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Chapter Text

Kaveh swallowed hard and clenched his fist. His client cancelled on him after he had just procured the materials he needed for a elementary school in Caravan Ribat. He had to buy all of them himself and now he wouldn’t be able to fall back on the money that would be coming from its completion. The client had sighed and apologized, but it just wasn’t in the stars anymore. Someone had come in and given him a more lucrative use for the space his plot of land occupied, so he no longer needed Kaveh anymore. Kaveh nodded and said it was fine, but deep down he wanted to throw up. He wouldn’t be able to pay Dori back this month and he wasn’t sure how generous she would be this time. He sighed and closed his book. He needed a distraction and alcohol might just do.

Kaveh stood, and began to put all of his books away when someone approached him with a, “Oh, I’m so glad I caught you Kaveh! I was afraid you were already on your way out.” Kaveh turned and saw the old Grand Sage and he resisted the urge to groan. Had he already learned about ANOTHER failure under Kaveh’s belt?

“Hello, Master Azar, back from Avidiya forest?” Kaveh asked, attempting to be polite. Azar nodded.

“Yes, temporarily so. I was on my way in to gather some research materials and buy some incense when I was stopped by someone looking for a member of Kshahrewar. Being the Grand Sage, I of course had you in mind immediately, but decided to hear him out first. Turns out, he was looking for the architect of the Palace of Alcazazary for a commission to build in Liyue. His Patron wanted your unique style to mix with the profundities of Liyue architecture to create and build a one of a kind dwelling. I thought this could be good for you, given the losses you incurred in your recent business endeavors.” Azar explained and Kaveh seethed for a moment before taking in the information fully.

“Did this person give you any other information?” Kaveh asked. If this was a legitimate offer
then he might be able to make his payment to Dori on time. He would have to play it safe however. He really couldn’t afford another loss.

“He didn’t tell me too much since I wasn’t who he was looking for but said if I happened upon you, to meet him at Lambad’s Tavern within the week to discuss the specificities of the contract.” Azar said and Kaveh perked up a bit.

“Oh, I was just about to head there actually.” Kaveh said, pushing another book into the empty space he had pulled it from originally. Azar snickered a bit and crossed his arms.

“Suprising who? Last I heard, you spend all your time there these days.” Azar said with haughty superiority. Kaveh held his tongue. He wanted to be the bigger person this time, but Azar slapped his shoulder and said, “At least this time you wont need to drown in a bottle right?”

“I suppose not, but at least I have a bottle to drown in. I hear Avidiya forest is fairly dry. How is it out there these days anyway?” Kaveh said, pulling away from the old Grand Sage who glared at him, teeth clenched.

“Quite right, we don’t have many amenities but I am still the Grand Sage and I deserve the respect that comes with that.” Azar said and Kaveh resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

“Of course, but I was under the impression Alhaithem and the Matra were in charge now.” Kaveh said and Azar slapped him.

“That Scribe isn’t worth the dirt he stands on and quite frankly, neither are you. The generosity I displayed to bring a job opportunity to you when you’re struggling is more than you deserve.” The Grand Sage said and Kaveh wanted to retort.

“You’re right. It was generous of you to bring me that job, but you’re wrong about Alhaithem.” Kaveh said, his tone apologetic. Azar made a “hmph” sound and spun around, his flowing robes billowing with him and left Kaveh alone who sighed again and put away another book. Maybe he shouldn’t have said anything, after all Azar was just like that. He held so much power for so long, could Kaveh really expect the man to act any different even after his exile? He put the last book back on the shelf of the house of Daena and then rubbed his cheek. He’d been slapped before but this time it stung worse than some of the others.

“Whatever…” Kaveh whispered, grabbing his things and leaving to get to the tavern. The walk was quick and the setting sun left a nice cool breeze that actually helped Kaveh’s mood. He took in a deep breath and allowed himself a second to look at the sunset before pushing into the tavern to find the foreign business man.

A quick sweep of the tavern found a man dressed in a long coat with feathers or fur around the neck, a heavy red shirt and thick pants that were stuffed into angry leather boots. Kaveh thought he looked aggressive and suspicious at first but then thought, “All those clothes must be sweltering” He shook the thought and walked over to the man and politely said, “Excuse me, I was told you were looking for the architect of the Palace of Alcazazaray?” The man looked up quickly, almost shocked before he righted his face to a smile.

“Yes, I am. Do you perhaps know where I could find them?” The man said and Kaveh smiled back.

“Yes, I’m actually him.” He said and the man stood up fast, surprising Kaveh.

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my name is Vlad and I have an opportunity my boss had hopes you would take into consideration.” He said, putting out his hand to shake. Kaveh took his hand and shook it firmly before taking the seat across from Vlad in the booth.

“Kaveh, and it’s a pleasure to meet you too. So, can you tell me about this job at all?” Kaveh asked and Vlad nodded.

“Ready to get into it then? Alright.” He said and began pulling out some paperwork from his bag at his side.

“Essentially, I work for a company that is headquartered in Liyue and we happed to buy an area of land that is ripe with ore, specifically core lapis and the very rare Sunset Vermillionite. We don’t specialize in ore collection or mining at all, but we want to break into it as it’s very lucrative. However, the market already has many groups who actually do specialize in it so hiring people away from them would prove especially difficult unless we have some kind of perks that the other companies wouldn’t be able to offer. This is where you come in.” Vlad explained and Kaveh nodded along, so far it sounded rather good. Most jobs sounded good until the buyer pulled out…

“So, how can I help you then?” Kaveh asked, probing for more information. Vlad nodded, his red hair swishing against his face.

“Glad you asked. We plan to build a massive complex for the miners and their families to be able to live in that provides food, bathing, and other amenities to attract the people away from our competitors. This way, instead of being away from their families for the duration of the contract they can come home to them every night and not have to worry about food, housing, and sanitation since that will all be provided by us. I don’t have all of the details, but that’s the basics.” Vlad explained and Kaveh nodded.

“Alright. Do you know the timeframe for this project?” Kaveh asked and Vlad shrugged.

“I’m afraid not. My boss has all of that information.” Vlad said and Kaveh nodded again.

“I see. Is there a contract I could perhaps read over?” Kaveh asked and this time Vlad nodded.

“I brought a preemptive contract, one that is meant to be edited by you before we go back to Liyue to finalize everything.” Vlad explained and handed over a rolled up piece of paper that Kaveh unfurled and read over, his brows dropping into a hard scowl.

“I’m sorry, but I think there’s a few mistakes here.” Kaveh said after a few minutes of silence. Vlad cocked his head to the side.

“What’s wrong?” He asked and Kaveh put the parchment down on the tavern table and pointed to a few clauses in the writing.

“This says that I won’t be paid a commission fee?” Kaveh asked and Vlad nodded.

“That is correct. Typically a commission fee is paid after the fact and takes into account the price of building materials, travel expenses, etc. We won’t be doing that. We plan to pay you a fixed amount that won’t bring that into consideration since we plan to front the cost on all building related expenses. You’ll will receive half of your pay upfront and the other half will be in a trust that can be pulled from when you need to access it for any reason. We hope that you will bring receipts back to us so that we can decide whether or not it was a work related expense so that you can be properly compensated.” Vlad explained and Kaveh almost let his jaw drop. Instead he blinked then went back to the contract.

“Well, this also says that creative control in in my hands outside of select caveats? What does this imply?” Kaveh asked and Vlad perked up again.

“This is why we were looking for you specifically. My boss is actually a fan of your work on the Palace. He said that the organic design elements brought a regal feeling to buildings you worked on. He said that even a mere light house in Port Ormos was brought a feeling of luxury after you managed to refurbish it and that is exactly the kind of feeling he wants you to bring to our complex. The caveats are that, while we do want the style to be uniquely yours, we would appreciate it if the complex still resembled the ones found in Liyue Harbor so that the locals feel at home.” Vlad explained and Kaveh crossed his arms and leaned back.

“This all sounds too good to be true.” Kaveh said, point blank and Vlad rubbed his neck.
“Well, we have very lofty goals and if they pay off then what we pay you will be nothing compared to the profit we will make. Until now, Lady Ninguang has held the market over the Sunset Vermillionite and used it to build her Jade Chamber Palace. If we can do this, then she will have to come to us to buy it and if she decides not to then we can sell it to anyone at an exorbitant price. This isn’t an opportunity we can afford to waste.” Vlad explained and Kaveh scowled. He wasn’t sure who this woman was. Did she have control of the entire ore market in Liyue? Kaveh scowled harder, economics wasn’t his favorite subject and thinking about the ins and outs of the ore industry might give him a headache. Vlad saw Kaveh’s face morph into one of frustration and decided to reassure the architect.

“Listen, it’s all above board. We even have a lawyer who will be in the meeting with the boss and you to finalize the contract and help you work through any possible loopholes. She is there specifically to make sure neither party gets raked over.” Vlad said and Kaveh relaxed a bit.

“Alright, it does sound pretty good. I’ll consider it.” Kaveh said and Vlad nodded.

“I’ll be leaving tonight to return to Liyue, but if you decide you want the job you can meet with my boss at the northland bank, in Liyue Harbor.” Vlad said and pulled another group of papers and a very big purse from the bag at his side, sliding them across the table to Kaveh.

“What’s this?” Kaveh asked.

“That’s the first half of the payment. Essentially it’s yours to keep, a payment for your time today.” Vlad said then waved over the tavern keep. Kaveh stared as Vlad began ordering food. The amount of mora in front of him could possibly pay off his debt entirely to Dori. The other half could buy himself a home AND pay Alhaithem for his time living together. He almost felt struck and the Vlad spoke to him.

“What would you like to eat? I’m paying.” Vlad asked and Kaveh jumped.

“Oh, um, I’ll have the Shawarma wrap and some wine.” Kaveh said and the tavern keep nodded, dashing away to get the food and drinks. Vlad began talking again, this time not about the job, but just about how nice Sumeru was even if it was far too hot for his taste. Kaveh kept up with the conversation but his mind was on the money, on the job, and on the hope that his life might actually be better soon.

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Kaveh arrived back at Alhaithem’s house, almost totally sober for once. He had too much on his mind to drink this time and he walked into the house with thoughts rallying against him. As he slid off his shoes, Alhaithem came around the corner and looked at him.

“You’re back early.” He said and Kaveh nodded. Alhaithem crossed his arms at him, “You didn’t drink tonight?” He asked and Kaveh stiffened.

“I don’t always drink, Alhaithem. Sometimes I just go to the tavern to eat.” Kaveh defended but Alhaithem rolled his eyes.

“Sure.” He said and Kaveh bristled.

“I’m not a drunk, so I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t treat me like one.” Kaveh said, pushing past Alhaithem.

“I was told that you lost another job. If that’s true then you won’t have money to pay your debts this month. I highly doubt your creditor will be pleased with that. You’re falling into a pretty deep hole, Kaveh and I won’t be able to help you anymore if this keeps happening.” Alhaithem scolded

“I don’t need your help Alhaithem! I’m fine! My finances aren’t any of your concern.” Kaveh yelled.

“They are when you fall back on my financial stability when you can’t pay for things. How many times have I paid your tab? Or how many times have I bought things you needed for a job or you wanted for your room? Who paid to redecorate when you decided my house wasn’t to your standard?” Alhaithem retorted and Kaveh stuttered.

“That… I… It doesn’t matter! I was offered a very good job tonight so I’ll be moving out as soon as it’s done! You won’t need to worry about how pathetic you think I am anymore!” Kaveh yelled and stormed out of the room.

“Wait, what? Kaveh!” Alhaithem called after him, but when the door slammed Alhaithem decided not to follow.

Kaveh wanted to cry, but how stupid would that be. He was just given a great opportunity, one that could benefit him and everyone around him. He tossed himself on his bed and turned down the oil lamp on the nightstand. Maybe he just needed sleep. He covered his eyes with his arm and let the darkness and comfort of his room engulf him until sleep finally came.

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Avidiya forest was dark by the time Azar had finally returned. The other sages greeted him and began asking him questions.

“What took you so long, master Azar? Usually it doesn’t take you the full day.” One of them asked and Azar shot a look down his nose at him.

“I was held up looking for the great architect Kaveh.” Azar sneered.

“Whatever for? Does he perhaps owe you money?” Another asked, jokingly. The group laughed and Azar smirked with them.

“Aye, he seems to owe everyone in the city these days. But, no, I was asked to find him by an old friend of ours.” Azar said, sitting around the cook fire.

“An old friend? Who?” Another Sage asked, offering food to Azar.

“That doctor. Seems he has something up his sleeve that he needs Kaveh for.” Azar explained and everyone shared a look among each other.

“Is it a good idea to have helped him?” One asked.

“The last time we worked with him, we were banished here.” Another said.

“If this gets out, we won’t just be outcasts. This might fully ruin us!” A third said but Azar held up his hand.

“We aren’t doing anything wrong. A man asked me where he might find Kaveh, I found Kaveh and told him someone wanted to offer him a job. If it gets out I will say that I wished to help him get a job, as he has had so many struggles of late.” Azar explained and everyone relaxed a bit.

“Do you know what that doctor wants Kaveh for?”

“Hmmmm… I’m really not sure. He mentioned a grand building that only the ‘Light of Kshahrewar’ could build for him, but I don’t buy that. Its never as simple as that with him.” Azar said.
“Then why send Kaveh to him?”

“If nothing happens then Kaveh’s financial problems are over. If something does happen, his financial problems will be over then as well with the added bonus of that Scribe being at a loss, after all we are in This predicament because of him.” Azar said, “Either way it’s not really our problem. Kaveh needed work, someone asked for him to hire, that’s all I had a hand in.”

The sages again shared a look between each other again but relented. Azar was right. It wasn’t their problem. They went back to eating their food. Azar on the other hand thought back on his conversation with the doctor.

“I’m looking for a certain architect.” Il Dottore said and Azar nodded, knowing who exactly the doctor meant.

“You can find that boy at Lambad’s tavern almost every night now. I would send someone to look there.” Azar directed but the doctor shook his head.

“No, I won’t be finding him myself. If he finds out that I’m the one behind this ‘job’ then he won’t agree to it at all. I have one of my men in Sumeru City right now. Find Kaveh and tell him that my little lackey is looking for him. Mention the mora, say it will be very lucrative. I need him to not have the ability to say no to me. I’ve worked very hard to make his situation fall into desperation so that he comes to me organically. This is the last piece and I need you to put it into play.” Il Dottore explained and Azar considered it.

“What’s in it for me?” He asked and the doctor grinned behind his mask.

“Mora won’t satisfy you, that’s fine, but if all goes according to plan then you will have your position back. Lord Kusanali won’t be able to banish you again and that Scribe will never be a problem again.” He said and Azar’s eyes lit up before he composed himself again.

“And what if your plan, whatever it is, falls apart?”

“Then all you’ve done is attempt to get that leech a job that could sustain him. Its noble really. You lose nothing and gain everything.” Il Dottore said and that was worth more than Mora could ever buy.

Chapter Text

Chapter Two

Lumine had gotten a letter. This wasn’t too unusual, but this particular letter surprised her. It was from Lady Ninnguang, Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, and she was requesting the presence of the Traveler of Tayvat. The letter didn’t specify what she was needed for, but Lady Ninnguang never asked to see her unless it was vital. So, she packed up her few valuables and began the trek from Sumeru City to the Jade Palace just outside of Liyue Harbor. She waved bye to people as she passed, stopping occasionally to talk to someone who wanted to send her off until she saw Kaveh arguing with Alhaithem.

“This is foolish, Kaveh. If it’s a scam then you’ll be out even more money. Did you consider that?” Alhaithem said, his voice even.

“Of course I considered it! But the mora they gave me as a consultation fee is enough to pay off my debts! If they’re legitimately offering me a job, then I can’t afford to turn them down! I can’t keep living with you.” Kaveh responded and Alhaithem’s eye twitched slightly.

“I guess not, but if you fail - which is likely to happen - then I’ll wind up responsible for you again. Who knows, this hole may be even deeper than the one you’re already in.” Alhaithem said and Kaveh stomped his foot in anger.

“I know! It’s always about you and how you’ll be effected! For once, why can’t you have faith that I’ll succeed!” Kaveh almost yelled.

“I based my evaluation of how I feel on past precedents. All you’ve managed to show me is that you’re willing to let someone take advantage of you for whatever silly cause tugs at your heart strings. Unless you’re willing to say no for once, I won’t put my faith into you or you decisions.” Alhaithem explained and Kaveh wanted to cry. He balled his fists and the picked up his bag, turning away.

“Whatever, Alhaithem. I won’t come bother you if I fail, so you don’t have to worry about it.” Kaveh said, blinking the tears away. Alhaithem rubbed his temples.

“Fine, but make sure you write me. You can do what you want but I don’t want to find out you starved to death when a Milileth soldier shows up at my door.” Alhaithem responded, his voice sounding more concerned than Kaveh had ever heard and he slouched a bit.

“…Okay. I’ll send you a letter at the end of each week, so expect it.” Kaveh said, wiping his eyes. Alhaithem nodded.

“If I don’t get one, I’m going to come looking for you.” He said and Kaveh nodded, walking away.

Lumine waited until Alhaithem was back inside his home before she jogged up to Kaveh, calling out his name. He turned around, face a little flushed but he smiled wide at her anyways.

“Lumine! I’m surprised to see you. What’s up?” He asked and she smiled back at him.

“I’m just headed out to Liyue for a little bit. What about you?” She said and he blinked at her.
“Funny! Me too actually.” Kaveh said.

“That is funny, why are you going to Liyue?” She asked and Kaveh straightened with a bit of pride.

“I was offered a really good job! It’s a long term gig to build workers quarters that have all the amenities anyone could want!” He said and Lumine smiled with him.

“That’s so good! Who hired you?” She asked, wondering if it was possibly the Feiyun Commerce Guild or maybe Captain Beidou or even Lady Ninnguang.

“Ah… Well, that I’m not too sure of to be honest. The patron who wants it done sent his employee with a contract and a lot of detailed information about the job to find me. Since I’m based in Sumeru, they knew it would be hard for the boss to take all that time off to travel over and entire country to try and find one person so instead they set up this liaison.” Kaveh explained.

“Makes sense.” Lumine said.

“So, why’re you heading to Liyue?” Kaveh asked and Lumine smiled again.

“I was summoned by Lady Ninnguang. She never sends for me so I figured it was important and left as soon as I could.” Lumine said and Kaveh almost jumped. It was that woman’s name again.
“Who is Lady Ninnguang?” Kaveh asked and Lumine hummed at him.

“Hmmm, I guess you wouldn’t know would you?” She asked and Kaveh shook his head no, “Well, she is basically economic leader and controller of the Liyue military. She’s the most important person in Liyue and makes sure that everything from simple sales to entire trade routes for imports and exports run smoothly. Even crime gets managed by her to a degree.” Lumine explained and Kaveh almost stopped walking in his tracks.

“She sounds like a god.” Kaveh said and Lumine smiled.

“Yeah, she’s super intimidating. That said, she is kind and cares about every person under her. It’s why she works so hard to make sure it goes according to plan. If it doesn’t then someone in Liyue might suffer for her mistake.” Lumine said and Kaveh nodded.

“That… That makes sense. Especially since I heard that Rex Lapis died. Liyue doesn’t have a god to fall back on anymore, do they?” Kaveh asked and Lumine shook her head.

“They don’t. The people are ruled by the Liyue Qixing and the Adepti now.” Lumine said.
“A…Adepti…?” Kaveh asked, confused and Lumine giggled.

“Don’t worry, I’ll introduce you to them sometime! Then you’ll understand.” Lumine said and Kaveh nodded. Their conversation from then on was comfortable and soon the day turned into night and they had to camp. Dinner was quick and delicious and sleep came fast. The next few days were the same, but they finally arrived in Liyue around midday.

“Kaveh, I need to get to the Jade Chamber but I can take you where you’re supposed to be meeting this patron first if you like.” Lumine said and Kaveh smiled.

“Thank you. I have no idea where anything is! This city is beautiful, but the architecture is so winding and confusing, I’m afraid I’ll get lost.” Kaveh said laughing to himself. Lumine nodded.

“Yeah, it was confusing for me too when I first got here. It does get easier though, so don’t worry too much! Anyways, where are you meeting your patron?” Lumine asked and Kaveh began digging through his pockets until he pulled out a piece of paper with a small scrawled name on it.

“The… Northland bank?” Kaveh said sounding unsure and Lumine stopped in her tracks.

“Oh, really? Are you sure?” She asked and he nodded, handing over the paper. She growled and crunched the paper in her hand before grabbing Kaveh’s wrist and dragging him behind her.

“That stupid, no good jackass!” She muttered to herself, “He had better not be up to anything, but I DOUBT he wouldn’t be doing the absolute stupidest bullshit imaginable. And he’s roping you into it too! I can’t believe him!”

“Hey! Who are you talking about?” Kaveh asked and they ascended some stairs and came to a door guarded by a familiar looking man that Kaveh was sure he had met before. The mask shrouded his face and when he saw Lumine he simply opened the door for her and moved out of her way.

“Childe!” She yelled into the foyer of the building that Kaveh had to assume was the Northland Bank. A tall man with red hair, a grey slim fitting suit, and red scarf looked over at her and smiled a genuinely happy smile as she approached him.

“Lumine! I didn’t expect to…” He began but choked when she grabbed his collar and pushed him against a wall. Everyone in the building jumped into action and drew their weapons on her but Childe gave them a look and they paused, dropping their weapons slightly.

“What can I do for you?” Childe asked her, holding his hands up where she could see them.

“Are you his patron?” She asked, pointing to Kaveh who was standing in a similar position,
hands up. Childe looked at her confused then said, “Um… Who is he?”

“I’m Kaveh. I was told to come here for an architectural job.” Kaveh said and Childe’s eyes lit up with familiarity.

“Oh! Yes, I hired him. We have a big project and need some work done for it. I like his designs so I sent Vlad out to fetch him.” Childe said and Lumine shoved him into the wall again, hard. He winced, but his smile never wavered at her.

“You’re really gonna pull someone innocent into Fatui nonsense? Really?” She growled and Kaveh flinched.

What? Fatui? Those terrorists from Snezhnaya? His heart sank hearing that. Of course he would wind up being hired by terrorists.

“This isn’t Fatui nonsense this time, Lulu. It’s legitimate work. We bought some land recently that had expensive ore but we don’t want to divide the profits between us and a mining company and then an appraiser and then a distributor. That’s a lot to keep track of, so instead we talked to the Feiyun Commerce Guild to find the best way to start our own mining company that employs all of the above ourselves and cut down the overhead costs.” Childe said and after a minute of long, heavy silence, Lumine dropped him back onto his feet.

“If I find out anything nefarious, I’ll kill you.” She said and Childe nodded.

“I know you will.” He said and gently touched her cheek. She let his hand sit there for just a moment before slapping it away and walking out of the building. Childe sighed and everyone relaxed around him. The building was tense until Childe stood up straight, capping his hands, and said, “Stop standing around. We have work to be done!” Everyone jumped, yelling, “Yes sir!” In unison. Everyone except Kaveh who stood awkwardly in the foyer until Childe walked over to him, hand outstretched.

“Hello, you must be the Light of Kshahrewar! Did you say your name was Kaveh?” Childe asked. Kaveh sputtered, “Oh, um, yes! I’m Kaveh.” And shook Childe’s outstretched hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you! I hope that Lulu hasn’t damaged your opinion of me just yet!” Childe said, turning away, “Come with me. We can talk business in my office.”

“Oh, well, I thought that we would have a lawyer here?” Kaveh asked, following behind Childe who laughed.

“Yeah, Yanfei is just running a bit behind. She’s usually very punctual but she had a meeting with the great and powerful Lady Ninnguang, and that takes precedence over me any day.” Childe said, opening a door and stepping aside to let Kaveh in.

“So I’ve hear…” Kaveh said. Childe walked in behind him and sat down at a large desk before motioning for Kaveh to sit in front of him.

“I promise, everything is above board. We are doing things legally. I know Lulu doesn’t think so, but we are. What good would it do for us to sabotage our own business venture.” Childe said and Kaveh scowled.

“Yeah, that makes sense, but what will the profits be used for if I help you?” Kaveh asked and Childe blinked at him.

“Well, some of the profits will go to the new employees. Others will be put into maintaining the new complex once it’s done. Some with be put back into the community here in Liyue in various social projects. The rest will be sent back to Snezhnaya and put into community projects.” Childe explained and Kaveh nodded.

“When you say ‘Community Projects’ what do you mean?” Kaveh asked and Childe stared at him before laughing.

“Don’t worry, the money isn’t going back into the Fatui. This project is being funded by me for my own personal reasons. I want to make my home country proud so I plan to have the money go into places like orphanages and hospitals or to more building projects like schools. I want it to benefit my family in some way and schools and hospitals are a good way to make sure they’re happy and healthy.” Childe explained and Kaveh relaxed. He didn’t fully trust him yet, but the way he had said it made Kaveh believe that this guy really cared about his family and his country.

“What’s between you and Lumine?” Kaveh asked and Childe’s head shot up to stare at Kaveh hard.

“You caught that did you?” Childe asked and Kaveh nodded, eliciting a sigh from the ginger.

“Well, if I’m being honest, we had some issues a while back during the time that Rex Lapis passed away. She was blamed for it and I tried to help her out, except I was only trying to get to the body of Rex lapis instead. The body had something the Fatui needed and she was in the way. We fought and a lot of people almost got hurt. But, like always, she was the hero and saved everyone.” Childe explained, sounding distant. Kaveh didn’t say anything, but Childe could tell he had more he wanted to ask.

“Yes, I do regret it. If I could, I would go back and make it so I never involved her that way or maybe found a way to have her think I was the hero. Anything except this.” Childe said and Kaveh nodded.

“I see…” He said feeling awkward. Childe glance at him then sat up himself.

“Anyways, lets talk shop. You don’t need to know about my problems.” Childe said and Kaveh nodded and the two got to work discussing the contract line for line until Yanfei, the adeptus lawyer showed up and she assisted in further going through everything. Eventually, they came to an understanding that benefited all parties.

“Sir Kaveh, if you fail to complete the work you have signed onto do then all money and any future contracts will be null and void and you will be deemed unemployable by the company, fronted by Sir Childe and the Northland Bank. Now, if Sir Childe reneges on his half of the contract then he will be subject to the full payment of the work Sir Kaveh was contracted for plus a bonus payment of 30 Percent of the total payment amount and will lose lord rights over the complex, which fall to Kaveh. Does this sound fair to everyone?” Yanfei said in a tone that was both serious and sweet. Both nodded and Yanfei smiled.

“Well done then! I’ll have you both sign these three copies of the contract that I have annotated with the final review. You will each get one and I will have the third for litigation purposes.” She said and Kaveh smiled back at her.

“Thank you so much.” He said, feeling like he finally had someone on his side. She giggled and nodded back at him.

“It’s no problem at all! We are the land of contracts after all, so its important that each contract is worded in a way that each party benefits and is safe from being taken advantage of. If either of you feel the other party has breached the contract then please come find me at my office!” She said and let herself out of the room. Kaveh stood too and placed his copy of the contract inside his trusty briefcase, Mehrak, before also attempting to leave.

“I hope you enjoy working with us Kaveh.” Childe said and Kaveh nodded.

“I hope so too.” He said and Childe walked over and opened the door for him.

“If everything goes well here then I would like to hire you on permanently for future projects as a salaried member of our team!” Childe said and Kaveh lit up.

“I would like that! Thank you Childe, I’ll speak with you again soon!” Kaveh said and left the bank too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lumine made it up to the Jade Chamber still angry. She clenched and unclenched her fists to let out some aggression before meeting with Lady Ninnguang. It wouldn’t be polite to just run in with her temper flaring. She sucked in a breath and the let it out to steel herself then marched through the massive gold inlaid doors. Baiwen, one of the several the secretaries to Ninnguang, greeted her at the door to escort her to the patio where the Lady waited. She bowed gracefully, introducing Lumine in a professional manner before excusing herself and leaving Lumine alone with the impressive woman.

Lady Ninnguang was as gorgeous and put together as one would expect. Her gold and white qipao moved delicately around her ankles with the shifting of the atmospheric breezes. Her hair flowed with the dress, almost melding together in their movements, giving her an air of superiority. She exuded power and femininity and every motion she made worked to establish her position in the world. As soon as Baiwen closed the opulent door behind her, Lady Ninnguang motioned gracefully for Lumine to sit. It was less an offer and more an order, but Lumine didn’t mind. She walked over, tucked her own white dress under her and sat cordially.

“How was your trip, Lumine?” The Lady asked, taking a silent sip of her amber colored tea.

“It was pretty nice. A friend of mine happened to be coming out here at the same time as me, so we traveled together.” Lumine responded and Ninnguang nodded.

“I see that Paimon isn’t with you today?” The Lady asked and Lumine nodded.

“She’s in Mondstat with the Knights. The Spark Knight actually invited us to her party, but I got your invitation first so Paimon went for me.” Lumine explained, “Its been so weird not having her at my side for so long…”

“I can understand that. When Ganyu left to spend time with Shenhe and the Adepti, it felt like part of myself was gone.” Ninnguang said softly, waving her had at the table, “Have some tea and cakes. I have some very important things to discuss and would hate for you to talk on an empty stomach.”

“Thank you. I was about to ask what you asked for me for.” Lumine said, grabbing for a plate.
“I’m sure you know by now that the Northland Bank branch of the Fatui have bought up a large plot of land out near Jueyun Karst. One that is apparently overflowing with very rare ores, namely the ever important Sunset Vermillionite that help to build Adeptal Machinery and my floating Jade Chamber. They have plans to build their own mining company to corner the market, specifically the market I hold over the Vermillionite. They plan to raise the price of it since they will own basically the whole market. If I can’t afford it or refuse to buy it then they will be selling it to another buyer at a far more affordable price. I’m not sure yet who the other buyer will be, though I have my suspicions.” Ninnguang said and Lumine nodded.

“Yeah, that friend I mentioned is the architect for that project. He might be working directly with Childe, that Fatui harbinger.” Lumine said, spite scorching her words. Ninnguang chuckled.

“I see. You don’t approve?” Ninnguang asked.

“You do?” Lumine asked back and Ninnguang nodded.

“It’s fine, actually. Everything that they’re doing is within the legality we have set up here in Liyue. Not once have they done something suspicious, at least with this particular venture. They worked with Yanfei to make sure that each interaction was approached with the proper cadences, from buying the property to hiring the architect to looking for employees. They even managed to work out a deal with the Feiyun Commerce Guild to hire an appraiser through them so that a percentage of the profit earned goes to them. All around, they’ve managed to grease all of the correct palms to keep almost every party in Liyue happy with their movements.” She explained but Lumine could hear the ‘but’ in her explanation creeping up.

“But?” Lumine asked and Ninnguang smiled coyly.

“Yelan thinks that perhaps their motives are less than stellar. I’m not sure if you heard this or not, but people have been going missing.” Ninnguang said and Lumine jumped.

“What? Here in Liyue?” She asked and Ninnguang nodded.

“Yes, but other places too. Beidou told me that the people of Ritou island are petrified after three women and two men vanished without a trace. They’re saying a spirit must have taken them away. Someone in Qingce Village went missing as well and the locals are worried she fell into a cave or that a beast devoured her. I’ve heard Mondstat lost one their sister’s who worked at the Favonius Cathedral. Fontaine, Natlan, and Snezhnaya all have their own reports but the most concerning come from Sumeru.” Ninnguang said, her voice falling dark and concerned.

“Sumeru is the most concerning? How?” Lumine asked and Ninnguang sighed.

“Nearly 70 people have been reported missing to the Matra and to the Tribal leaders. It’s speculated that even more are actually missing that weren’t reported due to the nature of the two environments that make up the country.” The Lady said and Lumine felt her heart drop. All those people just… gone?

“Does anyone have an idea what happened to them?” Lumine asked and Ninnguang sighed hard, leaning back in her golden wingback metal chair.

“No. There’s a running theory circulating in the Milileth that this is a huge human trafficking ring that is just… hiding deep in the desert of Sumeru. That said, all investigations by the Matra into the desert have found nothing to prove that. That tells me that these people are likely being individually taken and where they are taken is where they stay.” She stated and Lumine nodded.

“I wonder how they managed to pull people from so many places without alerting suspicion…” Lumine said and Ninnguang nodded.

“Believe me, we are asking the same thing. I believe that it goes back to this Fatui ore mining business in some way.” Ninnguang said.

“How so?” Lumine asked.

“The Sunset Vermillionite has amazing properties, many that we don’t fully understand. Even a sampling of it could be inertly powerful and amplify the technological prowess of whatever it is attached to in some way. Imagine, pricing me out of the market then selling it to a person who has technology related to these abductions. Whatever these parties have planned, it won’t be good.” Ninnguang said, speculating.

“You think they’re connected?” Lumine asked and Ninnguang shrugged.

“I couldn’t tell you. I talked with Childe after I became suspicious and he didn’t seem to have anything up his sleeve. He really seemed to have a humanitarian reason for wanting to price me out. All of his paperwork established charities he was hoping to work with through this venture and how any unsecured funds would be spent. Every single aspect of this project was carefully curated to be as beneficial to the communities as possible.” The lady said, beginning to sound frustrated.

“Really?” Lumine scoffed, “Childe is being generous? That’s quite a feat.” And the Lady chuckled again.

“Cut him a bit of slack. The boy is trying his hardest, you know.” She said and Lumine rolled her eyes.

“He shouldn’t have been so stupid in the first place. He could’ve gotten everyone here hurt or killed!” Lumine asserted and Ninnguang nodded.

“Mmmhmm, but in reality he was being puppeteer by another Harbinger, me, and a supposedly dead god. He fell into a plot that was set up to release Rex Lapis and the Adepti from their contracts while giving the power to the people of Liyue.” Ninnguang stated and Lumine paused.

“…You knew that Rex Lapis wasn’t dead?” Lumine asked and Ninnguang nodded.

“Darling, I know everything that goes on in my country. Which is one of the reasons why the disappearances are so frustrating. Anyways, I believe that perhaps that boy was put up to this by someone else without him knowing, like before. He may really be trying to do good with what he was given. He may be trying to make up for what he did before, especially since you are still so upset with him.” Ninnguang asserted and Lumine blushed, crossing her arms.

“He’s such a twit.” She said, looking away and Ninnguang giggled a bit.

“A twit who wants to impress the girl who bested him in battle. It’s quite cute, really.” Ninnguang teased and Lumine huffed.

“As if. He’s a pain and nothing else.” Lumine asserted and Ninnguang nodded.

“Sure,” She said, “Cut him some slack Lumine, he thinks the world of you.” Ninnguang said and Lumine made a gagging noise

“Ew! Don’t even joke like that!” She said, but her face flushed red again and Ninnguang shook her head. These silly kids.

“Anyways, I called you here to infiltrate his business and find out if there is anything going on that he has hidden. I want you to play nice with him. Yelan is investigating the disappearances and at the end of each week I want you two to link up and discuss what you have found and then Yelan will report back to me.” Ninnguang commanded and Lumine made a face.

“… Fine, I’ll do it. I want to protect the people of Liyue and my friend. I won’t be happy about it though!” Lumine asserted and Ninnguang nodded.

“Of course, I expected no less.” She said with a smile. Lumine nodded and turned to leave, knocking on the door to have Baiwen let her back in.

Ninnguang watched Lumine go quietly and thought back to her conversation with Childe earlier that week.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I don’t know what to do to change her opinion of me. She battles like no one I’ve ever met and She’s the only person I have ever wanted my family to know and I managed to ruin any chance at even a friendship with her and I’ll never forgive myself for that.”

“Oh, so this is all for love?”

“Pfff, no. It’s for… friendly competition and family. Besides, she wouldn’t want me anyways. She hates me. I’m Fatui, the enemy. Even if I explained my reasoning, she wouldn’t care since I’m the villain.”

“Have you tried to tell her?”

“Ha! Funny. Lulu wouldn’t willingly be in a room with me for any amount of time without trying to kill me, let alone listen to my sad backstory.”

“That was an odd tone… You want her to try to kill you?”

“Her more than anyone else…”

Chapter Text

Chapter Three

Lumine walked back to Liyue Harbor to meet back up with Kaveh. She had been so frustrated that she forgot to tell him where to meet her or even how to find things and was shuffling through the streets worried that the poor man had gotten lost. That is, until she ran into him on the street arguing with one of the Milileth guards. Well, arguing wasn’t exactly the correct word. More like, the guard was lecturing him as he sputtered nervously.

“Come on! Speak up! What are you doing loitering around outside Yujing Terrace? This isn’t a place for riff raff!” The guard said and Kaveh rubbed his neck, mumbling… something under his breath that Lumine couldn’t hear.

“And what is all this paperwork? Are you trying to steal private information on Liyue harbor?” The guard pressed and Kaveh shook his head.

“N…No! This isn’t what you think!” He defended but the guard just growled at him. Lumine could see the guard was completely fed up with him and rushed over.

“Kaveh! There you are!” She said and he sighed in relief. The guard stepped back, shocked to see her.

“Miss Lumine! Is this a friend of yours?” He asked and Lumine nodded.

“Yes, Fengyan. This is Kaveh, he’s new to Liyue so he must’ve gotten a bit lost looking for me.” She said, grabbing Kaveh’s arm who was nodding ferociously.

“Yes! I tried to tell him!” Kaveh almost shouted and Fengyan gave him a stern look.

“I apologize Miss Lumine, but even if he is your friend I cannot let it slide. He was wondering around Yujing Terrace, making notes of all of the different places he came across and then panicked upon questioning! Unless he has a good reason for this suspicious behavior, then I’m afraid he will need to be detained until further notice!” Fengyan stated making Kaveh jump.

“Don’t worry, Fengyan. Kaveh is an architect and he was hired to build a complex for the Northland Bank and the Feiyun Commerce Guild. Since he isn’t from here, he was asked to try and learn a bit about the building style here in Liyue Harbor so that the building doesn’t stick out. We had to part ways and I forgot to tell him where to meet me so he was likely just doing that research while he waited on me to get done.” Lumine explained. Fengyan nodded, humming as he listened to her.

“Hmmm, I see. Do you have proof of this, sir?” Fengyan asked, sounding far less hostile. Kaveh nodded frantically.

“Yes! I do, as it happens, have proof!” Kaveh said and began running through the papers in his arms, handing them over as he found the ones he needed.

“These are the details of the work I’ll be doing, and these are some sketches I made of different buildings I’m drawing inspiration from - all annotated as to how they work aesthetically and why I chose them. Oh! And this is a copy of the contract signed by myself, and that fellow from the Northland Bank, Childe, and our lawyer Yanfei!” Kaveh said. Fengyan nodded and hummed more as he scanned each one before giving them back and crossing his arms.

“Alright, it all looks legitimate. However, until I can confirm with Yanfei that she has worked with you, I will be keeping an eye out on you.” He said and Kaveh nodded.

“Yep, that’s fair!” He said and Lumine smiled.

“We’ll be seeing you then, Fengyan.” She said and pulled Kaveh away, walking away from the Yujing Terrace and back down towards the harbor center. Once they were firmly out of earshot, Kaveh puffed hard, releasing all the tension he had been holding in.

“Oh, the gods… Never in a million years did I think that I would get stopped like I was common street rabble!” Kaveh groaned and Lumine smiled at him.

“Heh, the Milileth are very serious about their jobs so you need to be careful and try not to draw so much attention to yourself. If you want to get a feel for the architecture and not get in trouble for looking suspicious, then we should go to the Wangshu Inn for a few days. It has really nice landscapes and the building itself is super pretty!” Lumine said excitedly and Kaveh perked up.

“That might be doable, actually. I have a month to prepare before we actually start on the project. Mr Childe said that the company needs time to procure the materials for a project this large, especially since the location of the site is in a fairly… unpopular location?” Kaveh said, his voice moving into a question at the end, unsure of why Jueyun Karst would be unsavory.

“Ah, that makes sense. Jueyun Karst is usually crawling with Hilichurls, treasure hoarders, and geovishaps. But, Childe being part of the Fatui means he likely was able to have a full crew scrape that area clean of aaannnnyyy enemy forces.” Lumine said and Kaveh made a face.

“You sure? I don’t want to be robbed in the middle of the night or clubbed to death by some lumbering monster…” Kaveh said, sounding like he regretted taking the job.

“Don’t worry. My talk with Lady Ninnguang went well. Turns out, she’s been watching the whole thing and said its all being done safely and within proper operating standards. She assured me that Childe wasn’t letting things like monsters or treasure hoarders get in the way. That said, she asked me to come onto the project as your bodyguard just in case.” Lumine said.

“My bodyguard? What for?” Kaveh asked, genuinely curious.

“Well, I’m going to assume it’s so that relations between Sumeru and Liyue stay good. If anything went wrong, then it would look very bad for Liyue you know. You might not think so, but you’re kind of an important figure in Sumeru. The Light of Kshahrewar, Alhaithem’s inseparable companion, best friend to the General Mahamatra, and the creator of the Palace of Alcazazary! If anything happened to you, I can’t imagine the Matra or your friends taking it lightly, especially Alhaithem.” Lumine said, her hands gesturing wildly. Kaveh rolled his eyes at her antics and scoffed.

“I highly doubt Alhaithem would really care all that much. He doesn’t even want me in his house!” Kaveh argued but Lumine just stared at him.

“You like to ignore truths don’t you?” She asked and shot her an annoyed look.

“And what does that mean?” He asked and she shrugged.

“Alhaithem sounded worried when you two were talking out on the street. To me, it seems like he just doesn’t want anything bad to befall you again.” Lumine explained and Kaveh groaned, putting his hands on his hips.

“Ah… I should’ve known you had heard all that. Don’t worry, he isn’t concerned about me. He’s concerned about his bank book and if he could possibly have to hear me ‘crying and moaning from another wasted attempt at success.’ If he was actually worried then he wouldn’t keep bringing up my failures.” Kaveh said and Lumine resisted the urge to roll her eyes at him.

“If you want to believe that, then you can I guess. I’m telling you though, he really cares about you.” Lumine said and Kaveh scoffed again.

“What about you then?” Kaveh asked, “What’s up with you and Childe?” Lumine stopped in her tracks, instantly enraged before she calmed herself, unclenched her fists and took in a long and steadying breath.

“If you’re willing to listen then I don’t mind talking about it, but I would prefer it be over food.” She said. The tea and cakes with Lady Ninnguang were good but, honestly, not very filling. Kaveh swallowed and nodded slowly.

“…Sure. I could eat.” He said, suddenly a little afraid of the traveling girl before him. Was it really that bad between her and that Fatui boy?
Kaveh was surprised that the person who had always been so kind and sweet was suddenly so angry. For just a moment, he could believe the stories he had heard about her and her strength and her rage.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The decided to buy something from Wanmin restaurant and eat the food on the way out of Liyue harbor to get to Wangshu Inn. Kaveh wasn’t really sure what most of the food was, so Lumine ordered for him. After a bit of walking, the found a place just off the road to sit down and eat. Kaveh hadn’t wanted to admit it, but he was more hungry than he had expected and wolfed down the food only to find out it was much hotter than expected. Lumine laughed saying she thought he could handle spicy food better and he had to explain that he was like a kitten, only sweet or savory for him, making her laugh again. Once they were both done eating and they were resting, looking out at the Liyue scenery, Lumine spoke up.

“The Fatui are out to hurt the gods.” She started and Kaveh jumped.

“What?” He asked softly and she slumped, looking somber, and put her hands between her knees nervously.

“The Fatui, for the most part, are part of the governing body of Snezhnaya and are sent out to make diplomatic relations with foreign nations. However, the upper echelon of the Fatui - The Harbingers - work side by side with the Tsaritsa to take away a piece of each god in the region. Their Gnosis.” Lumine explained. Kaveh looked at her, attempting to hide his shock. How did he not know any of this? Was this part of what he had missed when he was in the desert and the Sages lost power?

“What… What is a Gnosis?” Kaveh asked and Lumine finally relaxed a bit and leaned back.

“2000 years ago there was a Great War, where the Archons - The Gods themselves - fought for power. I can’t tell you why the war started, but it might’ve had to do with control of the seven seats of Celestia. When the war ended, the archons who remained were the ones we know today, for the most part. Each of the remaining seven were gifted their Gnosis as a reminder of how the Heavenly Principles control the laws of Tayvat. At least, that’s my understanding of it.” She explained then sat back up, looking nervous again.

“Anyways, the Fatui are out to get them. We had made friends with the Anemo Archon, Lord Barabtos when he was assaulted violently by one of the Fatui harbingers and had his Gnosis stolen. We were powerless to help him… The same happened when we came to Liyue. Rex Lapis fell from the sky, dead, and we were initially blamed for it. That’s when we met Childe. He put on this sweet facade and made me think he wanted to help me, made me thin that I was important enough to protect… Turns out, he was lying just to try and get close to Rex Lapis’s body and steal the Gnosis, using me as a scapegoat.” She said her voice becoming betrayed.

“It didn’t work though. The Gnosis was gone by that point. He thought I had it and decided to hold all of Liyue Harbor and her people as a pawn to force me to hand it over. He awakened a long dead god named Osial and Osial’s wife Beisht, though I admit that she was completely unplanned on his part, to drown all of the Harbor. Luckily, the Adeptus worked with Lady Ninnguang and the Milileth to protect all the civilians. All to claim something that I never had in the first place!” She explained and Kaveh felt a shudder run through him.

“He tried to kill all those innocent people?” He asked her, awestruck and fearful. She ran a hand through her hair and closed her eyes before continuing.

“…No… He was being puppeteered by multiple groups and was under the impression that one person in particular would rise up and stop it, the actual person who held the Gnosis. But… He never came and the situation became dire… It all worked out in the end though. All parties except for me and Childe managed to be happy at the end of it.” She said, “It doen’t matter though. He should never have even attempted to use the Harbor as bait! That’s why I can’t forgive him.”

“I see… That’s completely understandable really. You must have valued him quite a lot then.” Kaveh said and Lumine gagged.

“Ew, don’t even joke about that! He’s not my type at all! He’s too skinny and his laugh is sooooo annoying!” She said, making faces of disgust and Kaveh laughed.

“Yeah? Not a fan of skinny boys? Bones don’ do it for you?” He teased and she hacked more.

“Gross! Bleh! Not at all! If I’m gonna be with a guy he needs to be a wife! Cooking and cleaning and polishing my sword for battle! Not someone who wants to out compete me!” She joked and Kaveh laughed again.

“You know, wives come in the women variety too.” He said and she gasped.

“Really? Man, I guess I could go that route too! Either way, I want a wife! Skinny boy Childe just isn’t wife material.” She said smirking and Kaveh smirked with her.

“Well, I’ll keep an eye out on the perfect ‘wife’ for you then.” Kaveh said and Lumine smiled, standing up.

“Let’s get a move on then! I wanna take a bath and a nap in that order!” Lumine said, bouncing on her feet before skipping ahead down the road. Kaveh followed behind at a slight distance. He felt… a nervousness buzzing under his skin. He wasn’t sure if it was excitement from this new job, or fear from working with someone as dangerous as Lumine made Childe out to be. Maybe he was scared that his life would once again be ripped out from under him. Maybe he was afraid that this was all a ploy of some kind to trap him and hurt him. He clenched the handle on Mehrak harder and pushed forward, swallowing down the anxiety that swam through him. It’ll be fine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Wangshu Inn was grander than he had expected. Kaveh felt his jaw fall free and hang loose when it finally came into view. An ornately detailed building, overflowing with opulence, situated in the winding body of a massive and ancient ginkgo tree? Kaveh couldn’t believe his eyes. Plus the beauty of the sparkling blue water of the marsh, and the movement of the bridges that led to the inn added to the atmosphere. He couldn’t stop staring at the inn in conjunction to the mountain range behind it, swelling up and down in organic geometric patterns. Lumine was right. The Wangshu Inn was definitely the place to be for ideas. Every step of the way he was taking notes, making doodles on a small parchment pad, gently feeling the lacquer of the wood, anything to add to his arsenal of design information until they finally made it to the hostess desk.

“Hello Traveler! It’s good to see you again!” Said a woman at the desk for check in. Lumine smiled and approached her, leaning against the desk casually.

“Hello Verr Goldet! How is Huai’an doing these days?” Lumine asked and the woman sighed happily.

“He’s doing very well actually. Much more spry since he finally visited Baizhu. Turns out, he was suffering from a touch of gout!” Verr Goldet explained and Lumine nodded.

“That figures, stubborn old man!” Lumine said, her tone both serious and teasing. Verr Goldet nodded, crossing her arms.

“He really can be. Anyways, Lady Ninnguang sent ahead of you a letter and I’ve already prepared a room for you and your guest. Please stay as long as you need.” She said and Lumine smiled, bowing to the thank her. When she stood straight again and began to turn, Verr Goldet spoke again.

“Oh, a friend of yours is waiting for you on the balcony as well. Please make haste to see him.” She said and Lumine stared at her in silence, a conversation of understanding flowing between their eyes and Kaveh felt himself confused for a second before Lumine uttered her thanks and turned back to Kaveh to show him his room.

The room was beautiful too. The dark, buttery brown of the polished wood sounded fresh and stark under Kaveh’s shoes as he walked across the room to the bed that was now his until he was done with his research. It took was gorgeous. The bed had a headboard made of the same wood as the floors but was inlaid in the bends and twists of the rectangular shapes with gold, highlighting the way the sun hit the warm shades of brown. The bedding was thick and wonderfully green, soft and smokey. It was an impressive reminder of the ocean as it touched the sands in bad weather. Over the green were bold patterns of golden plants and birds, all laid out across the duvet in mathematically repeating patters. He touched the blanket and where it bent under his hand, the golden silk moved to blood red and emerald green as the sun light created moody shadows. It was true craftsman ship, Kaveh could tell. Even the bed itself seemed to be a down bed. Kaveh smirked and flung himself into the bed, sinking in with a heavy and happy sigh.

“Alhaithem is going to be so jealous when I tell him about this!” Kaveh boasted and then silence fell around him. Lumine had left him at the door. He was alone. He blinked and sat in that silence, mind empty before he huffed.

“That fool wouldn’t be jealous! He wouldn say something like, ‘Craftmanship isn’t something I highly value. A place to sleep is a place to sleep, and personally I have a bed of my own anyways so this isn’t impressive.” Kaveh said, crossing his arm before a feeling of sadness washed over him. He also had a bed at Alhaithem’s house… It wasn’t as glorious or well fashioned as this one, but it was comfortable. It smelled like home. This bed smelled like a rich perfume. It was nothing like the comfort that Alhaithem’s home had provided him for such a long time now. If he was being honest, he didn’t want to move out of Alhaithem’s house anymore but felt that he HAD to. Alhaithem didn’t want to live with him forever, he had made that abundantly clear the last time they had spoken and that made Kaveh’s chest fill with twisting and winding pains.

It was in these times of quiet when he began to wonder if Alhaithem cherished him at all. Were they friends? Kaveh wanted them to be. He wanted them to get along, but that just didn’t seem to be in the cards like it was when they were in school. Their friendship seemed to fall apart after Kaveh took on that project that cost him his stability. He remembered Alhaithem yelling, asking how he could be so foolish, why he never thought things through, why he just let people walk all over him all the time. Kaveh remembered crying, he wasn’t sure, he didn’t want it to be this way, he just wanted his client to be happy, he wanted to be happy with himself. Now neither of the two men were happy with Kaveh and to this day, there was a distance that both refused to cross. Another person he was close to who wanted him gone from their life…

Kaveh rubbed his eyes with his palm, pushing the sourness of his thoughts away. Now wasn’t the time! He could think about it later! When he was done with this job! He stood up, grabbed Mehrak, and walked out of the room to the upstairs balcony to draw and plan. As he rounded the corner though, he saw Lumine standing with someone he didn’t recognize and for a minute he was impressed with how many people she seemed to be friends with until their voices cut through the air.

“So, that woman brought you here to investigate the disappearances?” The boy asked. Kaveh thought he looked young, but couldn’t be sure. His face, while youthful, held a sorrow built on ages. His hair was parted down the middle, and swept out of his face. It seemed almost practical except that the sides by his ears were longer than the rest. He din’t move much when listening and talking but occasionally, brushed the hair there while he was thinking. He was also shorter than Lumine, but held himself very high anyways. Something about this person seemed very important and if he could call who Kaveh assumed was Lady Ninnguang ‘that woman’ then his standing must be very good.

“Yeah… She has a suspicion that someone in the Fatui is behind them.” Lumine said and the boy nodded.

“But she doesn’t think that it has anything to do with that new mine?” He asked and Lumine nodded.

“I don’t think it does either. I think maybe it’s someone else in the Fatui in charge of the disappearances which happen to coincide with the mining project.” Lumine explained and the boy remained silent until Lumine gently touched his hand.

“If you could, would you keep an eye out on things? If you or Cloud Retainer and the others see or hear anything, would you mind telling me?” She asked and the boy was still for a moment before reaching his fingers out slightly to touch back, and answer of some sort before vanishing in a puff of smoke. Kaveh couldn’t stop himself from gasping, making Lumine jump and spin around.

“Kaveh!” She said, startled, “Did you… hear all that?” Kaveh made a face and rubbed his neck before nodding.

“Was it a secret?” He asked and she shook her head.

“No… Not really. Xiao is just very private and I wanted to ask him for a favor.” She said.

“About someone who went missing?” Kaveh asked and Lumine nodded.

“…Yeah. Lady Ninnguang hired me to look into some disappearances that she suspects is Fatui involved. She wants me to make sure that the mine isn’t connected and luckily, I have a good reason to be involved. You. Two birds with one stone, kind of thing.” She confessed and Kaveh wasn’t sure how to feel.

“This isn’t making me want to go to work, honestly.” Kaveh said and Lumine nodded.

“That’s why I tried to keep it to myself. So you could do your job and I could do mine without you being worried.” She said, sounding sheepish. Kaveh crossed his arms and huffed.

“Do you think I’m in danger?” He asked plainly and Lumine shook her head.

“No. Childe pays well and is very good to his employees. He lied to me once, but he is actually very loyal and reliable. It’s annoying actually. He makes it very hard to see him where he’s at in the world.” She said and Kaveh nodded.

“M’kay… Will working with them ruin my reputation at all?” Kaveh asked and Lumine shook her head again.

“No. Aside from a select few people, no one knows that the Northland Bank is a branch off the Fatui. As far as everyone is concerned, you’re working with a reputable foreign agency to do a community build.” She said and Kaveh seemed to give in.

“Alright. I’ll accept that. But if something does happen then I need you to do your job. You’re my body guard after all and I don’t plan on having my body or reputation tarnished! I’ve had enough bad luck lately and I can’t, under any circumstances, go home to have Alhaithem calling me a fool again. This HAS to be a win, Lumine.” Kaveh stated and Lumine nodded.

“Of course. You’re my friend and I won’t let anything happen to you.” She promised.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A week went by and Kaveh had taken his completed designs to Childe and after a few tweaks on design and material, it was approved and they moved from the beautiful Wangshu Inn to a small and uncomfortable two person tent in the valley of Jueyun Karst near a newly dug and massive hole in the ground that Kaveh figured was likely the new mine that was being built. Either way, he had to admit that that he missed the inn already. The sun was starting to set and with the building going smoothly, Kaveh thought it would be a good time to write his first letter to Alhaithem before the sun fully dropped beneath the mountains.

“Alhaithem, I made it safely to Liyue and met the traveler on my way out. Everything went really well. Me and the person running the Northland Bank managed to come to a very good deal. We had a lawyer help us come to a very beneficial conclusion. I was given a bit of time to prepare and was able to stay in the Wangshu Inn. It was massively luxurious. Lumine actually took several pictures while we were there and she let me have a few. Since we’ve moved to the build site I thought it would be best to send them home to you so that they wouldn’t get dirty or crumpled. How have things been going there? Anything fun? I hope its well” Kaveh wrote and the began to tap his pencil on the table. Should he write more? Tell Alhaithem what else has been going on? About the Fatui? He groaned and leaned himself and the chair back onto its legs and rocked back and forth for a minute until the flap of the tent was pulled open.

“Excuse me, Kaveh, I would like to introduce you to someone.” Childe said, letting himself in. Kaveh dropped the chair back onto its feet and rolled up his unfinished note.

“Of course! Who are we meeting?” Kaveh asked and Childe opened the tent a bit wider, inviting Kaveh out.

“He’s a consult from Fontaine. His name is Escher and he’s going to be working on some of those more complex features we agreed for the building, like the automated ventilation for heating and cooling.” Childe said and Kaveh smiled.

“Oh good! I was worried about how we were going to do that!” Kaveh said and Child nodded, guiding him along.

“Same. But, luckily I have some connections here and there.” He stated and then stopped in front of the set up for the smithing area where a man with striking attire stood talking with the smithy they hired. He wore a vest, black with golden stripes and buttons, and a red shirt. Kaveh thought that it seemed too fancy and constricting for a mechanic but didn’t say that. The man had shoulder length hair, parted almost in the middle, that framed his face in such a way it made him look thin, almost frail. He turned and looked at them when they got close and Kaveh felt a chill run across him. He felt almost like he was being hunted. The man’s gaze felt predatory for only a second before a casual smile graced his thin face.

“Hello! You must be Kaveh!” The man said cheerily and Kaveh smiled nervously. He didn’t feel the threatening and hungry aura anymore, but he couldn’t shake the anxiety that it left in its wake. He reached out his hand to shake and the man immediately took it with a wide grin.

“I’m Escher! Childe told me about this project and I was hooked! I knew I had to participate! A system of airflow designed to maintain a climate’s temperature? Fascinating! And I get to put my name on it!”Escher said and Kaveh nodded.

“Yes sir! When I was working on the design work, Childe here interviewed the miners and asked them what some of their biggest discomforts with the job were and several of them said that on a hot day when they get home and its still hot it makes it too hard too get adequate rest. We decided to find a way to have the building’s climate be consistent all year round, whether it’s sweltering or its freezing.” Kaveh explained and Escher watched him as he talked, eyes locked onto Kaveh’s face until he was finished.

“Fascinating.” Escher said, his tone conveying something else. Kaveh’ got the distinct feeling that he wasn’t talking about the cooling system anymore and it made his skin prickle. Kaveh nodded.

“Yeah, we are really hoping that it will greatly improve the lives of everyone working here!” Kaveh said, pushing his discomfort down. Child looked down at him for a second, noticing the discomfort, then looked back at Escher.

“Yeah, it’s going to be very beneficial for everyone involved!” Childe agreed, wrapping his arm around Kaveh’s shoulder in an almost protective manner. “Anyways, we’ve taken up enough of your time! Me and Kaveh here are going to go have dinner! Have a good night!” And they turned away.

When they got back to the tent, Childe finally let go and began setting up the cooking stove and Kaveh sighed then walked over to help. Childe looked at him, silently observing for a few before sitting back in front of the small fire and asked, “What was up back there? You looked super uncomfortable.” Kaveh sighed again, loudly, then put the plate of meats down near the grill and sat down himself.

“I really don’t know… Something about that guy set off my fight or flight. I felt like I was cornered by a Rishboland Tiger.” Kaveh explained and Childe peaked over his shoulder, back at Escher, frowning.

“…Really?” Childe asked and Kaveh looked over too at the thinner man. From this distance, whatever Kaveh had felt seemed to evaporate.

“…Yes.” He admitted and Childe stared at him hard and concerned.

“Huh… but he’s so old and kinda frail…” Childe said before backpedaling, “Not that he isn’t good at his job or completely capable!” And Kaveh smiled.

“I bet he’s wonderful at his job. I don’t doubt that. It’s just that… For a second, it seemed like I was talking to someone else.” Kaveh explained and Childe looked back again at the man. Escher was chatting away with the smithy again and then caught Childe’s eye. He gave a smile and waved before going back to talking with the smith. Nothing seemed wrong, but he had promised Lumine that he would make sure Kaveh stayed safe. He would have to keep an eye on Escher and his machines.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Text

Chapter Four

Alhaithem had gotten Kaveh’s letters each week and each week passed to turn into months and Alhaithem began to find his quiet home distasteful. He found that reading had become harder as the quiet of his home began to push down on him. He had begun to tap his fingers against the wood of his chair just to have something echoing in his home. It irritated him. Kaveh irritated him. Well, more accurately, how Kaveh’s presence in his life had altered the way he existed. He was comforted by the soundtrack of Kaveh just existing. He would him to himself songs that his mother had sang to him when he was a child. Sometimes Alhaithem would hear him mumbling in his room in frustration over whatever project he was working on. It had become almost routine for Alhaithem to simply listen to the joys and distresses of his roommate, interjecting when necessary, so now that he was gone Alhaithem found himself… Lonely.

The letters helped keep the loneliness at bay though. Each week he diligently waited for the paragraphs and pages of updates to come rolling in and keep his days filled with Kaveh’s narration once more. Today he expected a letter, and the hours rolled on with none showing up. Alhaithem began to pace in concern, peeking out of his window for the courier. The night began to rise and panic set into his bones that he pushed down. Maybe the courier was just late a day. Liyue was far, after all. Almost as soon as he began to let the anxiety dictate his movements, a knock on the door sounded.

Alhaithem jumped up from his chair, book abandoned on the floor, as he dashed to the door and threw it open to see a girl he didn’t recognize. He glared at her and crossed his arms.

“Can I help you?” He asked sternly and the girl took a step back, gripping the bag strap across her chest with one hand and the other rummaging through it.

“Y… yes, sir. I… I have a letter for you!” She said, stuttering and Alhaithem almost shrank.

“You aren’t my usual courier. Where is he?” Alhaithem asked, recomposing himself.

“He took a vacation! I… I’m new, but I am replacing him temporarily!” She said, stuttering timidly before shooting out her hand to give Alhaithem his mail. He took it and nodded.

“I see. Well, thank you. Goodnight.” Alhaithem said, closing the door before she could respond. Who she was really didn’t matter right now anyways. He had a letter to read. He needed to make sure Kaveh was okay. The blonde had mentioned once before that someone he was working with had made him feel uncomfortable. It wasn’t a specific incident that caused this discomfort, mostly just how the man had a weirdly disquieting personality that set Kaveh’s nerves on edge. So far that’s all it had been. Quiet glances held too long. Odd conversations that seemed unrelated to anything before. Calling Kaveh by the wrong name several times. It was all upsetting and, while Alhaithem wanted to have his home filled with what Kaveh had to say about literally anything, he also needed to know he was safe. He cut open the parcel and began scrolling the paper.

The letter started like any other letter. It narrated his days, explaining the goings on and where things went right and wrong, how dinner was, Lumine’s jokes and her attempts to annoy the man he was working for, etc. Alhaithem let himself sink into his chair and he crossed his legs, smiling and comfortable as he read. Then he came to the last few pages.

“Alhaithem, we finished the project faster than expected. That man from fontaine came up with a solution to a few building practices that had been slowing us down. We had a celebration with lots of really delicious food. We drank a little, but not like I usually do. I was almost excited to come home, but as the party was winding down, Childe asked if I wanted to do another project with him and another benefactor. I asked him what the job was and he said that it was a cultural restoration project in the Sumeru desert on some ruins that were recently discovered. You’ve probably already heard about that though. Anyways, some of the scholars believe that these ruins were the actual city where King Deshret resided with his people before his death and decided to work with Childe and the Northland Bank to restore and preserve it. After some conversations, I agreed to it. We have another contract in effect and I’ll be going from here in Liyue straight to the site. That said, I would like to see you. I can’t stop at home, but if you could convince everyone to come then I would love to have dinner with everyone here at the ruins. Like I said, you’ve likely heard about them since we had to go through the academia for approval, but if not I’m sure one of the Matra or even Cyno will have the location. I look forward to seeing you. Signed, yours Kaveh.”

Alhaithem was stunned. They finished so fast? And on such a large project? That couldn’t be right at all… he rubbed his eyes, an uneasy feeling growing in his chest. He had heard of the ruins, of course he had. He was a scribe for the academia and had to take note of everything that occurred. He knew that several of the scholars were in talks with outside companies for funding for it, but didn’t know they had settled on the northland bank. It made sense though, after Kaveh had paid off his debt to Dori, word had gotten around that a bank from Liyue was giving out high paying contracts and so many scholars were jumping at the chance to engage with the bank. He was going to have to ask around. Something felt off about the whole thing. He put the note down on the coffee table before heading to his bedroom to sleep.

The next day, Alhaithem decided to go straight to Cyno to see what he knew. He wandered the Academia until he found the General in the House of Daena talking with some students. Ignoring said students, Alhaithem walked up and said, in a tone that conveyed urgency, “I need to talk to you.” Cyno blinked, crossed his arms and tilted his head.

“I was in the middle of a conversation.” He said, but there was no bite behind it. A test to make sure Alhaithem was serious. Alhaithem glowered at him and the students who’s lips became tight.

“This is urgent. I’m sure these two students can ask their teachers for their respective Darshan whatever they have been asking you.” Alhaithem said and Cyno nodded.

“I suppose so.” He said then looked back at the students, “Would you excuse me? The acting Grand Sage needs me.”

“I’m just the scribe.” Alhaithem corrected continued before anyone could protest. “Do you know about the ruins found in the desert about a month ago?”

“Of course. Individuals from the Tanit tribe found them and contacted the Academia about unearthing it. They explained that since it is on their land that they would like to begin trading with us for resources in exchange for the ruins. Why?” Cyno said and Alhaithem nodded.

“Kaveh sent me a note saying that they finished that incredibly large project in Liyue and that the northland bank took on the contract for funding the project with the scholars in charge of the ruin reconstruction and that he is going to be working as the head architect on it.” Alhaithem explained, presenting the note. Cyno read it over and handed it back.

“Odd. Out of the blue, they just… finished?” Cyno asked and Alhaithem nodded.

“That’s what the letter said.” Alhaithem stated and the two were quiet.

“It could be plausible, but I doubt it.” Cyno said.

“Do we have anyway to confirm he’s coming to Sumeru?”

“You mean, besides the note?”

“… Obviously, Cyno.” Alhaithem said, rolling his eyes.
“Well, we could go to Liyue and just see.” Cyno said and Alhaithem shook his head.

“The trip there and back would be too long. If something is going on and they’re already going to the ruins we’ll miss them and then Kaveh will be in danger.” Alhaithem said.

“And if we show up in Liyue and it’s not done then whoever forged the letter will know we are onto them and he’ll be in danger there too.” Cyno followed up and Alhaithem stared quietly at the ground.

“Someone unrelated to us should go to Liyue and check while we go to the ruins.” Alhaithem concluded and Cyno nodded.

“If you and I go to the ruins, at least we will be prepared for an ambush. But who could we send out to Liyue?” Cyno asked and both were silent as they thought.

“What about Tighnari?” Alhaithem asked and Cyno shook his head.

“He can’t leave. He’s the only real medic the forest watchers have.” Cyno said.

“Collei?”

“Tighnari wouldn’t allow her to go alone. He would be too worried. Plus if she gets caught then she would be woefully underprepared.” Cyno explained.

“What about that new individual from Vahumana? That hat guy?” Cyno asked and Alhaithem shook his head.

“I don’t know. He seems… unhinged. It might not be a good idea.” Alhaithem said but Cyno pushed.

“I don’t know. During the interdarshan championship he held up with everyone else. He has a vision so we know he can protect himself. Plus he isn’t affiliated with any of us outside of the interdarshan championship. Plus, I’ve heard he talks with Lesser Lord Kusanali frequently enough to be trustworthy.” Cyno said, sounding almost excited about the idea. Alhaithem paused but didn’t reject it.

“…Fine. I’ll go talk to the Dendro Archon about his credibility. Would you mind setting up for our trip to the ruins then?” Alhaithem asked and Cyno nodded at him.

“Done.” He said and the two separated.

———————————————————————————

Nahida knew he was coming before he actually arrived. She heard the whispers of the thoughts Alhaithem had as he approached he in the Sanctuary of Surasthana. His thoughts were wildly chaotic, bouncing from one fear to another making her fear him a little but she showed no emotion on her face. Curiosity of his fears actually overrode her own nervousness, calming her enough to be composed as he knocked on the chamber door, begging for swift entrance.

“Please, come in.” She said, kicking her feet slightly as she swung back and forth slowly. Alhaithem pushed open the two decorative and heavy doors to stand determined before her.

“Lord Kusanali, I need your help.” He said and she glided off her swing, the thing evaporating behind her, and she asked, “How can I help you, Scribe?”

“I’ve heard rumors that you might be friendly with a newcomer in the academia.” Alhaithem stated.

“That I am. He was enrolled in Vahumana at my request.” She said, “What do you need from him?”

“I was hoping that he could be persuaded to travel to Liyue and check on something for me.” Alhaithem said and Nahida stared at him.

“He might be convinced. Care to explain the situation?” She asked and Alhaithem did. He explained Kaveh and the contract and the letters, the northland bank and the weird man from Fontaine who made him uncomfortable. Before he could finish his explanation he heard a cackle from the rafters. He looked up and saw the new guy with the hat drop down, catching himself on a breeze before landing elegantly.

“Did you say a man named Escher from Fontaine is working with the northland bank?” He asked, an angry yet smug smile gracing his face. Alhaithem nodded.

“Yes. Do you know him?” Alhaithem asked and the small man laughed loudly again.

“Oh yes, I know him. I know that disgusting and vile piece of shit better than anyone should know him. If your friend is working for him then he better hope that he isn’t being eyed out by him. Otherwise nothing but suffering is in order for him.” He said and Alhaithem felt his heart drop and he lunged forward, grabbing the much smaller man and ripped him forward.

“HOW DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN?!” Alhaithem yelled in his face and rage coursed through the small man.

“Release me, you worm!” He yelled back, using his vision to push a burst of wind between them, shoving Alhaithem back and into the huge doors. The man wound up again, building an attack of swirling wind but stopped when Nahida touched his arm ever so gently.

“Be still. He is in a fragile state of being, worried over a loved one. You know that feeling, Genesis.” She said and he clenched his teeth before sighing and standing straight, totally calm.

“You can tell him if you like. Although, he might not believe you.” She said and glanced at Alhaithem.

“Whether he believes me or not isn’t my problem. What is my problem is that my past is catching up to me. At least now I might have the opportunity to get revenge for the life he ruined.” The man called Genesis said and Alhaithem glared.

“If Lord Kusanali can vouch for you, then I choose to believe your story.” Alhaithem said. Anything if it meant saving Kaveh. Genesis looked at him steady for a long and quiet time before Nahida touched his arm and he nodded.

“In a different life, I was discarded by the woman who built me. A doll she couldn’t care to even destroy. A human man found me and cared for me. He taught me to speak, gave me a name, gave me what I could say was almost a family. This was in Tatarasuna, a long time ago. So long ago, several of your lifetimes wouldn’t reach it. That doesn’t matter. What does matter is an inventor from Fontaine named Escher showed up with the Mikage Furnace. He said it was special. He said it would revolutionize how we processed ore for sword making, and it did. It also gave the people of the island a deadly disease. Soon it was so bad that they decided to turn off the machine. My friend talked to Escher and begged him to turn it off and Escher agreed but I’m exchange for my friends life. He killed him, took out his heart and put it into the key to disable the Furnace. He did all of this for many reasons but one was because I’m a living doll and he saw this as an opportunity to test my limits on life. He gave me the heart of my dead friend and caretaker and told me it was that my friend wanted me, someone who wasn’t human, to die turning it off. I did and I survived. Eventually I found out that Escher wasn’t actually from Fontaine. He was actually a scholar from Sumeru named Zandik who you may also know as Il Dottore, the second of eleven Fatui Harbingers and a vile scientist bent on building a god from scratch.” Genesis explained and Alhaithem fell silent for a moment. He knew of the Tatrasuna event and was sure there hadn’t been some kind of doll involved.

“There were no records of a living doll in the Tatarasuna event. How can I be sure you’re not simply lying?” Alhaithem said, suspiciously. Genesis tsk’d at him and looked down towards Nahida.

“I asked for his help looking for information inside the Irminsul at one point and in an attempt to protect the people he had cared about, he deleted himself from Irminsul, altering the way the world perceived the events. I found out by leaving myself coded messages and then was able to confirm with Lumine as she doesn’t seem to be effected by the changes in Irminsul.” Nahida explained.

“The doctor took advantage of me after that event. He experimented on my body to see how I felt pain, how I could move, how I was built. He wanted to use me as a vessel in his creation of a god. I… I was angry with humanity. I believed the lies I had been told and went along with it and let him spend years cutting me open and taking me apart. If I had to guess, he might be looking for a replacement for that energy, ya know, since he doesn’t remember all he learned from me.” Genesis explained.

“What could Kaveh even give him?” Alhaithem asked and the two standing in front of him shared a look between them.

“If I had to guess, he’s looking for people who were reincarnations of gods.” Nahida said and Genesis nodded.

“He told me once that he was fairly certain that the gods don’t simply die. They were recycled into a new body and lived out normal human lives. He said he thought that finding these reincarnations and putting them through specific procedures might give him the ability to harness their slumbering memories as gods or even reawaken their capabilities as gods.” Genesis said and Alhaithem squinted in confusion.

“Are you saying that he might believe that Kaveh is a reincarnated god?” Alhaithem asked and both nodded.

“In Irminsul, the information about the many of the gods we lost in the archon war is incomplete. It doesn’t necessarily explain their date of death or how and sometimes there seems to be a crossover with the memories of average humans and those of the long lost gods. This could indicate a simple connection between the lines of humanity and that god in particular or that they were reincarnation into a new body.” Nahida explained.

“The person wouldn’t have to be anyone special either. Just someone in a body close enough that the spirit and memories could survive inside of it. Things like gender and lineage aren’t that important as long as the new body feels the way the old one felt. It’s… hard to explain.” Genesis stated and Nahida nodded.

“It’s like how rearranging furniture in a house can make the space seem new but the house is still the same.” Nahida added on.

“Yeah… which means anyone insignificant can be a god. They wouldn’t even know it either. And truthfully, the Doctor would only have to suspect someone of that to take them. He might have figured out some way to tell, but I can’t guarantee it. He might be choosing people entirely on his personal preferences.” Genesis said and Alhaithem felt the anxiety rise again.

“I see…” he said.

“I can tell you want to ask us for a favor in regards to this situation.” Nahida stated and Alhaithem nodded.
“I was hoping that Genesis might be willing to do a bit of recon in Liyue. It feels like they finished that build site far too fast. I’m beginning to believe the ruins in the desert are some kind of… I don’t know, a trap of some kind? It’s suspicious and if we go to Liyue to check on Kaveh and he left and went to the desert like his letter said then he will be alone and might be subject to whatever that Doctor or Escher has planned. I was hoping that perhaps Genesis could go to Jueyun Karst, see if everything is in order while Cyno and myself go to the desert. If all if we’ll then we’ll spend time with Kaveh and come home and you’ll get to enjoy a trip to Liyue. If not then we’ll be prepared for whatever is in the desert waiting for us and we’ll have eyes on Kaveh.” Alhaithem explained and to his surprise, Genesis smiled.

“It’s an opportunity to take a bit of frustration out of that disgusting man…” Genesis said and Nahida touched his arm again.

“Within reason. If you don’t have to interact with him then I recommend you don’t.” She said to him and he nodded.

“Logically, putting myself in his way without a good reason is basically suicidal. However, this could give me the chance to see an opening if it presents itself.” Genesis said, seeming giddy. Nahida hummed at him, but didn’t protest.

“If you agree, please do what you can to stay safe. I value you and don’t want to see any harm come to you.” She said and Alhaithem saw Genesis deflate a little.

“I’ll do my best to stay safe.” He promised then looked up at Alhaithem.

“When should I leave?” He asked and Alhaithem explained to him the plan in more depth.

Chapter Text

A considerable amount of time had passed and Kaveh felt himself growing more and more comfortable around Escher. That feeling he had before faded away as the weeks moved on and the large scale building was getting closer to complete. Rooms had been set up with lights and warmth and even running water and for the first time in a long time, Kaveh felt accomplished. He threw himself down onto the bed in the room he was now staying in and sighed. This job was life changing. He began thinking of all of the things he was going to do upon getting home when he heard a knock on the door. He sat up and said,

“Oh, um, yes?” A little puzzled.

“Sorry to be a bother, sir, but I was asked to deliver a letter to you.” A meek voice said and Laveh stood back up and walked to the door.

“A letter?” He asked, opening the door. The girl on the other side nodded, handed him the folded note, then bowed and left. Kaveh watched her walk away for a moment before turning over the note in his hand and reading it.

“Kaveh,” it started, “Since this job is almost complete I thought that I would talk to you about more work afterwards. I have some designs that were commissioned back in Fontaine ready to be installed, however there is no building to install them in. The commissioner is quite wealthy and asked if I would find a suitable architect to work with. After having worked with you for so many weeks, I feel that you have exceeded the expectations I had for anyone in the business. If you would like continued employment after this contract, please come meet with me tonight outside of camp near the Qingyun Peak to discuss further. I’ll be there until sunrise. Signed, Escher.”
Kaveh was caught off guard a bit. His heart raced a little. Another job? This one could clear his debt while the next one could get his family home back or even a completely different home, maybe one in Fontaine near his mother. This was quite the opportunity he wasn’t sure he could pass up. He brushed down his clothes, left a small not for where he was going, and then walked out the door.

It didn’t take him long to reach the location in the letter and, just as specified, Escher was there staring at the stars. Before Kaveh could say anything, Escher said, “Glad you could make it, Kaveh.” His voice holding the essence of a smile in it.

“Oh, yes, I got your letter and didn’t want to be rude or anything so I came.”

“Rude? Oh, you must be turning me down then?” Escher said, standing up.

“No! Quite the opposite! I would like to accept the offer if the job is a right fit! But I won’t know until we talk about it, of course.” Kaveh said, nervously. Escher laughed, but his voice sounded different suddenly.

“There really isn’t an offer Kaveh. That was a lie to get you out here.” He said. Kaveh’s stomach dropped and all those fears rushed back to him from before.

“Oh… um… then I’ll head back now.” Kaveh said, sweating. Escher laughed a bit and could swear he grew in height by several inches, shoulders broadening out to make the clothes he wore seem tight on the once underwhelming frame. As Escher turned, his hair faded from its brown to a silver grey of a much longer lived man. Kaveh felt that this man was familiar in some way. His aura, his presence, it all screamed at Kaveh in familiarity and as he turned to face him it all came to him.

“Zandik?” Kaveh asked in a heady breath. The man laughed heartily.

“A name I haven’t gone by in a long time.” The man said, stepping closer to Kaveh.

“You can call me Dottore now.” He clarified and Kaveh nodded before bolting, attempting to make his way back down Qingyun Peak. He was slow though, or at least slow compared to the predator behind him. Arms wrapped around his waist and neck, dragging him back as he kicked and screamed. The man just laughed at Kaveh.

“I was so hoping you would fight me.” He said and tightened his grip. Kaveh wheezed, breath cut off. Fear boiled inside of him as his vision began to drain. He needed out, he needed air.

Then Dottore dropped him, gasping and spitting on the ground beneath him as his chest made bids to breath again.

“Try running again, my dear and I’ll cut your ankles free of their tendons.” Dottore stated, the threat full of no empty promise. Kaveh was still outside of the heaving of his lungs, fear keeping him stunned in place on the ground. Dottore aniled down at him and began to circle.

“Do you know why you’re here?” Dottore asked and Kaveh didn’t answer, afraid that any misstep of speech would lend himself to being butchered. Dottore just clicked his tongue in mild annoyance before continuing on.

“You’re here because I crave dominance over others and whether you know it or not, you happen to be uniquely capable of helping me with that.” He explained, stopping in front of Kaveh.

“Do you know why?” He asked. Kaveh swallowed but stayed quiet. The silence stretched for a moment before Dottore grabbed Kaveh by the hair and slapped him across the face, forcing him to the ground. Kaveh gasped and sat up, gingerly touching the injury. It was small but frighteningly painful. His teeth felt raw and he was sure his nose was bleeding and his lip was cracked, though he was too scared to actually check.

“Feel like ignoring me again, lad?” Dottore asked and Kaveh shook his head.

“I don’t know what you want.” Kaveh said, the cut in his lip pulling painfully.

“Hmmmm. Then you don’t know?” Dottore asked.
“Know what?” Kaveh asked. Dottore squatted there in front of him, rocking slightly on his heels while he contemplated the answer.

“I think it’ll be more fun if you find out organically, what I want from you.” Dottore said, finally standing back up. He circled around Kaveh again, stopping behind him, then picking him up to carry.

“Wait! What’s going on! Put me down!” Kaveh hollered, pushing and kicking and fighting Dottore.

“I let you get to a point in the build that your project will be completed. People will know your name across the world. The talented architect who vanished into the mist!” Dottore said laughing and Kaveh wanted to cry.

“Are you going to kill me?” Kaveh asked. He knew about what Zandik had done. How the people he experimented on lost themselves to pain or insanity or even death. He had heard how their bodies had been so abused that they weren’t even recognizable after a certain point. His imagination moved about, weaving sordid pictures of violent alterations and medical torture and even worse until he was dead. He couldn't stop the tears as they fell, but Dottore just laughed.

“No. I need you alive. If you die everything I’ve been doing up until this point will be ruined and I’ll lose the power I could gain. Funding this project, setting up your meeting with Azar, creating a convincing disguise, earning your trust, and getting you alone would’ve all been wasted effort.” Dottore said, shifting Kaveh in his arms to be held like a bride.
Kaveh took in his words and felt very strange. Had everything been a lie? The job, the contract, the money?

“So you set this project up? Just to trick me?” Kaveh asked. Dottore sat him down gently beside the campfire he had built before Kaveh arrived and rubbed his chin.

“No, not really. I just helped fund it. Childe actually set everything up. He brought the project to Pierro with concepts for the whole building, saying that this could ‘open up resources no one has ever had access to!’ Pierro agreed but only on the conditions that Childe found something profitable in Jeuyun Karst. He did, as you know, and the project was greenlit. However several architects turned it down and the project was beginning to seem like it would fail. Then, I recommended you. He was quite excited about the suggestion and immediately sent his messenger out to fetch you. I knew you would be desperate enough to take the job, after all you’re days away from being kicked out onto the street again with all that arguing you’ve been doing with the acting Grand Sage. All in all, the coincidental building project gave me the chance to isolate you, earn your trust, then take you when the time was right. All the while, building something that would be highly profitable for the Fatui and also ruining any chance that Childe could’ve had with that girl. Can’t have him being distracted, can I?” Dottore explained. Kaveh had been quiet and quietly paling as Dottore spoke.

“Have you been… following me? Why?” He asked. Dottore laughed.

“Amusing. I’ve done more than follow you. I’ve become every person in your life more than once. Lived with you for weeks when Alhaithem was to busy to come home.” Dottore said, brushing his hand through Kaveh’s hair.

“What?” Kaveh asked, confused. He felt himself shaking now, sweating. His heart was racing again at the idea that this man had stayed with him. He could obviously change his shape, so who had he been? The pieces were coming together In Kaveh’s mind making Dottore smile with and with so many of his teeth.

“You’re smart Kaveh. I’m sure you’ve already tallied all of the times I stayed with you while Alhaithem was busy. Times when he seemed a little off to you and you brushed it away as the stresses of his position. Times when maybe he seemed like he no longer cared for you or maybe even cared too much.” Dottore said and he was right. Kaveh was questioning every second he spent with Alhaithem in recent times. He wrapped his arms around himself, suddenly feeling very violated. He had definitely slept with Alhaithem before… or had it really been Dottore. When? When? WHEN?

“You know, you’re rather pretty.” Dottore said, breaking Kaveh out of his mental cycling.

“What? Why would you say that?” Kaveh asked. The whole situation had his mind rolling. This man had been stalking him, violates his privacy, and his body and for what? Dottore still hadn’t said, but thought it to be a good idea to comment on his attractiveness? Kaveh glared at him, teeth tight and bared, eyes wet with tears he wanted to shed.

“Why tell me that? What does that have to do with anything right now?” Kaveh yelled, his voice echoing.
“More than you’d expect.” Dottore said before leaning in close. Kaveh threw himself backwards to make distance, but the doctor was faster. He gripped his shirt and pulled Kaveh forward onto his knees, his entire upper body was squeezed tightly between Dottore’s knees and his head bent awkwardly up to stare into that masked face.

“I have a goal, boy. I plan on having control of the gods. All of them. You might not know it, but you’re vital in that.”

“How?”

“Do you know much about King Deshret and his love for Nabu Malikata?” Dottore asked. Kaveh pushed against him, turning away but the hands stayed tight. One held his bicep and the other was tangled in the white fabric of his shirt.

“I don’t! Please, let me go!” Kaveh said beginning to panic again. Dottore frowned and tossed Kaveh down onto the ground before grabbing him again and lifting him to stand.

“I didn’t think I had scared you so badly you would resort begging already. Honestly, you’re a skilled fighter so I expected… hmmm… Well more out of you honestly.” Dottore said, “I really didn’t expect you to be so delicate. After all, the way you fight with that Acting Grand Sage left me with the impression you were quite fiery.”

“You said you would cut my ankles if I ran again!” Kaveh defended, squirming and Dottore chuckled.

“Quite right, but I might do that anyways. Inevitably, you’ll be immobilized anyways. Can’t have you running away at crucial times, can I?” Dottore explained, his voice singing almost with glee. This chilled Kaveh. He was going to be hurt no matter what. This man wasn’t safe. Kaveh new that but now there was renewed energy. He didn’t care to find out anything more and as soon as Dottore put him back on the ground, ready to monologue again, Kaveh ran. Dottore was, again, faster and grabbed him back. Kaveh wasn’t going to just let it happen again, and he rounded on Dottore, shoving his head upwards in a powerful headbutt that pushed Dottore back and shocked him enough to lose his grip. Kaveh didn’t wait, he bolted.

He ran down the peak fast, but the adrenaline couldn’t last forever and soon his legs were wobbling and weak, tripping over small patches of rock in the road as his lungs burned with effort. It was dark, the moon was high, and he was scared. He couldn’t stop though. He needed to keep moving, keep running, get to Lumine and Childe and the camp, to safety, to…

It didn’t matter. He wouldn’t make it. In a wisp of smoke, arms reached out and grabbed him, pulling him tight against the body of the man chasing him. Kaveh began thrashing violently but very quickly began to feel tired. Dottore shushed him, moving the drugged cloth away from Kaveh’s face so he could take in air. It didn’t help, he was already lost. His mind clouded by whatever Dottore had made him inhale and he fell as though asleep.

“That’s what I was hoping for. I knew you had it in you to make it fun for me, at least a little bit.” Dottore said and Kaveh barely blinked at him. The man just smirked, gathering Kaveh into his arms and standing before that same veil of smoke enveloped them.

———————————————————————————

Xiao had been out. Lumine had tasked him to look for answers and so he had been until he saw what the locals had been describing. The disappearances of the girls had been marked by clouds eating her then vanishing. This time tho, he saw the man with Lumine running for his life until he was grabbed out of the fog. Hands, large hands, grabbing and smothering him until he was asleep. Something about the situation seemed off to Xiao and he dashed over quickly to try and help the friend of his friend, but he was too late. Like the girls before him, the fog and cloud had take him.

Xiao felt his heart fall. Lumine would be disappointed in him and in his failure. He swallowed then began to think. He should investigate and tell Lumine what he had found. The man was gone, the figment that took him was likely a human as well and would leave behind evidence of his origins or identity. Xiao began to frantically look about the peak until he found the still burning campfire. No one was around, but Xiao could tell the place was tainted by vile energy. Whoever had been here was someone of I’ll intent.
Xiao looked around closer. The camp was small and clear that it had been here for several weeks in preparation for… something. Maybe it was just to kidnap that blonde man? Xiao wasn’t sure yet. The tent to the side was large and clearly not from Liyue. The hues of green and blue weren’t the color of the jadeite used in Liyue, but from Sumeru. Xiao knew it well from his time before Rex Lapis. A chill ran through him at the thought of the culprit being associated with his own captor. He shook himself free from that thought and kept looking.

There were books scattered about the tent and campsite. They ranged in size and concept, but all held the marker of the Academia’s House of Daena aside from one stack that seemed to come from Fontaine. Xiao couldn’t be sure though. He didn’t know much about automatons. They weren’t really a thing in any country for a long time. The closest we’re the Ruin Guards and their ilk, but the books didn’t seem to be about them.

There was food stored here too. The majority of it was food from Liyue, but there was food from Sumeru and Sneznaya too. Xiao was certain that this person was, at least originally, from Sumeru and possibly now lived in Sneznaya. Xiao wondered why this person was in Liyue in the first place. Was it the construction of that new building in Jeuyun Karst? Or was he legitimately following that man? Maybe it was all coincidence that the two met. Or maybe the creature in the fog took them both? Xiao wasn’t sure.
On the ground, some papers had been tossed. Xiao picked them up and flicked through them. They looked to be something and something about mechanical engineering for… hot water? Xiao couldn’t be sure. He was a warrior, not an mechanic. Though… all of the designs were signed by the same name. Escher. That could be important. He took the papers into his arms and decided to show them to Lumine. She might know the name. After that he spent time looking through anything else until he found a bag containing some vials of… well he wasn’t sure really. Violently bright liquid, some needles, bloody rags, scalpels, and other medical equipment. Xiao grabbed one of the cleaner rags and brought it to his face to sniff. The smell was like air, almost nonexistent but it still made his head feel like it was going to float off his body. He dropped the rag back into the bag and sat down onto the ground. Time seemed to pass slowly as waves of nausea and light headedness washed across him. He breathed heavy, sucking in the air greedily until he was clear of mind again. He looked back at the bag. That could’ve been what was used to kidnap the girls and also Lumine’s friend. He grabbed the entire bag, shoving in the papers he had found then left. He doubted that there was anything else to be found here. Lumine needed to know what happened.

———————————————————————————

Genesis finally made it to Liyue and found his way to a hugely ornate building, one that was almost finished being constructed. He decided that this was probably the place Alhaithem told him about. It definitely stood out as some kind of ostentatious show of luxury that Childe would have commissioned. Still, Genesis had to admit that the building had a certain kind of charm to it. That architect had at least some taste.

As soon as people came into view he was sent weird and distrust looks which made him roll his eyes and cross his arms. Typical. People can’t manage to have any semblance of manners around him. It made him shiver. He wanted to go home, back to Nahida and the Academia where he wouldn’t be looked at as if he was out of place. At least in Sumeru, he felt safe.
Eventually he was pointed to where Childe was staying, an already operable room inside the vast facility, and knocked. Genesis listened as panicked noises came from inside. Items toppling and hushed voices arguing.

“Uh… just a second!” Childe said, nervousness evident in his wavering tone. Genesis rolled his eyes. Childe hadn’t changed at all from the last time they had met.

Oh… they hadn’t met this time around had they? Genesis swallowed and tried to ignore that odd and funny feeling settling in the pit of his gut. He was about to be a stranger to someone he had known for many, many years. He steadied himself just in time as the door flung open and Childe smiled down at Genesis, shirtless and sweating. Genesis clicked his teeth and looked at him out of the side of his eye at the pathetic display.

“Can I, um, help you?” Childe asked and Genesis peeked behind him to see a very red Lumine leaning against the wall in a very disheveled dress.
“Heh… seems you’re busy. I can come back later.” He said, loud enough for Lumine to hear. Her head shot around to look at him, red and flushed from embarrassment and recognition.

“Genesis? Why’re you here?” She asked, pushing away from the wall and moving to Childe’s side.
“Good question. I could DEFINITELY ask you the same.” He said, the snark evident in his tone. Lumine glared at him bashfully but chose to ignore the insinuation.

“ I doubt you came all the way out here just for a stroll. So, what brings you all the way out here?” She asked again and Genesis decided it would be a waste of his time to toddle around anymore.

“Alhaithem asked me to come out here. He got a really weird letter from a friend of him named Kaveh. Said that the job was done and he would be headed into the Sumeru desert to work on another project with a man named Escher.” He said and Lumine looked at him confused.

“The building isn’t finished yet though. Why would he say that?” She asked and Genesis shrugged.

“Because it’s a forgery Escher wrote.” He said and Lumine snorted.

“Why would he forge a letter from Kaveh?” She asked and Genesis became deathly serious.

“Because he isn’t actually a Fontaine citizen named Escher. He used that same disguise on Tartarasuna.” Genesis said and instantly, recognition sparked in her eye and she dashed out. Genesis spun on his heels and bolted after her.

“It’s Dottore isn’t it!” She yelled back at him as she ran down the halls. Genesis nodded and said, “Of course it is! He still hasn’t gotten over his need to create a deity he can control!”

The two rounded a corner, almost knocking people down as they ran until they reached Kaveh’s room and burst through the door and into the empty room. Lumine seemed terrified. She rushed in and began tearing through the room, looking to see where he had gone. Anything could be evidence, and Genesis noticed a small and unassuming piece of evidence.

“He left a letter.” Genesis said and Lumine stopped in her tracks.

“Read it to me! Please!” She said, fear etching through her voice.

“Escher said he wanted to talk on Qingyun Peak about a potential job. If you need me, I went there.” Genesis read and Lumine looked even more panicked.

“We… we have to go there.” She said and rushed to the door but was stopped by a panting Childe who had finally caught up.

“What’s going on…?” He wheezed before looking up. “Where’s Kaveh?”

“Escher is Il Dottore and he’s probably taken Kaveh.” Lumine said, her tone accusing. Genesis watched as Childe’s expression went from confusion to intense fear back to confusion again.

“What? How do you know? What would he want Kaveh for?” Childe asked, the questions dumped down in rapid fire. Lumine pushed past him and began running, growling in frustration at him as she went. Genesis followed behind her, barely sparing a glance back at a version of Childe who didn’t know him.

Chapter Text

Alhaithem and Cyno had expected an ambush of some kind but the place noted on the letter from “Kaveh” was empty. Well, empty wasn’t the right word exactly. The excavation was bustling with scholars, business people, sightseers, Eremites, and the Tanit. Alhaithem and Cyno walked about, searching for the little Architect, but found nothing of note that would leave them to believe that anyone from the Northland Bank build were here. Alhaithem crossed his arms and kicked the dirt, scowling hard before looking up when a higher pitched voice called out to them.

”Heeeeyyy! You two!” A girl called, making her way over to them. She was short in stature with dark skin and a cross cut scar across the abdomen. Like other Tanit girls, she had her hair separated into four parts, two large puff ball chains pigtailing in the back, and two small braids that parted down the middle to frame her face. She was followed by a strange contraption that beeps and sang a robotic tune and large tanit man. The man was imposing in just his frame alone, but his gate and the way he carried himself showed a casualness to his personality that was disarming. He too had scars littering his tanned skin, with one large one cutting across his ribs, but he seemed to take attention from them with large, white, stylized tattoos. His hair draped down in front of his face-long beaded dreads-moving slightly in a bobbing back and forth as he walked. Alhaithem stared at the two as they approached and couldn’t help but think that the girl seemed like an outsider in some way. Her singular spoken line seemed too much like the teens in the academia and not at all like the desert people who were much more formal. 

Something else to note about the girl was how she held herself. She didn’t seem to notice this at all, but she held an air of authority. The preppy way she carried her self as she walked told everyone around her that she commanded the room. The Man behind her, on the other hand, seemed far more passive in a way. Alhaithem looked him up and down and then changed that in his mind. No, he wasn’t passive at all. He was calculating. He might’ve been raised to get along with anyone so that he could become a ruling member of their tribe, but something told Alhaithem that might not matter and that this man had to claw for everything he wanted. The girl seemed trustworthy, but that man… he couldn’t be sure.

”Why, I never expected the Grand Sage and the General Mahamatra would show up here!” The girl said, bouncing her way towards them. Akashi then stifled a sighed and said, “Acting Grand Sage.”

”Yes, um, we just have a few questions on the whereabouts of an individual and the possible sale of land to a wealthy, foreign, proprietor.” Cyno explained and she crossed her arms and nodded.

”Ah, so this isn’t a casual visit?” She asked and Cyno nodded. The girl, unlike Alhaithem, didn’t stifle her sigh and waved the two to follow her.

“I’m Jeht and this is Benben and Azariq. We’re the lead team managing this dig since it is currently in the tanit tribe territory.” She said, the robot beeping in agreement.

”Hello. You already know us.” Cyno said and she nodded, opening the cloth door to a large tent filled with paperwork and food and equipment.

”We had a strange feeling about the deal because they offered us a great deal of Mora and supplies on the condition we wait to begin excavation until the Liyue project was completed. We didn’t mind waiting, but the representative said that the architect might not be able to be involved since there was a chance he would be doing a job in Fontaine.” Azariq explained, sitting down as well.

”Hmmm… you’re both being very forthcoming with this information. We hardly asked anything and you just… knew we were looking for Kaveh?” Alhaithem asked.

”I mean… this must be about the architect right? We said the the man at Northland Bank that we didn’t want to work with anyone else so either they brought in the Architect or we found another party to go through. We thought it was suspicious that they would come looking for us after we inquired about the architect and then say they couldn’t guarantee him? Then the Grand Sage and the General show up looking to talk about the Northland Bank? It seemed too much of a coincidence to me.” Jeht said and Azariq nodded.

”So, is he not in Liyue?” Azariq asked, his tone seeming to be looking for an answer to a question not actually asked. Alhaithem shot him a small glare before shrugging.

”We aren’t sure. As of right now, we’re just trying to get information about the Northland Bank and their dealings.” Alhaithem said, attempting to throw off Azariq. Jeht nodded and began thinking before standing up and walking around the table to dig through some papers.

“I actually think I have all of our written correspondences that you could go through. It’ll have any legal and financial information and by who’s hand. So far, the only person we ever ACTUALLY worked with was an individual named… um… Victor?”

“Vlad.” Azariq said.

“Ah, yeah, Vlad. He seemed legitimate, but he also seemed like an errand boy. I would start with him.” Jeht said, handing over all the papers she hand gathered. Cyno took them and quickly flicked through them. They were all stamped and signed by many different official organizations and peoples, along with a Lawyer named Yanfei. It all looked above board, but the two had a strange nagging feeling.

“So, there hasn’t been a conclusive agreement on Northland Bank assisting in the dig?” Cyno asked.

“No… We were told that we’d have to meet up with a permanent benefactor and a lawyer before anything could actually trade hands. Vlad said that we had two options. Wait until the end of the Liyue project or talk to a stand in.” Jeht explained.

“Who is the stand in?” Alhaithem asked and the two shrugged.

“No idea.” Azariq stated.

“We were cut off from the correspondence after that. We didn’t get to meet up and we certainly haven’t been introduced to anyone.” Jeht said and Alhaithem nodded. So, the letter he got might not have been a lie after all. Still, if it wasn’t, then why did Kaveh say they finished early?

“Do you think the correspondence stopped because they’re on there way over to discuss terms in person?” Alhaithem asked and Jeht shook her head.

“Oh, maybe but it’s unlikely. We were told that the Liyue project is MONTHS out at best. We expected them to set a date to meet, but they never did. Somehow word got out that the deal might’ve fell through which is why we’re swamped with people looking to cash in.” Jeht said, sounding frustrated. Alhaithem nodded and began tapping the table.

“So… I take it the architect never showed up or even agreed to show up?” Alhaithem asked, attempting to hold down the worry in his voice. Jeht and Azariq nodded in unison.

“Well… Thank you for your time then. We need to head back to the academia. Can we take these papers with us to read over?” Cyno asked and this time Jeht nodded.

“Feel free. Since you guys showed up I started thinking that maybe something is foul about the whole thing. If you need more information, please contact me or Lady Babel and we’ll do what we can to help out. This is as much a benefit to us as it is to you guys.” She said, leaning back in her chair. Alhaithem stands and begins to leave but Cyno hangs back a second.

“How would we get into contact with you?” Cyno asked and Jeht thought for a second.

“Letters are fine, but sending a recognizable messenger might be better for you. If you happen upon the traveler at all, send her. I’d recognize her anywhere from any distance.” Jeht said, a strange lilt to her voice that seemed almost both flirtatious and longing. Cyno nodded and turned away to follow Alhaithem.

“Thank you again.” He said and left the tent.

“I think this was a distraction of some sort.” Cyno said and Alhaithem crumpled the letter that Kaveh had sent him in his fist. He was clearly worried.

“I thought it would be a trap for sure. I expected someone to jump out of the shadows… why would they draw us all the way out here just to do nothing?” Alhaithem asked, his tone hard. Cyno was quiet for a moment before he said, “Maybe it was to give them some time?”

“Time for what?” Alhaithem asked.

“Let’s go over it for a minute. Kaveh left and went to Liyue at the behest of a Fatui Harbinger, right?” Alhaithem nodded then paused.

“No, initially he was told about the job from the previous Grand Sage when the man was in the city getting food for himself and the other sages.”

Alhaithem stated and Cyno raised his brows at him.
“Wait… how did Azar know about the job?” Cyno asked. Alhaithem searched his mind.

“Good question. I don’t think I have the answer. Maybe we should ask.” Alhaithem said and wrapped the scarf he wore over his face and pushed the thin line, bone glasses back into his face. Cyno copied him and covered his own eyes before going back out into the bright, scorching heat of the desert.

Walking home took time, and it was time Alhaithem felt was wasted. Kaveh could’ve been in danger at this point. He grit his teeth and made his way through the jungle to where the sages were out cast to. They were set up in small huts, staged in a circle around a fire for communal cooking. A few milled about doing chores or reading but all of the stopped when Alhaithem and Cyno pushed through the brush.

“Where is…” Alhaithem started but one of them called out, “Azar! The Acting Grand Sage is here to see you!”

Joy. They all know something.

Azar came out of one of the huts and glared at Alhaithem. His gaze was full of venom at the sight of the man who cost him everything. At least, that’s how Azar viewed it. He didn’t see how his actions could have cost hundreds of people their lives or even how he had a hand in abusing Nahida. She might be a god, but she was still a child that he spent years neglecting so he could steal the power she gave them. What a leech. Alhaithem approached the man and asked, “I heard you met with Kaveh before he left for Liyue. Told him about a job. Who asked you to find him?” Azar almost smiled.

“Oh, just some man from Northland bank. He went around asking everyone where to find Kaveh. I happened to run into him… what was his name? Vlad I think? Anyways, I was buying incense and food when he asked and I told him I might know and if I saw him would send Kaveh his way. Luckily for Kaveh, I was feeling generous so I checked his usual haunts until I found him lurking in the House of Daena and told him.” Azar said, his voice sounding violently insincere. It set Alhaithem’s teeth on edge.

“The man who spent years abusing a child god to raise himself above humanity isn’t the kind of person who would be so generous as to seek someone like Kaveh down.” Alhaithem stated. “What could you possibly gain?”

“What could I lose, is a better question isn’t it? I’ve already been banished from the city I worked so hard to build! Banished from my home I was trying to protect! I have nothing to gain. Helping that brat does nothing for me. It won’t welcome me back home. However, an altruistic act of grace here and there keep the povels in good spirits. They’re more amicable towards me and it helps with buying things when I am allowed back in through the gates.”Azar said, his tone dramatic and clearly lying.

“I see.” Alhaithem said and he looked back at Cyno who was scanning the other scribes. Most seemed to just be watching but one seemed to be doing anything to avoid looking at the three. Cyno thought this would be a good person to pull information from and he kept into action instantly.

“You there!” He shouted and all attention was on him. The man began to pant and sweat before bolting. Cyno, the gift of electro from the gods, shot himself forward in a blaze of energy and grappled the man to the ground. He howled and tried to fight but he had already been subdued. It wasn’t long before he was quiet and Cyno lifted him off the ground, spear at his throat.

“You seem to know something.” Cyno alleged and the man shook his head.

“No! I don’t know anything at all!” He said, eyes shooting around. Cyno glared at him, spear pressed further into his jawline.

“No? Then why were you so nervous about us showing up?” He asked. The man swallowed.

“I… uh…” He stammered and Cyno saw how his eyes, while shooting around, lingered on Azar.

“I see. You’re under arrest then. I, General Mahamatra, take you into custody for questioning.” Cyno said.

“On what grounds?!” Azar asserted.

“Attempting to commit an insurrection against the ruling party.” Cyno said.

“On what grounds!” Someone else shouted.

“By refusing to answer our questions, we have viable speculation that the Sages of old are attempting to cover up a possible insurrection against the acting Grand Sage, Alhaithem, by means of attacking his associates.” Cyno stated. The other exiled sages stared in a mix of horror and confusion as Cyno and Alhaithem carted the man away, kicking and protesting. Soon enough he gave up and just walked with them until they had almost reached Gandharva Villa which they finally stopped and sat him down.

“Name.” Cyno demanded and he looked at the fearfully before saying, “Khajeh, from Haravatat. Well, until I was removed from the position of course…”

“You were removed from your position for kidnapping a fellow Sage, attempted blackmail, and your involvement with the Sabzeruz Festival incident Khajeh. You might’ve been able to retire with dignity if you hadn’t you know.” Alhaithem said and the man sighed.

“Of course I know! But… Nahida was weak. She has always been and we did everything we could to help raise her up into the goddess our country needed. We just wanted to feel protected and a child god isn’t… wasn’t good enough. We had hoped that the idea of building a god that the doctor had brought us would’ve been a boon for us! However, as you know, he was never able to resurrect the Scarlet king, Deshret, Al-Ahmar. We… wasted energy and trust on someone who yielded no reward and it was a mistake. Naphis didn’t deserve the imprisonment. Lord Kusanali - Nahida- even though she’s a child, should’ve been revered as the God she is…” Khajeh said, his voice filled with remorse.

“It seems you’ve learned humility during your time in Avvidya forest.” Cyno said and Alhaithem nodded.
“But have you learned honesty?” He asked and Khajeh stared up at him with the nervousness of a bird caught under a cat.

“Tell me what you know about the job Kaveh was offered.” Alhaithem ordered and Khajeh swallowed down his nerves before saying, “There’s a lot to it.”

“Then start explaining.”

“Azar met with the doctor again. Apparently the doctor had been ruining all of Kaveh’s jobs. That’s why people were canceling on him so frequently, so that when he heard about the northland bank mining operations he wouldn’t be able to say no. Apparently, the doctor helped to fund the building but some red haired boy was the one who actually commissioned it.” Khajeh explained.

“Red haired boy?” Alhaithem asked.

“Oh! Was his name Childe?” Cyno asked and Khajeh nodded.

“Yes! That was it!” Khajeh said excitedly. Alhaithem looked at Cyno confused. He was curious how Cyno new of this Childe, but didn’t press. He needed more info.

“Did the doctor explain why he wanted Kaveh at all?” Alhaithem asked and the man shook his head before thinking again and shrugging.

“Truthfully, I’m unsure. He said something about new experiments with Gods or building Gods? I can’t be sure, but Kaveh was important. Azar was told to say he was actively trying to help Kaveh by giving him word of the job, but in reality he said he hoped Kaveh disappeared without a trace. He knew you would take it hard.” Khajeh explained. He was right, Alhaithem wasn’t taking it well at all.

“So he’s been kidnapped?” Cyno asked and Khajeh shrugged in confusion.

“I don’t know. Azar made it seem like the boy was being set up to get stolen but it really just sounded to me that the Fatui were just trying to corner the market on some really expensive stones. From what I heard, the project was massive and really upset the Tianquan there. Apparently she controlled the entirety of the market for that stone and now the Fatui have the largest pocket of this ore that’s been found to date. If that’s the case, then the Tianquan is about to lose out on a lot of wealth.” Khajeh explained.

“That could change the economic landscape in Liyue for untold years.” Alhaithem said and Cyno nodded.

“Morax, the Geo God of Liyue, invented mora and helped the Tianquan prosper through his knowledge of ores and contractual relationships. If the Fatui take over the ore industry it could put her in a precarious situation. She might have to bend to the whims of her enemies if they control Liyue financially.” Cyno explained.

“That explains why they were looking for Kaveh then. That building would be a drop in the water compared to the money they’re about to earn with this kind of mining. He might’ve seen the amount they were willing to pay and balked, but in reality they needed someone desperate enough to take on the job before the Tianquan could do anything about it.” Alhaithem stated with a sigh.

“We should see if Genesis has returned. If he has then we should head to Liyue ourselves and talk to the Tianquan… what was her name…?” Cyno mused.
“Lady Ninnguang. She’s the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing!” Khajeh said.

“Yeah… if Genesis says he’s okay then we should talk to her about the mining operation. If the Fatui gain any footing economically, then it could bode poorly for Sumeru as well.” Cyno explained and Alhaithem nodded.

“I’ll go talk to Nahida and Genesis. You take him somewhere secure. We’ll meet up again at the tavern and I’ll tell you what I’ve learned.” Alhaithem said. Cyno nodded and walked over to Khajeh.

“Wait, you aren’t letting me go?” Khajeh asked and Cyno shook his head.

“No. I don’t want it getting back to Dottore what we are planning. If you tell Azar anything and the doctor finds out then there would be no exile for you. At that point you would’ve assisted to the possible overtaking of two countries by way of an enemy faction. This isn’t just to protect us, but keep you from being implicated further.” Cyno explained, forcing the man to stand. “Furthermore, the other Sages will also be placed into custody for the same reasons. I’ll send some men out as soon as I’m done with you.”

————————————————

Lumine and Genesis were on their way to the peak when Lumine saw Xiao waving to her. It wasn’t a friendly wave either, it was passioned and scared.

“Genesis, over there!” She said and pointed. They had been flying and Lumine had to admit that she never thought she would’ve been happy Genesis was gifted the power to fly when he got his Vision. They had been enemies for so long that him having been gifted an element of this worlds magic had initially scared her and as she felt his grip tighten so she wouldn’t slip as he landed, she knew he had changed.

“Xiao, what’s wrong? Why’re you on Qingyun Peak?” She asked, feet hitting the stones gently.

“I… who is this?” Xiao asked then shook his head, “No, that doesn’t matter. I saw the fog take someone when I was over there on Mt. Hulao. A blonde man, tall. I flew over to try and help but… I wasn’t fast enough. I investigated the campsite though and found that whoever conjured the fog was likely from Sumeru and might’ve had ties to Sneznaya. Here! I gathered anything that seemed important for you to look through. You might know what these are or mean better than myself.”

Lumine was silent as she took the bag and began to go through it, kneeling on the ground. She flicked between the items until her eyes caught a familiar name. Escher. She grabbed the paper and tore it from the bag. Kaveh had said that Escher made him uncomfortable and now papers he signed were where Kaveh went missing at.

“Does that say Escher?” Genesis growled over her shoulder. Lumine nodded.

“Yeah, he was an engineer from Fontaine.” Lumine explained and Genesis began to howl with angry laughter so jarring it sparked the two people by him to jolt and look at him.

“Lumine,” Genesis said, holding his sides, “that’s definitely the doctor.”

“Doctor?” Xiao asked. Nothing was making sense to him.

“Wait… is this the same…?” Lumine began but was cut off.

“The same man who manipulated everyone in my life until he isolated me and attempted to use me as a catalyst in his quest to control the gods? Of course it is! He used that alias on tartarasuna too when he built the Mikage Furnace. He let all of those people die of black lung just to get close to me.” Genesis said. He looked angry and lost.

“Lumine… will you explain what’s going on?” Xiao asked gently and she nodded.

“It might sound far fetched though.” She said and Xiao sat.

“I believe you.” He said and she swallowed.

”Sigh… this isn’t my story to tell. Genesis, do you mind if he knows?” She asked, turning to the puppet who glowered at her and crossed his arms.

”No. I don’t know this man.” He said, casting a gaze to Xiao who was staring at him just as suspiciously.

”This is my friend, Xiao. He’s someone you can trust.” She said and he stared at her. Well… he wasn’t related to the Fatui it seemed and from what he could tell, he didn’t seem very conversational. 

“Ugh… fine. Fucking tell him.” Genesis groaned, crossing his arms. “But make it quick. We don’t have time to waste on petty story telling and friend making. The doctor doesn’t hesitate to hurt.”

Lumine began recounting the story of Tartarasuna and the Furnace and how Genesis used Irminsul to edit the way history was remembered. Xiao stared in confusion before his face fell into a horrified lock.

“Irmensul? That tree the God of Wisdom watches over? I didn’t realize it controlled our history that way.” Xiao said and Lumine shook her head.

“Just our your perception of it.” She said and Xiao cocked his head.

“Your?” He asked, seeking clarification.

“I’m not from here Xiao. Irminsul doesn’t effect me. I remember everything that Irminsul erases. It’s how I know Genesis actually when no one else did.” She stated and Xiao glanced to the boy standing behind her.

He wondered about the boy. Nothing about him seemed familiar, but Xiao was now worried they had met in some fashion. His eyes gazed over him, looking at the straight crop of his mushroom cut hair and the way his dark blue and white clothes seemed like an odd mix of culture. The boys face was pale and soft looking, feminine and Xiao found himself feeling the creep of familiarity edge through his mind until he realized who the boy reminded him of.

“You look just like Ei.” He said and Genesis stiffened before forcing himself to relax.

“Yeah… she’s my mother.” He said, unhappy with the association. Xiao nodded but didn’t press further. Just saying the name of the Electro God was enough to make him bristle. Xiao knew what it was to not want people prying at the injustices in his life so he left it alone. Silently, Genesis thanked him for not pushing the details of their relationship.

“What’s this?” Lumine asked, pulling the rags from the bag.

“I don’t know. I smelled it and almost passed out.” Xiao explained and Lumine shoved it back in the bag.
“It might be a drug of some kind then.” She said and then something clicked in her brain.

“You said that a cloud took Kaveh?” She asked and Xiao nodded. “Just like the missing girls then…” she said. Things were beginning to fall into place in her head. Dottore missed out on the knowledge gained from the puppet after Genesis deleted himself from Irminsul. He continued to look for a way to create a God for himself. Then he worked with Childe to open a mining operation only to kidnap the architect. People have been going missing and they followed the same manner of disappearing that Dottore took Kaveh in so he must have been using the other victims for something that now involved Kaveh. Something was missing. Pieces weren’t all fitting together. She needed more information and just as she began wracking her brain further she heard a voice calling out to all of them.

“Hey!” Childe yelled, huffing. “What’s going on?” He asked, coming to a stop beside them. He panted hard but met their gaze with a smile. Lumine stared at him and then rage built up in her. Dottore was working with Childe on the mining operation so Childe must know something. Without warning, she summoned her sword and lunged at him, throwing him to the ground and pinning him under, sword at his neck.

“Lumine!” Xiao cried out, summoning his own weapon. He was ready to back her up. Genesis stood ready too, watching what was about to unfold.

“Why did Dottore take Kaveh!” She demanded and Childe, hands empty and raised by his face, looked at her confused.

“Dottore? What are you talking about?” He asked and she punched him, knocking head to the side and making his nose bleed before pressing the sword to his throat harder.

“He took Kaveh. He helped fund this project didn’t he? Did he suggest Kaveh too? Tell me!” She demanded and Childe continued to look confused.

“Lumine…” he said, voice pleading but she punched him again.

“Don’t ‘Lumine’ me. I told you if anything bad happened to him that I would kill you and he’s missing.” She said. Her voice was hard and determined. Childe just looked at her, eyes slightly wide.

“Do you really think I did something to him?” He asked and she hissed at him.

“You’re Fatui and so is Dottore. All evidence shows he took Kaveh from YOUR mining site! If you weren’t involved then explain yourself!”

“Of course.” He said then gently grabbed her waist to move her off of him. She allowed this but kept her sword point pressed to his chest.

“I bought the land in Jueyun Karst before the build and hired a guy to come out and look at the plot. I wanted to know if the land would be viable for anything and that’s when he found the ore. We brought in a few other people then to judge the purity, the type, etc and that’s when I realized that almost the entire property was part of a huge vein. So, I sent back a letter to the other Harbingers asking for a sum of money to finance this entire project. After some back and forth Dottore said he would help with funding since he thought it would funny to undermine Lady Ninnguang. I told him that wasn’t my intention but thanks and I took his money and started looking for workers, specifically an architect. Each one I approached turned me down. Didn’t wanna work with the Fatui or thought it was a scam or were already busy with other projects. So, I went back to Dottore. He was from Sumeru and could probably find someone at the academia who, ya know, excelled at the study. He agreed and came back with a few recommendations. Kaveh was one of them.” He explained and Lumine pushed the sword tip into the skin, drawing blood.

“So you knew then?” She growled and he winced before smiling at her.

“Not at all. I sent an employee of Northland Bank out to Sumeru to talk to them, but it seemed like all the ones suggested were either students or were actually busy. Kaveh was the only person who seemed viable. I looked up his works and was really impressed. I saw the restoration project he had done on that lighthouse in… uh…”

“Port Ormos?”

“Right! Port Ormos. It was gorgeous. I was beyond impressed and had hoped he wouldn’t balk at the project when we found him and luckily he agreed. The rest you know. Dottore just said he wanted his money back once the mine began producing, plus a small cut of the profits. I made sure to get all of it in writing. Yanfei was there for both contracts. Without Kaveh, both contracts are broken and I lose out on a lot of money. The northland bank might actually have to close and I’d lose standing in the Fatui which could put my family in danger.” Childe explained further. For a moment there was nothing but silence before Lumine dropped the sword.

“You wouldn’t put them in danger… your family…” she said, sounding defeated. Childe shook his head.

“I wouldn’t. And I promised you I wouldn’t let your friend get hurt. Something else I don’t do is break promises to the people I care about.” He said smiling, reaching up to touch her face. She slapped his hand away and wiped her watering eyes before standing off of him.

“You aren’t off the hook yet.” She said, “If you don’t wanna break that promise you made to me then get up and help me find Dottore.”

“Anything for you.” Childe said smiling.

————————————————

Kaveh had woke up early. His night had been sleepless and when Alhaithem left he had been finally pulled to total wakefulness. Alhaithem had been having a lot of early mornings since he took on the role of Grand Sage and it left Kaveh feeling… surprisingly lonely. He decided to ignore those feelings though and make breakfast. He pulled himself out of bed and slipped on his white shirt before leaving to start making breakfast.

He hadn’t been cooking long at all when he heard the door open and Alhaithem walked through. Kaveh glanced at him confused but decided to ignore it. He probably just came back for some papers or files or something that didn’t concern Kaveh. Alhaithem would be gone again before it would even be worth Kaveh to stop and bother him. He felt that strange feeling creeping up on him again but before it got too heavy in him, he felt arms wrap around his waist and he gasped.

“Alhaithem?” He asked but was shushed. Alhaithem didn’t speak, just rested his head on Kaveh’s shoulder as he enjoyed the sounds of the wok sizzling. Kaveh blinked at him but didn’t do anything to shove him away. He seemed like he needed this. Instead, Kaveh just kept cooking and enjoyed the weight of Alhaithem draped over him. When he finished they ate together and then Alhaithem pulled Kaveh into his room where they laid in bed together, not saying anything. Kaveh treasured that moment.

Then he woke up.

He felt himself crying and wasn’t sure why. Then the world came back to him and he realized the bed he was in wasn’t one he recognized. It was beyond plush and lavish and the sheets and blankets were far silkier than he had ever felt. Kaveh shot up in the bed and found himself in a room he had never seen. Ornate, gold, and with ceilings that seemed to reach into the heavens. The bed itself was built into a stone and gold book with sheer draperies covering the bed like a net. He assumed it was meant to be elegant, but it just made him feel caught.

Past the bed was a table that was covered in a white, green, and gold cloth that was also covered by… something? Kaveh wasn’t sure. A variety of tools and medical supplies possibly. He recognized needles and hammers and what looked like pliers. The rest were a mismatch of unidentifiable nonsense that had his mind screaming at him to run. Something about the ridges and curves of the metal instruments made his skin crawl. He looked away from it with a swallow and let his eyes roam beyond the table to what looked like a pool.

Or maybe it was a bath? Kaveh wasn’t sure but he didn’t want to lay around in that strange bed near that threatening table. He pushed out of the bed with a wince, shuddering under the pain in his neck. He wobbled on his legs like a baby deer before catching himself on the wall. What happened to him? He tried to think back, but his mind seemed spliced. He remembered Alhaithem talking to him, a contact for a huge build, an older foreign man with a specific name… he searched through his mind like looking through pages of a book only to come up completely empty. He groaned and reached up to rub his face, his hand sliding over it and through his hair then down his neck where his fingers met with cold metal.
Kaveh stalled. Metal. Imbedded metal in his skin. It wasn’t something he would’ve chosen for himself. Someone forced Metal into his neck. He swallowed again and forced himself to feel the strange modification. It was cold and very smooth. It had been artfully crafted to fit the curves of Kaveh’s neck specifically. The segmented pieces started at the base of his neck and went down his entire neck and further down his spine. The could easily bend with his body and Kaveh though the pain was from the installation and not the device itself. All in all, he doubted he would’ve notice it if he hadn’t touched it accidentally. It scared him. Pretty greatly, but at the moment he couldn’t do anything about it. He pushed away from the wall and walked out into the rest of the room.

The walls were high, ornately carved with murals of daring feats. Kaveh recognized some of them as being about King Deshret, though the stories being told weren’t ones he was familiar with. If things were different and he wasn’t trying to flee, Kaveh would’ve love to take proper stock of this ornate building. He might even invite Faruzan to decipher the script and hieroglyphics carved so deliberately into the stone work.

His mind had been wandering as he looked about that Kaveh had forgotten about the pool and, without meaning too, he fell in. Panicked, he flailed until he grasped the edge of the pool and was able to pull himself up to sit and suck in air with quick pants. After a few seconds he composed himself and began to look around again, his eyes casted over the pool. They landed on the figure under the glass he had drug himself onto. Instantly he let out a startled scream and flung himself back at seeing a person, but when the man under him and the glass he sat on didn’t move, Kaveh inched back up towards the man’s face to stare at it.

Something about the face was…so familiar to Kaveh. The skin was dark, a gorgeous umber that glowed so in the firelight. It sparkled like gold as the flames flickers in their pedestals, high up in the walls. His hair was dark too, a taupe shade like cinnamon but with mild amounts of grey speckled in so it left the hair looking dull yet dignified. A crown sat upon his head, black with long gold tipped ears. It reminded Kaveh of the one Cyno wore, but this was different. It felt more powerful on this man’s head. Kaveh couldn’t stop staring. For some reason, every part of this man pulled Kaveh in. The length of his lashes, the hue of his lips, all of him seemed important and all of Kaveh seemed to yearn for him.

“Enjoying yourself, darling?” A voice asked in a cruel and mocking tone. Kaveh gasped and turned towards the voice. A large man was sitting in a chair, reading through what Kaveh assumed were notes of some kind. Kaveh scowled at him for a moment before memories caught up with him.

That’s right…

“Zandik…” Kaveh said and the man tutted at him.
“We spoke about this before. Call me Dottore. I left that name behind years ago.” He said with a tone of nonchalance. Kaveh glared at him, attempting to seem strong. It didn’t work. Dottore saw through the facade and smirked at him.

“What do you want…” Kaveh said, trying to sound confident.

“What a question…” Dottore said, closing his notes. “I guess I want what anyone wants, really. Knowledge and power, specifically power over all people and even the Gods.”

“Not everyone wants that.” Kaveh said, pulling his bare knees in. Dottore chuckled again at him and Kaveh suddenly felt too exposed. He hasn’t noticed before but most of his clothes had been taken and he had been left with just his white dressing shirt and his underwear. He couldn’t see Dottore’s eyes but he could feel them surging over him like a hawk would a mouse. His shirt suddenly felt too sheer and maybe to clingy after being dunked in the pool. He pushed his hair from his face and let his eyes go anywhere except Dottore.

“What do you want then? Hmm? If not power in some capacity then then name it!” Dottore said. Kaveh didn’t want to answer him, but the way the flames seemed to dim when Dottore spoke and the way his clothes seemed to stick and the way his body hurt left him feeling too scared to ignore answering him.

“I just want to have a home and the financial freedom to do what I want again. I don’t have any big dreams.” He said, his voice shaking, almost pleading. Dottore tutted him again.

“You are quite a liar, my dove.” He said making Kaveh grimace. “Are you not the shining star of Kshahrewar? Did you not dream of building palaces for kings and queens across the world? Vying to have your name across Tayvat, attached to every important architectural project there is? It’s pathetic how you say you have such pathetic goals when you and I both know you crave validation and fame. You want to be remembered because the last time you were here you left unceremoniously with no one who remembered your name.”

“…What do you mean by that? I’ve never been here before.” Kaveh responded, a mix of feelings rolling through him. Dottore stared at him for a moment before standing and walking over to him with surprising speed and grabbed Kaveh by the hair, forcing him to look at the man encased in glass beneath him. Kaveh shouted and tried to push Dottore away, but Dottore just wrenched Kaveh’s arm behind his back in a tight hold.

“Look at this man and tell me his name.” Dottore ordered and Kaveh clenched his eyes shut.

“I don’t know him!” Kaveh yelled and Dottore shoved his head into the deeper water beside the glass coffin. Kaveh gagged and struggled, attempting to come back up but couldn’t. He felt his heart racing and his mind whirling until he was pulled back up and could gasp his breaths in, breathing air in wild chunks until he was forced back down to look at the man again.

“You have thirty seconds to tell me his name or I drown you again.” Dottore said and Kaveh nodded, coughing hard.

“I… I don’t…” Kaveh said between coughing and breathing but eventually his mind caught up with him and time seemed to slow again. The man was familiar to him and he felt as though the was reaching for a rolling ball, a moving memory in his mind. The world faded away as he stared at the man, recognition coming in waves. He knew that strong jaw and that hooked nose and he knew that under those closed eyes would be beautiful honey brown eyes. Kaveh remembered how they danced together around a massive fire. Remembered lavish dinners in buildings just like this one. Remembered an illness wracking his body and destroying the happy life the two had built. Remembered struggling to breathe as his lungs rotted inside of himself and the man below vowing to fix it.

“…King Deshret…?” Kaveh muttered and Dottore laughed loudly, bringing him back to reality. Kaveh thrashed, pushing himself away from Dottore as far as he could go without falling off and into the water.

“So, you remembered him? The life you lived together? And what was your name?” Dottore said, standing to his full height, a shadow cast over Kaveh as he laid on the coffin.

Chapter Text

The boy still hadn’t figured it out. Il Dottore had drowned him over and over until he had passed out and wasn’t breathing. Resuscitating him was quick and soon he was coughing and breathing again, body week and shivering on the wet ground under them both. He was still unresponsive though. Dottore could see his eyes trying to focus as he breathed, attempting to get his bearings before passing out again. Dottore was suprised at how week the human body could be sometimes and he lifted the sopping figure off the glass coffin holding an actual God King to carry him back to the bed. He couldn’t, however, let the boy ruin the ancient bed with his soggy clothes and mucus from coughing. So, Dottore took to undressing him.

And what a joy that chore was for him.

The human body was always nice. Dottore loved being able to discover how the muscle pulled and pinched under the thin flesh. This time was especially special though. Dottore had a theory that when Gods died they were reincarnated back into humans and if it were true then it was no wonder why King Deshret wanted the Goddess of Flowers.

A god couldn’t become just anyone. The soul needed a vessel it recognized. The vessel didn’t need to be related to them, just similar in looks and body and Kaveh’s body was gorgeous. He had light sepia toned skin, golden under the fire light, and dazzling blonde hair that matched the rest of his golden hue. He was also very smooth. Dottore was almost shocked at the lack of wrinkles and body hair on him. It was unusual for people from Sumeru to be hairless this way after a certain age. It made Dottore want to run his hands across Kaveh’s legs and see if he could wrinkle the through touch.

Dottore ignored that feeling though and moved his hand to the only part of Kaveh’s body that could be considered and imperfection. The small pouch of fat at the bottom of his torso, sitting between the tops of his hip bones. On a woman this could be cute, but it was usually considered unbecoming on a man. Seen as a sign of degeneracy with alcohol or laziness-a man who simply wouldn’t exercise. Dottore had a feeling though, that this was always something that the man had on his body tho. The depressed trips to the bar didn’t help, but it had always been there. Dottore pushed his fingers into the skin there and feeling how soft it was, imagining what it would be like to cut him open here and feel through the layers of skin and fat to the organs below. What organs did this boy have? We’re they all there intact and healthy? Was this pouch of fat just a trait of his body or was it like a woman’s and meant to protect valuable organs? From the outside Kaveh looked like a man, albeit a very pretty one, but your organs told another story. Dottore removed the thought from himself. Now wasn’t the time. If he dissected Kaveh here and now then all that set up would be worthless. Besides, he had already cut into his thin flesh already when he attached the device to his spinal cord. He put the boy back into the bed and covered him up, hanging his clothes up to dry. He had been sitting on this for a long time.

Dottore and Kaveh had met at the academia before. Not when he was Zandik of course, that was long before Kaveh was born, but after. When he began plotting to take the power from Nahida in the first place. He was pretending to be a student there when he first saw Kaveh. He couldn’t t believe his eyes. Standing in the flesh was an exact replica of every text describing HER, Nabu Malikata- The Goddess of Flowers. How was she even alive? From what he had know, what everyone had known, she had passed and was buried in the desert. Yet, here she was talking to an academia professor about architecture and design.

That was when Dottore realized… this couldn’t be her. This voice was deeper than most women and the body was taller and lacked breasts. Maybe Dottore was wrong then? This wasn’t her? Without thinking, he walked up to the person and said, “Excuse me, what’s your name?”

Kaveh stopped in his tracks, pausing his conversation to look at Dottore confused.

“Uh… I’m Kaveh” he said, eyes darting to the professor and back.

“Do you need anything boy?” The professor asked and Dottore ignored him.

“How long have you been Kaveh?” Dottore asked and Kaveh laughed very nervously.

“My whole life, as far I know!” He said, almost jokingly. A bead of sweat rolled down his cheek and Dottore reached up and wiped it away, making Kaveh flinch and the professor began to squawk about the rudeness of kids these days. Kaveh backed away and Dottore wanted to corner him, but held back. He couldn’t jump the shark here. He had more pressing matters at hand. He needed the Gnosis first and foremost. He licked the sweat off his finger and turned away.

“See you, then.” He said and walked away leaving Kaveh holding his breath and looking shocked.
In between working towards gaining the Gnosis, he stalked Kaveh. Sometimes as a student, sometimes as a cat, sometimes as an Eremite mercenary, but usually as Alhaithem. Dottore had found out the two were living together and thought “wow, a prime opportunity.” He studied their relationship when he was a cat and realized that Alhaithem, while being foolishly unable to communicate it, was very much in love with Kaveh who, on the other hand had initially used Alhaithem as a way to avoid homelessness. It was such an interesting dynamic. Alhaithem was rude, overbearing, and often coy. It led to Kaveh prickling in anger or becoming flustered. Often they would fight and argue and Alhaithem would intentionally poke at small things that weren’t so small to Kaveh. He would rearrange the house with mismatched furniture or replace Devore Kaveh bought or leave his books in a heap and pile for Kaveh to clean up. All to hear Kaveh speak.
Kaveh, however, thought that Alhaithem was doing it as a way to force him out of the house. That he wasn’t wanted here and that inviting him in was meant to be severely temporary and he wasn’t sure how he was meant to leave. So, he just put up with it. Then one day, as a cat sleeping in their window box, Dottore watched as Alhaithem left only to come back incredibly stressed and wrapped his arms around Kaveh as he cooked. Kaveh looked shocked at first but didn’t stop him and instead sank into him. After that, their dynamic -the same to any onlooker- had changed. Dottore had known Kaveh’s face by now and could see the subtle glances and smiles and blushes Kaveh threw out when he thought Alhaithem wasn’t looking. He saw the sincerity and love that was building up with each simple gesture only for it to be thrashed and leave him crying when Kaveh was reprimanded for his failures. Alhaithem, while only trying to help, knew exactly what to say to make Kaveh feel beneath him and it left Kaveh constantly questioning his every action and every motivation.
Their dynamic changed again when Dottore thought it would be amusing to swoop in and buy out a client of Kaveh’s. It left him more than penniless. He owed a considerable debt to Dori and rent to Alhaithem and now he wouldn’t be able to pay either. He was desperate. He didn’t know what to do. So he went crying to Alhaithem.

“I don’t know what happened! We had everything in place and and and…” Kaveh said sobbing on the floor. Alhaithem went to lecture him but he started wailing.

“I’ve lost everything already! My dad, my mom, I had to sell my house! And, and now I’m gonna lose you too.” He cried and Alhaithem paused, kneeling down.

“You won’t lose me.” He said. “I won’t ever let you be without a home again. You can stay here until you’re ready to leave.” Alhaithem said cupping Kaveh’s face.
Kaveh cried for a second, quietly, before slowly moving in to kiss Alhaithem who was shocked at first but leaned in. Dottore felt his skin prickle at the sight. He was… angry? He wasn’t sure what he was feeling, but he was certain that Alhaithem didn’t deserve to be held by the reincarnation of a God. But who did then? Dottore glowered at the two when he saw them becoming more passionate. Disgusting. He jumped off their flower box and into the street to trot away and outside of the city and into the jungle where he morphed into a wisp of fog. He needed to do research.

He began digging around, reading papers of long lost ruins on King Deshret, Nabu Malikata, and … someone else… they were mentioned but their name was erased everywhere he looked. They weren’t important right now. Nabu Malikata and Deshret were. He found that Nabu Malikata had gotten sick, a disease with no name, and it slowly and painfully rotted her body. King Deshret, her only love, had tried to save her. He began researching far and wide, sending messengers across the world to find a cure, but none came. That is, until, the King looked into the abyss. He found a way to reincarnate her into a new body and freeze his own until she could come back. So, before her death he and this nameless person sealed her disease in her body and extracted her soul, releasing it to find a new vessel and placing Deshret into a stasis. It wasn’t written down anywhere, but Dottore had an idea where the body would be.

Years before, when he had been wandering the desert he had found a world frozen in time. The djinn guarding it had said it was for The Goddess of flowers, a last burial for her body, but Dottore thought it might’ve been where both her and the King were buried. He snuck his way past the djinn in the form of a fly and soon found that he was right. Her body was skeletal and dust, but Deshret? He was alive and vibrant inside of the sarcophagus. Dottore decided to leave him there though. Not forever, just until he could make the pieces fall into place. He had a lot of planning to do.

He half assed his plan to takeover Sumeru but managed to still get the Gnosis, reducing their god to nothing more than a figurehead. Then started doing research. He found out about the other Djinn, one named Liloupar. He set out to find her but it was in vein. So instead, he captured a geovishap hatchling and forced it to tunnel underneath the swirling vortex and into the still world where Nabu Malikata and King Deshreht had been laid to rest. He pulled out the King and packed its body into a cart pulled by a sumpter beast and killed the hatchling before making his way elsewhere. 

Now, he had other things to do. He needed to find a way to control the body once he had it. He need to find out how to wake up the body. He began doing experiments. He stole people across the world but mostly out of Liyue and began cutting them apart. He wanted to learn how their bodies worked, how their brains controlled their bodies. Eventually he was able to fully control their articulation in their bodies. They could fight him, if they wanted but it wouldn’t do any good. He liked watching them scream and cry and he used the machine to force them to walk or run or slit their own throats. Anything he commanded they did. He refined the shape so that it could bend with the body better and made it smaller so that it would look elegant and like it belonged on Kaveh’s body. The idea of forcing the boy to bend to his will excited him, but he couldn’t rush things. No, instead he would go back to Alhaithem’s home and spend time with Kaveh.

Most days, he was that stray cat and Kaveh would pet him and feed him and talk about his feelings or his day or even his frustration. It was sweet. During one of these times, Dottore snuck in behind Kaveh, who lectured him about coming inside, but didn’t stop him. Instead, Kaveh showed Dottore around before taking him to his room where he threw himself down on the bed and motioned for Dottore to climb up onto the bed.

“Alhaithem hasn’t been home in a while, so he won’t even notice you got inside.” Kaveh said, and pulled the cat onto his chest, letting the animal get comfortable.

“He’s been far busier since becoming the Grand Sage… it’s funny, I was once the most important figure in the country. Everyone knew my name and now I can’t even find work. Alhaithem on the other hand. People knew OF him, being the Scribe and all, but not much beyond that. Now everyone knows his name. They stop him on the streets to talk to him, and invite him out and ask him to deliver messages to Lord Kusanali. Even when we’re together I’m nothing.” He said. He sounded far off and sad. A creature left behind. Dottore meowed at him and purred, curling up on his chest more. Kaveh smiled and repositioned him so he could kiss his head and rub his ears.

“At least you seem to like me. Maybe some day soon I’ll have a place of my own and I can take you in properly. Technically, we’re both homeless right now.” He said, tone joking but somehow still incredibly sad. Kaveh sighed then and closed his eyes, gently petting Dottore’s fur before drifting off. He was in a deep deep slumber when Dottore melded back into his human form. He watched Kaveh sleeping so very soundly and leaned in. He wanted to touch his skin.

Dottore pulled off his glove and rubbed two fingers across Kaveh’s bottom lip. It was plush and a little chapped, but Dottore didn’t mind. He leaned forward and pressed their lips together, drawing his tongue across them. Kaveh gasped and parted his lips more, leaning into it a little. Dottore took this as a sign to delve deeper, explore more.

Then a door opened. Swiftly he morphed back into a cat and began meowing at the door. Kaveh groaned and rolled over until he heard Alhaithem at his door.

“Kaveh, is that a cat? You aren’t supposed to have animals in here, especially strays.” He said and Kaveh groaned again, sitting up confused before bolting to the door.

“How could you start meowing like this!” Kaveh hissed in a whisper. Dottore just meowed again loudly and Kaveh opened the door, cat marching past Alhaithem’s legs and out the open front door.

“It knew the way out? Kaveh, how often have you let that dirty animal in here?” He complained and Kaveh argued back saying “Just this once, I swear!”

“Then how did I know where the front door was?”

“I don’t know! It’s a very smart cat!”

“Kaveh, you can’t do this. This isn’t your house.”

“I know, I’m sorry! It won’t happen again!” Kaveh said, sounding like he was going to cry, but Dottore stopped listening. They were still arguing but something caught his eye. A set of keys that could only belong to Kaveh. Dottore jumped up and picked them up with his teeth before leaving the house once more. These would come in handy in the future days.
The next time he visited Kaveh he wasn’t the cat anymore. He was just a stranger on a bench. He watched as Kaveh put food out for the car and waited. And waited. And waited. The cat never came and eventually he went back inside. Dottore walked into an alley and changed into a rat, the went to Kaveh’s window. He could hear Kaveh crying and muttering about how he hoped the cat was okay, about how he was lonely and about how he just wanted to feel safe again.

The next time he visited Kaveh he was Alhaithem. He took the keys he stole after learning Alhaithem’s schedule, and walked into the house. Kaveh had been reading and looked up shocked.

“You’re back early.” He said and Dottore nodded.

“Yeah, I didn’t have as much to do today. I’ve been working more this week just so I could come back and spend some time with you.”Dottore said and Kaveh blushed.

“You wouldn’t rather be at work?” He said, pretending not to hear what Dottore said.

Dottore shook his head.

“Not at all. I hate being the Grand Sage. If I had my choice, I’d go back to being the scribe. More consistent schedule, less hours, better pay, and I could do what I loved while being able to be here for you” Dottore said and Kaveh looked at him with eyes full of hope before falling again.

“You like picking on me that much, do you?” He retorted and Dottore nodded.

“I do.” He said and Kaveh bristled. “But I also, genuinely, just want to be here with you. I’m not good at expressing it, but I do care about you.”

“Oh. I see.” Kaveh said, his blush growing deeper. Dottore leaned in, taking the book and kissing Kaveh before he could protest. Luckily for him, Kaveh leaned into it and Dottore found himself kissing and biting and exploring the body of a Goddess. He wanted more, wanted to go further, but Kaveh pushed him up.

“Why don’t we just… cuddle for a while?” He asked. Dottore was caught off guard.

“Cuddle?” He asked and Kaveh nodded.

“I…” he sighed, “I don’t feel up to sex right now. I just wanna be held for a little bit.”

Dottore had to admit he was caught off gaurd. He expected Kaveh to just give himself up. He was lonely and touch starved but yet… he protested. Dottore wanted to ignore him and say, “why? Intimacy is intimacy either way.” But refrained. Instead, he fixed his face with a very small smiles and said, “Of course. Let’s go to the bed.” And they did. They cuddled until Kaveh fell asleep in his arms. Quietly, Dottore slipped out of his grasp and became the rat again. He waited around until Kaveh woke up and saw that Alhaithem had left him and began to cry a little to himself. It took everything he had not walk back in and pull him into his arms, and force him down crying. Anything to make him stop thinking of the scribe.

The next they met, Dottore was the stranger again and it was night. Kaveh and Alhaithem had fought over Kaveh losing his keys and Kaveh being drunk and Kaveh losing another job. Always about how he was a failure and he was left drunk and alone in the house while Alhaithem left, probably to replace the key Dottore had stolen. It didn’t matter he was out and Dottore quickly unlocked the door and stepped through.

Kaveh had heard him this time and stumbled out of his room mumbling and sniffing before realizing it wasn’t Alhaithem. Had he been sober he probably could have fought back better, but instead he ran back into his room in wobbly legs and tried to close the door. He was slow and week and Dottore pushed through easily, knocking Kaveh onto the ground where he pounced and began choking him and ramming his head into the ground. Kaveh gasped and struggled and fought, he even drew a bit of Dottore’s blood but it wasn’t enough. He was drunk and overpowered and soon passed out which Dottore was great full for. He used this time to collect blood and saliva samples. He needed to make sure that when he finally had Kaveh, he would be able to install his device on him surgically without him dying. He would need his blood type and need to know about his genetics. Any diseases or weaknesses the body may possess. However, this needed to look like a home invasion. He began tearing through the house, stealing anything he could get his hands on before returning to the unconscious body on the floor, tearing at his clothes and taking his wallet. He left small cuts and bruises and bites across his body before breaking a window and leaving through it. He found a quiet place and dumped almost everything he had stolen. Everything but Kaveh’s wallet and keys before turning himself back into the rat and going back to watch the aftermath.

Alhaithem returned quickly and was incredibly shocked. He bolted into the house through the open door and immediately found Kaveh waking up shaking. He wasn’t sure what had happened after the stranger attacked him but he knew from the state of his clothes what it looked like. Alhaithem demanded they see a doctor but Kaveh begged him not too. He was scared and vulnerable and didn’t want someone to see him like this. Alhaithem caved and insisted he see someone, just to make sure no one had hurt him, and Kaveh agree to see their friend Tighnari. They left and Dottore followed.

The examination was brief and Dottore his quietly in a plant while Kaveh undressed and let Tighnari examine him. He covered the injuries with salves and put in a few stitches in the deeper wounds and used heated poultices on the bruises and bites. He found no signs of a sexual assault and Kaveh broke down in relief. Dottore wasn’t sure what he felt watching this.

He enjoyed making the boy cry, but this was different. He wasn’t isolated anymore and now others had seen him the way Dottore wanted to see him. He sneered in his little rat body. Maybe he should have taken the boy, right then. Maybe then Alhaithem would think he was a whore. Or maybe it would have driven them closer together. He felt angry. He wanted to kill them both, but not now. No, he would accomplish his plan and Alhaithem would see how quickly he loses the boy to him.

He left them alone after that. He didn’t go back as the cat or the rat or the stranger or even as Alhaithem. Instead, he worked with a man to find a plot of land somewhere with value. They settled on a spot in Liyue that held a special ore and had the man who owned that plot put it up for sale then taking the deed to Northland bank where Childe could see it and become interested. Like he thought, Childe bought the property quickly and came to the Fatui asking for a loan. Dottore was the only one on board since he knew the actual value and coyly donated money to his cause and when Childe expressed frustration at trying to find an architect, cause by Dottore of course, Dottore suggested going to Sumeru and finding the few he mentioned. Only one was desperate enough to take the deal and Dottore made sure of that. He blew quite a bit of his money on paying off Kaveh’s clients and leaving him more than destitute again so that when he was approached for the job, he would have no choice but to take it. Then, he disguised himself as an old man named Escher and took some designs he had stolen off one of the people he had taken and approached Childe with them. It was an easy in for him to get close to Kaveh once more.

Dottore walked over to the pool in the middle of the tomb and stared at the face of King Deshret. Soon enough, that face and body would be his and Deshret and Nabu Malikata would be reunited. At least they would be in one way. A way for Dottore to have his cake and eat it too. A way where Dottore was a God.

Chapter Text

Lumine was floored. Kaveh had been taken away, most likely by a man who had committed the worst atrocities she had seen. He had hurt Genesis beyond comprehension and led the puppet down a path of suicidal ideation. He had taken Collei, a good friend of hers, and tortured her endlessly as a child. She couldn’t help but let her mind fall back into those memories. Genesis, before he was Genesis, made an attempt on his own life right in front of her only to find out the pain he endured was permanent and fully etched into his being. Nothing would bring back the people he loved and Lumine doubted that he would ever truly heal from the abuse.

Oh, and Collei. Cyno and Tighnari’s adopted teen. The girl was a whole mess of emotions and anxiety, fearful of anyone’s touch. Even the gentlest of brushes could send her spiraling into memories of hands and bruises and lacerations, experimentation in the name of science. Some days she was a completely nonfunctional mess of post traumatic responses and outbursts. Lumine couldn’t have blamed her on those days, really. She had sat with Collei, inside the hollowed out stump of her favorite tree, listening to her sob and cry and scream about the violence she had endured. She was a slave, bought and sold for having been diseased. It broke Lumine’s heart to watch her friend pull up her sleeves and cry onto deep and thick scars.

And now… another friend was in his grasp. Her mind couldn’t rest picturing what could happen to him. She wasn’t entirely sure what this man was capable of, but from the stories her other friends had lived through, she knew he wouldn’t come out unscathed.
How exactly had she not noticed? She knew the name Escher. Genesis had told her before. She grit her teeth and thought back to the beginning of this. Ninnguang had asked her to infiltrate this little project and find out what nefariousness could be going on. So she had.

————————————————

“I’m really happy to have you here, you know.” Childe said with a smirk as he walked beside Lumine. She crossed her arms and hugged at him.

“You must really enjoy being talked down to then.” She said and he smiled wider.

“No, only by you really.” He said and she blushed hard, gnashing her teeth and growling.

“Leave it to you to be nasty.” She said and then stomped forward away from him. He laughed and jogged to catch up.

“I’m not being nasty, I’m being genuine. I don’t tolerate people talking to me like that. Anyone who does has beaten me in a fight. Everyone else… well… lets just say they can’t talk to me much at all anymore anyways.” He explained and Lumine glared at him.

“You fight too much, you know.” She said and he shook his head at her.

“Not at all. If I had it my way, I wouldn’t be working at the Northland Bank. I’d be fighting across every nation until I proved to the world I was the strongest fighter!” Child said, punching in the air.

“Or until you died.” Lumine retorted and Child paused, staring at her.

“Yeah, but I can’t let that happen. My family needs me alive you know.” He said, sounding sad and Lumine couldn’t resist a glance at him.

“And yet, you would put yourself in those situations and even work for the Fatui? That could get you killed.” She said and he sighed, smile falling.

“You know… I don’t think you’ll ever truly understand my motivations.” He said. He sounded frustrated and sad. Lumine was taken aback by the shift in tone and almost gawked but caught herself.

“Try me.” She said finally and he just stared at her again before snorting.

“Sure, meet me tonight in my tent and we can talk about it over some dinner and drinks.” He said, a slight flirtatiousness on his tone. Lumine looked away and blushed but nodded.

“Fine. Tonight then.” She said before jogging to catch up with Kaveh. Her heart was beating in her chest harder than it had before and she was worried that Childe would hear it as it pumped incessantly against the bones that typically kept it safe. But now, as she listened to the blood flowing in her ears, she knew her heart was under attack.
The whole thing screamed date, but she vowed to herself that it wouldn’t be one, and when night came and the work everyone had started came to an end, she took her sword and herself to Childe’s tent. As expected he was already there, a fire going and was making an attempt at cooking. Lumine scrunched her nose at the smell but couldn’t stop the soft smile when she saw Childe taste the soup, grimace and grumble to himself about how, “this wasn’t going to impress her at all.” before walking forward and getting his attention.

“Ah! Lulu! I didn’t expect you to… um… get here so fast!” He said, moving to stand in front of the botched soup. She nodded curtly and sat down on the cut log in front of the fire.

“The sun has set already, so I thought it would be best to arrive in a timely fashion.” She said, trying to keep the laughter inside as Childe began to sweat.

“Ah, um, yep! It’s always good to be on time!” He stammered. She nodded.

“Of course! Since you invited, I expected you would cook and I couldn’t miss out on trying a delicious, hand made meal.” She said, swiftly crossing her ankles and enjoying the way Childe seemed to run every possible solution through his head before sighing heavy and deflating a bit.

“Well, I tried cooking some food from Mondstat but it didn’t turn out very good…” he admitted and Lumine audibly gasped.

“What????? It turned out bad??? That boiling pot there that smells burnt is no good???” She said, clearly feigning shock. Childe furrowed his brows in shame.

“Don’t rub it in.” He said weakly and Lumine snorted at him.

“I can’t help it. I could smell it before I saw the fire. Have you ever made food from Mondstat before?” She asked and he shook his head.

“No…”

“Then what made you want to experiment tonight?” She asked, smile wide.

“I… Well, I thought you would appreciate it. You haven’t been back to Mondstat in a long time so I thought you might like having something from there I guess.” He said rubbing his neck and Lumine’s face was red hot before she scowled.

“How do you know I haven’t been back to Mondstat in a long time?” She asked, crossing her arms.

“Pfffff… don’t be coy. You’re the famous traveler from outside of the stars! If you were in Mondstat everyone would know. I don’t keep tabs on you, but when something happens involving you it spreads like wildfire.” He said dropping down beside her.

“Oh, really?” She said raising an eyebrow and he nodded.

“Really. Sometimes it’s embellished and I have to get actual information from my informants, but yes. You’re everywhere. Biggest talk of the world.” He explained.

“Oh, so then you know everything?” She asked, not expecting an answer but he nodded again.

“After you left Liyue you joined the rebel forces in Inazuma and stood up to the Raiden Shogun puppet and then Ei in her own realm of Euthymia. I heard you had some help with that from that shrine priestess on Watatsumi Island from the guy who were distributing delusions in the area. After that you went to Sumeru and had to deal with a whooooole lot there. Rampant disease, some kind of forced sleep time loop, the leaders abusing their God, and Il Dottore? Im surprised you managed to survive.” He said but then shrugged. “Nah, I take it back. Im not suprised you survived at all. I’ve seen you fight.”

“Hmmm… well, I guess you do know everything then.” She said looking at the sky before getting a whiff of the soup again.

“Euuuggghhh… what dish were you even trying to cook anyways?” She asked and Chile stared silently at the ground before mumbling, “G… Goulash…” and Lumine erupted with laughter.

“Don’t laugh! I tried!” He hollered and she held her sides and asked, “Okay then, what can you cook?”

“Borscht…”

“What’s that?”

“It’s a soup, similar to this one which is why I’m not sure where I went wrong.” He said, sounding frustrated.

“Can you make me that instead? It’s from your home country right? I’d much rather try it.” She said and this time Childe felt his heart beat. Lumine didn’t know it, but Childe appreciated that. It made him feel like maybe, just maybe she wanted to connect with him through his culture.

“Yeah, I can make you Borscht instead.” He said smiling.

The night passed easy and Lumine found it no hassle to sit and chat with Childe, even the bullying seemed to fall to the wayside and it was comfortable. But, like all nights, she inevitably grew tired. Childe peeked up at her as the fire grew small and saw how she was beginning to nod off. Gently, he reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear and said, “You should probably get to bed, dove.” Lumine nodded but didn’t move. She couldn’t. Her body had already given up and was falling asleep. So, as tenderly as he could, Childe picked her up and put her in his tent to sleep comfortably on his bedroll, covering her with a blanket. He turned away and without meaning too, Lumine reached out and grabbed his scarf.
She remembered reaching for him, barely. She remembered calling out her brother’s name and remembered him wiping back her bangs and then leaving her alone. She remembered falling asleep. Then she woke up. Embarrassed.

Had she really tried to invite Childe to sleep with her? No, she wouldn’t have. They had talked a lot about family that night and she aches for her brother. She missed him so much and wanted the comfort of another person in her dreary state. Childe would understand. She nodded to herself then and pushed out of the tent to see the sun just barely rising and Childe sleeping beside the dead fire, covered with a thin blanket. Liyue wasn’t cold, but the night wasn’t warm either. Lumine couldn’t stop herself. She tugged the blanket from the tent and draped it before starting the fire again to make some coffee.

Childe woke up not long after that. He had gone from a little cold to warmer than he was used to and he wound up waking with a start, heart pounding and sweat pouring off him. His hands shook and he struggled to catch his breath until he smelled the coffee and looked over to see Lumine in the darkness of the dawn.

“Hey…” she said, slowly stirring the coffee beans.

“Hey…” Childe said back, feeling his heart slowing to a normal pace.

“How’d you sleep?” She asked and he couldn’t help but lean forward to talk to her.

Many days went like that. Childe would work and Lumine would follow around Kaveh or just observe or run back and forth to Liyue Harbor for food or supplies. Briefly, she went to Mondstat to visit Paimon and let her know what was going on but came back quickly. Most nights were similar to that first one too. She would show up, they would cook together and one would fall asleep first. That is, until, it had gotten colder than usual and the fire wasn’t helping stop the tremble in Lumine’s hands and legs.

“Not used to the cold, are you?” Childe asked and Lumine shook her head.

“Not at all. I try my best to avoid Dragonspine when I’m in Mondstat. It’s too cold!” She said and Childe chuckled.

“Hopefully you get used to it before you visit me in Sneznaya.” He said and then began to dig through his pack, “Until then, this’ll have to do.” And pulled out his Fatui Harbinger coat, sitting down right beside her and wrapping them both in it. Lumine was upset for a minute but calmed down when the warmth moved through her bones again.

“Ooohhhh, this is much nicer than expected. You joined just to get this jacket, didn’t you?” She teased and scooted closer. He hesitated for a second but then draped his arm around her shoulders and they were both warm. Before either of them knew it, they had fallen asleep like that and every night after they had an excuse as to why they needed each other. Eventually, the building was mostly finished and she had her own room. No more excuse to see Childe. Except… Lady Ninnguang asked her to spy on him.
That was all the excuse she needed. She walked down the hall until she found the room with a nameplate for Childe on the door and knocked. Quickly, the door opened and Childe looked down at her shocked. He hasn’t expected her at all. She had her own room, what did she need with him now?

“Um… how can I help you, Lumine?” He asked and she blushed, frustration crossing her face.

“I can’t sleep.” She said and Childe just stared at her for a minute before she continued, “It’s too cold you know…”

Excuse granted. Childe moved out of the door way and let her through where she promptly tossed herself onto the bed and closed her eyes.

“Alrighty, rest well. I’m going to take a shower.” Childe said and left her alone in the room. She stayed still on the bed until she heard the water begin to run. She bolted upright and as quietly as she could began to rifle through his paperwork and books and belongings. Nothing stood out. She dug and dug until she realized that she didn’t hear the water anymore. Too late.

Childe came out of the other room in a robe, tousling his hair dry before seeing Lumine standing in the dark. He blinked at her for a second and scowled confused.

“What are you doing?” He asked and she blushed.

“I was pacing. Couldn’t sleep.” She said and Childe walked over to her and grabbed her hand, ready to guide her to bed. His eyes, however, moved across his desk to the piles of papers she just rifled through. It was disorganized before but she didn’t want to get caught so she reached up with shaking hands and cupped his face and kissed him. There was a moment of confusion from him for a second before he understood what was happening and leaned in. She felt him wrap his arms around her and pulled her closer. He had wanted this, desperately, and she could tell.

By the way he leaned in and the way he touched her like she might evaporate, she could tell he had wanted her for a while and it made her heart flutter. She reached up and wrapped her arms around him, twisting her face and opening her mouth. Greedily, Childe took this chance to deepen the kiss. He wasn’t rough though, she thought it felt like he wanted to take his time and explore her and when they finally pulled away they just stared at each other. Lumine was breathing hard and couldn’t help but think that he smelled nice and how soft his skin was or how pretty his eyes were. Before they knew it, they were in the bed. She had shoved him down and climbed on top of him, kissing him hard. Her hands began to roam, moving from his face and down his chest. Her fingers nudged under the hem of his robe and began to push before he stopped her.

“I want to.” He clarified before she could say anything, “I just don’t want you to regret it. You hate me, you know.”

“I don’t hate you…” she admitted and then gasped. She hadn’t admitted that out loud or even privately inside her mind before.

“That’s a surprise.” He said.

“I… I don’t think I ever hated you. We’re just… too much alike, I think.” She said before correcting herself. “No, I just thought we were. Spending all this time together I realized how lonely it’s been and that… we’re lonely for the same reason. You’re one of the only people who I think understands.”

The mood was somber for a minute until Childe leaned up and kissed her again.

“Yeah, I think so too.” He said and they let themselves fall back into a fervent pile of limbs and tongues and sweat. He was hard faster than she had expected he could get, but she didn’t mind. Lumine wanted him. She pushed him back down and got on top of him, rubbing herself against his dick.

“If you want me to stop, tell me now.” She said and he shook his head.

“No, keep going. Do whatever you want. Beat me, choke me even.” He said, egging her on. She nodded at him and grabbed his throat.

“Anything for you.” She said, pushing down onto his cock and his throat. He groaned hard, hands moving to her hips to push herself further down faster as she pumped herself on him. She moaned herself, letting out loud gasps and hisses as she bobbed. Her knees began to shake and she had to grab on to the headboard to steady herself. Childe didn’t mind. He reached up and kisses the space between her breasts, simply holding her. Both were panting and Lumine realized she was close. She huffed and moved erratically, barely feeling anything other than the boy beneath her until his hands slid up to her hips.

“I’m gonna…” he hissed and shoved her off. Lumine was frustrated, but Childe stopped her by kissing her.

“I don’t want to get you pregnant on accident.” He said, both were clearly frustrated at not getting off. Lumine understood though. She didn’t want that either. Instead she said, “Fine. Help me finish though. I’ll help you too.” He took no time getting back into position and letting her climb over top of him, pushing her body back towards his face. Without much hesitation, she took him into her mouth and he audible hissed before burying his face into her too. Both worked on each other, pleasure whipping around the both before one of them came.
Lumine sat up and swallowed, wiping her mouth a bit before trying to catch her breath. She still hasn’t cum and was a bit frustrated but couldn’t be too upset. Childe tried his best and seemed a little out of his depth. How many partners had he had before now? She knew how many she had, more than a few that was for sure, but Childe? She climbed off him and threw her now naked body beside him in the bed. Timidly, he wrapped his arm around her again and she leaned into it.

“How many partners have you had?” She asked and Childe jumped at the question.

“‘Scuse me??” He asked, confused.

“I’m just curious. I can tell you mine if you’d like.” She explained and Childe was silent for a minute before finally saying, “You’re my first, actually.”
Lumine bolted up.

“What?” She asked. She hadn’t just taken someone’s virginity had she? Childe rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

“Ya know, I don’t really get a lot of attention as a harbinger. Everyone is so nervous around me that I haven’t got to…” he began explaining but Lumine had already dressed herself and then walked out of the door before he could protest. She was disgusted with herself. She had taken something so special away from him. In her attempts at intimacy and trying not to get caught, she had ruined something for him. And she had been so vulgar and demanding too. She opened the door to her room and tossed herself onto her bed, pulling the blankets around her and went to sleep.

The next day, when she left her room, Childe cornered her.

“Why did you leave last night?” He asked, sounding almost heartbroken. She shoved past him and walked fast away and he followed after her.

“Hey, answer me. Did I do something wrong?” He asked. He sounded upset and anxious, like he was growing angry at the rejection.

“No, you were fine.” She said finally, walking faster. She wanted to cry, but swallowed it down.

“Then what happened? Lumine, please talk to me.” Childe said, grabbing her wrist. She didn’t waste even a second. As soon as his fingers grazed her wrist she whipped it free and spun around to face him.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were a virgin.” She said harshly. A few people working and milling about the hall looked in their direction, making her blush. “We should talk privately.” She demanded. They were too far from her room now so Childe nodded and said, “My room then.” She nodded and they went to his room. Before he could turn and face her after closing the door, she repeated.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were a virgin?” She asked, tone harsh. She was feeling guilty and manipulative. She never would’ve taken the route she did to hide her tracks if she had known.

“Well, it’s a little embarrassing firstly. I’m like … 25.” He said and she glared at him.

“And? You just let me take such a special moment from you? Just like that? Did your first time just not matter to you at all?” She asked and he cocked his head confused.

“I mean…” he began but she cut him off.

“You could’ve had anyone you wanted. You’re a harbinger. You’re completely respected by the people of Sneznaya and the Fatui and yet, what? Couldn’t find someone special? Huh? Wasted it on me?” She accused.

“You’re wrong.” He said.

“Elaborate then.” She demanded.

“I can’t just have anyone. The Fatui are feared and that doesn’t stop with me. No matter how much I smile or joke or tease, there’s a disconnect between me and everyone else. I’ve never connected with anyone else before. Not in Sneznaya and not here in Liyue. You’re the only person who’s ever took the time to talk to me and treat me like a person instead of some symbol of power. So, yeah, there was someone special and it was you.” Childe explained and silence fell over them.

“You have shit tastes, Childe.” She said, crossing her arms and he laughed.

“Yeah? I’d like to keep having them then.” He said and stepped forward, “Aside from my family, you’re probably the only person I really and truly care about, Lumine.”

“That’s so sad…”

“I know. But I’m fine with that.”

“Childe… You should find someone worth your time.”

“Call me Ajax. It’s what my family calls me. And, you’re worth more than my time to me you know.” He said and leaned down to kiss her. She wanted to say it, his name was a whisper on her lips and then…

Knocking.

The two pulled away from each other quickly with a panic.

“Who’s at your door?” She asked, voice hushed and embarrassed. Childe brushed his hands through his hair and huffed out a breath.

“How should I know. I didn’t invite anyone.” He said, also looking embarrassed.

“What do we do??” She asked panicked and Childe began pacing with her.

“Uh… I’ll just answer naturally!” He said and she nodded.

“Right, yeah, good idea.” She said and moved to lean casually against the desk. Childe gave her a thumbs up, she gave one back, and he opened the door.
She hadn’t expected to see Genesis there. She hadn’t expected to hear that Il Dottore was here. She hadn’t expected to suddenly feel betrayed. But why hadn’t she? Childe had used her before so this wasn’t new was it? Had he tried to get close to her so his disgusting monster of a coworker could steal away another innocent person to abuse? Did he charm her into sex as a distraction. She felt disgusting again, but now for new reasons. She glanced behind her as she walked beside Genesis at Childe. He was behind them, keeping pace but keeping away. She needed the distance and was grateful for it. He looked… beyond dejected and angry and betrayed himself. Was he telling the truth? Was all of this a lie? Or no?
Her mind tumbled and spiraled down. She didn’t know what to think. Her brain was telling her not to trust him. He was a monster. He tried to kill so many innocent people. But… her heart brought up the tenderness he showed her. The hand holding, the blankets, the cooking. Which was right? She grit her teeth and spun on her heels to face him. All four of them paused, barely a breath shared by anything other than the planet moving the wind. Then, she lept at Childe with a scream, pulling her blade out with a summon. Childe was stalled for a second, just a second, before he smiled way too wide and dived backwards and away from her strike. He summoned his own weapon, a large bow and began firing arrows at her that she parried easily.

“You want to fight?” He asked, almost giddy. She just screamed again and began to slash at him wildly. Most slashes he avoided or parried, but she was fast. Faster than he remembered her being and he couldn’t avoid every cut she brought to his body. Defense wasn’t his strong suit anyways, so he grabbed her sword and pulled her in, kicking her in the stomach and then pushing her back. Both were breathing hard and in pain but it wasn’t enough to actually drop either of them. There was a stillness where no one moved before Lumine began to cry and any joy Childe had on his face fell.

“You promised he would be safe! You promised me!” She howled, falling to her knees. Childe rushed to her side but Xiao jumped in front, drawing his spear.

“Don’t touch her.” He said softly but sternly. Childe glared at him but didn’t move around him. Instead, he kneeled down in front of them both.

“I know. I broke a promise, even if I didn’t mean to. I still didn’t protect your friend. I was… distracted.” Childe said and she punched him in the shoulder.

“Ow, hey!” He said but quieted down when she grabbed his hand. Xiao stepped aside, confused. Wasn’t she trying to kill him a second ago? He thought she hated him… it didn’t seem like it anymore.

“Promise me we’ll get him back then.” She said, hiccuping slightly and Childe nodded fervently.

“Of course! Anything for you.” He said and Lumine felt calmed.

“This is your last chance you know. I’ll never forgive you if we fail.” She said, wiping her eyes and standing. Childe stayed kneeling and nodded.

“I know.” He said

Chapter Text

When he and Cyno had parted ways, Alhaithem had walked in a bit of a daze for a while before needing to stop. He didn’t need a break really, but he suddenly felt overcome with fatigue and needed to sit down. He squatted down and took a deep breath in and then out before noticing just how shivery his breathing sounded or how his hands wavered. He almost laughed. Alhaithem was currently the most powerful man in Sumeru and here he was, sitting in the woods alone shaking. All over some fool who didn’t listen to him. Some fool he desperately hoped was okay. Some fool he would give everything up for.

He missed Kaveh.

Maybe Kaveh was actually fine. Maybe this was all for nothing and Alhaithem was doing this as an excuse to get the man back in his house. But.. why though? They fought all the time and Alhaithem found Kaveh’s presence to be more of a hassle than anything. He was always rearranging the house and buying decor or ordering Alhaithem around and yet… Alhaithem wanted that back. 

When had things changed between them that he was this distraught over one person? Alhaithem thought back and images of Kaveh crying or smiling or painting or working flashed through his mind until he landed on one particular memory.

It was late and the sun had set and Kaveh hadn’t come back to the house. Initially, Alhaithem was just going to ignore this, but after another hour he found his feet taking him from the house to the tavern where the barkeep helped him find Kaveh.

“He's been here drinking for a few hours now.” The barkeep said and Alhaithem glared down and sighed. 

“I’ll pay his tab and bring him home.” He said and the barkeep stuck out his hand for payment. Alhaithem shoved a bag of Mora at him and turned back to Kaveh who was laying  with his face in his elbow. Gently, Alhaithem reached out and touched Kaveh’s shoulder. Kaveh bolted up and then smiled at Alhaithem.

“Ooohhh~ Hi Alhaithem” he said, face flushed and surprisingly happy.

“We need to go.” Alhaithem said and Kaveh shook his head.

“Whaaat? Why? I wanna stay here.” He said, slurring his words slightly. 

“You’re drunk. Let’s go home so you can sleep it off.” Alhaithem said and Kaveh laid his head down again on the table to stare up at him.

“If I go home and go to sleep, I’ll just wake up tomorrow and… I don’t wanna do that…” he said and Alhaithem felt his heart stop for a second.

“Kaveh, what do you mean?” he asked and Kaveh’s smile became more sad.

“… Nothing seems to go well for me anymore. I lost my house and my family and now I’m stuck living with someone who doesn’t even want me around. So, I’d rather stay here and drink until I don’t have to worry about that anymore.” He stated. 

“Kaveh, you’ll die if you drink that much.” Alhaithem said and Kaveh chuckled.

“A man can hope.” He said and Alhaithem felt his heart drop. He grabbed Kaveh and pulled him onto his back, lifting him up to carry him out of the Tavern. He wasn’t about to stand for that nonsense. Kaveh didn’t fight him much, just groaned a bit as the world spun as he was carried out. Time passed quietly as Alhaithem walked until Kaveh said, “the lights are so pretty at night.” 

“I suppose…” Alhaithem replied then felt a strange wetness on his neck. Kaveh was crying. Alhaithem sighed and stopped at a bench, setting Kaveh down to weep freely.

“What’s wrong, Kaveh?” Alhaithem asked.

“I… I just don’t want to be here anymore.” He said.

“Here? Sumeru city?”

“Tayvat.” Kaveh said and Alhaithem felt sick again. He wanted to slap sense into Kaveh.

“Stop talking like that.” Alhaithem demanded but Kaveh shook his head.

“You have it all together, it figures you wouldn’t understand. If you mess up you get to fix it. I don’t have that. I have no where to go. I feel so trapped and so alone.” Kaveh sobbed.

“What makes you think you’re alone? Didn’t I come pick you up?” Alhaithem asserted and Kaveh cried more.

“Im just your burden at best! We used to be so close and now… now we’re not even friends!” He said crying. Alhaithem wasn’t sure what to do here. Would touching be comforting? Did he need to say the right words? Alhaithem was afraid to speak almost. If he said the wrong thing what would happen? Kaveh was on some kind of precipice and it wasn’t a good one.

“Kaveh…” Alhaithem said, brushing Kaveh’s hair aside. Kaveh looked up at him, eyes watery and clearly intoxicated.

“I…” Alhaithem started. What should he say? His heart was beating so fast. Kaveh was staring at him with so much need for  comfort that it made Alhaithem falter. He swallowed and sighed, “Lets go home. You can stay in my room tonight, okay?” 

There was a long pause before Kaveh sighed and said, “Yeah… okay.” 

They went home and Alhaithem helped Kaveh get dressed for bed before doing the same for himself. By the time he was in the bed, Kaveh was passed out. Alhaithem stared at the back of his head for a long time that night, worrying and wondering what might happen when Kaveh woke up. Eventually, his eyes closed and he was asleep.

The next morning, he woke up and felt exhausted still. He had tossed and turned in worry all night over Kaveh. Speaking of, he turned to see if Kaveh was still passed out and was shocked to see the space beside him long empty and cold. His heart dropped and he flung himself out of the bed, ignoring his lack of suitable clothes, and dashed from the room. Frantically he ran from room to room, eyes roaming each space until he rounded the corner into the kitchen. There he was, cooking breakfast in the early morning light. He looked up at the breathless Alhaithem, shocked for a second then turned back to cooking. 

“You should get dressed.” Kaveh said and Alhaithem looked down at himself, shirtless and only in a pair of night shorts. He looked back up and swallowed hard.

“Are you… okay?” He asked and Kaveh shrugged.

“Nothing has changed about my situation, but it’s whatever. At least I have you.” Kaveh said and began fishing plates from a cupboard. Alhaithem stared at him before walking over and helping plate the food. 

Yeah, Kaveh had him.

After that, Alhaithem found himself paying very close attention to Kaveh and his moods. Alhaithem wasn’t very good at words or emotions but he was good at collecting information and categorizing it. He found out that Kaveh experienced big emotions. Really big ones. He was overwhelmed with a righteous sense of justice and acted on it with little thought and it seeped into every part of his life. Every job was based on how much it made him feel something. Every action based on if someone could make their cause seem important to Kaveh. Alhaithem realized that because of this, if someone backed out of a project then Kaveh would fall deliriously far down. It was a horrible cycle, but Alhaithem found out how to distract Kaveh using those ups and downs. 

He started buying horrible decor. If Kaveh came home sad then he would see that and become consumed with disgust and begin griping about that instead of feeling upset. It wasn’t the best system but it kept Kaveh grounded a bit. He would drag Alhaithem to the market to find a replacement and go on and on about the importance of design flow and matching patterns. Alhaithem let him. For a small window of time, he got to be an artist in Alhaithem’s home. 

Then the day came that he became the Grand Sage. Kaveh had been out of the house in the desert working on a build when it all happened so when he got home Alhaithem wasn’t there. It was fine for a while but then another job bailed on him and he was alone to bear the brunt of that. 

Alhaithem hadn’t been prepared for coming back home late to see Kaveh passed out on the floor. It wasn’t intentional. He had drank on an empty stomach and gotten far more intoxicated than expected in a short amount of time. Alhaithem tried to wake him up but he wasn’t responding at all. Alhaithem carried him to a hospital where he was treated for the alcohol poisoning in his body. The next few days Kaveh mostly slept and Alhaithem mostly didn’t. But, Kaveh healed and went back to trying to find jobs again. 

Alhaithem was tense after that. He tried to keep a better schedule but was still often pulled back to work. One day he went in early and couldn’t focus. Everything was too loud and too sharp and too… just too much. He blew up and told everyone to leave him alone and that he would get to it when he could before bolting from the room. Before he knew it, he was back at his house, arms wrapped around Kaveh’s waist where he held him for what felt like was hours. 

Their dynamic was different after that. Alhaithem didn’t admit it, but he didn’t see Kaveh as his friend anymore. He couldn’t stop himself. Any chance he got, he let his fingers ghost across Kaveh’s skin or allowed himself tender embraces. Most days were sweet and almost loving then. Of course there was still teasing and bickering, but not as frequent. 

One day though, Kaveh was angry. 

“You said you were going to stay with me! Where did you go?” He almost yelled. Alhaithem was confused.

“When did I say that?” He asked and Kaveh stomped his foot childishly.

“You… you literally just said a few hours ago you would stay with me tonight! I… whatever. It doesn’t matter, I guess.” Kaveh said. His voice betrayed him though and he sounded devastated. Alhaithem didn’t know what Kaveh was talking about. He never promised anything of the sort.

“Were you dreaming?” Alhaithem asked and that seemed to be a tipping point.

“What’s with you! One minute you’re making fun of me and the next you’re acting like we’re a couple! Which is it!” Kaveh yelled.

“Do you want to be a couple? Is that why you’re acting this way?” Alhaithem retorted and Kaveh quieted down fast. 

“I… I don’t know…” he said and they both stood there for a time before Alhaithem sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“If you don’t know then why are you making a fuss over it? Hmmm?” He said, feeling annoyed. He couldn’t figure Kaveh out right now. What had happened between them to have their relationship feel so rocky. Alhaithem wanted Kaveh to say one way or another if they were friends or more. This could be a breaking point, he could lose him. He wasn’t ready for that.

“Because! If youre tired of me as just a friend then you won’t get rid of me, you’ll just ignore me. But as… if you loved me and grew tired of me then what would I have? I have so much to lose in this!” He said and began to cry. Alhaithem couldn’t stop himself. He wrapped his arms around Kaveh and just held him. 

“I love you, you know.” Kaveh said. Alhaithem froze. He did? Really? He tightened his arms, pulling Kaveh in even closer. 

“I won’t ever leave you.” Alhaithem said instead. He wanted to say he loved him back, but the words wouldn’t form. He didn’t want Kaveh to get his hopes up. How did Kaveh even mean that anyways? Romantically? Familial? He couldn’t just say “I love you too,” and they have 2 different ideas of love here.

Kaveh was the one to pull away first, gently pushing against Alhaithem’s chest to be able to look into his eyes. And then Kaveh kissed him. At first Alhaithem was shocked, his answer about what type of love possibly answered, before leaning in aggressively. He hadn’t been a very sexual person for most of his life, but now he understood the hunger. All it had taken was one kiss from Kaveh and he wanted him wholly. Before he knew it, he had lifted the blonde up onto the kitchen island and was tearing off his clothes to bite and kiss and suck across his neck. Kaveh had his fingers digging into the thin fabric of Alhaithem’s shirt, pleading for it to come off the broad shoulders. Alhaithem could feel the long nails rake across his back and knew he would have small scratches and cuts. Not like Kaveh was faring better. Alhaithem had left hickies and bites up and down Kaveh’s neck and chest. He wouldn’t able to hide those for weeks. 

He took a steadying breath and kissed one of the bruises before saying, “You know, if you get tired of me then I’ll have to come back to an empty house.” He said and Kaveh stared at him, face flushed and confused.

“Why… why are you bringing this up now?” He asked panting hard. 

“I don’t want you to think I’m doing this to appease you or something foolish like that. Your mind is so strange to me. It makes monsters out of shadows and I don’t want whatever we have to become one of those monsters. I want you here. In my home. With me. Until you’re ready to move out, I want you to stay right here.” He explained and pulled Kaveh into his lap again, hips up to feel the hardness of Alhaithem’s erection on him. Alhaithem could tell that Kaveh’s mind was swirling with thoughts then. 

“Do you mean it?” He asked, breath heavy. Alhaithem hummed a yes at him and bit the cusp of his ear hard enough to make him gasp.

“I want you and I want you here.” He said reaffirming and kissed him hard again, pushing him back down on the island to rip at the pants he wore like taking them off would save a life. Kaveh returned the favor by pulling Alhaithem’s shirt off his body and biting his lip. They were aggressive and needy and wasted little time on preparation before Alhaithem was buried deep inside Kaveh, held almost painfully tight. They gave themselves a second to breathe before moving again, fast and rough. Alhaithem pulled Kaveh’s hair to expose his neck. Kaveh dug his nails into skin and scalp. Alhaithem lifted Kaveh off the island and used gravity to push deeper. Kaveh was shocked, gasping and wrapping his arms and legs tight around Alhaithem so he didn’t fall until Alhaithem came hard inside. He wasn’t done. He pushed Kaveh back down on the island and dropped to his knees to wrap his mouth around Kaveh and sucked.

Kaveh couldn’t hold his voice back anymore and was gasping and moaning and almost screaming. It wasn’t enough. Alhaithem needed him begging and calling his name. He lifted Kaveh’s hips and pushed two fingers inside him to ram hard into his prostate. Kaveh gagged at the sudden burst of endorphins rushing through him and making his vision go white before he cried out for Alhaithem. It was seconds before he had come himself. Alhaithem wasn’t able to pull away and took it all in his mouth. He stood up, swallowing, and looked Kaveh in the eyes. He was panting and sweating and looked utterly slovenly. It was nice to see him completely exhausted to where he couldn’t even talk. It made him look even more ravishing. Except, Alhaithem was also covered in sweat and come and really needed to bathe. 

“Are you okay?” He asked and Kaveh swallowed before nodding. 

“Yeah…” he panted, “just kinda tired.” Alhaithem smirked.

“Good. We should bathe then get some rest. I’ll clean in the morning.” Alhaithem said and Kaveh nodded but didn’t make a move beyond that. Alhaithem hadn’t meant to overdo him that way, but it seemed he had. He gently picked Kaveh up into his arms and carried him to the bathroom, setting him down on the edge of the bath. As the water ran, filling the basin with its heat, Alhaithem noticed how vacant Kaveh looked.

“Are you okay?” Alhaithem asked and Kaveh hummed at him.

“Yeah… just thinking is all.” 

“What about?” Alhaithem asked and Kaveh was quiet again.

“Hmmm… nothing important.” He said and turned back to Alhaithem with a soft smile. Alhaithem stared at him before checking the water again. He didn’t want to push it. 

A week or so later, someone attacked Kaveh. They had gotten into an argument about a cat and then his keys and when he came back, the door was open and Kaveh had been attacked and stripped and was covered in bites and bruises. The boy spiraled upon waking, panic gripping his body, but Alhaithem calmed him down and took him to a doctor. He hadn’t been raped and this seemed to calm Kaveh, but not Alhaithem. He couldn’t get the fear out of his chest and soon they were back to arguing. 

The attack had made Alhaithem scared. He didn’t want it to happen again and shortly after it, all of Kaveh’s jobs began to cancel on him. He started taking on more precarious jobs and it was making Alhaithem crazy. That’s when the Liyue project arrived. It seemed the most dangerous of them all, and he voiced his opinion just as much.

“You can’t do this Kaveh. What if it’s a scam? Then you’ll be out of money.” He had said, but what he meant was “What if they hurt you? I’m worried. You’ll be in Liyue so far from me and I won’t be able to help.” Now it seemed as if his fears had all reached their boiling point And Kaveh could be hurt, somewhere far away, and he was here. He was helpless. He pushed his palms into his eyes and grit his teeth, almost panicking. No, he had to control himself. He would bring Kaveh home, pay off his debts, buy back his family’s home, and never argue with him again. They would be happy and safe.

—————————————————————

Lumine had separated from Genesis and Xiao. Genesis said he needed to head back to Nahida to regroup and maybe get some back up and Xiao had offered to go talk to Cloud Retainer and Moon Carver about the situation and meet them in Liyue harbor. It was just her and Childe now as they walked to meet Lady Ninnguang. After some time, the two made it to her palace and she was shaking. Childe seemed to catch on and took her hand into his and squeezed tightly. She squeezed back and leaned against his arm. She didn’t want to admit it, but he was more comforting than anyone else she had met in Tayvat. He was calming when she needed him to be.

Then the door opened and she pushed away from him fast, dropping his hand in the process. There was coldness in her palm now that she didn’t like, and glancing over at Childe made her realize the jump made him hurt. The maid nodded to the two of them and guided them to the terrace where Lady Ninnguang sat. Like before there were tea and cakes ready to eat. She didn’t even look up at them When they entered, just waved to the table.

“Hello, Lumine. I take it something happened in Jeuyun Karst?” She asked and Lumine nodded, taking a seat. Childe stood behind her, looming like a bodyguard but his face didn’t have the edge. This was for comfort.

“You’re correct, my Lady. We discovered, possibly, what has happened to the missing people all over the world. It came at a pretty high cost though.” She said, fists clenching onto the hem of her dress.

“Do tell.” Ninnguang ordered and Lumine took a breath then said, “We believe another Fatui Harbinger has kidnapped Kaveh, the architect, and may have kidnapped the others before him.” Lumine said and Ninnguang stared at her before glaring at Childe.

“Was this your doing then?” She asked and he held up his hands.

“Not at all!” He said, defensively.

“He really didn’t, my Lady. As far as we are aware, the other Harbinger took advantage of Childe to do this. Childe seemed just as confused as we were.” Lumine said and Ninnguang glared before sighing. 

“I’ll take your word for it. Explain from the beginning then.” She ordered and Lumine recounted what they had discovered. Kaveh going missing, Childe’s unintentional involvement, etc. All that they knew was explained and when Lumine was done, Ninnguang had some questions.

“What significance does your architect friend even hold in all of this? Why take him? And furthermore what was the point of financing such a building anyways. Are the vermillionite important to this?” She asked and Lumine shrugged. 

“We wondered that too, but I don’t think so. Dottore only took Kaveh and not any of the stones pulled during the construction.” Childe explained.

“They are an integral source of power in adeptus technology. He must believe the boy holds some significance beyond the strength of the stones then…” she concluded and sighed. “Well, I’m unsure of what all of this could mean. We likely won’t get any answers until after Dottore is captured though… Boy, do you have any idea where he could be?” Childe blinked and shook his head.

“No… we’re barely coworkers. He might’ve fled back to Sumeru, but he may have also gone to Sneznaya or even Fontaine. I really can’t be sure.” Childe said and Lumine gripped her skirt again.

“It’s… it’s too many places to look. Kaveh could be anywhere. That mad man might’ve killed him already and we don’t have the vaguest idea about anything! His motivations, his whereabouts… where do we even go from here?” Lumine said, eyes searching the table of opulent teas and cakes.  Ninnguang leaned forward and tucked her hair behind her ear.

“Sweet girl, you sent for Xiao to fetch the other Adeptus, yes?” Ninnguang asked and Lumine nodded, wiping her eyes free of tears.

“I did.” She responded and Ninnguang smiled as sad soft smile.

“Xiao is from Sumeru originally. It isn’t my story to tell, but he was there during the time of King Deshreht as a slave to a cruel man. If the Doctor is in Sumeru, then Xiao will know the locations for the old empire ruins that might be adequate for large scale operations and hiding out. I suggest that when he returns you ask him to go with you and search Sumeru. Lumine stared at her, wiped her eyes and nodded.

“That’s a good idea… I’ll meet up with him and we’ll go to Sumeru then. At least it’s a starting point.” She said, standing.

“You’ll have the full backing of myself and everyone who works for me. Send a letter and Keqing and Ganyu will be at your side.” She said then glanced at Childe again. He caught her eye and she looked away. Lumine and Childe left the balcony quickly, likely rushing to meet with Xiao, when Ninnguang leaned back in her chair. Her gold clawed fingers tapped the table a few times before a woman emerged from behind  a pillar to sit next to Ninnguang.

She was a beauty, the newcomer, with her short cropped hair and blue modern qipao, people noticed her when she wanted them to. She smiled wide and pulled the foreign coat tighter around her shoulders before leaning in towards her Lady.

“Yelan, you heard all of that right?” Ninnguang asked and the woman nodded.

“Of course, my Lady.” She said.

“Good. Follow them. I trust the traveler, but that boy… he was doing all of the construction and market manipulation to the letter of the law but his association with the Fatui makes me wonder what his motivations for the Jadeite were and what his involvement with that doctor are. He might be a complete pawn for that doctors goals or they could be working together. We can’t risk it. Follow them and send some men out to investigate the dig and have any Fatui operatives questioned to the highest extent of your capabilities.” Ninnguang ordered. Yelan nodded.

“Of course, my Lady.” She said and excused herself from the table. 

——————————————————————

Dottore was typically a patient man, but what man could be patient when a beautiful young treat was slumbering in your living room. He was so close. If Dottore wanted to, he could drug him, pin him down, take him there! But… would it be worth it? He thought it might as he let his fingers gently trace over Kaveh’s body in gently but firm motions. He couldn’t help it. The skin attached to the body was so so smooth and soft. It almost seemed like the softest of furs were gliding under his fingers. His hands explored, then they explored lower, and then lower still until his fingers were wrapped around the flaccid member of the man he held captive.

Oh, how thrilling. A shot of electricity shot up his spine and he held the body part in his hand. He wanted to see how it functioned, measure it, test its ability to grow, and attempt to document its color until Kaveh stirred. The doctor jumped back and away, jostling Kaveh even more awake. He blinked and gathered his bearing for a few moments before looking around the room as if he had never seen it. And for a moment, he hadn’t seen Dottore. 

He didn’t hesitate. He moved into a familiar form for Kaveh and acted as if he had been reading the whole time. Legs crossed and face scrunched and he gazed over letters of a journal the Doctor had picked up in a panic. For some reason, Dottore didn’t want Kaveh to catch him before he was fully ready to take Kaveh. He almost wanted Kaveh to come to him, willingly. Come to him with open arms fully ready to love him. His mind had pictured Kaveh pushing him back and offering himself with a chaste kiss, but Dottore wasn’t delusional. That would never happen… unless he was someone else.

“Oh… Alhaithem?” Kaveh asked, confused. The doctor looked up at Kaveh and closed the journal. 

“Oh good, you’re awake.” He said, smiling softly and walking back over to Kaveh.

“I… what’s going on? Where is this? And where…where’s the doctor?” He asked, softly at first then panicked. Alhaithem sat in the edge of the bed and pulled him close, sushing him.

“Hey, it’s okay. We fell down a shaft that locked us here. We came here alone together to scope out the build site someone on your list job wanted to hire you for, so there wasn’t a doctor involved.” Alhaithem explained and Kaveh clenched the blanket.

“That’s not what I meant… I… I think I was brought down here by a Fatui harbinger but I can’t… my memory is fuzzy on it all.” Kaveh said and leaned into Alhaithem.

“You did drown, you know. That may be why you’re having some memory problems.” Alhaithem said and Kaveh looked at him through long, heavy, dark lashes. It set the doctor ablaze with need. He almost groaned at the site. 

“I drowned? Hmmm… I guess that’s why my clothes are missing then ?” Kaveh asked and Alhaithem nodded.

“Yeah, when you fell, you hit your head and slid into the water pool. I had to help dry off all your clothes.”The doctor said, pointing to the clothes hanging up. Kaveh rubbed his eyes and sighed thinking it was plausible. He looked back over to the well desguised doctor with confusion.

“Alright… could you, um, bring me the clothes?” He asked and Alhaithem shrugged.

“They aren’t dry yet.” He said and Kaveh groaned and laid back down.

“Well, at least I have this blanket I guess…” he said and turned back to Dottore with a pleading look who took the hint and joined him on the bed. 

It was strange. His heart began to beat faster. He wondered if this was anxiety. After all, he was next to a goddess. Maybe the proximity to godliness was making him nervous. He couldn’t be sure. Either way, he slid his arm around Kaveh’s shoulders and got comfortable. He looked down at the man’s face and tried to put to memory the slope of his nose and the length of his lashes. Kaveh sighed and leaned against him, but his body still felt tense. He may have been remembering things. It made Dottore’s skin itch and crawl. 

He lifted his hand then and drug his fingers through Kaveh’s hair, massaging his scalp. The motion had Kaveh making a sound of relaxation as he leaned into it. Oh, this was the correct action. He had drowned Kaveh multiple times. He probably was in pain and his body was likely stiff. Oh, yes yes yes. What an exquisite excuse.

“Let me rub your shoulders and back. You might’ve twisted something in the fall.” Dottore said and Kaveh nodded. He leaned forward and allowed ample access to his body. 

Dottore had seen it before when he installed the device that was still firmly embedded in Kaveh’s neck. But now, it was different. He wasn’t drugged. This was freely offered to touch. With minimal hesitation, he dug his fingers in and began massaging the taut muscles, measuring them mentally as he did so. He was enraptured by the movement of them under his fingers and it became hard to control his breathing. Then, Kaveh spoke.

“Could you get my neck too? I think I twisted it or something… it hurts.” He said and Dottore stalled. What was he supposed to do here? He took too long and Kaveh reached up and his fingers gently met the smooth surface of the metal bound into his body and he froze. They both froze. Dottore was caught. 

Kaveh bolted but was too slow. Dottore wrapped his arms around his waist and pinned him to the bed. He fought and pushed, but it was futile. He was weak from being drowned. Dottore had him. 

“You’re not leaving. You belong to me now.” He said and Kaveh sobbed.

“I knew it! I knew I wasn’t crazy! You’re a monster! Let me go!” He cried, screaming and digging his fingers into the man abusing him.

“I might be a monster, but honestly I don’t care. I own you and can do as I wish.” He said and pushed him further into the bed.

At this point, he couldn’t stop himself. He had a point to prove. He was stronger, smarter, more capable. He reached down and let his hands wrap around Kaveh’s limp dick and began to stroke it. Kaveh stalled with a gasp for a moment before screaming and bucking back.

“Don’t! Don’t do this! Not with his face!” He yelled. Dottore ignored him and grabbed his hair. 

“This face? I guess you’ll have to associate it forever from when you were taken by me. You see his face and start to cry, won’t you?” Dottore asked, shoving Kaveh hard into the bed and using his own weight to pin him down more. 

Dottore had wanted to wait. Had wanted Kaveh to come to him, but that wouldn’t happen. He moved his hand up and down, running his fingers over the head until the man was still and quietly moaning between his soft hiccups. He wasn’t fighting it. Dottore couldn’t let him escape this. He leaned forward and began sucking on the exposed flesh around his neck and jaw then gently bit his ear, forcing a gasp from him. 

“Does Alhaithem treat you gently like this? Or his he more possessive? Agressive?” Dottore moaned out into Kaveh’s ear before twisting his hand quickly. It pushed out a needy keen before Kaveh covered his mouth to try and stop the noises. Dottore couldn’t have this. He flipped Kaveh over for better access and Kaveh took the opportunity to punch Dottore in the face.

It was a shock to them both actually. The punch was hard and both gasped and paused before Kaveh moved. He pushed Dottore hard and made to run but was shoved down again, pinned on his back, and Dottre began to choke him. Kaveh gagged and choked and began to claw at Dottore’s face and arms. He drew blood from the punch and his nails but soon began to see stars as his vision darkened and he once again lost consciousness. 

Dottore pulled back and sat on his haunches, removing the disguise and was himself again. He wiped the blood from his nose and looked around. This wouldn’t do. Kaveh could be really hurt if he kept knocking him out this way. No, he needed to get himself together. He needed to complete his mission. But that could wait a few moments longer. Kaveh was still hard from his ministrations and he couldn’t leave him like this. Rather, he didn’t want to leave him like that. His hand returned and he continued to jerk him. Minutes passed and Kaveh came into his hand. For a second he just stared, almost giddy before rubbing the sticky fluid across Kaveh’s chest and face then leaned down to kiss him fully. His tongue passed over Kaveh’s own over and over as he explored, counting the man’s teeth and understanding the texture of his mouth until he, himself, couldn’t breath and he had to pull away.

He stood from the bed and got to work. He cleaned Kaveh and then bound his wrists to the bed after adjusting him to be comfortable again. After that he sat down next to the table and picked up a scalpel to cut a line down from the base of his head along his spine. 

Soon.

Soon they would be a part of each other, powerful over all beings as gods.

Chapter End

—————————————————————

Chapter Text

Kaveh woke up with a start. A loud cash caught his attention and he jolted awake. His heart pounded as he looked around with fearful eyes until they landed on a strange figure. A man, tall, with dark skin stood broad and overbearing with clenched fists across the huge room. Before him, bloodied and unconscious was Dottore and it made his heart drop. Tears came to his eyes and he felt that he was in danger. Slowly the man looked around the room before his eyes landed on Kaveh who shrank away from the stare. 

Swiftly he moved and Kaveh screamed, “Don’t touch me!” Bringing the man to a hault. He approached slowly now and eased himself onto the edge of the bed and Kaveh scrambled to make distance between them, tears flowing fast.

“Don’t worry, I won’t touch you.” He said and kept his distance. Kaveh sniffled and, like a wild animal, looked frantically between the man and Dottore. The man glanced back at the motionless body then back at Kaveh with a heavy breath.

“If he was a friend, I am sorry.” He said, apologetically and Kaveh stared at him with suspicion.

“We were anything but friends. That man is a monster.” Kaveh declared and the man nodded.

“I woke up and he had put something into my neck, so I attacked him. I threw him into the chair there and strangled him until he was gone. It must be jarring to have seen such a sight upon waking up, so I beg you for your forgiveness my love.” The man said, bowing towards Kaveh. 

“What?” Kaveh asked confused. Forgiveness? My love? His mind was swirling with thoughts as the man looked at him.

“Have your memories not returned? Do you not remember me? It is I, King Deshreht of the Eremite people. And you are Nabu Malikata, my one and only love.” He stated as a fact, reaching his hand out. Kaveh drew away.

“I… my name is Kaveh. I’m an architect. I don’t know who you are or who this Nabu Mali… whatever is! You’ve got the wrong guy!” Kaveh said, voice raising in pitch as he became frantic. The man before him was very calm and he just smiled as though Kaveh was the most wonderful thing in the world.

“I would know you through any lifetime my darling.” He said, but then his face fell. The saw the bruises across Kaveh’s body and the strange tacky mess upon him and his face changed. Kaveh looked down and realized that something, Something, SOMETHING was smeared all over him. His face, his chest his body. He looked back up at the man claiming to be King Deshreht, the man who had seen in that glass coffin and began to laugh and laugh hard. 

This wasn’t a rocus and joyous laugh. This was manic and crazed and soon turned into sobbing. Before Kaveh knew it, the king wrapped his arms around him like a blanket, tight and all encompassing. For a moment he wanted to fight and scream but something in his brain seemed to snap into place. It was a pressure that hit him when the scent of this man filled his nose. A familiarity like clean clothes or your mothers cooking. He smelled like a home Kaveh had never had, but yet… he did? He wasn’t sure. 

Those memories from before when the doctor was drowning him came flooding back. He could almost still smell the bonfire on Deshreht’s clothes and the water of the oasis in his hair and the sticky juice of the henna fruit on his skin. Even this man’s movements were like pieces of a puzzle against his body. They way his arms hooked under Kaveh’s and slotted to fit made them seem like a perfect match. He closed his eyes and took a deep steadying breath and let the memories wash over him before finally, with a shaky breath, said, “We were married weren’t we?”

Deshreht stiffened then tightened his grip on Kaveh and began to cry himself.

“We were! For years we were married, you and I. Then you became sick, tainted by that primordial evil and was taken from me.” He said pulling back, tears leaking down his face but his smile wide and sincere. Kaveh blinked and looked away, pulling the covers over his body. He remembered their life together, partially, but he also remembered what Dottore had done. He couldn’t stop the feeling of hands around his throat and hands around his waist and hands around his cock. 

The memories of being loved and treated with dignity were violently interspersed with memories of this life. His fathers death, his mothers abandonment, the highs and lows of his relationship with Alhaithem and now the objectification and violation of his body. His head hurt from the swell of new information and he clenched his eyes shut from the pain and embarrassment. Deshreht sensed the anxiety and pain the new and mortal body was experiencing so he gently touched Kaveh’s shoulder and said, “Let us bathe. It will soothe your mind and clean your body. A warm bath can ease the sins attacking the soul and none deserve peace more than you.” 

Kaveh was hesitant. Fear and bad memories were vying for first place in his mind to keep him alive. This man was new to Kaveh but, in some ways, not. He’s never hurt Kaveh before but he killed Dottore. He never made Kaveh uncomfortable before but they’ve been apart for so long and things change. Inevitably, the disgust attached to the cum streaked across his body made him agree and he wrapped himself in a sheet and let Deshreht guide him through the room, past the pool, and into a hallway leading out.

For a moment as they walked, Kaveh was fine and then anxiety pooled in his stomach again. Dottore could change his shape and Kaveh hadn’t looked into the pool to check if the body was still there. He remembered when Dottore had embraced him with the face of Alhaithem and began to panic. Was this also just Dottore fooling him. He pulled his hand away from the king and stepped away. The king looked at him confused but didn’t move close to him. The space left Kaveh feeling safer, but not much. He hadn’t been able to outrun the doctor even once.

“Is something the matter, my love?” Deshreht asked and Kaveh glared at him. 

“How do I know you aren’t that man again?” He asked, voice flat and fearful. The king quirked his head in confusion.

“That man? The silver haired one?” He asked and Kaveh gave a meager nod.

“He can change his shape. He… he can be anyone. He was my…” Kaveh said, pausing. What was Alhaithem to him. He had told Alhaithem he loved him, but after all their recent arguments he was sure they weren’t a couple anymore. “My roommate and also another man named Escher and even a cloud of smoke.”

Deshreht stared at him thinking and then hummed. “That… is something I don’t know how to answer. What does your soul tell you?” He asked and Kaveh blinked. His soul? 

“I don’t know.” Kaveh answered honestly. Deshreht was patient with him though and just smiled.

“Your lives must be fighting each other. That man has left you confused and hurt, to your core. Instead of saying ‘I am me’ or some such other platitude, I will leave your comfort to you. How should I act to allow you breath and safety?” He asked and Kaveh’s heart skipped a beat. The consideration made his old mind swell with love, but his new mind fought that instinct.

“Don’t touch me. I’ll follow behind you.” He said and Deshreht just smiled and nodded.

“Anything for you.” He said and began to walk again. Kaveh allowed the man to gain space before tentatively following behind and soon they made it to a room with another pool. This one was much larger than the other filled with steaming water and before Kaveh could even ask Deshreht began to speak with pride.

“This room is special. It was designed by someone I respect above all others. It was made to be self cycling, self cleaning, and self heating using the warmth of the desert to keep the water at a perfect temperature for bathing. No one could surpass the design expertise.” He said and Kaveh felt a bubble of jealousy pop in his chest.

“Oh? Who was this amazing person?” He asked, trying not to sound a bit angry. The king turned to him and beamed.

“My one and only? Do you not recognize your own work?” He asked, stepping into the water.

Kaveh stared. He… he did remember. Sort of. But those could’ve been his own memories and not the goddess of flowers, and yet… he knew the design plans of this room. The whole building. His mind pulled up the maps for each room. If he wanted, he could leave right now.

But he didn’t.

Instead, he looked at the king who had spun around and was allowing him privacy. He shrugged off the sheet and stepped in himself until he was deep in the water up to his neck.  He couldn’t resist the strong, painful sigh that left his lips as the heat immediately slithered into muscles from his skin. He tipped his head back and let the water soak his hair, rinsing the sand from his roots. Gods, he finally felt safe for just a moment. 

“Is it to your liking, my love?” Deshreht asked and Kaveh jumped. He had almost forgotten about the situation he was in.

“Oh, um, yes. This is exactly what I needed. Thank you.” He said then scowled. “Please, call me Kaveh.” 

“Ah, I apologize. I forgot to ask your name earlier. I knew it must have changed, but that thought occurred before my slumber. I was so enraptured to see you again that it slipped my mind. Besides, you were so frought with fear that I didn’t know how to address the question at the time.” He defended himself and leaned back to soak his hair as well. This put Kaveh at ease and he settled himself to sit on the steps and just enjoy the water. Soon though, he felt the water moving around him and he opened his eye to see Deshreht handing him a corked glass jar of something. He eyed it and then looked up at Deshreht confused.

“It’s a soap, you can use it in your hair and on your skin. It might help wash away the foulness you’ve been covered in.” He explained and Kaveh blushed and looked away ashamed, wrapping his arms around himself. The king looked at him sympathetically.

“I defended myself upon awakening. When I saw you there across the room my heart skipped a beat and then stopped all together. I had thought, ‘Oh, how I must have take the life of my darling’s sweet friend. How he will hate me for my actions.’ Unintended as they were. But then, I saw how you flitted from my touch and the stains upon your skin and I thought again, ‘No one else has penetrated the sanctity of this realm. There is only us three and two of us seem to be in a state of victim hood under the third. That man must have caused the reflection of fear in your eyes by way of assault as a lover. What a despicable person he must have been.’ I must say, my dearest Kaveh, you are not at fault and bare no shame of wrongdoing. That man is the one sullied, by the gods, not you.” He said in flowery, ancient prose and Kaveh wanted to cry. Those words of comfort were similar to the ones he could hear echoing in his mind as he was dying.

“I am the one who is sullied, my bride, not you.” Kaveh said and Deshrhet jumped and stared before smiling wide.

“Yes… I tried to comfort you then as well. As you died. I was poor in that regard. A warrior I am, but I offer so little in the manner of soft emotions. It has never been my strength.” He said, sounding regretful. Gently Kaveh reached out and took the soap.

“I would say you’re doing okay so far… given the circumstances at least.” Kaveh said, eyes downcast and still ashamed. He felt better, but that meant little compared to the ocean of feelings he was enduring. His head still hurt. 

Once the bath was done the king dressed first and left to gather Kaveh’s clothes and then let him get dressed in peace. Once Kaveh was dry and dressed, the two stood for a moment before Kaveh said, “Can we leave? I… I don’t want to be here anymore. I’m afraid that… he will wake up again.” 

“Oh, that man again? I promise, he will never move again and will never hurt you again.” The king stated, but Kaveh wasn’t convinced.

“Still… I don’t want to be here. Even if he’s dead, I don’t want to be around him. I… this is all too much for me right now!” He said and the king sushed him gently.

“By your command, I would move the sun. Let us leave and I will bury this building in sand if it would quell your raging mind.” He said and began walking. Quickly the two left the room and Kaveh began to panic again.

“Wait! My vision! He took it!” He said, hands covering his heart. He felt a sense of loss in him and knew if he left without his vision he would lose a piece of himself and never get it back. But that was his new mind of course. His old mind, of his past life, never needed a vision and pushed forth knowledge of his old powers. Could he even use those? He grabbed his temples and clenched his eyes closed.

“Ah, the device of the mortal given by celestia? I can find it for you if it’s here, but I assure you that it isn’t needed. It will be but a husk of power on your belt.” Deshreht said proudly but Kaveh shook his head.

“No! I… that’s a part of who I am! My ambitions, my life! I’m still Kaveh! I don’t want to be anyone else!” He yelled and Deshreht jumped, shocked by the sudden outburst.

“Then I will retrieve it, if it is here.” He said and walked past Kaveh to return to the room the Doctor was in again. Kaveh nodded and leaned against the wall, rubbing his temples. His head was crowded now and with this old life he apparently had trying to overtake him, he knew that his vision would calm that pressure and ease the challenge. He would be himself again with the strength of celestia keeping him together and when the king returned empty handed and Kaveh wanted to cry again. 

“He… god he must have gotten rid of it.” Kaveh said and then punched the wall with all his force. He screamed and grabbed his knuckles and cradled them to his chest.

“FUCK!” He yelled in pain and frustration. “Why! Why can’t anything go my way! Even once! I want my vision! I want a job! I want to go home!” He paced and paced before punching the wall again, his skin splitting and bleeding fast. Deshreht moved in and grabbed his wrist and Kaveh jerked away from him.

“Don’t fucking touch me! I said don’t touch me! Get me the fuck out of here! NOW!” He commanded, his face marred with rage. The king nodded and began walking again as Kaveh kicked and yelled behind him, venting his rage and frustration about how his life had gone almost the entire way out of the building. By the time they reached the entrance, Kaveh had calmed down and seemed gentle and exhausted again.

“How do you feel?” Deshreht asked and Kaveh shrugged.

“Mad… depressed… I feel like the world has taken advantage of me. I feel weak, like I’m always going to be a victim to someone forever.” He said, sniffling and wiping his nose. Deshreht leaned over and very timidly wiped the tear from Kaveh’s eye.

“I am sorry, Kaveh, my love. Let us go somewhere safe and you can tell me everything your life has become. Remove those burdens on your soul.” He said and Kaveh stared into his eyes before nodding. 

“Thanks… let’s go then…” he said.

——————————————————————

Dottore had definitely been killed, but death had never truly stopped him before. Once the two had left the room his functions began to start up again. His heart began to beat and he sucked in a thick, shuddering breath. He couldn’t move but he knew that would happen. His body needed time to adjust and one by one his faculties began to return. First it was his fingers which he allowed to twitch and spring as life returned to them. He noted the sharpness of the tingling as blood began to travel about his body, moving from his fingers, up his arms, into his chest, and then to the rest of his body. Oh, it was so exhilarating to live once more. He would need to fix his throat, but that could wait until he was functioning again.

At some point during his revival process, the dead king came back into the room and took the architect’s clothes. He looked at them with intrigue before piling them in his arms and leaving. Around an hour later he returned and walked around the room looking for something. Dottore knew immediately it had to be for that beautiful blonde’s vision. It wasn’t exactly common knowledge, but Dottore knew that without a vision the host would cease to exist mentally in a way. The vision was the key to ambition, granted by the heavens to only those deserving of one. Without it, the owner became a husk. He had kept Kaveh’s because without it, Nabu Malikata could essentially override the new life Kaveh had made for himself and become whole again. If Dottore was honest with himself, he didn’t want to lose the architect, but he had goals and the goddess was part of that. 

Eventually the king came over to Dottore’s body and searched through his clothes until he found the little green trinket. He stared at it for a long moment before walking over to the pool in the middle of the room and dropping it in. Dottore was shocked. His eyes watched as it slid under the waters surface and sank down into the ever dark pit to possibly never be seen again. Then the king left without looking back. Dottore waited until he was sure the two had gone entirely and began to laugh. 

It was an odd laugh. His broken trachea made the sound quiet and wheezing and the effort made his barely alive corpse convulse as if it were electrified. Eventually he came back to himself. That stupid, love sick man had just played them both right into the doctor’s hands. He pushed his jerking body from the chair and stumbled like a fresh fawn over to the medical table and got to work fixing himself. Within minutes, he was hooked to an IV of some kind and was slicing into his neck to rearrange his broken pieces. After another hour, he was stitching himself back up and removing his IV. 

As soon as he could, he walked over to the bed, disrobed, and laid down. He took a deep breath and reveled in the scents the architect left for him and then got to work. He closed his eyes and activated his newly acquired machine on his neck and soon enough his eyes weren’t seeing the darkness of his eyelids but the dimming sunlight reflecting off the desert sands.

———————————————————

Kaveh was simply sitting in the sand on a hill with his eyes closed and Deshreht was staring at him confused.

“My dear, can I bother you to ask what you have chosen to do here?” He asked and Kaveh opened his eyes.

“I never thought I’d see the sun again…” he said, “I’m just enjoying it while I can.” 

“While you can?” Deshreht asked and Kaveh nodded.

“I don’t believe for a second that the doctor is dead. Actually dead. I have a feeling he’s going to find me again and take me back. Even if he doesn’t… I feel strange… like I’m slipping away. I think being away from my vision might be the cause but maybe not. It might just be something he did to me. So, before that happens I’m going to enjoy the sun.” He said, standing back up. 

“Ah… I see. I’m sorry I was unable to find it for you then…” Deshreht said, eyes downcast. Kaveh shrugged.

“You didn’t kidnap me and take it from me. He did. Thanks for looking, by the way.” Kaveh said and began walking again. The king followed suit beside him for a while in silence as the sun continued to set.

“We are not covering much ground.” He stated and Kaveh sighed.

“Yep… that’s what walking in the desert is like. You should know this. It couldn’t have been that much different than now.” Kaveh said, almost annoyed.

“No, it was different. This used to be a bustling city scape. We had transportation as well. From sumpter beasts to automatons that could travel with ease. I may still be able to summon mine.” He said and stuck out his hand and closed his eyes. In a breath, a weapon emerged from the ether.

It was a spear where the base of the spear head was graced with intertwining eagles and a large sun where the center was an eye. It was gold and red and green with the sun and eye being a deep, royal purple. The weapon looked ancient but unmarred by time and war. Kaveh became enraptured by a nostalgia for it, memories moving like water inside of his mind, up and down. He would almost have it and then it would slide from his grasp. Quickly, Deshreht grabbed it and spun it around his body with ease before stabbing it down into the sands. For a moment nothing moved and the awe that had encompassed Kaveh passed until he saw movements in the sands coming towards them. His heart dropped and he grabbed for purchase on Deshreht’s arm. This was a wenut, it had to be, and Kaveh shut his eyes to brace for impact. None came.

He slowly opened his eyes when nothing happened but a strange mechanical whirring to see a very large machine. It was long with a strange snout at the front with three seats-two in the front and one in the back- with some kind of thrusters on the back end. It was adorned with many different kinds of decorations, from the beautiful paint to the jewels all along the body that made it glitter in the sunlight. It was regal, but looked dangerous. Deshrhet smiled and waved to it while Kaveh just… stared.

“It can fly through the air or ride under the sands. I designed this machine to be as suitable as possible for any maneuvering throughout the desert. My kingdom used to be full of personal machines of this nature. I worked with many engineers of my time to create these vehicles.” He boasted proudly and Kaveh rubbed his eyes.

“This looks dangerous.” He said and looked at the king. “What if you lose control and crash?” 

“Ha! These do not work in any way you must expect then. Let’s ride and you’ll understand!” He said and climbed into the seat. Kaveh stood there and looked around. In one direction there was sand, in the other the hole he just crawled out of. He looked to the quickly darkening sky and sighed, moving his body to climb into the seat. 

“I’m glad you chose to join me. Now take my arm and hold tight.” Deshreht said and Kaveh slowly looped his arm through the king’s. He smiled wide and leaned forward to grab a handle of some kind and the metal under his hand began to glow a soft blue hue before the whole machine shot off like a rocket into the air. Kaveh screamed and grabbed onto the king with much more force than before who smiled and held him like a vice, laughing proudly as they made it into the sky above the clouds. Kaveh wanted to throw up, but instead just pushed his face further into the King’s embrace until they were cruising steadily. Slowly he opened his eyes and looked around. His breath caught in his throat as he stared out at the sands. He could see everything. The pyramid, the strange blue tree, the tornado, the whole of the jungle, and further still into Liyue and Fontaine. The night sky twinkled with stars and Celestia was so close that Kaveh felt he could just reach out and pluck it from its place in the clouds. 

“What do you think?” Deshreht asked and Kaveh jumped in his arms, forgetting he was there.

“Oh… its gorgeous actually.” He said, eyes lingering on Sumeru city. His mind drifted and he wondered how Alhaithem was doing. The king eyed him and clenched his hands around the handle.

“What are you thinking about?” He asked and Kaveh sighed. 

“My friends and my home. I’m worried about never being able to see them again…” he explained. “With these memories crawling back up and my vision missing I…” he said grabbing his head. 

“We’ve done this before haven’t we?” Kaveh asked, looking around. It was familiar to him. 

“Yes, this was our first outing as a pair. I brought you into the skys and then to the ocean to play in its waters.” Deshreht explained and Kaveh nodded. 

“Yeah… I remember that.” He said and looked up, “And you’re name isn’t Deshreht either…I called you something else then…”

A memory passed through his mind. They were flying and Kaveh, no, Nabu was laughing. Birds soared past them as they flew over an oasis and soon they were at a fire. It was huge and bold. Nabu was dancing and the king joined her. People all around were clapping and eating and drinking and soon, Nabu leaned in and said…

“Al-Ahmar, my beloved.” Kaveh said.

Deshreht stared down at him, heart swelling with pride and Kaveh covered his mouth.

“Oh, you’re starting to come back to yourself then?” He asked and Kaveh shook his head. 

“No, I was just quoting a memory! Nothing more!” Kaveh said and Deshrhet stared before looking away pensively.

“Has time given you a new lover?” He asked, glancing back at Kaveh, who’s face flushed red.

“I… well… it’s… I don’t wanna talk about him!” He said and then covered his mouth again. He didn’t mean to bring up Alhaithem just then.

“I should have expected this. You’re so beautiful. I would be crazed to think you would have waited for me or that none would seek your hand.” Deshreht said and Kaveh felt his chest tighten as if he were being accused of cheating.

“I…” he started and sighed. “Listen, I don’t think I’m your Nabu… I think the doctor put her memories in my head or something.” Deshreht shook his head.

“This is false. You have her face and her gait, and her personality. You seem no different than when you were last alive to me.” He said and Kaveh glowered. 

“I’m not her. I have a life, my own life.” He said, forcefully and the king nodded. 

“Aye, that might be true for now. Soon, however she’s going to come back to me.” Deshrhet said and Kaveh looked at him confused and angry. 

“What do you mean?” He asked and Deshreht took a hold of the flying contraption to land it. They dropped down beside a pool of water next to old ruins, half buried in the sand and got off the machine. Kaveh nearly fell, his legs wobbling under him, but was grabbed by the king.

“You said it yourself. You feel yourself mind leaving you, brick by brick, memory by memory.” The king said and cocked his head. “Tell me… how old are you?” 

“What?” Kaveh asked, confused.

“Your age. What is it?” The king asked again.

“I’m… uh…” Kaveh said but couldn’t seem to find a number. There was one, he knew there was but which one it was evaded him.

“What about your father’s name? Do you have one? Can you even tell me?” Deshrhet asked, stepping forward. 

“He…” Kaveh said. He had a father… maybe he had one, but when was the last time they talked? Could they talk? Maybe they fought or his parents were divorced or maybe he was dead. Kaveh… Kaveh wasn’t sure anymore. He covered his eyes, trying to think.

“I… well I know I’m an architect!” He exclaimed and the king nodded.

“As was my bride.” He said and Kaveh scrambled for something else. His memories of his friends from just earlier were gone, replaced with new faces from long ago. The flow of memories seemed stronger, like an old crack in a dam that burst.

“My favorite color is green.” 

“Hers was too.”

“I like cats!” 

“So did she.”

“I prefer alcohol over food.” 

“As did my love.”

Kaveh began to choke. He was his own person, damnit! He knew he was! He had to be!

“My name is Nabu!” He yelled and gasped. He didn’t know his own name. 

————————————————————

Chapter Text

Chapter 11
Kaveh sat on the ground and stared at the stars for a long time. He had forgotten his own name but pieces of himself were still there and he rolled them in his mind over and over, clinging to them.

“Alhaithem…” he whispered. A name he knew and could remember. “Alhaithem…” he said again.

“Nabu…” Deshreht said, petting Kaveh’s head. Kaveh pulled away and put his forehead to his knees.

“I died, Al-Ahmar. Why can’t you just accept that.” Kaveh stated and Deshreht sighed.

“Because you were my world. How could I let you go?” He asked.

“Because that’s how the world works.” Kaveh said, definitively. He refused to look at the king. He was scared that if he did his memories of Alhaithem would be replaced with the face of the king.

“I’m not the same anymore. I spent my life as someone new and was quite happy that way.” Kaveh said. The king furrowed his brows.

“You would rather toil as a mortal than as the proud god you once were?” He said, a bite in his voice. Kaveh thought for a moment and then nodded, a sob escaping him.

“Yes. Yes I would have. It was a nice life. I might not remember it any longer but I feel its presence in my soul. I feel a longing for it even when it’s slipped through my fingers. And the worst of it is how it’s still here. I could go back to whatever home I had and wouldn’t know I had been there. I feel that my fingers won’t recognize the spaces I’ve lived in. Who was my mother? My lover? My friends? What was my story? I feel I’ll forever be incomplete!” He said and then let himself cry. His sole soliloquy, like a song to one person.

“You still have me.” The king said, reaching out but Kaveh slapped his hand away.

“And what of our peoples? Where are they? What, are we even gods of at this point? A barren wasteland? Where are our friends? What of her lady of wisdom? Does she live still? What of the curse you brought upon the land? Has it killed our kin?” Kaveh yelled, glaring at him.

“Did you think bringing me back would remedy the hurt of the world? I loved you and yet as I lay dying you chose to challenge the heavens and poison our people! How could I ever get over such a betrayal!” Kaveh yelled, standing back up.

“My beloved…” the king began but Kaveh said, “Do not call me beloved. You were passionate and I cradled that passion, coaxing it to grow. Maybe I am to blame for all of this, but as it stands I am hurt and I am tired and I wish for a warm bed in a home that doesn’t exist to me.”

“Please, Nabu, I did not do this to you! You don’t recall waking up?” He asked and Kaveh sniffled.

“I… there was someone in my mind before but it seems even he is gone. So no, I don’t remember whatever you are thinking I should. I recall just now, seeing my body and feeling an overcrowding of his memories until it was just me standing as a pilot here.” He said and wiped his eyes. The king let Kaveh cry before tenderly pulling her into an embrace.

“You should’ve known I wanted to bring you back.” He said and Kaveh nodded.

“I did…” Kaveh said.

“It’s funny. I put all the pieces into place for you to live again and meet with me, but it didn’t work. I’m not the one who brought you back.” He said laughing slightly. Kaveh chuckled too.

“Wow, someone outdid you? I suppose you wouldn’t let that stand would you?” Kaveh asked, smiling sadly.

“No. I woke up and there was strange man there. He put something in my neck and I attacked him as soon as I could move again. It was surreal. I was confused and angry and then I looked over and saw you.” The king explained.

“I doubt that man just wanted to bring two lovers back together…” Kaveh said and Deshreht chuckled.
“I suppose not.” He said then touched the device in Kaveh’s neck making him jump.

“What?” Kaveh asked, touching the device himself.

“What is this?” He asked.

“I have one too. That doctor placed it on you as well.” He said and Kaveh stared at the ground, his fingers gliding over it.

“It matters not. He is dead. A mortal cannot withstand a death I give to them.” He said, his voice triumphant. Kaveh nodded but rubbed at the device anyways. Something about everything seemed off. His mind trailed back to his memories and even that face he had been holding onto now had whithered away. Kaveh was gone from that body and now Nabu was all who was left.

——————————————————————————

Dottore found himself laughing at what he saw. That stupid king had moved everything along so fast by getting rid of Kaveh’s vision and now Dottore was fully in control. Deshreht hadn’t even noticed the prescence of someone else in his head.

The device he installed in the three of them was interesting. Dottore had worked long and hard to make it. He had experimented on countless people from across the land and had perfected it. Initially he had been using his clones to make sure it worked, but that child god Nahida had taken that away from him. Mostly. Either way, it worked. He was able to slot himself into their minds and see through their eyes and influence their thoughts. As the two had flown through the air, it was almost as if Kaveh had been clinging to him. It was delicious.
He wanted to taste it again, but he couldn’t rush. He had been so close, time and time again to fully having the man as his own. If it weren’t for his goals, then he would’ve killed that Scribe and assumed his life. Oh, how that would’ve been. His teeth clenched as he imagined coming back, everyday to hold that slender frame and kiss that long neck. He wondered again and again how tight he would be under him and how succulent his sweat might taste in the heat of passion. He couldn’t push his luck here. One wrong step and he would never truly know.

But still… Kaveh was fully gone now. He had no part of him left and that made Dottore… well he felt something. Dissatisfied, disappointed? He couldn’t find the word for what he felt. The body may be the same but this person was not his Kaveh. In the end, his goal was more important.

What was his goal? He had mulled over why he was doing these things. Why put god remains in that girl? Why use the electro gnosis to power a robot? Why kidnap and kill all of those people then take Kaveh? Easy. He wanted to challenge the heavens and he would do so by destroying Irminsul.
That tree had always been in Tayvat, but after the three God Kings began ruling the country, it became tended by them. Now he had two of the three and they knew how to get to it. He wanted the knowledge held in its branches as it would be the key to destroying Celestia.

Irminsul connected to every part of Tayvat and grew with every new memory. Its roots became the leylines and the domains where anyone with a vision could go in and tough out these recorded memories, essentially adding to its repository of collected knowledge. It held all of the history of the world there, histories he hadn’t been alive for or anyone for that matter. He could see the archon war, he could see the arrival of the Primordial one or even the power of the Divine Nails littering the world. With this, he could take her place upon the throne. Then he could have anything he wanted without issue, including Kaveh.

——————————————————————————

Kaveh and Deshreht had decided to spend a bit of time at the little oasis and started a fire. Luckily the vehicle that Deshreht had summoned still had the gear it used to have in it and they were able to set up a simple camp when a group of Tanit Eremites stumbled upon them. The girl in front of the group waved to them and Deshreht waved back, standing to greet them. Kaveh, or now Nabu, smiled as they approached but continued to sit by the waterside to soak his feet.

“Hello!” She said, skipping up to them before stopping in her tracks. That looked like the boy the Grand Sage had been looking for. She had heard through the grapevine about his disappearance and how the grand Sage had stormed around the jungle to find him. She immediately fixed her face with another smile and said, “I’m Jeht! My group and I were just passing through from Caravan Ribat and saw your fire! Since it’s getting late would you sirs mind if we join you?” Deshreht nodded and waved to their fire.

“Of course, my dear! The more, the merrier! Do you perhaps have any rations to spare?” He asked and she nodded.

“Why of course!” She said and turned to her party, “They’re safe! Let’s settle down here and have a feast!” And soon enough there were people cooking and dancing and laughing as everyone seemed to elate in the company. Kaveh watched as everyone enjoyed themself until Jeht came over and sat down beside him.

“Hi. I’m sure you heard, but I’m Jeht. I’m a friend of Lumine.” She said and Kaveh smiled.

“Oh, how nice.” He said, sounding confused and she cocked her head at him.

“Do you not know the traveler? I thought you would, being famous and all that.” She said and Kaveh’s smile grew more confused.

“I… am I famous? In this day and age?” He asked and she nodded.

“Uh…. Yeah. Aren’t you the Light of Kasharawar? The architect Kaveh?” She asked and Kaveh stared at her.

“My name is Nabu.” He said. She frowned.

“Ah. My mistake.To me, you seem to look just like that architect.” She said.

“My apologies, but I am not him.” Kaveh said and she sighed.

“I see… Well, Nabu is a pretty name. I feel like I’ve heard it before too.” She said, tapping her chin. “Oh, like the goddess of flowers?”

“Yes, something like that.” Kaveh said.

Deshreht had been enjoying the festivities when he looked back at Kaveh and saw him looking confused and stressed. His mind seemed to form a strange thought that maybe that girl knew the body his beloved was in and he stood to make his way to them. Quickly he affixed a smile on his face and patted Kaveh’s back hard.

“Nabu, my love! Come join me! They have a delicious sumpter beast meal you must try!” He said. Kaveh smiled softly and nodded.

“Oh, sure.” He said and stood, pulling his feet from the water. Deshreht wrapped his arm around Kaveh’s shoulder and pulled him along while Jeht looked on. She caught his simple, gentle second glance back at her and knew she had to say something. The party continued on through the night before winding down a bit and she walked back over to Kaveh.

“Excuse me.” She said softly, catching his attention as he cleaned.

“Yes, my lady?” He asked and she looked around before handing him a paper.

“This is from the Grand Sage. Please read it if you get the chance.” She said, picked up some of the food and walked to her tent. Kaveh stared at the paper before jumping when Deshreht said, “Is something wrong, my dear?”

“Oh, no, I’m fine!” He said, shuffling the paper into his shirt to hide it. Deshreht eyed him and then reached for his hand to pull him into their tent together.

In the morning as everyone was leaving, Deshreht was saying his goodbyes so Kaveh pulled out the paper to read it. The note was from Jeht and not from the Grand Sage as she had implied.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but the Grand Sage Alhaithem is looking for you. He’s really worried so please, when you can, contact him. I’ll be sending a letter to him to say I found you. If you are safe send him a letter explaining things, but I am truly worried for you. It doesn’t seem like you are safe. This man you are with isn’t someone I recognize as an Eremite or among the other tribes. If you’ve been kidnapped or coerced let me know and I’ll help you escape. If not, then I’ll be on my way back to the Tanit tribe. If you need, you can find us in the Hadramaveth desert and I’ll make sure you can get back to Sumeru City.” It read and Kaveh scowled. That name lingered on his tongue. Alhaithem. It seemed familiar and his heart ached for the name owner. Such a strange feeling to yearn for someone you’ve never met. He clenched the paper and realized he was crying. He wiped his face and pocketed the paper. This boy that Nabu was inhabiting had a life outside of her and she had taken it. Nabu wasn’t sure if these tears belonged to her or the boy.

——————————————————————————

Xiao had met up with the other adepti and explained the situation by the time Lumine and Childe had arrived at the Wangshu Inn. They had dispersed and began their own search for traces of the doctor when Lumine appeared on the balcony. He almost smiled at them when he realized she was being trailed by that Fatui boy. His eyes fell into a glare but he made no action against him.

“How did the talk go?” He asked her.

“Well… I explained everything to Ninnguang. She suggested we talk to you about going through to Sumeru.” She said and he blinked.

“Why me?” He asked, suddenly nervous.

“Xiao… you don’t have to take us, but I would appreciate it if you could. We know you weren’t initially from Liyue. You were from Sumeru first, weren’t you?” Lumine asked and he clenched his fists.

“That isn’t something I enjoy remembering…” he said, mind swirling with thoughts of the abuse enacted against him at the time. How he was enslaved at the hands of a cruel master. Even the simple mention of his life in Sumeru brought up the fleeting feeling of hands across his skin.

Before he could get lost in his own mental torment that Fatui boy scoffed and said, “What’s the big deal. That dude is dead right? He won’t even be there when we go so what do you have to worry about?”
This set Xiao off. He spun to face them and yelled, “What would you know! I was trapped with him for years, forced to hurt countless innocents for his cruel goals and I have to live with that! He could use my body however he pleased and I couldn’t stop him! Do you know what that’s like? And then being asked to walk right back into that, where he took you against your will? To see every place where you were nothing but property? I have to relive it just for one person? A person I don’t even know!”
The silence was strong for a moment before Lumine reached out to touch his hand. In a flash he was gone. A wisp of smoke in the air until he was far enough away to become a bird. He called into the night, crying for help until he landed on the balcony of the Wangshen Funeral Parlor beside a very put together man.

“Xiao… I heard you calling. Is everything alright?” The man said. Xiao shifted his body back into himself and he wiped his eyes.

“…Lumine asked me to do something for her that I can’t bring myself to do…” he said, regretfully. The man hummed and set down his tea.

“What could be so upsetting that you would come find me here?” He asked. Xiao looked at him and leaned his head on his arm.

“She wants me to go back to Sumeru…” he said and the man froze momentarily.

“I see…” he said and sipped his tea again.

“Rex… I mean, Zhongli, I don’t think this is a good idea for me but I don’t know… I want to help her, however…” he said then covered his face in frustration. “I don’t think she’s ever going to speak to me again after this… I yelled at her. I said despicable things.”

“Like?” Zhongli asked.

“I said her friend that she wants help finding isn’t important enough to relive my life as a person who was enslaved.” He said and Zhongli hummed again.

“You know, Lumine isn’t cruel. She very likely understands completely that you’re scared. She asked you something unimaginably hard. But that’s not the only thing bothering you is it?” Zhongli addressed.

“I… Did you know she can hold my hand and it doesn’t hurt her?” He said and Zhongli blinked at him.

“Really? That’s quite astonishing. Usually a touch from you can make a mortal very ill.” He said and Xiao nodded.

“She can hold my hand and even hug me… I never thought I’d be able to feel that connection with someone again.” He said and then tears formed in his eyes. “I’m certain she has feelings for that Fatui boy and after what I said I feel that I have truly lost any chance for that connection with her. I am beyond help. Ive ruined myself in her eyes.” Zhongli stood up and wrapped his arms around him as he cried.

“Calm yourself. She is your friend. If you went back now I’m sure she would take what you have to say seriously and wouldn’t treat you differently.” Zhongli said, rubbing his back gently.

“What if she doesn’t? I don’t know how to go back to never feeling cared for like that again!” He said.
“She does care for you. That’s evident in the way she talks to you and approaches you. She’s very careful to make you comfortable. Why would she go out of her way to hold your trauma over your head?” Zhongli asked and Xiao looked away sullenly.

“I was cruel…” he said and Zhongli sighed.

“Sometimes your words can be justifiable. But maybe, take this time away to think. Consider what you need to say more plainly and politely then go and speak with her.” Zhongli said and Xiao sighed.

“Perhaps…” he said and Zhongli looked at him.

“Something else on your mind?” Zhongli asked and Xiao stiffened.

“I… that boy she is with… he isn’t good for her. They fight and argue, and yet she seems to be attached at his hip.” He explained.

“Jealousy isn’t a good look on you.” Zhongli said and Xiao glared.

“How could I not be! I have done all that I can to make her feel special. I go out of my way to be at her beck and call and she chooses him? A brat with no self preservation Who doesn’t value what is right there! Right in front of him! Does he know what he has? The privilege of knowing and holding someone like her?” He yelled, standing to his feet.

“Maybe he doesn’t… or maybe he does.” Zhongli said and leaned back. “It may not seem fair, but sometimes that is how it is. She may come to find her love for him overshadowed by his recklessness and leave him. Or, his impulsivity may just be his undoing and leave her there heartbroken and alone. She knows these are possibilities and still chose to take that chance. Your job is to be there when she calls again. She may find that your comfort and support is more important to her than the adventure Childe gives her. Or, she may find that your friendship is more valuable than a possible fleeting relationship. Have you thought that perhaps she can’t bare the thought of losing you if the love you share with each other ends?” Zhongli monologued and Xiao deflated a bit.

“I don’t think… anything she did could ever truly drive me away.” He said.

“Maybe. But inevitably it’s her choice to make. If she one day comes to you for that kind of love then you’ll be ready. If not, is it so bad to be a part of her life the way you’ve been for so long already?” Zhongli asked and Xiao was quiet.

“I suppose… if I had to choose… I would rather love her from a distance as her friend and confidant than not have her at all…” he said then growled. “But that stupid human boy has no manners and does nothing but aggravate my nerves!” Zhongli laughed and looked at him.

“Yes, as someone who works closely with him, I can attest that Childe is a bit of an unruly character.” Zhongli said smiling fondly. “Either way, you know how Lumine is. Headstrong, competitive, reckless. It’s good for her to have someone like herself to tire her out. Him too. I don’t think it will last forever, but for now just be happy for her and try to ignore Childe’s mouth.” Zhongli said. Xiao groaned but nodded. Zhongli was right.

“I… what should I do about Sumeru?” Xiao asked.
“Honestly, I think you should go. Your old master still has a hold over you and I think it’s time to face that fear. You’re powerful. Much more powerful than you ever give yourself credit for and this trip could prove it. Besides… Lumine will be there and even if she doesn’t love you the way you love her, she would never let you suffer alone.” Zhongli said. Xiao looked at the sky and stared at it. His mind swirled with thoughts and after some time he pulled his knees to his chest and hid his face.

“You’re right… I will go.” He said. Zhongli nodded and drank his tea and Xiao sat on the rocks beside him and let the ghosts of his past nip at his skin.

——————————————————————————

Alhaithem was worried when he received the letter from Jeht. Kaveh was alive and seemed well but was with a man calling him by the name of a long dead god. He knew the story of Nabu Malikata. His job as a scribe had led him to reading many texts of what happened through the histories of Sumeru. He remembered the story of the goddess. How she had given her life to becoming something new before a crystalline nail struck through her body and ripped her apart. Her death was strange. It wasn’t recorded why she had angered Celestia or what her goal was, but he knew that this was the catalyst to King Deshrhet becoming the god he was. He was worried. He knew something was missing. He remembered elezar and its effects on people and that Nabu’s death may have been the cause but… what did this have to do with Kaveh?

Alhaithem had a theory. He didn’t have much proof but… he was sure that gods didn’t simply die off. He had heard that in Fontaine their dragon had passed away and was to be reborn. If a dragon, the seat of elemental powers of the world became reborn then why couldn’t a god? If he was right then perhaps, Kaveh and Nabu weren’t seperate entities but one and the same and this terrified him to the core.
He knew about Collei and what the doctor had done to her. How he filled her body with some kind of god residue just to see what would happen. Alhaithem knew that the doctor was obsessed with comprehending the powers of gods and if Kaveh was Nabu then of course Dottore would want him. He was a perfect specimen. Kaveh would be capable of holding incredible power within him. He was essentially a ticking time bomb who was walking around with an unknown man.

What did Dottore want with Kaveh anyways? If Kaveh was Nabu then sure, he was capable of godlike feats but… to what end? What did dottore plan to do with him?

He thought back on everything that had happened between him and Kaveh and realized… there had been some strange instances between them. Fights that didn’t make sense. Moments of intimacy that came out of the blue. The break in.

It clicked.

Dottore had been in their home. He was a shape changing monster and he had been watching Kaveh for a long time. Nevermind watching, the man had broken into their home and attacked Kaveh. Then there was the time Kaveh had lost his keys and Alhaithem and him had fought. Kaveh swore he left them by the door in the key bowl but Alhaithem never believed him… until now of course. Dottore had likely stolen them. That was how he was getting in and out.

Alhaithem began to wonder… did Dottore disguise himself as Alhaithem ever? He must have known about the relationship between Kaveh and himself and if he did… how far had he taken things? How many times did he enter the house pretending to be Alhaithem and spent time with Kaveh? How was that time spent? He clenched his jaw when his mind wandered to Dottore, wearing Alhaithem’s skin, touching Kaveh. Had they kissed? Had they been intimate? Had Dottore had sex with Kaveh under the guise of it being Alhaithem? That scared him. It scared him more than words could describe. Dottore tricking the man he loved into sex and violating him.
Was Dottore the reason they fought so much? Actually… the string of bad luck Kaveh had run into before going to Liyue may have been Dottore as well. All those cancelled jobs and tricky contracts pushing Kaveh into desperation very likely wasn’t coincidental. Dottore had been puppeteering Kaveh’s entire life up until he got his hands on the man.
Alhaithem felt his chest tighten for Kaveh. Why? Why Kaveh? What good would come of abusing him in this way? If all he wanted was god power then why try to get so close. Alhaithem felt his stomach churn. He wasn’t sure if dottore was capable of love at all. What was the point? He couldn’t wrap his mind around why someone would go through the trouble to trick another person into a relationship with them. Alhaithem covered his mouth as the images of a false version of himself abused Kaveh.
Then Cyno walked in the room and he was pulled from his thoughts.

“Alhaithem… you okay?” Cyno asked and Alhaithem swallowed down his nausea and nodded before handing Cyno the note from Jhet. Cyno read it over and looked at Alhaithem confused.

“What does this mean?” Cyno asked.

“I… have some ideas, but I’m unsure about a lot.” Alhaithem said. Cyno sat down at Alhaithem’s desk and leaned back.

“Talk to me. Tell me what you know, your theories, and plans you may have.” Cyno said and Alhaithem nodded.

“I think Kaveh might actually be Nabu Malikata and Dottore knows this.” Alhaithem started.

“Okay… why do you think that?” Cyno asked, skeptically.

“I’ve heard a rumor from Fontaine that their dragon sovereign was reincarnated. I’d Wager that gods are the same way and can be given new life as a person. I think it’s a balancing act to fill that seat of elemental power that gets lost when they die. That energy needs to go somewhere so it’s reused and reborn. Maybe not as a god, but as a person. Like a vessel simply to house the memories or power but can’t actually utilize it.” Alhaithem explained.

“That could make sense… but what makes you think this? The note?” Cyno asked and Alhaithem shrugged.

“That and a few other things. One, Dottore is known for his obsession with the gods. You know as well as I do his entanglement with god power. Collei’s abuse at his hand is proof of that alone. Since we know this, what need would he have for Kaveh? He’s just an architect, a very good one but ultimately he’s just a man. Unless, of course, he isn’t.” Alhaithem explains.

“So you think Dottore believes that Kaveh is a god?” Cyno asked and Alhaithem nodded. Cyno scowled.

“But why would he think that? What would lead him to believe that? I know Kaveh is remarkable but… I don’t think he’s a god.”

“I think… I think Dottore has been stalking Kaveh.” Alhaithem finally said. Cyno’s eyes went wide.
“What makes you say that?” He asked.

“There’s been a lot of strange things going on around him. His keys went missing once and he swore he didn’t lose them. We fought and fought over it. After that there was the break in when he was assaulted. Nothing was taken and Kaveh was covered in marks and bruises… he looked like he’d been…” Alhaithem tried to explain but stopped himself. He couldn’t say it.

“Luckily he hadn’t been but he was shaken and scared for so long. Then there were times when we would argue over things that never happened. He swore I did something or promised something that I never did. I thought he was just getting overworked and stressed and imagining things because of it, but now I think Dottore took on my appearance and invaded our lives to get close to Kaveh.” Alhaithem said and covered his face.

“I… do you really think he would stoop to that?” Cyno asked looking pissed. Alhaithem sighed and leaned back, shrugging again.

“It’s what seems the most logical to me. Kaveh may be a bit… energetic but he isn’t out of his mind so his behavior then never made sense to me. It was so out of character for him. But if Dottore did somehow meet him before all this and believed that he was Nabu then… maybe he would’ve tried to find out if he was right by getting close? I don’t know anymore.”

Alhaithem looked defeated. Cyno understood why. This was terrifying for everyone but especially Kaveh.

“The letter said he was going by Nabu and not Kaveh… do you think Dottore did something to him already? Maybe he’s been brainwashed?” Cyno asked and Alhaithem ran a hand over his face and covered his eyes.

“I can’t bring myself to think about it.” He said and his breath hitched and he leaned against his desk, hiding his face with his hands.

“What if he’s hurt Cyno? What if he’s so damaged he never comes back as himself? What if I never get to apologize and tell him what he means to me? What if he’s lost and he never learned how important he was to everyone? He thinks he’s a failure and I let him think that!” Alhaithem said, trying not to break down. Cyno stood and grabbed his face.

“Hush now. This kind of talk won’t help you! Let’s focus on Kaveh and getting him back. Now what do you think we should do?” Cyno said. Alhaithem stared then nodded.

“We should go find Ms. Jhet. She can tell us where she last saw Kaveh and more information on the man he was with. We need to know if he was with the Doctor or someone else.” Alhaithem said and Cyno released his face.

“Good idea. Let’s head out.”

Chapter End

—————————————————————

Chapter Text

Alhaithem and Cyno had expected an ambush of some kind but the place noted on the letter from “Kaveh” was empty. Well, empty wasn’t the right word exactly. The excavation was bustling with scholars, business people, sightseers, Eremites, and the Tanit. Alhaithem and Cyno walked about, searching for the little Architect, but found nothing of note that would leave them to believe that anyone from the Northland Bank build were here. Alhaithem crossed his arms and kicked the dirt, scowling hard before looking up when a higher pitched voice called out to them.

”Heeeeyyy! You two!” A girl called, making her way over to them. She was short in stature with dark skin and a cross cut scar on her abdomen. Like other Tanit girls, she had her hair separated into four parts, two large puff ball chains pigtailing in the back, and two small braids that parted down the middle to frame her face. She was followed by a strange contraption that beeped and sang a robotic tune and large tanit man. The man was imposing in just his frame alone, but his gait and the way he carried himself showed a casualness to his personality that was disarming. He too had scars littering his tanned skin, with one large one cutting across his ribs, but he seemed to take attention from them with large, white, stylized tattoos. His hair draped down in front of his face-long beaded dreads-moving slightly in a bobbing back and forth motion as he walked. Alhaithem stared at the two as they approached and couldn’t help but think that the girl seemed like an outsider in some way. Her singular spoken line seemed too much like the teens in the academia and not at all like the desert people who were much more formal. 
Something else to note about the girl was how she held herself. She didn’t seem to notice this at all, but she held an air of authority. The preppy way she carried her self as she walked told everyone around her that she commanded the room. The Man behind her, on the other hand, seemed far more passive in a way. Alhaithem looked him up and down and then changed that in his mind. No, he wasn’t passive at all. He was calculating. He might’ve been raised to get along with anyone so that he could become a ruling member of their tribe, but something told Alhaithem that might not matter and that this man had to claw for everything he wanted. The girl seemed trustworthy, but that man… he couldn’t be sure.

”Why, I never expected the Grand Sage and the General Mahamatra would show up here!” The girl said, bouncing her way towards them. Alhaithem then stifled a sighed and said, “Acting Grand Sage.”

”Yes, um, we just have a few questions on the whereabouts of an individual and the possible sale of land to a wealthy, foreign, proprietor.” Cyno explained and she crossed her arms and nodded.

”Ah, so this isn’t a casual visit?” She asked and Cyno nodded. The girl, unlike Alhaithem, didn’t stifle her sigh and waved the two to follow her.

“I’m Jeht and this is Benben and Azariq. We’re the lead team managing this dig since it is currently in the tanit tribe territory.” She said, the robot beeping in agreement.

”Hello. You already know us.” Cyno said and she nodded, opening the cloth door to a large tent filled with paperwork and food and equipment.

”We had a strange feeling about the deal because they offered us a great deal of Mora and supplies on the condition we wait to begin excavation until some Liyue project was completed. We didn’t mind waiting, but the representative said that the architect might not be able to be involved since there was a chance he would be doing a job in Fontaine.” Azariq explained, sitting down as well.

”Hmmm… you’re both being very forthcoming with this information. We hardly asked anything and you just… knew we were looking for Kaveh?” Alhaithem asked.

”I mean… this must be about the architect right? We were told by the man at Northland Bank that they didn’t want to work with anyone else so either we brought in the Architect or they found another party to go through. We thought it was suspicious that they would come looking for us after we inquired about the architect and then say they couldn’t guarantee him? Then the Grand Sage and the General show up looking to talk about the Northland Bank? It seemed too much of a coincidence to me.” Jeht said and Azariq nodded.

”So, is he not in Liyue?” Azariq asked, his tone seeming to be looking for an answer to a question not actually asked. Alhaithem shot him a small glare before shrugging.

”We aren’t sure. As of right now, we’re just trying to get information about the Northland Bank and their dealings.” Alhaithem said, attempting to throw off Azariq. Jeht nodded and began thinking before standing up and walking around the table to dig through some papers.

“I actually think I have all of our written correspondences that you could go through. It’ll have any legal and financial information and by who’s hand. So far, the only person we ever ACTUALLY worked with was an individual named… um… Victor?”

“Vlad.” Azariq said.

“Ah, yeah, Vlad. He seemed legitimate, but he also seemed like an errand boy. I would start with him.” Jeht said, handing over all the papers she hand gathered. Cyno took them and quickly flicked through them. They were all stamped and signed by many different official organizations and peoples, along with a Lawyer named Yanfei. It all looked above board, but the two had a strange nagging feeling.

“So, there hasn’t been a conclusive agreement on Northland Bank assisting in the dig?” Cyno asked.

“No… We were told that we’d have to meet up with a permanent benefactor and a lawyer before anything could actually trade hands. Vlad said that we had two options. Wait until the end of the Liyue project or talk to a stand in.” Jeht explained.

“Who is the stand in?” Alhaithem asked and the two shrugged.

“No idea.” Azariq stated.

“We were cut off from the correspondence after that. We didn’t get to meet up and we certainly haven’t been introduced to anyone.” Jeht said and Alhaithem nodded. So, the letter he got might not have been a lie after all. Still, if it wasn’t, then why did Kaveh say they finished early?

“Do you think the correspondence stopped because they’re on there way over to discuss terms in person?” Alhaithem asked and Jeht shook her head.

“Oh, maybe but it’s unlikely. We were told that the Liyue project is MONTHS out at best. We expected them to set a date to meet, but they never did. Somehow word got out that the deal might’ve fell through which is why we’re swamped with people looking to cash in.” Jeht said, sounding frustrated. Alhaithem nodded and began tapping the table.

“So… I take it the architect never showed up or even agreed to show up?” Alhaithem asked, attempting to hold down the worry in his voice. Jeht and Azariq nodded in unison.

“Well… Thank you for your time then. We need to head back to the academia. Can we take these papers with us to read over?” Cyno asked and this time Jeht nodded.

“Feel free. Since you guys showed up I started thinking that maybe something is foul about the whole thing. If you need more information, please contact me or Lady Babel and we’ll do what we can to help out. This is as much a benefit to us as it is to you guys.” She said, leaning back in her chair. Alhaithem stood and began to leave but Cyno hung back a second.

“How would we get into contact with you?” Cyno asked and Jeht thought for a second.

“Letters are fine, but sending a recognizable messenger might be better for you. If you happen upon the traveler at all, send her. I’d recognize her anywhere from any distance.” Jeht said, a strange lilt to her voice that seemed almost both flirtatious and longing. Cyno nodded and turned away to follow Alhaithem.

“Thank you again.” He said and left the tent. The two walked for a bit but soon heard someone calling out to them again.

“Hey!”

The two turned around and saw Jeht running up to meet them. They waiting and she stopped, panting a bit.

“Ms. Jeht.” Cyno said and she stood up.

“I’m sorry I pretended not to know you. I had to shake Azariq before I could come talk to you.” She said and the two men nodded.

“It’s okay. We didn’t really want to discuss all of this with other people around.” Alhaithem said and they began walking, all three.

“Like I had said in my letter to you all, I’m certain I saw him. He was with a man who went by Al Amun or Deshreht and they sort of seemed like a couple. Al Amun, he was one of us you know. An Eremite. Very handsome I suppose, but hmmm… too regal for me. Honestly, I’m not sure what they were trying to pull, but all Eremites know of King Deshreht so why did he say that was his name? I don’t know, the whole thing seemed so odd!” Jeht explained and Alhaithem grit his teeth.

“They acted like a couple?” Alhaithem asked, voice dropping in confusion and concern and… well he didn’t want to admit it but he was jealous at the idea of Kaveh being with someone else. Maybe it was a ruse, of course, but maybe it wasn’t. Maybe Kaveh faked going missing so that he could leave Alhaithem. Maybe Alhaithem was an idiot who put his heart in the hands of a overly emotional alcoholic with no prospects and this was just some way to hurt him.

Oh, he was spiraling. Cyno reached over and steadied him with a simple squeeze of his hand. It brought him back.

“Yeah, I mean sort of? It’s hard to explain. The Deshreht guy seemed super into the blonde, but the blonde… hmmm… he seemed really distant and confused almost as if he didn’t want to be there. Like they had fought or something. He was nice but it was a skin deep politeness.” Jeht attempted to explain as they walked on.

“And you’re sure it’s Kaveh?” Cyno asked and she nodded.

“Does a dusk bird sing?” She asked and they both looked at her. Before Cyno could compulsively make a joke, Alhaithem covered his mouth and nodded.

“What makes you so sure?” Alhaithem asked her, pulling Cyno along.

“Everyone kinda knows what the Light of Kshahrewar looks like. Blonde, pretty but in like… a diva sort of way. Long legs and long lashes. Lumine told me once that he had soft golden freckles and striking red eyes. Lady Babel had once seen him in Caravan Ribat discussing building a school of some kind and she said that she was quite taken by him. Said she was jealous of his sensual femininity. The man I met definitely matched those descriptions. He was a pretty one. If he had been a girl I might’ve talked to him myself, but I’m not to into men no matter how sweet they look.” Jeht explained. Alhaithem released Cyno and nodded.

“Yeah… that does sound like Kaveh.” He said. “Where exactly did you see him last?”

“There’s an oasis outside of Caravn Ribat that we stopped at to rest. They were already there together in a tent. It seemed like they had traveled a while in the desert before coming to rest there, but I can’t be too sure. They were both so clean.” Jeht stated.

“Was there anything about them that stood out that might’ve seemed strange about them?” Cyno asked.

“Hmmm… no, not really.” She said then her eyes went wide. “I might’ve noticed something but also I can’t be entirely sure.”

“What is it?” Alhaithem asked, heart racing a bit.

“Both of them had something strange in their necks. I couldn’t tell what it was, but it was really pretty. Looked almost like jewelry at first so I didn’t think too much of it initially, but… when I spoke to your friend possibly, I noticed that the jewelry sat so strangely on his spine and that it bent with him like it was a part of his body.” She explained.

“What?” Alhaithem said, pausing to stand still. He didn’t know what to think but his mind was wrenched back into the panic he had been keeping barely contained. In his skin? Something was in his skin? Dottore touched him then. He changed Kaveh, his Kaveh! He wanted to puke. His hands burned and tingled in such a way that the sensation moved through his body until he almost couldn’t hear from the overstimulation. Embedded? A surgery? Had that monsters fingers been inside Kaveh’s skin, forcing their way past the dermis and fat to enforce this… mechanism into his body? Foul. Disgusting. Alhaithem was at a loss for words on this. He thought back to when they had the break in and how Kaveh stared at his reflection, fingers digging into the bruises as if that would make them leave. He remembered how Kaveh was scared to undress, how when the doctors said he hadn’t been penetrated he couldn’t believe them. What had the man done to him then? What was being done to him now? Gods, Kaveh was barely holding on and now this? Alhaithem was going to lose him. Kaveh was a thread away from snapping and drinking himself to death in the night and Alhaithem would never be able to stop it! Cyno saw the change in Alhaithem and cupped his face, forcing him to meet his eyes.

“Alhaithem, breathe.” Cyno commanded. Alhaithem grabbed Cyno’s wrists as if it were a rock, a staff, a cane. Something to hold him up. He took a breath then finally fell to knees.

Alhaithem didn’t panic like other people. He was quiet and still. He pressed his face into Cyno’s stomach and didn’t say a word. He didn’t cry or scream or rage. He just let the burning of his fear rage across his body, a nightmare of sensation that blunted his ability to focus on anything that wasn’t just his fears. Was this an overreaction? He couldn’t be sure. His mind conjured too many of his worst fears making this new information nothing less than a terror to him. Cyno had seen this before when Alhaithem had first become the grand sage. He had watched Alhaithem blow up on their colleagues and made them all leave then sat at his desk in silence until he was able to get his bearings back. Cyno knew he just needed a break before moving on. Jeht, was rather surprised actually. Alhaithem was the grand sage and here he was falling to bits in front of a modest desert girl. Did he not care about his status? What was happening? It seemed as if the grand sage here wasn’t One to concern himself with how people viewed him or who surrounded him. He did as he pleased and as he needed and now, she was forced to watch him sit in the sand and gather his mind. Finally he pulled away from Cyno and sat in the sand.

“Ms. Jeht, can you take us to the last place you saw Kaveh?” Alhaithem asked.

“I… yeah, sure. It’ll be about a days walk though, so we might’ve missed them already.” She explained.

“I know, but I can probably find some clues to their whereabouts at the very least.” Alhaithem said and the group began walking on.

———————————————————————————————————————————————

Azariq had known Jeht was going to slip away to help the two men, but this was okay for him. She had told him that she was going to head back to Caravn Ribat on her own to see if she could find that Vlad or Victor person, but he knew she wasn’t. That was fine, he needed her out of the way for the time being. Jeht was an incredibly strong woman and she was sharp too. If she had stayed she may have seen him slipping away on his own and maybe she would’ve followed him, and maybe she would’ve seen him speaking with a strange man who laid in a bed looking half dead. But Azariq was lucky. He was lucky she was such a caring girl and she had left to help those two lost men find another. He stepped into the chamber he had helped Dottore set up and walked to where he knew Dottore was resting.

“Sir.” He said and Dottore sighed, pushing himself into a sitting position and opening his eyes .

“What could you possibly need?” Dottore sneered, opening his eyes behind his beaked mask.

“We were visited today by the Acting Grand Sage and the General Mahamatra. They seem to know you’re behind that man going missing.” Azariq stated and Dottore shrugged.

“Doesn’t seem like something I should care about, now does it?” He stated, tone annoyed. Azariq crossed his arms.

“It doesn’t? The Acting Grand Sage isn’t exactly someone to trifle with.” Azariq said but Dottore just snorted.

“What threat does a boy have to me? He’s barely a man, just past being a teenager. I have no fear of him.” Dottore said with a hand wave. Azariq pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Maybe you don’t think so, but it isn’t just him. He is joined by at least one other. The General Mahamatra also isn’t weak by any standard. And if the Grand Sage has him by his side then he likely has all of the Matra and the forest watchers. I’ve heard rumors that the General is in bed with the Chief Officer of the Forest Rangers which mean they could have an entire army at their beck and call. Besides them, Jeht has told me that the Traveler is close friends with that architect as well and everyone knows of her feats! She holds allegiance’s with many of the regions leaders and gods. How are you so calm in all of this!” Azariq said, pleading for a sense of sanity. Dottore rolled his eyes.

“None of them are threats. They never were and now they never will be.” Dottore said.

“How can you be so sure?” Azariq pressed, concern in his voice.

“Because, I have two of the three keepers of Irminsul under my command and soon they will open the way for me to destroy it and every lay line in Tayvat.” Dottore said and Azariq knew nothing he would say would be with Dottore’s time.

“Fine then.” Azariq said. “I expect my payment sooner rather than later.” And he left the way he came. Dottore was happy for the silence. He laid back down and closed his eyes again. Instead of darkness of course, there he was. His beauty. And such a sight it was this time. Kaveh had taken off his clothes to sit in shallow water and bathe. The sun was close to setting and it shifted its light across the water in a glittering flow. The light did nothing to diminish Kaveh’s golden skin, the warm tones eating the light and leaving a sweet glow on him. Dottore was fascinated. It wasn’t his eyes he was using, but the sights were his.

“Touch him.” He said, and the hand of the body he saw though reached out and gently grabbed Kaveh’s chin to tilt his face towards him. Oh, he was soft. Dottore had already touched him in so many ways, but each new touch way like a jolt through his body. He could feel what Deshreht felt and right now, Deshreht felt Kaveh.

“Kiss him. Taste him. Hold him.” He said and Deshreht moved forward in the water of the oasis and kissed Kaveh who closed his eyes and leaned in. At first it was tender but that’s not what Dottore wanted. He remembered the shape of the man’s body when he held him down and he needed it again. His urge moved Deshreht’s body to hold Kaveh tighter, kiss deeper, bite harder. Kaveh was gasping and pushing away slightly but Dottore wouldn’t allow it.

“Lift him.” He said and Kaveh gasped as he was hoisted into the air where Deshreht had access to the man’s body. Yes. Yes! His mind urged Deshreht forward to lick and bite at the soft brown nipples in his chest. Kaveh gasped, tossing back his head.

“Amun… not here…” he said but Deshreht just moaned.

“Nabu, I haven’t held you in so long, I can’t resist you.” He said, teeth nipping Kaveh’s skin. Kaveh hissed and grabbed Deshreht’s shoulders.

“Someone could see us!” Kaveh said but covered his mouth to stifle his voice when Deshreht slid his fingers down his back to probe this new body.

Dottore shot up.

“No!” He said, voice angry and full of jealousy. Deshreht pulled his fingers away suddenly and the two fell into the water. They sat up coughing and then laughing a bit, but to Dottore there was nothing to laugh about. He was angry. He wanted to be there. Sure, their minds were connected and he could implant his desires into the king but… he didn’t want to be a vouyer. No, he wanted to be the one actually taking the body. The architect was his! He grit his teeth. These pesky feelings were getting in his way and yet he didn’t want to part from them. He needed them. He could be patient. Kaveh would be his, that was a certainty in his mind. He stood and fixed his clothes and then left the ruins.

He had been in the ruins for ease of access to his things, after all he had known the king would awaken and very likely try to kill him. He also knew that the surgery would need to be completed swiftly and with minimal pain to both the King and the architect which meant he needed quiet. Now though, he was healed and didn’t exactly need to be laying about in a catacomb. He knew where he needed to be. He clenched his fist and forced his body into a new form. He became an ibis and flew high into the sky. He had watch every step the two had made and knew where they were. The sun was low in the sky, dipping deep behind the dunes and by nightfall, Dottore would reach them. Would reach him.

——————————————————————————-

Yelan was like a shadow. She moved silently in and out of the trees, light never catching any part of her as she followed behind the Traveler. She needed to know what that boy was about. Her lady Ninnguang had said he was fatui, which she of course already knew he was, but Ninnguang wanted more on him. Yelan already knew much. He’s 25, born on the 20th of the 7th month, a little over six foot tall, loved his family and fighting, and was easily manipulated. She wondered what had happened exactly so she stayed out of sight but not earshot as the two made their way through Liyue, heading towards Wangshu Inn. Of course, that was quite a walk and the two were exhausted so they opted to rest for a bit. Kaveh was already missing, and while they did need to hurry, they wouldn’t be able to help him if they were too tired to even lift their swords. So, they set up camp with just one tent and Yelan set up a spot to spy.

“Childe…” Lumine said, the fire under the little cooking pot casting a glow on her face. He looked at her, a softness in his gaze that Yelan had only seen on his face once.

“Yes?” He asked, leaning in.

“Tell me how all this went… how you came to hire Kaveh…” she said and he was quiet for a bit.

“I…” he started then sighed. “I swear I didn’t plan any of this.”

“You said that before, but I want the details. Tell me how all of… this happened.” She said and he nodded.

“Okay.”

————————————————————

Childe had gotten notified about the sunset vermillionite and knew he could turn a profit if he could mine it. The problem was that he was technically a banker and not someone in the mining industry so he wouldn’t have the materials needed to mine such a rare mineral. Of course, there was another issue. The mineral itself is fickle and difficult to extract from the ground itself. On top of that, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing had a dedicated team that was highly trained specifically for the removal of the sunset vermillionite. Getting a group of people together who could mine with efficiency the way he needed was going to be difficult but it was even worse for him since the stupid plot of land he bought was in Jueyun Carst. Childe wanted to kick himself for the purchase but it was way too late for that now. Initially, he was hoping to use the super cheap land for training the fatui agents under him - which of course meant he would need a place TO train them - but once the ore was found that had been tossed.

Still, he needed miners.

He had thought of just going to the Tianquan and seeing if she would purchase the ore from him but after sitting on it for a bit, he knew that would be incredibly stupid. She would try to undercut him and he knew this specific ore was more than valuable. Hell, her who palace was made of the stuff! This ore powered all adeptal machines as well so he knew he could just give it away. He stewed on it. What to do, what to do. Then he got it in his head to ask Dottore. After all, the man was currently in the area doing research on this and that yada yada nonsense that Childe really didn’t care about. Honestly, these rocks didn’t interest him either but he understood their value even if he couldn’t put a numerical value on what he had yet. Still, Dottore was smart, much smarter than Childe was so he would probably be the best to talk to.

Once he had decided this, he made his way over to the lair the doctor had set up for himself that was initially a production line for Ruin Guards. Now though, he had halted production to work on something else. Childe walked through the halls, weaving in and out of the factory to see everything rather still. He knew that Ruin Guards were no longer being made but why? What was so important that Dottore would shut off all productions to focus on? It honestly didn’t matter. Dottore was someone Childe begrudgingly respected, but found also disgusted by. The man was cruel and abusive and that tainted everything he involved himself in so Childe didn’t want to know what the man was doing here again. What he did want to know was the next steps to harvesting the ore he now owned.

“Dottore? Are you here?” Childe called out, his voice echoing around what seemed like abandoned halls. “Dottore!”

“What?” Dottore asked, stepping out from around a corner.

“Oh, there you are! I have something I want to discuss with you!” Childe said, his voice chipper and friendly. Dottore, much less so.

“What moronic idea have you thought up inside your barely functioning head?” Dottore asked, hands carrying something as he made his way to a different room. Childe looked at the items in the doctors arms and couldn’t make hide nor hair of what it was. He decided it wasn’t his problem and he simply followed behind Dottore.

“Well, I made quite the purchase recently.” Childe said and Dottore wanted to thrash him.

“I don’t care about your boyish flights of fancy. I am busy right now so unless you have something important to say then I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” Dottore said, setting the metal items down on a table to sort. Childe spared another glance at the bronze and gold devices that were covered with a brown corrosion. Childe didn’t know what it was, but looking at the strange hunks of metal turned his stomach. He had never been squeamish but something about these specifically filled his mind with images of screaming and agony, of bodies modified until they were unrecognizable, of bodies wracked with pain as the man before him dove his fingers deep into wounds. Killing was one thing, but what Dottore seemed to revel in was another. Still, he swallowed it down and focused on his task.

“I bought land with a lot of sunset vermillionite ore in it and it’s kind of gotten me into a bit of a pickle.” Childe said.

“And this is something I need to concern myself with because?” Dottore asked. Childe cleared his throat and smiled wide.

“I mean, it’s a highly valuable ore. It made the Jade Palace and adeptal weapons and machinery. I’m certain I’m sitting on a stockpile of money here but I’m going to need a bit of advice on how to get it.” Childe explained a bit.

“Fine, what do you want help with?” Dottore asked, turning to face Childe Who was a bit taken aback. Childe had been certain that Dottore would’ve given him more of a run around than this, but honestly he preferred it this way.

“Okay, so Lady Ninnguang currently owns and operates the mining in Liyue. I need to have a reason for people to want to leave her and come work for me which is hard to do because Lady Ninnguang has done a wonderful job of building up a community of loyal people. Which makes sense, but it doesn’t work in my favor. I just kind of wanted some advice on the best course of action to attract people to mine for me.” Childe said and Dottore was quiet, seemingly contemplating Childe’s request. He tapped his fingers on his mask before asking, “How much do you think you could make off the ore?”

“Well… if I’m being honest, I think it’s applications in technology could be useful world wide. I know that anytime this kind of ore is found here Lady Ninnguang usually swoops in a brokers a deal before anyone else can. She constantly spares no expense for this stuff. It’s inflated the market value for it since no one can get their hands on it. So, if I open up an operation for it then I could easily sell it all to Lady Ninnguang for double or triple the going rate and if she refuses then I could sell it to the Academia and back to the Fatui for research. Either way, no matter what is spent we’re going skyrocket the profits.” Childe explained. Dottore hummed, thinking again.

“Alright, fine. How about you contact the other Harbingers and see if they would be willing to help and if not then you can come back to me and I’ll give you a loan. Did you have an idea on how that money would be utilized?” Dottore asked, being unusually reasonable.

“I… yeah I did.” Childe said, “I think the best thing to do is have luxury onsite housing for people since it’s in Jueyun Karst and the miners wouldn’t want to be away from their families. I’ll also allot a salary to security as well since I know people are afraid of the monsters in the area. Oh, and I’ll need a ln architect and a mechanic. I have some ideas for the building but, if I’m being honest, I don’t really know that much about building things so having them would be imperative.” Childe said and then glanced at Dottore who had a slight smile on his face. It wasn’t a normal smile, but Childe brushed it off. Maybe Dottore was just excited for the prospect of doubling his investment. The two talked for a while about details and possible candidates for architect and mechanic and the discomfort Childe felt melted like the snow in spring.

What Childe didn’t know though, was that Dottore had made it possible for Childe to buy the land and that Dottore had already told the harbingers to deny him money so he would have to come back to him. Childe also didn’t know that Dottore already had an architect in mind. A desperate one, a beautiful one. One he had already held and felt and tasted and would soon have more of.