Viator, 12th of the 11 Fatui Harbingers - Prologue: Snezhnaya Chapter 2: Tartaglia, a genshin impact fanfic

Notes:

Changed Name from:

Viator, 12th of the 11 Fatui Harbingers - Prologue: Snowy steps on Vicious Land

to:

Viator, 12th of the 11 Fatui Harbingers - Prologue: Snezhnaya

"Again." Ajax fell backward, watching as his Master's Spear nearly made contact with his Throat. "You aren't using it as it is intended."

"But Master, you've said that if I use it too often, I could get hurt." Ajax replied.

"You have yet to gain control over the Transformation. If you use it in Battle without being able to control it, you will lose yourself in it."

Ajax got up and once again tried to tap into the 'Foul Legacy' State. He watched as his Hands got turned into Claws, his Feet encased in an Abyssal Black Armor. The last thing he saw before a Purple'ish Hue blinded him was Skirk spouting a pleased look before he turned and destroyed the Immobile Targets in a single swift blow.

He then turned and watched as he unconsciously raised his Sword to slash at an Outline he so dearly remembered.

"Mom, Dad nooo!" Ajax watched as his Family dropped to the ground, but before he could realize what had happened, he too fell and fell...

"Psst, Ajax, wake up!" Charlie whisper-yelled, making Childe wake up and pant in fear.

"Who-what? Oh. It was just a Dream." Childe looked outside, seeing that the sun hadn't risen yet. But before he could pull the blanket back Charlie stopped him.

"Lord Pulcinella sent me to get you. Did you get in trouble?" Charlie nervously said.

"What, me? Never." Childe said confidently.

"Well, I'm just worried." Charlie was silent for a second before quickly looking around. Most of the Soldiers still seemed to be asleep, not having to be sentenced to Night Watch, unlike Charlie, who was just unlucky to have been caught trespassing.

"Listen. Lord Capitano was there with Lord Pulcinella. I'm just worried that they found out." she tapped his Chest.

"Don't worry, I'll be alright." Childe gave her a reassuring smile. "You're the only one who knows it anyway." he whispered.

"OK, alright. Just don't get too cocky, ok?" Charlie gave him an uneasy smile and squeezed his hand, making Childe nod his Head and tidy his Bed to hide his Blush.

"Well, I'll be at my Post." Charlie waved at him before exiting the Barrack.

Not soon after, Childe exited as well and made his way toward the Headquarters.

"Ah, Ajax, you've arrived." Pulcinella greeted Childe with a Handshake. "I would like you to train with someone for a bit." while talking Pulcinella and Childe walked speedily to the Training Grounds.

"Now, don't mention this to anyone, but try to not look like you are having fun. And don't fight recklessly. And most importantly, show respect." Pulcinella's unusually Strict Tone made Childe somewhat nervous.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Childe gave a nervous laugh which quickly died down when Pulcinella made no effort to laugh or reply.

Now that Childe had a closer look it seemed as if Pulcinella was more excited than anything else.

When Childe arrived at the Entrance and glanced at the Podium he couldn't believe his Eyes. One of his favorite Harbingers, second only to Pulcinella, was standing at the Top, examining a Piece of Paper.

"As you can see, Lord Capitano has decided to oversee your fight with Commander špatnje." Pulcinella motioned toward the Man in the Middle, who was staring expressionless at them.

"Why does he look so- Pulcinella?" Childe turned to no longer see Pulcinella next to him. He looked back at the Podium, where Pulcinella now stood next to Lord Capitano.

"Five Rounds of Combat, no maiming or killing. The Use of Delusions and Visions is allowed. Begin." Pulcinella's Voice boomed in the Arena, and Immediately the Fatuu in the Middle rushed toward Childe.

Sidestepping the slash from the Fatuu, Childe felt his Adrenaline rise and summoned two hydro Daggers, before dealing a Counterattack.

"So, how does he fare?" Pulcinella continued to absentmindedly watch the fight, but his attention was fully turned to Il Capitano's Review.

"It is as you wrote. His prowess is formidable, even if it is somewhat alarming considering his Young age. Even then, I am not convinced due to his recklessness. He seems too unpredictable."

Il Capitano, either ignoring or not noticing Pulcinella's sobering Face, watched silently as špatnje got electro-charged by Childe,

"May I ask how you will prepare him for the Reality of which is being a Harbinger? If he does not learn to accept the other Nations' hatred for the Fatui, he will only become bitter." he continued. "However, if I have your Word that he is in your safe hands, I will consider endorsing him."

"I have known A-Childe for almost one year now, and I fully trust him to be up to the Task of being a Harbinger."

"Very well. Let us hear Commander špatnje's Analysis.

Pulcinella nodded and summoned Anemo Powers "Enough!" Pulcinella shouts, making the bundle of Commander špatnje and Childe separate.

While the Ajax caught his breath, Pulcinella beckoned špatnje closer.

"Your Opinion, Commander?" Il Capitano asked.

"He is a very formidable opponent, sirs. His usage of both his Delusion and his Vision at the same time is very impressive." špatnje reported, seeming to be almost as exhausted as Ajax.

"Hmm.." The Captain grumbled. "Leave us." Once špatnje was out of earshot, Il Capitano stood up.

"I will inform the Director of your request." Il Capitano signaled špatnje to the exit. "But it will have to wait. I came here to inform you of a meeting you have been summoned to. Scaramouche has returned from the Abyss with new Information. And the Director has an Update on the Situation in Mond. He has issued a Meeting. Has the Boy ever been to Smolaritsa?"

"No, he hasn't. May I take him with me? In that way, The Director can immediately meet Childe." Il Capitano nodded.

"Depart once you are ready." Il Capitano, followed by špatnje left the Training Grounds.

After a moment of containing his gladness, Pulcinella walked back to Ajax.

"What was that?" Ajax looked upset "Was that all? Is there a problem?"

Pulcinella waved him off. "Not at all! On the contrary, you did very well, Ajax, I'm very Proud of you." Ajax seemed to swell from the Praise.

"I would like to take you to Smolaritsa, we are going to pay my Friend a dear visit."

"Oh, may I write to Mom and Dad before we go?"

"You can do it on the way there. I don't want to hurry you, but we should get going soon."

Pulcinella made Ajax promise to pack all his things immediately, before letting Ajax run off.

'Picture, Check. Clothes, Check. Contraband, Check. That's all!'

After 10 minutes Childe exited the Barrack before looking around.

Pulcinella was at the Entrance with his Back to him, but Childe doubted that Pulcinella wasn't aware of him.

He quickly made his way to the western side entrance and hid behind a Pine Tree.

"Psst!" Charlie turned around, confused, until she spotted Childe hiding.

"Ajax! What happened? Wait.." She spotted his packed Bags. "Did you get discharged?!"

"No, I don't think so. I think I got assigned a Mission, I'm now traveling to Smolaritsa with Pulcinella."

Charlie's flashing smile falters a bit. "Oh, do you know when you're returning?"

"Not sure, but I'll try to complete my Mission as soon as possible."

"Alright, then I'll see you around. Be sure to write me, alright?" Charlie gave Childe a quick peck on the cheek before hurrying back to her post, leaving a blushing Childe to walk toward Pulcinella.

"Ok, let's go." Pulcinella opened up the Carriage's Door, closing it after he and Childe had entered, and finally knocked on the Front Window, causing the Carriage to suddenly jerk forward.

While the Scenery out the Window came and went, Childe played with his Elemental Powers, looked out the window, and tried to coax some Information out of Pulcinella, before he started to write a Postcard to his Family.

Dear Mom, Dear Dad, 18.06.492

I really miss you, the Weather here at the Base is better than at Morepesok, but there aren't any foxes or Bears, just Fatuu.

Charlie and I snuck out to try and trail a wild Deer I spotted a week prior, but we got caught and we got the Night Shift for 2 Weeks. It was going to be my turn, but instead, Pulcinella and I are traveling to Smolaritsa,

Pulcinella is going to attend a super-secret Fatui meeting and I am

"Pulcinella, am I getting a Mission or am I just being introduced to Smolaritsa?"

"All in due Time..." Pulcinella mumbled with his eyes closed.

and I am tagging along! I can't wait until it's over and request some time off to visit you...

Love, Ajax.

Ajax neatly folded the first Letter into an envelope, before taking out a second parchment.

Dear Mom, Dad, Tonia, and Anthon 18.06.492

Hello everyone! You won't believe what has happened!

My friend and I are going to visit a big fair in Smolaritsa, our Capital!

We are going to have lots of fun there, and I'll make sure to send some cute Toys to you once I'm there.

Love, Ajax!

"We should be arriving soon." Pulcinella looked out and spotted the outlines of Smolaritsa in the Distance.

"That was quick, is it usually this fast, or did you use Anemo?"

"This Meeting is urgent, and I don't like to be late. Normally, we would be only 1/3rd of the way there."

"Any Idea where I can send Post to my Family?" Finally, the Carriage stopped and Pulcinella exited, followed by Childe.

"Huh? Is this what Smolaritsa looks like?" He didn't mention that it looked bleak

"No, this is the Headquarters of the Fatui." Childe had heard of this place and who was the Leader of it. Looking down, he dusted off his Clothes and straightened himself.

"Do not worry I'll organize a Room where you can stay while you wait."

"Wait? Wait for what?" Childe watched as Pulcinella summoned someone to lead Childe to an Empty Room.

"Don't touch anything, don't leave, just go read something." with that Pulcinella disappeared into a Hallway.

"This way, Mister." the Butler, who didn't seem to have been enforced on the Fatui Dress Code, led Childe in a completely other direction, stopping after several Minutes. "In here."

Childe entered the Room and heard the door close behind him. Better than anything I've seen so far. No other Beds, meaning no annoying siblings or Comrades to keep him awake at Night or mess with his Order.

"I could get used to this." Childe said out loud.

Pulcinella arrived at the Hall, immediately noticing that he hadn't missed anything. When The Director spotted Pulcinella he made his way to the Round Table, with the rest of the assembled Harbingers following suit.

Once everyone arrived Pulcinella noticed only many Seats were vacant. Only The Director, Il Capitano and Arlecchino were present. And the 'Original' Doctor had sent out a Clone. And for some reason the Damsellette was absent.

"With Pulcinella's arrival, there is no need for Delays. Scaramouche has found out Important information about the Abyss Order." The Director began.

"While finding his way through a Maze in the Abyss, Scaramouche said he could hear several Abyss Creatures conversing in Khaenri'ahn. After a while, he managed to find a way to them and coaxed out some Information. Their Old Leader, Clothar Albericht, has gone missing and someone else has taken up his Duty. They call her 'The Princess' and 'A Mysterious Being'."The Director did a sharp intake.

"Both the Tsaritsa and I agree that the Princess can only be Viatrix. Her disappearance after the Khaenri'ah's destruction lines up with the arrival of the Threat of the Abyss. With the Confirmation of this Piece of Information, everything has fallen into place as predicted by Her Majesty."

After discussing other Topics which didn't concern Scaramouche and the other lower Harbingers the Meeting ended and the Director asked Pulcinella to talk to him alone.

"Pulcinella, Il Capitano mentioned that you have taken Interest in accepting a new Member into our Ranks. He will have to prove his Worth. And soon there will be a way." The Director walked away, leaving Pulcinella uncertain of if Ajax was capable of whatever the Director had in stall for him.

Unbeknownst to him, Tartaglia was more than capable of the Job.

3.5 years later...

Dear Ma, Dear Pa, Dear Tonia, Anthon and Teucer, 02.06.496

I recently finished a big Sale. I'm visiting for Pa's Birthday and staying until Teucer's Birthday. See you soon!

Love, Ajax

With a sigh, Tartaglia dropped the Pen and examined his Letter. After a second of thought, he striked out the first sentence, before throwing the Paper into the already full Trashcan.

Dear Family, 02.06.496

I'm visiting for Pa's Birthday and staying until Teucer's Birthday. See you soon!

Love, Ajax

Before any second thought cropped up, Tartaglia got up, put the Letter in an envelope, and stamped it with the Mark of the Fatui Harbingers.

"Damnit."

He cut open the Envelope and replaced it with a new one. It seemed like he had to travel to the City to get it stamped the Official, normal way.

Walking out the Door, he decided to take the longer, more desolate Route to one of the smaller Postal Offices of Smolaritsa. Even so, once he had exited the Headquarters he walked past People. Most People didn't seem to notice him, but those that did began speaking in hushed tones with their Partners.

"Isn't that him?"

"-ng age, how we have fallen."

"It's good to have fresh blood bols-"

Tartaglia did his best to ignore the whispers and soon arrived at the Postal Office.

"Greetings, Comrade."

"Greetings." The Shop Owner took the Letter from Tartaglia and looked at it. "That will be 85 Mora." Tartaglia rummaged in his Pocket and gave the Shop Owner 100, receiving 15 back after a short exchange.

"Say, you have quite the accent. Are you from around here?" Tartaglia silently cursed the Owner for trying to do small talk.

"Yes, I just lived abroad in Liyue for a while." Tartaglia lied.

"Wow Impressive! Did you watch Rex Lapis descend? I heard it's quite the sight!"

"Err.. no" Tartaglia decided that the Shop Owner was too talkative. "I visited my dying Grandmother and had to arrange for her Land not to be sold to a scummy Landowner. She died before I could help her achieve her Wish." In a way, Tartaglia wasn't lying. After all, he had-

"I'm sorry to hear that." The shop Owner's somber expression took Ajax out of his thoughts, and he quickly thanked the Owner before returning to the Headquarters.

6 days later, Ajax's Vacation officially began. Pulcinella had generously given him 2 Months of Vacation. "To help clear your thoughts." Pulcinella had sympathetically said.

Ajax didn't know if Pulcinella had known exactly what Tartaglia's Mission in Mondstadt was, but he hoped Pulcinella didn't just give him such a long time off out of pity.

He arrived in Morepesok shortly after noon, with the trip having taken 2 days. After his official Coronation into the Fatui Ajax got his own Carriage he could use at any time, but he preferred to ride alone and without the Carriage to Morepesok.

Once the Town Center was 300 meters away Ajax slowed down his Horse and did his best to clear his thoughts. Once he arrived at the outskirts of the Village he got off his Horse and took it on the leash.

Thankfully, it was a work day, so no neighbors came and asked him Questions. He continued into the Village, firstly going to Annika's Stable.

He knocked on Annika's Stable, doing his best to flash a smile.

"Heh? Oh, it's you Ajax! How have you been? Look at you! You've grown so tall! " Annika was about to wave him in before noticing the Horse behind Ajax.

"My God look at that beauty! Want me to take it in for you?" Ajax politely declined and asked her to take care of it for the time he was in Morepesok. He tried to offer her payment in return, making Annika swat away the Money.

"You will always be a friend of the Family!" Once Ajax had led his Horse into the Stable he entered Annika's House to catch up with her.

"So, Ajax, how have you been?" Annika opened the Stove and took out a sheet, before jamming in another one.

"I've been well. I got sent on a Mission to Mondstadt and only recently returned."

"Ah yes, Charlie told me about you being off to do some secret business!" Annika gave a hearty laugh. "Sunsettia Bread?" Annika laid down a big Plate of the cut Bread.

"Charlie and her darling friends collected so many Sunsettia's I can make enough of this for the whole Town!" Ajax gave an honest smile at her heartwarming generosity. Just like...

"Did the Mondstadters give you enough food? Surely there's no harm in gossiping about the People from Mond, right?" Annika winked at him.

Ajax got dragged out of his train of thought. "Yes, they were!" Ajax bit his tongue and thanked the Tsaritsa that Annika had her back to him otherwise she would have noticed his expression. He took a short Breath and began more reserved. "In Mond, they are too formal, but outside the City everyone is kind."

"Oh, that's nice to hear!" Annika returned with a small Bag of Goodies "For your Father's Birthday" and she began to tell him about what had happened in Morepesok these past Years.

"Oh did you know Charlie decided to not pursue a Job in the Fatui?" Ajax nodded.

Pierro, or as he was to call him, The Director, at first disallowed any contact between the Motherland and him during his stay in Mondstadt, but after Pulcinella insisted that Childe had at least some contact to his Family in Snezhnaya.

Thanks to Pulcinella, Ajax sent a total of 4 Letters, two to Charlie, and two to his Family. Once a string of lightly-handed Information managed to create an opportunity for Mikhail, a Fatui stationed in Mond, to slip Childe a letter from Charlie, in which she informed him her Service time ended and she chose not to continue to stay employed in the Fatui.

"Anyway, she's currently looking for a Job in Pragisnaya, but she returned to Morepesok a week ago."

"Did my Letter arrive yet?"

"Yes, and I gave it to her. Speaking of her-" Annika slowly stood up. "She went out to hunt for a Boar but forgot to take Equipment to cut it with her. I doubt she will be able to drag it back alone without breaking her back. I'm too old for doing the heavy lifting, so...?"

Annakia held out a Butcher Knife and pointed to the Stall. With a smile, Ajax took the Knife from her and opened the Door to the Stall.

"Seems your Horse is much tamer than any one of mine." Annika commented as Ajax easily swung himself on his Horse.

Ajax thanked Annika for opening the Gate. After Annika had told him in which direction Charlie went, Ajax called "I'll see you soon!" to her, and rode his Stallion into the Woods.

Notes:

I did the Name Change so that the Title was shorter. And because i found it a bit cringe :p

I will hopefully post next Chapter at the latest this Weekend. Still need to change a smidgen of Text and i want to adress the mutiple Languages thing.