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Chapter Text

Once upon a time, there was the beautiful land of Tevat. Within Tevat were 7 nations, one of the most prosperous being that of Liyue. The king and queen of Liyue were beloved by their people, and a heir from the two was greatly anticipated.
But the Liyuen queen was ill, and had been for as long as anyone could remember. She had never been healthy enough to carry a child.
Some called her sudden recovery a miracle, some called it a blessing, some refused to believe that their queen who had been sick for as long as anyone could remember, had finally recovered.
Naturally, when the announcement of the queen's pregnancy was made, the people of Liyue rejoiced.
The celebration was short-lived. Within a month of the announcement, the queen's illness returned, and worse than it had ever been. The medication that used to keep the worst of it at bay ceased to work. The queen was soon on her deathbed, and her unborn child with her.
The king called upon ancient folklore and the citizens of Liyue for aid. The old tales tell of the healing abilities of a Wild Glaze Lily. Not the ones you could find all around the land and in the harbor, but a true Wild Glaze Lily, rumored to be long extinct.
For 5 days, not only all of Liyue, but adventurers from all over traveled in hope to find the mythical flower, and also the reward one could acquire by bringing it before the king. On the morning of the sixth day, a blond haired traveler, accompanied by a strange white haired fairy, and claiming to hail from another world, brought the flower before the queen and king.
The flower was laid in a bowl of water, and as soon as the queen brought the golden liquid now surrounding the flower to her lips, she began to heal. The queen’s recovery was miraculous, within days, the queen was healthier than she had ever been. The queen, and even more so the king, were eternally grateful to the traveler, and offered anything the traveler could want in addition to the reward.
If you were to believe the stories, then the traveler didn’t accept the reward, asking only for assistance in searching for a missing twin.

But those are just the stories.

After receiving the healing power of the flower, the queen was advised to continue drinking the elixir by her doctors, and so she did. For 8 months, the flower lived in the bowl, never wilting, always blessing the water added to its pool with the same golden hue and restorative powers. Plans were made to use this power for the good of the kingdom, but they were never able to come to fruition.
Because the second the prince was born, the flower wilted, the water surrounding it returning to its original state. If you were to listen to the stories, the flower wilted because its power was transferred to the newborn prince, who’s hair shined as if it was copper under the sun, and who’s eyes were brighter than any gold the land could ever produce.

But those are just the stories.

Because no one but the king, queen, and the doctor ever saw the prince. As soon as the doctor had left, as the king prepared to make the announcement that the prince had been born, as the queen prepared to settle down with her newly born son, the window was thrown open by a cloaked stranger with long blue hair tucked into their hood, who came in, grabbed the prince and escaped into the night.

All of Liyue searched for the missing prince, surrounding nations scoured the countryside and searched every traveler. But to this day, no one has seen the prince since that first night.

Unknown to everyone, there was a creature of old called Osial. This creature was as old as Liyue itself, it had lived countless lives, over countless centuries. The key to their longevity? The Glaze lily. The last wild Glaze Lily in all of Tevat. It had been taken from Osial, and they were sure they would get it back.
But unlike the rest of Liyue, Osial understood how the Glaze Lily’s magic worked, they understood that the magic would no longer be in the flower, but in the newborn child.

Chapter Text

Deep in the jungles of Sumeru, where only the forest rangers would occasionally wander past, was a tower. This tower was built of old stone, and looked almost abandoned. Of course, the forest rangers knew better, they knew there was a kind, and quite smart (if a bit odd) person who lived in the tower. They were shockingly young to be as much of a recluse as they were. With a garden around back, and a small chicken coop up front, they hardly ever had to leave the tower. 

Whenever their patrol route brought them past, the forest rangers would stop by, usually the owner would have some papers for the forest rangers to take up to the acidemia for review, or maybe a return or request for the library. The rangers didn’t mind, the tower was always a good place to take a rest during patrol, the owner was always welcoming, and had the sweetest little boy who was always a joy to be around.

There was no reason to suspect anything else of the quaint little tower.

1 year after the prince’s disappearance 

Osial sat the small child on their lap, reaching to their side to grab the small brush they kept on hand. The boy’s hair was still quite short, it really did not need brushing, but it was a part of the spell, so even if the boy’s hair barely reached the top of his neck, Osial would still brush it. As Osial began to sing and brush the boy’s hair, it began to show streaks of gold throughout his hair, like bronze under the sun. If Zhongli’s eyes were open, they would be glowing golden too, but Osial saw no need to wake the sleeping child.

“Flower gleam and glow, Let your power shine,

Make the clock reverse, bring back what once was mine.

Heal what has been hurt, Change the fate's design.

Save what has been lost, Bring back what once was mine.” 

3 years after the prince’s disappearance

Zhongli lay asleep in Osial’s lap as they gently brushed through the boy’s long brown hair. It had grown quite a bit, if Zhongli wanted to cut it when he was older, Osial would let him, it would have no effect on the magic, but for now, he just wanted to enjoy brushing Zhongli’s hair and taking care of him. He loved this boy like a son. At first, he had no motivation other than the power that lay in the boy’s eyes and hair. But now, as Osial held the sleeping child that they had raised, they felt like they were this boy’s parent. They loved Zhongli more than anything, and they would never let anything happen to him. No matter what that meant doing.

4 years after the prince’s disappearance 

“Osial?” Zhongli asked, watching his caretaker work at his desk.

“Yes my dear? Osial questioned, not looking up from his paper.

“Why can’t I go outside?” Zhongli asked

At this Osial paused, put down their quill, getting up to kneel down to Zhongli’s level, and taking Zhongli’s hands in their own.

“Because Zhongli, people outside are horrible , vile creatures, who will do nothing but hurt you and those you love. It’s not safe for you out there, your delicate. You would be eaten up in an instant”

Zhongli thought for a moment……”but what about the forest rangers? Their very nice when they stop by!”

Osial hummed, “well Zhongli, that’s okay because I’m here to protect you from them.”

Zhongli nodded, “okay Osial!” At that Osial smiled, ruffling Zhongli’s long hair, “that’s my boy. Are you bored? Have you already finished the book I gave you? Why don’t we talk about it”

9 years after the prince’s disappearance 

Zhongli spent most of his time reading. Osial was usually busy with his work, writing and reviewing papers for the academia. Sometimes, Osial would even let Zhongli read the papers, most of them were strictly off limits, but where he did get to read them, it just about made his week.

Because Osial was usually busy, Zhongli spent most of his time reading and rereading everything from Osials library. Math, science, classics, fantasy, Zhongli would devour any literature he got his hands on.

But when Osial wasn’t busy, they would tell zhongli stories, like they were doing right now. Osial’s stories were Zhongli’s favorite. Osial had so many stories, more than anyone could possibly count, and Osials stories were more exciting than any book he could ever find on the book shelf.

“Any other stories you would like to hear, my dear?” Osial asked, stroking Zhongli’s hair as he drank tea from his mug

Zhongli hummed- “Osial, are you my mommy?”

Osial sputtered, setting down the tea, “I- well I guess I am Zhongli”

“Hmmm, okay” Zhongli said, laying his head on Osial’s chest and closing his eyes.

15 years after the prince’s disappearance 

Zhongli was bored. He’s read every book at the tower multiple times over, he has most of them memorized. The only times he gets something new to read is when the forest rangers come with new books for Osial. He used to be able to talk to and visit with the forest rangers, but not anymore. Osial said it’s too dangerous, and that he needs to stay in his room when they're over.

It’s a shame, he especially enjoyed talking to the head forest ranger, Tighnari. Tighnari knew everything there was to know about the forest, he was really the only person Zhongli could ever have called a friend. But Osial didn’t like how close they were getting, and now Zhongli’s back to being alone.

Zhongli wants more than anything to have something to do, but whenever he brings anything up to Osial, it’s only promises of more books from the library next time, and “mother knows best”.

17 years after the prince’s disappearance 

Zhongli was downstairs making breakfast for Osial and him when he heard the tell-tale sound of the door unlocking. When he heard the door open, he didn’t even need to check who it was before he greeted Osial. 

Osial is the only person with the key to the tower, no one else can get in or out without him opening the door, so of course it was Osial.

“Hello darling, I’m back.” Osial said, setting down the basket full of groceries they had.

“Hello Osial” Zhongli chimed, not looking up from the cutting board 

“Your cooking? What’s the special occasion?”

“The lantern rite, I figured we could celebrate?”

Osial rolled his eyes and visibly cringed, “if you insist. But truly, that’s all nonsense, don’t concern yourself with it.”

Zhongli sighed, Osial had the same reaction every time Zhongli mentioned celebrating anything. 

“Why do you insist on celebrating this meaningless holiday? All you need is here, within these walls, honestly Zhongli.” Osial said and he came up and hugged Zhongli from behind.

For a long time, Zhongli had been taller than Osial. It was something Osial clearly hated, always dropping comments like, ‘aren’t you supposed to be my darling little boy? Look at you. Tall as a tree.’ or ‘I honestly need to stop feeding you. Look at how tall you’ve grown. Unacceptable.’

“We could release lanterns this ye-“

“Everything I do for you, and it’s still not enough.” 

“No no no Osial- I didn’t mean it like that, I promise” Zhongli said, hurriedly dropping the knife into the cutting board and turning around to properly embrace Osial.

“I gave up studying in the acidemia for you, do you know how well off I could be right now? But instead, I came here to take care of you. Honestly, you were such a weak child, you wouldn’t last a moment without me.”

“I’m sorry Osial-“ Zhongli started, before he smelled the distinct smell of something burning

“Oh archons- the bread” Zhongli thought as he scrambled to try to grab the pan out of the oven. In his haste, he forgot to grab the pot holder and grabbed the pan. The pain was almost instant, the pan fell and clattered on to the floor as Zhongli hissed and drew his burnt hand to his chest.

Osial merely chuckled, “see my flower? Point proven. Now let me help you with that dear.”

Zhongli nodded- Osial was right, he wasn’t very smart, and Osial said he was much too trusting and painfully naive. He wouldn’t last more than a few days by himself. Even if Osial left for a day- they would come back and immediately be able to pick out a dozen things Zhongli had done wrong or missed. ‘Did you eat lunch today? You weren't hungry? Nonsense. I’ll make you food, can you not even tell when it’s time to feed yourself? Well, it’s okay, that’s what I’m here for’ ‘you spilled water all over! What if you slipped and fell??? What would I do? Do you know how painful it would be for me to lose you? Honestly.’ ‘Darling, your hair is a matted mess, let me fix it for you. I thought you could handle yourself for just a few hours- but apparently not. I’m just glad you didn’t burn the place down.

19 years after the prince’s disappearance 

Zhongli heard the tell-tale sound of Osial starting to unlock the door and vaulted out of his bed and down the spiraling stairs, “Osial! Wait!” He yelled, just as Osial was about to step out.

“Ah, Zhongli, I was just leaving to get groceries for the month, do you need something?”

Zhongli paused, suddenly nervous-

“Come on Zhongli, I’ve got to go, out with it.” Osial said, motioning with their arms to hurry up and say whatever Zhongli was going to

“Osial- may I come with you to get groceries?” Zhongli asked quietly. At this Osial sighed, stepping back in, shutting and locking the door behind them.

“You want to go outside? Oh, why Zhongli, look at you, you're as fragile as a flower, still a little sapling, you're just a delicate sprout. You know exactly why we stay up in this tower.” Osial said, stepping up to Zhongli to bush a strand of hair behind his ears. “-I know, but…”

Zhongli was cut off by Osial- “That's right, to keep you safe my dear.”

“I guess I always knew this day was coming. I knew that soon you'd want to leave the nest-“

“I- Osial- I don’t want to leave- I just want to see what it’s li-“

“Trust me dear, Mother knows best. Listen to your mother. It's a scary world out there. Your mother knows best.”

“One way or another, something will go wrong, I swear. Monsters, the plague, ruffians, thugs, poison Ivy, quicksand, cannibals, and snakes, we stay here to keep you safe, and now you just want to throw it all away?”

“But Osial- I'll be right with you-”

“Just stop, no more, you'll just upset me. Mother's right here, mother will protect you. 

On your own, you won't survive. You're dim, underdressed, immature, clumsy, gullible, naive, ditzy, and getting a bit chubby. They'll eat you alive. Darling, here's what I suggest, and I’m only saying this because I love you. Stay here, with me, where I can keep you safe.”

As Osial finishes Zhongli stays quite, Osial smiles and ruffles Zhongli’s hair, “And Zhongli?”

“Yes Osial?”

“Don't ever ask to leave this tower, ever again.”

Zhongli flinches at Osial’s harsh tone, “Yes, Osial.” He says quietly, staring at the floor

“Ah, I love you very much my dear.” Osial says, giving Zhongli a kiss on the forehead as they once again make their way to the door. “I’ll be back before dinner Zhongli! Be careful!”

And just like that, Zhongli was alone.

Chapter Text

“No, no no. Signora, this is bad, this is really bad, This is really really bad.” Childe said, running his hand through his hair “They just can't get my nose right.” 

Signora turned to him with a look that could kill. No scratch that, it could kill, dismember, encase in cement, and throw to the bottom of Liyue Harbor. 

“We are in the middle of the fucking rain forest because of you. We have not eaten. We are dehydrated. I slept on the fucking ground last night. We are on the fucking run from multiple groups. And you still manage to be vain? Over your own god damn wanted poster?? You fucking rat.” Signora spat out from the log she was perched on by the dying fire.

Childe rolled his eyes, “and you act like you're better than me. I saw you pitch that hissy fit when my bounty was higher than yours” 

Signora was about to respond with something (undoubtedly unkind), until she froze, a look of panic flying across her face. 

“What? You look-“ Childe started, before Signora lunged forward and clamped a hand over his mouth, pulling him down next to her and hissing the word “Listen.”

That's when Childe heard it, voices.

“Collie! Over here, don’t wander off!” 

“Yes master Tighnari!”

The first voice was that of a young man or woman, but the second was undeniably that of a young girl, not a child, but by no means an adult.

Signora’s hand moved from Childe’s mouth as she slowly crept up and out of the small depression in the forest floor that they had set up camp in. As soon as Signora's head cleared the top, she immediately darted back down, the panic on her face clearly evident as she whispered “FOREST RANGERS.”

And with that, Childe was about to panic too. They should’ve been more vigilant, they were in the Avidya Forest, the goddamn head quarter of the forest rangers, but they let their guard down, and now they're too close for Signora and Childe to sneak away unnoticed. Childe hurriedly opened the satchel at his side, pulling out the item they were both risking their lives for, the Liyuen royal crown. Their original plan involved going northwest from Liyue, so they could travel through rural Mondstad till they reached Snezhnaya, but their plan got derailed when Childe fucked up, leading to the Millelith chasing them east, way off their planned trajectory. To make matters worse, the Millelith just wouldn’t give up. Not only were they chased all through the Chasm, but some Millelith forces were even granted permission to continue into Sumeru, along with the Corps of Thirty and the forest rangers joining the hunt. Not to mention every mercenary in all of Tevat.

Their new plan involved going north, through Sumeru, along the Fontain-Mondstad border, and then into Shezhaya.

“Signora, you take it, I’ll draw their attention and you sneak away, we’ll rendezvous at the Gandha Hill Underpass in 3 days” Childe said as he shoved the artifact into Signora’s hands. They both knew Signora was the better choice to carry the crown if they were to split up, she was cunning, better at navigating the forest, and less well known than Childe. (Not to say she was worse, (if anyone, that would be Childe) they were just different. Childe was the type to go charging in, using his brute strength and combat abilities to make up for his complete and utter lack of stealth. Where as Signora? No one she went after would know what hit them for weeks) and as much as Childe and Signora may fight, they did care for eachother, Signora was the closest thing Childe had to a friend.

Signora nodded at Childe, putting the crown into her own bag, “hey Childe, I’ll fucking kill you if you don’t make it.”

To that, Childe grinned and gently shoved Signora's shoulder, “if I died, who would be there too annoy you?” He said, getting into a crouching position. At first he waited, maybe the forest rangers would go the other way? But apparently, one of them heard him moving around, because suddenly the footsteps stopped, “Collie, hold on a second, I think I heard something.” One of the voices said, as the footsteps resumed, but this time, more cautious, and directly towards them.

Childe ran to the side of the forest rangers, trying to get them to follow him so they wouldn’t see where Signora was hiding. Or at least he tried too, because he took about 5 steps and fell face first over a root. As he pushed himself up and looked to his side, he saw two surprised faces looking directly at him. ‘Well, at least their distracted’ Childe thought.

The first of the two was relatively short, she had long green hair, a dendro vision, and carried a bow on her back, Childe assumed that one was Collie. The other one, presumably the one the other called master Tighnari, had straight black hair down to his chin, with a few bits of green framing his face, he also carried a bow and dendro vision.

“Master Tighnari- that’s the man the Millelith-“

“Stay back Collie. I’ll take care of this” The man said, putting his arm in front of the younger and stepping forward.

“You are being placed under arrest by the forest rangers in the name of Lord Kusanali, I urge you to come peacefully and not attempt to resist.” The man drew his bow and held an arrow, ready to draw and fire at a moment's notice.

At this point, Childe decided to run. Childe was fast, he knew he could lose the forest Ranger, but as he looked back, where he had to carefully place every step to avoid falling, the ranger didn’t even look down. He moved through the forest like it was second nature, darting around, over, and under anything and everything in his path. Childe doubled down, running faster, taking bigger steps, riskier jumps. Until suddenly, he heard the tell tale sound of an arrow whizzing past his head.

At that point, it became clear to Childe that he would have to do something about the ranger following him. He may be faster, but it was clear this man was much better at avoiding the obstacles of the forest.

When Childe turned around, drawing power from his vision to form double blades of water, the man was already on top of him, about to fire a second shot, but Childe was quicker. This man may know the forest like the back of his hand, but he was no match for Childe when it came to combat. He hit the man with the but of his blade, sending him flying back and into a nearby tree, the man yelped and started coughing, the wind knocked out of him, and Childe took that opportunity to try to lose the man in the forest again.

This time, he had a head start, so before he knew it, he was far enough ahead that he could think about finding a place to hide. Unfortunately, the forest didn’t have much to offer. Until he reached a small clearing, where Childe saw a small tower. He would’ve thought it abandoned if it wasn’t for the small chicken coop and garden around it, but that didn’t matter, someone lived here! Maybe someone who would let him lay low inside for a few hours!

Right as Childe was about to knock on the door, he heard the forest ranger shuffling through the brush.

“Shit, I swear he went this way” ‘Okay. No time to try this’ Childe thought, running around back to look for a second entrance.

After Osial had left that morning, Zhongli really didn’t feel like doing much. Regardless, he knew he should at least try to clean up a bit before Osial came back. The dishes from when Zhongli attempted to make dinner last night were still soaking in the sink.

There weren't many, just two bowls, some cutlery, and The Pan.

The Pan and Zhongli did not get along. Ever since it gave him a nasty burn back when he was 17, and you can still see the scar. Ever since then, that pan has had it out for him. Everytime he uses it, something goes wrong, without fail. 

Zhongli was dragged out of his thoughts by an odd scratching sound coming from behind him, but when he turned around, nothing was there, just the old window.

So he turned back, but then Zhongli heard it again, but ignored it, and heard it again, and ignored it. Finally turning around, but still seeing nothing. Zhongli sighed, he was imagining things. This was dumb, why was he so on edge? 

While he was distracted, the pan he was rinsing began to over fill, spilling all over the counter and floor. “Shit.” Zhongli said, turning off the water to go get some hand towels to fix his mess.

When he came back down, it felt colder than he remembered. He soon saw why. The window was open.

Zhongli didn't even know the window could open. Who opened it? Was it Osial? Osial would just use the door- did someone break in?

Zhongli started shaking- someone could be inside- and Osial wasn’t here. What should he do? 

Zhongli slowly crept into the kitchen, looking around for something to use as a possible weapon, he ended up grabbing The Pan. It wasn’t the best, but he didn’t want to make a bunch of noise opening the cabinets.

With The Pan clutched tightly in his hands, Zhongli turned around, determined to check for someone inside.

Childe had scrambled through the window just in time, he could hear the forest rangers footsteps getting closer and closer.

The window was weird, at first he thought it couldn’t open, but upon closer inspection, it could open, just not from the inside. Regardless, he was able to pick the lock, and managed to slip into the window just before the forest ranger saw him.

Judging by half washed dishes in the sink, someone was definitely home. Maybe whoever was here stepped out? Should Childe risk introducing himself? They may turn him into the forest rangers. But on the other hand, if he hid and the occupants found him, then they would definitely report him to the rangers. Childe opted for the first option, stealth not being his strong suit. The thing is, he didn’t see anyone to introduce himself to. 

The tower was tall. Very tall. Looking up, Culde could see spiraling stairs leading to a second floor, and judging from the height of the tower, there were likely more than two.

The bottom floor was split into two rooms by a wall that came about two-thirds of the way into the room, but then stopped. The first room was some combination of a kitchen and living room, there was a wood stove, a small kitchen area, along with a table, rocking chair, and a fireplace. The other room was clearly a study, the walls were stacked with more books than should be possible, and even then, the books overflowed, there were stacks of books surrounding the desk (which itself was overflowing with papers). Childe walked into the other room and to the desk, scanning the papers at the top of them mess, “Quantum Aspects of the Art of Khemia”

Hearing the sound of the floor creaking, Childe spun around, only to be confronted by a man with long black hair falling loosely over his shoulders, and with the prettiest amber eyes Childe had ever seen. 

And also holding a cast iron pot and screaming bloody murder.

“AHHHHHH” the unknown man screamed, raising the pan,

‘Fuck. I should have hidden’ Childe thought as the pan came down on his head.

Chapter Text

Zhongli is freaking out. To say the least. There is a man in his house- a man he dosent know- who he just knocked out with The Pan. “Oh god- what if he dies?” Zhongli hissed under his breath, running up the stairs to get the first aid kit Osial kept in their room.

When he came back down, first aid kit in hand, he got his first proper look at the man.

He looked to be about the same age as Zhongli, he had bright orange hair, freckles, and his face was contorted into a look of pain as he slept. His clothes were quite dirty, his pants had a few tears along the bottoms, and anywhere not coverd by clothingwas coverd in scrapes and scratches, it look like he had taken a fall down a cliff. The clothes themeselves were too torn to be in any condition to be worn, but they looked to be a military uniform of some sort. The man also had a hydro vision on his person, witch Zhongli quickly grabbed and shut in a cubord.

Without his vision the man was probably safe. Probably.

Zhongli took a deep breath. Why couldn’t this happen when Osial was home? What was he supposed to do? Osial would know what to do- he has to do something, the man was bleeding  all over, and Zhongli really did not want to be the reason someone died. 

So he kneeled down, the first thing he noticed was a nasty wound on the man’s head, undoubtedly from when Zhongli hit him. A bruise was allready forming, and the skin was split, letting blood drip down onto the floor. 

Zhongli cleaned away the blood and disinfected the area as best he could, he carefully held the man’s hair out of the way as he wrapped a bandage around his forehead. After that he moved on to the smaller cuts on the man’s arms and legs.

He took care to clean, disinfect, and bandage each wound carefully, it was the least he could do. 

When Childe woke up, the first thing he noticed was that his head was throbbing. The second thing was that he was not alone, there wassomeone touching his right arm. The third thing was that hisvision was gone.

At that, Childe jumped up, grabbing the person’s arms and flipping them over so he sat on top of them. 

His head pounded at the sudden movement, and the man under him let out a startled yelp, but Childe ignored both, reaching into his pocket to grab his knife. He didn’t necessarily want to hurt the guy, but he took his vision.

“Where is my vision” Childe asked, holding the knife up to the man.

The man’s eyes were wide with fear, he sputtered out some attempts to answer (none of which were intelligible). Childe sighed and gently shook the man’s shoulder, asking again, in a calmer voice, “where did you put my vision?”

“Cabinet!” The man squeaked out, his eyes blown wide with fear.

Childe got off the man, grabbing him by the wrist to bring him with him to the kitchen, when he got there, he felt the familiar hum of his vision within range. As Childe walked forward, he zeroed in on one cabinet in particular, he could feel that his vision was close, almost definitely in the cabinet or one next to it. When he opened it, low and behold- his vision 

When he turned back around, the man hadn’t moved an inch, he looked frozen in place. Childe sighed at this, he really would never have gotten so rough if the man hadn’t taken his vision.

“Don’t you know not to take a vision from someone? That’s a good way to get hurt real bad real fast” Childe asked, folding the knife up and slipping it back into its assigned pocket..

“No- I apologize fo-“ 

“Say- do you have any pain medicine?” Childe asked, his brain already moving onto a completely new issue.

“We do, Osial has the key to the medicine cabinet, you'll have to wait for them to get back.” Zhonglj said, wringing his hands together

Childe sighed, leaning back onto the counter, looks like he’s stuck with the head ache. “My name's Childe, you?” 

“Zhongli-“

At the man’s name, Childe paused. Call it a gut feeling, but he continued his line of questioning.

“How old are you?”

“19”

“What’s your birthday?” 

“December 31st”

“Hey! You've got the same birthday as my little brother, Teucer!” Childe said, beaming at Zhongli

Zhongli’s eyes went wide at the mention of his brother, “You have siblings??”

Childe was grinning ear to ear, he could talk about his little sibling for hours . “Yep! Three of them! You want to see some pictures?” 

Zhongli nodded aggressively at that, shuffling over to Childe’s side as he pulled out a small pile of photos from his bag.

“This one is Teucer, he’s the youngest, but he's the sweetest kid you'll ever meet. Everytime I go back home, he always has a sweet little card or craft for me. This one’s Anthon, he’s sweet too, but he’s at that age where he has to act all tough, it’s really cute.” When Childe gets to the third photo he feels his smile slip a bit, Tonia. “That’s Tonia- she’s the oldest after me, I miss her the most. I don’t have favorites but, it breaks my heart that she had to grow up so fast- she never complains about a thing, she deserves so much better- they all do.”

When Childe looks back up at Zhongli, he can see Zhongli’s eyes trained on his frown, “Do you not see them often?”

“No, they live back in Snezhnaya, I get to visit them, and Tonia writes to me whenever she can, but I miss them more than anything.” Childe mentally shook himself, now’s no time to get all mopey. “You seem like you like kids, do you have any siblings?” He asked, plastering a grin on his face.

Zhongli’s face fell, “No- it’s just me and Osial, the forest rangers used to stop by, but Osial stopped letting me talk to them a while back.” 

“Why can’t you talk to them? Wait, who's Osial?” 

“Osial’s my mother, they raised me, I owe them everything-“ Zhongli said, walking over to a shelf and grabbing a small photo.

Childe couldn’t quite place it- but something was definitely off. The first person in the photo was obviously Zhongli, just about 15 years younger. Childe assumed the second person was Osial. They had long, dark blue hair that was pinned up with multiple ornate hair pins, and wore a hanfu that faded from white to a light blue with golden embroidery, and a darker blue collar. Childe was no expert in Liyuen culture, but knew enough to know that clothes like that were only worn by the wealthy. Even then, nothing that ornate without a special occasion. Even now, Zhongli’s clothes were not what you would expect for someone living in a place like this. Not to mention, the name Zhongli felt oddly familiar, but Childe was sure he knew no one with it. 

They dressed like they were nobility, but why would Liyuen nobility live in a tower in the middle of nowhere Sumeru? This tower was almost impossible to come across, their were no patches leading up to it, it was in the deepest part of the Avidya forest, Childe doubted anyone except the forest rangers could find it. Were they in exile? Hiding? 

“Hey Zhongli, why do you and Osial live all the way ou-“ Childe was cut off by knocking on the door. 

“Hello! It’s Tighnari, do you have a moment Osial? There’s something important I need to talk to you about!” 

Childe cursed under his breath, he must not have been out long, the forest ranger is probably here to see if Zhongli’s seen anything, and to warn him of Childe. 

Childe held his breath, waiting for Zhongli to go open the door, ready run for his life once more. Yet, to his suprise, Zhongli makes no move towards the door.

“Are you not going to open it?” Childe questioned, cocking his head at Zhongli.

“No, Osial says not to open the door when their not home” 

Childe scoffs, “your what, 19? Your old enough to open the door for people.”

“Osial says I can’t- they say it’s dangerous.”

The forest ranger knocks again, “Osial?? Are you not home?”

“Pffft. Whoever’s at the door obviously knows Osial, it’s fine”

“Osial says I can’t, outside the tower is dangerous. Even if I could, only Osial has the key” 

Everything about this situation was screaming at Childe, ‘something is not right here’. 

“Hey Zhongli, when was the last time you saw someone? Other than Osial?”

Zhongli turned to him, looking like everything was completely normal. “When the forest rangers visit, I used to be allowed to talk to Tighnari. Tighnari was the only one who ever came, I liked talking to him a lot. Last time I talked to him was probably when I was about 9.”

“Have you ever been allowed to leave the tower? If you wanted to?”

“Osial says it’s dang-“

Childe didn’t hear any of Zhongli’s words after that, this was wrong, something was not right, it was almost like Osial was hiding Zhongli.

Childe did not know what was happening here, and for now, he didn’t particularly care. He may not be an upstanding citizen in the eyes of the law, but he did fancy himself a good person.

“Zhongli, do you want to leave this tower?”

“But Osial-“

“Not what Osial says, do you want to leave here?”

At that, Zhongli’s face split into a smile that would put the sunrise off Starsnatch Cliff to shame.

“More than anything.”

Bonus~ 

Tighnari knew Osial well. They came and went, but whenever they did stop by, they were always a joy to talk too. They were a bit odd, they never stayed in the tower for more than a week at a time, before heading back to Liyue, but before he knew it, he was considering Osial a friend. 

One day, Osial disappeared. Tighnari didn’t notice till about 3 months in, usually Osial would come once every month, or if he was especially busy, every other month. So after 3 months, Tighnari was a bit worried. He let the issue lie though.

After 5 months, he was really worried, he didn’t have Osial’s Liyuen address, there wasn’t really anything to do. So he waited. 2 months passed, still no Osial. 

About 7 months after last seeing Osial, Tighnari had just about given up hope. Until one day, as he was on patrol, he came across a lost smiling Osial, wearing a long black cloak instead of his normal ornate dress, covered in cuts and bruises, and cradling a newborn child.

It turned out, Osial had a husband, and the reason for their disappearance was a pregnancy. Unfortunately, their husband did not take kindly to Osial being pregnant, explaining the horrible state Osial showed up in.

Tighnari didn’t even know Osial could get pregnant, or that they even had a husband, but how could he not help a friend in need?

So of course, Tighnari helped Osial find their way back to the tower, and since then, had been doing everything in his power to keep the two safe. He adored Zhongli, he brought piles upon piles of books for the little one to read, and Zhongli would always light up at the sight of him visiting. That kid could read better and faster than most scholars at the acidamia. 

Tighnari felt bad for Zhongli, he didn’t know much about the boy’s father, but he was told that he was a very powerful man, with connections all throughout Tevat. So Osial and Tighnari agreed that perhaps, it was best to shelter Zhongli from the world, at least until he was old enough to understand the situation.

Time went on, Tighnari met Cyno, Cyno found Collie, and suddenly Tighnari found himself taking care of two kids in hiding from powerful men. After getting Collie settled in, Tighnari planned on eventually introducing her and Zhongli. It would be good for both of them. Osial seemed estatic at the idea of having another kid for Zhongli to play with, the boy was really quite sweet, but his social skills were a bit of a sore area. Everything was going well, things were starting to look up for Osial and Zhongli, until Zhongli got sick.

Tighnari had knocked on the door, humming happily, everything seemed normal. 

Osial opened the door. They were crying. Zhongli was sick. Osial didn’t think he would make it. Nothing was going well.

Zhongli recovered, but Tighnari never saw him again. Whenever Tighnari would visit, Osial would say Zhongli was still too weak to see people, his health was too fragile. After a few years, Tighnari stopped asking whether he could see Zhongli, he was just grateful he was still alive. He still brought books, papers, anything he thought Zhongli may enjoy, and he still dose, even if he can’t see if the boy’s face lights up the same way it used too, or if he still squeals whenever he sees a book he’s particularly excited for.

Unfortunately, Zhongli was never sick, and Osial had never been pregnant, or even married. Unfortunately, Osial was not the friend Tighnari thought they were, and they wouldn’t notice it until it was much too late for the situation to be resolved peacefully.