𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐧

Childe quickly came after the dragon. Giving his best and most aggravated state. Morax grinned, this is what he needed, a point where is enemy was blinded by rage. And lucky for him, it didn't take long for Childe. As their weapons battered at each other, Aether attempted to shout at Childe to 'calm down' or 'think through his actions.' Yet the fatui boy couldn't, all he was set on was how dare this creature disgrace the best counterpart he has. Aether looked at Paimon, "Go check on Xiao. If he can get up bring him to the pharmacy. If not go ask for Qiqi's assistance."
Paimon shook her head, "What will happen to you?! Paimon's worried!"
The traveler smiled at her. "I'm safe, just go check."
She nodded and flew toward the weakened Yakasha.

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Xiao's view came slowly back, he blinked the last of the blur away to see some flying child floating in front of him.
He sat up, "Okay! Leave me be I'm up!"
"UgGhh! Paimon needs you to get up!!" She responded.
He grumbled and got up, "What happened? I was fighting then I blacked out?.. wait when did you get here?"
It didn't take long for Xiao to add up the rest. He took off running.
"Wait," Paimon called, "where are going! Paimon can't keep up!! Hey!!"
Xiao snarled at her, "I swear if the traveler got wounded you'll know what it feels like to become food!"
Paimon squeaked but still flew after him, with a small distance so she was out of grabbing reach.

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Aether heard the patter of feet. Childe was weakening by the second while Morax laughed. The traveler turned to the sound and was shocked, "Xiao? What are you doing here!?"
Paimon did a air stomp, "Paimon tried to stop him! But he won't slow down!!"
Xiao gripped onto Aether's shoulders, "I was only knocked out. Are you hurt?! Did he get you?"
Aether shook his head, "A few scratches here and there but we have bigger problems."
Both boys turned their head to the battle. Or.. what was one ending. Xiao took in a quick breath.

There was no longer a battering of weapons, yet Childe sat defeated while Morax had a spear in his chest.
"Morax!!" Xiao yelled and ran towards them only to restrained by Aether. The creature turned his head toward the other boys.
"My deal stands, but now dear Childe, you're the one in it."
"What deal," Aether calls out still trying to keep control of the violent Adeptus.
"I free him and you all get to live while I destroy things!" The creature responded.
Childe looked at them, "Don't listen to him! He tried to make this deal with Xiao!"

The archon copy sent his spear deeper into the Fatui's chest, (stop 💀) "Be quiet! You have no say in this. You're just the pawn."
The ginger in returned smiled, "Like your missing Gnosis?"
The god was angered, furious.

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Zhongli sat in a long lost memory. A woman sat peacefully drinking tea, she turned her head to him.
"Rex, come! Join me for tea," she said. He moved to sit by her. Guizhong, he translated. She was right there, in front of him though.. she had met her fate years ago. He took a cup of tea and sat by her.
"How our little town grew, yes?" She smiled.
Zhongli nodded, "Liyue has grown, once a small harbor into a crowded city."
The girl's smile faded as she looked down, "If only I were there to see how it was."
"Guizhong, it's not destroyed. And Ping is down there watching it for you."
She shook her head, tears in her eyes, "It's about to go down. I can tell."
Zhongli looked at her. Confused, "What do you mean?"
She looked at him, "Zhongli, Rex has lost control. If you Don't believe me, here he comes."
The man turned his head in the direction of Rex Lapis. A blood wound was slowly fading from him. Zhongli jumped to his feet and arrived at the other form's side.
"What happened?" Zhongli said. He didn't know but fear seeped into his veins.
"Morax is attacking. He has somebody at the end of his spear," The dragon spoke. It was a riddle.
"Who? Who does he have Lapis!?" The older almost yelled at him. So much for no pain if somebody was dying in payment.
"I can't tell, but whoever it is won't be lasting. Ach.. Alatus is yelling.. my ears.." the man covered them.
"Let me take the memories instead, you can stay with Guizhong." Zhongli responded.
"Thank you but one thing.." he said smiling.
"What?"
"Childe wants you to fight. Live."
Zhongli stood there while the dragon turned and went into the memory. Suddenly Zhongli was covered in noise. Yelling, he heard Morax. The god was furious. But he heard another voice.
"So pissed over your Gnosis huh? Come on!! Kill me I dare you!"
Childe. Childe was trying to get himself killed so the others could fight.
God damn it why did he just let himself go like that.

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"I know Zhongli is still in there and if I have to die trying to free him so be it!!" Childe yelled despite the spear being fully through his chest. It was fatal if he didn't get any help quickly, and how it was looking he probably wouldn't get any at all. "Shut up you stupid child! You're done for! Dead!"

Morax removed his spear causing Childe to throw up blood. The fatui's body went limp and he fell onto his back. He closed his eyes.
"Memories... the other consciouses can hear them. Like you could hear me." The ginger choked the words out.
"Going to do some pathetic last words to your pet? Well go ahead. I'm sure he can hear you."
Childe smiled, "Well Zhongli if you are listening.." he took a moment to breathe, "I forgive you. I guess my judgement got into the way. Sorry for not helping to overcome this.."
He took a breathe and felt a black empty into his head.

The ginger quickly snapped out of it though as he heard a spear clatter against the dirt. He opened his eyes to be embraced by a familiar person in familiar clothing.
"Mr. Zhongli," Childe smiled, "great to see you back."
"This is my fault Childe, not yours." The older man quickly responded. Xiao and Aether quickly were to their side.
"We should get you medical attention, quickly," Xiao huffed at the Fatui. Yet his eyes rose up to Zhongli. The man rested Childe down and stood up.
"Do that," Zhongli stated as he turned away. He ran off quickly. Childe wanted to protest but didn't. He just fought for him to come back yet the man ran away. He reassured himself the man would come back, hopefully.