Hii if you read this before 12/28/21 then reread it because i added almost 1000 words and changed the ending so yep! im actually happy with this ending :)

———

It was years ago. Childe was only nine at the time. He was living in his small home with his parents and siblings. It was a humble abode, warm and somewhat secluded by the woods. It was always snowy in Snezhnaya and the woods were almost completely white. It was perfect weather to go play hide and seek in the woods with his siblings.

"I'll count!" Teucer; Childe's little brother said walking over to a tree. As Teucer started to count; Childe, Tonia, and Anthon all ran through the pristine snow to find their hiding spots. As he ran, the smoke from their house's fireplace slowly disappeared and all he could see was white with spots of green from the tree's leaves. The ginger walked further from home not knowing which direction he was going. He drew farther and farther and he couldn't see anything but white. He was lost.

Many minutes passed and he could not find anything but snow and the brown of tree trunks. He was exhausted. The snow crunched under his feet as he found one of the biggest trees and sat right next to it. He was getting light-headed due to the cold, upset he was lost from his siblings, and he missed the warmth of his home. His eyes fluttered shut from exhaustion and it went black.

——

The cold white snow turned into a dark warmth. Childe was no longer left alone in the snow. He was no longer lost. It was a cave. It was quite large but dimly lit by fire. The orange hues reflected off the dark stone and the cave was quite warm. Childe layed on the ground with his head resting on somebody's lap. His eyes finally opened to reveal that he was no longer out in the cold. His hands were freezing and he could barely feel his face. The boy looked around then looked up and his eyes shot open. His blue oceanic eyes were met with gold ones.

The man was slim and tall. He had brown hair that was covered by a white hood and his arms were almost the color of stone with gold lines running through them. "You're finally awake." the man spoke. His voice was deep but rather soothing. "W-who are you?" The child said with a shaky voice. He didn't know where he was. "That matters not. What is a child like you doing out in the cold? I found you lying under a tree in the snow so I brought you here." He smiled a warm smile and let Childe sit up on his own. "I was playing hide and seek with my siblings but I got lost." Tears welled in his eyes and he brought both of his hands to his face.

"What is your name?" The man said removing one of Childe's hands from his face. "I usually go by Childe or Tartaglia but my real name is Ajax." The boy said wiping his tears from his eyes. "Mmm, I see. Ajax, have you ever heard of Liyue?" The brunette said.

It was almost two hours of talking between Childe and the man. He would tell stories and Childe would listen. They were fascinating stories of Rex Lapis, Morax, The god of contracts. Childe would tell stories of his family and what he would want to do when he grows up. "I want to be strong and protect the people I care about!" He announced putting a hand on his chest. The brunette smiled and stared into those beautiful blue eyes. It wasn't the only day they did this. Once the brunette took Childe back home he realized that one interaction wouldn't be enough.

Months after months the brunette and Childe would sit in the warm cave and share stories and Childe would bring little pastries that his mom would make. The time they spent together was peaceful and comforting. It was a place where Childe could get away from home when he got older. He would just spill his thoughts onto the brunette which in fact didn't mind one bit.

——

"Who knew arguing with your parents would be so exhausting-" Childe lead on letting out a yawn. "Well if you would like to sleep you can use my lap as a pillow." Childe laughed a little bit and layed his head on the brunette's lap. His eyes slowly closed and he drifted into a peaceful sleep. "I wish you could stay here forever." He moved a lock of orange hair from the boy's face and ran his fingers through Childe's hair.

The day after that Childe didn't show up at the cave. That day, the day after that, and ever again.

Childe's father apparently signed him off to be a part of the fatui so he couldn't visit back home. The brunette waited and waited but no one came. Eventually, he gave up and left Snezhnya to go back to Liyue.

And yet, Childe never got his name.

——

"11th you are to be stationed at the Northland bank in Liyue. You are to retrieve Rex Lapis' gnosis and we will retrieve you in 2 months. The rite of descension is soon so you will do it soon." The Tsaritsa said while shuffling through a stack of papers. "Yes, your majesty." Childe packed his things and headed for Liyue to retrieve the gnosis of Rex Lapis.

Liyue was quite warm compared to Snezhnya. The grass was green and not covered in white snow. The streets were packed with people and it was all new to Childe but for some reason, it seemed familiar.  Maybe he read it in a book or something.

The Rite of Decencion came faster than expected. Streets grew busier and more decorated. Ningguang, Liyue's Tianqian was constantly walking around making sure everything was perfect for Rex Lapis' descension.

The sun drew closer to the horizon and people crowded to the heart of Liyue. Many offerings were made to the god and wishes were made. Ningguang stepped forward in front of the crowd and started her speech.

"People of Liyue, we were gathered here today to commemorate the Rite of Decension for our Archon; Rex Lapis other known as Morax. He has brought upon us a year of wealth and good fortune, so we will wish the same for this year." Ninggang stepped back and began to use her vision. She made a certain symbol with her hands and clouds formed in the sky.

People awaited the arrival of their Archon with anticipation yet there was one problem.

The ground shook with a thud as a corpse of Rex Lapis fell from the sky. People started with shock that their mighty Archon has fallen.

Ninggang rushed to the body and inspected it thoroughly. "Rex Lapis has been killed!" She announced motioning for all of the Millelith to search for the killer.

Childe was enraged. His chance to retrieve the gnosis was ruined. Though, it was rumored that the Tianqian was keeping Morax's body in the golden house.

Childe ran to the golden house at full speed slowly preparing himself for a fight when he got there. He ran through the doors and saw the body. He stepped to the dragon body examining it closely looking for the perfect spot to retrieve the gnosis.

With a loud bang, someone else entered the golden house. The traveler. "What are you doing here fatui?" Paimon said as they slowly walked up to Childe. "Getting back what was rightfully the Tsaritsa's"

The fight lasted almost an hour. Both were on the ground clutching their sides. They weren't going to give up just yet. Childe wasn't angry at all. His thirst for battle was finally being fueled. He really felt alive.

It was over. Childe limped his way back to the Northland bank slowly. He would occasionally cough up blood but it wasn't anything new for the ginger. "Stupid Morax why did you have to die now?!"

He was finally at the door of the Northland bank and faint voices could be heard. He burst open the door and there stood the traveler, Signora, and a brunette.

"You're finally here 11th." Signora said crossing her arms. "Childe?? what are you doing here?" Paimon said furrowing her eyebrows. "I could say the same to you" he replied with a grin. "Well don't interrupt now we've already got it going." Signora said turning back to face the brunette. "I fufilled my part of the contract so now your part." She said holding out her hand. "Those who break contracts shall face the wrath of the rock. I am not one of those people. Who told you I would not keep my word?" The brunette responded with a deep voice.

Childe recognized that voice it was very familiar. Signora raised an eyebrow and extended her hand farther. The man sighed and a floating object appeared in his hand. It was the shape and size of a chess piece. It glowed gold and it hovered right above the man's hand. Signora swiftly reached and grabbed it. She took a moment and stared at the object. "Hm, I suppose our contract is completed. Morax." Signora took her leave with the gnosis leaving the traveler, Childe, and supposedly the Geo Archon in the Northland bank.

Childe didn't know what just happened. THE Geo Archon just gave away his gnosis to Signora? He was supposed to retrieve it not her. Inside he was confused and angry but something seemed to calm him. The traveler and Paimon left leaving the two. Childe looked at the man and something hit him. It was those eyes. Those eyes he remembered When he was younger. They used to hang out all the time, tell stories, and Childe really told that man all of his deepest secrets.

"You're that guy aren't you.." The ginger looked down at the ground and his shoulders tensed. "I am." Morax replied. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?!" Before he knew it tears were falling down his cheeks onto the ground. "You never asked." He stepped closer to Childe and pulled the hand Childe was using to wipe the tears from his face. "When you left I never thought I would see you again. I assumed the fight with your parents lead you to work in the fatui. The contract Signora and I made, I wanted to see you again."

Childe stared wide-eyed into those gold eyes. It was a color he couldn't get enough of. "Goddammit Morax" Childe brought both of his hands to the other face and brought it closer to his own. "Don't do that ever again. I won't leave you this time. I promise."

(1,786 words)