and linked his arm around Kazuha.

Kazuha did his best to hide amongst the crowd, but it wasn’t working well. Everyone was murmuring and whispering as Kazuha made his way through the crowd with Wanderer latched onto him.Thankfully, Kazuha’s mothers seemed to notice.

His Mom, Queen Beidou, stood up and cleared her throat. “Everyone!” She shouted out to the room. Everyone excitedly turned towards the balcony and watched with anticipating eyes as their Queen Beidou raised a glass. “I would like to have a toast for the first night of the dance!” She laughed.

B- Kazuha smiled up at his mother, and mouthed a “Thank you.” Before sneaking out the back doors. Beidou nodded and smiled, and continued ranting on about some toast to the dance that she pulled out of her ass at the last minute. Ninngguang couldn’t help but chuckle, and had to hide her face in her hands to avoid drawing attention.

K- Kazuha took Wanderer down to the garden. It was large and lush. It was full of Yumemiru trees, Otogi trees, and Kazuha’s favorite, Maple trees.

W- Kunikuzushi had never seen something so alive. While the woods behind his house had trees, lots of them were dead, and dead leafs covered the ground. They weren’t the most beautiful woods, but Kunikuzushi cherished it anyway.

There were four benches surrounding a fountain. In the center of the fountain lied a dragon-like sculpture. Most likely Rex Lapis, the God of Contracts. Kazuha led Wanderer over to one of the benches, and picked a Glaze Lily from one of the bushes in front of them. He turned around towards Wanderer, and gently placed the flower in his hair.

Wanderer lightly traced his hand over the flower. It was soft. Kunikuzushi had never seen such a flower before. “It reminds me of you.” Kazuha smiled. “Although, I think the ocean is a better representation, especially for your eyes.” Kazuha sat down on the bench, and Wanderer sat down next to him.

Kazuha looked up at the sky, and smiled, before relaying his favorite poem;

“An Ocean that reflects the sky
A Sun that lights the Earth
And yet here you and I,
Only a fraction of a Swarth.

The wind of freedom caresses our cheeks,
As if we are one our own,
It acts as if we aren’t so bleak,
Or a dead flame that hath once shone.

A bright candle we used to be,
Put out by the wicked of the world,
Our lives no longer filled with glee,
Twisted and unconcerned.

If we could go back and do it again,
Would one pursue?
For was all thy worth it then,
Or could our love renew?”

Kunikuzushi's eyes widened as Kazuha relayed the poem to him. Something about it was so familiar… But why? Wanderer shook the thought out of his head and his lips curled into a smile.

“Who’s that from?” Wanderer asked. Kazuha looked at him with a tender smile. “My father. He passed away from an accident when I was five, but that poem is one he’d share with me quite often. It was his favorite, and now it is mine as well.” Wanderer stared at Kazuha. “I’m sorry for your loss. What was your fathers name?” He asked.

“Kaedehara Niwa.”

Kunikuzushi's eyes grew in panic. Everything clicked. The red streak in Kazuha’s hair, the poem, the accident.

When Kunikuzushi was about 6, he would be sent to the local village to run errands. Though after a while, Kunikuzushi wasn’t allowed back to the village after rumors started to grow about where he was from. Still, he still managed to make a friend. He was a bladesmith, with dark chestnut hair, and a red streak on the side. His family lived in the city, but he could only afford to keep his business in the village, so he worked there.

Though Kunikuzushi needed nothing from this man’s business, he was very curious about his work. Kunikuzushi liked the sound of the hammer hiding the blade, and loved the smell of melted metal. The bladesmith soon became familiar with Kunikuzushi. He reminded the bladesmith of his son back at home.

The bladesmith, whose name Kunikuzushi learned was Kaedehara Niwa, would tell him poems, and stories of his ancestors. One of the poems was the one Kazuha had relaid to him. However, once rumors started surfacing about Kunikuzushi, the bladesmith started asking questions, and like the innocent child Kunikuzushi was, he told him.

Unbeknownst to him, a mad man that worked for Kunikuzushi family was watching them. That night, the bladesmith was meant to return to the city to visit his son, but there was an “accident” of sorts. Though there was evidence of foul play, but the Milileth from the city couldn’t find a suspect.

However, before the Milileth arrived, there stood a young six year old boy watching the accident unfold in horror, while a tall man with light blue hair played into manipulation.

“He got scared of you, Scaramouche. You told him about how horrible of a child you are and how scary your family is, and it scared him, and he ran away from you. Now look. He’s dead, and it’s your fault.”

Niwa ran away from him. He acted on his selfish desire to run, and it got him killed.

This is what Kunikuzushi would later call the second betrayal.

“Wanderer?” Kazuha brought Kunikuzushi back to reality. He had his hand on Kunikuzushi’s, and had a concerned expression on his face. “I’m sorry, did something I said upset you?” The prince asked. Wanderer shook his head. “Apologies… I just remembered something…”

He remembered that it was his fault Kazuha’s dad was now dead. To be fair though, it was also his own fault. They were friends, and as soon as Kunikuzushi opened up he ran away out of his own senseless fear.

Still, Kunikuzushi never would forget the man's face, as a tear rolled down his cheeks and he reached for Kunikuzushi, telling him “It’ll be okay”, and being enveloped by flames.

K- “What were you thinking about?” Kazuha interrupted his thoughts again. At this point Kazuha was quite worried. Wanderer kept drifting away in his own head, and whatever he was thinking about, it wasn’t good. Wanderer shook his head again. “I’m… sorry.” Wanderer looked away.

“Why?” The prince asked. “It’s not your fault. Besides, after the incident, my mothers heard about it and took me in. And it was 16 years ago, the past is the past, and the present is here, the only thing we can look at now is the future.”

W- Kunikuzushi sighed and stood up, and then looked at the clock tower. Five minutes till midnight. “I have to leave.” He turned away from the prince. The prince stood up and grabbed Wanderer's hand as he started to walk away. “Wait- Will I ever see you again?” Kazuha looked at him with pleading eyes. Wanderer sighed. “I don’t know. It’s… probably best if we didn’t.” And with that, Wanderer of the Willow ran out the garden, leaving the prince standing there, alone and heartbroken.

Chapter Text

Kunikuzushi ran out towards the carriage, and hopped in before one of the finches could even fully open the door. Thankfully, the carriage was waiting right at the bottom of the staircase, so Kunikuzushi didn’t have to worry about finding it. He heard a whip, and the carriage was off. On the way back to the Willow tree, Kunikuzushi thought about the prince. He felt so… dull. Like he had left a part of himself there at the ball.

Deep down, Kunikuzushi knew it was good to never see the prince again. Afterall, he was the one that caused his fathers death. Not only that, but who’s to say Kazuha wouldn’t run away from Kunikuzushi too if he knew the truth of, well, everything. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree afterall.

Suddenly, the door to the carriage opened and Kunikuzushi's thoughts were interrupted. Outside the carriage stood Nahida with a smile on her face. Kunikuzushi stepped out, and sighed as the wind swept his hair. “How was it, Wanderer of the Willow?” Nahida seemed quite honored that Kunikuzushi had used “Of the Willow.”

“Something tells me you already know.” Kunikuzushi sat against the tree. Nahida plopped down next to him. “Maybe, but it’s still good to talk about it! It’s all so exciting, yet complicated at the same time, isn't it?” Kunikuzushi looked down and shrugged. “Who cares? I had my fun, and now I’m done.” Nahida frowned. “Don’t you want to go tomorrow?” She asked.

Kunikuzushi turned his head towards her. What? Was she serious? “Of course I’m serious. There’s three nights of the ball, yes? Why not enjoy all three of them if you’re really not going to ever be able to do something like this again?” Nahida offered. “No. I can’t see him again. I… I’m the reason his dad is dead. I’m a murderer.” Kunikuzushi looked away. Nahida looked at him solemnly. Her face then turned into a determined one, and she got up and stood in front of Kunikuzushi, and put her tiny hands on his cheeks. “You are not a murderer! What happened wasn’t your fault. You don’t even know the truth of what happened.”

“What?” Kunikuzushi scoffed. “I saw the whole thing unfold. How could I not know the truth?” Nahida shook her head. “Not that, the reason why Niwa left.” Nahida let go of Kunikuzushi’s face. “He was going back to the city to visit his son. There, he was also going to tell The Milileth of the information you told him. He was hoping they’d rescue you, and that he’d be able to take you under his wing.”

Kunikuzushi stared at her. “Niwa loved you, Kunikuzushi. But he knew the truth, so your family took matters into their own hands. They’d do anything for their reputation. And the man that is at fault for his death… He’s a cruel, cruel man.” Nahida shook her head in shame.

“The Doctor.” Kunikuzushi said quietly. “That’s what my family calls him…” Kunikuzushi felt angry. So angry. He was tricked, manipulated, and played with, all for his family's own name. They wouldn’t have had to kill Niwa if they just… loved Kunikuzushi in the first place.

Nahida nodded. “Il Dottore is his other name. He works under your family, along with many other families. He has hurt a lot of people.” Nahida sighed sadly. “It’s not your fault… It really isn’t.” Nahida hugged Kunikuzushi, but he didn’t hug back.

“What if he doesn’t understand that? He deserves to know the truth. What if he blames me?” Kunikuzushi asked. “He won’t.” Nahida said softly. Something about her words were so promising. Reluctantly, Kunikuzushi hugged her back.

After they embraced for a moment, Nahida broke the hug. “Your family is going to be back soon, we need to get you back.” Nahida held out her hand, closed her eyes, and opened them to reveal them glowing, before a flash of green light hit Kunikuzushi's eyes, and he was back to his regular, dirty, outgrown clothes.

The finches were back to their original form, and perched on the tree. “Tomorrow, if you decide to go again, whistle the tune the bard taught you, and the finches here will lead you back here.” Nahida smiled. “I hope you’ll come back, I promise it’ll be worth it.” Nahida winked, before the finches started to tug at Kunikuzushi’s hair, urging him forward. “Okay okay! Geez!” Kunikuzushi yelled as he started to walk forward.

While walking to the tree felt like hours, the walk back only felt like 15 minutes. Kunikuzushi fed the finches some bird crumbs, before he curled up into the attic and thought of the prince- No- Thought of Kazuha. Kunikuzushi smiled, and drifted off to sleep.

…

Early in the morning the roosters singing woke Kunikuzushi, like they always did. He was to rise earlier than his family to prepare their breakfast and do his chores. He sat up with a yawn, put on his slippers, and walked down to the chicken coop.

As he did his chores, all he could think about was Kazuha. Did last night really happen? Or was it all a dream? If it wasn’t for the lintels all organized neatly he wouldn’t have actually believed all that had happened. A fairy godmother? Who looks like a little girl? The finches turning into horses and people? And the most disbelieving thing of all- Dancing with the prince.

Oh, and don’t forget the sudden realization that Kunikuzushi was responsible for the prince’s fathers death.

Kunikuzushi rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. This was all far too complicated. He had to put an end to this. He decided that he wouldn’t go to the ball tonight, or tomorrow night, or another dance again. He didn’t deserve all these blessings he was getting, not in the slightest.

As Kunikuzushi finished his chores and started to prepare breakfast for his family, his sister Raiden walked into the room. She sat at the table with a frustrated look on her face. Something was troubling her, and whenever something troubled her, Raiden would think intensely until she found a solution. Kunikuzushi knew this, and he had an inkling feeling as to why Raiden was so frustrated.

“How was the ball last night?” Kunikuzushi had to turn away to hide his smirk. Raiden glared at him. “Wonderful.” She growled. “Really? Then what’s with the sour face?” Kunikuzushi turned back around and handed Raiden porridge and bread. He put on a blank expression, like he didn’t have a care in the world.

Raiden sat back in her chair and thought for a moment. “I only managed to dance with the prince twice last night, before he snuck off with some mysterious man.” Kunikuzushi turned to get Raiden a glass of milk. “Oh? What mysterious man?” Kunikuzushi asked. “His name was Wanderer of the Willow. I looked through all my books, and found no place called The Willow, nor is there a clan with such a name. I’ll be reporting this newfound information to the milleth later, and hopefully they won’t let him in again. This man is suspicious, and could be scheming to harm the prince.” Raiden said, almost as if she were saying it to herself, confirming that this was the plan she was going to go with.

“Pardon my inquiry, but I don’t think that will work.” Kunikuzushi spoke up. Raiden glared at him. “Oh? And why is that? Please, Scaramouche, enlighten me with your uneducated brain.” Raiden sneered. “The ball is open to everyone, is it not? It’s not just to high class families, anyone can come. There could be multiple suspicious people. Not only that, but I’m sure you aren’t the only one attacking this man. Multiple jealous people could be going after him, I doubt the Millelith will take it seriously.” Kunikuzushi handed Raiden her glass of milk.

Raiden put her hands on her chin and thought for a moment. “Hm… impressive. Maybe you aren’t always that dull, Scara.” Raiden took a sip of her milk. “Maybe this man put the prince under some sort of spell.” Raiden thought out loud. Kunikuzushi thought for a moment. Maybe he did…

Is that what happened? What was the chance his fairy godmother put Kazuha under a spell to make him want Kunikuzushi of all people? It would make sense. Not that many good things could ever happen to anyone in just one night.

“Maybe I’ll accuse him of witchery. A suspicious man lying about his origin, and then the prince falling for him. It would make sense.” Raiden said. Yeah, it would make sense. Kunikuzushi had a sinking feeling in his stomach. Of course Kazuha wanted him because of a spell. Nobody would actually want Kunikuzushi, not even his own mothers wanted him.

Kunikuzushi nodded at Raiden and continued to prepare breakfast for his mothers. Now there was even more reason not to go to the ball tonight. His Wanderer of the Willow persona was going to be wanted at the dance. It’s not as if Kunikuzushi was going to go anyway.

As Kunikuzushi was lost in thought, his mothers walked in and sat at the table. “Scara, food.” Mother Ei demanded. Kunikuzushi grabbed his mothers porridge and handed it to them, before going back to grab their bread and milk.

While Kunikuzushi washed dishes, his family conversed about the ball last night. Part of him wanted to laugh at them and tell them he was the mysterious man they’re so worried about, but he knew there would be grave consequences to such actions.

“I’m shocked you were able to get the lintels organized before we got back.” Mother Yae smirked. “That’s what I was ordered to do.” Kunikuzushi responded blankly. “I’m well aware, hence the shock.” Mother Yae replied. Raiden chuckled, and Mother Ei just quietly sipped her milk.

When his family left the room, Kunikuzushi enjoyed the little leftover breakfast that was left. Mother Ei said he could have the leftovers as reward for finishing the lintels before they got home. Kunikuzushi took a piece of his bread and chewed it. He suddenly remembered that he didn’t get to enjoy any of the luxurious food at the ball last night.

Kunikuzushi sat there disappointed. He had been too busy dancing to remember the delicious food. How disappointing, there was never going to be an opportunity to eat food like that again in his life. Unless…

No, Kunikuzushi, don’t be ridiculous. What was he thinking? He couldn’t go to the ball again tonight, the milleth might be after him, and it was best if he didn’t see the prince again anyways. Kunikuzushi sighed and sipped his milk. He was acting spoiled and pathetic. All he wanted was one night of freedom and fun, and he got that.

When Kunikuzushi finished his humble breakfast, he went to the sink and washed his dishes. Through the window above the sink, he could see his Sister and Mother Yae sit themselves in the carriage. They must’ve been going to the city. Kunikuzushi assumed they wouldn’t be back till about dinner time. Good, the longer more of his family were gone, the better.

Kunikuzushi continued to do his chores throughout the day. Apparently his leftover breakfast from this morning was good enough to his Mother Ei, because she didn’t allow him to have lunch.

Kunikuzushi was fine with it though, most days he was used to not eating at all. How he managed not to get sick or die of starvation? He had no idea. Maybe he really was tougher than his family realized.

While Kunikuzushi was preparing dinner, he saw Mother Yae and Raiden come back through the window. Raiden seemed to be boiling in anger, while Mother Yae seemed to be annoyed, probably from Raidens attitude.

Raiden stormed through the door. Mother Ei was sitting and drinking tea at the table. She put her teacup down and looked towards Raiden. “Did something happen in the city?” Mother Ei asked.

Raiden sighed a very frustrated sigh. “Well, as soon as we arrived in the city, I informed the Millileth of my suspicions about that Wanderer. They were very hesitant to take the report, but because of my status they went through with it.” Raiden sat down with an angry ‘hmph.’ “Apparently, the prince himself read it, and denied any such accusations.”

Kunikuzushi's eyes went wide. Kazuha, the prince himself, read the report and denied it.

Something about that made his heart soar, until he came to a realization, and it sank right back to where it was.

Kazuha most likely was under a spell. Kunikuzushi could never be that fortunate. How silly. The milileth should’ve listened to his sister. While Kunikuzushi had a undenying hatred for her, he wouldn’t lie, Raiden was no idiot. She knew something was wrong about Wanderer, and she was right.

“Pardon the interruption, but is there any chance others reported similar suspicions?” Kunikuzushi asked. Mother Ei glared at him for speaking, but remained silent. She must’ve been wondering the same thing.

“Yes. That’s why the Millelith were so hesitant on taking the report.” Raiden sighed. “Apparently, you were correct, and quite a few peasants were jealous and made ridiculous, unsensible accusations, purely in hopes that this Wanderer would get banned and then they could seize up the prince. My accusations however, were real concern. With or without Wanderer, I’ll easily marry the prince. I just made a report out of genuine concern for the safety of the prince.” Raiden lied.

This morning she was just coming up with ideas to get this Wanderer banned. What did she mean it was out of genuine concern? Or that she could marry the prince with or without Wanderer there?

Wanderer boiled inside. Maybe he will go to the ball again tonight, purely to anger Raiden. Raiden may be better in many different aspects, but when it came to flattering the prince, Kunikuzushi won in that apartment.

Besides, Kunikuzushi still had lots of food to enjoy. What would his Mother Ei think if she found out Kunikuzushi had gotten to eat so much luxurious food without even having earned it? The thought made Kunikuzushi want to smile, but he resisted.

Kunikuzushi finished dinner and served it to his family. The idea of doing so many things at the ball purely out of spite for his family filled him with favorable joy. Kunikuzushi would just have to tell Kazuha the reality of them being together at the ball, that way Kazuha would move on to someone else the last night of the ball.

Yes, Kunikuzushi made the decision. He would go one more time, tonight, for petty revenge. This revenge would fuel him to keep going for another five years at the least. Maybe he’ll even try to set up the prince with someone else towards the end as well, just to make sure that he doesn't fall for his sister.

“Get your head out of the clouds, Scaramouche.” Mother Ei sipped her tea. “We have more lintels for you to organize tonight in the carriage. Go grab them and get to work.” Kunikuzushi nodded and swiftly left the kitchen. More lintels? Really? Why do they need so many lintels?

Kunikuzushi went outside to the carriage and found a bucket of lintel laying there. Kunikuzushi picked them up. They were heavy, especially for him. While he may have a bit of muscle on his arms thanks to all the work he does, they weren’t exactly fueled with an empty stomach. Kunikuzushi sighed.

Suddenly he heard a chirp and tiredly looked up. It was one of the finches from last night. Kunikuzushi smirked. “What? Are you hungry?” He asked. The bird bounced and twisted its little head, before flying down to perk itself on Kunikuzushi's shoulder. He looked at it curiously, before it cuddled up against his neck.

Oh? What was this? Kunikuzushi paid no mind to it. Maybe he was warm, and it needed somewhere safe to rest.

Was Kunikuzushi really that safe though? He was a criminal, afterall. Not a known one, but still a criminal nonetheless. He shook these thoughts out of his mind, and did his best to lift the lintels to the door of the house. “I need to go inside, it’d be best if you left now.” He spoke softly to the finch, but it didn’t move, only let out a quiet chirp.

“Both of us could get in trouble if you don’t leave.” Kunikuzushi sounded annoyed, but in reality he really wasn’t. He’d never admit it, but he actually quite enjoyed having this little finch perched up on his shoulder. He knew it couldn’t last though, he couldn’t go inside with a literal bird on his shoulder, or he’d be starving for weeks.

Kunikuzushi sighed, and once again told it to leave, to no avail. He then tried to gently push it off, but it just dodged his hand and went right back to its spot, curled up against his neck.

What was he going to do? He couldn’t get this damn bird to leave. He looked around, before suddenly the door in front of him swung open. Shit.

Kunikuzushi looked up to find Raiden glaring down at him. Her eyes then shifted to the bird. “Is that what’s keeping you up?” She raised an eyebrow. “I can’t get it to leave.” Kunikuzushi swung his hand towards the bird, but it just dodged his hand once again, and reclaimed it space.

Raiden tried to grab it, but the bird was too quick. The bird then perched on top of Kunikuzushi’s head and gave out an angry chirp towards Raiden. Kunikuzushi would have laughed if it wasn’t Raiden the bird was yelling at.

Raiden glared at the bird, then back at Kunikuzushi. “Get rid of it, or no dinner for a week.” She turned and slammed the door in front of his face.

Kunikuzushi stared at the door, before slumping down onto the ground and sitting there, the finch still happily perched on top of his head.

“Please just leave…” Kunikuzushi rested his head in his arms. He didn’t even do anything and was being punished. He wanted to punch something, beat something, let out all this anger he had.

The finch stayed silent for a moment, before chirping and flying off Kunikuzushi’s head, and hopping off his head. Now the finch gets off of him? He just sighed, stood up, and picked up the bucket of lintels. “Thanks.” Kunikuzushi spoke quietly before heading inside.

When Kunikuzushi entered the kitchen, his Mother Ei sat at the head of the table with her arms folded, glaring at him. Kunikuzushi swiftly moved past her with the lintels and placed them on the counter, avoiding her gaze. “Raiden told me about your bird friend. I hope that is not a regular occurrence. You are the one making us supper after all.” Mother Ei stated.

“Of course not.” Kunikuzushi said politely. “That was the first, and last instance. I’m not sure why a bird took interest in me.” Kunikuzushi was about to pour the lintels out when Mother Ei stopped him. “Do not do those with us around. We need help preparing for the ball again.” She stood up. “We’ll be in the front room, wash yourself where that creature touched you, and bring us our gowns.” She said as she left the room with Mother Yae and Raiden.

Kunikuzushi sighed a long breath of relief. She seemed upset, but not enough to scold him, or take away more food privileges. Either way though, Kunikuzushi, or Wanderer, would be enjoying delicious food tonight.

Kunikuzushi took a wet rag, and washed himself in all the areas where the finch interacted with him. He loved the feeling of wiping off all the dirt on his body. It was one of life's few pleasures, feeling your skin break free from dirt. A pity this was not something he often got to do. Being clean from filth was yet another thing he had to work for. Trouble is, the harder you work, the dirtier you get, and the dirtier he was, the fewer chances he had to get clean. His Mother Ei didn’t like the idea of wasting their precious water on him.

Though he was only instructed to clean the areas where the bird touched him, he used this opportunity to clean a few other areas, like his face, and arms. It felt so refreshing.

When Kunikuzushi was done washing up, he went to gather his family's gowns. He stayed silent while helping them prepare for the ball. He wasn’t going to ask if he could go to the ball tonight, because he was going to go anyway. The thought of his pettiness made him want to laugh, but he restrained himself.

His family talked amongst themselves about a plan to swoon the prince tonight. Raiden was going to stay near the prince the entire time. She would dance with anyone else that wanted to dance with the prince desperately too, and influence them to dance with anyone other than the prince. She would then seize every opportunity, no, she was going to force opportunities, to dance with the prince.

Yikes, sounds scary. Kunikuzushi could handle it though. “Alright, so this is war.” Kunikuzushi would think to himself. The idea of silently competing with his sister in this way made him shake with excitement. This was going to be some of the most fun he’d ever have in his entire life.

He hoped whatever spell Nahida put on Kazuha would last tonight as well. If not, then he was probably screwed. He tried not to think much of that though.

Mother Ei looked like she was going to scold Kunikuzushi for having his head in the clouds again, before Raiden announced that they should leave. “I only got to dance with him once last night, towards the end. I want to arrive early, the less people there are to race against, the better.” She stated.

Kunikuzushi proceeded to watch his family load themselves into the carriage and race off to the ball. As soon as they were out of sight, Kunikuzushi opened the kitchen window and whistled the tune the bard once taught him so long ago.

Within moments, a dozen finches flew through the window, and landed on the counter. One in particular landed on his shoulder. It was the same one from earlier. Kunikuzushi smiled. “You need a name.” He stared at the finch on his shoulder. “All of you do.” Kunikuzushi thought for a moment. “Tori.” He stated, as he scratched the finches head that was on his shoulder. “That’s what I’ll call you.” Tori chirped happily, while snuggling against Kunikuzushi’s neck.

“I’ll figure out the names for the rest of you while we get these lintels organized, what do you say?” Kunikuzushi smiled. The other finches hopped and chirped with joy. Kunikuzushi poured the lintels on the counter, and they got to work.

Within half an hour, the lintels were organized, and the other 11 finches now had names. Kunikuzushi led the finches to the back, and fed them some seeds as a thanks.

Once the finches were done with their snacks, they led Kunikuzushi to the Willow tree, without the hair tugging this time. Kunikuzushi enjoyed his time walking to the Willow tree this time. He conversed with the finches, despite not being able to understand their chirps in response. Still, he had enjoyed talking to these little finches. It was nice having friends, even if they weren’t human.

Once they got to the Willow tree, Nahida sat on an overgrown root. She smiled and waved at him as he approached, and he smiled back.

Nahida giggled. “You’re in a good mood!” She hopped up from the root and walked up to him. “And it seems you all have gotten quite close!” Nahida clapped her tiny hands. Kunikuzushi nodded. He wasn’t just in a good mood, he actually felt quite happy. It was a nice feeling, and one he got very little.

“I’ve been thinking about a design for your suit that you’ll wear tonight all day! I’m quite proud of it! It looks quite Sneznayian, and I think Snezynaya fashion will suit you well!” Nahida beamed as she held out her hand towards Kunikuzushi. Kunikuzushi closed his eyes this time. He didn’t want to be flash banged this time around.

When he felt the length of his hair shorten a bit, and the clothes on his body got heavier, he opened his eyes. He was in a black suit, laced with light blue designs. The button up he wore under a corset was white, and fluffy. A coat with numerous chains hanging from different areas hung over his shoulders. He felt a bag hanging over his waist, and then shifted his gaze towards his boots. His boots looked almost metal. He wondered what sound they would make if he kicked someone smack in the face with them. The thought of kicking his sister with them made him smile.

“I would prefer if you didn’t think such violent things about my design!” Nahida huffed. Kunikuzushi chuckled. “It’s great.” He said. Nahida sighed, before finding another pine cone and turning it into a carriage, along with the finches into humans and horses.

The bird Kunikuzushi had named Chiko, stood by the carriage door. He was the same doorsman as last night. He looked fairly young, about 15, maybe 16. In front of him stood a chirpy little girl in a gray dress. She had long yellow hair with black tips at the end, and she had rosey cheeks. She looked about 5. She wasn’t here last night, who was she?

Now that Kunikuzushi thought about it, she resembled Tori. He looked around to find that Tori was no longer amongst the remaining finches. Was the little girl Tori? “Yes, that is Tori!” Nahida spoke up. “Tori seems to really enjoy your company, and it seems you enjoy hers as well. I thought she could join you on the ride to the ball, so you wouldn’t be as lonely!” Nahida said.

Tori looked over at Kunikuzushi and her eyes lit up. She tried to run over to Kunikuzushi, but she wasn’t quite used to these new little human legs yet, and ended up falling over. Kunikuzushi laughed and walked over to put her back on her feet.

“Look! I am human now!” Tori beamed up and Kunikuzushi. He laughed again. “I can see that.” He said as he helped her balance. “Chiko human too! But he was human yesterday!” Tori seemed like she was not used to speaking human languages. It made Kunikuzushi very curious about these birds.

Chiko smiled, and opened the carriage door. Kunikuzushi picked up Tori, who was surprisingly a lot lighter than he thought she would be, and placed her in the carriage, before climbing in himself. Tori was shaking with energy. She was bouncing up and down in her seat. She seemed quite excited. Chiko nodded at them and closed the door. Nahida waved goodbye to them as the carriage came alive and drove away.

Chapter Text

W- Tori couldn’t stay in her seat, and ended up jumping over to where Kunikuzushi was sitting. She was climbing all over him and reenacting stories the entire carriage ride. A little before they arrived at the palace though, Tori fell asleep in Kunikuzushi’s lap.

Kunikuzushi took his coat off of his shoulders and placed it on top of Tori. Why was she so fond of him? What did he ever do? Seeing someone be so happy around him almost made him frustrated. She should hate him, and so should everyone else.

While Kunikuzushi was lost in his thoughts, the carriage came to a stop, and the door opened. Chiko stood there, and stared at Tori before smiling, and taking off his own coat. “Hear, place this over her, so you can have your coat back. We want you to look your best after all.” Chiko handed Kunikuzushi his coat and Kunikuzushi nodded, took his coat back, and placed Chiko’s over Tori.

Chiko closed the door once Kunikuzushi stepped out. “Good luck!” Chiko winked as he took his place back on the front seat of the carriage, and rode off. Kunikuzushi didn’t need luck apparently, he had a fairy godmother on his side.

Kunikuzushi walked up the stairs. He was once again quite late, but Kunikuzushi could care less. The knights standing guard at the doors nodded as he approached, and opened the doors for him. The man with the trumpet seemed to remember Wanderer’s name, and announced it to the ball. Wanderer wondered if he had remembered all the guest names.

K- When the trumpet was played, Kazuha immediately looked up the stairs. He had been doing this all night, hoping that his mysterious Wanderer of the Willow would be one of the names announced.

Kazuha had almost lost hope that Wanderer wouldn’t show up. Kazuhas heart both soared to the skies and exhaled with relief as he saw Wanderer standing there, looking elegant and confident.

The women Kazuha was dancing with scowled. She was not happy with Wanderers appearance, and Kazuha could tell. He felt guilty, but at the same time, Kazuha wasn’t very fond of this woman. She seemed demanding, and acted as if she were better than everyone else. He didn’t like it. He knew she wasn’t actually fawning over Kazuha either. It seemed that she just wanted to marry him for her family name, or higher authority.

What was her family name again? Ah, that’s right. She was the daughter of the Shogun family, Raiden.

According to records, the Shogun family only had one child. He had heard that there was once another one, but the records show the child had passed away at birth. Raiden probably meant a lot to her family as the surviving child. Kazuha felt bad for them, and the child that passed away. When Kazuha read the accusations Raiden made towards Wanderer, he had decided to look into her and the Shogun family. When Kazuha found out about the child, he made sure to remember the child’s name in its honor.

If he were still alive today, his name would be Kunikuzushi. He would be about a year older than Kazuha. Why Kazuha felt so bad for a child who died 22 years ago? He didn’t know. Perhaps his heart was just that big.

Kazuha focused in on the song. It was almost over. Good, Kazuha longed to dance with Wanderer again. This time, he wasn’t even sure if was going to dance with anyone else. He had already danced with everyone that had wanted to, so it’s not like it would have been too impolite.

While Kazuha danced with Raiden, he made sure to keep an eye on Wanderer. The first thing Wanderer did was sneak his way over to the food. He had quite a large plate of food. Kazuha couldn’t help but stifle a laugh when he saw. Wanderer looked like a dork, but he seemed like he could care less. Kazuha himself thought it was cute, until he realized something.

Yesterday, while Kazuha had his arms wrapped around Wanderer, he was quite skinny. Kazuha noticed, but pushed it out of his mind. Seeing Wanderer eat like he hadn’t in weeks made Kazuha wonder- HAD Wanderer eaten anything in weeks?

This worried Kazuha. With how Wanderer was dressed, you would think he came from wealth, but everything else Wanderer did said otherwise. He was hungry, he didn’t know how to dance, he didn’t recognize any of the songs playing, and more. Wanderer really was a mysterious man, but instead of being curious and intrigued like he was last night, he just felt worried.

“What is on your mind?” Raiden asked. Kazuha looked up at her. She was quite tall, and Kazuha himself was… not. She looked intimidating.

“Ah, don’t mind me, I’m just lost in my thoughts.” Kazuha nervously smiled. Thankfully, the song ended. “It was nice dancing with you again, Raiden Shogun.” Kazuha bowed as he raced over to Wanderer.

W- Wanderer had been trying to hide himself from the prince, but the prince just couldn’t keep his eyes off Wanderer for more than a minute. Wanderer hoped Kazuha wouldn’t ask him to dance at the moment, he was quite enjoying his food.

Fortunately, Kazuha must’ve understood this, because he just sat next to Wanderer. “I was worried I wouldn’t see you again after you ran off last night.” Kazuha smiled at Wanderer. Wanderer just shrugged, while taking a bite out of a rice ball. It was amazing.

Kazuha frowned at him. “Wanderer, if you don’t mind, when was the last time you ate?” Kazuha asked. “Just now.” Wanderer said before taking another bite out of his rice ball. Kazuha lightly chuckled. “I mean, before just now.” Wanderer paused. “This morning.” He said. He wasn’t lying, he did just eat this morning.

“And how often do you eat?” Kazuha asked. Wanderers eyes slightly widened. “Uh…” Wanderer hesitated. “Maybe like… twice a week.” Wanderer mumbled. Unfortunately for him, Kazuha had excellent hearing.

K- “What?!” Kazuha was shocked, he understood some people couldn’t afford it, but his mothers had a system in place so that everyone in their nation got to eat at least once a day. At least!

So why wasn’t Wanderer getting fed? Was he from another country? No… It’d take days for him to travel here if that were true, and the royal family only announced the festival to the city and a few other neighboring towns.

“Why not?” Kazuha asked worriedly. Wanderer avoided his gaze. “I just… don’t feel like it.” Kazuha raised an eyebrow. “You sure seem like you feel like it right now… If you’re struggling with money, the kingdom has a system in place to make sure the poor are still fed, if you just sign up-”

W- “It’s not that.” Wanderer interrupted Kazuha. “I just… don’t get to, I guess.” Wanderer let out a frustrated sigh. “Can we move the topic onto something else?” Wanderer was not going to talk about this any longer. He wanted to enjoy his food without thinking about how he was never going to have such luxuries again.

Kazuha sighed. “I apologize, I just noticed that you really are quite thin, and the way you’re eating made me worry, but we don’t have to talk about it if you don’t wish to.” Wanderer interrupted him again. “Yeah, I really wish not to. Thanks.”

K- Wanderer sounded angry, and a little cold. Kazuha felt horrible, he didn’t mean to upset him. “Why aren’t you dancing?” Wanderer asked sharply.

Why was he acting this way? While he was acting a bit snarky and negative last night, it wasn’t like this. Something changed. Something was different. Kazuha wondered why. Did Wanderer want Kazuha to leave him alone?

Kazuha’s heart dropped. It would make sense, the way he left yesterday, the way he was acting so coldly, maybe Kazuha did something. Maybe he shouldn’t have told Wanderer about his dad like that.

W- Wanderer on the other hand couldn’t help but feel a little guilty as he watched Kazuha’s eyes darken. He wouldn’t normally act like this towards someone he actually likes, but he needed to push Kazuha away. He wasn’t here to have a romantic night with him again, he was here for food and revenge.

Wanderer thought for a moment about saying something to rekindle Kazuha’s joy, but he decided against it. This is good for Kazuha, he needs Kazuha to hate him. It hurt to think about, but he had to do this.

Wait… Wanderer let out a frustrated groan. He couldn’t get revenge if Kazuha hated him. Stupid. He needed Raiden to be jealous, he couldn’t do that if he and Kazuha weren’t dancing. He guessed he would have to wait before completely releasing his insults and cold jabs.

“Sorry…” Wanderer sighed. “You were just curious. I shouldn’t act so cold.” Kazuha’s eyes lit up again, like a puppy that just got offered a treat. Ugh… Cute.

“When I’m finished eating, would you like to dance?” Wanderer asked. “That would be delightful.” Kazuha smiled. “And again, I apologize for upsetting you.”

As Wanderer finished his food, he and Kazuha continued to converse. Kazuha mostly shared stories, while Wanderer made comments. It's not like Wanderer had any stories he could share with the prince anyways.

While in the middle of their conversation, Raiden walked up to them. “Excuse me, your highness, but could I have the honor to dance with you again?” She glared at Wanderer for a moment before turning a kind gaze to Kazuha. Kazuha hesitated. He didn’t want to be rude, but he also really didn’t want to dance with her again. Kazuha was about to just accept the invitation when he was interrupted. “Actually, we were just about to dance ourselves. Maybe you can try again later.” Wanderer smirked at Raiden.

She glared at him. Wanderer would have worried that she’d recognize his eyes, except his hair was usually so long that they covered them. When Nahida used her magic to give him these outfits though, she also cleaned him up. Trimming his hair, cleaning off the dirt, etc. Nonetheless, Raiden hasn’t seen his eyes in quite a long time, so he doubted that she’d recognize them. They didn’t really look that similar to his mothers eyes either.

“Mm, apologies.” Raiden nodded her head and stalked off. Kazuha turned to look at Wanderer to see that he was all done eating. Wanderer stood up and held his hand out to Kazuha. “Well, how about it then?” He smiled.

Kazuha took his hand, and Wanderer pulled Kazuha up. Wanderer debated pulling him enough that he would fall onto him, but decided against it. That’d be a great way to get someone flustered, which was not his goal.

Despite that not being his goal though, Wanderer didn’t entirely restrain himself this time. As the two were dancing, Wanderer leaned in closer, before resting his head on Kazuha’s shoulders. Kazuha’s cheeks went red, as Wanderer basically snuggled up into his neck. Kazuha then tightly wrapped his arms around Wanderers waist, and laid his head on top of Wanderers.

Wanderer eyes looked up and made contact with Raidens. He squinted and smiled, before squeezing Kazuha a little tighter. Raiden sneered, and turned away.

Kazuha and Wanderer stayed like this, swaying back and forth, throughout the song. And throughout the next song, and the next one, and the next… It felt amazing to be held like this. Wanderer never wanted to let go, and he wasn’t going to until absolutely necessary. Kazuha didn’t mind in the slightest.

However, Kazuha sighed. “I need to dance with others, or they’ll be disappointed.” Wanderer stayed quiet. “Wanderer?” Kazuha spoke softly. “No.” Was all Wanderer responded with. Kazuha chuckled. “I know this is nice, but I need to. Let's enjoy this until this song is over, then we must dance with others.”

And that they did. When the song was over, Wanderer didn’t want to let go, but he had to, so he did.

Kazuha then leaned in, and whispered something in Wanderers ears. He smiled and nodded at Kazuha, before leaving to go find another to dance with.

Wanderer spotted a man with large fox ears and a tail. Maybe he’ll dance with him. Wanderer shrugged, and walked over to him. “Hello.” Wanderer said to the fox man. The man turned, and one of his ears twitched curiously. “Oh, hello, may I help you?” He asked.

Wanderer was about to ask if he’d like to dance, when someone suddenly answered for him. “If you’re asking to dance.” A man with white hair and scarlet eyes walked up next to the fox man. “I’m afraid he’s taken.”

The fox man sighed. “Cyno, he didn’t know. Besides, I’m sure he’s only asking because the prince had to go dance with someone else. See? He’s the one the prince has been with all night.”

Cyno looked Wanderer up and down, before softing his gaze. “Sorry for the cold response. You wouldn’t believe how many people have asked my husband to dance.” Cyno rolled his eyes. “Some people have asked multiple times, even after finding out he’s unavailable.”

“The same thing is happening to you as well, love” The fox man said. “I’m sorry, I’m Tighnari, and this is my husband Cyno.” Tighnari smiled. “And you must be the renowned Wanderer, yes? You’ve been the talk of the ball, and quite frankly the city as well.”

“Have I?” Wanderer finally broke his streak of awkward silence. Tighnari nodded. “You’ve already gathered quite a lot of haters.” Cyno snarked. “Cyno!” Tighnari lightly jabbed Cyno’s arm. Wanderer smiled. “So be it, it’s not my fault the prince has the hots for me.”

Cyno and Tighnari stared at Wanderer, slightly shocked by this comeback, before Cyno started laughing. “I like him.” He smiled. Tighnari sighed and rolled his eyes. “Of course you do.” He turned to Wanderer. “I’m warning you, if you get too close to him you’ll have to bear his miserable jokes.”

Cyno frowned. “They aren’t miserable.” Tighnari shook his head in disappointment. Wanderer smirked. “What kind of jokes?” He asked. Tighnari groaned. “You have no idea what you just did…”

Cyno smiled and cleared his throat. “Well, Wanderer of the Willow, do you know what’s red and bad for your teeth?” He asked. There could be a million answers to this question, Wanderer already felt brain cells leaving him. “A brick.” Cyno smiled proudly.

Wanderer stared at him for a very long moment, before stifling a laugh. “That’s- so dumb-” He said in between giggles. Cyno shook Tighnari. “He’s laughing! I told you we’d meet someone that likes my jokes!” Cyno beamed in delight. “He still thinks they’re dumb.” Tighnari sighed. “But he’s laughing!” Cyno said happily.

When Wanderer calmed down, he continued to talk with the two men. They weren’t bad. Cyno’s jokes were awful, but that awfulness mixed with Tighnari’s reactions were just too good.

The mood was suddenly killed when Tighnaris' ears fell, and he glared at someone. Cyno immediately had a similar response, but a few moments later his gaze softened, and he put a hand on Tighnari’s shoulder. “That’s not him.” Cyno said.

Not who? Who did these two very lively people hate so much that it immediately killed their joyful mood? Tighnari sighed. “It’s the Kamisato head. Who would have thought they looked so alike?” Cyno said.

“Who are you guys talking about? Who did you think he was?” Wanderer asked. “Il Dottore.” Tighnari scowled. Wanderers eyes widened. He knew that name. He knew it all too well. “We have a few words we’d like to share with that… monster.” Tighnari relaxed himself and his ears perked back up.

“Why…?” Wanderer hesitantly asked. “Before we adopted our daughter, Collei, he did… horrible things to her. Things she can never forget.” Cyno said softly. “Ever since we found out, we’ve been trying to find him, but we’ve had no luck.” Cyno finished.

“When you find him… What are you planning to do?” Wanderer raised his eyebrow. “Though we have had… many thoughts of hurting him, we actually just plan on turning him in.” Tighnari said. “Problem is, he isn’t wanted.” Cyno started. “That’s why we are here actually. We were hoping to talk to the prince about it. Tell him about these crimes. The Millelith won’t take our report, so we decided to go to the prince himself.”

Wanderer thought for a moment. He could easily help these two out, the problem was, Wanderer knew what Dottore was capable of. If these two really ran into him and tried to take him on, they wouldn’t win. And if Kazuha got involved? Absolutely not. He needed to shut this down now.

“Listen, you need to give this up.” Wanderer said bluntly. “I know who you are talking about. You won’t survive butting heads with him.” Cyno raised an eyebrow. “You sound like you have experience.” Wanderer just looked away. “Oh… Oh my…” Tighnari started. “You do have experience don’t you?” Tighnari grabbed Wanderers hand. “Listen… We are well aware of the dangers, but if we don’t try, think of how many more people could get hurt…” Tighnari looked at Wanderer sympathetically.

“I’m sorry, but you can’t do this, and I’m not letting you drag Kazuha into this either” Wanderer pulled his hands away from Tighnari’s and turned away. “It’s best you just try and stay alive for your daughter's sake.” Wanderer folded his arms and closed his eyes. He was no saint, he had hurt people too, but he wasn’t going to let these two do something so stupid. He wasn’t going to let Kazuha do something this stupid.

“Hey, are you okay?” A soft voice spoke to Wanderer. He looked up to meet Kazuha’s eyes. Apparently during their conversation, the song ended, and Kazuha had noticed Wanderer was upset. “We may have accidentally brought up an upsetting topic for him. We apologize.” Tighnari bowed, while forcing Cyno to do the same.

K- Kazuha frowned. This seemed to be a trend when it came to Wanderer tonight. He wondered what upset him now. Wanderer let out a frustrated sigh. “I’m fine.” He turned back towards the couple. “I know you think you know what he is capable of, but the reality is you don’t. You’ve only seen how he’s affected someone, but you have no idea what it’s like to actually see what he is capable of. Don’t be stupid, and stay safe. Understand?” Wanderer almost looked like he was threatening them at this point.

W- Tighnari hesitated, but then slowly nodded. Cyno just sighed, but seemed to agree, at the moment at least. “What’s going on?” Kazuha asked. Shit. Wanderer forgot he was right there. “Nothing.” Wanderer started to walk away, but Kazuha grabbed his hand. “What is going on?” He seemed serious, with a slight hint of concern.

Wanderer pulled his hand away. What an interesting side of Kazuha to see. Wanderer would have loved to learn more about it, except now it was time. He had to make Kazuha hate him.

Wanderer then ran away and into the garden. As he thought, Kazuha followed. “Wanderer!” He yelled. Wanderer turned around to face him. “Stop following me like you’re some lost dog!” Wanderer growled at him. “You’ve already been found by a nice couple anyways haven’t you?” Wanderer glared at him.

Though Kazuha had only known Wanderer for two nights, this attitude still took him aback. What was going on? He was so confused. Wanderer seemed to have a rollercoaster of emotions at the moment, and it seemed he couldn’t decide which one to feel. Despite all this however, Kazuha just wanted to hold him. He could see this Wanderer was hurting, but he was hiding it behind hatred and insults.

“What?” Wanderer chuckled. “Cat got your tongue?” Wanderer swallowed. He knew what he had to say, but he didn’t want to. He didn’t want to see Kazuhas eyes darken, he didn’t want to see him shut down, but he needed Kazuha to hate him.

“Did the cat get your tongue just like how the carriage accident got your dad?”

Kazuha’s eyes widened. Brace yourself, here comes the heart breaking reaction.

Except it never came. Kazuha looked slightly heartbroken, but more than anything, he just looked confused. “What?” Kazuha stepped towards Wanderer. “I never told you it was a carriage accident.”

This time, it was Wanderers turn to have wide eyes. Shit. How could he be so stupid? He just completely exposed himself.

No- Wait- This was perfect. Wanderer could use this to get Kazuha to really hate him.

“...I know because I’m the one that caused it.” Wanderer said blankly. Kazuha looked at him in shock. “It was my fault. I got him killed because I don’t know how to shut the fuck up. I’m a murderer. I killed your dad Kazuha!” Wanderer stepped closer, and let out a laugh. “Do you hate me now? Do you see what a terrible person I am now?”

“How…?” Kazuha asked in disbelief. “I scared him. I told him my sob story and scared him, and you know what he did? He ran. He ran, and ended up getting killed.” Wanderer said.

Suddenly, something in Kazuha’s head just clicked. “Scaramouche…?” Kazuha stepped closer. Wanderer back away. “What did you say?” He growled.

“Scaramouche.” Kazuha continued to step closer. “My father wrote me letters about a boy named Scaramouche. He said that he had a bad family, and that he might get to live with us. My father died before any of that happened though…” Wanderer stared at Kazuha in shock.

“You’re Scaramouche, aren’t you?” Kazuha asked. Wanderer growled. “So what if I am? It doesn’t matter, I still killed your da-” Before Wanderer could finish speaking, Kazuha embraced him.

Wanderer knew he should push away, but he just couldn’t. Kazuha’s hug felt so comforting. It was a comfort he had never felt before, if he had even felt comfort at all throughout his life. “Whatever happened, I doubt you were the one that ended his life. You were only a child…” Kazuha spoke softly.

Wanderer buried his face into Kazuha’s shoulder. “You’re supposed to hate me…” He mumbled. “Why? What if I don’t want to?” Kazuha asked. “I’m horrible. I’m a horrible, evil person, Kazuha. Even if you don’t think I killed your dad, I have killed people.”

Kazuha frowned. “What do you mean?” Wanderer stayed silent.

When Kunikuzushi was ten, he had met a younger boy in a cottage not far from his home. The boy was sick, and his parents had left him behind because they couldn’t afford treatment. Kunikuzushi, however, could afford medicine for him with his family's money. Though his mothers banned Kunikuzushi from going to the town after the Niwa incident, Kunikuzushi would steal some of his mothers money and sneak over there to buy medicine for the little boy.

Kunikuzushi told him very little about his own situation. All he said was that his family did not see him as family. When he told the little boy this, he smiled. “Then we can be family!” He said.

Kunikuzushi agreed. From then on, the little boy would be his younger brother, and he would do everything he could to protect him. He wasn’t going to let him die like the bladesmith had.

One day, Kunikuzushi snuck into the town and bought some medicine, along with some lavender melons. He wanted to surprise his little brother with them. Though Kunikuzushi had to be careful with the stolen money he spent to avoid suspicion from his mothers, every once in a while he would buy something extra as a gift for the little boy.

Kunikuzushi enjoyed his walk back to the cottage. He couldn’t wait to see the boy's face light up with excitement when he saw the lavender melons. It made Kunikuzushi smile.

Alas, this joy would not last long. As Kunikuzushi approached the cottage, he felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. Something was off, and he could tell. Kunikuzushi shook the feeling though, and opened the door to the cottage.

There lied his younger brother, dead. He had died from his sickness. Kunikuzushi couldn’t help him, and he died.

Kunikuzushi would later consider this the third betrayal.

Kunikuzushi dropped the lavender melons. “You… promised.” Kunikuzushi trembled. “You promised we’d be family forever…” Tears welled up in Kunikuzushi's eyes, before a flash of anger took over him. He screamed at the boys body. How dare he die like this! After all you promised!

In his fit of anger, Kunikuzushi kicked some hay into the firepit, and it started to spread. Kunikuzushi stared at it as it burned. The house was going to burn down to ashes, and so was the boy, but he didn’t care.

If the cottage burned, if the boy burned, if he himself burned away, so be it. Kunikuzushi sat against a wall as he watched the fire surround him. He was going to die, and he wanted to. Let this fire end his hell of a life. It’s not like anyone would miss him.

But then something in Kunikuzushi changed. He felt angry again. He wanted to wreak havoc on all those who hurt him. He wanted them all to die.

Why should he die? Why should the universe get his life when all it has done is damn him? Kunikuzushi stood up, and grabbed a rake. He spread the hay outside, and to the grass, and then left. The fire would catch on the hay, and it would spread outside, and then to the forest, and then to the town, and even his own house.

Kunikuzushi walked far away. Far away from the forest, from town, from his house. A few miles away, he found a cave to stay in, surrounded by other rocks, until he could no longer smell the burning of pine trees.

The Millelith worked hard to keep the fire under control. It didn’t end up spreading far throughout the forest. It was a miracle, like there was some god making sure the fire didn’t spread through the trees. The fire did, however, spread through the town.

The town's population was about 100 people. It was very little. Out of those 100 or so, 56 people died in the fire. Mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, Kunikuzushi killed them all. He killed 56 people, and this was solely on purpose.

“The fire of Tatarasuna.” Wanderer finally spoke. “That was me.” He finally gathered the strength to push away from Kazuha. “I set a cottage on fire when I was ten, and intended for it to spread to the town, Tatarasuna. Do you know how many people died in that fire?”

Kazuha didn’t. He heard about this fire, but after investigation, the Millelith concluded it was an accident. A little boy was left unattended, and died from sickness. There was a fire burning in the fire pit, and it was left attended by a dead boy. The Millelith concluded that the fire spread by accident, and into the village.

“How was that your fault? The Millelith ruled it as an accident.” Kazuha asked. “That’s because they’re stupid. I discovered the boy's body. He was my brother. In a fit of rage I spread hay out of the cottage and onto the grass outside, intending for it to burn the village. I killed 56 people within the matter of a few days.” Wanderer backed away from Kazuha as he spoke.

There it was. The reaction. Kazuha’s eyes darkened with sadness. Wanderer turned away. He wasn’t going to watch. “I’m sorry, about your brother…” Kazuha spoke up after a moment of silence.

“Who cares, he’s dead, and so are the other 57 I killed.” Wanderer scowled. “Do you know their names? Of the ones you killed?” Kazuha asked. Kazuha seemed like he pitied Wanderer more than anything. Why couldn’t Wanderer get this prince to hate him? Why was he still being so kind?

“What?” Wanderer scoffed. “Of course I don’t.” He stuttered. He was lying. He did know their names. Kaedehara Niwa, Teppei, Kano Nana, Izumi Naki, Hiiragi Chisato, the list goes on and on.

“You’re lying.” Kazuha started to step closer to Wanderer again. “You do know their names, don’t you? All 56…” Kazuha said softly. “57! And no, why would I? I mercilessly killed them all, if I could do that so easily then why would I bother with their names?” Wanderer let out a dry laugh.

“Because you do care.” Kazuha started. “I can see it in your eyes. I saw it earlier with that couple, you do care, but you keep trying to push it away, you keep hiding it with hate and anger. Why?” Kazuha frowned.

“Because I DON’T!” Wanderer yelled. “I don’t care! I don’t! Let them die! Let everyone die! Who the hell cares? Everyone in this world is selfish and only cares about money and power. Everyone! Why can’t you see that?” Wanderer continued to scream.

“Because it’s not true. I don’t care about that. I care about you, and my mothers, and my kingdom.” Kazuha stepped closer, but Wanderer didn’t step back. “I care about the maids here, about the butlers, about my friends.” Kazuha continued.

“You only care about that because you have money and power. One day, you’ll want more of it.” Wanderer growled. Kazuha shook his head. “No, I don’t think I will. That being said though, you did indeed commit a crime.” Kazuha paused for a moment. “You were a child though, so legally, you cannot be punished. Not only that, but… something tells me you were already punished.” Kazuha said.

He was right. When Kunikuzushi returned to his house after missing for days, he was punished greatly. Kunikuzushi didn’t like to think about it. His mothers gave Kunikuzushi to Il Dottore for a summer. Il Dottore did horrendous things. Wanderer would never talk about it though.

Kazuha sighed. He knew he was right. “I don’t expect you to tell me, don’t worry.” Kazuha smiled. “As far as I’m concerned, you have repented for your sins.”

Wanderer paused for a moment, before laughing. “What makes you so sure?” He asked. “Because I can tell you’ve suffered enough.” Kazuha responded. Wanderer sighed. “How can I have repented for my sins when I never even asked for forgiveness?”

Kazuha thought for a moment. That was fair. Wanderer could feel guilty all he wanted, he could be greatly punished, but repentance is not possible unless the sinful person asks for it. “Well, would you like repentance?” Kazuha asked. He almost looked like he was pleading. How mildly frustrating…

Did Kunikuzushi want forgiveness? He wasn’t sure. No… He wasn’t sure he deserves forgiveness. He took many people away from this world within a few days. How was that forgivable? He may have been a child, but he knew exactly what he was doing. He didn’t even regret it. Why should he? There is nothing in the world worth regretting. Why sit and ponder and regret something you can’t change anyways?

“What would repentance even bring me?’ Wanderer asked. What was the point? He was going to live the rest of his life under his mothers and sister anyways. There is nothing repentance could do to make his life any better. It wouldn’t take away the guilt, it wouldn’t set him free from his emotions, would it?

“It can bring you solitude. By repenting, you’re starting a new chapter in your life. I can even help you write this new chapter… if you’d like.” Kazuha looked at him softly. Wanderer stared back at him. His gaze was soft, but it was also sad, and tired. Why did Kazuha have to be like this? Why did he have to make it so hard?

“I know you want me to hate you.” Kazuha started. “I can see you trying to push me away. It won’t work. You can’t trick me. I can see right through your mask, Wanderer of the Willow. So please… ask for repentance.” Kazuha finished. Could he really see through Kunikuzushi? Was that okay or should Kunikuzushi try harder to hide it? He didn’t want to seem pathetic. He wasn’t weak.

Maybe repentance could help him. Maybe with repentance, the world would stop punishing him.

He looked up at Kazuha

Met his eyes

And nodded.

Something inside him stirred. Was it fear? What if the world doesn’t accept his apology and treats him even worse? Kazuha made his way over to Wanderer as thoughts plagued his mind. He cuffed Wanderers cheek, and put his forehead on the other. “Don’t overthink. Whatever happens, I will be right by your side.”

Wanderer took a deep breath, and closed his eyes. Maybe it will all be okay… Maybe he could accept Kazuha into his life. What? What was he thinking? He can’t accept Kazu-

His thoughts were interrupted when something warm met his lips.

Kazuha was kissing him.

Something in Wanderers chest fluttered. He felt warm. It felt nice. It felt so nice that he almost wanted to cry. He leaned into the kiss. He would hold onto this moment for as long as possible. He would survive off of this feeling for the rest of his life. It won’t last for long, and he knew this, but it was something he could cling onto until the next rare, warm feeling.

Kazuha then broke off the kiss, wrapped his arms around Kunikuzushis waist, and looked at him softly. Wanderer looked back, but his expression was one of sorrow. “Kazuha…” He started. If he could, he would. He would accept Kazuha into his life. He would whole-heartedly embrace him. It just wasn’t possible with his family though.

By being in Kazuha’s life, he was putting him in danger. There was no telling what The Doctor would do to Kazuha if his family ordered it. He loved him. He truly loved and cared for Kazuha, and he wanted to protect him. He wanted to make sure Kazuha could live a long and happy life.

“Listen… I will come to tomorrow night's dance, but after that we can’t see each other again. I will repent. I will admit my mistakes to Tartasuna, and I will ask for forgiveness. However I lead a dangerous life. There are people with power over me that could hurt you… I can’t let that happen.” Wanderer looked deep into Kazuha’s eyes, he looked serious, and slightly cold.

K- Kazuha’s gaze slowly shifted down. For the first time, he started to feel hopeless. He had never felt this way towards anyone before Wanderer. Why were there so many obstacles? Was the world determined to tear them apart, or was it just determined to make Wanderer’s life as miserable as possible?

No. He wouldn’t give up so easily. He still had a chance… He would come up with some kind of plan before tomorrow's dance. What kind of plan? He had no idea. He didn’t even have a specific goal. He just needed to be able to see Wanderer again after tomorrow night.

He wasn’t going to let anything stand in his way.

Kazuha nodded. He felt guilty for doing so when he didn’t actually agree. Was this deceiving Wanderer? Maybe as long as he only nods, and doesn’t agree with words, it won’t count as deceiving.

W- “Shall we go inside and enjoy one last dance then?” Kazuha smiled. Wanderer smiled back, and nodded. One more dance couldn’t hurt. Besides, Wanderer would do anything to stretch this moment.

With that, Kazuha gently grabbed his hand, and led him back into the castle. This song was nearly over, so they would dance through the next one. Kazuha placed his hands on Wanderers hips, as Wanderer placed his arms around the prince’s shoulders.

They swayed back and forth. Kunikuzushi focused only on Kazuha. Taking in all his features, engraving his voice into his head, memorizing the soft touch of his skin. He would have to let go eventually, but he would always remember him.

K- As the song came to an end, Kazuha subtly placed a kiss on Wanderers cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Wanderer of the Willow.” He smiled. Wanderer scoffed softly. “You’re so sure…” Wanderer started. “Of course I am, you do not seem to be the type to break his word.” Kazuha finished.

Wanderer let his arms sway back to his side, and Kazuha did the same. He nods at the prince, and swiftly takes his leave. Kazuha watched, completely entranced, until he could no longer see the mysterious boy.

“Pardon me, Prince Kaedehara.” A voice spoke from behind him. He turned to greet it. “Ah, hello, here for another dance I presume?” It was Raiden. Something stirred inside him. Raiden seemed angry, and cold. “Yes, if you don’t mind.” She said blankly. Kazuha just nodded. His fight or flight response felt like it was kicking in. Why? What was wrong?

Raiden placed her arms around Kazuha's shoulders. Her grip was firm, unlike before. Kazuha gently placed his hands on her hips. “So that… Wanderer…” She started. Kazuha swallowed. Did she know him? “Is Wanderer really his name?” She asked. “Yes, I believe so. It’s quite unique, but I like it.” He responded… with a lie. No, that was not his real name, as he had just learned moments ago. However, if a lie was going to keep Wanderer safe, then so be it.

“Really? What family does he belong to?” She looked at him suspiciously. “The Willow family. They’re not from any nearby town or city.” More lies. He would feel guilty, but his anxiety took over any other emotions at the moment.

“The Willow Family hm?” She pondered. “There is no such family. I am from the Shogun Family, we know of all the high class families, and even the middle class ones too. He is lying to you.” Kazuha exhaled softly. “Is that so?” He asked. “Yes… and something tells me you are aware of it, Prince.” She said sharply, and leaned closer to his ear. “I have an inkling feeling of who that is. I would stay far away from him if I were you. He’s dangerous, and he has even more dangerous people who own him, and are not afraid to discard him if an… inconvenience shows up.”

Kazuha froze. She was threatening Wanderer. She was threatening both of them.

“If you want to keep him safe, I would suggest keeping any… romantic feelings hidden. However… There is a way for you to keep him safe, and continue seeing him.” She smirked. Kazuha glared at her. “And that is?” Kazuha sneered. “Marry me. Marry my family into the royal family, and I’ll even let you own him.” She responded.

Kazuha felt sick. Own him? How disgusting… Wanderer had a right to his own freedom. He wasn’t some toy to just be tossed around. How could anyone treat anyone like this? How was he to even respond? Marry someone that he not only doesn’t love, but is a danger to him and Wanderer?

No. He wouldn’t do it. He won’t say that bluntly, he would stall, until he can figure out some way to keep Wanderer safe. “Give me till the end of tomorrow's dance.” Kazuha finally spoke up. Raiden’s face darkened. “Fine. You seem like a smart man, I know you’ll choose wisely.” Raiden let go of her grip, and walked away. The song wasn’t even over yet.

Kazuha's breathing got heavier, and his vision got blurry. Thoughts filled his mind, and fear plagued his heart. The nice couple that was talking to Wanderer approached him. They were talking to him, but he couldn’t hear them. Suddenly he was being guided elsewhere. The music got quieter, and multiple voices started filling his ears.

He felt a familiar hand rub his back, and a soothing voice calling out his name. His breathing calmed down, and his vision came clearer. “Kazuha!” A comforting voice called out. “Breath… look at my hands.” An unfamiliar voice spoke, and a hand came into view. The hands fingers counted up to five, and then went back down one at a time. “Breath in when my fingers go up, out when they go down.” The voice said.

After a moment of following those steps, Kazuha calmed down. Next to him was his Mother Beidou, rubbing his back, and Mother Ninngguang next to him, now stroking his hair. In front of him was the man with fox ears and a tail Wanderer was talking to, helping him breath, and next to him the man's husband, looking worried.

“There we go.” Tighnari smiled. “Easy does it.” Beidou let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, you seem to be quite good at this.” Beidou said. Tighnari’s face soften “Yes… our daughter has panic attacks quite often…” Tighnari sighed. “But it is my pleasure. Does this happen often?” Kazuha shook his head. “I’m sorry… I’m not sure what came over me…” He said quietly.

“Don’t apologize.” Cyno finally spoke up. “Yes, don’t apologize dear. It happens to the best of us.” Mother Ninnguang pulled Kazuha close. “Do you know what caused it?” Beidou asked.

Kazuha pondered. Should he tell them? Knowing his Mother Beidou, she would be too loud about it and cause more trouble. She would go and find Raiden and yell at her. This could put Wanderer in more danger… so he shook his head no.

Tighnari and Cyno shared a glance with each other, as did Beidou and Ningguang. They knew he was lying. “You can talk to us sweetheart…” Mother Ningguang started. Kazuha just shook his head again. “No, I can’t… not yet.” He said.

“Let them help you, Prince Kazuha.” Tighnari said softly. “It’s okay to ask for help.” Kazuha shook his head again. “You don’t understand- If I tell you it could be putting someone in danger. I have to protect him.”

Tighnari’s ears fell. He looked up at the Queens, sharing a look only other parents could understand. The Queens nodded. “Then we’ll keep it a secret. It has to do with Wanderer, doesn’t it?” Tighnari asked.

Kazuha looked up at him, and nodded. Tighnari sighed. “Tell us what happened buddy…” Beidou said softly.

“Okay…” Kazuha started. “I won’t say who did it, and none of you can interfere. It’ll just cause more problems, more danger…” Kazuha said. The other four nodded in agreement. “Someone danced with me. They said that they know Wanderers ‘true identity’, and that if I didn’t want Wanderer to be… discarded… I would marry them. They said they would give him to me. That I could own Wanderer if I married them. I have to do everything I can to keep him safe, but also free...”

Tighnari looked at Cyno for a moment, and Cyno nodded. “We won’t interfere, as we said, but we have some information that might be of value to you.” Cyno said. The Queens looked up at Cyno, as did Kazuha. “There is a sick and twisted man named Il Dottore. He did horrible things to our daughter, Collei. We came to the dance in hopes we could actually talk to one of you about it. He is not wanted, not many people even know of his existence. While talking to Wanderer, we ended up sharing this information with him. He flipped out, saying we don’t know what he is capable of, and not to go after him. He said he wasn’t going to let us get the Prince involved…” Cyno siad.

“Cyno told him it’s almost like he has experience. His face darkened and after that, I put two and two together… I’m not sure if it was anything like what our daughter went through, but Wanderer is also clearly a victim of this man.” Tighnari finished.

Kazuha thought. Slowly, pieces were adding up together. “Thank you… this means a lot. Is there anything else you know about this man?” Kazuha asked. “Not much, but he is some kind of mad scientist. We’ve heard rumors that high class families have hired him. For what? We’re not sure.” Tighnari said. “I’m sorry, but that is all we know.”

Kazuha nodded. How dangerous was this man exactly? What kind of things did he research? And the biggest question he had…

What did he do to Wanderer?

Chapter Text

When Kunikuzushi left the ball, he immediately went back to the Willow tree. He sat there for an hour ranting about Kazuha. Going on about how pretty and kind he was, but also how stupid he was.

“I told him I killed 56 people and he just- accepted it? Who the fuck does that?” Kunikuzushi flew his arms up. Nahida giggled. “Someone who understands that it was a crime committed by an angry child.” Kunikuzushi groaned. “At least he didn’t just excuse the entire thing. He said that I had already been punished so he didn’t feel the need to step in. I wonder what he would have done anyways if I hadn’t already paid the price…” Kunikuzushi wondered with a smile. “Do you think he would’ve gotten mad? That would have been very interesting.”

Nahida sighed. “He probably just would have had you arrested.” Kunikuzushi shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind if he was the one arresting me.” He mumbled.

“What?”

“WHAT?!” Kunikuzushi coughed, embarrassed, face as red as Kazuha’s eyes. Why did he say that?

Nahida giggled. “You’re going tomorrow too, right?” Nahida asked. Kunikuzushi nodded. “I told him I would go tomorrow night, and that we could enjoy a few more dances together, but that we can’t see each other after the ball.” Nahida frowned. “Why is that?” Kunikuzushi looked at her, unamused.

“You know why. It could put him in danger if my family ever found out. If he found out.” Kunikuzushi shivered, both in disgust and creeps. “He might not even need the orders, he might just go and do something to Kazuha on his own…” Kunikuzushi swallowed.

Nahida’s frown grew as she watched Kunikuzushi's face darken. “Well…” Nahida started to brighten up “Maybe you can just learn how to protect him. If you do that, then he might be safer with you!” Kunikuzushi raised an eyebrow “What do you mean?”

Nahida held out a beautifully decorated bell. It was gold, traces of blue on its design. “I can teach you how to wield this, if you’d like.” Nahida smiled at him. “Uhm… a bell? How am I supposed to use that to protect someone? By hitting someone with it?” Kunikuzushi responded. Nahida giggled. “No! It’s a catalyst! Its name is Tulaytullah’s Remembrance. Here, hold out your hand.”

Hesitantly, Kunikuzushi held out his hand. Nahida then gently placed the bell into his hands. Kunikuzushi stared at it as it hovered over his hand. It felt so natural. “I made it just for you!” Nahida said proudly “Here, feel its power, and when you’re ready, whip your hand, like you’re throwing a frisbee.”

Kunikuzushi closed his eyes. There was something powerful about this bell. He took a deep breath, and then with all his strength, whipped his hand.

He heard a slash. He opened his eyes to see a tree had been torn.

Woah.

He laughed. He had never felt so strong before. Something about this bell made him feel hopeful… “How is this possible?” He asked. Nahida smiled. “How is anything possible when it comes to me?” She giggled. “Don’t think about it too much, you’ll find that answer soon enough. For now though, it’d be best if you head home. Your family is on their way back.”

Kunikuzushi completely forgot about that. “Shit!” He started to run off when Nahida stopped him. “Wait! You’re forgetting something!” A flash of green filled Kunikuzushi vision, and when it disappeared, his old clothes were back to normal, and his hair was overgrown.

“Ah, right… Thank you.” Kunikuzushi nodded towards Nahida, and he ran back to his house.

…

Kunikuzushi made it back roughly ten minutes before his family. It was just enough time to turn off all the lanterns and quickly make his way into the attic. When his family entered, he heard the door slam, and incoherent yelling started.

Raiden was pissed. She was having a tantrum. Kunikuzushi crept over to the attic door and creaked it open a bit, so he could hear what was going on.

“You can’t just go around threatening The Prince, Raiden!” Mother Ei yelled. “If he tells the Queens, our family could be destroyed!”
“If the prince knows what is best for him, and Scaramouche, then he’d be careful.” Raiden snarled. “Besides, if worse comes to worse, I’m sure The Doctor would be more than happy to experiment on a Prince.” There was a crash.
“Stop throwing stuff around dear.” Mother Yae pitched in sounding dreadfully annoyed.
“Have you forgotten about honor Raiden?” Mother Ei asked sharply.
“All honor was thrown away the moment we started working with The Doctor and you know that!” Raiden shouted.

There was a thud from the attic. Kunikuzushi fell backwards in shock, and fear. He quickly covered his mouth to control his heavy breathing. Oh god… what had he done? Raiden threatened Kazuha, he was officially in danger now. He couldn’t let Kazuha go through the same things he did.

What should he do? What could he do? Calm down first… He couldn’t think logically when his emotions were in a jumble.

Once he calmed down, he thought. He had to figure out how exactly Kazuha was threatened. He would pretend everything was normal the next day, and when he goes to the ball, he would rush to Kazuha’s side and not leave. He would ask what happened, and from there figure out a better plan.

And so he did just so. He woke up at sunrise and did his chores. He made eggs for his mothers and sisters, and waited for them to come in.

The first to walk in was Raiden. She was still seething in anger. When she saw Kunikuzushi though, she must’ve seen red, because instead of sitting down at the table, she went over to Kunikuzushi and threw him against the counter.

She pulled his hair and lifted it out of his eyes. He kept them closed, trying not to focus on the pain of the hair pulling. “Open them.” She growled. “What?” Kunikuzushi spat back. She pulled him towards her, still gripping onto his hair, and then threw him back again. “I said open them!”

Kunikuzushi's eyes fluttered open, and met Raidens. They were beautiful. Raiden had never noticed. “Tsk.” She threw him onto the ground, where he recoiled into a ball. She then sat back down onto the table.

Mother Yae and Ei ran in. “What was all that ruckus?” Mother Ei asked. Raiden sipped her tea. “Just testing a theory of mine.” She responded. Mother Ei glance shifted to Kunikuzushi. For a moment, she almost looked sorry, but she quickly changed her expression back to a cold one, and sat down.

Kunikuzushi slowly got up, trembling. What was that about? “You know Scara makes our food, it’d be nice if you didn’t carelessly throw him around unless punishment is needed.” Mother Yae said with a sigh. Kunikuzushi felt so sick and tired of this. After meeting Kazuha and Nahida, he didn’t feel like he was in despair anymore. He felt the urge to fight back.

But he wouldn’t. He is nowhere near strong enough to fight Raiden. Not only was she actually healthy, but she was also trained in the art of the polearm… or some shit like that. He didn’t know. Either way he stood no chance against her.

Instead, he just casually continued his day, doing his chores, doing more chores, doing other chores. Occasionally sneaking off to test his catalyst. How did it even work? Where did the wind even come from?

By the time night rolled around, and his family left, he rushed out The Willow Tree. For some reason, they didn’t give him any extra chores before they left. Eh, he wouldn’t complain. When he arrived at the tree, he was panting. “Nahida…!” He gasped. Nahida appeared from behind the tree and rushed up to him. “Oh dear! Did something happen?” She asked worriedly. He nodded. “I need to get to the ball, right now!” He said frantically. Nahida nodded, and a flash of green blinded him.

When it disappeared, he looked down to find that he was in the most beautiful suit yet. A long, dark blue, silky cape hung over his shoulder. A dark blue vest, with gold chains attaching to the buttons and up through the cape sat on his torso. Soft, blue sleeves shrunk on his arms, and long, high dark blue boots made it up to his knees. At the end of the boots, it almost looked like a slipper on top of them. You would think the idea looks weird, but it fits surprisingly well.

The carriage also appeared, and there was Tori and Chiko. Chiko quickly opened the carriage door, and Tori climbed in, and Kunikuzushi followed her. Nahida waved bye to them as they rushed off to the palace. When they were out of sight, she sighed. “Promise you’ll watch over them?” She spoke.

“Ehe~ Promise!” A little wind spirit flew next to her, and nuzzled against Nahidas cheek as she giggled. It then flew off after the carriage.

…

Before the carriage even came to a full stop, Kunikuzushi jumped out. Tori yelped at the sudden movement, and Kunikuzushi yelled a panicked “Sorry!” as he ran up the stairs, pushing everyone aside. When he made his way into the ballroom, he frantically looked around for Kazuha, before spotting him laughing with a brown-haired boy with dog ears and a tail. A wave of relief washed over him. He seemed okay, from what he could see.

Kazuha looked up at the entrance and saw Wanderer. Before the announcer could even begin to say his name, Wanderer was rushing over to him. “Kazuha!” He called out. The boy with dog ears noticed Kazuha’s attention had diverted and looked over towards Wanderer.

Wanderer practically jumped onto Kazuha. He gently cupped his face and examined him. “Are you okay? Did someone hurt you after I left yesterday? Are you in danger?” Kazuha put one of his hands on top of Wanderers, and the other over his mouth. “Shhh… I’m okay.” Wanderer blushed, and moved Kazuha’s hand off his mouth.

The dog boy nervously chuckled. “I’ll leave you guys alone…” He said as he awkwardly walking away. “Bye Gorou.” Kazuha smiled, and waved him goodbye. He then took Wanderer’s hand and swiftly pulled him into a private room.

Kazuha looked at him with a stern and worried expression on his face. “Do you know who Raiden Shogun is?” Kazuha asked. Wanderer paused, before nodding. “Who is she to you?” He continued. “No one good.” Wanderer responded. “What happened? Did she hurt you?” Wanderer asked frantically.

“Calm down… she just said some concerning things yesterday after you left.” Kazuha took Wanderers hand into his. “Listen… I don’t think either of us are safe right now. We need to pretend that everything is normal, okay?” Kazuha said.

Wanderer looked at him confused, but then agreed. “Okay… we’ll discuss this while we dance.” He said, Kazuha nodded, and they swiftly went back onto the dance floor. Kazuha held Wanderer closely, he had his arm around Wanderer’s back, like he was hugging him, and Wanderer’s head was on his shoulders. It felt protective. Wanderer felt slightly embarrassed. Shouldn’t he be the one holding Kazuha like this?

“After you left, Raiden made me dance with her.” Kazuha whispered gently. “She said if I don’t marry her, she’ll kill you…” Kazuha took a deep breath. “She also said that if I marry her, she’ll give you to me. That… That I’ll ‘own’ you.” Kazuha whispered, sounding disgusted.

Wanderer squeezed Kazuha tighter. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry I got you into this mess.” Wanderer started. “Shhh… don’t. This is not your fault. I am a trained samurai, I guarantee that I can protect you… so please, let me.” Kazuha said. Wanderer shook his head. “No… I’m sure you’re great at what you do, but this is too dangerous. It’d be best if we just parted ways tonight. And regarding Raiden… let me take care of her.” Wanderer said.

“What?” Kazuha hesitated. What did that mean? “You mean like… kill her?” Kazuha said sadly. Wanderer paused. “Maybe. I don’t know. I wouldn’t be able to do tha-”
“Do it.” Kazuha interrupted him.
“...What?” Wanderer said, slightly taken aback.
“If you have to, do it. If you need me to, just let m-”
“Absolutely not.” Wanderer was the one interrupting him this time. “I won’t let you get your hands dirty.” Wanderer held on even tighter, and so did Kazuha. “If it’s for you, I would get my whole body dirty.”

…

Silence.

And then a stifling laugh.

“Do you know how bad that sounds?” Wanderer snickered. Kazuha smiled. “Maybe.” Wanderer continued to giggle. Yet another pleasant moment he would remember. One he would cling onto years later. One he will survive off of.

He had made many new memories to survive off of recently. So much so that he might even get to live a full life. A happy one? Probably not, but a long one.

“Still… just enjoy these last few moments. Nothing lasts forever.” Wanderer said softly. Kazuha frowned. “Maybe not, but if you allow, we can have many more moments like this.” He said. Wanderer shook his head. “No. We can’t.”

“But why?” Kazuha asked. Wanderer stayed silent. He had already been threatened, wasn’t that enough proof as to why? “Nevermind that.” Wanderer said, almost slightly agitated. He needed to change the subject. He warned Kazuha that tonight was the last night they would ever see each other, and to enjoy these moments. If Kazuha didn’t, then that was his own fault.

“Why are you so determined to push me away?” Kazuha asked. Determined? Was Kunikuzushi determined? No, of course not. He had been so happy these past few nights. They’ve had their ups and downs, but Kunikuzushi still never felt such comfort before. Why would he push it away?

Deep down though, he knew that that was exactly what he was trying to do. Kunikuzushi wasn’t used to this warmth or comfort. While it felt nice, it also felt strange. It was different. He was scared of these feelings. He wished he could push them away, part of him wished he had never felt them in the first place. Once midnight comes, Kunikuzushi will have to go back to his old life. Kunikuzushi now knew about these feelings, and he’d have to go the rest of his life knowing that he would never be able to feel them again.

It was going to be miserable. How can you feel such things and then just forget how wonderful they were? The answer was simple; you couldn’t.

If Kunikuzushi tried to stay with Kazuha, if he tried to get his happily ever after, it would mean he accepted these feelings. He knew that a happily ever after was not in place for him. If he accepted these feelings, and then they were stripped away from him when he was vulnerable, life would be much harder than it had to be.

So, yes. He was determined to push Kazuha away. He was determined to protect himself, his feelings, his heart. He was determined to do anything to make the inevitable pain lessen.

“Wanderer?” Kazuha spoke softly as he brought Wanderer back to reality. “Sorry.” Wanderer shook his head as he spoke. “I zoned out.”

Kazuha stared into his eyes with a sorrowful expression, before sighing. “Okay, let us enjoy these moments to the fullest extent.” He said softly. He didn’t entirely sound like he accepted it, but Wanderer would take it.

Kazuha didn’t accept that tonight was their last night. He wouldn’t. However, he would still enjoy these moments. Though he refused to accept it, he knew that taking these moments for granted could end up being a regret. What if tonight really was the last night they’d see each other? He might as well be safer than sorry.

So, he only danced with Wanderer that last night. The rest of the guests seemed to have accepted that rather quickly, for after a few songs nobody came up and disturbed either of them.

There was so much more Wanderer wished he could do with Kazuha. He wanted to fall asleep on his chest, he wanted to listen to his poems, he wanted to go on picnics. He wished that it could just be him and Kazuha for a little bit longer.

However, all good things come to an end. Wanderer and Kazuha danced the night away. They laughed and conversed with the friends they had made, Cyno and Tighnari, Keqing and Ganyu, Yoimiya and Ayaka. Kunikuzushi made sure to enjoy lots of food as well. It was a joyous time. A pity it had to end.

Kazuha looked up at the grand clock that hung above the ballroom. Five minutes till midnight. He went over to the orchestra, and requested a song, before making his way back over to Wanderer, who was talking to a small, green haired girl, surrounded by Cyno and Tighnari. Her name was Collei, and apparently her dads decided to let her come to the ball on the last night to meet Wanderer.

“Pardon my intrusion,” Kazuha said as he came up to the group. “Wanderer of the Willow, may I have the pleasure of dancing with you?” Kazuha asked as he held out his hand. Wanderer looked up at the clock. His heart sank. Kazuha was trying to make the very last moment special.

Wanderer smiled, and took his hand. He waved goodbye to his new friends he had made as Kazuha led him to the center of the ballroom.

“That was quite cheesy of you.” Wanderer smirked. Kazuha smiled. “Maybe that’s what I was going for. I believe those were the exact words I said to you when I first asked you to dance.” He said. “Listen closely to the song.” Kazuha continued.

Wanderer listened. He was confused. The song felt familiar, and special, but he couldn’t quite place his finger as to why. “It was the first song we danced to.” Kazuha assisted him. “Ah, no wonder it feels so special. Still incredibly cheesy though.” Wanderer said, smiling at Kazuha.

Kazuha smiled back for a moment, before something hit him and he frowned. “Listen… don’t hate me.” Kazuha said to Wanderer. “What?” Wanderer laughed. “How could I hate you?” He asked.

Kazuha paused. He looked guilty. “You’ll see.” He responded. Wanderer raised an eyebrow. What could Kazuha do to make him hate the other? Nothing, that’s what. “Don’t be ridiculous, I could never hate you.” Wanderer said.

Kazuha opened his mouth to respond, but it was interrupted by the bell of the clock.

Midnight.

Wanderer let go of Kazuha and smiled. “Thank you, Kazuha.” Wanderer gently lifted Kazuha’s hand and kissed it. He slowly stood up straight, nodding at Kazuha, before turning around and leaving the ball.

Kazuha watched Wanderer leave the ballroom. As soon as he went through the doors, Kazuha ran after him.

Kunikuzushi knew he had pushed it by waiting exactly till midnight to leave. He had to hurry back to the carriage and The Willow tree before Nahida’s power ran out. As he ran down the flight of stairs, something thick and sticky stopped him.

“What the hell…?” Kunikuzushi looked down. He was stuck in tar. Was this Kazuha’s doing? Kunikuzushi chuckled. Is this why he looked so guilty? Is this why Kazuha told him not to hate him?

Unfortunately, tar was not enough to stop Kunikuzushi. He realized that part of his shoe came off. It was the odd slipper part of the boot. Kunikuzushi had no time to think more about it. He quickly freed himself from the slipper part of his boot, and continued to run down the flight of stairs where there was no tar.

“Wanderer!” Someone called out. Kunikuzushi turned around. Kazuha stood atop of the stairs, his eyes pleading for Kunikuzushi to stay.

His heart broke. He didn’t like seeing Kazuha like that, but he didn’t have a choice. Kunikuzushi shook his head, and jumped into his carriage.

Kazuha ran down the stairs, attempting to chase after his ocean eyed boy, to no avail. He froze in the middle of the staircase, and watched the mysterious Wanderer of the Willow ride away in a carriage.

Kazuha looked down in disappointment. He still couldn’t stop Wanderer. He couldn’t convince him, and he couldn’t even slow him down. While in despair, suddenly, something from the corner of his eye sparkled. He looked over, and his face lit up.

A sabaton. He went over and pulled it out of the tar. Did Wanderer leave this for him? Ah, who cares. Kazuha could use this to find him!

Kazuha’s face lit up with hope again. He rushed back inside the castle, and headed to his room. He placed the sabaton on his desk, and went back to the ball.

…

Kunikuzushi barely made it back to the Willow Tree before Nahida’s magic ran out, and nearly everything disappeared. “That was a close one, Kunikuzushi.” Nahida said sternly. Kunikuzushi nodded apologetically.

He looked down to notice the slipper part of one of his boots was still there. “A little keepsake. I would also let you keep the other one, but it seems you lost it…” Nahida said. “What even was it? And why was it on my boots?” Kunikuzushi asked. “Ah, they’re Sabatons! Knights often wear them over their boots, I believe.” Nahida clasped her hands together.

Kunikuzushi thought they looked stupid, and even more so now that one was missing, but he wouldn’t comment on it. “Thank you, for everything Nahida.” Kunikuzushi said softly. Nahida gave him a sweet smile. “Of course… I only wish I could do more.” Nahida said. “However, it is time we part ways for now. May the Aranara watch you.”

Kunikuzushi raised an eyebrow. Aranara? What was that? Suddenly, a small voice spoke up. “Does Kunikuzushi have to go forever?” It was Tori. Tears welled up in her eyes as she sniffled. Kunikuzushi didn’t know how to respond.

“Not forever, but he does have to go. You can also visit him as a finch though!” Nahida reassured Tori. Tori nodded, and sniffled again, before running up to Kunikuzushi and hugging him. Kunikuzushi patted her on the head. “I’ll make sure to give you lots of seeds when you come to visit.” Kunikuzushi said sweetly.

Nahida smiled. Kunikuzushi wasn’t trying so hard to be tough or push people away now. Though there was still a long way to go, this was a good start.

“What are you smiling at?” Kunikuzushi interrupted Nahida’s thoughts. “Ah, nothing.” She responded. Tori let go of Kunikuzushi, and ran over to Chiko for further comfort. “Until we meet again, Wanderer of the Willow.” Nahida nodded goodbye.

Kunikuzushi nodded back, before turning on his heel, and trekking back to his house.

Kunikuzushi took his time walking back. He might as well enjoy some last bits of freedom and happiness. However, he only felt empty. He had everything for three days, and now it was gone once again.

Kunikuzushi approached his house as an unsettling feeling arose in him. He looked around, looking for any sign of danger, to find nothing. He slowly opened the door and peeked inside as it creaked. The house was just as dark as he had left it.

Kunikuzushi quietly closed the door behind him. He wasn’t sure why he felt the need to do this. Suddenly a lantern turned on.

“Where have you been, Scaramouche?” A stern voice asked him. His eyes widened, and his breathing hitched. He slowly turned around to see his mothers and sisters, glaring at him. Mother Ei and Yae sat in two dining chairs, as Raiden stood behind them, arms folded across her chest. Mother Ei held up a lantern.

“I woke up to the sound of scared chickens. I went to check it out. I didn’t find anything, I plan on looking more during daylight. I spent the last bit or so calming the chickens down.” Kunikuzushi said calmly. Mother Ei eyed him suspiciously. “Is that so? It took you an hour to calm chickens down?” She asked. Raiden cleared her throat. “You show no signs of handling panicked chickens. No scratches nor feathers are on your character.” She said.

Kunikuzushi opened his mouth to speak, but Mother Yae interrupted him. “No more lies, Scaramouche. We know you’re Wanderer of the Willow.” She said coldly. Kunikuzushi swallowed nervously, before turning on a cold demeanor. He would show no fear, no remorse. He wouldn’t let them feel an ounce of control.

“Don’t give us that face, Scaramouche.” Raiden said sharply, walking up to him. “Tomorrow night, Il Dottore will come and take you away. You’ll stay with him until you learn not to defy your family.” Mother Ei said blankly.

Kunikuzushi's eyes widened again. No, he couldn’t go back! He’d rather die than go back to Dottore. He held his breath and thoughts swarmed his mind, Raiden still walking up to him.

Run. He had to run.

He could run to the willow tree. No, no he couldn’t do that. That could put Nahida and the Willow tree in danger. Still, he had to run. He would run, and run, and run, until he found somewhere far away from his family.

Kunikuzushi whipped around and opened the door to run. Before he could even fully step out, Raiden grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled him back inside, and onto the floor. “It seems you’ll be with him for quite a while. You even dare run away?” Raiden said sharply. Kunikuzushi held his hands to his throat in pain. Raiden pulled the back of his shirt so hard that it knocked the wind out of him.

“Lock him in his room, Raiden.” Ei ordered. Raiden grabbed Kunikuzushi’s frail body by the neck of the shirt, and dragged him up the stairs. Kunikuzushi shouted and kicked, doing everything he could to break free from Raidens grasp. He cursed her out with every word imaginable, and tried to bite her hand, to no avail.

Raiden threw Kunikuzushi into the attic with a thud. “I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU RAIDEN, I SWEAR TO THE GODS!” Scaramouche screamed at her as she closed the door. Kunikuzushi ran to it and tried to open it, but Raiden had barricaded it. Kunikuzushi threw himself against the door, and the walls, trying to get it to budge, or trying to annoy his family so much that they opened the door to scold him and he could run past them.

After what felt like hours of throwing himself against every crevice of his small room, he collapsed. His body was bruised, tired, and sick. Kunikuzushi curled into a ball. He held back tears as anger took over him. Through the floorboards, he could hear voices.

“He finally stopped thrashing himself against the wall. I thought it’d go on all night.” Raiden’s voice said.
Yae Miko laughed. “You really think his frail body could handle doing that all night? He barely lasted 20 minutes.” She said amusingly.
Kunikuzushi felt pathetic. 20 minutes? It felt like he had been throwing himself against the walls for hours, not 20 minutes. Was his body really that weak?
“Who would’ve known that pathetic child felt such rage. Who knows, it might actually be useful. Ei’s voice said.
“Oh? How so” Yae Miko asked.
“Maybe we can have Il Dottore train him in combat. If he got stronger and continued to harness that anger, he could be a killing machine. That could be very useful.” Ei responded.

A killing machine? Useful? The sorrowful feeling in Kunikuzushi’s chest lightened a bit. Did they finally see potential in him?

The voices started to drown out as Kunikuzushi drifted off to sleep. An overwhelming amount of feelings buried themselves deep inside Kunikuzushi. Tonight was the last peaceful night Kunikuzushi would have in a long time. He shivered thinking of the next few hundred nights ahead of him.

He wanted Kazuha. He wanted his warmth and comfort. He wanted to feel his soft skin, his silky hair, his warm lips. Kunikuzushi softly hummed the first and last song they danced to as he fell asleep. Maybe he’d do this every night while with Dottore. Yes, he’d do that, and he’d think of Kazuha. It would make everything more bearable.

Chapter Text

Early in the morning, the Millelith went around, town to town, announcing that the prince was looking for his Wanderer of the Willow. He would visit every house with young men, and have them try on a sabaton until he found the perfect match.

“Are you sure about this?” Beidou asked as Kazuha attached a saddle to his snow-white horse, named Miyuki. “Very. I know it may seem silly, but this will give me an opportunity to look everywhere for him.” Kazuha said, fastening the girth on the saddle. Ningguang sighed. “Kazuha… what if he doesn’t want to come with you?” She asked.

Kazuha froze, and thought for a moment. “Then I’ll leave him be…” He said softly. “But if he just didn’t stay because he thought he was in danger… then I have to save him.” He then mounted onto Miyuki, and patted her neck. “Alright, let's go find him girl.” He said, before gently kicking her side and running off.

Beidou watched him ride away concerned. “Don’t fret dear, we just have to trust him.” Ningguang reassured Beidou, and placed a kiss on her cheek before going back inside the castle. Beidou sighed, and followed.

Kazuha met the group of Millelith he organized in front of the castle gate. “I’ll take the lead. Keep eyes peeled everywhere. We’re looking for a boy around my age and height, dark violet hair, and ocean blue eyes. He’s thin, and most likely won’t look wealthy. I don’t think he comes from a good home. He may be a subject to slavery for a rich family. There are endless possibilities though, so don’t turn any blind eyes on anything.” Kazuha ordered.

The knights all shouted a corresponding “Yes sir!” while saluting, before riding off to the city. When they entered the city, a young man with maroon hair approached them on a shiny red stallion. “Detective Heizou.” Kazuha nodded his greetings. “I thank you for joining us at the last minute, and looking at this case. Has General Gorou arrived yet?”

Heizou made a small bow. “No, I haven’t seen General Gorou yet. I’m sure he’ll be here any minute.” Heizou pulled out small notebooks, and flipped through the pages before stopping on one. “I looked into the Shogun family as you asked. There are no employee records for any maidens or butlers, and they haven’t bought any slaves, however…” Heizou pulled out a certificate and handed it to Kazuha.

“What is this?” Kazuha asked. “Kunikuzushi’s supposed death certificate.” Heizou pulled out another. “This is another legal death certificate. Hold yours up to the sun.” Heizou said. Kazuha did so, and Heizou held his up next to the one Kazuha had. “Look, the one I have has a faint stamp in the center. That’s how we tell they’re legit. Yours on the other hand…”
“Is a fake.” Kazuha finished Heizou’s sentence. Heizou nodded and put the certificate back in his notebook, and took the one Kazuha had in his hand.

“Change of plans.” Kazuha turned to one of the knights. “Go to one of the shops and buy measuring tape immediately.” He ordered. The knight saluted and rode off to one of the shops. “We’re going straight to the Shogun House.” Kazuha said.

“Hold your horses, your highness.” Heizou said. “I did some more investigating. Earlier this morning I paid a visit to their bank. Once a year, for the past 20 years, they take a large sum of 2,000 mora out of their bank. I can’t find any records of where that money goes. They sure as hell don’t take all that out and then slowly spend it throughout the year. They still take small sums of money out of the bank whenever they’re in the city for errands. I suspect they’re spending that money on something, or someone, illegal.” Heizou finished

"Possibly Il Dottore?” A voice spoke from behind. The two turned to be greeted by a boy with dog ears and a tail, on a caramel brown horse. “General Gorou, you’re late.” Heizou smiled. Gorou chuckled. “I apologize, me and my lady had some trouble with troops this morning.”

“The important thing is that you’re here now.” Kazuha said. “Back to the topic, did you find anything on Il Dottore?” He asked. “I talked to one of the victims, Collei, about an hour ago. There’s not a lot to go off of. He’s sneaky, and cunning. However, I found something odd.” Heizou flipped through his notes again.

“There are quite a few families that take out roughly the same amount of money out of their bank around the same time the Shogun family does. It all happens within the first week of June. Many of these families have secrets they’re very adamant on keeping.” Heizou said. “Many people that have messed with these families have died in mysterious ways.” Heizou paused, and looked up at Kazuha, eyebrows furrowed.

“They all die from mysterious carriage fires. There’s signs of foul play in all of these accidents, but there is no concrete evidence. Prince Kazuha…” Heizou sighed.

“Your dad died from one of these carriage fires.”

Gorou’s ears went down, and he scooted his horse closer to Kazuhas. Kazuha’s face was saddened. “I see…” He said. “Kazuha, you said your dad wrote you letters all the time before he died. Do you remember anything odd about the letters?” Heizou asked.

Kazuha paused, before slowly nodding. “Yes… in his last letter, he told me he met a boy. His name was uh… is, Scaramouche. He said that he might come live with us.” Kazuha started. “Scaramouche? Isn’t that a villain in one of those popular light novels? Ah, what’s it called… Oh, The Adventures of Teyvat!” Gorou chipped up.

“A book huh?” Heizou thought for a moment. Do you know how old this book is Gorou?” Heizou asked. “Maybe like… a decade or two?” Gorou answered. “And which company published it?” Heizou went on. Gorou thought for a moment, before his ears perked up and his eyes widened. “Yae’s Publishing House!” Gorou said. “It was the book that made their business grow!” Gorou’s tail slightly wagged at this revelation he had, like he was proud of himself for figuring that out.

Kazuha and Heizou shared a confirming glance. The puzzle pieces started to fit in their minds.

“Sir!” A knight on a horse ran up towards them, holding measuring tape up. Kazuha took the measuring tape, and then took out the sabaton from his bag. “Detective Heizou, may I borrow a page from your book?” He asked. Heizou nodded, and ripped out an empty page from his notebook, and gave him a quill and ink.

Kazuha took a few measurements from the sabaton, and wrote them down. When he was done, he handed the quill and ink back to Heizou, and then the sheet of paper and measuring tape back to the knight. “I want you guys to continue looking for Wanderer in the city using the details I gave you and these measurements. I’m going to go to the Shogun house with Detective Heizou and General Gorou.” Kazuha said sternly.

“Yes sir!” The group of milileth saluted, and ran off on their horses. “Do you know where the Shogun family resides, Detective Heizou?” Kazuha asked. “Yes, I do. Heizou said. “Follow me, pretty boys!” Heizou said as he started galloping on his horse. Gorou went slightly red from embarrassment, and Kazuha chuckled and shook his head, before galloping after him.

Kazuha admired the scenery of the forest as they traveled. It truly was beautiful, he wondered why he hadn’t come here before. “Why does the Shogun family live somewhere so isolated?” Gorou asked. “Why would any rich family? It’s because they’re doing something sketchy.” Heizou said in a sing-songy voice.

“There’s a town on the way there, yes?” Kazuha asked. Heizou nodded. “Yes, Tartarsuna, it’s the one your father stayed at during the warmer seasons for his business. Why?” He asked. “Maybe they’ll know some information about the Shogun family that we don't. Stuff that wouldn’t make it onto records, such as rumors.” Kazuha said.

“Ah, that’s a good idea, Kazuha. Alright, we’ll make a pit stop.” Heizou said. Kazuha smiled. Heizou and Gorou were his friends long before his dad passed, and before he became Prince. When it was just them, they called him Kazuha. Though they refused to call him that in front of others.

Gorou’s ears twitched. He looked up, and met eyes with a small white finch. It chirped happily and flapped its wings, before flying ahead of them. Gorou shook his head and kept his eyes on the road.

About 45 minutes after they left the city, they arrived in the town. It was quite small. You could see every residence's house right at the entrance. Townsfolk turned and gasped as they saw the prince, many of them bowing, and others forcing their children to bow. Kazuha gave Heizou and Gorou a look. They both nodded, and went opposite directions. Kazuha went to a stable and let Miyuki drink some water.

After a few minutes, Heizou and Gorou came over to him. “Both towns folks we talked to suggested we go talk to another lady, her house is on the other side of town.” Heizou said. Kazuha nodded, and mounted on his horse again.

They rode down the street and stopped in front of the last house in town. It was surrounded by luscious green trees, and a warm yellow cottage sat in the center, smoke coming from the chimney. Heizou stopped his horse and dismounted, and went up to the house. He knocked lightly and waited a moment.

An elderly lady opened the door. “Oh? And who might you be?” She asked. Heizou moved to the side a bit so she could see Kazuha and Gorou on their horses right outside her property. “We come directly from the castle. We have a few questions ma’am, if you don’t mind?” Heizou said, holding out his hand.

The lady chuckled. “My, what a gentleman.” She said, taking his hand. Heizou led her down the steps of her porch and down to the other two men. “How can I help you young men?” The elderly lady asked with a slight bow. Kazuha and Gorou dismounted their horses to greet her.

“It has to do with the Shogun family,” Kazuha started. “Have you heard of a boy named Kunikuzushi?” He asked. The lady thought for a moment. “Ah, yes, that was the first child Lady Yae and Lady Ei had, but I heard he died at birth. However…” The lady paused with a smile “Roughly over a decade ago, before that horrible fire and carriage accident, there was a boy that would come into town. No one knew where he was from, but many people had their theories.”

“The biggest one was that he was the Shogun’s family's son that had supposedly passed away. He looked quite similar to Lady Ei after all. He was thin, and shy. He grew quite close to Niwa however… poor lad. After Niwa died though, we didn’t see him for quite a while. However a few years later, someone saw him sneaking into town and buying medicine. He just took it and left the money on the counter when nobody was paying attention apparently. After that fire, no one ever saw him again. Quite a pity. The towns folk were quite fond of him. Many tried to help him, but he was awfully skittish.” The lady finished.

“His name was Scaramouche, wasn’t it?” Kazuha asked softly. The elderly lady nodded. “Yes, it was dear. Your father loved him a lot, I could tell.” She smiled as Kazuha was taken aback. “How did you…” He started.

The lady chuckled. “Oh please, your highness, that red streak is quite the obvious trait. That, and your eyes are gentle, just like his were.” She said. Kazuha nodded. “I see, thank you, ma’am…” The lady nodded. “Call me Komaki, dear.” She said. “It was a pleasure meeting you young men. I wish you luck on your Wanderer.” Komaki winked before heading back inside her house.

“Smart, smart move Kazuha.” Heizou smirked as he mounted his horse. “That’s quite valuable information that wouldn’t make it in the books.”

Kazuha nodded as he mounted on his horse. Gorou followed their movements and mounted his as well. “Now, let's get to the Shogun house.” Kazuha said. Heizou lightly kicked his horse with a “Hiya!”, and started galloping. Kazuha and Gorou galloped after him.

Roughly five minutes later, Heizou stopped his horse in front of a luxurious house. It was dark and eerie, but alive at the same time. Many of the trees were growing old and dying. There was an old chicken coop on the side, and a stable on the other, where a rich carriage sat. Kazuha stopped his horse as well. “Easy girl.” He reassured her. Miyuki shook her head around and stomped her hooves.

Heizou was about to dismount when Kazuha stopped him. “Let me do this. I want you to pay close attention to this house. Let me know immediately if you see anything odd.” He said. Gorou and Heizou glanced at each other, but then just nodded at Kazuha in defeat.

Kazuha dismounted Miyuki, and walked up to the house, and knocked. Before he even finished knocking, it swung open, and there stood Raiden. “I heard about your travels, your highness.” Raiden looked down at him coldly. “I’m afraid we don’t have any young men here.”

“Is that so? Not even slaves, or workers? Maybe a farm boy?” He smiled at her. Raiden scowled. “No, nothing like that.” Raiden's gaze looked up towards Heizou and Gorou, who started walking around the property on their horses. She looked slightly panicked for a moment, but then her gaze went back to being blank.

“Is there a reason your men are walking on our property? Do you even have a warrant?” Raiden sneered. “Yes, we do, I can have sir Heizou show it to you if you’d like.” Thank the archons Heizou made sure to prepare. He had to refrain from calling him Detective Heizou, or else they’d know they were being investigated.

Suddenly, Lady Ei walked up to the door. “Ah, the Prince, to what do we owe this pleasure?” She asked sweetly. She seemed kind, but Kazuha knew to keep his guard up. “Ah, I was wondering if you have any young men working for you?” He asked with a smile. “I’m afraid not…” Raiden said, almost sadly. “We only wish we had a young man here dear.” She said softly.

Kazuha knew what that meant. It meant they wished Kunikuzushi was still alive. Kazuha would usually feel guilty, but something in him told him that she was lying.

Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by a crash. He turned to see what that noise was, and saw Gorou a bit a ways from the side of the house, staring in shock.

Kunikuzushi laughed. It worked! While locked in his room, Tori came to visit him. He opened the small window he had in his room, and Tori chirped away.

“Woah- Calm down- What about Kazuha?” He asked. Tori chirped a bit more calmly, and Kunikuzushi’s eyes widened.

Kazuha was on his way, here, to the Shogun house.

She said Kazuha was looking for him. Kunikuzushi couldn’t help but feel humored and smile, before laughing maniacally. Was he stupid? Did he not get the hint? Whatever, this could be his chance. If Kazuha finds him before Dottore comes, he’d be saved, and he wouldn’t have to go back to hell.

Kunikuzushi paced the room, panicking, and ranting to Tori. “How the hell am I even supposed to get out of here before Kazuha gets here?” Kunikuzushi stressed. Tori chirped. “That’s not helpful Tori.”

After a few moments of panicking, Tori chirped again. “Huh?” Kunikuzushi chuckled. “Now that is helpful.” He said.

Kunikuzushi sat close to his window, and Tori sat on the roof overlooking the entrance of the property. They waited patiently for Kazuha to arrive.

After what felt like years, Kunikuzushi heard the hooves of horses, and Tori flew back into the attic chirping.

They were here.

Kunikuzushi got out the bell Nahida had gifted to him. Tori sat on his shoulders, and he backed away from the window as far as possible. He closed his eyes, feeling its power…

And swung a wind blade at the window.

A hole blew in the wall with a big boom. Kunikuzushi ducked down and coughed as the attic filled with dust. “That was a lot worse than expected.” He coughed out. He held Tori gently in his hand, blocking her from any dust or deprise. She chirped.

Gorou looked back at Kazuha with a state of urgency. “The attic, Kazuha! The attic!” Gorou shouted. Kazuha looked back at Raiden and glared as she blocked the entrance. He ducked under her and ran inside the house, looking around frantically for an attic.

He ran deeper inside and spotted a spiral staircase surrounded by a wall, with a small entrance. Raiden tried to grab him, but Kazuha jumped out of her grasp and ran up the staircase. At the top was a door on the ceiling. It was baraced with a lock.

Kazuha took his katana, and positioned it on the lock, just right. He took a deep breath, and pushed the katana, breaking the lock.

Kazuha quickly pushed the door open, to be greeted by dust. He coughed, and waved his hand around. Next to the door, laid a violet haired boy, curled up into a defensive position. Kazuha’s heart soared when he saw him. It was Wanderer, he could already tell.

“Kunikuzushi…” Kazuha said sweetly. Kunikuzushi perked his head up and turned towards the door. He swept his overgrown hair out of the way, and met Kazuha’s eyes. A smile crept on his face. “Kazuha.” Kunikuzushi responded back. Tori chirped.

Kazuha searched through his bag and took out the sabaton. “Do you mind?” He smiled cheesily. Kunikuzushi laughed, and let Kazuha slip the sabaton over his boot. “A perfect fit.” He smiled.

Kazuha held out a hand, and Kunikuzushi took it. They made their way down the stairs, and once they hit the ground, Kunikuzushi wrapped his arms around Kazuha and looked up at him. “You just don’t give up, do you?” Kunikuzushi smirked. “Hm… no, I don’t.” Kazuha smiled. Kunikuzushi smiled and shook his head, before kissing him.

After a moment Kazuha let go of the kiss, and picked Kunikuzushi up into his arms. Raiden glared at the two of them. “Scaramouche, so help me if you go with him-” Lady Yae started. Kunikuzushi flipped her off.

Heizou and Gorou pushed their way through the front door in a panic. “Kazuha, are you okay?” Gorou said worried. Kazuha just smiled and lifted Kunikuzushi up a bit, showing him off. Heizou chuckled, before turning back to the three women with a glare. “You three are arrested.” He said. Kunikuzushi laughed.

Kazuha made his way out of the front door, still carrying Kunikuzushi. He placed him down once they reached Miyuki. “How are you going to arrest them? There’s only three horses.” Kunikuzushi asked.

“We could either take their carriage, or we could make them walk. We’d get in less trouble just attaching cuffs to a rope and tying it to a horse saddle.” Kazuha shrugged. Kunikuzushi liked the walking idea. A small bit of suffering for all of the suffering they caused him.

Kunikuzushi kept sweeping his hair out of his face. He was starting to get annoyed with it. Usually, he didn’t mind. He could see decently even with hair blocking his view, but he wanted to completely see Kazuha.

Kazuha noticed this and chuckled. He searched through his back and smiled, before pulling out a ribbon. “Here, allow me.” Kazuha said gently and he tied his bangs into a ponytail. “There, better?” Kazuha asked with an amused smile. Kunikuzushi nodded, slightly red, mainly from embarrassment.

Suddenly, there was a loud thud from inside the house. Kazuha turned around to see what it was. Heizou was standing outside with Lady Ei and Lady Yae in cuffs. Gorou quickly ran out of the house panicked, almost tripping over himself. He ran over to his horse and grabbed a bow, and aimed it inside the house.

Kunikuzushi stood in front of Kazuha defensively, summoning his catalyst. Kazuha placed a hand on his katana’s handle. Heizou pushed Ei and Yae back, ready to defend them from any threat, even if they were criminals.

Raiden clumsily came out of the house, anger completely having taken over her. She held a polearm in her right hand, and her eyes found Kunikuzushi’s. She yelled, and sprinted towards him. Kazuha was about to get in front of Kunikuzushi to protect him, when Kunikuzushi ran towards Raiden.

“Wan- Kunikuzushi!” Kazuha shouted. Raiden was about to strike Kunikuzushi, when he swiftly ducked and dodged her attack. He threw a wind blade at her, but she swung back her head, dodging.

Kunikuzushi growled. Kazuha watched in awe. Kunikuzushi was… floating. A few inches above the ground, but still, floating.

Heizou and Gorou looked just as shocked. What was going on? Raiden then spun around and tried to hit Kunikuzushi, but he just flew backwards. He then spun around her, and threw multiple wind blades.

Raiden’s eyes sparked with electricity. Kunikuzushi landed back onto the ground and backed away, glaring at her with a slight hint of confusion. She swung her polearm, and a flash of lightning flared before Kunikuzushi. He barely managed to fly backwards and avoid it without getting torn apart.

Unfortunately, he still got hit slightly across his chest. There was a tear across his shirt, and he was burned. Kazuha’s eyes widened, and he sped towards Raiden.

Raiden caught wind of this, and blocked Kazuha’s attack, and threw him back. Kazuha managed to stay upwards by using the katana to stabilize himself on the ground. Gorou ran up to him worried. A sigh of relief escaped his mouth when he realized Kazuha was fine.

Heizou had led the ladies over the horses, and away from the fighting siblings. Kunikuzushi got up when Kazuha distracted Raiden, and was now flying around, attacking her with wind blades from every direction.

“Give it up, Raiden!” He yelled. “Never. I was destined for more. I was the one he was supposed to marry. You are NOTHING. You weren’t meant to be anything but an inconvenience!” Raiden yelled back, spinning around and following Kunikuzushi.

“You never had a chance! How can anyone love you when you don’t love them back?” Wanderer spat out. “All you care about is power and reputation. It's all any of you care about!” He yelled, slowing down, but still circling around Raiden.

“If you want to live a successful life, then those are the only things you have room for in your mind! You are too emotional. You are too angry and sad. You long for too much!” Raiden yelled, as she swung her polearm, knocking Wanderer off rhythm and onto the ground.

“Raiden, stop.” A soft voice spoke from behind them. The two looked to see who it was. Her voice was familiar, but the tone was new.

It was Ei. She was looking at them with a sorrowful expression. Heizou had let her out of her cuffs. Raiden’s face relaxed. “Raiden… it’s over. We did illegal things, we were the bad guys, and now justice is being served. There is no going back…” Ei cuffed her daughter's cheek, and pressed her forehead on hers.

“I’m sorry. I’m afraid I made you too tough. Now you’re barely even human…” She started. “Please, surrender.” Ei begged. Raiden’s face went back to a blank expression, and she nodded. She walked over to Heizou, and let him arrest her. She was emotionless. Like a puppet following orders from her master.

Ei then looked at Kunikuzushi softly, looking apologetic. She slowly made her way over to him. Kunikuzushi, still on the ground, scooted away, scowling at her. Ei just kneeled down in front of him, and bowed.

“Kunikuzushi… I am so sorry. What all three of us did to you is unforgivable, and forgiveness is not what I seek. You were too similar to her… My sister, Makato. Her heart was too big, and her kindness got her killed. You were so similar… Your eyes, your gentleness. I couldn’t bear it…” Tears started to swell in Ei’s eyes. “I pushed you away… and I made Mother Yae and Raiden push you away too. I was scared. I didn’t ever want to lose someone like that again. If I was to love, it needed to be people that were tough.”

“But that’s the thing… you were tough. So tough, this entire time, dealing with our abuse and neglect.” Ei looked up at Kunikuzushi, and caressed his cheek. “Deep down, I knew what I was doing was pure evil, and yet I still continued to push any human part of me away.” She kissed Kunikuzushi’s forehead gently. “Again, I don’t expect forgiveness, but you deserve an apology.”

Ei stood up, and walked away, and back to the others. Kunikuzushi sat there in disbelief. Tears started to form in his eyes. Kazuha rushed over to him and hugged him, and he broke.

Kunikuzushi broke down into tears and sobbed, for the first time in years. He let everything out that he had been shoving down for so long. He felt pathetic, but as long as it was in Kazuha’s arm, then it was okay.

Heizou tied a rope to his stallion, and then through the girl's handcuffs. He tied a knot on the last cuff, Ei’s, so they couldn’t slip out of the rope and run.

When Kunikuzushi had calmed down, Kazuha carried him over to his horse. He mounted Miyuki, and then pulled Kunikuzushi up. Kunikuzushi wrapped his arms around Kazuha’s waist and rested his head against his back.

Heizou and Gorou also mounted their horses. Kunikuzushi looked at the house he was raised in one final time, before turning his head away. Good riddance.

Unbeknownst to them, a blue haired doctor lingered in the bushes, watching as they left with his prized experiment.

Chapter Text

Kazuha had a small smile on his face during the entire ride. He had found his Wanderer of the Willow. Kunikuzushi on the hand had ended up falling asleep holding onto Kazuha. Ei stared at his face, guilt and regret filling her heart.

The idea of being a mother like the ones in books her and Miko read together sounded quite appealing now. She often judged them for being so weak and emotional with children, and letting them feel such trivial emotions, but now, she wished she had done that with her children.

When they passed through Tartarsuna, towns folks' jaws dropped at the sight of the Shogun family being arrested, and the boy they once knew as Scaramouche sleeping against Kazuha. Komaki smiled and did a nod of approval when she saw Kunikuzushi clinging onto Kazuha, and Kazuha smiled and nodded back. Some towns folks even clapped when they saw them, but were quickly silenced by other embarrassed towns folks.

When they arrived in the city, similar reactions ensued. Many people's jaws dropped, and many nodded in approval. No clapping though, which Kazuha was grateful for. It made him feel weird. Some people scowled and glared in a jealous fit at Kunikuzushi. Gorou would growl at them, and their faces would drop in shock and fear. Heizou couldn’t help but laugh every time.

Heizou stopped his horse. “Well, this is where I say goodbye, your highness.” Heizou said. “I’ll be taking these guys to jail.” Heizou waved as he rode away. Kazuha and Gorou waved goodbye in return. “I’ll escort you to the castle, your highness.” Gorou said.

“There is no need, General Gorou. Could you tell the milileth that the search is off, and that Wanderer has been found?” Kazuha asked. Gorou’s tail wagged. “Of course, your highness!” He said cheerfully. Gorou then ran off on his horse to go tell the milileth.

Kazuha made sure to have a hand holding Kunikuzushi’s arms that were placed around his waist. He worried he might fall off if he didn’t hold him in some way. How he was able to fall asleep on the back of a horse sitting up stunned Kazuha. Perhaps he was used to sleeping in uncomfortable places, or maybe he really was that comfortable against Kazuha.

When Kazuha approached the castle gates, the guards quickly opened them with a bow, a small smile on each of their faces. Kazuha stopped Miyuki in front of the castle steps, and gently stroked Kunikuzushi’s arm.

“Kunikuzushi…” He said softly. No response. “Kuni…? We’re at the castle…” Kazuha continued. After a moment, Kunikuzushi sighed. “Alright, fine.” He groaned as he jumped off the horse. Kazuha dismounted Miyuki, and a guard came to lead her away.

Kunikuzushi stared up at the castle in awe. Though he’d been here before, the sight of it in daylight bewildered him. Was he going to live here? Kunikuzushi turned back towards Kazuha, who was smiling at him.

Kazuha then held out his arm. “Shall we?” He asked. Kunikuzushi linked his arm with Kazuha, and they made their way up to the castle door.

At the top, the Queens stood amongst the doorway. Kunikuzushi felt slightly embarrassed in his old, torn clothes and overgrown hair. He knew he looked homeless, and quite frankly he felt homeless his entire life.

“A pleasure to finally meet you, Wanderer of the Willow.” Queen Ningguang smiled at him. Kunikuzushi bowed to the best of his abilities. It looked a little awkward though.

Beidou laughed. “Let's get you cleaned up and in some better clothes kiddo!” Beidou opened the grand door, and Ningguang went inside. Kunikuzushi was about to head inside as well, but Kazuha suddenly picked him up, and then headed inside.

“What’s this for? I’m not a child, I can walk.” Kunikuzushi said. Ningguang raised an eyebrow at him. This was an unexpected attitude. Kazuha smiled. “I felt like it.” He said.

“Go bring him to the washroom Kazuha, we’ll have one of the maids bring a nice change of clothes.” Ningguang said, before heading off to a different hallway. Beidou gave the two a cheeky smile, before heading after her wife.

Kazuha then carried Kunikuzushi to the washroom. He sat Kunikuzushi on a chair, and they talked for a bit before a maid came in with hair cutting supplies. She washed Kunikuzushi’s hair and trimmed it.

“I’m curious, how come your hair wasn’t that long at the dance?” Kazuha asked. “Magic.” Kunikuzushi said, looking at his newly cut hair in the mirror.

“Oh…? Is that also how you got such nice clothing?” Kazuha continued. “Yup. Magic… or something. Something straight out of a fairy tail book. The first night of the dance a dozen birds led me to this Willow tree, where I met Nahida. Apparently she’s my fairy godmother.” Kunikuzushi said casually.

Kazuha looked in disbelief. “I know, it doesn't make sense. Maybe I can take you to the Willow tree sometime, and you can meet Nahida.” Kunikuzushi said, turning to look at Kazuha, no longer admiring his haircut.

“Hmm… that sounds quite nice.” Kazuha said smiling. He was very curious and had many questions, but those could be saved for later. Kunikuzushi still needed to bathe.

Kazuha showed him where the bathtub was and left to give him some privacy. A few minutes later, a maid came up to him with some of Kazuha’s old clothes that he outgrew for Kunikuzushi. He left the clothes in the changing room, and then waited for Kunikuzushi to finish.

When Kunikuzushi was done, he came out, looking as refined as he did those previous nights. Kazuha smiled, and took his hand. “As handsome as ever.” Kazuha said.

Kunikuzushi smirked. “Oh? And I was still handsome when I looked like a homeless rug rat?” Kunikuzushi teased. “Somewhat… Honestly I thought it was more cute. Sadenning, more than anything, but you looked so innocent. It was cute.” Kazuha said confidently. Kunikuzushi slightly blushed and turned away, and Kazuha chuckled.

“So, would you like your own bedroom, or would you like to share one with me?” Kazuha asked. Kunikuzushi thought for a moment. Share a room with two separate beds, or share a bed? If they were separate, he might as well use a different room, if not… he wouldn't mind sleeping next to Kazuha every night, and waking up next to him the next morning.

“Depends.” He responded. “What would sharing look like?” He asked. “Well… if it’s fine with you, we share a bed, like a couple.” Kazuha said. “Are we a couple?” Kunikuzushi asked. Kazuha laughed. “Yes, I would think so. You know what the original intent of the ball was, right?”

Kunikuzushi raised an eyebrow, and thought for a moment, before slowly going red.

He had completely forgotten- the entire point of the ball was for Kazuha to find someone to marry. Kunikuzushi hadn’t cared for that. He just wanted to go for fun, for food, for freedom. He didn't go with any intention of even dancing with Kazuha.

“Wait, that means…” Kunikuzushi started, “Yes, it means you're the one I choose to marry.” Kazuha said. Kunikuzushi smiled. “Well then, if we’re a couple we might as well act like that.”

Kazuha softly chuckled. “We’re much more than that, we’re fiancés.” Kunikuzushi's heart fluttered. He was going to marry Kazuha…

Wait, he was getting married… One, a week ago if you told him that he’d laugh in your face, and two, when was it? Was there a date? A theme?

“I can see gears turning in your mind. Don’t think so much about the wedding yet. As long as it happens by the end of December, it’ll be okay. That's eight months to plan.” Kazuha reassured him. “For now, let's worry about getting you settled in.”

Kazuha took Kunikuzushi’s hand and led him to his room. It was large, with many open windows. The bed was the biggest bed Kunikuzushi had ever seen, granted that the only bed he ever saw was Raidens, which was twin sized. He wasn’t allowed to go in his mothers or Raiden’s room, but happened to see the bed when they first got it.

In the corner of the room were two large bookshelves on each wall, a sliding ladder on each. A couch laid opposite of the bookshelves, and a desk behind it. A mess of paper and quills were on the desk, along with many writings. Poems, ones Kazuha wrote, Kunikuzushi assumed.

There were also two other doors in the room. One for the bathroom, the other for the closet. Though the room was big, it was relatively empty. Aside from the bed, a fireplace on the opposite wall of the bed, a mini library, and a few plants on the window seal, the only other thing there was was the natural sunlight filling the room.

“This is my bedroom. There isn’t much to show, though. Do as you’d like, it’s now your bedroom too.” Kazuha said. Kunikuzushi wandered the room. He didn't dare touch anything, but just looked. That in itself felt wrong.

Kazuha frowned. “It’s not a museum, you can look at the books, and my writing.” Kazuha said, making his way over to Kunikuzushi. “Hah, I don’t even know how to read, why look at such things when it’s pointless?” Kunikuzushi said.

Kazuha’s frown grew deeper. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware. If you’d like, I could teach you.” Kazuha offered. Kunikuzushi pondered for a moment, before smiling and nodding. “Sure, if you’re the one teaching me.”

Kazuha pulled out a ladder on one of the shelves, and climbed up it. He looked at a row of books, tracing his fingers along them, before his face lit up and a “Aha!” escaped his lips. He grabbed one of the books, and climbed down.

“What are you doing?” Kunikuzushi asked. “We still have a few minutes till lunch, so I thought I’d find this book. It’s filled with poems. Usually it’s one you would lend to children, but since you’re learning I think it’ll work nicely. After lunch I’ll also write down the alphabet and teach you about each letter.” Kazuha said. Kunikuzushi felt embarrassed, and averted his gaze. He didn’t want to be treated like a child just because he never was before.

Kazuha seemed to notice a shift in Kunikuzushi’s attitude. “Is there something wrong?” He asked. Kunikuzushi shook his head. “Not at all.” He responded blankly. Kazuha tilted his head. “You can tell me, you know…” Kazuha said softly, putting the book down on the desk and stepping towards him. Kunikuzushi just shook his head again.

It seemed that Kunikuzushi didn’t like to open up. He was so used to hiding everything that opening up for his own benefit was difficult. The only time he had opened up to Kazuha was to try and get Kazuha to hate him, after all. Kazuha just slightly nodded. He understood, it would take time.

“Alright, I won’t pry.” Kazuha said. “How about we go down to lunch?” He held out his hand. Kunikuzushi stared at it for a moment through the corner of his eye, before reluctantly taking it. Kazuha hoped Kunikuzushi wouldn’t try to push him away again. They both worked hard to be together, there were no more reasons to push anyone away.

Kazuha shook these thoughts and smiled, and led Kunikuzushi to the dining room. He looked at his watch, it was 12:57pm. Lunch was served at 1pm everyday. Kazuha told Kunikuzushi this, and he nodded.

When they arrived in the dining room, Kunikuzushi looked around in awe. It was large, a fireplace sat on one wall, and windows laid across the opposite wall. In the center sat a long dining table full of luxurious gold and silver plates and silverware. The chairs were lush and comfortable, with designs embedded into them. The tablecloth was gold, with dark gold outlines drawn into the fabric. A chandler made of what looked like diamonds and another white crystal Kunikuzushi didn’t know the name of sat on the ceiling above the table. A painting of The Queens and Kazuha hung above the fireplace. Kunikuzushi admired that the most, especially Kazuha.

Queen Ningguang sat at the head of the table, and Beidou to the left of her. Kazuha went on the opposite side of Beidou and pulled out the second chair on the right side, indicating for Kunikuzushi to sit. He looked at Kazuha confused. “I’m pulling out a chair for you, so you can sit.” Kazuha smiled warmly.

“Oh, I see… Thank you.” Kunikuzushi said, sitting down in the chair, and Kazuha sat in the one closest to Ningguang. The royal family talked as they waited for food, and Kunikuzushi just sat there silently. He wouldn’t show it, but he was a little nervous. How was he supposed to casually dine and eat food with the Queens? Kazuha came off as so natural when he first met him, but the Queens, no, Queen Ningguang, came off as elegant and refined. Her face had a small smile placed on it as Queen Beidou teased Kazuha about Kunikuzushi, but still, she seemed somewhat cold.

It kind of reminded him of Ei, in a way. Elegant, but strong. The difference was Queen Ningguang looked much happier than his mother ever did, much more human.

While lost in his thoughts, Kunikuzushi hadn’t even realized he was staring at Ningguang. She must’ve caught wind of this, because her gaze shifted over to Kunikuzushi. “Is something the matter?” She asked. Her voice was soft, yet powerful. What would his Mother Ei sound like if her voice was as soft?

Kunikuzushi quickly looked away, resisting the urge to say anything rude. “No, my apologies.” Kunikuzushi said quietly. Beidou looked confused, while Kazuha and Ningguang frowned. Fortunately for Kunikuzushi, servers started flooding the room holding trays of food before anyone else could say anything.

Waitresses started pouring tea into all their tea cups, and waiters set a bowl of clam chowder soup, with bread on the side. A fine bowl of fruit sat in the middle, along with more bread, almonds, a teapot, sugar, and parmesan cheese. Kunikuzushi’s hunger really started to take a toll on him as the smell of this food entered his senses. He wanted to dig in, but knew that he had to wait.

Kunikuzushi didn’t know much about manners. Whenever he got to eat, he would just shove it down his throat, desperate for food to reach his stomach. He never had to learn manners because nobody knew he existed except his family, and they certainly didn’t want to eat with him anyways. Thanks to being in the same room with them as they ate sometimes though, he knew a bit about manners… like about their existence.

Now that Kunikuzushi thought about it, this was his first time eating with other people. That made him even more nervous, which made him pissed. Why did he care so much all of a sudden? He never did before, why now?

Kazuha lightly tapped Kunikuzushi’s shoulder. Kunikuzushi didn’t realize, but he completely zoned out staring at the soup. Both the Queens were looking at him concerned. Kunikuzushi leaned over by Kazuha, and whispered. “I don’t know anything about manners.”

Kazuha’s face slightly widened, like something just clicked inside his head. “Just follow my lead.” Kazuha said, straightening his posture. He gently unfolded his napkin, and placed it on his lap, watching Kunikuzushi out of the corner of his eyes to make sure he followed, and he did. Kazuha then picked up the soup spoon, leaned his head over the soup bowl, and started eating it. Kunikuzushi picked up his spoon as well, but before he could do anything else, Kazuha whispered. “Wrong spoon.”

Kunikuzushi quickly put the other spoon back, and picked up the right one. There were three spoons in this set up anyways, why was that? Why couldn’t they use the same spoon? Kunikuzushi decided to question this later, and started eating the soup.

It was delicious. Kunikuzushi resisted every urge not to just pick up the bowl and down it. He was still having some trouble with current etiquette, but did fairly well. When Kunikuzushi attempted to put almonds on his bread plate, and Kazuha stopped him, Beidou finally broke the tension with a booming laugh.

“Ahh, I’m sorry kid! My lady here advised me to try not to be too loud ‘cause it could scare ya, but I just can’t help it! You got too much tension, I know my wife looks scary but she’s a sweetheart, if you don’t completely know table manners yet we understand! Kazuha told us you don’t come from the most caring home.” Beidou said.

Ningguang sighed, but then smiled. “She’s correct. I apologize, I thought it’d be easier if we had a more quiet first meal, but it seems I only made both you and Kazuha more nervous.” Ningguang then took Kazuha’s hand in hers. “Sweetie, we said we’d already approve of who you choose. We trust you and your judgment, there is no need to be nervous about first impressions.” Ningguang said.

Kunikuzushi sighed of relief. He didn’t even know why he was so worried in the first place. Kazuha just seemed more nervous though. “Ah… you promise?” Kazuha asked. Beidou raised an eyebrow. “Of course we do, why? Is there a reason we shouldn’t?”

Kunikuzushi went back to being nervous almost immediately. Yes, they probably should question Kazuha’s judgment. Kunikuzushi often spoke rudely, got angry easily, and had a very troublesome past. He didn’t want this to be a burden on Kazuha’s shoulders though, and he knew he must feel guilty hiding all that from his mothers.

“Yes, there is.” Kunikuzushi spoke. “Uh… it’s not his fault, per say, he didn’t know until the end of the second night of the ball.” Kazuha frowned. “You don’t have to do this, Kunikuzushi.” He said. “Do what?” Ningguang asked.

“Admit my wrong doings… and crimes.” Kunikuzushi said quietly. There was a long moment of silence. Kunikuzushi didn’t dare look at any of their eyes. He felt ashamed. After what felt like a decade, Queen Beidou laughed.

She laughed.

“You aren’t the only one kid! Heck, I was a runaway pirate being chased for crimes I had done when I first met Ningguang!” Beidou said. Kazuha looked shocked. “What?! I never heard of that!” Kazuha said. “That’s because we didn’t want to encourage you to join a life of rebellion! We know how much you love freedom Kazuha, we didn’t want you doing anything dumb by hearing any of my pirate stories! Eventually, my old life simply became more and more of a thing in the past.” She said.

“I even killed a few people back in my day. I’m not proud of it, but I’ve done what I could to repent.” Beidou said, her voice toning down. “If you don’t want to open up about it, you don’t have to kid. What’s important to us is that you treat Kazuha well and take good care of him. We know better than anyone that the past is in the past, isn’t that right, Ning?”

Ningguang sighed. “Please, don’t ever call me that again… But yes, she’s correct. I have my fair share of a dark past as well. As long as you repent and face consequences, we only care about the present and future.” Ningguang said.

Both Kazuha and Kunikuzushi let out a sigh of relief in sync, to which Beidou laughed at. “I should also mention I’m not exactly the most polite person, nor am I one to care about trivial feelings.” Kunikuzushi said, far more relaxed. Kazuha face palmed, and Beidou’ laughter grew. Ningguang raised an eyebrow, but a small smile was sewn across her face. “I hope that doesn’t apply to my son.” Ningguang said. “Never.” Kunikuzushi smirked. Kazuha sunk in his chair, covering his face, red from embarrassment.

The rest of lunch went smoothly. All four of them laughed and talked. Kunikuzushi enjoyed it immensely. His family never had meals like that. It was either silent, them talking about business, or making snide remarks about Kunikuzushi. He hoped they’d get to do this often. When Kazuha told him they would be eating with his mothers during almost every meal, his face lit up.

“Except of course meals we would like to have in private. Like on dates.” Kazuha said as the two walked up the stairs, hand in hand. “Oh? And will those happen often too?” Kunikuzushi asked. “As often as you’d like.” Kazuha said, smiling softly.

When they made their way into their bedroom, Kazuha sat down at his desk and started writing on a piece of paper. Kunikuzushi watched carefully on the sofa. When Kazuha was done, he held it up. “This is a list of the English alphabet.” Kazuha said proudly. “We’ll start with the first letter, A.” He continued as he made his way over to Kunikuzushi and sat down.

Kazuha pointed at two different symbols on the page. “That one is an uppercase A, this is a lowercase one. We’ll learn the importance of lower and uppercase later. For now, they’re both a’s and only look different. Everything else is the same though.” Kazuha started. “A makes the sounds ‘ah’, or in special cases, ‘aye’. It’s a vowel, so in certain circumstances it’ll say its own name. I’ll teach you why in a bit.” Kazuha finished.

As Kazuha went on, Kunikuzushi got lost in his voice. He could listen to him for hours. He was really good at teaching too. He was gentle, direct, and clear. Kazuha would talk about each letter, what sounds they made, and what importance they had, before making Kunikuzushi sound out the letters. Once Kazuha had explained all the letters, he quizzed him by pointing to a random letter and having Kunikuzushi sound it out loud.

Kunikuzushi had done incredibly well. Kazuha could tell he had quite the natural intelligence. “I would almost think you’re ready to start reading.” Kazuha said after Kunikuzushi had gotten most of the letters sounds right. “I think we’ll practice a bit more for the next day or two, but after that we honestly could probably start reading the children’s poems.”

Kazuha cuffed Kunikuzushi’s cheek and gently turned his face towards him. Kunikuzushi blushed. “Good job. Here is your reward.” Kazuha said, and kissed him. Kunikuzushi stared up at him. “Will that happen every time we end a lesson?” He asked. “Maybe…” Kazuha chuckled and smiled, before standing up and stretching.

“Shall we head to dinner then?” Kazuha held out his hand. Kunikuzushi nodded and took it, and Kazuha pulled him up, a little more forcefully than usual so Kunikuzushi would fall onto his chest. Kunikuzushi blushed and pushed himself away. “Hey! You did that on purpose didn’t you?” Kunikuzushi glared at Kazuha. Kazuha laughed. “Maybe.” He teased.

Kunikuzushi turned away and started walking out of the room, Kazuha laughed out apologies as he chased him.

That night, they enjoyed a large feast celebrating Kazuha’s engagement. All three of them helped Kunikuzushi with manners, which silverware was for what, and other etiquette. There was music (courtesy of Kazuha), laughter, and even Queen Beidou pulling Ningguang out of her chair to dance.

Piercing red eyes watched through the window, fixated on Kunikuzushi. Kunikuzushi suddenly shivered, and turned towards the window, to find that nothing was there.

“Are you alright?” Kazuha asked, with Beidou and Ningguang laughing and dancing in the background. “Yeah…” Kunikuzushi said hesitantly, before shaking it off. “Yeah, I’m fine.” He smiled at Kazuha, reassuring him. Kazuha smiled back, and pulled him over to Ningguang and Beidou, joining them in their dancing.

…

A maid dropped by a pair of pajamas for Kunikuzushi while they were off at dinner. Kunikuzushi took another bath, taking full advantage of it. His pajamas were thick, soft, and warm. Kunikuzushi had never felt anything like it before. Kazuha’s pajamas were tailor made just for him. They were red, silky, and soft. Kazuha’s hair was down from his usual side ponytail, and he was laying in bed reading when Kunikuzushi was done getting ready for bed.

Kazuha looked up at him and smiled, and moved the sheets so Kunikuzushi could crawl up next to him. Kunikuzushi awkwardly did so, but when his body met the bed, he almost fell asleep right then and there. It was the comfiest thing Kunikuzushi had ever felt. Kazuha chuckled and put his book down on the nightstand, and pulled Kunikuzushi close.

Kunikuzushi rested against Kazuha’s chest, his breathing causing his chest to rise up and down, and his heart beating peacefully. Kunikuzushi closed his eyes, enjoying newfound comfort in his fiancé.

His life had turned around so quickly. Maybe the gods really were watching him, and were just waiting for the perfect moment to make a move. Part of him wondered what Dottore would do when he came to the empty Shogun house. Probably flip out. It humored Kunikuzushi. He knew he was safe within the castle gates, with Kazuha, and with Kazuha’s mothers. For the first time in his life, he was no longer in fight or flight mode.

With that, Kunikuzushi relaxed. He genuinely relaxed. Kazhua stroked his hair as he drifted off to sleep. How he ended up so lucky, he’d never know, but he promised he would make the most of it. He promised he would do everything to make Kazuha happy.

“I love you, Kunikuzushi.” Kazuha said softly.

“I love you too, Kazuha.” Kunikuzushi responded back, drifting off to sleep.

The End.

J̯̞ͬ͑͛̚̚ǘ̥͆̉s̩ţ̷̴̵̲̜̜̗͔͉̥͙̹͚̎͐ͪ̂ͮͩ͞͞_̪̮̜͇̄̃͂̿̀́̚ k̷̸̷̛͓̗̳̰͙͚̩̪͈̺͎͚͈̣̖ͭͦ̅ͣ͐̔ͫ̀́͊̍̿ͯ͜͟_́͢i̵̘͒͂͌͘_̶̢̙̂ͯ̒͐͒d̼̀͌d̴̵̙̤̣͈̝͇̜̓̅ͫ̈́͌̏̂͆̈̍̄̔ͭ͘̚i̴̲͈̝̘̘͉̣͚̯͎̱͍̯̮̜͖͓̯͂̎̀͌̈ͬ̀̃̃̄͒ͣ͆̑̍́̔́͆͛͝͠n̡̡̛͘g̘̑

“Ƴㄖᙀ ᖇ乇ᗣㄥᒐㄚ ㄒᕼ丨ᙁҜ 丨'ㄥᒐ ᒐ乇Ʈ Ʈ卄ᙓ爪 卄ᗣᐯᙓ ᗣ ᕼ卂ᕈ卩Ƴ ᙓ几ᙃ丨ᙁᎶ?”

𝕴 𝖆𝓂 𝒸𝖔𝓂𝖎𝓃𝖌 𝖋ℴ𝖗 𝖞ℴ𝖚, 𝒦𝖚𝓃𝖎𝓀𝖚𝓏𝖚𝓈𝖍𝒾. -ℐ𝖑 𝕯ℴ𝖙𝓉𝖔𝓇𝖊

Chapter Text

Wanderer sighed frustratingly. It was October 13th, seven months after he and Kazuha had gotten engaged, and five weeks until the wedding. He was currently signing over hundreds of wedding invites. His hand hurt, and his signature was sloppy. Within a month of Kazuha teaching Wanderer how to read and write, he had started writing sentences. His progress regarding his education went by rather fast, but he still wrote like a child.

“It’ll take time to develop your own unique and well written handwriting. Just give it time.” Kazuha had told him when he first started writing. Though his handwriting has gotten better, it was still the equivalent of a 5th grader. His spelling still needed work as well. Overall it was just an incredible annoyance on his hands.

Even worse, he was required to sign hundreds of wedding invites. He wasn’t sure why it had to be him, or why they needed signing in the first place, but whatever. Kazuha said it was something about the nation realizing their new prince, and connecting with them. He didn’t really know.

Wanderer rested his head on the desk, and stared at the bookshelf. He was in his and Kazuha’s room. He refused to spend hours signing pointless invites anywhere else. This was tedious work he wasn’t used to, it was too neat. Back at The Shogun House, he would often get his hands dirty and do a lot of labor work, not anything tedious or business-like.

Suddenly, a pair of arms slid around Wanderers neck and hugged him, and a head rested against the back of his. “How is it going, my love?” A soft voice asked him. “Horribly. I hate this.” Wanderer responded bluntly. The voice laughed, and moved his head to look at the invitations. “You’re making quite a bit of progress.” The voice said. “I’m sure if you keep going, you’ll be done within an hour.”

Wanderer sighed. “I still don't understand why I have to do this, Kazuha.” Wanderer said. “Again, it’s because we want the people of our nation to know you care about them, enough that you’ll sign their wedding invitations.” Kazuha responded.

“Isn’t an open wedding dangerous?” Wanderer asked. “What if he shows up?”
“If he does, it’ll be taken care of. We’ll have the best guards on the lookout for him. And who knows, maybe we’ll find him before the wedding even happens.” Kazuha said optimistically. Wanderer scoffed. “Yeah right. We haven’t even gotten a lead on him in the past seven months, who’s to say we’re even gonna catch him in the next five weeks?”

Kazuha frowned. “My love, try not to worry about it too much, okay? I’m here to protect you, and you can protect yourself quite well too” He said. He was right. Wanderer wasn’t quite as scrawny now that he was living at the castle and eating all three meals a day. He had also started training and working out with Kazuha, and had gotten much stronger. He also worked out on his own time a lot. It made him feel strong, and he liked it. It was hard work, but getting through it without a problem made him feel stronger emotionally too.

“Alright, I won’t worry about it.” Wanderer said, surrendering. Kazuha chuckled and kissed him on the cheek, letting go of his embrace. “Come on, you need a well deserved break, and so does your hand.” He said, pulling Wanderer out of the chair. “It’s dinner time anyways.”

Kazuha and Wanderer walked down to dinner, hand in hand, their conversation mostly being Kazuha flirting and lightly teasing Wanderer. When they entered the dining room, Beidou sat there laughing in her self assigned seat next to Ningguang, who sat at the head of the table. Kazuha sat on the other side of Ningguang, and Wanderer sat next to him.

“Hey lovebirds! How is the signing going, Wanderer?” Beidou asked. Wanderer grumbled and folded his arms across his chest. “It’s going alright.” He said, annoyed. Kazuha smiled. “He’s almost done.” He informed his mothers.

“Good! Don’t worry kid, I understand the pain, I had to do that too for mine and Ningguangs wedding.” Beidou reassured Wanderer. It was nice to have somebody understand this whole ‘getting situated as a prince, and soon to be king’ ordeal.

Wanderer sat criss crossed in his chair. Though he learned etiquette, after becoming comfortable with the queens, he didn’t care for it. Neither of them cared either. As long as he kept up his manners in front of others outside of the castle. He placed his elbow on the table and rested his head in his hand.

Wanderer’s thoughts started to drift off. Many things have plagued his mind recently. He often thought about Nahida, Tori, and the other finches. He hadn’t seen any of them since he left The Shogun House. He wondered if he would ever see them again. He and Kazuha planned to venture out into the forest and look for The Willow tree after their honeymoon.

Then obviously the wedding. While he didn’t care much for the wedding, Kazuha did. Wanderer was just happy to be marrying Kazuha. As long as there was a priest officiating them and all their friends, he would be happy, but Kazuha wanted it to be special. Kazuha wanted many little things. He wanted it to be in fall, he wanted the officiation to be under maple trees, he wanted a chair for his late father’s spirit to sit in, cream colored napkins, certain foods, and many more little things.

Again, while Wanderer didn’t care about things like that, he did care for Kazuha. If Kazuha wanted it to be special and grand, then Wanderer would make it special and grand. He spent a lot of time making sure everything was perfect for Kazuha. It was quite stressful. The biggest problem was that it was Wanderer stressing himself out. Kazuha was putting no pressure on him in any way at all, and it was all Wanderer’s doing. Kazuha had no idea Wanderer was working so hard to make sure everything was perfect. For all he knew, the planning was going smoothly. Wanderer was the one making sure it was all going smoothly though.

This was a problem because Wanderer didn’t want Kazuha to know how stressed he was. He couldn’t confide in Kazuha for comfort or talk to him about it, and that is what was hardest. Usually, he would go on senseless, angry rants as Kazuha chuckled to himself. It wasn’t exactly him venting about anything too troubling or opening up, but ranting about stressful or annoying things helped… As long as it was Kazuha he was ranting to. Still, he didn’t want Kazuha to feel like it was his fault for Wanderer being stressed, because it wasn’t. This was his choice.

Another thing that was often on his mind was his Mother Ei. She was still in jail, but due to hers and Yae Miko’s riches, and apparently Mother Ei being on good behavior, she was supposed to be out by April. She had reached out once and asked to talk with him. She said that she understood if he didn’t want to, but would like to try and fix their relationship as best as possible.

That was back in August. It had been two months, and he still wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. He did want his Mother to love him, yes, but now that she was willing to, he wasn't sure if it would feel right. His whole life she shunned him away, how could he ever accept anything else?

Not only that, but did she deserve a relationship with him? After all she had done, what right did she have? Unfortunately, she understood that, which made the decision harder. Not to mention needing someone to walk him down the aisle.

It’s tradition for whoever is being married into royalty walk down the aisle with a family member they love and look up to. Problem was, that family member didn’t exist in Wanderer’s life. He had thought about having his Mother do it, but they would have to work through things first, and he wasn’t sure if he wanted to do that. It was very frustrating.

The biggest thing that was taking over his mind was Il Dottore though. Detective Heizou did more investigating, and talked to all of the wealthy families who had a similar pattern of drawing out a large sum of money during the same time of year. Some fessed up, others stayed quiet. They learned that the money was indeed to go to Dottore. In exchange, Dottore would do all their dirty work.

Some of their dirty work included disciplining their children, or in other cases, treating a child’s illness.

Collei was one of these children. Her family hired Il Dottore to find a cure to her eleazar. Unfortunately, they had no idea that his treatment was cruel, and that there were other selfish “treatments” Dottore used for himself. When Collei’s mother started to question Dottore about why she couldn’t see her daughter, he killed her family using the classic carriage accident.

Somehow, she escaped his grasp, later finding a Knight from a neighboring nation named Amber. Amber helped chase anyone who was after her away. After that, Amber’s coworker, Lisa, contacted her friend Cyno. Cyno and his husband Tighnari had been looking to adopt a child. Lisa knew that all three of them needed each other. She knew they would take amazing care of Collei, and that Collei would take over Cyno and Tighnari’s hearts.

It had been three, almost four years since then. Collei had healed a lot.

Anyways, when Heizou talked to these families, many said he hadn’t shown up to appointments since Wanderer was taken to the castle. He had completely disappeared, to the point that not even his clients knew a single thing about his whereabouts.

This was the thing stressing Wanderer out the most. They have searched almost everywhere, and yet found no trace of Dottore.

Wanderer knew he was nearby though.

He couldn’t explain it, but he knew. Every once in a while he felt like someone was watching him through the windows. By the time he turned around though, the feeling was gone, and no one was there. He worried he was being paranoid, but Kazuha said that what he was feeling was valid, and that instincts are feelings we should trust.

However, everytime something like this happened, they would search the castle up and down, and there would still be no sign of him. Kazuha started keeping his katana by their bedside at night, putting Wanderer at ease. Though he didn’t believe that Kazuha could take Dottore down on his own, he knew that he and Kazuha, along with the Queens and other knights, could… hopefully.

It also helped that whenever this happened, the Queens would set up futons in their bedroom and let Kazuha and Wanderer sleepover. It felt childish, and Wanderer was against it, but it was Kazuha’s idea, and he insisted.

So much on his mind, and such little time to do anything about almost all of them.

“Wanderer? Dear?”
“Earth to Wanderer! C’mon kiddo, stop spacing out…”
“We know what you’re thinking, you need to stop.”

Voices start to tune into Wanderers' minds. He shook his head as he was brought back to reality. He looked around the table and was met with concerned faces from all around. “Atta there kiddo…” Beidou said softly. “We know you have a lot on your mind at the moment, but you needn’t let them take over you.” Ningguang said thoughtfully.

Wanderer just nodded. He didn’t feel like apologizing at the moment for something they’re sticking their noses in. Wanderer could handle it on his own.

The kitchen doors then swung open, and servers swarmed in with their food. Scalloped potatoes, roast beef, vegetables, countless desserts, and fruit took over the table. As the other three took turns dishing up their food, Wanderer sat back. He didn’t feel like eating.

Once Kazuha was done dishing up his own food, he grabbed Wanderers plate without even sparing a glance, and dished up a small portion of potatoes and vegetables. He then placed it back in front of Wanderer. It almost seemed like this was a regular occurrence.

And it sort of was.

“Eat that for me, my love. It’s not much. You need food.” Kazuha said, before taking a bite out of his potatoes. Wanderer sighed, and poked at his food for a moment, before taking a bite. Whenever Wanderer was feeling overwhelmed, angry, or depressed, he didn’t eat. Starvation and negative feelings played hand in hand when it came to Wanderer, thanks to the neglect he suffered. It was hard to eat when he was feeling like this.

Kazuha noticed this before Wanderer did. Since then, Kazuha would dish up a small portion of some of the food, specifically the food Wanderer would enjoy the most, and make sure he ate it. It was slightly difficult forcing the food down his throat, but he wasn’t weak. He could push himself.

And so he did. Wanderer finished his food within a few minutes, and sat there silently as the others talked. He once again pondered, but made sure to keep a grip on reality. He needed to think of solutions to these problems.

Regarding his Mother… maybe it was worth a try. For Kazuha, at the very least. He needed someone to walk him down the aisle. He knew he’d be able to get his mother a day pass out of jail for their wedding.

But what about after the wedding? Sort things out for the wedding, and then go back to being abuser and victim? What other reason did he truly care about regarding their relationship being fixed other than the wedding?

Again though, it was worth a try. He would visit her once, and see how he felt. Yeah, he liked that idea. If he doesn’t like what happens, he’ll permanently lock his Mother out of his life. Seemed reasonable enough.

“Now what are you thinking about?” Kazuha asked. Wanderer smirked. “I’ll tell you later.” He said. Kazuha smiled. He liked when Wanderer told him things. He liked when he got to see what goes on in his mind a bit.

“So, boys, I got some wedding questions for you.” Beidou said, leaning back in her chair and crossing her legs. “Have you got any groomsmen lined up yet?” She asked.

Groomsmen. While this topic did get Wanderer thinking, it wasn’t as stressful. “Ah, that is slightly complicated.” Kazuha started. “We want to have the same amount of groomsmen, but we aren’t sure on whether to have two or three.” He finished.

He was correct. Neither of them knew how many they wanted. For Kazuha, he has two best friends he’s known all his life, and it would mean a lot for him to just have them there next to him on their wedding day, but he also has another close friend that he’s had since he was adopted. His name was Albedo, and he was an alchemist that worked for the castle.

He was only a few years older than Kazuha, but he was a genius, and moved up in alchemy quite fast, despite barely being old enough for a job. Both of them had a passion for art in some way, Kazuha was music, Albedo’s was visual art. They grew quite close over the years, Albedo was the only friend Kazuha had when he wasn’t allowed to leave the castle. Though he wasn’t as close with him as Heizou and Gorou, he would still argue that they’re close, so Kazuha would also love for him to be a groomsman as well. Especially after all he’s done for Kazuha.

Wanderer was in a similar dilemma. If Kazuha decided that he wanted three groomsmen, it wouldn’t be a problem, if he decided two… it became a slight problem.

Wanderer had exactly three friends. He had become quite close with Cyno and Tighnari the past few months, especially thanks to Collei. He often joined them for dinner, or would talk with them after hanging out with Collei for a bit. However, he ended up making a new friend that he felt quite connected to as well.

His name was Xiao. He was some kind of secret agent. Something about bringing justice to the evil “monsters” who lurk in the shadows and alleyways. He wasn’t quite sure. Xiao’s explanation was quite… unfathomed.

Xiao didn’t like opening up, similar to Wanderer, but it was easy to tell he had it rough at one point as well, and seemingly still... Xiao never asked Wanderer what he went through, and Wanderer never asked Xiao either. Instead, they connected through somewhat dark conversations, and duels.

They both had sour and boarded up personalities, and because of this they had a mutual understanding of where their attitude came from. They both respected each other, and they both had respect for similar things. The strong, the wind, combat, family. The only thing they disagreed on was food. Wanderer hates sweet things, while Xiao loves them. Especially almond tofu. Wanderer had tried that before at the castle, and it was way too sweet for him.

Still, he was quite fond of Xiao. It was nice being around someone who felt like they understood almost everything.

Now here is where the problem comes in. If he could only choose two groomsmen, he would be making someone feel left out somehow. If he chose Cyno and Tighnari, the obvious pair, he knew Xiao would feel like their friendship wasn’t as meaningful as it was. Xiao would show no sign of this, but because they were similar, he could already tell this is what would happen. However, if he chose Xiao and split up the couple, that would be obvious favoritism. It was complicated. He just had to hope Kazuha chose three groomsmen.

“Really? Well, do both of you have three groomsmen in mind?” Beidou asked. The two both nodded. “Then there is your answer. Do three. The more the merrier!” Beidou smiled. Kazuha thought for a moment, before smiling and nodding. “Yes, I am content. I think I would end up feeling bad if I chose two anyways. It’d end up leaving Albedo out.”

Wanderer showed clear relief. “I am more than okay with it.” Wanderer said. “Oh? You wanted three groomsmen? You could have told me, I would’ve agreed.” Kazuha said, chuckling. “I don’t really care about all that stuff, it just might’ve been a little inconvenient having to choose two groomsmen out of my three choices…” Wanderer said, turning away.

Kazuha laughed. He knew Wanderer felt more strongly about the subject than just an inconvenience. He genuinely cared for his friends and Kazuha knew it.

“Well, go on, who are they?” Beidou asked. “Ah, I’m sure you already know my answer. Heizou, Gorou, and Albedo.” Kazuha said. Beidou nodded affirmingly, like she agreed. “Yes, yes that does make sense. Wanderer?”

“Cyno, Tighnari, and Xiao.” He said. Kazuha smiled. Beidou raised her eyebrow. “Xiao?” She asked questionably. “Never heard of him, how come you’ve never mentioned him?” Beidou asked.

Wanderer pondered for a moment. He knew Kazuha knew about Xiao, but had he really not mentioned him in front of the Queens?

Wait, did the Queens really not know who he was? Sure, his work was secretive, but no work is completely secretive to the royal family.

“I guess the topic was just never brought up. You’ve never heard of him though?” Wanderer asked. Ningguang shook her head. “I don’t believe we have. Why?” She asked. Wanderer just shook his head. “No matter…” He mumbled.

Kazuha tilted his head, confused. Maybe Wanderer would tell him later, like he said earlier when he zoned out after taking a bite out of his food. Kazuha was sure he could persuade him to open up a bit if what he was thinking about wasn’t too disturbing.

Wanderer ate slowly as dinner went on. Per usual, Beidou and Kazuha were the most talkative ones, while Wanderer focused on forcing his food down his throat, and Ningguang watched her family lovingly. Eventually Wanderer felt too sick to eat any more, so he slightly pushed his plate away before he hurled. Kazuha seemed to notice how pale Wanderer looked, so he excused them from dinner and took Wanderer back to their room.

“You alright?” Kazuha asked as they walked up the stairs, putting an arm around Wanderer’s waist. “Was it the food? I tried not to give you too much-” Kazuha started. “Fine. I’m fine.” Wanderer interrupted him. He felt irritated. He hated feeling like he was too dependent or weak. Although, that seemed to be happening a lot lately. He wasn’t some charity case people needed to dote over.

Kazuha on the other hand just felt saddened. Lately Wanderer had these odd mood swings. Of course, he was already a bit irritated from the invitations, but usually he’d lean on Kazuha's touch and comfort. Lately he’s seemed to push it away though.

“I’m going out to the garden. Don’t follow me.” Wanderer said coldly. He pushed himself away from Kazuha and walked back down the stairs and left to the garden. Kazuha sighed and went back to their room.

Wanderer was hit with a soft gust of wind when he went outside. He climbed up a tree, one of his favorite things to do while in the garden, and relaxed. He always thought about Nahida and Tori when he sat here. He missed them. Tori had felt like a little sister to him, and Nahida felt.. Motherly.

Though he wanted to be alone, he also really wanted to talk with Nahida. If motherly was what he was looking for, he could always confide in Ningguang or Beidou, but it wasn’t the same. He wanted Nahida.

Wanderer tilted up his head, frustrated. He tilted it back down and looked at the fence that surrounded the castle.

Wanderer had never left the castle alone, and rarely at all since he was rescued. It was incredibly suffocating. He daydreamed about running away for a few hours whenever he was stuck doing something boring, like studying or etiquette lessons.

Right now though, he was a lot more than just bored. He was feeling a mix of emotions, stress, sadness, grief, anger, longing. He deseraptly just wanted to get out.

So he quietly made his way over to the stables, and started putting reins on his favorite horse, Karasu. Karasu was aggressive, and most people were too scared to ride her. Wanderer liked her though. He thought she was bold and beautiful. He didn’t mind the aggressiveness. Karasu wasn’t as aggressive with Wanderer though, so that probably played into it.

Wanderer didn’t even bother putting a saddle on her. He’d just go bareback. He hopped on, and was about to run out of the stalls when a guard appeared in the exit.

The guard stared at him with a small smirk. “It’s getting late, you should probably wait till morning to go riding, and bring the prince with you.” He said. Wanderer glared at him, but a small feeling of paranoia rose in him. Karasu was freaking out a little bit as well, lifting her hooves off the ground and pacing a little. Wanderer rubbed her neck to calm her down.

“Me and the prince don’t have to do everything together, and I’m no child. I’ll be fine on my own.” Wanderer snarled. “Now move.”

“Are you sure that’s smart when there’s a threat looking for you?” The guard grinned, his red eyes going a bit wide. Karasu reared up a bit. Wanderer kept his balance, continuing to stroke her neck.

“I’ll be fine, now move or we run you over.” Wanderer said, urging Karasu to go forward. Karasu started to run out of the stall, the guard jumping to the side just in time. Wanderer laughed. “Atta girl.” He said, patting her neck as they ran over to the gates. Wanderer ordered the guards to open the gate. The two guards looked at each other, doubtful, but then did so.

As soon as they were open enough that Karasu could run out, they did so. Wanderer knew exactly where he wanted to go. He ran through the city, drunk adults starstruck by their soon to be king galloping through the city.

Karasu just kept running in the direction Wanderer guided her to. Eventually making their way through Tartarasuna. Wanderer kept going though. He rode all the way back to the abandoned Shogun Mansion. It was a mess. The windows were broken from villagers vandalizing the place, and furniture was taken.

Wanderer sighed. “This will take me ages… hopefully mothers won’t be too upset at the wait.” Wanderer said as he dismounted Karasu. Karasu seemed anxious and stomped her hoofs. Something was wrong with Wanderer, and she could tell.

Wanderer entered the mansion, and immediately got to work without even looking around. He grabbed rags that were now covered in dust, along with a bucket, and went out to the water pump. He filled the bucket with water, and dipped the rag in, and started to wipe down all the dirt in the kitchen.

Once he was done cleaning the kitchen, he could see the sky starting to light up. It must’ve been morning.

“Archons…” Kunikuzushi swore under his breath. “Took me that long to just clean the kitchen. The table isn’t even here.” He groaned.

Suddenly, he heard the sounds of footsteps nearing towards him. His anxiety rose for a second, but he quickly calmed it down and put on a brave face. His mothers and sister were coming. He hadn’t even prepared their tea yet.

He quickly got to work, putting a (empty) kettle on the stove, and shoving some firewood in the oven.

“Wanderer…?” A voice spoke. “I’ll have your tea down in a moment, mother, the kitchen was just so-” Kunikuzushi was interrupted when someone grabbed him. He closed his eyes, preparing to be slapped, or thrown.

But instead he was hugged.

The person hugging him let go of the hug and looked at Kunikuzushi, holding his face in their hands.

It was Kazuha.

“Wanderer, what are you doing?” Kazuha looked at him with an incredibly concerned expression. Wanderer stared at him, before blinking a few times and looking around.

“I… don’t know.” Wanderer said. He seemed a bit dazed. Kazuha picked him up. “You scared the hell out of me, Wanderer…” Kazuha said as he carried Wanderer outside. Wanderer just stayed silent.

“I’m lucky Karasu came back to the castle freaking out. She led me here. She really is a great mare.” Kazuha continued to talk as Wanderer stayed silent. Kazuha helped Wanderer onto Karasu. She seemed to be incredibly gentle at the moment, even with someone else handling her other than Wanderer. She could tell that Wanderer needed to depend on her.

Kazuha got on Miyuki, and took Karasu’s reins. Wanderer was so dazed. Kazuha was worried that he'd have to have Wanderer ride on the back of Miyuki. Karasu seemed to understand the situation well though, as she remained steady and calm.

When they got back to the castle, Kazuha had some of the stable workers take their horses as he picked up Wanderer, and carried him into the castle. Kazuha would frantically shake his head at anyone that tried to come near them, signaling that Wanderer needed to be alone.

When they got up to their room, Kazuha helped Wanderer bathe and clean himself. Wanderer hadn’t spoken since Kazuha found him at the Shogun Mansion. Kazuha kept trying to get him to say something, but nothing seemed to work. Kazuha just gently rubbed soap into Wanderers hair as he slowly sunk into the bubbles.

Kazuha chuckled as he did so. You could only see the top half of Wanderers head now. “My love, are you feeling a bit better now?” Kazuha asked. He knew how much Wanderer loved taking baths, and was hoping it’d help. Wanderer nodded.

Kazuha rinsed out Wanderers hair, and kissed him on the forehead. “There’s a change of clothes on the counter, as well as a towel. I’m going to leave you alone now. You’re all clean, so you can relax as much as you want.” Kazuha stood up, gave one last smile to Wanderer, and walked out of the bathroom.

The bath had helped Wanderer snap out of… whatever just happened to him. It was like he was pretending he still had his old life. Why? Why the hell would he ever want to go back to that life?

Being clean again brought him back to reality. Being clean wasn’t something he was used to back in his old life. He felt bad for not responding to Kazuha, but he didn’t even know what he would say.

“Hey, sorry I ran away like a child and roleplayed my trauma.” As if. How were you supposed to say anything after that? Wanderer sighed, before drying himself off and getting changed.

As Wanderer entered their bedroom, Kazuha was laying on the bed reading a book. As soon as he saw Wanderer, he put the book down and raced up to him. He put his hands on Wanderers cheeks, and caressed them.

“How are you feeling, darling?” He asked softly. Wanderer smiled as he leaned into Kazuha’s touch. “Much better. Thank you.”

“Good, because after you get some sleep I want to go over to Tighnari’s and Cyno’s home.” Kazuha said, sounding a bit more firm. Wanderer raised an eyebrow, but didn’t ask why. Quite frankly, he was exhausted. He had gone over 24 hours without sleep.

Kazuha pulled Wanderer over to their bed, and forced him to sit down. Kazuha looked serious, and Wanderer found it cute. “Sleep.” He said. Wanderer chuckled a little and laid in their bed. Kazuha stroked his hair.

“I want you to sleep all day today. You need it. And no buts. I’ll wake you up when you need to eat and when it’s time to go to Tighnari’s and Cyno’s.” Kazuha said, and kissed Wanderers forehead. Wanderer smiled and stuck his tongue out. Kazuha smiled and rolled his eyes.

“I love you, Wanderer.”

“I love you too Kazuha, thank you. Now stop dotting over me and go get what you need to done, dumbass.”

Kazuha chuckled, and left the room. Wanderer closed his eyes and fell asleep.

“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆, 𝑲𝒖𝒏𝒊~”

Wanderer sat up with a jolt, frantically looking around. He grabbed Tulaytullah and got up, looking around. He opened the door to his room to find the guard from the stable standing outside his room, along with another guard.

“Something the matter, sir?” The red eyed guard asked, a slight smile on his face.

“Yeah, you. Both of you leave.” Wandered snarled.

“We can't, sir, direct orders from the general.” The other guard said.

“The general?” Wanderer asked sharply. “Well orders from your new prince and future king are telling you to leave. So scram.”

“Sir!” Both knights shouted, before racing off. What the hell… Wanderer groaned, and plopped back on his bed. It was probably just a nightmare. Maybe he overheard some conversation those guards were having while he was sleeping and his brain took it the wrong way.

Still, Wanderers heart was racing, and there was a pit in his stomach. His breathing felt hitched, and his mind was racing as he sat there in a cold sweat.

Something was wrong. Very wrong. And he knew it.

Chapter Text

Instead of joining the queens for dinner like usual, Kazuha and Wanderer went to Tighnari’s and Cyno’s, joining them instead. Tighnari had been researching a lot about mental health and trauma, something that was not usually a big of a deal in their day and age. Kazuha thought it’d be good to talk to Tighnari about what had happened earlier that day. Wanderer kept refusing. He was embarrassed.

“Please, I don’t want this to become a regular thing.” Kazuha pleaded. Wanderer gave him a stern look. Kazuha frowned, pleading with his eyes. Wanderer let out a frustrated sigh. “Fine.”

Kazuha smiled, and knocked on a little cottage door.

Inside, they could hear some clattering and a small yelp. Wanderer snickered, and Kazuha shot a look at him.

“Careful Collei!” A voice shouted behind the door. Collei opened the door, looking a little frantic.

“Prince Wanderer! Prince Kazuha! Uh-” Collei bowed awkwardly. Wanderer laughed. “We visit you guys every week and you still greet us like we’re gonna execute you guys.” He said as he casually walked inside. Kazuha sighed and apologized.

Tighnari came out from around the corner. “Ah, welcome. Collei, are you okay?” Tighnari looked at her concerned. She looked embarrassed and nodded, quickly fixing the decoration that she had tripped over.

Wanderer walked to the kitchen, where Cyno was currently making rice. Wanderer put down the basket of desserts they brought on the table. “Want some help?” He offered. Cyno shook his head.

“That’s rice of you, but I can handle it.” Cyno looked smug at his joke. Wanderer snorted, while Tighnari came into the kitchen looking annoyed. Kazuha followed after Tighnari, and Collei frantically ran around the kitchen looking for all the ingredients.

Despite Cyno’s refusal, Wanderer and Kazuha still helped prepare dinner. After Collei set the table with Wanderer, Kazuha and Tighnari brought the food over. The five of them sat down around the table, and almost immediately Kazuha brought up the topic Wanderer had been dreading.

“So, Tighnari, if you don’t mind, I was hoping we could talk to you about something.” Kazuha said, reaching and holding Wanderer’s hand from under the table. Wanderer scowled a bit. “Oh?” Tighnari’s ears perked up. “Does it require us to talk in private?” He asked. Kazuha shook his head.

“No, I think it’d be best for everyone to be here for this.” Kazuha looked at Wanderer, who avoided eye contact. Kazuha sighed, and looked back at Tighnari.

“Last night, Wanderer ran off to the Shogun Mansion. Early this morning I discovered that he wasn’t next to me in bed, and when I went outside, Karasu was freaking out. I followed her and found Wanderer in The Shogun Mansion… he was… uh… it was like he was back to his previous life.” Kazuha kept glancing at Wanderer as he talked, just to find Wanderer still looking away in shame.

“Hm… Like reenacting his trauma in a way?” Tighnari asked. Kazuha nodded. Cyno sat back and thought for a moment. “I’ve heard of this before in my line of work…” Cyno said softly. “Typically, children that are raised in abusive environments adapt, and the abusive environment ends up being their normal.” He said.

Tighnari nodded. “I read about this before too, I believe. We’ve never had something like that happen with Collei, but it has popped up in books I’ve read when we first adopted Collei. Have you gone under any extreme stress lately, Wanderer?” Tighnari asked. Kazuha looked at Wanderer worriedly. Wanderer just sat there, looking away.

Tighnari sighed. “Sometimes when abuse survivors go under extreme stress, or discomfort, they’ll resort to trying to recreate the feeling of abuse, often reenacting it. Abuse was your normal Wanderer, and in a desperate attempt to relieve stress or discomfort, you went back to what was always normal for you. It’s a way of coping, a way of comfort.”

Wanderer scoffed. “That’s ridiculous, how the hell would abuse be comforting?” He glared at Tighnari. “Because, as I said, it was your normal. I’d suggest finding different ways to cope with stress and discomfort.” Tighnari said before sipping his tea. Kazuha squeezed Wanderer’s hand.

What was Wanderer so stressed about? Obviously Dottore, but that didn’t entirely make sense. Wanderer was stressed because of Dottore hurting him, so why would he try to reenact being hurt again? Was there something else? Kazuha sighed and decided he would ask later.

Wanderer continued to eat in silence as the others talked. He felt a little bad for being cold, but they asked for it. What had happened earlier was his business. He wasn’t a damsel in distress. He could handle it on his own, and it pissed him off that everyone thought otherwise.

As they were about to leave, Wanderer pulled Cyno and Tighnari to the side. Tighnari looked a little anxious, and Cyno seemed empathetic. He was starting to rethink this. “If you think I’m going to talk about this morning's incident, I’m not.” He said blankly. “It’s something regarding the wedding.”

Tighnari’s ears perked up and Cyno looked curious. “I want you two to be some of my groomsmen.” Wanderer said. He felt a little embarrassed. Tighnari smiled brightly, and Cyno smiled a little more softly.

“We’d love to, Wanderer.” Cyno said. Tighnari nodded. “Yes, it would be our honor. Thank you.”

Wanderer just nodded, looking away somewhat awkwardly. Tighnari chuckled a bit, and then they discussed some of the details of their job as groomsmen.

Cyno and Tighnari waved goodbye to the princes as they mounted on their horses and rode away. Kazuha spoke gently about how excited he was regarding the wedding, and Wanderer listened with a small smile on his face

The next morning, Wanderer got up early and started getting ready for the day. About an hour later, Kazuha woke up, and started to freak out again when Wanderer wasn’t next to him.

“Calm down, I’m right here.” Wanderer’s voice said from behind. Kazuha turned and sighed in relief. Wanderer kissed Kazuha before walking over to the other side of the room and adjusting his shirt in front of the reflection in the window.

“Are you going somewhere?” Kazuha asked. Wanderer nodded. “To see my mother…” Wanderer said quietly. Kazuha frowned, and made his way over to Wanderer, hugging his waist from behind. “Would you like me to come with you?” Kazuha asked. Wanderer shook his head.

“This is something I need to do on my own.” Wanderer said, turning around and facing Kazuha. Kazuha sighed. “If that is what you wish… But please, keep detective Heizou nearby…”

Wanderer thought for a moment, before nodding in agreement. If that’s what it took to reassure Kazuha, then he would do so. Kazuha smiled and kissed him on the cheek before climbing back in bed.

Wanderer chuckled. “Not ready to face the day yet?” Kazuha mumbled a “No.” Into his pillow. “I have a few more minutes.”

Wanderer smiled, and kissed Kazuha’s forehead before leaving the room.

As he closed the door, his stomach sank. Something felt off again. He looked around, but the hall was empty. He was getting sick of this feeling. It just kept growing everyday.

He decided to keep this quiet though. He didn’t need the entire castle shutting down because he was paranoid. He really needed to see his mother today anyways… It was one of the final wedding preparations he had to do.

Wanderer cautiously walked down the hall, keeping his guard up and an eye out. The uneasy feeling didn’t go away. He walked down the stairs rather quickly, ignoring anyone who tried to greet him.

The uneasy feeling didn’t go away until he made it outside, and a small gust of wind hit his face. Now much more calm, Wanderer walked over to the stalls. Karasu also seemed to be a bit on edge, but calmed when she saw Wanderer. She liked going for strolls.

Wanderer only put the reins on her, not bothering with a saddle as per usual. Karasu trotted off to the gates where Wanderer had to convince the guards to open them.

“I’m fine, I’m leaving on personal business.” Wanderer scowled.

“Your highness, with all due respect, we heard about your stunt from the other day, and are only taking necessary precautions.” One of the guards said. Wanderer was starting to get ticked off.

“Yeah, I’m aware of it too, but I’m not a child, and I actually have shit to do other than pointlessly stand here at the gate all day, so open it.” Wanderer said sharply. The guard looked a bit offended, but gave in, instructing the other guards to open the gate.

Wanderer instructed Karasu to gallop away as soon as the gates opened. Karasu could feel Wanderer’s annoyance growing.

“Where do they get off treating me like a child?” Wanderer scoffed. Karasu just trotted happily as he went on his rant. As he approached the city though, he forced himself to shut up.

He approached the jail house, and walked in. Guards immediately awkwardly bowed at Wanderer. He had to try his best not to let this whole royalty thing get into his head, but he had to admit… It felt awesome to have power over people who most likely would’ve treated him like shit at one point.

As he approached the sheriff's desk, requesting to speak with Detective Heizou, the maroon haired detective already made his way into the room.

“I could detect you from a mile away, your highness.” The detective said, bowing. Wanderer raised an eyebrow. “I’m only a mile away.”

Heizou laughed. “No need to be so literal!” He waved his hand, signaling for Wanderer to follow him.

The two made their way in the detective’s office, and Heizou closed the door, now looking serious.

“I’m assuming this is about your mother.” Detective said, wasting no time. Wanderer nodded.

“I figured it was about time to talk to her. Does her offer still stand?” Wanderer asked, his tone sounding cold. Heizou nodded. “Yes, it does. She often asks for any updates.”

Wanderer eyed him suspiciously. “What kind of updates?” He asked. Heizou sighed. “Any kind. Ones about how you’re doing, the wedding, whether you’ll come to visit or not. It’s shocking how… motherly she seems.”

Wanderer scoffed. That irked him. How dare she act like this now that it was too late. Why wasn’t he enough to make her change? Why did she have to be arrested to see that?

Why did Raiden going insane make her change? Why did Raiden breaking make her see her faults?

Why wasn’t the screaming for help when Dottore was dragging him away all those years ago enough? Why wasn’t the pure anger he showed towards Raiden as she dragged him up the stairs not enough?

Whatever… It didn’t matter anymore. He had a relationship to fix.

“Hm. Doesn’t matter. I’ve accepted her proposal. I need her to walk me down the aisle on our wedding day.” Wanderer said. Heizou frowned.

“It’s a shame, if you ask me. You deserve a real mother to walk you down the aisle…”

Wanderer shrugged with a small eye roll. He didn’t actually believe that. Maybe Kazuha deserved for a real mother to walk his soon-to-be husband down the aisle, but Wanderer himself?

Not in any universe.

“Kazuha wanted you to escort me to the prison.” Wanderer said. Heizou smiled a bit. “Of course he did, it’s because of how trustworthy I am huh?” He smirked proudly. “Humble, aren’t we?” Wanderer said sarcastically.

“I can protect myself. I’m just doing this for Kazuha.” He said. Heizou elbowed his arm. “Sure you are, I think you just secretly actually like my amazing personality.” Heizou joked.

Wanderer groaned and opened the door, leaving a laughing detective following behind him.

Wanderer boredly braided Karasu’s hair as he waited for the detective to saddle up his own horse. The prison was a little ways away from the city, and was used for criminals serving more than a few day sentence.

Heizou continued to joke around and tease a very irritated Wanderer as they rode their horses to the prison. Wanderer thought he might end up fighting Heizou if he didn’t shut up soon.

As they approached the prison gates, Heizou showed the guards his detective badge, and they opened the gates. Another good reason not to just kill him on the spot.

As they dropped their horses off at a small stall, Wanderer started to feel anxious. Maybe he should’ve brought Kazuha along…

No, it was fine. He could handle this on his own. He’d been through a lot worse. This was nothing.

Heizou glanced at him, observing his expressions and body language. Heizou was observant as hell, He could tell that Wanderer was nervous, but he wouldn’t comment on it.

Wanderer leaned against the wall across the room as the detective talked to some lady at a desk. She nodded, handing some keys to the detective, who then urged Wanderer to follow him.

“I convinced the receptionist to give you at least half an hour. Something tells me you won’t end up taking that long though.” Heizou said as he unlocked and opened a door that led them into a hallway full of prison cells.

Heizou mumbled some things under his breath as he observed the prison cells. “Ah, cell 14. Here we go.” Heizou clanged the keys against the cell. “Wake up, ma’am, your dream is coming true.”

Wanderer looked through the cell to see his mother sitting on a prison cell bed with a book. She had her long hair in her usual braid, and wore dirty prison clothes. He wondered if she ever felt a fraction of how dirty he used to feel.

Ei looked up from her book, and looked at Wanderer with a small smile. She put her book down on her bed and made her way over to the steel bars that barricaded her.

Heizou grabbed some handcuffs that hung on the wall for when prisoners got to leave their cell, and unlocked the cell door. He put the cuffs on her hands and walked her out of the hall as Wanderer followed.

He looked down at his own, free wrist, before looking back up at his mother.

Was this his mother? She hadn’t even said anything yet, and she seemed so… different.

Heizou led them to a more private room, and attached Ei’s cuff to a table. Wanderer sat across from her, fiddling with his hands, but keeping a cold glare on his face.

Heizou patted Wanderer’s shoulder, giving him a reassuring look before leaving the room.

Wanderer looked back at his mother.

There was an awkward silence.

“Kuni-” She started.

“It’s Wanderer.” He interrupted.

…

She just nodded.

“I… wasn’t aware you changed your name.” She said.

“That’s not my fault.” He said sharply.

“...I know.”

About a month after Wanderer and Kazuha’s engagement, the two of them rode on their horses to a beautiful field of flowers. They laid on the grass, hand in hand, watching the clouds pass by.

“Kazuha…” Wanderer spoke gently. “Yes, Kuni?” Kazuha asked. Wanderer felt a small feeling of guilt at the nickname. It was sweet, Kazuha trying to turn an evil name into something more beautiful, but it never sat right with him.

“About that…” He started. “I think I'd rather be called Wanderer from now on.”

Kazuha turned his head and looked at him. “I see…” He smiled. “Okay, may I ask why?”

“I want a completely fresh start. I don’t want a name that ties me back to my mothers or my past.” Wanderer said, keeping his gaze on the clouds.

Kazuha nodding, understanding.

“Okay, then Wanderer it is. Wanderer Kaedehara.”

Wanderer blushed a little and looked at Kazuha angrily, gently pushing his face away. Kazuha laughed and pulled him closer, kissing his face all over as Wanderer tried to push away.

The memory made Wanderer feel a bit better, and he smiled a bit.

“Thank you for coming to see me. I know I don’t deserve it.” Ei said.

“Are you trying to guilt trip me now?” Wanderer snapped, seeming unamused.

Ei frantically shook her head. “No, no, that was not my intention. Apologies.” She said, sounding a little panicked.

Wanderer smirked a bit. She was walking around eggshells with him, as he had done with her all his life.

Wanderer shook his head though, remembering why he was here.

“I didn’t come here out of hope to rebuild a relationship, or because you requested me to come visit you.” He said coldly. “I need someone to walk me down the aisle.”

Ei looked a little disappointed, but nodded.

“It has to be me?” She asked.

He shook his head. “No, but you’re the only option.”

Ei frowned.

“If you’re worried about not being released, that can easily be arranged-”

“No.” Ei interrupted him.

Wanderer looked at her, disappointed, and yet not surprised.

“Are you serious right now? You can’t even do this one little thing for me?” He said angrily.

“It’s not a little thing. Wanderer… I would love nothing more than to walk you down the aisle, but that’s not what you deserve.”

Wanderer’s heart sank a little. What was she trying to say? That he wasn’t good enough for her to walk down an aisle?

“You deserve someone who always loved you unconditionally. You deserve a real parental figure to walk you down the aisle.” She said softly.

Oh.

That’s what she meant…

“I’m so sorry I’ve never been able to be that person in your life…” Ei said, seeming genuine.

“I just need someone to walk me down the aisle. It’s not that hard.” He said, sounding irritated.

“Being married is something truly special Wanderer, it’s a day you’ll look back on for the rest of your life. Don’t force yourself to reconnect with me just for tradition. Find someone who deserves to walk you down the aisle.” Ei said sternly, but still seeming soft.

Heizou was right. There was something motherly about her now.

He hated it.

Wanderer stood up, calming himself.

“Fine.” He said coldly, before leaving the room. Heizou was standing right outside the door. Usually he would boast about being right that the conversation didn’t last half an hour, but he knew this wasn’t the time as Wanderer stormed out of the room, and continued to walk down the hall.

Heizou went back into the room and took a sad looking Ei back to her cell, before meeting Wanderer outside. He had already mounted Karasu, and seemed ready to go. Heizou quickly mounted his own horse, knowing that Wanderer’s patience was most likely gone at this point.

As soon as the prison gates opened, Karasu galloped away with Wanderer. Heizou didn’t even bother trying to keep up with him. Wanderer probably needed this anyways.

As castle guards spotted Wanderer approaching the castle, they opened the gates, letting Wanderer speed past them on Karasu without a single glance.

As Wanderer put Karasu back into her designated stall, he threw and kicked hay around angrily, which just pissed him off more because it flew into the air softly instead of hitting a wall violently.

He was being dramatic, he knew this, but he didn’t care. He was so pissed. Was his mother actually insane? All he needed was this one thing and she couldn’t even do that for him.

Part of him genuinely wanted his mother to walk him down the aisle. Not for tradition, not for Kazhua, but because he longed for the mother he always dreamed about.

It hurt that she just made an excuse so she didn’t have to bear basic traditional responsibility.

One thing… he just wanted one thing.

Why was that so hard? Why did everything have to be so out of reach for him? Dottore, his mothers love, being free of burdens and trauma.

Suddenly there was a knock on the wood of the stall. Wanderer whipped his head towards the sound, his breathing was heavy and his face was red from anger.

It was Ningguang. She stood there, leaning against the frame of the stall, with a closed fan resting on the palm of her hand. Wanderer’s expression softened, before he turned his face away.

“Kazuha told us where you were. I assume it didn’t go well…” She said softly. Wanderer sat against the wall, keeping his arms on his knees and looking down between his legs. He stayed quiet, worried he’d say something rude if he opened his mouth.

Ningguang kneeled next to him. He looked at her shocked, as she got her dress dirty.

“Nothing a little soap can’t fix.” She reassured him, seemingly reading his mind. He just looked away again.

“I know you’re not a big talker, but if you need someone to speak to, I can listen.” She said gently.

He scoffed softly. “At least one of you can do that.” He said sarcastically, quickly biting his lip as he realized his rude comment.

“Hm? What do you mean by that?” Ningguang asked, seeming curious, but not angry.

Wanderer sighed. “You listen. Something my mother seems to not be able to do.”

Ningguang stayed silent for a moment. “I see…”

She looked straight ahead.

“She refuses to walk me down the aisle. Something about not deserving to walk me down the aisle. Like that’s supposed to make me feel better.” Wanderer said quietly.

“Hm… I see.” Ningguang sighed. “I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but she’s right. Walking a child down the aisle is something very special, and is a sign of success as a parent. She failed you as a mother though…”

Wanderer sank his head a little as he heard those words.

“This could’ve been the first step though…” He said.

“Maybe so, but I believe she thinks this is the first step. She’s giving you space, but you don’t really want that do you?” Ningguang asked.

Wanderer shook his head. No, he didn’t want that. He wanted a mother. He wanted his mother…

“There is no other longing than the longing a child feels for their absent mother.” Ningguang said softly.

“...Wise words. I see where Kazuha gets his poetic mind.” Wanderer said.

Ningguang chuckled softly. “That’s quite the compliment. Thank you.”

Wanderer just shrugged.

“Does my mother have to be the one that walks me down the aisle?” He asked. Ningguang shook her head. “No, some have grandparents walk them down the aisle, some of their siblings. In a traditional sense, it’s just whoever is most important to you.”

“Kazuha is.” Wanderer said bluntly. Ningguang chuckled softly. “Who else is important to you?”

“Nahida… Collei, Tighnari, Cyno, Xiao… You and Beidou.”

Ningguang smiled softly. “That’s sweet.”

Wanderer thought for a moment, before turning his head towards Ningguang.

“Could you who Beidou walk me down the aisle?” He asked.

Ningguang paused... but then nodded. “If that is what you truly wish, then of course. Let me ask you a question though… if you had any choice of who you would want you to walk you down the aisle, who would you want?”

Wanderer thought for a moment, his expression turning softer.

“If it was anybody in the world… Nahida.”

“I thought so. Who knows, maybe she’ll turn up before the wedding. For now… we can plan on having me or Beidou walk you down the aisle.” Ningguang said softly. She seemed so gentle at the moment. So wise, so motherly.

“I want it to be you…” Wanderer said, a little embarrassed. “Not explaining my reasoning though.”

Ningguang chuckled. “Alright, I won’t pry then. It will be my honor to walk you down the aisle.”

Ningguang then gracefully stood up, extending a hand towards Wanderer. “Now come on dear, let’s go clean up.”

Wanderer took her hand and she gently pulled him up. She escorted Wanderer out of the stall and back into the castle, where Kazuha rushed up to them worried.

Left behind in the stall, was a small, gnome-like creature with a big leaf on its head. It turned away as Wanderer left, and waddled back to a little radish haired girl.

Chapter Text

“Friday, November 17, 1876

Today is the day my beautiful Wanderer and I get married. I’ve been incredibly worried about him ever since the incident a few weeks ago, but he seems to be doing better now. So far, everything has been perfect, and planning went smoothly. Apart from the small uneasiness we have all felt from Il Dottore’s disappearance.

At the moment, it is early in the morning, and I am sitting under my sheets as my love sleeps peacefully next to me. I never knew I could love someone so much. I can barely contain my happiness for this day. It felt like it took ages for it to finally come.

I’ve worked extremely hard on my vows as well. I want them to be perfect, because Wanderer deserves perfect vows after all the trials and tribulations he’s had in life.

I believe the scratching of my quill and the dim light from the lamp is starting to wake my love up though, so I will pause here. I shall update later.

~Kaedehara Kazuha.”

Kazuha put his quill down as he softly looked at Wanderer. His soft breath and peaceful face made him look angelic as the dim light of a lamp exaggerated his features. Kazuha couldn’t help but smile. He was going to get married and spend the rest of his life with this beautiful boy right next to him.

Kazuha put his paper and quill on the nightstand and turned the lamp off, before laying back down next to Wanderer and staring at him. Kazuha would have played with his hair, or stroked his cheek, but that would wake him, and he knew that Wanderer needed his sleep most of all. He had been stressed about Il Dottore after all, and it was exhausting for him.

Il Dottore. Just the name made Kazuha feel a bit irritated, which saddened him. He was not one to feel so much anger towards anyone, however he had never felt so much love towards anyone like Wanderer either. Love makes you crazy, he guessed.

Still, it angered Kazuha that Wanderer was so paranoid and stressed about Il Dottore. It angered him that Wanderer was still suffering, even after being saved. Why couldn’t life just give Wanderer a break? Why was it so determined to tear him down?

No matter, because he wouldn’t let it. He’ll do everything he can to keep Wanderer happy, free, and safe. No matter what the day holds, he’ll hold Wanderer through it all.

Kazuha himself had been quite anxious about Il Dottore too though. He was nearby, according to Wanderer, and he believed in Wanderer’s instincts. He was worried he’d ruin what would be the best day of Wanderer and Kazuha’s life.

Even if he did appear though, Kazuha would protect Wanderer, and he knew Wanderer could protect himself too. He dare even say Wanderer was more capable of protecting Kazuha then he was of protecting Wanderer.

Still, it was a scary thought. They had no idea what that man, no, that monster, was capable of. Wanderer and Collei only had the faintest idea, and that itself terrified them.

Kazuha promised that they would be safe though. Now he just prayed to the archons that it would be true. He just hoped that they weren’t in danger in the first place.

As Kazuha thought deeply, Wanderer’s eyes tiredly fluttered open. His heart started to race as he awoke, remembering what day it was.

“Good morning, lovely.” Kazuha softly spoke.

“Good morning…” Wanderer started with a pause. Today was the day they’ll be connected for eternity. The day he officially becomes a prince.

The day anybody will be allowed in the castle.

The day where he’ll find out if all of his hard work and planning actually ends up being worth it.

There was so much at stake. It was supposed to be the best day of his life, but he couldn’t help but feel anxious.

Besides, Wanderer knew the best day of his life would forever be the day he first laid eyes on Kazuha.

A set of soft and warm lips met with Wanderer’s that brought him back to reality. Kazuha pressed his forehead against Wanderer’s, and gently scooped Wanderer’s hands in his.

“It’s a big day. Remember, it’s just about us. The only thing I want you to worry about is being happy today, okay?” Kazuha said gently, looking into Wanderer’s eyes.

Wanderer just nodded, as Kazuha pulled him into a cuddle.

They stayed in bed, wrapped in each other's arms until the sun interrupted them and glared through the curtains. Kazuha held onto Wanderer a bit tighter.

“They’ll come in at any moment and separate us, like they tried to last night. We aren’t supposed to see each other until the ceremony.” Kazuha said, a slit tinge of disappointment in his voice. “I’ll be okay.” Wanderer reassured Kazuha.

Just as he predicted, four maids, a butler, and the wedding planner burst into the room minutes later. The wedding planner, Mona, walked over to the windows and threw them open, before clasping her hands together. “Alright you two stubborn lovebirds, you already broke one tradition by sleeping next to each other, I’m not letting anymore slide!” Mona said, putting her hands on her hips.

Kazuha sat up, as Wanderer stayed laying down and wrapping his arms around Kazuha’s waist. Kazuha caressed Wanderers hair, before one of the maids, Noelle, started dragging him off. Kazuha laughed as he waved goodbye to his lover, and Wanderer pulled the sheets over himself.

Mona ripped the sheets off the bed and started to pull a scowling Wanderer off the sheets. “Your highness, you aren’t a feral cat, stop acting like one!” Mona yelled as Wanderer growled.

A laugh could be heard from the door, along with a small chuckle. Wanderer looked up to see Tighnari and Cyno standing there. Mona was holding Wanderer up, still pulling him from the bed.

“You two look like siblings.” Cyno teased. Mona dropped Wanderer with a “Hmph!” and he fell to the floor. Tighnari laughed as Wanderer scrambled to his feet, irritated.

“Come on your highness, the more you cooperate the sooner you’ll be able to see Prince Kazuha.” A deep voice spoke. Wanderer perked up a bit, his gaze making his way over to Xiao, who had appeared in the doorway.

He wasn’t expecting all of his groomsmen to be here as well. It was a pleasant surprise, although they didn’t get to know that.

“Fine. Please let’s just hurry this up.” Wanderer said, folding his arms.

“There is no such thing as hurrying on your wedding day! Stop being so difficult.” Mona scoffed. “Now go! Go! You need to get dressed!”

For the next few hours, a team of stylist, Mona, and his groomsmen worked together to make sure Wanderer looked perfect. He was going insane from how much makeup and hair products they were putting on him. He started to miss how quickly Nahida was able to do this.

“Hmm… I think we are done!” Mona exclaimed. “You don’t look all that bad anymore, your highness.” Mona smirked. Wanderer stuck his tongue out at her. Mona always tested Wanderer’s patience.

“Red eyeliner suits you.” Xiao said blankly. “Finally, someone who is not a pain in the ass. Thank you.” Wanderer shot a look at Mona. Mona stuck her tongue at Wanderer, just as he did before.

After they spent some time also getting his groomsmen ready, Wanderer was led to a private room. Ningguang and Beidou stood on the opposite side of the room with a small smile.

“It’s a big day kiddo, are you ready?” Beidou asked as she approached him. Wanderer looked down at his feet. He wasn’t sure how to feel. There were so many people that he wanted to be here, but weren’t. It was haunting him.

“We have a few surprises for you.” Ningguang said softly. “Although your mother won’t be walking you down the aisle… she is here to watch the ceremony.”

Wanderer perked up and met Ningguangs eyes. “Really?” He asked, a bit too excited. His mother was here? She wanted to watch him get married?

Beidou chuckled. “That’s not all kiddo! There’s a bit more, but that’ll have to wait for later.”

More? There was more? What more could he even ask for at this point?

“Me and Beidou will escort you to another room, where you’ll wait before being escorted down the aisle as well. It’s a complicated process, so make sure you listen to Mona closely.” Ningguang said sternly, before both her and Beidou linked arms with Wanderer. Wanderer looked back and forth at them both. He knew the process, and was confident this would all go smoothly.

With that, Beidou and Ningguang escorted Wanderer down a hall, and into another room where Mona, his groomsmen, Collei, and a little girl named Klee already resided. Collei was their ring bearer, and Klee was their flower girl.

Klee was also Albedo’s little sister, and she often would visit her brother here at the castle. Kazuha was the one that decided to have her as the flower girl. Not only that, but her mother Alice was an essential ally for their kingdom, so this helped boost their likeness.

Klee was jumping up and down, and Collei was frantically trying to calm her down. Beidou chuckled at how lively the little girl was. Mona clapped her hands together, and began to speak. “Alright everyone! Prince Kazuha is in the next room with his groomsmen, and he’s about ready to go!” She shouted, shooting a look at Beidou and Ningguang.

The Queens nodded, and turned towards Wanderer.

“Before we begin, we had a guest appear in our dreams the other night.” Ningguang said. “After some talking and arrangements… plans have been changed.”

Beidou smiled, looking a bit excited. Wanderer eyed them curiously, unwanted excitement also starting to rise within him. Beidou cleared her throat, and turned the knob on the door.

Wanderer’s face lit up, as a little girl entered the room. Her white hair was tied up neatly into a ponytail on the side, and green streaks followed. She wore a midnight blue dress embedded with sparkles, and gold leafs.

“It’s not really my color, but I must represent the groom I am associated with, right?” She said with a bright smile. Wanderer stood there for a moment, staring at her softly, before running up to her and picking her up into a hug.

She giggled and hugged him back. The Queens smiled softly, and quietly left the room to go attend to their son. Wanderer’s groomsmen smiled, even Xiao’s lips showed a small hint of happiness.

“Archons Nahida, where have you been?” Wanderer said as he pulled away a bit, but still holding onto her. “I’ll explain that later!” Nahida booped his nose. “You’ve gotten so strong though! You’re fit, and clean, and you look so healthy!” She announced happily.

“Well of course, the Prince has taken very good care of him.” Tighnari spoke up. Nahida turned towards the groomsmen and waved at them with a big smile. Wanderer gently put Nahida down, and cleared his throat, a bit embarrassed about how he reacted.

“I hope you don’t mind if I am the one to walk you down the aisle?” Nahida looked up at Wanderer. He smiled softly at her. “I would be honored.” He said.

“Who are you?” Klee asked excitedly. “My name is Nahida! I’m a friend of Wanderer’s.” She responded. Klee jumped up and down excitedly. “Ohh! Ohh! My big brother is Prince Kazuha’s friend!” Klee said excitedly.

Mona then interrupted by clearing her throat. “Sorry to interrupt, but it is time.” She clasped her hands together. “The groomsmen are supposed to go first. We’ve rehearsed this plenty of times before! All of the aristocrats within a 20 mile radius are here today so don’t disappoint.” She said sternly. Yikes, talk about pressure…

The groomsmen nodded, and left the room in a line, waving Wanderer goodbye. Wanderer was starting to feel nervous, but Nahida took his hand, and looked up at him with a smile. Wanderer nervously smiled back.

“It’s amazing to see you like this Wanderer. Nervous about something that’s not abuse, I mean!” She said proudly. Wanderer raised an eyebrow at her. “You’re very odd, Nahida, but I’ll admit… I’ve missed you.”

Nahida giggled. “I know. I’ve missed you too. I apologize for disappearing.” She spoke a little more softly. Mona then demanded for Collei and Klee to walk down the aisle, and Wanderer squeezed Nahida’s hand a little bit tighter.

“I don’t remember you being so short.” Wanderer teased. Nahida laughed. “Maybe you’ve just grown taller!” She retaliated. “You have been eating your greens after all, I hope?” Nahida looked up at him with a smug smile. Wanderer shook his head with a chuckle. “Of course not, I prefer rice.”

Nahida giggled again. Everything was perfect now. Everything would be okay. For the first time he genuinely believed that.

Mona then cleared her throat. “It’s your turn, your highness.”

Wanderer’s heart skipped a beat, but Nahida just patted his arm with her free arm. “You got this. Just focus on Kazuha, okay?” She reassured him. Wanderer nodded, and he and Nahida walked forward, and towards the door.

They went through, and found themselves in a smaller room. They waited a few seconds, before a pair of guards opened the doors in front of them. Wanderer closed his eyes for a moment as the sun glared into his eyes. A gentle breeze of wind caressed his hair, and warm colored leaf's flew by.

Wanderer looked straight ahead, and met Kazuha’s eyes.

Kazuha had a smile he could barely contain. He was completely starstruck and overjoyed. Wanderer couldn’t stop himself from smiling back. A genuine, happy smile. Kazuha was almost brought to tears as he saw it.

Wanderer and Nahida walked straight ahead. Ningguang stood in front of the right side of the altar where Kazuha was, and Beidou on the left, where Wanderer’s groomsmen resided.

He also caught a glimpse of his mothers eyes. He made eye contact with them, before looking back at Kazuha’s with a slightly bigger smile.

Kazuha had to resist every urge he had to just run up and hug Wanderer right at that moment. He needed to be professional, polite, and royal. There were a lot of very important people here at this moment.

But god did Wanderer look stunning.

Wanderer wore a white suit. Embedded with gold and silver jewels and designs. The lapels were laced with gold, and the boots were tied together with a thin rope. A dark blue cape that glittered silver in the sun was draped over his shoulders, and on his left side was a gold leaf pin to the shoulder of his coat.

Nahida took a seat in the front row as Wanderer stepped onto the altar. The two grooms smiled widely at each other, their cheeks tinted with a bright red. Wanderer took a deep breath, before turning his gaze over to the priest.

The priest cleared his throat, before speaking. “Welcome to this beautiful, royal wedding, and thank you for bearing witness to this union.”

“Today will go down in history as these two reunite through the heavens above. Their fate will be sealed today, and they’ll spend the rest of their lives together.” The priest announced. Kazuha gave Wanderer an excited smile, and Wanderer gaze Kazuha a soft one in return.

The priest continued on about the meaning of marriage, before announcing their responsibilities to each other and officiating their marriage.

“Now, Prince Kaedehara Kazuha, your vows.” The priest nodded and took a step back. Kazuha took a deep breath, and pulled out a piece of paper from his sleeve. Wanderer smiled, thinking about how much of a dork Kazuha was sometimes.

“Wanderer of the Willow.” Kazuha started, his voice shook nervously, but he quickly cleared it. “My Wanderer of the Willow.” Kazuha took a deep breath, before looking up at Wanderer. “Life has never been quite fair to you. The heart of gold you have was forced behind walls, and you did everything to protect yourself. I vow to you that I will always treat you fairly, that I will protect your beautiful heart, and will give you the happiness and freedom of life that you deserve.”

“I will give you the patience you need, I will give you the love you deserve, and I will give you everything you could dream of. I will make the fairy tales we read together our own story. I will hold you when you’re in distress, and I will give you space when you need peace.”

“I will love you forever. I will cherish every moment we have together like it’s our last. I will push back the threats and dangers life dare throws at you. I will carry you when you can’t stand, although I doubt you’ll ever need carrying with how resistant and strong you are.”

“You’re an inspiration. You’re a beautiful human being who has always been so incredibly strong. You push through the pain. You stand against the anchor that tries to pull you down. You survived, and now you get to be truly alive.”

“I love you. I will repeat those words over and over again until you get sick of them. I’ll love you at your worst, I will love you at your angry, I will love you at your best. I won’t back down from you. I will always stand by your side. I won’t push you away, and I’ll pull you back when you start to stray.”

“Of course, I wrote you a poem. I thought about sharing it here, during our vows, but I want this poem to be just for you. It’s your poem. You and I are the only ones that get to know it’s words. I knew you’d prefer it that way.”

Kazuha put the paper away and looked at Wanderer. Kazuha smiled at Wanderer as he wiped away tears in a frustrated manner. “Wanderer of the Willow, I dedicate myself to you and the future we have together. I love you to the next world and back."

Kazuha’s vows came to a close, and it was Wanderer’s turn. He felt a bit embarrassed from crying, but he had heard this was normal. Whatever, he could cry if he wanted to. If anybody thought it was pathetic they could fuck off because Kazuha deserved his tears.

Wanderer pulled out his own paper. He tried to memorize it, but was too nervous to attempt to announce his love for Kazuha without help.

“Kaedehara Kazuha.” Wanderer said gently with a small smile. “I knew you would show me up with your vows. Your brilliant words always manage to make their way behind the protective barrier I’ve put up.” Kazuha softly chuckled a little as Wanderer rolled his eyes with a smile.

“For the first few years of my life, all I wanted was to be scooped up by a hero and taken away from the hell I lived. However, there came a point where I realized that wasn’t going to happen. Can you imagine the shock I felt when that literally happened? When you carried me out of that house where I suffered my entire life?”

“Scaramouche died that day, Kunikuzushi was saved, and Wanderer took his first steps into the life he dreamed of for two decades. There was a long road ahead of me, ahead of us, but I felt hopeful. I felt strong and I felt safe.”

“The past few months with you have been the best moments of my life. Every time I’m with you I feel things I’ve never felt before. It’s peaceful and warm. Sometimes it’s too peaceful and warm that I end up shoving it away. I finally felt all these wonderful feelings, and sometimes I’m terrified I’ll lose them. How could I ever go back to hell knowing what heaven feels like?”

“You were my knight in shining armor. You saved me physically and emotionally. At this point, I’m done fighting it.”

“Kaedehara Kazuha, I swear to you that I will love you, and I will let you love me. I will show you every part of me and more. It’s not all very pretty, but every bit of it does love you.” Something about those last few words broke through Kazuha, and he started to tear up as Wanderer continued. “I vow to lift you back up when you fall, I vow to give you the love you deserve, which is a lot because of how amazing you are. I vow to take care of you like you take care of me, I vow to do all the stupid cheesy things we read about in books, and I vow to let you in. I promise that I won’t push you away, even on my hardest days. I also vow to never push my problems on you. I vow to always be kind with the love you give me. I promise to never project my pain onto you. I will make you happy, and that’s something I promise. I love you more than anyone. I…” Wanderer started to cry again, and wiped his tears away, mumbling “Fuck” under his breath. “I love you. I don’t even know how to express how much I love you. I’m sure I’ll find a way someday as I live life with you. I love you and all your dorkiness. I love your voice, I love your eyes, I love your poems, I love your touch.” Wanderer cleared his throat as he realized he wasn’t going off the letter he wrote anymore. “Oh god. I love you so much I can’t even focus anymore.” He took a deep breath. “I love you… for eternity.”

Kazuha’s lips quivered and more tears streamed down his face as he said that. Kazuha knew how much Wanderer hated the idea of eternity, and yet he said he’d love him for eternity.

The priest cleared his throat again, looking over at Collei. Collei piped up and held out the rings. Kazuha took Wanderers hand in his, and slid his ring onto his finger. Wanderer then did the same, gently squeezing Kazuha’s hand in the process.

“I love you.” Kazuha mouthed to Wanderer subtly. Wanderer smiled and squeezed Kazuha’s hand three times in return.

“You may now kiss the groom.” The priest annouced.

Kazuha cupped Wanderer’s cheek, and Wanderer did the same to Kazuha. They softly smiled at each other before leaning in and sharing a soft kiss.

After they broke the kiss, Kazuha grabbed Wanderer’s hand and started to run down the aisle laughing. Wanderer chuckled and waved at the audience as they all stood up, clapping. All three mothers had tears run down their cheeks. Especially Ei.

When Kazuha and Wanderer made their way into a private room, Kazuha grabbed Wanderer by the waist, and lifted him up, before spinning. “Kazuha-” Wanderer started in shock. Kazuha laughed. “We’re married!’ He said excitedly, putting Wanderer down.

“Yes, we are.” Wanderer said, a little dizzy and holding onto Kazuha’s shoulders.

The groomsmen, Queens, and a few others walked in with smiles on their face. Even Xiao was smiling a little as he stood next to a stern looking man, who also happened to be smiling.

“Congratulations, boys.” Ningguang said, placing a hand on each of their cheek and kissing each of their foreheads. The group talked for a little bit. Wanderer learned that the man next to Xiao was named Zhongli, and he was Xiao’s adoptive father. He brought him as a plus one.

Both Kazuha and Wanderer were able to return to their rooms to change into something more suitable for the reception. The reception was going to be open to the public, so despite how beautiful today had been, both were starting to stress over the possible events.

Before either of them changed, however, they embraced for a long moment. Wanderer held Kazuha tightly, seeking every kind of comfort he could in his touch.

“The reception will start in half an hour… We must get ready.” Kazuha said, letting go of the hug but still keeping his arms around Wanderer. “We’ll be right by each other the entire time, okay? I promise.” Kazuha reassured him with a soft smile. Wanderer nodded and gave Kazuha a kiss without saying a word, and turned around to go get changed.

After the two both changed into more appropriate clothes, they linked arms and walked down the hall. Kazuha glanced at Wanderer, who seemed spaced out. He stopped, stopping Wanderer with him. “Wanderer…” Kazuha said gently. “Hm?” Wanderer looked at Kazuha as he stared at him worriedly.

“You’re spacing out. Come back to me, love.” Kazuha caressed Wanderers cheek, and Wanderer leaned into his touch. He then wrapped his arms around Kazuha. “I’m here.” He reassured him.

Kazuha smiled and kissed his head. “Good, remember, so am I.” He said softly, linking with Wanderer’s arm again.

They walked down the corridor before approaching two large doors. They could hear muffled music behind the doors.

“Once we hear trumpets, that’s our cue to enter.” Kazuha instructed. “This is how I did it at the ball all those months ago.” Kazuha smiled reminiscently. “Really? I was never early enough to see you enter the ballroom.” Wanderer said. Kazuha laughed. “I know, you were the one that ended up making the grand entrances.” He teased.

Wanderer smiled. “Were they grand?” He asked with a smug smile. “Very much so. It was love at first sight.” Kazuha looked at him with an amused smile, and Wanderer looked back with a smug one.

The two of them heard trumpets from the other side of the door. Wanderer took a deep breath and put on his poker face. Kazuha glanced at him with a small smile before turning back to face the door and standing up straight.

The doors creaked open, and Kazuha walked forward with Wanderer. Wanderer looked down the stairs and watched as his future subjects bowed before him and his husband.

Kazuha let go of Wanderers arm and held out his hand. Wanderer gently took it, and they gracefully walked down the stairs.

Chapter Text

As they made their way to the middle of the ballroom, Kazuha gently pulled Wanderer closer to him, and put his hands on the other man's waist. Wanderer wrapped his arms around Kazuha’s shoulder and softly stared into his eyes.

Kazuha stared back with a soft smile. “We did it.” He said quietly. “Yes we did.” Wanderer responded with a dazed tone. 

The two danced to their song. The first song they danced to, and the last as well. Everyone around the ballroom stood around, leaving lots of room for the princes to share their first dance as a married couple.

It was perfect. Too perfect. It almost didn’t feel real. Part of Wanderer felt uneasy about how comfortable it felt. He wasn’t used to peace or warmth. He knew that he could get used to it though. He would, for Kazuha, and for himself.

For once, he felt like maybe he did have worth. He was something, he was someone. He was someone with Kazuha, he was someone with the queens, he was someone with his friends, he was someone with Nahida. 

He had people who loved and cared for him. Real love, real care, real happiness. 

It was real. 

He used to think smiles where all pretend. He thought it was a show for other people's amusement. A show the actors put on for power.

But that wasn’t true. There were kind, selfless people who were genuinely happy. There were understanding people who loved him.

And he deserved it.

He deserved it because everyone deserves it. Even the most evil people. Even monsters.

Maybe they wouldn’t accept it, not even on their deathbed, but they still deserved a happy ending too.

It’s up to them to fight for that happy ending though. 

Wanderer didn’t really feel like he fought for this happy ending. Or maybe he did. Maybe there was a part of him that would push himself to reach out and get better. Kazuha reached out to Wanderer, and Wanderer reached back.

Wanderer smiled softly at the thought. It gets better. It really does.

Life doesn’t always treat you kindly, but it’s up to you to decide if you’re gonna accept that, or be a petty bitch and tell life to screw off while you go and be happy.

Kazuha noticed the small smile on Wanderer, and kissed him. Wanderer looked back at him, a little taken aback. Kazuha quietly chuckled. “What are you thinking about?” He asked. “How amazing I am.” He responded with a smug smile.

Kazuha softly laughed. “I’m glad you realize that.” He said with a grin. Wanderer smile grew and he lightly stuck his tongue out. Kazuha kissed him again and then laughed. “Ew.” Wanderer said with an amused chuckle.

“You’re a dork.” Wanderer teased. Kazuha smirked. “I’m your dork now. You’re stuck with me.” Kazuha held up his hand to show off his ring. “Forever~” He hummed.

Wanderer rolled his eyes, but then smiled. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.” He responded.

Kazuha spinned Wanderer as he laughed. The song was coming to a close, which meant everyone else would be dancing soon. Kazuha pulled Wanderer close after spinning him, causing him to lose his balance a bit and lean into Kazuha. 

Kazuha laughed and Wanderer narrowed his eyes, but still had a small smile. 

The song ended, and everyone started to shift to different spots of the room so they could dance with their own partners. The Queens approached the two boys, and Beidou wrapped her arms around their shoulders and squeezed them in a hug.

“I could cry again!” Beidou said dramatically. “You two are just- ugh! Adorable!” 

Ningguang chuckled and pulled her wife away, and put her arms around Beidou’s shoulders as they started to dance. Wanderer looked back at Kazuha, who was staring at his mothers with a soft smile. He looked back at Wanderer and met his gaze, before wrapping his arms around Wanderer’s waist and pulling him into a hug as they swayed to the music.

Maybe it was a little cheesy, or too PDA, but Wanderer buried his face into Kazuha’s shoulder as they danced. He would get to hold Kazuha close like this every night from now on. Either he got really lucky, or he really was stronger than he thought.

Wanderer raised his head a little so he could open his eyes. He still had his head on Kazuha’s shoulder, but he wanted to look at the rest of the ballroom.

His eyes went wide as he met a boy’s gaze. He was next to Xiao, and had a glass of champagne. His hair was in two braids, dyed teal at the end. His bright green and teal eyes winked at Wanderer as he waved.

Wanderer stared at him in disbelief, still keeping his head on Kazuha’s shoulder. Right before Wanderer could point the boy out to Kazuha though, the entrance doors were pushed open with a loud bang.

Wanderer tried to pull away from Kazuha to try and see what the hell just happened, but Kazuha held him tightly and forced Wanderer to keep his head on his shoulder.

Kazuha glared at the man on top of the stairs. His maniac red eyes were wide as a huge grin was placed on his face. He slowly shifted his gaze over to the newly weds.

Wanderer kept his eyes on the boy from earlier. Both him and Xiao were standing defensively, and had pulled weapons out.

Wanderer was confused and a little pissed. And maybe a little frightened. He growled and pushed himself away from Kazuha.

He immediately regretted that as he made eye contact with The Doctor he despised. 

Kazuha immediately pulled his katana out. Nahida appeared in front of them with what looked like some genie lamp. 

The Doctor smile grew even wider, almost reaching his wide, ruby eyes. “I believe you have something of mine, your highness.” He said sharply, glaring at Kazuha.

Kazuha grabbed Wanderers waist and pulled him closer as he glared up at the doctor. Wanderer summoned his Tulaytullah and his eyes flashed blue.

The Doctor slowly made his way down the stairs, keeping his eyes glued to Kazuha and Wanderer. The air was tense, and everyone was frozen. 

“Guards! Don’t let him down those stairs!” Ningguang ordered as she ran up to the couple. The guards immediately went into action, connecting their polearms so the man couldn’t make it passed them. The Doctor paused, and slowly looked back and forth at the two guards.

“A pity. I hope you don’t have families at home!” He laughed, before pushing the two guards away and throwing them into the stair railing. There was a loud boom as the guards hit the stone railing. Their bodies went limp as they fell down the stairs. 

There were multiple screams, and multiple people jumping into action as well. Tighnari and Cyno rushed Collei away and under a table before grabbing their own weapons and getting ready to fight.

The Queens grabbed their own suited weapons, a catalyst and claymore, before launching themselves at Il Dottore.

Dottore dodged, before kicking Ningguang in the stomach and throwing her back. Beidou called out to her, but was interrupted when Dottore swung his own claymore at her. She quickly fixed her stanced and planted her feet on the floor as she blocked the attack. She underestimated The Doctor's strength though, as he threw her back as well. 

 “Mothers!” Kazuha shouted, not loosening his grip on Wanderer’s waist.

Both the boy from earlier and Xiao jumped into action. Xiao had a mask on, it looked demonizing. He threw a polearm into the ground, and the stairs blew up. 

The boy on the other hand shot an arrow above The Doctor, pulling him into some sort of whirlwind. The Doctor's face dropped as he was shot up into the air. 

He quickly straightened himself out though as he opened up some kind of bottle. The bottle pulled the whirlwind in, causing it to completely disappear. A teal liquid filled up the bottle. The boy's face dropped in shock, causing The Doctor to let out an amused cackle.

The Doctor threw himself at the boy, and the boy prepared himself for impact, but The Doctor was thrown back against a wall as a boulder hit him.

The man Xiao was with earlier, Zhongli, breathed a bit heavily as he stood in front of the boy. Zhongli glanced back at the boy, giving him some kind of look. The boy put a serious look back on his face and nodded. 

The Doctor groaned and pushed the boulder off of himself. “I wasn’t expecting… all the archons to show up.” He said as he slowly grinned again.

Wanderer looked at Zhongli and the boy, shocked. Archons? Was that what they were?

The boy looked over at Nahida, who still had a defensive stance in front of the princes. “Buer! Do it!” He shouted. Nahida’s eyebrows furrowed as she gave a firm nod. She turned around and looked around in the crowd, before running off.

Multiple people pulled themselves together and quickly ran up to the princes. They all had weapons, and were in protective stances.

Kazuha looked around at the group that surrounded them. Friends, lovers and siblings of friends, and all sorts of people surrounded them. The Kamisato siblings, Albedo, Cyno, Tighnari, Yoimiya, Keqing, Ganyu, Heizou, and Gorou.

Wanderer had his head down. Kazuha glanced at him, extremely worried. Was Wanderer shutting down? Was he gonna pass out?

Kazuha’s worries immediately went away as Wanderer slowly looked back up at Dottore. His eyes were glowing, and he looked extremely angry. 

“Let go of me, Kazuha.” He said sharply. Kazuha let go in shock. 

The room froze and went silent as Wanderer walked up to Dottore, who was pulling himself off the ground. The Doctor smiled as he saw Wanderer. “I knew you would come back to your owner, Scaramouche.”

Wanderer stopped a few feet in front of Dottore. His head was tilted down once again. The Doctor thought he was caving in. The weak, desperate boy he once knew was standing in front of him again.

Dottores face quickly dropped though as Wanderer looked up at him with a wide, manic grin. 

“Die.” Where the last words he heard from Wanderer’s mouth before he swung around and there was a loud boom.

The wall Dottore was leaning against crumbled as dust filled the area. Wanderer let out a dry cackle.

“It was about time you showed up, you fucking coward!” Wanderer shouted as he walked into the cloud of dust. Heizou and Gorou had to hold Kazuha back as he tried to go after Wanderer.

The boy from earlier approached the group, his breathing slightly heavy. “Let him do this…” He said to Kazuha.

“Who are you?” Heizou said with a glare. The boy swallowed, letting out a small exhale. “Call me Venti.” He said.

Kazuha’s face softened as he heard the name. Wanderer mentioned him before, although he didn’t know much. 

“Trust him.” Kazuha ordered. Heizou looked back at Kazuha, a little doubtfully, but then sighed and nodded.

Everyone quickly shifted their glance over to the other side as they heard another loud boom. 

The Doctor was holding Wanderer against the wall in a choke hold. Wanderer kicked his chest and sent him to the ground. Wanderer was floating above him, and raised his foot with an angry glare. A small whirlwind swirled under Wanderer’s foot, as he pushed it into Dottores' chest.

Dottore went flying up and almost hit the ceiling, which was a good 30 feet into the air, before plummeting into the ground.

As soon as Dottore hit the floor, causing a hole to break through, Wanderer swung his arms, causing wind blades to fly at Dottore. 

Dottore rolled over and dodged. He was on his knees, and his back was facing Wanderer. He turned his head and glared at Wanderer before throwing a bunch of metal shards at him.

Wanderer’s expression turned to one of slight shock as he flew up to dodge the shards. While dodging though, Dottore threw another one, and it hit his right arm.

Wanderer swore loudly as he turned back towards Dottore with a glare. Dottore smiled at him evilly. 

“I am the first one that gave you love and care, Kunikuzushi! You belong with me!” He shouted. Wanderer let out an amused laugh.

“You call that love? You call that care? You’re fucking delusional!” Wanderer shouted back. “You are nothing to me, and I am just a toy to you. I am not your puppet to own.” Wanderer took a step closer.

Dottore’s smirk turned into a glare. “You’re wrong. That mark on the back of your neck is my mark. You mothers signed you off to me! I always get what I own!’ He screeched, before throwing himself at Wanderer.

Wanderer closed his eyes and braced for impact, but it never came. Wanderer opened his eyes and he let out a small gasp.

His very own mother, the one who treated him horribly for years, was standing in front of him. Her eyes were glowing, and so was her hair. She looked serious, and stern, as she held a katana against Dottores' closed arms. 

There was a bright light as she swung her sword, and a lined formed against the scene unfolding in front of Wanderer.

Dottore’s body sprawled out against the lightning, before being thrown back.

Ei stood up straight, and turned her head slightly to make eye contact with her son. She looked stern, but also somber, as Wanderer sat there on the ground in shock. 

She looked away and walked towards Dottore.

“Your contract was temporary. You had the rights to him for that one summer, and then you had the rights to him for this past spring and summer. But the seasons changed, Il Dottore, and he is no longer yours.” Ei said sternly. Her tone was aggressive, and her temperament was loud. She sounded like a god.

Wanderer scrambled back to his feet and collected himself, and he flew up to get a better view of what was happening.

“I had no right to do that to him. I’ve let him go, and it’s time you did too.” Ei said. The other three archons walked up to Ei’s side. Each of their eyes glowed as they stared into Dottores, and the highlights in their hair lit up as well. 

Dottore didn’t look fazed though. He glared at them, but his glare turned into a wide smirk. 

“The archons showed up just for some little toy. Today is my lucky day.” He said as he rose up off the ground. 

Dottore raised his arms up and laughed. Mechanic parts from around the ballroom rose up. Wanderer looked around at them, spinning around and trying to adjust to what was happening. The parts suddenly threw themselves onto Dottores body. Wanderer flew back to avoid them.

The mechanic parts grew onto Dottores body, forming some kind of armor around him. The archons all took steps back.

“We can’t use our elemental powers against them. He absorbs them into these bottles.” Venti said sternly. The other archons nodded in understanding. 

“A physical fight it is.” Zhongli said, swinging his polearm around. Venti twirled his bow around in his hand and got into a defensive stance, and Ei held her polearm out. Nahida stood back. “I won’t be able to provide much assistance in this fight.” She said, twirling around and disappearing. “I’ll grant you all my wisdom instead.”

The Doctor rose up into the air as the mechanical parts finally completed their form. He had a sharp mask over his armor, and the armor was laced with teal tubes. There were needles stabbed deep into his back, and he arched as one shot even more teal liquid into his armor and body.

The first three archons jumped up, bearing their weapons. They all swung and attacked. Dottore dodged left and right as the other three constantly attacked. Their weapons hit his armor with clunks and clashes . 

Wanderer watched this all unfold from the air. He thought intensely about what to do in the situation. “Don’t attack him, Wanderer, he just absorbs your powers.” A soft voice spoke in Wanderer’s mind. It was Nahida.

“How the hell is he doing that?” Wanderer thought. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out.” Nahida responded. 

Within a matter of seconds, there was the sound of glass shattering, a small yelp, and shouts. Wanderer turned back to look at the events unfolding. It was like everything was in slow motion. Collei had grabbed a chair and threw it at the needles on Dottores' back. He swung his arm, and threw her back. Wanderer leapt into action. He dove in and grabbed Collei from the air.

Dottore screamed in frustration. Collei pointed at Dottores' waist. There was a belt with seven different bottles. One was filled with teal liquid, and another was filled with a light blue liquid. 

“Destroy those bottles! That’s what’s giving him the powers!” She shouted. Wanderer looked at what she was referring to with a stern face. He nodded and flew over to Tighnari and Cyno, and put Collei back onto the ground gently. 

Wanderer made eye contact with Kazuha for a split second before turning back to fly over to Dottore. His expression was one of worry and shock. Wanderer gave him a soft expression in return. There was no smile, no frown, no movement. Just a soft stare.

Kazuha pushed himself out of Heizou’s and Gorou’s grip, which had loosened at this point, and ran off. Gorou and Heizou shouted towards him, but it was no use.

Wanderer flew around the now destroyed ballroom, and collected as much rubble as he could. The only people that remained in the ballroom now were the ones fighting or protecting. 

Wanderer positioned himself in the air a few feet from the ongoing fight. Archons were still attacking Dottore, but it was no use. Dottore raised his arm in the air, and something shot out of his armor. The last of the teal liquid disappeared as a whirlwind appeared behind Venti, pulling him in. Venti let out a shocked yelp. 

Xiao suddenly jumped in and grabbed Venti by the waist, pulling him away. Venti looked up at Xiao with a smile and laughed a little, it sounded both relieved and nervous. The two’s head shot back over to Dottore as there was another shatter, amused laughter from the air, and a screaming Dottore.

Wanderer used his elemental powers to shoot a rock at the bottle filled with light blue liquid, causing one of the needles on Dottores' back to blow open as well. He laughed in amusement, and maybe joy. 

Dottore then grabbed Ei’s face and threw it into the ground. Wanderer’s laughter stopped, and he almost looked offended. Dottore grabbed Zhongli by his wrist and threw him up into the air. Xiao quickly jumped up and caught him too. 

Wanderer looked a little panicked now, as Dottores face was red with anger. Memories started to fill his mind of just how powerful and evil this man was. 

Those memories were quickly interrupted by a loud crack and boom. There was a flash, and a colorful explosion. Wanderer turned towards the sound of a proud, relieved laugh. Yoimiya and Ayaka were at the other side of the room. Yoimiya had her arms up in the air and was cheering, and Ayaka had a small smile on her face as she held a container that used to hold a firework. 

Wanderer smiled at them and turned back to a distracted Dottore, throwing another rock at the belt around Dottore’s waist. He used his powers to charge up his arm, and threw it with an inhuman force. 

This time, two glasses shattered. Wanderer cheered, and Dottore shot up an angry look at him. Dottore’s angry glare slowly turned towards Xiao and Zhongli. There was a stone-like shield around the two of them, forming the shape of a pillar. 

Dottore smiled and lunged at them. Vines grew out of the ground and suddenly held Dottores arms back. He laughed and ripped them out of the ground. He opened one of the remaining bottles and pushed the vine against it. The vines shrunk into the bottle and a green liquid took over his armor. 

Wanderer immediately threw another rock, but Dottore caught it, and threw it back, hitting Wanderer’s forehead and sending him falling back. 

A pair of arms caught Wanderer before he fell to the ground. He looked up to see who his savior was, and a smug Mona smiled down at him. “Loser!” She said as she dropped him. “Seriously? Right now?” He asked in annoyance as he pulled himself up. 

“I saw an opportunity and took it. Now get your ass back up into the air and beat that weirdo up!” She shouted as she ran off. Wanderer scoffed and flew back into the air. 

Suddenly, Nahida’s voice spoke gently into everyone’s head. “I’ve figured it out. So far, we’ve destroyed the Electro, Anemo, Cyro, and the Hydro bottles. If you have Dendro, Geo, or Pyro powers don’t attack! I gave everyone in this room an elemental mark so you know what elements you correspond with!” She said, Wanderer smiled as he looked at his wrist. He knew this already, but he had anemo powers. This was perfect. 

Wanderer landed on the ground and started to walk towards Dottore with a smile. He felt the presence of others walking by his side. He looked left to see Kazuha and Heizou. They held up their wrist to show a mark of anemo. He then looked right to find Xiao and Venti. They didn’t look back at Wanderer, but they did hold out their wrist to reveal their anemo mark as well. 

Wanderer’s smile grew as he looked back at Dottore. This was so cool.

Dottore stared at them with a blank stare. He looked tired. 

“Hah! You’re getting weak!” Wanderer taunted him and the boys continued to walk up to him. They all pulled out their weapons, ready to strike. 

Dottore let out a sigh, and glared at Wanderer. “I’m not giving up.” He said sharply.

Dottore pulled his arms back, and opened his hands. Vines grew out of the ground. Dottore swung his arms forward, towards the boys, and the vines followed his direction, throwing themselves towards them.

They all jumped out of the way. Heizou threw a powered punch at the vines, causing them to blow apart. Kazuha jumped back to avoid an attack, and then stood in a defensive stance. He closed his eyes, focusing his senses on the vines. He opened his eyes, and looked back and forth. He lowered his body, and a gust of wind started to surround him. 

Vines grew out of the ground, surrounding Kazuha, before throwing themselves at the prince. Kazuha planted his feet, and closed his eyes again, before opening them, and twirling around. A whirlwind of anemo threw the vines back, and ripped them apart. 

Wanderer and Xiao lunged towards Dottore together, pulling apart vines that stood in their way or tried to attack them. A vine lunged towards Xiao from behind and Wanderer threw a windblade at it, causing it to wither away. 

Xiao nodded thankfully before focusing on Dottore again. He threw his polearm against Dottores arm, as Dottore blocked his attack. Dottore pulled his arm back and grabbed Xiao’s polearm, and threw him up at the wall a good twenty feet away. Wanderer remained focused, quickly reassuring himself that Xiao would be fine. 

He was right. Venti returned the favor and caught Xiao before he could crash into the wall. Venti gave Xiao a smug smirk before pointing an arrow over at Dottore. Venti couldn’t see behind Xiao’s mask, but Xiao had a small smile in return. 

Venti released the arrow, causing another whirlwind to pull Dottore up. Dottore grabbed Wanderer’s wrist and took him with him. 

Immediately the whirlwind disappeared as Wanderer was pulled in. The two fell onto the ground a few feet away from each other. 

Dottore pulled himself up and started dragging himself towards Wanderer. “If I can’t have you… no one can…” He muttered. Wanderer started to pull himself away. Both of their bodies were giving up on them. “Fuck… off…” Wanderer coughed up in response. 

Dottore took a deep breath, before mustering up the strength to pull himself up. His body limped over in exhaustion. The fall caused another bottle to break. It was the Dendro one. 

Dottore took another deep breath and prepared to pounce. Wanderer continued to crawl back. Fear was starting to grow within him. 

Dottore lunged at Wanderer with a roar. Wanderer tried to throw a windblade, but couldn’t. He threw his arms up in front of him defensively and closed his eyes.

A bright light shone through Wanderer’s eyelids as he heard a shing . He blinked a few times, adjusting to the light. He let out a small gasp as he saw what laid before him.

Both Kazuha and his Mother had their katanas out, and were holding Dottore back. They glanced at each other, before glaring back at Dottore and pushing him back. Dottore growled and pushed against him, reaching out to Wanderer.

A gust of wind started to swirl with lightning as the two’s elements combined. Electricity crackled with the small gust of wind. Kazuha shouted as he and Ei managed to push Dottore back. The two struggled against him, but they were determined. 

Ei would never let another one of her loved ones die tragically in front of her again. Kazuha would never let his husband suffer like he had all his life.

They refused to let life hurt Wanderer again. 

They refused to let Dottore lay a finger on him. 

Dottore yelled in frustration, pain, and defeat, as the other two yelled in determination. They pushed, and could feel Dottore’s stance loosening. 

Dottore slipped. His foot slid back, and he slipped. Immediately Ei and Kazuha took this moment, unleashed every bit of strength and elemental power they had left, and an electro whirlwind sent Dottore flying back, and he crashed into a wall. 

Ei used her polearm to keep balance, and Kazuha fell to his knees, both breathing heavily. Ei turned towards Wanderer with a small smile. She gently pulled Kazuha back up to his feet, and then walked over towards Wanderer. 

She gently pulled him up as well, picking him up into her arms. She walked back over to Kazuha and nudged her arm towards him. Kazuha looked at her, and then back at Wanderer, hesitantly clinging onto her arm. 

She carried Wanderer and pulled Kazuha out of the ditch that was created from the battle, and placed them back on the leveled ground. They both fell to their knees and held onto each other. Rubble and dust from the fight surrounded them. 

Ei walked towards Dottore, who was breathing heavily as his limp body leaned against the wall he was thrown into. He grabbed a few rocks, and squeezed them in his palm, trying to trace any elemental power from them and take it. 

He weakly looked down at the last two bottles that remained, geo and pyro, as they shattered. He looked over to see Tighnari and Ganyu holding their bows up. They had shot his last remaining hope.

He weakly chuckled, but then coughed. He heard footsteps approaching him, and looked up. Ei was calmly walking towards him. She didn’t have her polearm with her, she wasn’t glowing anymore, she didn’t even look angry.

She was blank. Completely emotionless as she grabbed Dottore by the neck and slid him up to the wall. 

“Morax, do I have your permission to sentence this man to death?” She asked, keep her eyes on The Doctor. Zhongli, who sat among the rubble a few feet away, coughed. “Yes. You have my permission.” He said weakly as Xiao held him up. 

“Il Dottore, of Snezhnaya, in accordance with Liyue law, I hereby sentence you to your long awaited death.” She raised her free arm up and positioned it. Dottore weakly laughed, before raising his head to look at Wanderer.

“Kuni… I still win… the terrifying memories will be with you for the rest of your pathetic life…” He coughed. “And will prevent you from ever truly being happy and free…” 

Ei plunged her hand into Dottores chest, causing him to painfully gasp. She rested her hand in his chest while the life from his eyes started to fade.

“You’re wrong…” Wanderer said coldly. “I’ll prove you wrong, because I’m the one Kazuha loves and married. I’m the one who escaped you. And I’m the one who will live a long, happy, life.” 

Dottore didn’t respond, but Wanderer’s words were still heard, as his eyes died and his body slumped on the floor while Ei ripped her hand out of his chest.

Chapter Text

“You’re such a dork.” Wanderer said as Kazuha led him to a secluded spot in a field of flowers. The sunset's gaze gave the two men a warm tone on their skin, and their eyes glimmered in the sun. 

The scent of honey and flowers filled the air, and the small breeze caressed their hair. Kazuha gently pulled Wanderer down to the blanket laid across the grass with him. Wanderer immediately took his place on Kazuha’s chest, and Kazuha wrapped his arms around Wanderer’s waist. 

“I’m sorry, my love, I wanted this to be more special…” Kazuha started. Wanderer raised his head up and covered Kazuha’s mouth. “Don’t.” Wanderer said.

“This is perfect, and you should know that by now.” Wanderer said sternly, but still gently. Kazuha just smiled softly,

“If you say so… but one day, when our duties calm down, I promise we’ll go travel the world again.” Kazuha said before placing a gentle kiss on Wanderer’s cheek. 

“We have plenty of time. I know you’re eager, but we have children to raise and a kingdom to rule over.” Wanderer said, sounding a bit disappointed. Kazuha sighed. “Don’t act like you don’t secretly love being in power.” Kazuha teased.

“Mm… maybe a little.” Wanderer stuck his tongue out, and laid his head back on Kazuha’s chest. Kazuha chuckled and twirled Wanderer’s hair in his fingers.

“Happy ten year anniversary.” Wanderer said. “Happy ten year anniversary, my love.” Kazuha repeated. “And happy ten year anniversary to The Doctor's death.” Wanderer said smugly.

“Ah, that’s the real celebration here hm?” Kazuha asked with a small smile. “No, the real celebration here is that he’s dead, and I’m laying on a king's chest in a field of flowers.” Wanderer said proudly. Kazuha laughed softly. “Well, a king is also laying on my chest. Aren’t we just so lucky?” He hummed.

“Very lucky…” Wanderer trailed off. 

Wanderer recalled their ruined reception that day. It became a bit of a blur the next morning, but there were certain things Wanderer could recall perfectly. Kazuha and his Mother delivering the final blow, Dottore’s body falling to the ground, the look on Kazuha’s face.

Either way, that was ten years ago, and a lot has happened since then. After the archons helped rebuild the castle, the princes held a banquet for the public, so they could make up for their reception.

As glad as Wanderer was that Dottore was dead, it still irritated him that their reception was ruined. He tried his best not to let it get to him though. If it did get to him, that meant Dottore won, and he refused that.

The make-up banquet was still perfect though, and so was their honeymoon. When spring came that year, the two went and traveled the world together until fall. It was something they always wished to do again, but now they had responsibilities. 

They became kings about two years after their marriage. They also had children to take care of. The two of them promised though that they would travel again once their children take over the throne.

The best part of everything though, was how much he had improved. He still had a foul mouth, but that was just something that would always be part of him. Kazuha said he wouldn’t want it any other way. 

Wanderer rarely had nightmares though, he wasn’t so stuck up on acting tough, and he wasn’t so angry all the time either. He was smug, confident, smart, but still sour. He really started to appreciate himself, and he appreciated those around him a lot too. Even Heizou and Childe, though he would never admit that.

Wanderer watched the birds fly by above him. It reminded him of how much the world had changed. The clouds that parted, then gentle breeze of the wind, and the birds that flew across the sky when their nations archon, Morax, showed his face to the people below once again. 

Morax wasn’t the only one that appeared as an archon to his people though. All seven archons did so. 

For the past few decades, the archons disguised as humans and lived among the people, deciding after the incident with Beelzebul that it’d be best to try and live as a mortal and understand the ways of their people.

Wanderer’s and Raiden’s existence showed clear failure of this though. 

By leaving their nations to their people, and leaving them to believe that the archons returned to the heavens and were to never come back, nations crumbled in shambles. 

The idea of self leading became tyranny in other nations. Liyue had gotten lucky, for they established a well organized monarchy. Other nations such as Sumeru and Mondstadt were not so fortunate. 

Mondstadt had been taken over by selfish aristocrats. They ruled only for the benefits of themselves. There was so much wrong with the nation, that even once Barbatos stepped in, they tried to attack him. 

Wanderer was actually there for that. He thought it was amusing. Barbatos on the other hand… did not.

As evil as Mondstadt had become though, Sumeru was worse.

The scholars of Sumeru were determined to have a god. They all believed that they needed to have a god in order to be the most prosperous nation.

That’s where Wanderer came in.

Il Dottore was assigned the task as not only the most prestigious scholar, but also the most psychotic, to find a way to create a god. Dottore played with desperation and hope in order to get his hands on anything he needed for experiments, including children. 

He would test all sorts of curses and elixir on children. Most didn’t survive, some did, others escaped, others were forced to be returned to their families. 

However, when he got his hands on Wanderer, he had a breakthrough in his research. Wanderer was special. He was no mere human, he was no simple child. 

Wanderer had traces and blood of the archons himself.

And that’s because part of him was a god. 

His mother, Ei, was an Archon. She went by the name beezlebul. She and her twin sister ruled over the nation Inazuma together. It was a beautiful nation, full of wealth, art, culture, and health. When Beelzbul’s sister died though, it all changed.

Ei went insane without her sister. She became unstable, and irrational. She refused change, as the idea of eternity to her was the idea of never changing. 

When you leave no room for change though, you also leave no room for improvement. 

Inazuma started to decline rapidly. The nation became one of poverty, and the people became sour and selfish. 

This cause Beezlbul to go in a frenzy, determined to find out why her nation was declining. She had thought that the people were disobeying her orders, and where changing traditions and instructions behind her back. This caused her to go on a murder spree.

She went around all of Inazuma, demanding to her people that they admit their crimes. The people Inazuma remained confused though. There were few crimes, and nobody had went behind her back. 

With a broken heart and heavy grief, she mercilessly ended almost half of her nation that day. If neighboring archons had not intervened, she would have done even more damage. 

She was not well enough to rule over a nation. The overwhelming grief and paranoia took over her senses, and she had become a tyranny to her own nation. Their god had turned into their devil. 

The other six archons met, and came to a mutual agreement. One, that all seven archons would leave their throne, whether they had already done so or not, and live as mortals; and two, taking pity on Ei, that they’d let her live the rest of her life as a mortal in a different nation. 

They chose the closest nation, Liyue, and made sure she lived near the harbor, where Xiao, a demi-god, would be able to keep a close eye on her. 

Unfortunately, it didn’t work like that. 

They altered Ei’s memories, making her believe that she lived her entire life as a mortal, and that her sister simply died from a sickness. 

Though you can change ones memories, you can not change their heart. 

Ei remembered her sister as a kind and gentle being, who felt everyone’s pain deeply. She rarely cared for herself, and instead spent more time caring for others. Ei blamed her kindness for her sickness.

Perhaps had she been a bit more selfish, or a bit stronger, she wouldn’t have withered away from sickness like she did. 

Ei deeply mourned for her sister, for her best friend. She decided that if she were to let anyone into her life again, they would have to be as strong and resilient as her. 

Despite this, she still pushed people away, until she met Yae Miko. 

Yae Miko was visiting Liyue, promoting her publishing business. Ei had been curious, and the two started small talk. Yae Miko was charming, but not soft. She was smart, cunning, and strong. Yae Miko wanted nothing more than the luxurious life earned from her hard work. Ei liked that, and since then they began a life together.

When Ei recalled this story to Wanderer, she spoke of Yae Miko softly, almost as though their love was not built on the foundation of strength, but on the foundation of pure love. Ei told him that one of her biggest regrets was forcing Yae Miko into a box of resilience just for the essence of love. Yae Miko had not always been so cold, and had she let that side of Yae Miko in, then maybe their lives would have turned out much more enjoyable. 

That was not the reality of the situation though, and the only thing she had left to do was mourn and regret for that lost spark her and Miko shared, because instead of harboring it, they reshaped it. 

They reshaped it into an aristocratic life. A life where only the finest of silver could be seen. Wanderer was one of these silvers, but he was not of the finest, so they discarded him in the most humane way possible.

As if anything about their actions was ever humane. 

The archons had no expected Ei to start a family under such cruel conditions. At first, they thought their plan was working. Just like everyone else in Liyue, they though Ei started a family, lost a son, and had a daughter. 

It wasn’t until that fateful encounter Venti had with Wanderer when he was younger that they thought otherwise. 

Since then, the archons had kept a close eye on Wanderer. They were unsure of what to do in this situation, and every plan they came up with had flaws in it. Their biggest worry was Ei’s powers. Though they had been sealed, if her emotions were built up enough, they could unleash. Every plan they had come up with involved triggering Ei in some way. 

By the time they had come up with a confident plan though, there became another dangerous obstacles, and that obstacle was Il Dottore. 

The archons were aware of him, but since they had stepped down, there was nothing they could do. By revealing themselves, they make their presence known to Dottore, and Il Dottore would have done anything to get his hands on the archons. It didn’t help that the archons were in a weakened state due to giving up a part of their godlyhood. 

Wanderer thought that was stupid though. He didn’t understand why anyone would give up becoming a god, and to become a mortal of all things. There was a reason the archons only gave up their powers for a temporary time though. 

It became almost impossible to even help Wanderer in any way after Ei sent him off to Dottore for that summer. Dottore had become completely fixated on Wanderer, and the Shogun family in general. He knew that Wanderer was the only one he could mess with though. 

After Dottore made the discovery of Wanderer’ unique situation, he planted eyes everywhere. Cameras, tiny machines that sensed Wanderer’s movement, even a raven that would follow him. 

When Wanderer first whistled that tune though, the archons jumped into action. They proceeded cautiously. They knew Dottore was watching, so Nahida, supposedly the weakest archon, volunteered to make herself present. 

The archons calculated that Dottore would arrive exactly a week after he saw Wanderer make contact with an archon. Il Dottore had been in Snezhnaya that first day of the ball, and it would take days to make it all the way back to Liyue. 

Unfortunately, he had gotten there much quicker. Somehow, he managed to get to Liyue the morning of the third night.

The archons thought that he would attack that night at the ball, so they sent Venti to watch over Wanderer. When nothing happened though, their anxiety increased. 

Unbeknownst to them, after Dottore watched Kazuha take away his prized experiment, Dottore disguised as a castle guard. They had no idea how, all they did know was that the guard he disguised as was dead. 

Wanderer tried not to feel too disturbed with that fact, but he couldn’t help it. Dottore had been right there, the entire time. Stationed outside of his room, standing outside of the stall. The guard with the red eyes was him, and Wanderer had no clue.

The archons had no clue either, despite them always having an eye on Wanderer and more. He was always being watched somehow. By aradhana, Xiao, even in the wind, which Wanderer felt quite weird about. Knowing Venti was literally in the breeze, watching him. Unsettling, but not as unsettling as Dottore wearing another man's skin.

Still, that war was over, and things have changed. Ei was given her memories and powers back. She had now come to terms with her sister’s death, and how cruel she used to be. She is still learning a lot as an archon, but she’s improving. 

All the other six archons took back their place as gods as well, and worked hard to fix their nations. Of course, some more than others. Wanderer got to be there when both Nahida and Venti took back their nations. The two archons took not only him, but also Raiden under their wings.

They taught them how to use their godly powers appropriately, and how to maintain it when they were emotional. The fight the two siblings shared when Wanderer had been rescued could have ended up being a very dangerous one, and the archons couldn’t have that happen again.

Wanderer thought it was cool though, and ever since, he and Raiden bonded over sparring together often. It’s taken time, and Wanderer still has an unwavering feeling of hatred towards his sister for everything, but part of him has learned to care for her, and she has done the same for him. 

However, both Raiden and Yae had to pay for their crimes. Raiden was released after only a few years due to most of her crimes happening when she was a minor. Yae however was still in prison, and would be for another few years. 

She claims that she has many regrets, but she doesn’t regret the sacrifices she made to be part of Ei’s life. Wanderer thought that was stupid, until he realized Kazuha would do the same thing for him. 

Still, even Yae Miko made many improvements. She was the last one Wanderer thought would actually care to change, but she did. It surprised him how kind of a heart she seemed to have behind her cunning and cold spirit. 

Wanderer sighed as he reflected on the past. There was so much that happened, it was overwhelming. “Is something the matter?” Kazuha asked softly. “Just thinking.” Wanderer responded. Kazuha laughed softly. “Of what?”

“Everything that has happened the past ten years.” He said. Kazuha hummed. “I see. Hm. How overwhelming.” Kazuha muttered softly. “Hm… the gods took over their nation, we found out Xiaos an adeptus, we traveled the world, met all the archons, adopted children from fontaine, adopted a cat-” Wanderer groaned at the mention of their cat, and Kazuha laughed before continuing.

“Became kings, met Childe-” Wanderer groaned even louder at the mention of Childe’s name. Kazuha just laughed even more. “Alright, alright, I apologize.” Kazuha said sweetly. 

Wanderer thought for a moment. “Hm, Xiao… I wonder how he’s doing these days.” Wanderer said. “You could always just called his name, can’t you?” Kazuha asked. “Yeah, when I’m dying.” He responded sarcastically. 

After the events unfolded, Xiao revealed he was actually an adeptus, tasked to secretly watch over Wanderer. They weren’t even supposed to interact, but Wanderer accidentally saw him on the roof of the castle the first day they met, and ever since Xiao decided to become friendly with Wanderer. It was easier to watch him that way. 

However, after the attack from Dottore, Xiao revealed to Wanderer and Kazuha who he really was, and told them that if they ever needed saving, to call his name. They haven’t seen him since though. 

They have, however, made a new friend. Quite a few, obviously, but this friend in particular was incredibly obnoxious. His name was Childe. He worked directly under Snezhnaya’s archon, but so did Dottore. Snezhnaya claimed they weren’t aware of Dottore’s actions, and as an apology they sent… him. 

God was he annoying. At first, he was sent over to help the Liyue army. After that proved useless thanks to Gorou and Kokomi’s leadership though. Now, he just watches their kids. He’s like some nanny or some shit. Wanderer didn’t know, he just knew he wanted Childe out of here.

However, apparently Childe was serving Dottore’s sentence. He was to carry out the consequences of Dottore. Wanderer thought it was weird at first for Snezhnaya to send a whole person for another one's crimes, instead of just paying a fine, but then he realized that they were probably just trying to get rid of Childe.

Whatever, at least he was good with their children, and their children needed some good people in their life. 

Kazuha and Wanderer, about five years into their marriage and three into becoming kings, traveled to Fontaine to discuss trade with Liyue. While in Fontaine, the so called city of love, Wanderer and Kazuha took a walk along the streets. 

There, they met three children. A five year old, and two eight years olds. The older brother of the bunch was shielding his siblings from some teenage scoundrels. He was about to be swung at with a branch when Wanderer used his powers and broke the branch the kid had into pieces. 

The kid had angrily turned his head towards the direction of the attack, only to find a menacing looking Wanderer, and an upset Kazuha behind him. The kids, taking in the men's attire and style of clothing, must’ve assumed that Wanderer and Kazuha were not your typical Fontaine aristocrats, and scurried off. 

The two approached the three children, and learned they were a group of siblings that belonged to some orphanage. Kazuha noticed the older brother of the bunch had some banged up knees, and offered to carry him back to their home. 

At first, the kid, who they learned to be name Lyney, was stubborn, and refused, and kept stating that he couldn’t trust the two and calling them creeps. Immediately Wanderer found that very weird. What the hell happened to this kid that he was labeling them as creeps? He was eight, how did he even become aware of creeps?

That’s when Wanderer noticed how uncomfortable the little girl beside him looked. Something kind of clicked inside Wanderer, and he seemed to understand the situation. 

He tapped Kazuha’s shoulder, and Kazuha stood up. He then gave Kazuha a gentle kiss and turned his head back over to the kid. “There, do we look like creeps now?” Wanderer asked. 

Lyney looked horrified, before yelling a quick “Ew!” at them. The little girl started to giggle a bit, and the other little boy just looked very confused. 

Wanderer smiled, and Kazuha lightly chuckled. “I promise, we don’t want to hurt you.” He reassured, and the kid gave in. Kazuha picked up the twins, and Wanderer picked up the other little boy. 

They walked in the direction they pointed at, and had a conversation with the kids. They learned that the little girl was named Lynette, and the other little boy was Freminette. Lyney was incredibly fascinated when Wanderer told him how he broke the branch earlier. 

“Powers? Like magician powers?” He asked, beaming. Wanderer chuckled. “Not quite. They’re more… godly powers.” Wanderer said with a smirk. Kazuha smiled, amused. He knew how much Wanderer liked to boast about his powers. 

“How did you get them?” Lyney asked. “Hmm… It’s a secret, so if I tell you guys, you have to promise not to tell anyone else, okay?” Wanderer said with a small smile. The three kids nodded firmly, looking excited. 

“Well…” Wanderer smiled. “My mother is the archon of Inazuma.”

Freminette let out a small gasp, and Lynette looked shocked. Lyney looked skeptical though. “Yeah right!” He said in disbelief. Wanderer chuckled. “Just ask my husband.”

Lyney looked up at Kazuha, looking for an answer. When Kazuha smiled and nodded, Lyney looked even more excited. “Wait, really? That’s so cool!” He said excitedly. “Can I get some?” He asked. Wanderer chuckled. “Maybe. It depends.” He said.

Lyney raised an eyebrow, waiting for an explanation. 

After the Dottore attack, Wanderer learned that every mortal has an element they correspond with based off desires and beliefs. Wanderer’s mortal self had anemo powers, while the god part of him was electro. He only used the anemo ones though. 

In order to unlock said elemental power, it has to be done by one of the archons themselves. No mortal has ever gained these abilities though. 

Not until that fight.

The archons temporarily unlocked everyone’s potential that night so they could help fight Dottore. It was the first and hopefully last time the archons would unlock mortal’s elements. 

When they finally arrived at the orphanage, Lyney jumped down and opened the doors. They walked inside, and was greeted with a dull room. There sat an empty desk at the center, grey walls, marble flooring, and wooden doors around the walls. It was so… sad looking. 

One of the doors opened, and a tall, muscular woman entered the room. She had a stoic expression on her face as she eyed the two kings up and down. 

“To what do I owe the pleasure of being visited by royalty?” She asked, unimpressed. Lyney looked back at the two men in shock. “Royalty?” He asked. “Yes, Lyney. The two holding your siblings are the Kings of Liyue.”

Immediately, Wanderer didn’t like this woman. He glared at her. Kazuha on the other hand looked uneasy. 

“We found these children being picked on by some older kids. We just helped them out and brought them here.” Kazuha said, trying to break the tension. 

The womens face softened, just a bit, as she looked at Lyney. She noticed his knees. “What happened?” She asked Lyney, though it sounded more like a demand. 

“Uhm… Some older kids pushed me, and then they tried doing the same to Lynette and Freminette.” He said quietly. “Hm. And these gentlemen helped you?” She asked, raising an eyebrow. Lyney nodded.

“Hm. Alright, you Kings have my gratitude. You can let go of the other two now.” She said. Kazuha and Wanderer gently put the other kids down, but they didn’t move from their spot. 

The women stepped closer, and held out her hand. Wanderer eyed her sharp nails. Her hand was frail, and dark. It was a cause for concern, but it wasn’t Wanderer’s place to be concerned. “My name is Arlecchino. A pleasure to meet you, King Wanderer, King Kazuha.” She said, although she didn’t act very pleasured. 

“You know who we are?” Kazuha asked. Arlecchino nodded. “I reside in Snezhnaya sometimes. You two were a hot topic a few years back.” She replied. 

“Ah… I see.” Kazuha said, sounding apologetic. Wanderer raised an eyebrow but decided not to question his tone at the moment, for he had a different question in mind. 

Arlecchino, somehow sensing his curiosity, sent the children into a separate room, before turning to face the two again. 

Wanderer immediately started speaking. “So what’s their story?” He asked. Arlecchino eyed them suspiciously. “Be more specific.” She demanded. 

Kazuha could sense tension in the room again, and the other two were acting colder. “What happened to them that caused them to be so distrusting?” Wanderer said, sounding irritated. Arlecchino turned to one of slight annoyance, to one of unamusement. 

“Lynette was trafficked.” She said blankly. 

The two men froze, and their expressions dropped. 

What?

“Nothing happened to her specifically.” She stated. “Her and Lyney were used as a bunch of circus animals, doing magic tricks, when she was sold. I killed the man who bought her before anything happened though.”

Wanderer didn’t seem affected by this, Kazuha on the other hand looked taken aback. 

“Still, despite that, there is a sense of distrust that lingers in their hearts.” She said. “Not that it’s your place to care though.” She turned around and sat on the chair at the desk. “I would disagree.” Kazuha spoke up, stepping forward. 

Wanderer held an arm in front of Kazuha, stopping Kazuha from walking past him. Arlecchino eyed Kazuha suspiciously. “Oh? And why is that?” She asked sternly. 

“Just because we just met them, doesn’t mean we still can’t care or feel empathetic.” Kazuha said. Wanderer whispered for Kazuha to stop. Fortunately, Arlecchino didn’t look to be in the mood for debate.

“...Right. Whatever. Now leave before I make you.” She said coldly. Wanderer picked up Kazuha, who protested with a “Hey! Put me down!” and walked out of the building. 

When they made their way outside, Wanderer grabbed Kazuha’s hand and silently started walking away. Kazuha didn’t say anything else. When Wanderer looked back at Kazuha, he looked to be deep in thought. Wanderer decided he’d ask later, as to not interrupt him. 

Wanderer didn’t even need to ask though. Kazuha brought it up himself when they were getting into bed at the luxury Inn they were staying at. 

“So… those children from early.” Kazuha started as he sat on the bed and lifted up the sheets. Wanderer turned his head towards Kazuha. “Hm?” 

“They’re from an orphanage, which probably means they can be adopted…” Kazuha said softly. Wanderer sat up and looked at Kazuha. “...What?” 

Kazuha sighed. “I’m just saying… We just celebrated our fifth anniversary, and have been talking about adopting for a while now.” 

“Yeah, adopting a child. If we adopt one we adopt all.” Wanderer replied. 

“But-” Kazuha sighed. “I don’t know. I saw how you interacted with them. You had a genuine smile, and they liked you too.”

“Kazuha, we’re barely able to care for that damn cat, let alone three whole kids.” 

“ You’re barely able to take care of the cat because you don’t like it, or it’s name.”

Wanderer stuttered. “I- Okay the name has nothing to do with it, it’s just obnoxious. And it’s obsessed with you.” 

Kazuha smiled. “What? Are you jealous?” 

Wanderer scoffed and turned his face away. “As if.” He retorted. Kazuha laughed. 

“Alright, alright, I’m sorry… Still, this is a serious discussion I want to have.” Kazuha said in a more firm tone. “That lady… I don’t trust her. I think that we could give those children the love and care they deserve and need.” 

Wanderer sighed. “We’re so busy Kazuha, how can we provide that with three whole kids?” He asked with a frown. “The same way my mothers did it with me. Eat all three meals together, amd make time to do something each weekend, like fishing or horse riding.” 

“This… It's so sudden, Kazuha. It's a complete impulse. You can’t impulsively adopt children!’

“It’s not impulsive, we’ve been talking about adopting a child of our own.”

“It’s impulsive.”

…

“Okay it’s a little impulsive but-”

Wanderer sighed. He knew Kazuha could make an amazing father, but had Wanderer healed enough to the point where he would also be a good father?

He wouldn’t lie, the biggest reason he was so hesitant about adopting a child was because he doubted himself. The last thing he wanted was to raise a child the same way he was raised. 

“My love…” Kazuha started, gently pulling Wanderer’s face towards his. “This is the perfect opportunity…”

Wanderer sighed. “I don’t know Kazuha. I don’t think I’m capable of caring for a kid, let alone three, right now.” Kazuha raised an eyebrow. “What? You’re amazing with kids, and you would be an amazing father.” Kazuha frowned. 

“But what if I don’t? What if I raise our kids the same way I was raised?” He asked. Kazuha looked a bit dumbfounded. 

“My love… It is very easy to give our children a much better life than the one you used to have. Half the abuse and neglect you suffered was lack of common decency and care. Are you intentionally planning to refuse our children bathes and food?” He asked. 

“...No.” Wanderer responded.

“Exactly. We’ve already taken the biggest step. Would you love our children, even when they’re struggling, or being a pain?” Kazuha asked.

“Yes.”

Kazuha smiled. “And there’s our next big step. Imagine what life would have been like if you just had those basic things.”

Wanderer thought about it. Yes, his life would be better with those basic things. A lot better. And he would do even more with his own children than those basic things too.

Kazuha kissed his cheek. “This would be a big decision, and I don’t want to force you to do something you don’t want to do, okay? The decision is yours, and I’ll respect it no matter what. There is no pressure.” 

Kazuha gave him another kiss on the cheek before laying back down on the bed and covering himself with the sheets. Wanderer sat there for a moment before doing the same, and turning off the lamp. 

Wanderer ended up deciding that he did want to adopt those children, and at one in the morning too. He ended up waking Kazuha in the middle of the night to tell him he agreed. 

He thought about the small time frame he had with those children, and he realized how attached he had already become. Once he got over his own doubts, and realized just how much he could provide for those kids, it was an easy decision. 

Kazuha had worried he’d pressure Wanderer into making that decision though and he ended up having to reassure Kazuha that entire morning that that’s not what happened. 

Throughout their trip in Fontaine though, they visited the three kids often. When they told Arlecchino that they wanted to adopt them on the last day of their visit, it took a lot of convincing. 

Orphanage my ass. Wanderer thought as they debated with Arlecchino about whether or not they were capable of taking care of all three children. Wanderer sensed that she herself was using the children somehow, and that’s why she was so stubborn on the matter. That, or perhaps she was also attached. She didn’t seem like the type though.

Eventually, they came to an agreement though. He assumed that him and Kazuha not only being Kings, but also him being part god, made her realize this was not a battle she was going to win. Kazuha, being empathetic, said that if she were to ever visit Liyue, she was also welcome to come see them. The way her face softened and she nodded in agreement surprised Wanderer. Maybe part of her really did love those kids.

Still, it was a choice that they never regretted. The twins were 13 now, and Freminette was 11, and they were adored by everyone. 

When Ningguang and Beidou first saw them, they flipped, in a good way. Beidou almost sobbed, and Ningguang already started spoiling them with everything you could imagine. Collei immediately became a role model for Lynette, and so did Gorou (thanks to the animalistic features they shared.) Freminette on the other hand absolutely adored Albedo and Tighnari. They often helped Freminette with his inventions. 

Lyney on the other hand, became very close with “Uncle Heizou”, and eventually Childe, which drove Wanderer a bit mad. At least he was also close with Cyno. Apart from the horrid jokes Lyney started telling at the dinner table, that was something Wanderer could handle. 

To his surprise (and maybe a bit of bitterness) Lynette became very fond of Raiden too. Honestly, Lynette probably had a huge part to play in Raiden’s healing process. He wasn’t going to take them away from each other just because of his own grudge.

Though Ei had never met their children, she did start writing letters, which Wanderer actually found very amusing. Yae Miko did the same thing, since she said she didn’t want her grandchildren to see her behind bars. Kazuha and Wanderer agreed that this would be most appropriate. 

Just as Kazuha said, they spent all three meals with their children (aside from special occasions, like their anniversary) and every Sunday they kept their schedules clear, no matter what, just to spend the day with their kids. When they were busy though, Childe was the one that took care of them, and he did an excellent job. That was something Wanderer appreciated. 

“So…” Kazuha started, bringing him back to the present. “Who do you hate more, Scarameow, or Childe.” He asked with a smirk. 

“The damn cat. At least it’s useful.” Wanderer said, unamused. Kazuha laughed. “Hm, I would disagree.”

Wanderer groaned. About two years into their marriage, they found a stray, dark purple cat. Kazuha became obsessed, and the stupid cat became obsessed with him too. Wanderer hated it. 

What he hated even more so was the running joke behind the cat. When the two returned to the castle with it, Beidou made a joke that the cat had the same scowl on its face that Wanderer used to have. 

Ever since, they called it Scarameow, and joked that it was his past self, Scaramouche, reincarnated. 

Wanderer did not find it funny. 

However, at times, he found himself wondering if maybe the cat really was a reincarnation of his past self. It made him feel guilty sometimes, which he hated, because he felt like feeling guilty for a cat was stupid.

Still, every once in a while, when no one was around, he’d be affectionate to the cat. Letting it sleep on its lap, sneaking fish under the table for it, petting it. It’s not like it needed affection from Wanderer with how spoiled it was by Kazuha and the kids, but still…

He didn’t want the cat to know Wanderer hated it. 

Which was weird, and cheesy.

So he ignored it in front of other people, and talked foul about it when it wasn’t around. 

“I think you secretly love Scarameow.” Kazuha said softly. “I don’t.” Wanderer rebutled. Kazuha chuckled, deciding not to tease him further. 

The two stayed there until the sun set and the moon glowed in the sky. A cool breeze was in the air as autumn leaves flew past them. After sharing a more intimate moment (Kisses and some physical affection) the two mounted on their horses, and rode back to the castle. 

As the put their horse back in their stalls and walked toward the castle doors, Wanderer halted his footsteps. Kazuha turned back to face him with a curious look. 

Wanderer looked through the castle windows. It was dark. Wanderer felt suspicious. “Somethings off.”

Kazuha must’ve realized the same thing Wanderer did, because he became more cautious as well.

The two walked up the stairs, hand in hand, and slowly creaked the doors open. They walked into the dark castle, and tried to make sense of their dim surroundings. 

Wanderer then jumped, startled, as lamps were flickered on and there was shouting. 

Kazuha started to laugh, and Wanderer looked at the scene that had unfolded before him before lightly laughing as well.

There stood all sorts of loved ones, Kazuha’s mother, their children, friends, and even Nahida, with gifts. Their kids held up a questionable looking cake with a big smile. 

“Happy anniversary!” Lyney said with a beaming smile. Kazuha smiled warmly. “Aw, did you guys make the cake yourself?” He asked. Freminette nodded. “It looks wonderful.” He said warmly. 

The group started to make their way into the grand dining room with the food and gifts. Wanderer stood there with a smile, and watched them. Kazuha looked back. “Is everything alright, love?” He asked. Wanderer nodded.

“Everything is perfect.” He said with a small smile, before following Kazuha to celebrate not only their anniversary, but also the life they fought for.