Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Even with those deadly heels of hers, Arlecchino could sneak up on you and the Traveller, and scare Paimon in the process. But maybe you liked the shivers that run up your spine the moment you realised she was there?

Of course, you wouldn't tell the Traveller that. You had been travelling with them and Paimon from the start, but... something about the Knave left your mind buzzing. They probably suspected something, since you completely forgot about that slice of cake you were supposed to be eatingwhen Neuvillette asked you all to protect Furina from the Fourth Fatui Harbinger in that meeting. She even questioned if the cake wasn't to your liking, but truth be told, you were too intrigued by her to realise you had been passed a slice.

The plan originally had you, the Traveller and Paimon distract The Knave while the others tried to help Clervie. Childe may have been enough of a distraction the first time, giving you three enough harbinger gossip to last a while. Especially about Harbingers you were yet to meet.

Arlecchino was exactly where you and your companions left her earlier in the evening. Stood on the small dock, looking out at the moon's glow on the waves.

"To what do I owe this honour, my dear guest. I was under the impression that you and your companions had retired for the night."

"It is difficult to sleep when your mind is full of questions. I'd rather not monologue, but with how you were diplomatically side-stepping Paimon and Childe earlier-" you shifted slightly on the crate as you sat down, "may I say what I want to say, regardless of whether you deem it fit to answer me?"

"It would depend on the contents of your words, would it not?" Arlecchino watched you carefully, how you kept your gaze on the horizon, before finally meeting her eyes. She could not see a trace of fear or intimidation, in fact, there was almost, amusement when looking at her?

"We first heard of you during our travels in Inazuma. We foiled some Fatui plots, including one to poison Watatsumi Island's lands, weave disruption and reignite the civil war. All to acquire more orphans... 'the teacher' used your name, but they weren't your plans. I went back to Inazuma for some errands recently, so I know. The plans were in the name of the previous Knave, one who had been defeated by a child of the House. One who took over the job and title. You."

Her eyes felt a tad more intense at the mention of the previous Knave, but you didn't flinch. Instead, you sighed, reflecting on another memory, "we met many a fatuus in the Chasm. They'd been trapped down there, their supplies cut off, unaware of the conflicts that had occured in Liyue Harbour. They were also from the House, Nikolay and Katarina..."

Arlecchino could see why you didn't expect her to answer, and how you held her gaze like you were looking for something, but you weren't really trying all the same. She'd seen it many times before.

"We met another fatuus, in Sumeru. He was under orders of Dottore to lure children out of a village, to try capture- it doesn't matter. The Traveller caught on, but we spared him his life. All we found in the desert was a tattered paper of his, and two Rifthounds nearby."

Her intrigue was piqued, but your manner of speaking was causing her patience to waver, yes, all of those you listed were from the House of the Hearth, but-

"I'll skip to my point, since I know you could try to crush my skull under your heel, or burn me up until not even ashes remain. Although harming a guest would be unfortunate and extremely impolite, and not to mention getting on the wrong side of 'the legendary blonde Traveller'... pff!" you almost laughed, before deciding to cut to the chase with a clearing of your throat.

"I want you to know that I'm not afraid of you."

"Oh really? Then, even if you were not my guest, I would call you a fool." Her tone dismissive, but you chose not to acknowledge it.

"There are bigger evils in this world, and beyond it, than you. And, in my opinion, there are far more worse parents out there, than your role as 'father'... Perrie-"

Her fingers were itching to clench, to clamp around your throat, but she had more self control than that. You were a guest, while you had been poking around this entire time, looking for a reaction. She would not give you that pleasure. The look in your eye at the mention of parents, however... did you know about Crucabena already? How-

"Clearly being awake at this time is having an effect on your words. You should return to your lodgings before your companions awaken and realise you are gone." Arlecchino watched you carefully, something about you was unsettling, moreso than how unsettling the Traveller could feel to most people, especially upon the first meeting. A product of not hailing from Teyvat...

"I've gone without sleep a lot longer than you would think. It took a long while to get the events of the cataclysm out of my dreams. The red skies, the crimson moon, the people of Khaenri'ah turning into hillichurls and other abyssal creatures... please keep an eye on your curse, I'd be gravely upset if that was to also become your fate." You jumped down from the crate, not caring that you had just given a major lore bomb about yourself to a Harbinger.

"The Traveller, as everyone seems to call them, knows my past. I actually met the twins before... heh, that's enough information for one night. I should stop interrupting your peace, especially since the breeze is nice." Your thoughts lingered on Venti for a second, before shaking your head, "I'll play the role of the polite guest, and take my leave before irritating my host. I apologise for taking up so much of your time. Feel free to follow me up with any questions you have at a later date."

"Should the time come, I will take you up on your offer. Perhaps the roles will reverse and you shall play host. But for now, I shall bid you goodnight, and hope that you return to you lodgings unharmed."

"Unharmed..." if your fatal flaw was hubris, you would have laughed at Arlecchino's term of phrase, but instead, you maintained her gaze a little longer, then nodded to yourself and took your leave.

The Knave didn't give you a second glance as you disappeared from view, heading back into Poisson. Most likely to run into your companions, who had probably woken up and found you gone by now.

That however was not her most pressing concern, Arlecchino acknowledged, wondering if the Fatui's intel on you was all wrong. Compared to the Fourth Descender, you had been deemed to be a small fish, but what you had said suggested otherwise. Just what were you, and why were you so interested in her?

Chapter Text

"How was your conversation with The Knave?" They asked you once Paimon was distracted enough with the prospect of Lyney cooking her breakfast.

"It bore small fruit. It seems I know more about her history than she does." You brought your cup up to your lips, "she knows something is off about me, but she's only touched the surface. Don't look at me like that, if she knows anything else about you, it'll be from the Director. I told you what I know, well, everything that your sibling allows me to, anyway."

The soft noise that escaped the Traveller's mouth at the mention of their sibling left your heart aching. "I'm sorry, I would tell you everything if I could, but... making more enemies of the divine is not on my bucket list. I mean it. I have faith in you, and that in the end, Teyvat's fate is yours to-" you cut yourself off as Lyney, Lynette and Freminet came into earshot, deciding to finish your drink, then stand up.

"I'm going to get ready for the day." Your hand gently rested on the Traveller's shoulder, their hand reaching for yours as they gave you a look that left you nodding in understanding. One day, they would know the truth of this world... but finding out from your lips would do nothing but taint their beliefs.

Your disappearance gave the Traveller and Paimon time to question the three about Dottore. The 2nd Fatui Harbinger, the one who made your skin crawl, the one who you had to pretend to be asleep around, as you listened to Nahida bargain with him. Would the destruction of a gnosis awaken *them*? The destruction of one of the divine thrones didn't. The elemental authority returning to one of the dragon sovereigns didn't either.

"'Father' didn't come back last night. She's probably still near the shore. We'll be counting on you three to distract her." Lyney stated, his gaze flicking onto you as you walked over, covering your mouth with your hand as a yawn escaped you, "Lynette, you're with me. Freminet, you know what to do. Be on your guard, everyone."

A gentle breeze washed over you as you, Paimon and the Traveller exited Poisson, a soft chuckle escaping your lips. "The wind has ears."

"Paimon should be used to your weird sayings by now, but..." Paimon grumbled, falling quiet as Arlecchino came into view.

"Ah, it's you three. I must say, you look a bit pale. Did you have trouble sleeping last night?" The Knave's voice was emotionless, but an undertone of knowing was there, gently stabbing into her voice as you held back a smirk, giving her a look to challenge her. Did she dare mention your conversation last night?

This look of yours went ignored by her unfortunately, her gaze remaining on your companions instead, listening to their excuses and giving meaningful advice in return. Then came the stab.

"Although I must profess to being curious... without Childe here, how do you plan on distracting me? Unless your friend here has another card up their sleeve that is supposed to surprise me?"

"Am I really that boring that you've decided I'm not worth listening to anymore? What a shame..." you raised your arms in tired surrender, but the sparkle in your eyes failed to go unmissed by anyone.

"Your dramatics are not what I'd call entertaining." Arlecchino brushed you off, but regret began to poke at her, seeing the amused look on your face, "no matter, if you don't have any other plans, why don't you accompany me somewhere? Don't worry, I'll be sure to stay clear of any scheming children."

The rest of what Arlecchino said, well, you weren't one to admit you weren't exactly listening, your gaze remaining on her eyes, trying to see into her soul almost. "Looking into my eyes is ill-advised. I can't promise you'll like what you see."

"The same goes for you." The unsettling feeling of one who does not hail from Teyvat in the presence of those who do was only amplified as you stared Arlecchino down, your eyes almost looking like they were changing colour in the light for a moment. If she had less self-control, no doubt a shiver would have run down her spine. You were not normal. You were not of Teyvat. Did your will rival the world's? Just how long had you been here?

Only the oldest surviving Gods truly knew...

You only broke from your intense staring contest when Paimon whispered rather too loudly that things were getting uncomfortable, electing that the three of you would meet The Knave outside the Palais Mermonia.

"Good things come to children who do as they're told. So I do hope you decide to tag along... if only for your friends' sakes." Arlecchino's attempt at a warning only made you have to struggle to hide a laugh.

The Traveller had seen the birth and death of stars themselves... and you were far from a child. Despite the Traveller being older than you, you had been on Teyvat for far longer than either of the twins...

Well, as long as the fact that the twins arrived around the Cataclysm 500 years ago remained true. What's 500 years to your estimated 2,600? Wait, how long ago was the Archon War again?

"Don't bother with the bird. She'll catch it quicker than a cat preying on a mouse." You stated, hoping that your friend would heed your advice, instead of risking the poor creature falling into The Knave's cursed hands.

///

Arlecchino's rules and stances were improved versions of Crucabena's. Of course, it had been a pain to try dig up any information of that witch of a woman. You even resorted to going to Sumeru while your companions were in the Fortress, asking the erased 6th Harbinger for what he knew.

Maybe you were biased. Having spent time in Khaenri'ah during the Crimson Moon Dynasty, witnessing it fall, and the rise of the Eclipse Dynasty. The twins... the Vinster King wanting you to be the consort to his heir, the abyss sibling. You refused the notion entirely, and the abyss twin... you were too young for them, they harboured nothing for you but the care an older sibling would give to a younger one.

That was one of the secrets you were keeping from the Traveller. You were at ground zero for the cataclysm, and stuck outside while the King took their sibiling to...

"Traveller, your companion, are they well?" Iudex Neuvillette turned his head, pausing the discussion with the Knave in favour of checking on your well-being.

Paimon hovered around you in concern, Arlecchino even glanced at you from the corner of her eye, but you continued to stare into space, until the Traveller gently placed their hand on your shoulder.

"Hm? Oh... apologies. Too many thoughts in my mind at once."

Neuvillette meerly nodded, offering you some water from Liyue to refresh your mind, which you were grateful to accept.

However, the rest of the conversation between Arlecchino and the Iudex went quickly over your head. The analogy of water tasting wasn't something you could process quickly enough, deciding to personally process the taste of the water from Liyue instead of whatever the Knave wanted to arrange...

"Alright, you three, time to go."

Your gaze flickered to the Iudex as you followed the Knave out the door, but you kept quiet, deciding anything said now would be pointless.

///

"Something on your mind?"

"You asked the Traveller to lend their hand to the House when the time comes. You didn't ask me, but you'll receiving an answer nonetheless. If I deem it necessary, I will intervene. Bare in mind, I know your bloodline better than you do." Your voice filled with a venom that left the Traveller and Paimon exchanging glances, Paimon's full of concern, but the Traveller kept up a pokerface. You held back your power, they knew this, and they knew you knew that they held back their power too...

"Just how familiar with my bloodline do you claim to be?"

"Familiar enough that had I known that a child from the Crimson Moon dynasty had survived after all this time, I would have taken you with me without hesitation. Unfortunately, the past is in the past. Time belongs to the Shade, and her Children." If Paimon could have spluttered a drink at that statement, she would have, but instead she hid her face in her newspaper, trying to calm down.

"Tell me, what business do you have with the Crimson Moon dynasty?" Arlecchino was quick to question you, but you didn't back down.

"I was there even after it fell, ask your Director for his version of the details, Peruere. I'll peer review them" You smirked slightly as the child of the Crimson Moon dynasty held back an uncharacteristic huff.

"You expect me to believe you?"

"Believe what you want. If I say anything more, I'll give Paimon a migraine." You only shrugged, going to sit on a piece of the ruins, while the Traveller and Paimon stood there, wondering what in the abyss had just happened, as the Knave began to explain her past.

Paimon's view of the world was too innocent. That was all you could conclude as she learned more about the past House of the Hearth. It was selfish of you to say aloud you would have taken Peruere away from the House of the Hearth, leaving the rest of the children to suffer under Crucabena's hand... but revealing your power through conversation was not how you wanted to reveal it.

The Traveller and yourself were so much more unfazed than Paimon when it came to topics such as murder, or death.

"Peruere won the battle and became a Harbinger herself, after which Her Majesty The Tsaritsa bestowed upon her a new name... Arlecchino." She took a moment before glancing over at you, "your friend over there figured it out a while ago... I do wonder how you did it, but no matter. I left the name Peruere behind a long time ago, I must say, hearing it now... does bring back memories."

Playing with your fingers, you continued to listen to the changes that Arlecchino put into place with her rise to the rank of the Fourth Fatui Harbinger, and her curse. But you were all too familiar with that... the entities made from the flames, less so, but you knew of rumours from back then.

Footsteps approaching caught your attention, you rolled your eyes as you looked towards Arlecchino, "and to think, you called me dramatic."

You, Traveller and Paimon remained silent as the children of the House of the Hearth arrived from Poisson, turning on each other quickly. The children who wished to be Fatui, and the ones who wanted to live normal lives...

From trying to find a descender, to raising child soldiers, the House of the Hearth hadn't really changed. Based on your past experiences with those from the House of the Hearth, all these young Fatui would end up dead one way or another...

The Traveller looked to you, how your hands were clenching in and out of fists, but there was a look in your eye as you met their's. What were you up to? Oh...

All it took was one small nod for them to understand, stepping forwards into the fray, a duel, Lyney, Lynette and Freminet vs their 'Father'.

"I'd like to see for myself what the Fourth of the Fatui Harbingers can do." Your friend revealed their dull blade, much to you rolling your eyes. No doubt they'd not use any elemental powers in this fight either...

"Are you going to do something? Huh, where'd they go?" Paimon gasped as she realised you had moved from your seat on the rubble, but the duel had already begun.

Her attacks were focussed on her vision-holding children, and your friend, leaving you a chance to check in on the bystanding children, who only watched in fear of the results of this duel.

"'Father' said you weren't a fighter like the Traveller..." one of them whispered as you patted their head.

"Always hide your ace with a straight face." You whispered back, turning on your heel as the sky turned red, reminding you of the Cataclysm, before your gaze locked on Peruere, Cinder of Two Worlds' Flames. So she had learned that much about her power, hm?

Your friend going toe to toe with her caught your eye next, but you couldn't help but let out a huff. Power over five of the seven elements of Teyvat, and doesn't use any of them... their sword skills were not lacking however, although that dull blade wasn't helpful at all.

Your feet carried you forwards without thinking as you witnessed Freminet's blocking the incoming attack, Lyney falling to the ground. and Freminet twisting his claymore at the last second of his and Lynette's attack. The boy could not hurt his 'father', despite fighting for his siblings' lives...

"Father, no!"

The children fell to the floor in horror, the fighters tangled up in Arlecchino's trap, while you stood still, keeping them behind you.

The Traveller was quick to break out of the trap, taking the Knave off-guard.

"Made it out, did you?" She sounded almost proud in that moment, "you're stronger than I expected-"

Her eyes began to close, but a flash of silver overpowered the red glow from her eyes, her domain expansion overpowered, as she spotted you standing in front of her, the Traveller standing behind you in shock.

"The Crimson Moon has long set, the red skies have cleared, and the Eclipse has finished. Enough. You've made your point. Let the golden sun rise on a new day." Your voice was void of all emotion, the crimson moon behind you fading to a black sun, before a golden glow radiated over the three of you, just like you said.

"A Crimson... Moon?" Your friend whispered behind you, but you didn't turn your back on Arlecchino, who glanced over every inch of you, trying to figure you out.

You were quick to turn the perception of the environment for the three of you back to normal, Arlecchino changing back to her normal form too.

"To think, all intelligence the Fatui gathered suggested you were a powerless nomad..." She remarked, before moving over to where her children were quivering on the floor, "I believe we can end things here. It's not often we get to enjoy the company of guests after all. We wouldn't want things to get too out of hand."

Arlecchino walked away as she began to monologue, spotting you move back to sit on the rubble again, listening to her talk. Bottled flames that would burn away the children's memories of the House of the Hearth. An execution to kill their childhoods, giving them new identities without the Fatui baggage...

///

Eventually, the children headed back to Poisson, leaving Clervie to come out of hiding to talk.

"You alright?" you whispered to your friend, who only nodded in response, before giving you a look, "what? Did you think I'd seriously let you fight her alone? That move I interrupted, plus seeing the Crimson Moon? Nothing good would have come from it for you. Besides... maybe getting a new sword, since you don't use your elemental powers much."

You kept quiet after that, hearing Peruere talk to the six year old version of Clervie about what had happened up until her death, and after...

Clervie's desire for freedom, yet the heavens did not give her an anemo vision. Was it not enough? This girl died to be free... just like Tadhla...

Paimon poked you in the shoulder, " why don't you tell Clervie about Khaenri'ah, before y'know..."

"Khaenri'ah was a nation that strived to be better than nations ran by the Archons, each dynasty favoured different techinques to rise above the other nations, a Godless nation, but it was full of promise. Before it's destruction, there was glory and beauty, a lot of the people were talented, and so many innocent..." you side-eyed your friends, "did you skip Fontaine or something? My knowledge of Natlan is kind of outdated, and you've not been there yet. Oh, you should tell her about the auroras in Snezhnaya." You directed your comment towards Arlecchino, who raised an eyebrow at you, "I could, but it would mean more coming from you."

"Perrie, you've seen the auroras?" Clervie turned to her childhood friend, all grown up, but time was running out as the sun began to rise.

"Clervie... the aurora in Snezhnaya was just as beautiful as the ones in the pictures." Arlecchino cleared her throat, "now, you've worked tiredlessly from the shadows to overthrow the House of the Hearth. By my authority as The Knave, I shll announce how this matter will end. You are hereby expelled from the House of the Hearth. You are no longer tied to this place, nor are you bound by its rules."

Closing your eyes, you let out a breath as you felt the sun's glow and warmth on your skin. Clervie was finally free...

///

"You're still here?" Arlecchino turned to where she heard your footsteps approaching her in the ruins.

"I prefer not leaving things left unsaid unless extremely necessary." You folded your arms, staring at the sky before turning towards her.

"In another world, Stuzha translates to cold... this project, I don't like it one bit. Have you ever been to Dragonspine, or the depths of the Chasm, Sumeru's Desert, or Tsurumi Island? Each place has had a celestial nail sent down from the heavens, destroying the civilisation present and wrecking the environment there in the process." You let out a breath, steeling your emotions, "let me ask you, what is stopping *them* from waking up and sending more nails crashing down, into the most populated areas of Teyvat? What is stopping *them* from waking up and bringing about another curse? This time, all those who falter from belief in the Gods be turned into an abyssal creature, or cursed with immortality like those purely from Khaenri'ah? What will happen to the memories of everyone in Teyvat once Dottore burns Irminsul to cinders?" you caught her attention at the mention of the 2nd Fatui Harbinger. Her hatred for him was nearly on par with your own." What will happen when everyone in Teyvat is dead, and everything is destroyed, and only the Traveller, myself and their sibling are left? We will leave for the next world, and you will all dust and memories."

"Your point?"

"When it all hits the fan. Your best bet is the Traveller." Your eyes lingered on the sky, or maybe something beyond it...

"And what of you? What is your role in all of this? You demonstrated power beyond their capabilities today, yet you encourage me to change sides to your friend's instead?"

"I am not meant for this world. Not like they are. I never was. That throne in the sky is not meant for me. The throne of Khaenri'ah wasn't either, but I never wanted it anyway. I just wanted a home." Shaking your head, you took a step back, "take care of yourself, Peruere... I don't want to imagine how poorly I'll handle it when more people I care about die."

Arlecchino only watched as you walked away, processing what you just said. A sense of calm washed over here the further that you walked... that unsettling feeling leaving her alone. You were definitely more powerful than the Fatui thought, the true Fourth Descender. One who had witnessed so much, yet continued to hide in the shadows, stewing in your thoughts and waiting for the apocalypse. Did the Traveller know the extent to how your mind worked?

She needed to talk to Pierro.