Chapter Text
"Think we'll run into any trouble, Aether?"
The short blonde seemed to be knocked out of his trance, bringing his blank gaze to mine.
The poor boy looked exhausted, sporting dark maroon bags that hung just under his tired golden eyes.
He shook his head side to side as if to say no, allowing gravity to drag his skull back down to his shoes.
Aether hadn't spoken a word since we'd begun our walk to the golden house, and by the expression on his face, it was rather evident he was troubled by something.
"Don't talk much, do ya?" I pressed.
He didn't answer but continued to look distraught, kicking a pebble to the side while his lips pulled into a thin line.
Aether was quiet, which had its perks, but I wished to get to know the boy I was safeguarding in a better light.
Lady Ninguang had assigned me to protect the young traveler, to guarantee his safety in bringing back the gnosis of rex lapis.
And while I was appreciative of Lady Ninguang and her guidance, this assignment created perfect circumstances for stealing said gnosis.
But in order to effectively do so, I'd need to better gain Aether's trust.
"Hey," I placed a hand on Aether's shoulder, causing for him to cease his plod along the trail.
"I don't know what we'll be facing when we arrive," I hesitated, "but I promise I will protect you with my life. So, don't worry too much, alright?" I comforted with a sickly-sweet sincerity, adding a dimply smile to top it off.
Of course, I wouldn't allow for the traveler to perish, not by my hands at least. I was a thief, not a killer.
Aether's eyes exuded a warm sincerity, drinking up my words without a second thought. "Thank you, Y/N," a small smile making way to his lips.
Despite Aether's lack in energy, he always managed to look truly genuine, grateful toward the kind words of others as if he'd hardly received them in the first place.
It made me wonder what such a pure soul was doing in this line of work.
Typically, you'd see much rougher looking characters out on tasks like this. People like Itto or Kaeya or maybe even Diluc.
What a strange choice...
A few seconds of comfortable silence passed as we awkwardly observed each other, unknowing of what to do next.
"Paimon thinks we should keep going. Paimon remembers that the golden house is just up ahead!" Paimon's irritating high pitched voice cut in.
God, what an annoyance.
However, I was thankful she'd interrupted our awkward standoff, allowing us to pick up the pace once more.
"Paimon you would be absolutely correct, let's get back to it," I strode forward confidently, my katana bobbing against my thigh with every step.
I couldn't help but feel excited for what awaited.
Waiting around for Lady Ninguang's assignments was more or less frustrating to say the least. Not to mention, the assignments she did give me were utterly meaningless and unproductive. They held absolutely no significance in neither her or my endeavors.
With this assignment, I'd finally have some real fun.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Soon enough our trio had arrived upon the gates of the golden house.
The outside was largely decorated with a black and gold theme, sporting massive, detailed supports just near and all through the outside area of the intricate building.
A relatively thick cemented bridge drew over an evenly cut pond, overgrown lotus heads peeking out from its sturdy frame. The clear aqua water was swarmed with lily pads and uniquely sized koi fish, adding to our destinations magical charm.
Despite the overgrowth, the scene was quite pretty, symmetrical to.
I'd been here on numerous occasions but I hadn't stopped long enough to take in its picturesque beauty as I only now noticed the incredible detail carved into the entrance doors.
This is it.
Whatever awaited me behind these doors would surely put up a fight, and I would need to make sure I was ready for it.
Inhaling a sharp breath, I pushed through the shimmering gold doors, only to be met with glowing tawny columns centered around the middle of the room.
It was relatively empty inside; the walls and floor being decorated with the same intricate detail I'd been introduced to before entering.
It was clear as day how the showy house had been given its name as everything was polished head to toe in a shining gold, not a single thing unaccounted for seeing as it was just as symmetrical inside as it was on the outside.
My eyes scanned the area warily, a vast amount of space taking up majority of the house.
Not a sign of life whatsoever, not even a hint to anyone stepping foot upon the premises.
Though, what really caught my attention, was a gold-plated statue residing in front of the farthest wall.
A great Chinese dragon held the gnosis just behind its sharp fangs.
Lady Ninguang had mentioned there were a few traps instilled throughout, but even she wasn't completely sure of their whereabouts.
"It looks like the gnosis is still here," my eyes made one more critical lap around the room, "I'll grab it, you keep guard," I instructed.
-
Aether only nodded in response, taking up a defensive stance before scanning the room with an indignant determination.
He'd be ready for whatever were thrown his way.
-
Stopping just in front of the golden beast, I noticed how far the gnosis actually was from behind its jaws.
The opening seemed to reach all the way into its throat.
I eyed the statue wearily before reaching an arm through, my should bumping against its fangs as my hand gripped firm around the gnosis.
This sucks.
I wasn't the biggest fan of small spaces, claustrophobia getting the best of me at often the worst times.
However, I couldn't complain. I had a job to do just like everyone else, I would just have to suck it up and continue onward.
Attempting to pull my arm out of the small space, I was only met by failure. The 'click' of a mechanism was all I'd heard before the jaws of the golden dragon clamped shut around my shoulder, leaving me completely vulnerable with the gnosis trapped in my fist.
"Agh, dammit!" I cursed in pain.
Looking down, I noticed the sharp tug of its fangs pulling at my flesh.
The puncture wasn't too severe, but worsened the harder I pulled away, its teeth tearing into my skin mercilessly.
Just my luck...
Aether's head whipped toward me to see the commotion. His eyes widening at the sight of a crimson liquid trailing down my bicep.
-
Aether wasn't all too familiar with blood and gore, but he'd seen just enough to know it wasn't a good thing, worry pooling in the recess of his stomach.
-
I groaned in annoyance.
I should've been smarter with my approach. Why wouldn't the gnosis of been trapped? Archons I'm an idiot! I mentally scolded, irritated by my lack of awareness.
This wouldn't be the most difficult setback, but it was damn well irritating, especially since I had no clue how to release my arm from its intense bite.
Using my free hand, I attempted to pry its jaws open, hope lingering at the pads of my fingers as its jaw began to slide upward.
Yes! Yes! Keep going!
The determined look on my features turned into a pained grimace as its fangs only clamped down harder, earning a shrill scream to erupt from my throat.
-
"Well, would you look who I've stumbled across," the voice of a male echoed off the houses decorated walls.
Like the snap of a finger, my mind immediately connected the dots, recognizing the man's acquainted playful tone instantly.
My worried eyes shot forward, only to be met by a familiar ginger-haired man.
Childe.
I'd come across Childe a number of times in past expeditions. I'd say we were on rather neutral grounds but nothing more.
"Traveler, it's been so long!" He called to Aether, holding his arms out as if to announce his unwelcome arrival, "and who does that seem to be?" He questioned, raising a flat hand above his brow as if to scout who'd been idiotic enough to get caught in the dragon's mechanism.
"Been a while Y/N."
My presence seemed to be immediately recognized as the ginger's eyes met mine.
"It seems you're in quite the predicament too," breaking eye contact, he looked to my shoulder and back to me with a sly grin, "this day just keeps getting better and better."
Childe took large strides forward, making way toward me, only to be stopped by a sword to his chest.
Aether eyed him wearily as he stood between me and possible annihilation.
Dammit, I'M the one that's supposed to be protecting him.
Frustration built from the bottom of my stomach to the point of my fingers, a growl escaping my throat as I wiggled and pulled my arm with little progress. This in turn, only caused for more blood to gush out from the sides of its penetrating fangs.
"Oh ho, you wish to fight me?" Childe looked down upon Aether's small form, a playful edge lacing his voice like venom.
Aether wore an uncertain frown upon his face, his brows scrunching down into what seemed to be a mix of confusion and anger.
"It seems my most unreliable partner was held back by a bit of work," Childes eyes darkened with bloodlust, "once he arrives, this fight would take a rather interesting turn, wouldn't you agree traveler?" Amusement sat prominent upon his features as he took up an offensive stance, polearm in hand.
Aether remained silent, taking a defensive stance in reply, being sure to keep a watchful eye on his movements.
-
In all honesty, Aether hated violence. He never saw a need for it, clueless to why others lusted so greatly for battle.
And while he may not have remembered much, he knew how horribly hurt he'd be if his sister were ever to fall victim to the short-tempered impulsivity of others. The mere thought of anyone he cared for falling victim to the poor morals of others sickened him, swaying him even further away from the use of violence.
Regardless, he would still fight for what was right, when it was necessary.
-
Childe smiled mischievously, "I'll be sure to go easy on you until then."
With that said, the two commenced in a fierce battle, shaking the golden house from the ground up.
Aether started off strong, blocking his numerous attacks before throwing in a mix of his own as they danced around the room gracefully.
I searched for Paimon's floating form in the ruckus, noticing she was still near the golden house doors.
Her worried gaze met mine, my eyes urging her to leave as I looked between her and the door.
She seemed to understand, but hesitated looking from me to Aether and back to me again.
Paimon's loyalty to the traveler was unmatched. The worry she held for her companion was admirable, but that worry would only cause concern for Aether and I if she were to be put in harm's way. It was best to clear her from the scene entirely.
I nodded with a smile as if to say everything would be alright, hoping she'd understand my silent words and leave without a fight.
Paimon hesitated once more, shooting me a thumbs up with a sincere smile, before bolting outside to safety.
Letting a relieved sigh escape my lungs, I turned my attention back to my throbbing shoulder, cursing my horrible luck.
How the hell does someone think of stupid shit like this in the first place?
I groaned in pain using my free arm to push up the dragon's jaw once again, hopeful my second attempt to remove its fangs would have a different outcome than the previous trial.
No luck.
The dark yellow jaws no longer budged and stayed glued in place.
There was no way I'd be getting out of this contraption without losing my whole damn arm.
Okay, think Y/N. The jaws locked in place; my arm is stuck... Archons I'm getting nowhere. What do I do, what do I-?
My frantic efforts were cut short as an idea popped into my head.
I'd heard of electro users being able to teleport. In fact, I'd even seen it a handful of times. However, being an electro user myself, I'd never once practiced such a thing.
Seems like the only way out of this... how hard can it be?
Closing my eyes, I drew long, deep breaths in hopes of drowning out the surrounding noise.
Just breath.
In, I inhaled a slow breath, and out.
All I needed to do was focus.
But focus on what? I'd never done this before, how the hell was I supposed to just know how to do this.
Goddamit this is dumb.
Wham!
Aether's withered form slid down the wall parallel to me, his head drooping to the floor as Childes wicked laughter echoed around the house.
"Aether!" I grimaced; nerves returning only to catch in my throat.
He hadn't lasted nearly as long as I had expected him to.
Just how strong had Childe gotten since the last time we'd met?
I need to get out of this and fast. I won't allow for any more deaths on my conscious.
"Oh my," Childe chuckled, taking in Aether's unconscious form, "and I was going easy on you too," he taunted, taking slow, cocky steps forward.
Struggling more aggressively against my trapped arm, I huffed out a few pained grunts, watching as Childes lean form stopped just in front of Aether's.
I was well aware struggling against the annoying jaws would only cause me more distress, but the setting panic threw all common sense out the window.
Okay, okay, concentrate. I thought to myself, sealing my eyes shut.
There was no way I'd let any harm come to that poor boy. Not while I was alive and kicking.
Taking a deep breath, I allowed the power of electro to crackle at my fingertips.
It was now or never, and if I were to fail now, I wouldnt forgive myself.
Childe raised his polearm, ready to strike.
My pulse pounded in my ears, accompanied by the thick feeling of guilt that planted itself in the depths of my stomach.
"Do it- now!"
An unfamiliar sensation of weightlessness overcame all of my senses.
I don't think there had ever been a time where I'd felt so light, peaceful even, the next events seeming to go by in slow motion as I appeared in front of aether, unsheathing the katana attached to my hip, and meeting Childe's polearm just in time to prevent his attack.
The corners of my mouth pulled into a bold grin as a momentary second of hesitation ran through Childe's mind, his eyes widening slightly while a curious grin twisted over his own features.
Using that hesitation to my advantage, I pushed my katana forward fully, sending him staggering backwards.
My body brimmed with a sense of contained energy, seeing as I was no longer trapped between the jaws of a statue.
Childe dusted off his shoulder with a chuckle, "well, it looks like I won't be disappointed after all."
Cocky brat.
Preparing to fight, I proceeded to place the gnosis in my pocket, my mind a mess with questions and concerns.
Would you really have killed Aether if I hadn't stepped in?
A hefty feeling that something was amiss lingered through my chest.
That wasn't the Childe I remembered fighting alongside.
I knew he was constantly perusing for powerful enemies to fight, but he always showed mercy in the end.
Or at least when I was present...
Tightening my grip around the katanas hilt, I heaved an irritated breath.
My chest bubbled with both excitement and fury as I eyed my opponent with a hateful glare.
I'd always wanted to fight Childe; he was incredibly strong and especially quick witted in the heat of battle, however, his attempt on Aether's life irked me, a smoldering fury swirling in the pit of my stomach.
He would fall before me; I would see to it, even if it costed my life.
Unfortunately, I had no real plan for battle, simply charging in and hoping brute force would catch him off guard enough to gain an advantage.
Thankfully it did, my aggressive fast paced attacks forced him onto the defense, his swift form artfully dodging my onslaught of assaults.
The amusement he carried in his eyes never ceased, scanning my every movement and memorizing my tactics with an utmost precision.
My muscles tingled with energy as Childe continued to evade my attacks, never once returning the favor as he watched me with a sly grin.
-
Childe had refined talent, but that's not what made him a great fighter. What made him a great fighter was his quick thinking on the battle field and his tendency of memorizing his foes tactics, to then use to his advantage later on.
He figured she'd eventually tire herself out if he remained on the defense for long enough, which in turn would give him the upper hand and eliminate her knack for fast paced techniques.
-
"You're quite fast girly, I'll give you that," Childe praised, not a sign of breathlessness to be found.
Childe's pace was incredible, no hint of fatigue present among his features after being forced to endure so much movement. And the way he was able to save so much energy was intriguing to say the least, seeing as he still overflowed with an expendable vitality.
I sent a wicked grin his way, "and you're quite slow."
The rise in my own spirit gave me a newfound sense of cockiness, though, I couldn't entirely blame cockiness on my taunt.
Deep down I'd only become more and more curious toward Childes fighting abilities, hoping to provoke him enough into revealing them further.
And while I wasn't entirely sure if that were a good idea or not, I suppose we would find out.
Taking the bait, Childe's form appeared in front of me almost instantaneously.
How the hell-
My eyes widened in shock; I was completely caught off guard as his polearm raced toward my face, my katana barely blocking in time.
"You sure?" He questioned teasingly, leaning his weight against my weapon.
Since the beginning I'd known he'd had a clear advantage, not only being much bigger than I was, but also having full preparation for this battle.
I hadn't expected the harbinger to make an appearance, leaving me at a vast disadvantage.
"You know, I'd heard of you on a few occasions before our past rendezvous," his voice came across calm and clear, showing no signs of weakness as he pushed forward against me. "My boss is quite displeased with you, as a matter of fact."
My calloused hands clung to the grip of my katana as I struggled to push against his weight.
"Stealing from the great Signora herself?" He chuckled menacingly, "you've got guts. However, I can't help but question how you were able to procure such a thing," a smirk snuck to the corner of his lips, "have you always been this weak?"
Fury coated my tongue like honey, venom threatening to spill from my clenched teeth.
Weak? How dare he accuse me of being weak.
I'd fought hard for my place in the world and I wouldnt allow some ginger haired brat to take it away from me.
Licking the inside of my cheek with irritation, I focused all of my strength into my forearms.
Fine, time to play dirty I guess.
Childe had too of noticed the flash of mischief in my eyes, pulling his weapon away just before I had sent pulsating shockwaves through the silver metal.
Jumping back, he raised his arms as if to summon a storm, but instead summoned a humongous fucking whale made of water from absolutely nowhere.
Before my body could be crushed by the intense mass of water, I ducked behind one of the few remaining pillars, watching the water rush past me as it completely drenched the floor.
Damn, and I thought I was playing dirty.
Luckily, I wasn't out of ideas just yet.
Looking to the slick floor beside me, a wicked plan raced through my head, a gritty smile sitting on my features.
"I find it so unfortunate that you happen to have a hydro vision," I called from my place behind the pillar.
Childes wet footsteps cautiously trailed toward my echoing voice, "and why is that?"
This technique wasn't an uncommon one, I'd used it on numerous occasions to get out of sticky situations. Though, I wouldn't necessarily call it a common one either.
Most electro users tended to stray away from the deadly combination, especially if they themselves were covered in any form of liquid seeing as it could cause real permanent damage.
I couldn't help but let a laugh escape, "water happens to be a wonderful conductor."
My hands flew to the nearby puddles, sending mass waves of electricity through the thin layer of water coating the wrecked floor.
I wished I could've seen his face as his throaty screams filled the room.
A lovely indigo reflected off the watery granite giving the room a purple hue as electricity coursed all throughout the room.
I hadn't made good use of my vision in a long time, and this intense expulsion of energy would take a toll on me later.
As earlier mentioned, Lady Ninguang hardly gave any assignments that were worthwhile, which meant I didn't get to use my vision often. Meaning, I was a tad rusty.
For extra precaution, I continued until his screams had stopped, wasting much more energy than I should have.
My heart raced against my chest; my body was running solely off of adrenaline at this point as I ceased my onslaught of terror.
I swallowed harshly, the roof of my mouth dry and irritated as I huffed profusely.
I really, REALLY hope that got him.
I'd be screwed if he'd somehow survived that.
Peaking around the corner I saw no sign of Childe.
My brows scrunched in confusion.
Shit.
Taking a few cautious steps forward I scanned the area before me thoroughly. He was nowhere to be found. A man of his size couldn't of just- disappeared.
A hearty laugh sounded from behind me.
"Smart," Childe praised, "but that won't work on me."
Turning to meet his voice, I noticed his polearm pierced deep into the column I'd just been hiding behind, his tall form dropping to the ground with a 'thud.'
I don't know how he had the time to of known to get off the ground, but here he stood completely unharmed, whereas I only stood there like a deer in the headlights.
I was truly at a loss for words, I had no more tricks up my sleeve.
"I'll admit, you've piqued my interest."
My eyes searched around with unease, panicked pupils rolling over the crumpled slabs of decorative rock in search of my weapon- or any weapon for that matter.
My eyes washed past Aether toward the katana that lie just a few feet away.
I needed to get my weapon and fast.
Leaving no more room for conversation, I bolted toward the scratched metal lying on the floor.
Childe watched with amusement using his hydro powers to throw the sword into the air at the last second. My head followed the piece of metals movements through the air, completely ignorant to Childes approaching form until his foot had connected with my chest.
I toppled backwards, somehow still managing to land on my feet.
My katana gleaned in his grip.
"Ahh, just out of arms reach," he teased.
My eyes glanced back to Aether, a wave of relief washing over me seeing as he was still unharmed.
The situation was getting worse by the second, and I was running out of time and energy.
I needed a plan, I needed time. But life didn't seem to want to play fair today.
Childe must've noticed my worried glances as he made his way toward Aether with a menacing smile.
I hadn't even realized how close he was in proximity to Aether, not even a few steps away from the sleeping boy.
"Don't you dare lay a hand on him," I gritted my teeth in annoyance, the recent relief dissolving into a knot in the pit of my stomach.
Childe pointed my katana to Aether's throat, "and what if I do?" He threatened playfully.
No way in hell would I allow even a scratch to land on that boy's face.
My senses took over, I felt my body move on its own, teleporting directly in front of Childe, using the momentum from my landing to grip his jaw, and slam his head into the wall.
He didn't seem surprised and made no effort to free himself from our current position, allowing his arms to sink beside him.
His eyes lidded and a cheeky smirk took place on his lips while I hovered over him. Small beads of blood ran down his face, my eyes glancing them over wearily.
I didn't enjoy hurting Childe. I'd thought us to be relatively compatible when we'd see each other on the odd occasion, but it seemed the same couldn't be said for him.
Whether it be a good thing or a bad thing in this predicament, I felt as though he were toying with me, not releasing his true potential as to prolong our showdown, which only filled me with more questions.
"So fierce," he chuckled, reaching forward and pressing his fingertips to the back of my forearm. "But I'd like to warn you against turning around, unless you'd like a taste of your own medicine."
My gut instinct told me it was a trick.
But on the off chance something- or someone were behind me, I couldn't just leave it unaccounted for.
I narrowed my eyes, ignoring his threat and whipping my head around.
The crackle of electricity was all I'd heard before my body had been overwhelmed by a familiar burning sensation.
I sank to my knees letting out a blood-curling scream of agony.
This had to of been one of the worst pains I had ever experienced, and I'd been through a lot of terrible times.
My body writhed on the ground, my screeches never faltering as the electricity continued to force my body to spasm. My vision blurred and my limbs felt heavy as I struggled to stay conscious.
How could this happen? I was winning only a second ago. What the hell was I missing?
"Alright Scara, I think she's had enough."
The intense pain ceased a few seconds after Childe's interference, as if the user hated taking orders from a person like Childe, but had overall agreed anyway.
My breathing came out in ragged huffs, a burning aftereffect lingering in my limbs, dragging them to the floor.
The pain was so intense I'd almost wished for death rather than being forced to endure.
Dammit... I can't- lose.
Childe crouched down to my level as I used my arms to lift myself from the frigid granite.
Slowly my head lifted to meet his eyes. A signature smirk remained on his face but his eyes showed slight remorse and even flashed with sympathy.
"Well, I told you not to turn around, didn't I?"
Fury bubbled in my throat.
I'd almost fallen for that sympathetic look of his, but he had to open his mouth and ruin it.
I hated the harbinger in front of me more intensely than anyone I'd fought against.
"Enough games Childe, don't forget why we're here." I brought my attention to the much shorter boy behind me. His arms were crossed, a scowl rested upon his pale features. The raven-haired boy was dressed head to toe in expensive looking red, gold and blue clothing, resembling that of a person of much higher class than I was.
Taking notice of my furious gaze, the short boy only became more irritated.
Next thing I knew, his foot had collided against my face, knocking me flat on my back and sending the gnosis fluttering out of my pocket and across the ground in front of me.
I groaned in pain, a metallic taste rolling over my tongue.
How embarrassing. I was utterly defeated, lying on the floor of the golden house covered in my own sweat and blood.
At least it couldn't get any worse than this.
"Scara, that's enough." Childes face deadpanned, his eyes turning dark. He'd never admit to it, but Childe hated watching people suffer. He was a killer, yes. But he wasn't merciless.
Not to mention, his alleged fascination with Y/N made him a tad more biased.
Scaramouche on the other hand, loved the sensation of power that overcame him as he watched those who were much too weak, to writhe under him. This caused disagreement between the dark-haired boy and the ginger.
The two seemed to be in a stare down, arguing over who knows what as they squabbled like children. For being harbingers, they differed greatly in both morals and tactics.
Idiots.
Shuffling from across the room gained my attention.
A spark of hope bubbled anxiously in my stomach. My eyes lit up as Aether and I caught each other's attention.
He made no effort to advance toward the two, and continued to remain motionless. His eyes flashing between me and the gnosis that lie dormant in front of me.
A silent plan was created.
Using my window of opportunity as the two bickered, I flung myself forward and gripped the gnosis in hand.
Distracted by my sudden movement, neither of the two noticed Aether sneaking toward them.
They watched me quizzically, questioning my resolve for retrieving the gnosis since there was no way I would get past either of them in my current state.
"Looks like you two are leaving empty handed," my hoarse voice sounded with a two fingered salute.
Aether then broke into a sprint, launching himself off a bit of debris that stuck from the ground and flew forward.
Scaramouches eyes narrowed, snarling out an "Excuse me-"
However, his irritated reply was cut short as Aether's fist collided with the ground, slamming down between the two harbingers.
Chunks of earth sprung from the ground, everything around the initial impact had been thrown back.
Childe and Scaramouche flew across the room, clearly caught off guard by the sudden ambush.
I smiled to myself reluctantly as Aether ran to my aid, holding me up by my arm.
He fished something I couldn't quite make out from his pocket.
"Eat this, quickly!" He urged, shoving a few morsels of food down my throat.
The bittersweet texture seemed to melt in my mouth. The taste was familiar, but I couldn't seem to put my finger on what exactly it was.
Almost immediately, I felt a difference within my body. Pain no longer over stimulated my senses, and I beamed with energy once more.
It was like nothing had even happened.
Both harbingers looked to each other, exchanging amused glances, a silent agreement of sorts before charging toward Aether and I.
"Don't panic," I whispered to Aether, grabbing hold of his arm. He seemed to understand what would transpire next and I was almost surprised at the amount of trust he'd put in me.
Electric particles fluttered around us, and it was clear the two men in front of us realized to, what was taking place.
A wicked grin replaced my previous grimace.
"Good luck explaining this one to your boss."
And with that, Aether and I disappeared, leaving behind nothing but electric particles in our stead.
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Both harbingers ceased their lunge.
Scaramouche seemed especially irritated at the rise of such a hassle.
Childe on the other hand was brimming with energy, he adored this little game of 'cat and mouse.'
"Say, Scara, what would you say to a game between comrades?"
"I'd hardly call you a comrade," Scaramouche sighed with irritation, turning his attention toward Childe. "Continue."
"Let's see which one of us can catch them first."
Scaramouche scoffed, "and how does this game benefit either of us?"
Scaramouche hated to indulge one of Childe's far-fetched fantasies, but he'd be lying if he said he weren't at least a little intrigued.
"It doesn't," Childe raised his hands defensively. "Although, one of us will have the satisfaction of knowing who's the more capable harbinger," he looked away as if clueless to what he'd just said.
Scaramouche couldn't help but sigh once more in annoyance.
This was his game? It was so simple, there was hardly anything at stake. Well, besides eithers pride.
"As if I'd play one of your little games, Tartaglia." Scaramouche turned on his heel, descending toward the golden doors.
Realistically this was one of the few grand opportunities Scaramouche was given to one up the goofy harbinger. And if Scaramouche were to participate and win, he'd never let Childe live it down. He might even earn a bit more respect for him, too.
Childe pouted, following a few steps behind the short boy.
"Let's split up and scout the area," Scaramouche opened the doors with a huff. "The girl may have gained some energy, but not nearly enough to get far."
Stopping just outside the door, Scaramouche turned his head to glance back at Childe. "We'll see who the better harbinger is."
With a smirk, Scaramouche disappeared in a flash of electric particles.
His mind was made up.
Childe's mood improved drastically at the confirmation of his challenge, as he to, disappeared into the night to locate the two escapees.
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