Childe x Zhongli "A Servant to the King"

Chapter 7 || The Harbinger ||

-Before the attack-

The Frostwind Swordsman leaned on the wooden desk that belonged to the Chief alchemist. Slowly glancing over Albedo's work, his long locks covered the paper. A soft sigh could be heard from the blonde boy sitting at the desk.

"Is there something you would like, Captain Kaeya?" a warm soft voice chirped

"You don't have to be too formal with me my prince~" kaeya rested his head on his hand smirking at the Alchemist

"If that's what you want, Kaeya"

A burning sensation immediately formed on Kaeya's face. Looking away, flustered, Kaeya couldn't handle the way Albedo said his name. Such a calming voice uttering his name sent butterflies in his stomach.

As Kaeya was lost in thought he saw the door in front of him suddenly open. Opening his mouth to welcome them in, a flash of grey, orange, and red threw him to the ground. A sudden pressure pushed against Kaeya's throat. Looking at his attacker it was in fact, Tartaglia. Using what strength he had he managed to push Childe's bow off of his neck. Suddenly the ginger let go of the bow and instead began to strangle Kaeya with his own two hands. As the man's grip tightened around the captain's neck, he began gasping for air. The others around him immediately jumped into action. Xiao searched his pockets for the shocker. A villainous grin crept on childe's face.

"LOOKING FOR THIS?" he laughed.

Holding up the remote with one hand, Kaeya saw the perfect opportunity to push him off. As childe manically laughed, Kaeya used his legs to kick his perpetrator off of him. The remote slid across the wooden floor. As Childe turned around ready to strike once again. Kaeya managed to grab the device and turn it to the max. The press of a button brought the harbinger to his knees, fallen on the ground. The agonizing screams of Childe could be heard from outside the palace. The alchemist dropped his books and rushed to the Cavalry Captian's side.

"Are you alright?" a panicked voice asked

"Don't worry...blossom" Kaeya croaked, his voice was extremely hoarse from the attack.

A small chuckle escaped albedo's lips, "even when injured you still find a way to call me nicknames, I'm impressed"

The Chalk Prince helped Kaeya up, putting him down in his seat. As the pain disappeared, Childe could see the blazing eyes of Albedo, full of anger and hatred. Taking in what just occurred, Venti turned to his significant other. The look he wore was not kind, the bard could see Xiao beginning to put on his mask. From personal experience, the anemo archon knew when the yaksha put on his mask, things would become violent soon.

"How about we DON'T do that Xiao-xiao" Venti pleaded, attempting to calm Xiao.

Appearing behind them, a set of black and red horns emerged along with a young lady.

"Is everything alright? I heard crashing and screaming" a shy voice spoke

"There is nothing to worry about Ganyu, just someone that needs to be taught a lesson," Xiao replied, staring down Childe.

Slowly walking in the room approaching Childe. The harbinger attempted to stand up but was kicked back down. Towering over Childe, Xiao coldly demanded

"Did you not understand that you are not allowed to fight Sir Kaeya?"

Childe opened his mouth before any words could flee his mouth. A swift kick to the guts shut him up.

Grabbing Childe by the face, Xiao declared "You no longer have permission to talk."

Childe's expression turned dark and uttered the sentence "you have no authority over me". The atmosphere around the laboratory was already tense. Yet this comment from Childe made the room unbearable. Letting go of Childe, Xiao took two steps back. He opened his shoulders, bringing his right arm behind himself. A flash of gold outlined a spear, summoning his spear, Xiao was ready to finally bring an end to this man. Before throwing his lance into Childe, the clicking of heels brought Xiao's attention away from the ginger. An annoyed voice demanded

"What seems to be the ruckus here"

Greeting Keqing, Ganyu informed her that there was a tussle in here.

"I see, you can return to your work" Keqing caressed Ganyu's face, "I'll be having a conversation with Tartaglia."

Quickly sensing the chaos about to erupt, Venti led Albedo and Kaeya to the infirmary. Closing the door behind them.

The ones remaining in the laboratory were Keqing, Xiao, and Childe.

Leaning his back against the wall, Childe sat there looking up at the roof.

Breaking the silence, Yuheng stated, "You've only been here for 4 days. How in Teyvat did you cause this much damage"

"Should Lady Ninggaung be informed of this." Xiao glanced over at Keqing

"I am also a part of the Qixing, I can handle this", walking over to Childe, the Qixing bent down and stared at the ginger.

"Number 11 of the Fatui harbingers huh, I wonder how the Tsartisa deals with the likes of you" she scoffed.

Hearing the Qixing's remark, anger boiled beneath his skin. Slowly standing up, Childe grabbed Keqing's arm and swung her into the wall.

"Disrespecting, her majesty and the fatui, how foolis-" before completing his sentence, xiao landed an impressive punch into the Harbinger's jaw. This knocked Childe out cold.

"This imbecile has no respect for liyue. Very well, let's send him off to Ninggaung."