The 12th Fatui Harbinger

Lesson

Note: Once again, I am on an update spree, so please make sure you are on the right chapter! Enjoy the fresh updates while they last--I'll be going back to work soon.

Childe had just returned from a reconnaissance mission as he tried to piece together the situation in Inazuma. As much as he hated Signora, he wondered if the rumors were true. How utterly pathetic. All those centuries of being a harbinger and just to be defeated by the traveller and struck down by the Shogun. Of course, Childe knew better than anyone what a force of nature the traveller was. But Signora had years to hone her craft. If he simply had the same time she did, he would have long surpassed the power of an archon. After all, he spent every day getting stronger.

His thoughts were interrupted as he heard chatter in the hallways.

"Did you see how... beautiful Lady Falena is?" The Geochanter Bracer asked, clearly lovestruck.

"There's no way she can kill someone. She looks like she could barely hurt a fly." The Skirmisher said as he set down his hammer. "Though, I'd definitely tap that." He chuckled darkly.

"You idiots. There's no way she became a harbinger based on her looks." The Cicin Mage hissed.

"Have you not heard the rumors? The recruits that came with them from Liyue kept hearing... noises from her room. Maybe you do have a chance." The Pyro Agent laughed.

The mage was the first one to see Childe coming down the hallway. Anger and fury painted the eleventh harbinger's features. She gulped as she threw her hands in the air. "M-Master Childe! I--I didn't say anything. I'm not a part of this conversation!!" She profusely proclaimed as she physically distanced herself from her colleagues.

Childe could barely control his temper. He didn't know where to even start. Was he upset that these recruits were not respecting his fellow comrade? Or was he angry that these grunts thought they even had a chance with his sweetheart? Either way, he was absolutely livid.

The other three recruits immediately fell on their knees, begging for forgiveness.

"Who are you to doubt and disrespect her Majesty?" He questioned dangerously. They were treading on thin ice.

"M-master Childe!! We would never question her Majesty. Please spare us." They pleaded.

"Do you not know that we, the harbingers, are handpicked by her Majesty the Tsaritsa? We are only but second to her, and are manifestations of her power and grace. How dare you pawns question and belittle her divine decision." He hissed. Childe never believed in corporal punishment within the ranks of the Fatui, but he could simply not leave this transgression be.

Yuria appeared from the corner, heels clacking on the ground as the three recruits realized just how deep they had dug their own graves. She had been on her way to consult with Childe until she had heard this tomfoolery. While Yuria was used to this, now that these three had been caught red-handed, they would have to be made an example of.

Yuria was never weak. Childe knew her appearance was but a facade, to get her prey to come closer until it was too late. Like him, she also had the heart of a warrior and was dedicated to hone her skills each passing day. But something about her seemed... different. Her eyes glowed momentarily as a strange haze surrounded the hallways. It was definitely not an elemental power. Neither was it from the abyss. Childe's mind recalled her father's words. Could this be the fox magic he spoke of?

"No, its okay. Go on." Yuria coaxed as she fluttered her eyelashes. "Tell me what you really think. Your innermost thoughts." She smiled poisonously.

It really was as if she cast some spell over them.