My 13 due to merges - eyes flicked from Childe to Thoma, and finally, to the fighting ring where the rest of the class had completely gathered. Xiao was there too, and his cutting glare was aimed in our direction. Not wanting to get in trouble for slacking, I rolled my eyes and stepped between the two.

"Instructor Xiao is going to give us extra laps if we don't move. Whatever silent conversation you guys are having…well, stop it." Not bothering to see if either of them followed, I picked up my pace to join the others.

Xiao had already begun explaining today's lesson by the time I got within earshot. "It's important to know how to wield more than one weapon, to master a variety of fighting styles. You never know when your reliable claymore might get flung into the sea, only to be left with a bow and arrow to defend yourself."

Today, he wanted us to practice with any weapon besides the one of our own personal mastery. That meant no sword for me, I suppose.

"Pair with a student wielding a different weapon than yourself. You will teach your partner how to properly handle your own weapon while learning from them about theirs. This is a test of effective teamwork. I am giving you the option to choose your partner—make sure you are compatible."

Childe leaned close to me. "I'd say we're pretty compatible. Don't you agree?"

"Sure." I cast him a sideways glance, but Thoma wasn't there. "Where'd Thoma go?"

"Not sure."

"You know the drill," Xiao announced. "Weapons are on the rack. Archers at the range. Begin."

Childe took my shoulders in his hands and walked me over to the weapon racks—away from the crowd of students I was scanning. "What'll it be, girlie? Want me to show you the ropes first, or do you want to take a stab at teaching me the ways of the blade?"

I halted and pointed a finger. "Did you say something to scare him off?"

"Who?"

"Thoma. Don't play dumb—though I'd understand if it wasn't an act."

"You wound me, Lumi." He held a dramatic hand to his chest before gesturing in the direction of the claymore users. "Relax. He's over there, you see? Getting friendly with Miss Pyrotechnics."

Sure enough, I managed to spot Thoma with another student, each of them with a practice claymore in hand. He seemed to be struggling with the weight, but the girl—Xinyan—had an encouraging smile.

Childe slid into my line of sight, holding up two weapons. "I got us swords."

"I'm up first, then?" I accepted the sword and we walked together to an empty sparring circle. "How much do you know about swordsmanship?"

Childe lifted his weapon and twirled the hilt at an angle, his feet separating to widen his stance. I observed him in silence. Everything about his form—from his balanced weight and careful positioning—held enough information to tell me what I needed to know.

"You're good. Quite skilled, even."

He grinned. "You haven't even seen me in action yet. Why not we give it a go?"

"This isn't a sparring day." I smiled despite my words. "But I guess I could enlighten you."

Walking over to my half of the circle, I kept my eyes trained on his. After getting into position, I held my sword to the side, ready to launch at a moment's notice.

Childe winked and took off in my direction with a swift sprint. I met him in the middle, the dull thunk of our wooden blades was hard and sound. He'd come to spar with full energy, unyielding and on the offense.

"Your left is open." He cut at my leg, missing me by just a hair as I bounced backward.

"Low blow," I grunted and charged forward. "You know I have a freshly bandaged wound."

He laughed and easily dodged my attacks. "You'll find no mercy from me, girlie."

Childe raised his blade, and I anticipated the incoming downward attack, holding my sword horizontally to parry his strike. Our weapons cracked against each other, and I faltered slightly as my wrist reacted with a stabbing wave of heat.

Ah, right. The cicin attack.

I cringed inwardly, second-guessing my hearty acceptance to spar. Perhaps it would have been best to save this for another day.

Childe swooped at my crippled ankle, and I slid away before more damage could be done. "Not bad…not bad at all!"

He was quick.

Another attack came straight for my sternum—I ducked and went for his legs. The sudden increase in downward force reawoke the flare in my leg. This time, I had no power to stop my knee from buckling and slamming into the ground.

I grimaced on impact but still had enough sense to swivel around and raise my sword to block another blow from above. He was getting predictable.

Predictable or not, he was strong and had the advantage of gravity. Childe's sword came crashing down on mine, and I could barely put up an effective resistance before my weapon was knocked away, clattering to the ground.

Childe pointed the tip of his sword at my neck. "Amateur mistake. Though, I can't say I didn't expect this outcome."

I grit my teeth and propped up a knee to stand, but the edges of my vision blurred as a fresh wave of pain came over me.

The threatening sword was suddenly replaced by a hand, and I accepted it with reluctance. Childe hauled me up, still sporting that same cheeky smirk from the very start of the match.

"Maybe I should be the one giving you pointers." He picked up my sword and returned it to me. "Tip number one: know your limits."

"I know my limits."

"Do you?" Childe reached over to grab my right arm. "What happened here?"

"Gliding accident. Same for my ankle."

He pulled in closer, fingers tenderly skimming the area where Cicin's icy attack had struck me earlier. There wasn't much visible to the eye besides a pinkish undertone in the affected area, but that didn't escape Childe.

"This looks like a burn. Were you fighting with someone else before me? I thought that was supposed to be our thing. A sprained ankle from falling, that I can believe. But this? I see you've already made a few enemies."

I pulled my wrist from his hold. "I can handle them."

"Who was it?"

"No one I can't take care of myself. Have you ever heard of the Twin Mages? They're notorious for being the worst."

"Calculated attacks and planned sabotage," Childe hummed. "Yes, I am familiar with quite a few students who might try something like that. As for me, I prefer a more…direct method to reach what I desire."

"And what is it that you desire?" I went along.

"Unpredictable change, unprecedented power, the heat of battle, and to come out as the winner of it all…amongst other things." His gaze lingered on my face before honing back on my wrist.

"They're aligned with Signora, you know. Cicin says she has plans for you. Maybe you should be careful."

Childe's eyes widened before he burst into laughter. Clutching his belly, he slapped at his knee a few times before calming down enough to say, "Signora? Yes, I am well aware of who she is."

I narrowed my eyes at his casual response. "You don't seem too concerned."

"And why would I be?" He wiped away a tear. "We both come from the same country, my homeland of Snezhnaya. She and I are in the same program partnered with the Academy—call us exchange students, if you will."

"Okay, what does Signora want from you so badly that she feels the need to send her subordinates after me? You lot seemed to be obsessed with power."

"Only because of what one can gain from it." Childe aimlessly twirled his sword. "As I told you before, I have a desire for conquest. Signora's wishes are far more devious."

I pointed my sword at him accusingly. "You're quite devious, yourself."

"Call me chaotic, unhinged, immoral." He lightly knocked my blade to the side. "But I only yearn out of personal gain. Signora is quite a sinister narcissist, and I know not of what she schemes in secret, nor of how it has any connection to me. Her goals only hold importance when they interfere with mine."

"So, that's all you live for, then? World domination?"

"Of course, not. How could you think me so heartless? I love ice fishing."

Ice…fishing?

"It's my favorite hobby." He nodded in earnest. "A wonderful opportunity to train, both physically and mentally. You should join me, sometime."

Who would have guessed that the infamous Tartaglia—known for causing trouble to both faculty and students alike, constantly arming himself with promises of battle and conflict—would be into ice fishing?

"What's with that look on your face?"

"Nothing." I shook my head and stepped away. "We should go to the archery range. You can show off your fancy skills there."

"All of my skills are fancy. Do you really think I'm going to guide you through archery with your wrist like that?"

My steps faltered. He was right. "What else would you suggest, then? This is the task Instructor Xiao gave us."

Childe scoffed. "Instructor Xiao's orders can be taken lightly."

"Not by me. Not if I want to get stronger. We've all seen him in action enough to acknowledge that he know's what he's talking about."

"Fine, then." Childe shrugged and we carried on to the archery range. "If you wish to be so reckless with your health, who am I but a deeply concerned friend to have any say in it?"

I refused to fall for him guilting me. Though it was true that any further strenuous activity would only make my wrist worse, at least my ankle could catch a break. Besides, as long as I pull the string with my left arm, my right won't be nearly as afflicted.

"If you ever find yourself in a pinch, compromise," Xiao had once said. "Survivors do not make it out alive by backing down."

Of course, this was far a less dire situation than life or death, but I prefer to think that the same concept applied. I selected a bow from the rack befitting for my modifications.

"Have you practiced archery before?" Childe stepped beside me.

"Once. I wasn't a fan. Melee fighting is more my style."

"Same here. I knew we were compatible."

"Don't you use a bow?"

"I do."

"Then, why…?"

"Oh, Lumi." Childe sighed and placed a hand on my shoulder. "You still have so much to learn in regard to overcoming your own faults. This bow here? I am least adept with. Give me a sword, polearm, even a claymore—total knockout. The challenge of working with weakness is part of the fun."

"You're not making any sense," I deadpanned. "Doesn't it hinder you?"

"Sometimes, I throw my arrows."

He really was something else.

"You ready?" Childe gestured for me to lift the bow and I complied.

Reaching into the nearby quiver for an arrow, I notched it onto the string and inhaled with control as I pulled back with my left arm.

"Preserving your injured arm? I see what you're trying to do, but that'll make aiming difficult."

I half shrugged. "Working with weakness is part of the fun. Someone told me that, once."

Childe laughed and settled his hand on the elbow I had drawn back, lowering it. "He sounds highly intelligent. Be careful not to keep this arm so straight. You don't want to get string burn."

He slightly pushed out my right elbow. After a few more adjustments—parallel feet, relaxed bow grip, hips straight—my form was steady enough to aim the arrow at the makeshift hilichurl target in the distance.

"One more thing." Childe reached to my left hand, shifting it lower. "Keep the string closer to your mouth than your nose. Use your lips as an anchor. Okay, now just breathe and release."

Breathe…release.

Thunk.

"I'm impressed." Childe applauded as I lowered my bow. "That's three for three. Are you sure you haven't practiced archery more in the past?"

I rolled my shoulders back. "I prefer the sword, but maybe I should consider archery more. I could be naturally good at it."

"Beginner's luck. That, or you have an excellent teacher."

"Nah, I think I'm just better than you. I didn't even have to throw any of my arrows."

Though I hit the hilichurl target three times in a row, none of the arrows struck the mark I had in mind—its mask. A headshot was best to deal the most damage—everyone knew that—and with hilichurls being the most plentiful of mobs in Teyvat, it was necessary to hone skills that would take them out the fastest.

"Turn in your weapons," Xiao announced to the whole class. "You've done well today. We will pick this up again tomorrow. Class dismissed."

After hanging my bow back on the weapon rack, I jogged over to the hilichurl target to retrieve my arrows. I grasped the first arrow, lodged in the hilichurl dummy's midsection, and pulled. Nothing.

With a huff, I braced my left hand on the dummy and gripped the arrow firmly with my right, and yanked hard. I felt the tip give, and the shaft shifted outwards by a fraction.

"What is this thing made of?" I muttered to myself. "Steel?"

One last aggressive pull and the arrow finally popped out of the hilichurl, but I overestimated the amount of strength needed, and the excess force knocked me backward. I stuck out both arms behind me to break the fall, but that wasn't necessary.

Childe grunted as my back collided with his chest, his arms wrapping around securely. "Careful. Trying to catch yourself like that with an injured wrist? I thought you were smarter than that, girlie."

I angled my head to look up at him. "Thanks."

"I'll grab the other two," he murmured before slipping away.

Using just one hand, Childe effortlessly removed the remaining arrows from the dummy and turned to face me with laughing eyes. I rolled my eyes and took them from him, dropping the arrows into a quiver.

"Lumine, I would like to have a word with you," Xiao said from the main fighting ring.

"Someone's in trouble."

I ignored Childe and jogged over.

"Yes, Instructor Xiao?"

"I'm disappointed. Would you care to enlighten me as to why you spent the entirety of today's class with two injuries?"

My eyes widened at his observation. I didn't think Xiao would have noticed anything, especially since he was at a distance from me the whole time. It took both Thoma and Childe direct confrontation for them to sense something was off, but not Xiao.

"I am injured, yes." I bowed my head slightly before facing him. "But I thought it would be best to not let it get in the way of my progress. I planned to go to the infirmary earlier, but I had some trouble finding it, and I didn't want to miss your class."

Xiao stared at me in silence before releasing a sigh. "Your dedication is praiseworthy, but I cannot allow you to worsen your condition. I expected you to back down during your swordplay, but you did not. I expected you to take a break before resuming archery, but you did not. As dedicated to progression you may be, it does no good if you are crippled."

"I understand."

Xiao nodded at my admission. "Your health comes first, Lumine. Now tell me, what do you plan to do now that class is over?"

The right answer would be to go straight to the infirmary, that much was clear. However, I did have Vision Studies right after, and I wouldn't want to show up late without any forewarning.

"I will go to my next class and let my professor know I have to stop by the infirmary."

He sighed again before calling out. "Thoma."

Only a brief moment passed before Thoma showed up, visibly nervous as nearly any student would be if Xiao had something to say to them.

"Show Lumine the way to the infirmary. I'm sure you are aware of the condition of her ankle and wrist."

"I am," Thoma stated. "We have our next class together, but I will take her straight to the infirmary and inform Professor Minci of the situation after."

Xiao, seemingly satisfied with Thoma's response, gave a slight nod before stepping away. "You may leave."

Thoma and I returned to the area where our belongings were. I bent down to grab my bag, but Thoma beat me to it and swung both his and my things over his shoulder. "You didn't tell me you hurt your wrist, too."

"I forgot about it," I admitted sheepishly as he motioned for me to show my injured wrist—it had deepened from a light pink to a rosy red. "It only started acting up when I was sparring with Childe."

Thoma halted. "Did he do that to you?"

"What?" I blinked. "No. It was from before."

His lips thinned. "You don't have to cover for him. I thought you two got along pretty well, but if Tartaglia is secretly causing you any harm then—"

"Seriously, Thoma. He had nothing to do with it. My wrist got a little worse because of the extra force I exerted. Childe would never intentionally harm anyone."

He looked unconvinced, and I couldn't blame him. "Are you sure?"

"Okay, he wouldn't intentionally harm me."

"Are my allergies acting up, or am I sneezing because people are gossiping behind my back?" The man in question walked into the conversation.

Childe looked at me with an easygoing smile, but it soon faded as he faced Thoma. A moment of déjà vu struck me as I recalled their interaction from earlier, which also regarded my injury. Perhaps Xiao was right, if I just went directly to the infirmary—even if I had to spend extra time searching for it—both the issue of my physical and mental pains wouldn't be here right now.

I frowned. "Do you guys need to talk something out? Here, I'll be the mediator to prevent bloodshed."

"Where are you two headed, Lumi? Normally, you and the Kamisato lackey go to Vision Studies after this class, no? Are you skipping together?"

"Instructor Xiao asked me to take her to the infirmary," Thoma responded in my stead. "We're going there now. My name is Thoma, and I am no one's lackey."

"I see," Childe murmured before taking my good hand. "Well then, Thoma. Thank you, really, for going this far. I can bring her from here."

Thoma still had a hand on my wrist, and he lightly tugged me towards him. "I'd like to make sure Lumine gets there all in one piece, if you don't mind."

"And why wouldn't she?"

"You knew she was hurt in two places." Thoma took a step toward Childe. "Yet you continued to spar."

"It's what she wanted."

Thoma's frown deepened. "Really, Tartaglia? Archery with her wrist like that?"

Childe's hold on my hand tightened by a fraction. "Watch it. Don't you think you're overstepping your bounds?"

I shrugged off both their hands.

"I've heard enough. Thoma, don't be so hard on him. I knew my limits and chose to ignore them. Xiao already chastised me for that. And you." I cut a look at Childe. "What are you so insistent for? Thoma can relay a note from the infirmary to Professor Minci for me."

Neither of them said a word for a moment. Thoma looked to the ground, as if ashamed of his words. Childe, on the other hand, only cast an angry glance at Thoma. I was ready to knock some sense into the instigator, but he suddenly flashed a smile at me.

"Gotcha, girlie." Childe scratched his head and backed away. "I sure am relieved you've got such a great friend to take care of things for you. I'll be out of your way, then."

Thoma's head flicked up, and his surprised expression mirrored my own. I hadn't expected Childe to give in so quickly. I mean, the points I made were solid, so there was no reason for either of them to have an objection. Childe just seemed like he would have put up extra resistance because of who he is as a person.

I snagged his sleeve before he could take off. "Just like that? You're not planning something, are you?"

Childe looked at my hand on his sleeve with a fond smile. "Your lack of faith in me is staggering. Wipe that worried look off your face. I have my own places to be."

"Okay." I let go. "See you tomorrow."

He didn't say anything to that, only darted one last glare in Thoma's direction before turning at his heel and walking away. I watched Childe go, curious at his behavior. Character development can sneak up on you when you least expect it, I suppose. Thoma was also keeping an eye on Childe's retreat.

It was time to move on. "To the infirmary."

There was no one in the infirmary.

Thoma brought me to the administrative building, informing me that a large section of the east wing was comprised of the infirmary. I was probably unable to find it because the directory board was inside of the building, rather than out front. Nevertheless, he led me inside and we found ourselves in the reception area with a tall desk that blocked off a hallway.

I stepped up to the desk, looking for a bell I could ring. "Is anybody here?"

"Hi," a dull voice answered.

How odd. The response came from right in front of me, but after spending a few seconds scanning the area, there was still no sign of anyone. Thoma spared me an amused smile and pointed down at the desk.

Following his gesture, I looked over to the other side and caught a glimpse of a small purple hat. It meandered from side to side for a moment before hopping up onto a chair, revealing a little girl with tired eyes and a talisman partially hanging over her face.

Thoma smiled. "Hello, Qiqi. I'm here to drop off a friend. She needs some care for her left ankle and right wrist."

The girl, Qiqi, stared dubiously at me for a moment before rummaging around the desk, procuring a heavy book and feather pen. "Sign your name here, please. Date and time."

I followed her instruction and she looked over my work with a satisfied nod. "Nice to meet you, uh, Lumine."

"Qiqi, may I bring a note from you to Professor Minci?" Thoma asked. "Lumine will be missing part of class for her treatment."

"I can do that," she answered before scribbling down on a piece of paper. "Here you go."

Thoma accepted the note and looked it over. "This is perfect, thank you. I'll get going now, Lumine. Unless you want me to stay?"

"I can take it from here." Qiqi hopped off her chair and walked around to the front of the desk. "Follow me."

I bid Thoma farewell and let the small receptionist take me down a small hallway that opened up to a larger room. This section of the infirmary was very clearly meant for patient care. About two dozen beds lined either side of the wall, and sunlight streaming through the tall windows shone onto the empty sheets.

"Please wait here while I call for your healer." Qiqi pointed to the closest bed and disappeared back down the hallway.

I sat on the edge of the bed and glanced around the room. It was quite large, and I couldn't see why the Academy would need so many beds. Unless students are getting injured left and right, which isn't something I'd noticed, these healers must have a lot of time on their hands.

"You must be Lumine!" My healer appeared with a clipboard in hand. "I've never seen you in here before, so I'm guessing you're either a first-year or indestructible."

"The former. I don't think anyone here is indestructible."

"You'd be surprised. My name is Barbara, and I will be caring for you today! Let's see…Qiqi wrote that you've injured your ankle and wrist?"

I held out both appendages for her to observe.

"Oh, my," she gasped. "Yes, they are quite inflamed. I'll get right to it, then!"

Barbara knelt to hover her hands around my ankle, and a bubble of water began to form at her fingertips. She directed the water to my injury, and the entire area was submerged. Immediately, I could feel the nagging pain begin to fade away as Barbara hummed a light tune.

"Are you a student here?" I asked as she worked, for couldn't help but notice how young she was.

Her blue eyes blinked. "Me? No, I work for Celestia. I did have the opportunity to study here, but I opted for an apprenticeship, instead. I do some other work on the side, so it would be difficult to keep up with the Academy's workload."

An apprenticeship? I didn't realize that was an option. "What kind of work?"

"It's a bit embarrassing to say out loud, but I'm something of an idol. You might hear some of my songs if you pass through Mondstadt. Alright, your ankle is fully healed! May I see your wrist?"

I let Barbara use her Hydro Vision to repair my wrist. It didn't take long for her to finish, and she handed me a fluffy towel to dry off once the procedure was complete. I felt like new.

"Thank you, Barbara. You're amazing."

She blushed. "I'm just doing my job. Please, take care of yourself! If you ever find yourself in need of healing in the future, do not hesitate to visit."

Now that I know where to find the place, I assured her that I would stop by first thing—not that I intended to get hurt again anytime soon. Barbara walked me back to the reception desk where Qiqi was waiting.

"Sign out, please." Qiqi pointed to the same book and pen from before.

"Are you an apprentice, too?" I asked while filling out the page.

It was surprising enough to me that someone as young as Barabara would be a part-time apprentice and part-time idol, so I can't imagine how Qiqi found herself in this role of a receptionist.

She yawned. "I am a zombie. Have a good day."

Not knowing how to respond to that, and not wanting to show up any later to Vision Studies, I simply smiled and waved goodbye. This school was constantly surprising me, and I was starting to get used to it.