The 12th Fatui Harbinger

The 12th Harbinger

Childe sighed in annoyance as straightened his scarf against the frigid air of his homeland. He had just arrived a few hours ago answering the call of the Tsaritsa, but he was not looking forward to seeing the rest of the Harbingers again. Especially Signora-- after she used underhanded methods to set him up in Liyue. No doubt she would be gloating this whole entire damn meeting. He could already picture her cold but beautiful features look at him with contempt and mockery from beyond the black veil.

Childe had to remind himself he could go see his family afterwards. He couldn't wait for this meeting to be over.

He arrived to the hall of Zapolyarny palace and took his seat among the harbingers next to the Tsaritsa's throne. He closed his eyes hoping that they would ignore him. No chance of course.

"Utterly pathetic. How did you get bested by a little girl?"

Childe opened the corner of his eye. This was probably the only time Scaramouche peered above him: he was sitting while Scaramouche was standing. Childe rolled his eyes as he got up from his seat, towering over the other harbinger once again.

"For your information I stopped mid-battle because I realized the fight was pointless and the traveler didn't have the gnosis because SOMEONE had played me all along!"

Signora scoffed. "As long as her majesty's will was fulfilled."

Childe rapidly turned back to the midget. "I would like to see you go up against the traveler! Having a high pain tolerance doesn't win a battle." Childe sneered at the Balladeer.

Scaramouche's brow twitched. Before he could respond, the horns blew, signaling her majesty's entrance. She elegantly took her place on the throne and looked at her harbingers.

"My harbingers... Welcome back from your missions." She paused as she signaled for someone to come in.

In walked a petite girl with light pink and purple tresses reflecting the light shining through the icy halls of the palace. Her steps were light and graceful as she walked in with poise and elegance. Her skin was as white as the snow. Her eyes were a bright and blazing clear crystal blue-- bearing the color of glaciers and the never melting mountains of Snezhnaya. But yet her cheeks were painted a rosy peach reminiscent of the silk flowers he saw in Liyue. She didn't look like she was from this world. She was so beautiful it hurt. And he couldn't stop staring at her.

"I would also like to introduce you to the new 12th harbinger, Falena. She is a great diplomat, spy and a formidable warrior."

Falena stepped forward and took a knee. "I pledge my undying loyalty to the Tsaritsa and surrender myself as a vassal to complete her wishes and strive towards her goals." She solemnly swore.

The Tsaritsa nodded and bestowed her with a delusion. As soon as Falena's hands touched the device, sparks of blue fire danced around her. She had activated a pyro delusion. Childe finally noticed the turqouise vision hanging on her belt as he forced himself to tear his eyes away from her face. Anemo and Pyro. She would certainly make an interesting combat partner.

The ceremony soon wrapped up and the Tsaritsa waved a finger at him, signaling him to come closer. Falena was standing to her majesty's right.

"Tartaglia, It's up to you to fully train our newest recruit."

"As you wish, your majesty."

"Falena, as you may already know, Tartaglia is one of the strongest of my harbingers. Learn from him well. Both of you will report to me once finished." The two of them bowed as the Tsaritsa took her leave.

Childe sheepishly smiled and outstretched his arm. "Tartaglia. But I prefer to be called Childe." Falena smiled at him gently. "Please call me Yuria."

The two made small talk, but he could barely register his own words. He didn't know what was going on. It was as if she cast some spell over him. Childe was having an out of body experience. The smell of cherry blossoms engulfed his senses and he barely blissfully unaware of his surroundings, high off her presence. Through the sweet fog, he registered that they were walking toward the sparring rooms, probably to start training.