Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

There was a lot of tension in the air. After all, the Interdarshan Championship was finally in full swing. The streets of Sumeru City were crowded and practically overflowing with the noise of people’s chatter, vendors calling out to attract customers to their wares, and everywhere you looked, you could see an array of colours. Those of the six Darshans.

The days leading up to not only the Championship, but also the Wisdom Gala, were like this every year, Kaveh noted idly as he was walking down Treasures Street that particular morning. After all, since he would be participating in the event soon, he wouldn’t have as much time or energy as he usually would to go down to the Grand Bazaar and buy Alhaitham his coffee. The thought of it alone made the blonde let out a small, involuntary shiver, a particular morning some years ago coming to mind when they were actually out of coffee in the house. The death glares he got that entire morning still made him queasy sometimes by just thinking about it.

So yes, he was out and about that morning to go buy groceries. Why Alhaitham wasn’t doing it himself, he had no clue. Not that he would be dwelling on it for very long anyways, as the enticing aroma of various spices, inks, parchment, and the earthy undertone of the Divine Tree’s roots reached his nose and tickled it in the comfortable, familiar way he was used to.

Ah, the smell alone could give him new project ideas for days on end…

As the blond finally made his way down the ramps towards the Grand Bazaar itself and passed the grand double doors, the warmth he was met with almost felt like a familiar embrace to welcome him home. Chatter and music reached his ears as he finally got a good look of new and old stalls, people he recognized and new faces, and the distant chiming laughter of Nilou up on stage as she seemed to be practicing for her next show. Kaveh plastered the brightest smile he could manage onto his face, grinning wide as he waved to the red-haired girl before he focussed on what he really came here for. Coffee, cooking ingredients, daily necessities for the championship… ah!

“Jut, Shevirme! How are you two?” the blond called as he spotted two familiar merchants in deep discussion with each other. It seems a new shipment of alcohol has come in then, exactly as he’d hoped with his timing as he made his way over to the small stall.

At their names being called, the two men looked up in surprise before they smiled just as widely in return. Now that Jut turned to face him, it seemed his hunch was right. The older man was carrying a rather large crate of what smelled like a lot of exotic spices and herbs, and underneath it he caught the faint smell of what was clearly Dandelion Wine. Bingo.

"Kaveh!" What a surprise to see you out and about so early in the morning! Usually you come by in the evening, what’s the occasion?” Shevirme asked, looking the blonde up and down, “and usually when you come by it’s because Lambad’s ran out of sellable stock. Are you sure you’re not drunk or something?” the young man added with a laugh that had Kaveh pull back a little self-consciously as a small blush of embarrassment creeped onto his cheeks with a pout.
“Ah, no! I-I’m not drunk, I swear! It’s just… I need to get supplies and groceries sorted today, or I will not have the time to do that at all. Interdarshan Championship and all,” he quickly sputtered, his smile straining just a little bit as he mentally kicked himself. Any more ranting and he could reveal his living situation for all he knew! Thankfully, the two merchants didn’t seem to mind at all as both men had to laugh a little at the display before Jut sighed and had to shift the crate in his arms around a little bit.

“Great timing then, the usual items?” the young merchant asked, and Kaveh nodded as he summoned Mehrak to go look for his wallet. The briefcase let out a happy chirp as he finally found the small mora pouch of his savings after a bit of digging, moving around his usual tools, sketching pad, and a roll of measuring tape he just never seemed to be able to get rid of. The leather pouch was a little lighter than usual, but it should suffice. He’d saved just enough money for daily expenses until he could win that prize money. Hopefully, at least…

This is how he ended up with the usual amount of bags after a shopping trip, carrying three and wincing a little as he watched Mehrak over his shoulder levitating another two for him just a bit behind him. Some days he just feels bad for the poor little thing, even if she technically didn’t have emotions. At least, none that he knew of. That would be really awkward to explain to not only the Sages, but Alhaitham too! Oh, he could already hear the lecture coming and he was only halfway down Treasures Street at this point. And besides, Alhaitham wouldn’t be back for another few hours! That meant he could drink, nap, and work on his projects to his heart’s content and with zero interruptions the entire time until then!

…That is, until he finally reached the front door.
With the many heavy bags littering the ground around his feet and the soft beeping and whirring of Mehrak behind him, all those hopes and dreams were thrown right out the window as his hands fruitlessly dug through his pockets.
It seems a certain roommate had once again taken his keys.

Slumping against the neatly carved wood of the front door, Kaveh sighed deeply with a deeper frown on his face and an even deeper disappointment gnawing at his insides as he moved to sit down on the front porch. His little toolbox at least settled down next to him, a small, sad beep echoing from her metal casing as the plates shifted into a sad frowning face. The blond could only huff at the sight, patting the machine on where the head would be and chuckling softly. It sounded strangely wet, even to him as he mirthlessly laughed at his own situation.

“It’s okay, Mehrak. I’ll just need to win the Championship, and then this will never have to happen again,” he explained softly, a pained smile tugging at his lips as he was met with another sad beeping noise, “I’ll just need to hold out until then. Then I’ll finally be out of his hair like he always wanted…”
Pulling his little toolbox into his lap, the architect did wince a little at the weight. Right, he wasn’t as used to carrying her as he should be… And with the Championship starting today, it would likely only get worse. He could only hope the competition wasn’t too stiff.

Three rounds. He just had to survive three rounds and score enough points. Then he’d win, receive his prize money, and finally make his father proud. That is all he wanted…

Right…?

Chapter Text

“Representing Kshahrewar: Kaveh!”

At his name being called, the man in question had to take a deep breath and tap his cheeks to get rid of the nerves for just a second before he made his way up onto the stage. Striking a pose was rather easy, especially with some of his friends and acquaintances surrounding him as well.

He spotted Tighnari and Cyno sticking close together in the middle, Faruzan dusting off her dress skirt a little on the other side of the stage with a huff, and Layla on his right looking like she might fall over at any point. Whether it was due to anxiety, stress, or insomnia based on those giant bags under her eyes, he had no clue.

As the presenter continued rambling on, his thoughts drifted a little bit as he looked around at the gathered crowd. He knew Alhaitham was somewhere around here, as they’d arrived at the venue together earlier. Did he leave already? The architect let a small sigh slip when he didn’t spot his annoying grey-haired roommate in the crowd, instead quirking an eyebrow when he instead spotted a vaguely familiar blonde woman and her rather loud fairy companion somewhere at the back of the crowd. The Traveler and Paimon, right…? It’s been quite a while since he’d last seen the pair. Wasn’t that in the House of Daena after he’d returned from the desert?

His thoughts, and the presenter’s confused muttering, he noted, were quickly interrupted by a rather snarky voice he, unfortunately, was a bit more familiar with. As he, and everyone else present, looked over at the source of the noise, they were met with the blue-clad figure of one very annoyed-looking Inazuman kid. Faruzan almost stumbled back in shock at his appearance, and even Cyno’s shoulders seemed to tense just a slight bit. The instincts of a Matra, Kaveh supposed with a small smile.

“These introductions are pointless. Let’s just get this over with,” the young man interrupted, a rather sour look on his face as he crossed his arms and shot the presenter a look of disdain. It sent the poor woman in question into a minor panic before she sighed and finally focussed back on the task at hand: the introductions. With a sigh of relief now that everyone was accounted for, she pointed to the young man now hiding a little more behind his hat with a slightly nervous smile.

"Finally! Our final contestant is Vahumana’s representative: Hat Guy!”
The crowd launched into a mixture of whispers, murmurs and the expected applause and cheers. After all, while the introductions weren’t exactly spectacular, it was still wonderful to see so many young talents gathered here today. Kaveh did shoot the Vahumana kid a look of interest, but kept quiet in favour of letting the presenter finish her speech. Once she was finally done and the butterflies were released as their way of confetti, he finally left the stage and it took all but ten seconds before he let out a deep sigh and slumped against the wooden side of the platform. It only took a moment before he was joined by Layla and a rather heated-looking Faruzan, noting how Cyno and Tighnari took the stairs to the other side and Hat Guy disappeared rather quickly. Huh.

“I thought she was never going to shut up,” Faruzan finally cut through the quiet between the three of them. The murmurs and chatter of the crowd at the front of the stage was suddenly a lot more manageable and quiet in comparison to her words. “I thought she might start talking about her dog with how much she was trying to cover up her blatant fumbling. As her senior, I would’ve dealt with it in a much better fashion anyways!”

“Madam Faruzan, everyone saw you almost fall over out of surprise…” Layla interjected, nervously holding up a hand to stop her fellow scholar as she held back a yawn.

“Then your eyes must’ve been playing tricks on you, youngster. I did no such thing.”

“Madam Faruzan, with all due respect, she has a point,” Kaveh finally interjected, chuckling a little at the scene in front of him, “you looked like you might faint if he so much as touched you.”

“Ah, you youngsters have no sense of tact!” Faruzan finally managed to come in between them, a faint blush of embarrassment evident on her cheeks as she did her best to compose herself once again. Not a moment too soon either, as all three of them perked up at the sound of footsteps and chatter coming closer to their little corner of the venue.

“Kaveh, Faruzan, Layla!”

The unmistakable squeaking tone of one Paimon came to meet them as the fairy in question came floating over to them with a kamera in hand, the Traveler not far behind with a small smile on her face as she waved to the small group. Ah, they must be the guest commentators that the organising committee had talked about then.

“Oh, it’s you. Why are you here?” The architect spoke up first, looking mildly curious at the pair’s approach. What would they want from him, or from Faruzan and Layla for that matter? He mentally started bracing himself for the imminent questions he was sure he’d be getting.
At least his thoughts were confirmed when Paimon spoke up.

“We’re here as specially invited guest commentators! Our job is to record what happens during the competition!” the small figure explained rather excitedly, smiling wide as her companion nodded in agreement.

“Is that so?” Faruzan interrupted surprisingly quickly, seemingly having recovered from her earlier spluttering and lost composure. It made Kaveh relax just a little bit as a small smile crept onto his face at the scene. That is… until he heard what came next.

“In that case, I’ll have to trouble you to catch the moment of my triumph on kamera! Remember to shoot from behind at a lower angle- you know, to capture a senior’s class!”

As she was saying this, Faruzan was posing rather dramatically and winking as if she thought it would help. It made the architect, who had just been listening idly up until now with no interest in really joining in, pause as his hackles raised just a little bit.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself now, Madam Faruzan. Victory will obviously be mine!”

After all, he had to win. For his father, and for himself. Then Alhaitham might finally respect him for once…

Faruzan, however, really didn’t look impressed. If anything, she practically sneered at her two fellow scholars as she side-eyed them pretty hard. Even Paimon winced a little bit at the sheer attitude on display here.

“Hah, you’re too young to even consider challenging me. Kshahrewar or Rtawahist, you’re all children as far as I’m concerned…” Both Kaveh and Layla visibly recoiled at the sheer amount of attitude, unsure of how to handle it properly. It’s kind of why Kaveh ended up tuning out the conversation, hanging back a little as he watched the two ladies devolve into a conversation he wasn’t entirely sure how to follow. These sorts of things weren’t exactly his forté…

It’s only when he tuned back in to the sight of Faruzan practically bent over the young Rtawahist scholar, hounding her with questions, that he decided with a small sigh of defeat that enough is enough.

“Madam Faruzan, I’m quite sure this counts as poaching… Let’s dial things down a bit, okay…?” the blonde did his best to interject, smiling nervously as now suddenly all the attention was on him. Thankfully, whatever tension was building in the air disappeared as soon as Faruzan shook her head with an admittedly sorry look on her face.

“I know, but it’s been tough getting people these days, and research funding has been hard to secure…” And right then, that cocky smile was back on her face as she wagged a finger almost in protest at the situation. “But when I win this tournament, that will be a different story.”

He wasn’t sure what it was entirely, but those words of hers made something twist in Kaveh’s stomach. Uncomfortably so. She was after the prize money too…? Suddenly, his hope and determination from earlier in the day were steadily withering and shrivelling like a houseplant left in the sun for too long. He couldn’t let her win. He just couldn’t.

Paimon ended up breaking the tense silence that had settled between them, thankfully. The little companion seemed to ask something about Faruzan’s reason for participating, which launched the Haravatat scholar straight back into a rant about how unfair the Akademiya was to both new and old students nowadays. Hah, go figure… Not that he paid much attention to it all anyways, just letting his usual friendly smile stay plastered onto his face as he watched the girls devolve back into talking about the competition and who would win. Even the Traveler looked slightly less tense, he noted, looking rather happy to just sit back and let Paimon do all the talking while she took pictures.

That is how his gaze ended up being drawn back to the podium, the chatter of the people around him fading into the background as his mask slipped just a little bit. Seeing the Diadem of Knowledge up there on that pedestal… he just knew he had to win it.
Not just for his father, but to prove himself too… It almost felt like it was calling out to him…

It’s only when the conversation ended up being directed at him that he was rather rudely snapped out of his thoughts.

“Teyvat to Kaveh, were you paying any attention at all? Honestly, youngsters these days…”

“Oh, uhm sorry- my mind was elsewhere for just a moment. What were you saying?” He had every right to look apologetic when both Faruzan and Paimon sent him unamused glares, probably having expected him to listen to the conversation and join in like a normal person. Seems like he really needed to stop spacing out, huh…

He ignored the look of mild concern sent his way by the Traveler, and slipped his mask back on a little too easily. He just grinned wide, ignoring the slight discomfort hanging in the air. The blonde woman who had been quiet up to this point even cleared her throat, hoping to engage him just a little bit. “Madam Faruzan wanted to know what your reason for participating is, Master Kaveh… If you wouldn’t mind answering the question, of course…”

“Ah, yes- sorry. Must I really say? My reason is so disappointing compared to everyone else…” It’s only with a rather disappointed look from Paimon and the Traveler holding up her Kamera that he sighed and gave in. Might as well…

“I was just looking to buy some property with the prize money, is all… That, and… I wanted to make my father proud. He participated in the Championship before, but he… didn’t win. All I want is to wear that diadem so that I may help my father fulfill that dream he had.”

At this, he got more than just a few looks, ranging from knowing to curious. He almost missed Paimon blurting out something about Alhaitham before she was quickly shushed and the travelling pair rushed to cover up the small blunder. Thank God they still remembered his request. That would’ve been horrible to fix, or his reputation would be in shambles.

“I actually don’t think that’s a bad reason at all. You’ve got some ambition, youngster,” Faruzan at least tried to comment, offering him a small smile, “I’m sure that your father would be proud of you if you were to win the right to the diadem. Not that you have a chance with me here, of course.”

That stung.
Something in his chest crumbled at the words, making sour bile rise up in his throat as his mask slipped just a little bit. They didn’t know. Was it really worth it to explain it to them? Something felt wrong about it, but… what other choice did he have?

“Unfortunately, that wouldn’t really be the case. My father passed away many years ago- it’s said he ran into quicksand when travelling in the desert… Though- let’s not dwell on it for too long. I don’t want to bring the mood down.”

At that point, the blonde missed the concerned looks from everyone else present by a mile. Even the Traveler looked physically uncomfortable, mouth half open as if to say something before she closed it again and quickly excused both Paimon and herself. It seemed they overstayed their welcome, not that he blamed them exactly. It was his own fault after all…

It seemed the little group they had formed fell apart a bit from there. Faruzan and Layla quickly devolved back into hushed conversation, and Kaveh himself wandered a bit further away to sit under one of the trees and take a breather. Seems like the nerves had built up a little too much, he needed some fresh air away from the stuffy atmosphere.

This was going to be such a pain…

Surprisingly, it didn’t take long at all until the announcement came.

It’s how Kaveh found his annoying roommate at the commentator’s booth, shifting through paperwork while he spotted Nilou doing the same next to him. Huh, you learn something new every day.

Alhaitham only shot him a look at his approach, thankfully, likely too busy with the other contestants also finally gathering. It gave the blonde the chance to stay a bit further back, his skin buzzing with nervousness as he awaited the announcement. It seemed like he wasn’t the only one at least, as he noticed Layla looking progressively more tired next to him as well.

“I will now announce the rules for the first round of the competition. Please listen carefully,” Alhaitham finally spoke up, clearing his throat before he addressed everyone gathered. If he shot his roommate a particularly pointed glance, neither of them bothered to mention it.

“During the opening ceremony, Akademiya staff released several cages of butterflies, and many of them are now fluttering within Sumeru City. Amongst these butterflies, three of them will be special Swiftflies. They have a different appearance and also fly a little faster. Your objective this round is to find a Swiftfly and bring it to me. Three points will be awarded to the first participant to return, two to the second, and one point to the third.”

As soon as he laid out the rules, the young man took another deep breath, this time actually looking straight at Kaveh for a minute as said blonde proceeded to ignore him once again, and then moved to finish his speech.

“That is all for the first round. Should you require clarification on anything,” if he wouldn’t know better he’d think Alhaitham would’ve gladly added ‘Kaveh’ to the end of that sentence with the tone he was using, “please ask any of the other staff.”

Of course he would avoid as much socialising as possible, that bastard.

That is how he almost missed Cyno turning to walk away without so much of a moment to think about it. Did he have a plan already?!

“You’re already going? What about a plan?” Kaveh questioned rather quickly, the confusion pretty clear on his face as Cyno stopped to look back at him over his shoulder, spouting some cryptic quote he likely got from one of his favourite books, before just walking off. Just like that. Sometimes he had no clue what to make of his friend, that man’s mind was an enigma he was not keen on figuring out sometimes.

“My dear Kshahrewar junior, I have a plan. How about some cooperation between you and me, hm?”

Faruzan’s voice once again snapped the man out of his thoughts, looking over at her with a questioning glance before he nodded. Working together shouldn’t hurt, at least for now. He did note a small huff from someone else nearby, but that was probably just Alhaitham looking down on him again. It wouldn’t be worth it to engage with anyways, so he just sighed and signalled for his Haravatat colleague to wait until there were less listening ears. Tighnari thankfully left pretty quickly after Cyno, and Layla was soon off on her own as well. Where Hat Guy went, who knows. Once he was sure they were alone, he turned to the blue haired lady and crossed his arms to indicate he was being a bit more serious. Time to hatch a plan then.

“You remember those things we made, right? The mechanical Swiftflies we made for a furniture piece once?”

“Wait- those? Why now of all times-” he cut himself off right there and then. Ah, she wanted to use them like that! It seems Faruzan noticed his moment of realisation, as something sharp glinted in her gaze and she smirked rather deviously.

“Exactly, my dear junior. We use them not only to throw off the competition, but also to lure some real ones straight to us. It’s foolproof, and guaranteed to score both points and the attention of the people watching this competition. So, what do you say? Interested?”

“But how could we even keep them apart from the real ones? From what I remember from Amurta books I read, Swiftflies swarm very quickly and travel in groups if they see one of their kind. There’s no way for me to track the mechanical ones either, unlike machinery like Mehrak.”

“Then I suppose we’ll get there when the situation calls for it, hm? As your senior, you should trust in my judgement when I say that us working together will be the best way to score points during this round. We both want to win, after all.”

“That is true… Perhaps I can use Mehrak’s tracker as a quick base for the Swiftflies, or at least temporarily. It shouldn’t take long, I could have it ready in about an hour.”

Without further ado, that is how the two of them split up to enact their plan before Paimon could even come up to them to ask what it was they were planning. Heh, he’d show them. He’d show Sumeru what he was capable of, and he’d show Alhaitham that he was worthy of being called a scholar.

He’d show his father a son he could be proud of.

He’s not some-

Maybe he needed to cut off that thought right there.

Chapter Text

Okay, maybe he should’ve worked on his constitution before all this.

Kaveh mentally cursed his younger self for every missed day of strength training during his Akademiya years as he was sprinting through the entire city as fast as his legs could carry him. Mehrak could barely even keep up, even as he was sweating profusely and barely getting enough air into his lungs while he was climbing the steep ramps leading up to the Akademiya itself. Faruzan didn’t seem to be faring any better either, struggling to breathe and needing to pause every few minutes as she was lagging behind him.They honestly looked pathetic like this, but he was willing to endure it just once.

For the points!

The reason they were sprinting through the city like their lives depended on it- which they did, thank you very much- was because Mehrak had signalled them a few minutes ago that one of their bait Swiftflies had deviated from the programmed path and settled down somewhere further up the Divine Tree for the first time since they were released about an hour ago. That meant they had to go and check why that was the case, and fast too in the scenario that one of the other contestants had also taken interest.

That was confirmed when he heard some passersby chatting amongst themselves as the small group passed them in their hurry.
“I heard General Cyno already found a Swiftfly!”

“Really, that fast? Is he superhuman or something? Aside from the scary getup, the Vision, and the usual death stare of course.”

“I swear, you need to get your head checked sometime. You sure you’re not secretly walking around with a concussion or something?”

The blonde didn’t bother listening any longer.

Cyno has already found a Swiftfly. If they just hurried up, they could actually still score second place points.

He almost completely missed Hat Guy nearby as they were running past a small café to get further up into the city.

Mehrak shoved him out of the way of running into a streetlamp with how much that one glance caught him off guard.

Hat Guy was literally just sitting there on the terrace, minding his own business as he sipped a cup of what was likely coffee with a small pastry on the side. That guy looked completely unbothered too, only opening an eye to glance nonchalantly at him mid-sip as he was stunned into slowing down and staring back. The two of them just continued to stare, quickly locked in a silent but tense stalemate.

Hat Guy shook his head very slowly.

It took someone prodding his cheek rather painfully for him to snap out of their minor staring match. The architect quickly shook his head as the pain registered, and when he looked
back at the café, Hat Guy had already gone back to paying attention to his pastry. That was weird...

“I’ve been calling your name for a few minutes. Are you okay, junior?” Faruzan asked with a look of mild concern on her face, even as she was still breathing rather heavily and likely sweating a lot from the amount of running they were doing. Even Mehrak chimed in, a small, worried beeping noise ringing from her casing as her expression shifted into that of a frown.

“Wha- huh? I- um- yes. I was just…” Kaveh looked away a bit nervously, rubbing his cheek now that the pain was properly flaring up and probably forming a small bruise, “I got sidetracked, I guess? Let’s just move on. We have a Swiftfly to check, and after that, another twenty-seven of them.”

His fellow scholar shot him a look, but he pointedly decided to ignore it and turned to continue at a slightly slower jogging pace.

Keep a straight face. Nothing is wrong, and you’re just making a fool of yourself. This is a competition, keep your head in the game.

What would his father think if he saw him now?

“Kaveh, you need to stop spacing out like this. I would call you a youngster like usual, but this is anything but.”

He blinked, only now realising that the pair had stopped in front of Alhaitham’s house. Not theirs. Never theirs. He didn’t deserve to call it that. Faruzan had actually stepped in front of him now, grabbing him by the shoulders as she was looking at him rather worriedly. Even Mehrak looked worried, floating behind the woman’s head to block his view of the front door.

“Madam Faruzan..? What is this abou-”

“Can you please be honest with me here for just a minute. Stop trying to avoid me when I’m trying to talk to you.”

“You’re starting to sound like Alhaitham.”

“I wouldn’t be if you just listened to me already. You’re one of the most intelligent people I know- and that is saying something- and yet here you are constantly getting sidetracked. I had to pull you away from a ledge twice in the last ten minutes, and you would’ve run into that streetlamp if your little toolbox hadn’t shoved you. So tell me, what’s going on?”

If he visibly winced and looked determinedly at his shoes like it was the most interesting thing in the world, neither of them said anything.

“Look, Madam Faruzan, I- I just have a lot on my mind right now, alright? Can we please talk about this later?”

Faruzan paused at the quiet tone slipping from his lips, her grip on his shoulders loosening just a little bit. Even she had to avoid his gaze, his dark amber eyes almost burning with unintentional intensity.

“Normally I would not let this sort of thing go, you know this. But- I guess you’re right… Just- please come talk to me when you have some time. Know that I’m worried about you, alright?”

The grounding pressure of her age-worn hands leaving his shoulders made Kaveh let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding, the lingering feeling strange to him. Why was such a simple gesture making him feel so… on edge? Should he describe it like that? Not that it would matter much anyways, they had a task to focus on after all.

“Right… but let’s please continue what we were doing, alright? We can’t exactly stand still right now.”

With that, the blonde looked over at Mehrak who seemed to cheer up rather quickly with a beep-boop noise before her panels lit up with green light. There was apparently a tracked bait nearby, as the display indicated, and it was sitting completely still.

“The bait Swiftfly is nearby, we’re almost there at least. Let’s keep going!”

He turned and ran, not even noticing Faruzan’s still worried gaze aimed at his back. Mehrak stayed by her side this time, watching her owner continue at a slightly more careful pace this time.

By the time Kaveh arrived at the scene, it was... something, to say the least.

Rather far up on the Divine Tree, he’d spotted the Traveler and Paimon rather easily as he kept running and climbing further up. It only took a minute before he’d spotted Cyno as well, and he increased his pace. When he finally reached the small group of three though, he was met with a very confused Cyno and a Traveler looking on in mild curiosity.

When he finally managed to get his legs to stop moving, he nearly doubled over in exhaustion with how much air his lungs needed.

“...Finally, made it- I heard you caught a,” he had to pause to take another deep breath, “Swiftfly, Cyno. Could you show me what it looks like?”

As he came walking over on worn out, slightly shaky legs, his desert-dweller friend nodded with a look of mild curiosity on his face as he held out the butterfly he’d caught for Kaveh to see. He was holding the thing a little too tightly, pinching its limply twitching wings as its little legs struggled uselessly. Only…

“Hold on, this is one of my mechanical baits that Faruzan and I released earlier. Look.”

As he leaned in a little closer, Cyno almost let go of the mechanical bug in surprise at the words. Not that any of them bothered to comment on it anyways, Kaveh gently pointing to the legs and underside of the tiny contraption. Clear as day, there was a small, green-blinking light attached to the underside of the butterfly together with a tiny engraved ‘K’ where the underside of the head would be.

“I usually mark mine with my name. But why would you catch one of my baits instead of a real Swiftfly?”

“Wait, you released bait?”

The Traveler actually looked surprised, and Paimon even more so. The little fairy had to have her mouth covered by her companion’s free hand with how loud her muffled confused ranting seemed to be.

“Technically? They were some leftover mechanisms from an interior design project I did a while ago. The fake flowers on the walls looked a little too barren for my taste, so I made a few of these,” and by a few, he meant several dozen, as he pointed at the small butterfly now cradled a bit more carefully in Cyno’s hands, “to liven up the place. The only reason they’re this small and nimble was because I asked Faruzan for advice.”

The fact that the two of them were the ones to release all those mechanical butterflies into the city didn’t need to be said out loud. Though, now that the group had a moment to think about it… wasn’t it a surprising success if they even managed to fool Cyno? No matter how humble Kaveh tried to be, that was still an impressive feat.

“So why did you release so many then?”

Paimon finally managed to break away from her companion’s hand, sputtering for just a moment before she all but yelled the question into the air between them. Seems like she was kind of upset about being ignored, Kaveh noted with a look of sympathy towards the small girl.

“Well, have you ever tried playing that game where you tie some strips of paper to a bamboo pole and run through a field of flowers to attract a whole swarm of butterflies?”

“No, I haven’t,” Cyno commented with a look of mild annoyance, “but doesn’t that mean…?”

“Exactly, the real butterflies will mistake our mechanical bait for one of their own and follow them around. As long as we just keep releasing the bait and keeping tabs on them all, it’s just a matter of picking the Swiftflies out from the rest.”

Kaveh looked particularly proud of himself at the admission, genuinely grinning from ear to ear for the first time since that morning even before the start of the competition. Even Cyno had to admit that it was nice to see his friend like this, crossing his arms with a small smile tugging at his lips.

“Suppose that’s one way to do it. No matter how much that old hag complains about the recent decline of Kshahrewar, it seems like you’re still living up to the title they gave you.”

“Oh, I really just stuck to what I do best. The idea was all Faruzan’s. If anything, I barely did anything at all.”

Leave it to the Light of Kshahrewar to be polite and deflect praise. Though he did perk up a little when another one of his baits came flying by. Only… it was alone?

“Ah, seems like the match continues then. Guess I’ll need to go check where it came from. I’ll catch you later!”

And just like that, the blonde ran back down the ramps towards the north of the city, leaving behind an amused friend and two travellers who had no idea what to make of the situation.

A small, childlike giggle echoed from somewhere nearby as the bait Swiftfly stopped in its tracks before small hands closed around it. A moment later, with the soft tinkling of bells, the butterfly was released back into the air to continue on its path.

With the Traveler and Paimon hot on his heels, it took him a decent bit of running until Kaveh reached his destination. The scent of sweet incense hung heavy in the air despite being outdoors, and the practical kaleidoscope of colours as butterflies gathered around the small plaza near Bimarstan was a sight to behold. There had to be at least a few hundred, all fluttering around lazily as he spotted even Faruzan among the gathering crowd with Mehrak held securely in her hands. Tighnari seemed to be in the very center of it all, holding one of his small contraptions… Vijnanas or something?

It seemed like his old friend had been a few steps ahead of them, he noted, watching his Tighnarian friend getting hounded with questions with a small smile on his face. Better to leave him to it and make himself useful in a situation like this as he walked off and started taking inventory of the situation.

Several hundreds of butterflies indeed seemed to have swarmed here, meaning it was likely most of the ones that had been released by the competition committe, he noted idly as he spotted a single Swiftfly landing on Tighnari’s arm and settle there. There were none of his baits nearby from what the man could remember, so it was likely a real one.

It was still a single one though, and the committee had released three. They still had a chance as long as they played it safe.

Kaveh made his way back to where he spotted the Traveler and Faruzan chatting, the lecture likely over already as he caught a glimpse of Tighnari wandering back towards the contest area to likely claim his points. Better start now if they still wanted second place.

“Madam Faruzan, I’ve had a good look around just now. Nearly all the butterflies in the area have been attracted by the incense, so it’s unlikely they’ll leave at all. We should still have a chance if we cast our baits to avoid this area, as I’ve only spotted one real Swiftfly here. Tighnari just walked off with that one, so the other two should still be around the city somewhere.”

There was the smart Kaveh they knew. Faruzan offered him a mean smirk, her mind likely already running at full capacity as they needed to adjust their plan appropriately.

“Then let’s get moving, dear junior. We will not let any more butterflies get away if we can help it!”

That is how they ended up splitting up, each taking a few of the leftover bait Swiftflies with them in different directions of the city. While he noted Faruzan heading back further up the Divine Tree, Kaveh decided that heading further down towards the docks would be a better idea. He did pass the café from earlier again though, Mehrak in hand this time as his pace was a lot more leisurely. He wouldn’t run into a streetlamp this time, thank you very much!

“Wow, you seem really intent on winning with how many times I see you almost running people over.”

Wait, he’s still here?!

“Hat Guy? What are you still doing here?”

The blonde’s pace slowed to more of a stroll as he made his way over to the patio of the building. The Inazuman kid was still sitting there at one of the tables, the pastry from earlier gone now as he was just enjoying another cup of coffee. The young man barely even looked up from his drink, just nodding to the empty seat at his table.

An invitation.

“I don’t really bother with silly little games like these. Unlike some of you people, I’m only getting involved if things actually get serious.”

“Ah, still a shame though,” Kaveh commented as he stopped next to the table, not really taking a seat. That would be infringing on the Vahumana scholar’s personal boundaries, right?

“I would’ve loved to hear what your tactic would be in this kind of situation anyhow.”

“Ah, the weird butterflies? I already caught one, I just didn’t feel like turning it in just yet. This coffee is way more interesting anyways. The owner actually has good taste for once.”

Wait, this random kid already caught a Swiftfly just like that?!

“I swear, you might catch one yourself if you let your mouth hang open like that. Watch yourself, architect.”

The Inazuman shot him an unimpressed quirked eyebrow over the rim of his cup, before nodding to the two empty cups he also had on his table. Huh, so he’d been here for this long already? Though it was still kind of surprising to see an actual Swiftfly just sitting there on one of the pieces of porcelain, idly fluttering its wings as it seemed to be enjoying some of the leftover liquid that was still in the cup.

“You can have it, I don’t really care anyways.”

“Wait- really? I thought we were fellow competitors.”

“Just take it, as I said I’ll only get involved if actually necessary.”

“If you say so…”

That is how, now with a surprisingly calm Swiftfly in hand, Mehrak floating behind him with a happy chirp and his hands thoroughly soaked in leftover coffee, Kaveh found his way back to the venue as the sun was starting to set. Huh, had they been at it for so long already? Time sure flies when you’re not paying attention…

“Ah, Kaveh. There you are!”

Spotting the Haravatat scholar wasn’t very hard, with her bright blue hair and her now unfortunately dirty white dress. She almost came stumbling over to him, her arms completely full of what were clearly the last few baits they’d released today. He had found quite a few on the way back as well, so it seemed his partner in crime had collected the rest.

“Did you have any luck? Tighnari has already collected his first place points, but Cyno came back empty-handed. Layla and that Hat Guy fellow are still out there it seems. And why are you reeking of coffee?”

“Ah, that… Take a look, Madam Faruzan.”

The blonde gently opened his still wet hands for his friend to see, smiling just a little to himself as the Swiftfly was still sitting there and drinking up the leftover liquid. For such a nimble insect, it was surprisingly calm like this. Faruzan’s eyes widened a bit at the sight, before she looked over at her friend with a questioning glance.

“Hat Guy caught it by accident but gave it to me. Kusanali knows where he is now, but he’s not mad about it at least. We can still claim the second place points then, so let’s go.”

“Wait, really? He gave it to you just like that? Wh- hey, at least slow down a bit!”

Alhaitham didn’t even look up from his paperwork as a familiar hand reeking of black coffee slammed onto his table.

“Faruzan and I found a Swiftfly. We want to turn it in.”

“Took you long enough, I was starting to think you’d gone to Lambad’s or something and abandoned the competition.”

Nilou shot her colleague a look, but nodded as she looked back to the pair and carefully took the small butterfly from her friend’s hands. She grabbed a rather intimidatingly thick book with her other hand, flipping through it for a few moments. She seemed to pause at a specific page, squinting at the paper as if trying to do so would help her understand the contents better. Archons help this woman around scholars.

“While you can ignore that comment, I don’t believe it’s stated in the rules that we can give points to two people… Maybe it’s better to discuss this when the round is over? I can still write you down for second place though if you’d like.”

Faruzan nodded at least, seemingly finally having decided that enough was enough and dumping the bait butterflies she’d been carrying in the grass to the background noise of a disgruntled squawk from Kaveh.

Layla unfortunately chose that moment to return, clearly out of breath as she seemed to be struggling to keep her footing in the grass. Everyone could see that she had the last Swiftfly cradled in her hands though, the little insect struggling and fluttering wildly in the tiny space with nowhere to go. The Traveler and Paimon were right behind her at least, so it seemed there was no big reason to worry.

It didn’t take very long for Hat Guy to arrive as well either at least. Said person seemed to just be minding his own business as he came strolling back to the competition venue with a coffee to go cup and a half-eaten pastry in hand. The kid literally only looked around at everyone gathered, then back down at his food and drink, and just shrugged and walked off again.

Maybe he could learn a thing or two from that guy.

At the blatant display of a dismissive exit, Alhaitham blinked for just a second before clearing his throat to get everyone else’s attention. Better wrap it up for today so everyone could go home already like Hat Guy had just done.

“It seems we have a third contestant who returned with a Swiftfly then. With that, the round comes to an end. I anticipate that all of you will keep up the effort for the second round. Dismissed.”

With only a few tired grumbles and most of the people leaving, the Traveler approached the main booth while Nilou glanced over at her temporary work partner with a… complicated look on her face.

“Ah um… Your closing statement sounded rather… How do I put it… Decisive?”

Alhaitham’s expression didn’t even shift as he gave the blonde woman a nod before glancing over at Nilou. That look alone made Kaveh’s blood boil just a little bit. If it was a stronger reaction, no it wasn’t.

“Well, you could certainly try being more decisive, Nilou. It would help you live more freely.”

“Wait, so Tighnari was back first? Who’s getting the second place points?” Paimon piped up as the pair approached the booth table. The smaller of the two pulled out her Kamera again, likely wanting to do some reporter work like they’d been commissioned to do. Nilou just smiled brightly into the Kamera, praying to Kusanali that she was doing it right.

“That’s… being discussed right now. Master Kaveh and Madame Faruzan brought a Swiftfly back together.”

“I might have an idea for that, Alhaitham,” Kaveh piped up at that from the back, crossing his arms as it seemed he was actually thinking about it now. “Can’t we just split the points between Madame Faruzan and I? That would save us the trouble.”

“Unfortunately for you, I’ve read the rulebook cover to cover. There is no such rule in any of the pages at all. Nilou can confirm.”

“Then we can just add a rule.”

“Do you really think I’d do that?”

Oh, that bastard-!

“You’re not just trying to stand in the way of me and my victory, are you?”

Alhaitham, to his credit, didn’t rise to the bait at all. If anything, his junior just quirked a brow with the most infuriating expression on his face that the blonde had seen since last week. That guy was mocking him!

“Well, you’re free to send the organising committee an application outlining your naïve proposal. They’ll get back to you within three working days.”

“Three days?! But it would be too late by then!”

If the architect has a devastated look on his face, his roommate certainly pretended he didn’t see it. If anything, his expression just seemed to harden the tiniest bit and whatever hope Kaveh had was tossed out and carried with the Thousand Winds.

“Unfortunately for you, even dreaming is going to cost you.”

Way to rub some salt in the wound, Alhaitham.

“I could offer you the points then if you’d like? You called me ‘Madam’ and helped me with the plan with zero complaints, so I would not mind at all,” Faruzan at least offered gently. It just made his chest feel even tighter, and the blonde shook his head rather quickly. If Alhaitham’s eyes widened just a tiny fraction at the display, no one saw it.

“I couldn’t possibly take points from you in good conscience, Madam Faruzan. You came up with the plan itself, I only helped.”

“In that case, how about we draw lots then? There are two more rounds ahead of us, so whoever loses still has a chance to catch up.”

Kaveh finally sighed and nodded. Nilou understood quickly and got up to grab the lots in question, giving one a red and one a green mark. That way the result would be quick and decisive- just as Alhaitham had suggested. After switching them around a lot, the pair drew their lots.

Kaveh suffered a quick and glorious defeat as he revealed his lot to have a red mark with a particularly shattered look on his face.

Faruzan, who didn’t even bother opening up her lot by then, just sighed and handed her back to Nilou before patting her Kshahrewar colleague on the back.

“It seems like luck was on my side this time then, I’m sorry…”

Kaveh could only manage a weak smile and a soft chuckle as he shook his head, only flinching slightly at her touch. Not out of malice or surprise, just a bit of a moment of him being overwhelmed, he told himself. Nothing to be concerned about.

“No, you deserve it… I’m just lamenting my bad luck. Perhaps…” he let out a particularly heavy sigh that earned him a few mildly concerned glances, “Perhaps that’s why my life is rife with troubles…”

Alhaitham, the prick he was, decided that that was the right moment to offer a comment of his own.

“Indeed, it’s rare to see anyone with such terrible luck be so willing to decide victory via lots.”

The look he got from Kaveh was so sour, if looks could kill he would’ve been six feet under years ago. The architect muttered something clearly halfhearted, before quickly looking away to calm himself down. The tone shift and reaction were so sudden, several people present almost did a spit take as they heard the Scribe actually stumble over his words for a moment right after.

“We can save the bickering for later. Nilou, just record the points under Faruzan and then we can finally bring the first round to a close and go home for the day. I’m sure everyone here is tired anyways. Though before that, I must announce that the second round will be held in the desert tomorrow. We will move the booth there as well, so be prepared and ready tomorrow morning. We will gather in Aaru village, and I’ll announce more of the details then. Until then, have a good evening as I’m off the clock now. If you need me, don’t bother asking.”

Kaveh could only squawk indigantly as his (totally-not) roommate quickly seized him by the arm and started dragging him away from the booth and back towards the city proper.

“Unhand me, I swear to Kusanali! Stop dragging me already, geez-!”

Whatever the blonde wanted to say next was carried away by the wind, but the idea was clear: the second round would not be as easy as the first. Everyone should watch their backs and come more prepared than ever. The desert would be the challenge of a lifetime.

Once the door slammed shut behind his back, the house was plunged into a silence so tense he might actually feel like he’s suffocating. Alhaitham didn’t even turn to look at him, just tossing his cape onto one of the divans, throwing his key ring into the bowl by the door, and walking off towards the kitchen.

Wait, the kitchen?

“Where are you going?”

“The kitchen. You ran through the entire city making a fool of yourself today, so I’m cooking dinner.”

“Oh no you don’t! I’m not eating that sorry excuse of an abomination you call a stew, Alhaitham!”

“Come and stop me then, senior. Or has old age already caught up to you that your knees have arthritis?”

“Oh that is it! I’m cooking today and you’re banned from the kitchen for the next month! Now get out of the way, I actually bothered to go grocery shopping before the competition today, and I’m not letting you let the ingredients go to waste.”

The blonde’s face was almost beet red in almost playful anger as he shoved his roommate out the door rather roughly. Much better than the earlier borderline fury at the competition venue. Alhaitham actually huffed a small smile at the sight, it looking almost like a smirk as more teasing just kept coming.

“Whatever senior wants. What’s for dinner then?”

Kaveh’s face puffed up just a bit more, the red dusting his cheeks darkening a little.

“I managed to get some fresh chicken, so I was planning on making kabsa. With that attitude though, I might just make your portion of chicken extra small.”

There was the Kaveh he knew.

“Oh really? And who of us was the one that needed less meat and more protein in their diet because of his creeping carpal tunnel again?”

“You-!”

“No, certainly not me. Now get to cooking then, or it’ll be done before either of us even arrive at the venue tomorrow morning.”

That bastard was right and they both knew it.

Hopefully the second round would go a bit better…

…

If Alhaitham’s portion of chicken that evening was as small as Kaveh had threatened it to be, the younger of the two chose not to comment on it with a fond smile on his face and the delicious taste of spiced rice on his tongue. If it took approaching Kaveh with disguised words of care, then it would be worth it every single time.

Chapter Text

Despite the early morning coolness, the desert was still something Kaveh could never get used to at all. He’d only left Caravan Ribat twenty minutes ago, and it was already starting to feel like he was an egg being fried on a rock fully exposed to the sun’s heat. The heat was sweltering, and no amount of fanning himself or pouring water on his neck seemed to help at all.

Alhaitham hadn’t come with him this time around, having needed to leave much earlier than the older to help move the booth as he’d explained the day prior. How that man even had an organised sleep schedule, he had no idea.

A sharp beeping noise next to him shook Kaveh out of his inner rambling.

“Mehrak, are your circuit boards doing okay? I don’t usually take you with me to the desert during such hot days.”

His toolbox let out a happy chirp in response, her face plates shifting into a happy smile as she floated along next to him. The trek wouldn’t be very long, thankfully, but they would still need to be careful. Aaru Village was still about an hours time away, after all. The blonde smiled at his companion’s enthusiasm, patting her in appreciation as they kept walking.

“I heard that Miss Dehya and Miss Candace cleared out the route today at least, so delays should be minimal if that helps?”

Kaveh looked up in surprise at the voice that suddenly appeared next to him, his smile widening as he spotted Layla stumble to catch up to him. The young Rtawahist scholar looked almost even more tired than yesterday, the bags under her eyes so dark they may as well have been actual bruises. She didn’t even seem to mind, yawning softly into her hand as she adapted her walking speed to his and they continued on their shared route.

“Layla, what a surprise to see you up and about so early! Though- it also makes sense why as we both need to be at the Aaru Village plaza soon,” he commented with a small chuckle, immediately mentally berating himself for being so slow today.

“Though… is it just me or are the bags under your eyes even darker than the last round? Are you alright?”

Layla glanced over at her travelling partner at the question, before sighing and rubbing her eyes slightly. The sand might not have been helping, as she winced and quickly stopped doing that in favour of wiping her eyes with a clean patch of her clothes.

“Thanks for your concern, Kaveh. I just… haven’t slept well at all lately…” and as if to punctuate her situation, the young student immediately had to stifle another yawn, “Even though I try to fall asleep, I can’t get the Championship out of my head… and before I know it, it’s morning again.”

“Oh, I know that feeling,” the blonde agreed with a small wince and a pretty deep sigh, “That happens to me too when I’m agonising over my many blueprints.” Mehrak chirped almost in agreement at that statement, bumping into her owner’s arm and making him chuckle a little bit. Even Layla managed a small smile, chuckling at the little display.

“Do you have any tips for dealing with that?”

“To be honest with you, no. You could say there are many things that don’t have a quick fix, and can only be endured.”

Much like what his mother might have been dealing with all these years before she moved away, or what he went through after the death of his father. There was simply no helping it.

“I suppose you could think of it as something akin to an illness. Sometimes there’s no effective cure, so you just have to let things run their course. Besides, I know you’ll do just fine today. Keep your chin up, and we’ll all get through this.”

He did glance over to the student with a small, knowing smile, but both of their attention was quickly taken by the looming stone platforms and archways of the Land of Lower Setekh as they quickly came into view and, beyond that, Aaru Village. It seems they were already almost at their destination. A few more minutes of walking, and then it would just be a matter of time until the second round would start.

If there was a creeping sense of dread forming a particularly big lump in his throat, Kaveh chose not to comment on it as he stashed Mehrak away and he and Layla increased their pace towards the desert village.

No matter how many times he came here, Aaru Village never ceased to impress him as the massive stone structures towered over him when he came through the main archway leading to the entrance. With a statue of the Seven on his left, the architect smiled a little wider as he proceeded across several rickety wooden bridges and narrow pathways. The site of the second round would be a little further towards the open wastes of the desert, so he had to soak up as much of the cool morning shade as he could. He wouldn’t have the time for that later after all.

The competition booth soon came into view too, Kaveh immediately spotting his annoying roommate among the people already gathered as he was seemingly busy with paperwork yet again. Nilou was there already too, handing out survival packs to what looked to be Tighnari and a rather concerned-looking Cyno staring at his Tighnarian friend. Hat Guy was a bit further away, observing his fellow competitors with a survival pack strapped to his waist and a rather unbothered expression on his face. Faruzan was there already too, so it seemed he and Layla were the last competitors to arrive. The only ones they would have to wait on then should be the Traveler and Paimon.

“Ah, Master Kaveh! Good morning,” Nilou called when he approached the booth, smiling brightly despite how early it was in the day. She already held up a survival pack for him to take too, the Kshahrewar logo stitched to it even making Kaveh smile just a little wider.

“Good morning to you too, Nilou,” he hummed, taking the pouch from the ginger-haired woman before he looked over to his roommate with a decidedly less pleasant look on his face, “and Alhaitham.”

Said scribe only huffed a little in response, clearly not impressed as usual.

“It will only be a good day when I get to go home and read, let’s just wait for the last few people to arrive.”

“Party pooper.”

“I wouldn’t be if I didn’t have to babysit you every day, you know.”

“Ugh- you!”

Nilou’s interruption almost felt like a blessing from Kusanali herself.

“Ah, Traveler, Paimon, you’re here! Good morning!” she called, her smile bright as the pair waved to her while coming over to the booth. Seems like everyone was finally here, and Kaveh was saved from a very awkward argument. Thank God.

“Very well then, it seems everyone is finally here. Let me explain the second round to you all,” Alhaitham finally announced, clearing his throat a little to increase volume and get rid of the admittedly awkward tension that had been building up just now. As soon as the Traveler and Paimon joined the now gathering group, the scribe moved over to an orb-like piece of machinery that was set up next to the booth. How had Kaveh not noticed it before?

“There are three Ley Line Disruptors like this one buried in the area around Aaru village. These devices can mimic the effects of Ley Line disruptions and will constantly interfere with the environment. Your goal is to find them and shut them down and come back here with proof of having done so. The first three contestants to have done so will be awarded four, three and two points, accordingly. Though note that every competitor may only bring the food and water from the survival packs Nilou has handed out, and leaving the designated competition area will result in disqualification.”

And with that, the second round began. Hat Guy took off immediately, not bothering to stay around for very long. In the meantime, Tighnari and Cyno seemed to crowd together yet again while Layla made her way over to the booth to ask a few more questions it seemed. Faruzan turned to Kaveh once more.

“Well, what do you think of teaming up yet again? I shall consider letting you have the points on account of what happened in the previous round after all.”

Kaveh shook his head surprisingly quickly, keeping his survival pack close to his chest as he gave his friend an apologetic smile.

“It’s alright, I’ve been here many times already and in any case, machines are one of my specialties. I doubt this will be all that difficult aside from the extreme weather conditions and our limited rations.”

Faruzan only huffed, seemingly in amusement judging by the small smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. It seems like this might be a very similar scenario to the first round, then.

“It’s good to see such confidence in youngsters like yourself. I also happen to be well-acquainted with this place. Let’s see who finds these devices first then, hm? Though, aside from us, you should remember that there is a current favourite for champion. We must be careful of him,” the lady muttered rather ominously as she leaned in, her gaze suddenly a bit more intense. Kaveh noticed her glancing over at their Valuka Shuna friend, and quirked an eyebrow at the same time Paimon barged into the conversation, completely unaware of her own volume.

“A favourite to win? Who is it?”

Faruzan looked particularly dismayed at the volume alone, quickly shushing the small fairy as she glanced over to the young man in question.

“Not so loud. He took first place in the previous round if you remember, so if he wins this next round then we may as well call this competition over,” she explained quickly, looking particularly annoyed as Paimon pulled out her Kamera to once again take pictures. It’s by this time Kaveh mentally checked out again, just letting his mind wander a bit with possible ideas and tactics today as he looked around at the rest of the competitors. It seemed Hat Guy had already made his way up to a few vantage points, choosing to climb the rock platforms for a better overview of the competition area. Layla on the other hand was still busy at the booth, seemingly in deep discussion with an increasingly worried-looking Nilou. And Tighnari and Cyno…

The architect dimly noted that his dendro-user friend looked rather worse for wear already, sweating and tugging at his clothing to let some air in, and it was still early morning. Right, Tighnari was more used to humid climates like the rainforest. The desert would be horrible on his stamina, so it might be a good idea to keep an eye on him. Cyno seemed to have the same idea, sticking close to his friend for another few moments before he set out into the desert wastes.

As for what he could do… It might be worth it to check north of the village. From what he remembered from reading many maps of the region, the north had the most hills and platforms and was closer to the Wall of Samiel. This meant plenty of prime hiding spots for a device of some kind, as long as he made sure to be swift and thorough. The only question would be if he could hold out with his rations for that long. Kaveh absentmindedly looked down at the survival pack tied to his hip.

This was barely enough water for one person for about four hours at most. He usually brought more when he went to the desert for work…

He was only dimly aware of Faruzan leaving to actually join the competition when he noticed her already turning away to head west into the wastes. Seems like that was his que to also take his leave.

“I’ll be heading off too then. I’ll see you later,” he called to the commentator pair quickly, before heading out the gates to quickly make his way up north.

Time to get to work.

“Yip!”

This was not what he meant by getting to work.

He’d only just made it to the northern plateau of Aaru Village before Kaveh was already being hounded by a small, fluffy animal yipping and pouncing at his shoes. The animal’s attention was entirely on him, small squeaks and trills escaping the tiny body as its large ears twitched to attention.

“A desert fox…? Whoa- stop biting my clothes! Hey!”

That is how he found himself sighing, sitting down in the sand, and holding out some of the meagre rations he had in his survival pack for the small animal to eat. It really wasn’t much, just two slices of bread and a few nuts, but the fox was happily seated in his lap and purring as it tore the food to shreds. As long as it was happy, at least…

…

It barely took ten minutes before a second little fox came running over to him too, quickly resorting to chewing on his pant leg before he just sighed, gave up, and carefully settled down in the shadow of a cactus nearby. With the second desert fox chowing down on the dried jerky from his survival pack and the first now settled comfortably in his lap and purring, it was only a matter of time until more would show up.

When the third one came running, Kaveh just sighed, gave up, and took a long hard swig from his water bottle. Mehrak, who had been stashed away up until now, just settled down next to him until the foxes eventually had enough and would leave the pair alone.

If they ever did that, that is.

By the time the Traveler and Paimon finally came by to check on him an hour and a half or so later, he was stuck trying to get away from several tiny bundles of fluff as they were all yipping and chirping in an attempt to get his attention. They were hot on his heels too, several tears in his pants legs from where the little menaces had tried to bite the fabric in their little chase.

It’s around the time where he finally had to take a break and stop running that the pair finally caught up to him and Mehrak.

“Come on, stop following me. I already gave you all the food I had on me!”

The foxes stopped at his words, stared up at him, and then proceeded to let out such sweetly heartbreaking whines that the architect physically had to stop himself from falling to his knees right then and there to apologise to the little critters for being too harsh on their cute little selves. He couldn’t though, he had a competition to win!

“You can whine all you want, but I don’t have any more food. I only have half a bottle of water left and I can’t possibly give you that,” the blonde explained with a sigh, oblivious to the three people watching him, “Without water, travelling in the desert will be incredibly difficult. I still haven’t found what I’m looking for yet either.”

When the foxes still wouldn’t listen and instead just kept staring up at him with the biggest puppy eyes, the blonde finally sighed and turned to his toolbox companion for help.

“Mehrak, can you please just help me out here? Keep them away!”

Mehrak, to her credit, just beeped happily at his request, her plates shifting into a gleeful smile as she floated off to hold off the foxes exactly as asked. In the meantime, Paimon’s voice made Kaveh aware that there were two people asking for his attention now.

“Kaveh! Faruzan told us to come see how you’re doing! What are you up to?”

Now wasn’t that a great question? What was he doing, entertaining foxes of all things like this?

With a sigh, he finally turned to the pair fully and shook his head in disapproval as he pointed over to Mehrak trying to keep the foxes at bay.

“Still thinking about it makes me upset… Not long after I entered the desert from Aaru Village, I was accosted by these fellows. I might have an inkling as to why, but they didn’t leave the competition grounds yet. The Ley Line disruptions have left them lost and confused and circling around the area, and they somehow kept coming back to me specifically. They wouldn’t leave me alone at all the moment they saw me, and now they even cheated me out of my limited food supply,” he explained with a particularly dismayed look on his face, pointing to his now very clearly empty survival pack. The poor bundle of cloth even had a hole chewed into it on the underside, so all that was left in there with no chance of spilling out was the unfortunately nearly empty water bottle.

Whatever else he was planning on saying to the two was quickly halted in its tracks though when Mehrak came floating over with another beeping noise. The desert foxes were hot on her non-existent heels, bounding after her and closer towards their small group. Hey, wasn’t that against his orders?

He was about to ask her why she did that before Paimon spoke up with a question on her lips and a very curious look on her face that was unfortunately matched by the Traveler.

“Kaveh, is this flying metal thingy yours,” she asked, pointing over at a now very happy looking Mehrak. Kaveh nodded, the nth sigh of the day forcing its way out of his lungs as he waved a hand over in his toolbox’s direction.

“Yes, this is my toolbox, Mehrak. I made her specifically to carry most of my usual things I need for work, and she has a limited understanding of words spoken to her. Sometimes I’m not sure if she’s actually sentient or not,” he quickly added with a bit of a nervous laugh.

“As for how or why she might look unusual to you- and yes, I’m aware that she is- long story short, she’s built from an old machine core I got from a merchant group that had excavated it from some tomb a while ago. It’s from the ancient Deshret civilization, so it’s not widely understood. Even my Darshan of Kshahrewar still has differing opinions on this topic. Even now we can’t fully explain such mysteries, so I couldn’t let the opportunity pass and bought the core with all the money I had on hand at the time. Some time later, I needed a gadget that could help me with work, and Mehrak was made.”

As he explained it, Kaveh once again looked rather proud of his words. He was practically beaming with pride as he continued to explain her little details, such as her specialisation for mapping and surveying, and how she could display and even use trackers like how he’d used her during the first round the day prior.

“-and most importantly, she can’t talk, so she can’t give me any attitude.” Unlike a certain junior he knew.

If Mehrak’s face plates shifted into a sad and hurt look at those words, it took everything he had to ignore the sensation of a hollow feeling gnawing at his chest. He hadn’t hurt her, she had no feelings. He said so himself. It couldn’t be anything else, surely.

“All in all, I just hope this competition is over and done with soon so I can finally get my life back on track. Things just… started going downhill at some point and I’m still not sure what started it all. Maybe it was my mother remarrying and moving to Fontaine, or maybe it all started when I spoke to Alhaitham in the library…”

The pair shared a look at those words, strangely knowing and perhaps even worried as the architect just kept rambling and rambling-

“Or maybe it’s because building the Palace of Alcazarzaray burned through my funds. I’m still paying off my debt for that one… When is this going to end?” he lamented, groaning particularly sadly at the last part as his gaze lowered in painful shame. Even Alhaitham’s words were creeping back into his mind now, gnawing at his worry even more than the growing thirst and hunger and the painfully bright sun were starting to weigh on him more so than usual now.

A soft, almost worried whine from the foxes finally seemed to snap him out of his musings, and he turned around to face them with a mournfully blank look on his face.

“Now that I think about it, I guess we’re all unlucky here… I’ll get you three out of here and then continue on with what I came here to do.”

He couldn’t just leave these poor animals here after all. They deserved better, the competition be damned!

“Oh forget it, I feel a headache coming on already and the heat isn’t helping at all,” he explained a bit more tiredly as the Traveler and her friend shared a… concerningly knowing look between them? That was a bit weird… “I’ll get back to searching for the Ley Line Disruptors once I safely get them out of here. Time’s a-wastin- I’m off!”

And with that, the pair watched their Kshahrewar friend run off further north down the dunes with Mehrak and the three now slightly more hopeful foxes on his tail.

…

That is, if he could just shake off the unusually persistent heat clinging to his body like chains trying to drag him down. The now-afternoon sun was beating down on him and his tiny companions relentlessly, blurring his vision with the intensity alone and turning everything into a red-golden haze of red, sand and heat. Even the foxes seemed to be feeling the effects, sticking close to his legs to seek the tiniest bit of shade as even they were struggling not to overheat. The only one who seemed to be doing somewhat okay was surprisingly Mehrak, who stuck close to his side the entire time until he deemed it too hot for even her to handle and he dismissed her form to give the machine some time to cool off.

His movements were sluggish by the time he finally reached the northern area of the competition grounds, the trek strangely longer and more insufferable than he remembered it being. When the first parts of the Wall of Samiel finally came into view, the foxes quickly rushed for the shade as it seemed they’d found a way out of the disruptions. The little creatures yipped at him happily in thanks from their spot in the shade, making the blonde smile a little painfully.

His headache only seemed to be getting worse…

“It’s okay, I was just happy to help. Now go, I don’t want you all to get stuck again,” the blonde encouraged gently, the heat seeming to become even more stuffy with every breath and every movement he made. The foxes at least seemed to notice, because their small noses twitches and their ears folded back a little in apprehension. Not that Kaveh noticed, too busy picking himself up from where he was kneeling in the sand to get back to the main competition grounds.

He seemed to be getting rather thirsty, did he still have water on him somewhere?

…What was he thinking about just now?

Before he even had the chance to comprehend what was happening, his whole body felt like a ton of lead. All the strength was sapped out of his legs in seemingly just a moment, before the entire world tilted and came to a crashing stop at a sickeningly sideways angle that was blurring in and out of focus.

The sand was so rough and gross, it was barely sticking to him at all…

Was he even sweating anymore…?

As the heat finally seemed to be taking over and black spots swam in his vision, all Kaveh could see was a blur of blue and gold and a particularly panicky string of swears that was not making any sense to his sun-fried brain.

“Just hold on, Me-damnit! I’ll get you some water, don’t die on me now!”

Wait, who was talking to him…?

With a final groan, the question died on his tongue the moment darkness swallowed him whole.

Chapter Text

The first thing he noticed when consciousness slowly bled back into faint smears of colours was someone sitting next to him and a tiny bit of shade over his face.

Everything was still blurry and almost melting together into a vague painting of meshing colours, but a faint breeze over his face slowly evaporated the suffocating heat clinging to his body like a pile of heavy blankets in the middle of summer. By the time his eyelids fluttered faintly and he managed enough strength to crack them open just a little bit, a soft sigh from the person sitting next to him slowly dragged the world into focus.

He felt sick.

There was a garbled sound of protest as he immediately proceeded to throw up into the sand next to him, right in between him and the other person.

“Hey! I decided to save your life and this is how you repay me?! At least keep your stomach under control!”

The gentle breeze stopped, and Kaveh promptly collapsed back into the sand with a hoarse groan. The figure next to him could only sigh, before the breeze and shade returned a moment later. Now that everything slowly came back into focus, the blonde managed to look over and almost sobbed in relief when he recognized the almost comically large blue and gold hat being held over his face to provide some shade and coverage. Huh, who knew that that guy had a heart?

“Hat… Guy…?” he croaked softly, before his body immediately decided that this much activity was not a good thing and he was immediately forced to roll over onto his side before he practically coughed up a lung. Everything hurt, and the heat was still suffocating, but with someone familiar nearby it was somehow a little bit more bearable. Even if his throat felt like sandpaper and his entire body felt gross and sticky.

“Don’t talk yet, you’re severely dehydrated and I already gave most of my water to that Tighnari guy earlier. You’re lucky I’m even able to help you wake up,” Hat Guy commented with a small huff, before shoving a familiar water bottle against Kaveh’s mouth with his free hand and prompting him to drink it. The blonde couldn’t do much else beside accepting the liquid, almost choking on the gross taste despite how refreshing it was. Did he filter it or something? Water wasn’t supposed to be tasting this stale…

“You know, for someone who only wants the best for people and to be helpful you’re right stupid.” Kaveh blearily looked up at the words, before his eyes widened as the Inazuman leaned in with a right sneer tugging at his normally quite handsome features.

“Giving all of your limited rations to wild animals that can function just fine on their own? And then proceeding to almost die of dehydration because you forget you're in the desert?! I’ve seen many stupid and dumb people over the years I’ve been around on Teyvat, but you take the cake by an honestly way too large margin. What were you thinking?!” The young man looked downright furious now, the previously pleasant breeze quickly having grown into a particularly chilly, strong wind. Right, he held the power of Anemo…

“They were… lost ‘n confused… Couldn’t just let ‘em… die…” Kaveh finally managed to choke out in return, his throat feeling much better now that he’d had some fluid intake. The wind lessened for just a second, before returning almost stronger with how furious Hat Guy looked.

“And again, they’re wild animals! They would’ve managed on their own just fine!”

“They… refused to leave me… Were begging me to help…”

The wind stopped.

The silence that followed was heavy, almost suffocating in the unfiltered, smouldering heat of the desert. Hat Guy stared at him with a look so tense, so disbelieving, it almost made Kaveh think he’d said something wrong. The Inazuman clenched his free hand rather hard, almost shaking with the force as it seemed like he was ready to throw a punch that wouldn’t come. Instead, his gaze softened just a tiny bit and his posture relaxed as the gentle breeze from before picked back up.

“You really are hopeless, you know,” he muttered more so to himself than the man he was sitting next to, the tense anger in his expression finally melting into an almost weary resignation as he sighed and looked away for a moment. He looked almost concerned like this- a sight Kaveh never ever would’ve expected to see in his life at all. It made the gnawing feeling in his chest come back with a vengeance- though for what reason, he was not sure- as he slowly and shakily pushed himself up into a half-sitting position. He was quickly shoved to lay back down, and Hat Guy sighed yet again.

“Lay down dammit, I’m trying to make sure you don’t die here. Besides… it would honestly suck to have someone like you die anyways.”

At those words, Kaveh blinked up at the other competitor with a rather confused look on his face. He relented though, and laid back down against the admittedly still really gross sand with a disgruntled look on his face. The desert sucked, and he felt no shame in admitting that for once. Hat Guy actually chuckled at the sight, before looking around a bit from where he was seated next to the blonde.

“It’s getting late, so you should be cooling down a bit faster soon once the sand gets colder too. From what I heard, only that Spantamad guy has found one of those objectives so far, so you’ll still have time to find one of the other two.”

“Cyno…? Hah, of course he would…”

“You sound like you know him pretty well.”

“Close friend of mine… Tighnari introduced me to him and I almost had a heart attack at the time…”

The cackle the Inazuman let out at the admission even made Kaveh smile a little bit despite the lingering nausea and his blurry vision. Huh, that guy’s company maybe wasn’t so bad after all… With that final thought, his mind slowly gave back into exhaustion and his body slowly gave back in to the sweet temptation of a more comfortable sleep. Hat Guy was here this time, so he should be fine at least. It made him wonder how his father felt on evenings like these in the desert before he passed.

“You should sleep. I’ll wake you up when it’s colder and drop you off somewhere closer to one of those gadgets when you at least feel well enough to walk.”

That sounded nice…

Hat Guy actually ended up following through on his promise, surprisingly.

Some hours later, around the time when the sun was finally setting and dusk was arriving, Kaveh was shaken awake a little too roughly, but the sentiment was there. When reality finally snapped back into focus and sweet dreams of a home bathed in warm sunlight and bright laughter slowly faded away into the recesses of his mind, he quickly found that most of his strength was back. The young man who’d stayed with him for a few hours at this point did help him back to his feet with a surprising amount of strength for his physique, and, a few minutes of him finding his footing and having to relearn to keep his footing in the sand later, they were off.

Or rather…

Hat Guy had immediately picked him up around his arms, and immediately proceeded to take off flying.

Kaveh had to refrain from screaming in surprise at the sudden movement and altitude, the normally hot desert wind being replaced by the cold lashing of the night time air slowly spreading over the great red sands. Hat Guy’s grip on him was steady, practically dangling him over open terrain as his Vision worked full-time to keep them both afloat as they made their way back towards the hills surrounding Aaru Village. The blonde vaguely managed to spot the desert foxes from earlier that day peeking out from a small den in the Wall of Samiel as they passed it, even giving the tiny animals a small wave before he was dropped off rather abruptly in a small dune higher up in the landscape. Guess they arrived where they needed to be then.

“The gadget should be a little ways south of here, you can’t miss it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going back to Aaru to withdraw from this round. I’ll see you later.”

And with nothing but a small breeze and the bright blue glow of Anemo power trailing after him, Kaveh watched the Vahumana scholar fly off in a flurry of sand, wind and elemental magic. He was thoroughly left in the dust by then, spluttering and covered in sand, but feeling significantly better now that he was at least somewhat in the clear.

“Thanks again for the help, I’ll need to repay you for that sometime!” He still called after the Inazuman, hoping that the young man had at least heard it over the rushing desert winds. The competition wasn’t over yet after all… Right, he still had a Ley Line Disruptor to find. Best get to work if he still wanted to have a chance at winning. With that in mind, the architect picked himself back up, dusted himself off just a little bit, and made his way south as suggested.

It’s when he spotted Faruzan and the Traveler and Paimon in the same area he was heading to that a weird sense of deja vu started clawing at something in his chest.

“Madam Faruzan! And here I thought you would have finished this round by now…” Kaveh called with a small smile, slipping his mask on rather seamlessly and laughing softly as Faruzan just sighed and crossed her arms as they both stopped next to the half-buried gadget they were supposed to find. It’s only then that he again turned to the other pair that was standing a bit further away with a Kamera in hand. “Apologies for my longer absence, I was… busy. There were a few desert foxes I encountered, so I brought them to the outskirts of the competition zone. When I wanted to turn back and continue the search, I was absolutely parched… And then I blacked out. Probably from the heat, you know,” he explained rather quickly, having every right to look bashful and apologetic when all he got in return for his explanation was justifiably horrified stares from everyone gathered here, “And when I woke up, it was already night. I used the last of my strength to come here.”

At least he wouldn’t blow Hat Guy’s cover like this… He would’ve been dead if not for that guy.

Faruzan at least had the right to look sceptical. She actually looked genuinely concerned since the incident during the first round the day prior. Right, he’d promised to come to her and talk if there was something wrong. Whoops…

“Curious indeed… Are you sure you’re alright? That sounded extremely dangerous for a situation to be in. I know you said you’re familiar with the desert, but the way you handle things… It feels rather opposite to your title as a genius, you know,” the older scholar commented, Kaveh suddenly feeling rather embarrassed as her stare was drilling holes through his head. He looked away rather quickly, fidgeting with his cape a bit to keep his nerves in check as he quickly laughed it off as a joke. Of course it wasn’t that bad, by his standards at least.

“That has nothing to do with my label as a genius, Madam Faruzan. It was entirely my own decision anyways. It might not have been the best choice of action, but I also couldn’t do nothing about it, you know? It would’ve weighed too heavily on my conscience otherwise. Though all that aside, I think we have more pressing issues to deal with, right?”

While Faruzan was stuck just shaking her head in worry and confusion, Kaveh quickly turned back to the heap of sand they’d been standing next to this entire time. The nausea and dizziness that had welled up as he’d stayed in the area seemed to be getting stronger the longer he stayed next to the little pile, so it had to be one of the gadgets they were looking for. With that in mind, he quickly got to digging. The Traveler and Paimon actually stayed quiet through most of it, a strange fact he would have to shelve for later perhaps as sand started clinging to his hands, clothes, and started sticking under his fingernails the longer it took. Faruzan even leaned in to help him after a few minutes, the two of them managing to drag the device out of the sand together not long after.

Sure enough, the Disruptor was blinking red and the intense nausea he’d felt a few hours earlier came back full force. He actually had to double over slightly and cover his mouth to stop himself from throwing up. At the sight, Faruzan just sighed as she did her best to shake some of the sand off of her clothes. It seems she was much less affected, as she didn’t suffer a nearly fatal heatstroke, he mentally noted weakly, almost laughing at the irony.

“I can see you’re not doing well, Kaveh. I would normally ask if we should draw lots again to determine who gets the points, but looking at how you’re doing now I think you need the points more than me. Besides, I already found a ruin by accident on the way here, so that is plenty sufficient for me. You can have the Disruptor.”

Now that was something he was not expecting to hear today.

“Are you sure, Madam Faruzan? I really don’t want to impose…”

“You look like you might collapse any moment with how green your face is. What you need is some water and a good rest. You can have the points, I really don’t mind.”

“Alright…”

With Mehrak carrying the deactivated device for him, the group made their way back to Aaru Village a few minutes later.

“Oh? Back already?”

Ignore that feeling of happiness, he was going to strangle Alhaitham.

By the time the little group finally made it back to the village, Faruzan split off from them rather quickly, saying something about needing to go get some water. Kaveh waved her off with a tired smile before continuing onward towards the booth with Mehrak by his side and the Traveler and Paimon right behind him. He heard Alhaitham before he’d even spotted him, seemingly in a discussion with Nilou before the pair noticed his return. At the words, the architect decided that arguing just wasn’t worth it right now and just motioned for Mehrak to dump the now-deactivated device square on the booth table. If it broke under the sudden weight, that was not his problem.

“Don’t give me that. I’m not in the mood for arguing with you right now anyways. And before you ask, Faruzan came back together with us but left to go get some water. I’m here to claim the points for this round.”

Alhaitham actually blinked at the tired tone in Kaveh’s voice, looking almost startled by his blunt approach. Was his attempt at a compliment not good enough?

“I just meant it in a sense that I thought it would take you longer to come back here. I was not insinuating anything.”

“Fine, whatever, I’m going to go lay down now before I fall over from another heatstroke.”

Wait what?!

“Alright then, go get some good rest. The third round will start tomorrow afternoon anyways, so everyone will have some time to recover from today. Nilou, note down Kaveh for the points.”
Nilou nodded quickly, shoving aside the device where it actually had cracked the booth table to do some quick paperwork. When she came back with a small stack of papers, her smile was bright and clearly plastered on a little too tensely. Seems like she was getting sick of Alhaitham bossing her around too. Good for her.

“That brings the second round to a close then! With Cyno, Layla and Kaveh as our victorious contestants, the rankings will be updated shortly. The next round will be the final one and held in the Mawtiyima Forest, so prepare for quite the challenge before then,” the ginger-haired girl declared with a slightly more bright smile on her face, before everyone else present was finally dismissed.

Alhaitham once again didn’t even hesitate before he was dragging Kaveh off to Kusanali knows where, a frantically beeping Mehrak trailing after them. After all, they had a lot to talk about once in private. But first, they needed to head home and Kaveh needed some proper rest, food, and a lot of water, the scribe mentally noted as Kaveh couldn’t even manage a good argument to get him to stop dragging the other around to the nearest Sumpter beast caravan back to Sumeru City.

“Alhaitham, let go of me already! I only just won a round and now you’re dragging me around like a sack of potatoes, stop it!”

“I will stop when you get it through your thick skull that passing out and almost dying of a heatstroke is not a valid excuse for why it took you so long to come back.”

“Well I’m sorry I considered that some poor animals needed my resources more than I did and just wanted to be safe from the competition’s effects on the terrain!”

…

“You gave away your limited food and water to wild animals?”

Oh shit.
Alhaitham is pissed.

“I had a good reason, you know. They weren’t doing so well either, and I needed to help them out of the Ley Line distortions to get to safety. They wouldn’t leave my side otherwise.”

“I see…”

Scratch that, Alhaitham is livid.

“So before you get even more mad at me, consider the fact that I still made it back here in one piece.”

“I will consider that once we are back home and you’ve had a proper meal and sufficient rest. And no, coffee doesn’t count. So until then, I’ll let you think about your awful decision-making skills and how you almost died out there without telling anyone.”

That is when they finally found a merchant who still had his services open, and the younger of the two tossed the man a small pouch full of mora. “One ride for two people back to Sumeru City, please. And make it quick.” The merchant thankfully chose not to question the scene before him, and motioned the pair towards one of the many fluffy animals that were stationed nearby for them to climb on the back of. “We will arrive in Sumeru City in a few hours then, sir. Pleasure to do business with you.”

If Alhaitham refused to take his eyes off of his companion for the entire duration of the ride back home despite him having a book in his hands and forced some water down Kaveh’s throat every few minutes, no one said anything. Who knows how tomorrow would go…

“Alhaitham? I have a task for you if you’d be willing to take it.”

“Lord Kusanali? What is this about if I might ask? I am very busy at the moment.”

“You know you can call me Nahida, you know. But that aside, it’s about your friend, Kaveh.”

“I’m listening.”

“The sponsor behind the Interdarshan Championship, Sachin. Do you know of him?”

“I do, vaguely.”

“I’m asking you and Hat Guy to do some research on him and his family. I fear he… may be setting some events in motion regarding Kaveh that I cannot stop. The choice will ultimately be his, but I have a feeling that fate may be dragging him down a path not many can make him return from.”

“What do you mean?”

“I can not say much here. Take some time to rest at least for tonight, and come see me at the Sanctuary tomorrow morning before the final round. I fear it might be too late if we wait any longer.”

“Understood. Have a good night, Nahida.”

“You too, my ex-Grand Sage.”

Chapter Text

When he meant resting, it probably wasn’t this.

The pair had arrived back home somewhere pretty late in the evening, Alhaitham curtly waving the merchant who’d delivered them back to the city goodbye before the man led his Sumpter beast back towards the gates to continue whatever business he’d been involved with. After that, it was only a matter of climbing the winding pathways up the Divine Tree to get to the house, where a slightly smug Alhaitham showed off a pair of yet-again interlocked set of keys to an exasperated Kaveh before they entered the house together. Of course Kaveh was careful not to let anyone that knew him see him enter, much to his roommate’s weary displeasure.

That wasn’t the issue.

A few hours after they’d arrived home and Alhaitham actually cooked for once- making an even more tired-looking Kaveh almost throw up at even just the sight of the admittedly disgusting-looking stew- it was… surprisingly quiet. Even for someone like Kaveh.

Alhaitham had stayed in the main living area of the house the entire time, his headphones covering his ears but no music playing and at least attempting to read a book while he kept an eye and an ear out for his obnoxious roommate. Not even his noise-cancelling was on, it was that quiet.

Too quiet.

With a sigh and the soft tapping sound of his book snapping shut before he gently put it down, the young man got up from one of the divans before wandering down the hallway that held both of their rooms. The entire time, all he heard was his own footsteps. Not even chattering, Mehrak’s usually very loud beeps, or the scratching of charcoal on paper or loud hammering sounds of Kaveh working on yet another project all night. It might not be around the time where he had clients usually, but this amount of silence was still really odd.

He gently knocked on the door to Kaveh’s room.

“Kaveh? Don’t tell me you actually decided to listen to my advice for once and go to bed early.”

It wasn’t even that early, maybe close to midnight at the earliest.

No response. Alhaitham knocked a little harder against the smooth wood of the door.

“If you don’t come here and open this door right now, I’m coming in myself.”

Still no response. Privacy be damned, this was something he couldn’t ignore.

“I’m coming in.”

When he pushed the door open, a cold dread crawled up his spine as it revealed his friend’s decidedly empty room. The bed was completely unmade, the pillow somewhere on the floor while the blanket was haphazardly bunched up half on the bed and half pooling on the floor. Mehrak was even still here, stashed under Kaveh’s work desk and powered down. The window above said desk was open though, letting in an uncomfortably chilly breeze.

A sigh of tired frustration escaped him at the sight, and he quickly slammed the door shut.

How did Kaveh manage to slip away from him so easily?

“And I win again, by dealing eight damage to your last pathetic card, Kaveh!”

The entire table erupted into cheers and chatter, mora being handed around as Lambad brought over another tray of drinks and finger food. Kaveh groaned in disgruntled defeat at the words, slamming his head against the table as he set his cards down, while Tighnari gave him a sympathetic pat on the back and slid him a good pint of beer. Meanwhile, Cyno had already climbed onto the table they’d been playing TCG at, posing rather heroically while holding up the card of himself, already several glasses deep.

Now this is what he loved when it came to relaxing. TCG with friends at Lambad’s, the company of the regular patrons, and a good amount of alcohol. While he personally sucked at the game, seeing Cyno let loose like this was one of the blonde’s favourite sights just because it meant they were in their comfort zone. Tighnari on the other hand, clearly at least a little sloshed judging by the ruddy blush dusting his cheeks, looked like he just wanted to melt into the floor and never get back up.

“I swear Kaveh, you really need to stop accepting his challenges when you know you won’t win. People already have a betting pool on how many times you can lose until you can actually score a win,” the Valuka Shuna whined in exasperation as he patted his friend’s back, grabbing some fish rolls with his free hand and eating them quickly before realising they were still too hot and fresh and switching to chugging a beer of his own. Kaveh blearily looked over at his friends, at this point only two glasses deep and aware that he was getting emotional.

“You... you guys always... always gimme a hard time 'bout that," he slurred, his words blending together with the amount of alcohol in his system. "But... but one day, I swear... I'm gonna—I'm gonna beat Cyno and then... then you'll see... who's laughing..." he grumbled, his sentences quickly becoming incoherent before he decided he needed more beer and went back to chugging down another pint.

"Besides.. These cards... they're... they're so... so complicated, y’know? Like... why can’t they just make it simple? Just... just play the game, no tricks, no... no strategies or whatever...” the blonde whined in between sips of his drink, his vision gradually getting more and more blurry as he smushed his cheeks into the cool wood of the booth table. He looked like he might actually start crying like this, already getting a bit teary-eyed before suddenly roughly getting dragged out of his chair and onto the table. Tighnari couldn’t even stop him, his grip on his friend’s shirt too weak and slippery from the booze clouding all of their minds as Cyno was actually laughing while dragging his friend up to his level.

“Another round for the future winners of the Interdarshan Championship! Hit it!” the desert-dweller actually called, all of his inhibition gone at the hands of the alcohol. Whatever band had been playing in the tavern then didn’t even need to be told twice, music swelling to an addictively captivating tune as it wasn’t just the three friends celebrating. All around, cheers and the clinking of glasses rang out as people started singing along or even joining in on the dance. Cyno meanwhile had dragged Kaveh up onto the table, barely managing to be careful of the plates, cups and cutlery as he dragged his friend into a wildly uncoordinated dance as both of them were quickly dissolving into fits of laughter and wildly off-key singing along to the music. Tighnari could only sigh, taking another sip of his beer as he slowly slinked down to hide under the table with his ears pinned down.

He’d heard of Kaveh’s situation after all, and from Alhaitham of all people. His friend wasn’t supposed to be letting loose like this, even he knew that without even having a medical licence. He was just the chief of the Forest Watchers, for Kusanali’s sake! A heatstroke is no joke, and now Kaveh is drinking his sorrows away and partying until he’d likely eventually collapse? That just sounded like a recipe for disaster, even to the Tighnarian’s alcohol-riddled mind from where he was watching his friends go at it over the edge of the table.

At that point, Cyno practically had the entire tavern as a captive audience while he was holding Kaveh in a dip like they’d just finished a tango. Kaveh himself looked flustered beyond belief, as bright as a tomato while Cyno looked absolutely energised with… what was it- five glasses?- under his belt as he pulled his friend into another wild spin across the surface of the tables and they needed to avoid a few more dancing couples.

Who knew that the General Mahamatra was such a lightweight?

Cyno looked just so happy like this, a sloppy grin on his face as he had to raise his voice to be heard over the crowd and Tighnari immediately regretted agreeing to join the two at their tavern party.

“Say, Kaveh- why don’t ghosts go out drinking?”

“Uhhhh… I dunno.. Why?” Kaveh blinked owlishly, clearly not prepared for what was about to happen.

“Because they go straight through the boos!” the shorter of the two exclaimed really excitedly, the complete opposite of his usually stoic and deadpan deliveries. Did the alcohol go to his head that fast?

“Cynoooo! That one’s just bad!”

“Oh, then I got another one!” Cyno was practically beaming where he was still drunkenly swinging Kaveh around on the table, now completely ignoring the music in favour of the completely wasted laughs and groans echoing from the crowd.

“What is a Kshahrewar’s favourite part of a circle?”

“Kusanali save me-”

“A pi-int! Oh- I just thought of another one!”

“Please no-”

“What would you call a really fancy beer?”

“Oh God-”

“Brew-tiful!”

And- much to the shock of everyone there- Kaveh laughed. He actually cackled at the top of his lungs, practically wheezing at the lack of air entering his system in favour of just letting loose. The blonde was so caught up in the alcohol dictating his behaviour that he could barely even see Cyno’s eyes wide in awe and the pure joy in his expression over the tears finally welling up in the corners of his eyes before they started streaming down like a waterfall. He was laughing so much, he barely even noticed when the noise died down and the almost suffocating heat and noise of the tavern finally faded away as he was gently led away from the crowd.

…

“Alhaitham, I’m so sorry you had to find him like this…”

“It’s alright, Tighnari. I expected as much, you just did your best.”

“And that’s coming from the only person that isn’t participating in an all-out brawl tomorrow. Are you sure you still don't want to join in?”

“As stated before, I’m considered Akademiya staff and those kinds of people- sages included- are not allowed to participate. Now go home and rest, I’ll take it from here.”

Kaveh blinked slowly over the tears still blurring his vision, a horrible buzzing sensation crawling under his skin as he felt a vaguely painful tug on his arm. Then he was moving, and suddenly everything started spinning and hurting.

He promptly threw up for the second time that day, narrowly avoiding two pairs of shoes and the doormat of the tavern.

“Haitham…?”

When he was met with silence, the cool night air was the only thing coming to meet him as his roommate finally dragged him out of the noisy and stuffy tavern and onto the now-dark streets of Sumeru City.

“Haitham… I-I’m sorry…”

There was a soft sigh, followed by a small shift of grip and the sound of moving fabric. The pull on his arm didn’t hurt as much anymore.

“No, I should’ve kept a better eye on you. Tighnari is already busy as is, so I should've been more responsible.”

If there weren’t tears welling up in his eyes all over again, Kaveh would’ve probably noticed the almost pained look of guilt on Alhaitham’s face as his roommate worked on dragging him home. Instead, all he could do was let out a small sob as he buried his face into the fabric of what he faintly recognized as his junior’s shoulder.

“I’m… I’m a failure… ain’t I? I-I shouldn’t have… shouldn’t have agreed to Cyno’s-”

Alhaitham paused for just a moment, sucking in a sharp breath. When he found his voice, it sounded strangely tense. Tight. As if he was actively restraining himself.

“You did nothing wrong, Kaveh. You’re not a failure, nor was it wrong to accept an invitation. I just… I hoped you would at least tell me where you went.”

“I‘m sorry… I’m hopeless anyways… Why did- why did you even… let me live with you then…?”

“Kaveh, you’re not making any sense like this. I’m not having this conversation with you while you’re too drunk to even stand on your own. I’m bringing you home, and then you can rest. Properly this time.” The grey-haired man’s jaw clenches pretty tightly at the words, his expression unreadable as he kept helping his roommate up the winding paths of the city back to their home. The blonde in his arms was clearly falling apart emotionally, and they both knew that trying to continue the conversation like this would lead them nowhere.

When Kaveh muttered his next words, barely audible over the exhaustion tugging at his senses and the alcohol muddling his thoughts, Alhaitham almost choked on a nearly painful lump in his throat.

“You’re too good to me… I don’t deserve it, ‘Haitham…”

If the man in question very nearly let out a sob, one would not remember him ever having done so and the other would take it to the grave.

“You deserve more than you think, Kaveh… You deserve the world, at the bare minimum…” Alhaitham whispered, barely louder than the gentle breeze embracing the pair as they made their way home that night. He wouldn’t let Kaveh suffer any more. Nahida had a mission for him tomorrow morning, and he would make damn sure Kaveh will be safe.

He has to be.

Chapter Text

It’s safe to say Alhaitham didn’t sleep at all that night.

Every second that passed by where he was laying in bed, the urge to go check on his roommate clawed at his mind persistently like a worm eating away at a leaf. He’d gotten both of them home not long after Kaveh had passed out against his back, the man only held up by his own tight grip, and the younger had done everything he could to make the rest of the slow drag home comfortable. He’d helped Kaveh to bed, cleaned up his room a little bit so the blonde wouldn’t trip and fall, and he left a glass of water and some crackers on the nightstand before closing the door to give his roommate the privacy and quiet he needed.

After that, he really hadn’t wanted to stay awake much longer either, but something just wouldn’t let him sleep. Perhaps it was because he feared Kaveh would sneak out again, but he wasn’t so sure this time. Or perhaps it was something deeper that he refused to acknowledge, knowing that if he did, it would only bring trouble. It’s how he’d stayed up until the faint light of the sunrise finally broke through the windows, hurting his eyes and giving him a grim reminder that he actually had somewhere to be today. With an annoyed grumble, the grey-haired man squeezed his eyes shut and rolled over in an attempt to avoid having to face today.

After all, it may not be his usual work schedule- which should usually be a comfort- but somehow he felt nothing but dread at the idea alone. What was so important that their Archon needed not only the man who’d orchestrated her initial prison break, but also a man with anger issues that practically no one knew anything about? Something firmly lodged itself into his stomach at the idea alone.

Best get this over and done with so he could go back to his normal daily schedule soon, he mentally told himself as the morning sunlight finally managed to hit his bleary eyes in his new position and forced him to actually get up out of bed to get prepared for today instead of risking a nasty headache from a lack of sleep.

A stubbed toe, clean clothes that didn’t reek of alcohol and a good few minutes in the bathroom later, and Alhaitham was nursing a nice cup of coffee in the kitchen. Brewed himself for once, instead of letting Kaveh do it because of his even more horrendous sleep schedule. He hummed softly at the thought, his gaze softening as he stared down at the steaming mug in his hands. This coffee was bitter and not that well made, but it just made Kaveh’s coffee taste better by comparison.

His roommate shouldn’t be getting up for a few more hours though, and he had somewhere to be until then. His friend would have to manage by himself until his return. With that in mind, he let out a small sigh as he set the cup down on the counter before moving back to the common area to go dig through his documents. He’d need them today after all, considering Kusanali had mentioned a name he had done some research on a while ago during one of his fleeting fancies for knowledge. Once he found the stack of documents, he flipped through them quickly before leaving a small stack of unimportant information he already knew on the shelf he’d found the papers in. Kaveh might still want to read these later, so it should be fine.

That is how, a few minutes later with untangled keys in his pocket, his earpieces playing a soft tune, an empty cup of coffee in the sink and the neatly folded documents in his belt pouch, he was out the door and on the way up to the Akademiya. Judging by the position of the sun in the sky, he had about six hours until lunchtime, and after that the third round would be starting soon in the Mawtiyima forest. Better get it over with quick then as he mulled over the tiny bit of information he had so far while he walked.

Some students did send the Scribe a few questioning looks. After all, what was he doing so early in the Akademiya on a day he wasn’t even supposed to be working? Not only that, but he completely ignored the double doors leading to the House of Daena in favour of taking one of the side doors out towards the winding paths of Razan Garden. Then it wasn’t a surprise that whatever students were in his way quickly moved aside with their gazes turned away. If the Lunatic of the Akademiya had a mission, getting in the way would be a death sentence.

Only…

“Took you long enough, Lunatic. I thought I was going to grow moss with how long you were taking.”

Ah, Hat Guy was already here then. That would save him a lot of time. Alhaitham looked up at the source of the voice, and sighed as he moved to turn down the music volume a little bit to hear him better.

“Whatever it is Kusanali needs us for, I hope it’s over and done with soon. I’d rather not be here at all.”

There was a rather overly-aggressive scoff. “So you can go back home and rot in bed with one of your precious little books? Unlikely.”

Now that was just uncalled for. He arched an eyebrow at the comment, choosing not to take the bait as he instead glanced over to the still-shut doors leading to the Sanctuary of Surasthana. Was Nahida going to make them wait? Their Archon usually was a lot more inviting than this. Hat Guy seemed to be catching on rather quickly from where he had been sitting on one of the higher-up branches and sighed as he waved his hand in a vague, unconcerned gesture.

“She’s waiting for us to be alone with no prying eyes or listening ears. For whatever reason she’s very jumpy about it. Who knew she could be like that.”

“Oh? Then it must be serious.”

And since it involved Kaveh… Was it really as much of a calamity as the pit in his stomach was telling him it was going to be…?

Before the Scribe could respond, the double doors slowly creaked open. A small head of white hair peeked out, before an even smaller hand beckoned the pair to come closer and get inside already. Neither of them needed to be told twice, conversation halting for now. Their Archon deemed it safe to talk with them now. Time to get to work.

…

Even after all this time, the interior of the Sanctuary was still as imposing as ever. Nothing had changed since the coup it seemed, the walls still painfully empty and the entire room stripped of personality or a sense of home. How their Archon survived in here, only she herself could know. Hat Guy didn’t comment on it at least, just crossing his arms stubbornly and walking towards the central platform once the doors slammed shut behind the pair. After all, a small child was waiting for them there with an unnaturally serious look on her face as she sat idly on her swing.

“So, what is this about, Lord Kusanali?” the Inazuman commented nonchalantly, not even flinching when the god in the body of a child sent him a particularly tense look that even had Alhaitham second-guessing his actions around her today. “I may be your prisoner, but normally you don’t command me to do anything.”

“Wait, care to explain that?”

Nahida held up a hand to stop the argument before it could even begin, gently floating back down to stand on the ground as her swing disappeared. She then came to meet the pair, looking in between them with a look of mild disapproval and exasperation before she shook her head and quickly crossed her arms.

“I did not command you to do anything, Hat Guy. I only asked you to assist in a case that could have disastrous effects on the people of this nation if it were to go unchecked. I may be the god of wisdom, but even my powers are not that finely honed that I can interfere with the human mind like you used to be able to do.”

Hat Guy shut up remarkably quickly at that, looking away with a particularly frustrated look on his face before he dropped it into a look of resignation. Was there something going on that he wasn’t being told about here?

“As for you, Alhaitham… I wanted to ask you for your help because the case revolves around someone you know quite well, perhaps even more than I do as the god of this nation. He hasn’t dreamt since he was a young child, so I could never reach him like you did.”

Now that was not something he expected to be hearing today. Alhaitham’s expression might have reflected that shock, because he noticed Hat Guy poorly holding back a snort of amusement to his left.

“With all due respect, Lord Kusanali-” “Nahida.” “-Nahida. I am only a feeble scholar. Why do you need me specifically when you have the entire element of dendro and the power of dreams at your fingertips?”

Even if it might have sounded insensitive, he was only telling the truth and pointing out the obvious. Nahida might’ve noticed, because she nodded but then looked past the pair for just a moment. As if she was looking at something that was not there.

“You’re very perceptive, but that is not the entire truth. I can only enter dreams and observe them, not influence them directly. They may be one of the purest forms wisdom can take, but even I can not reweave them as I see fit. As for why I need you specifically, you have done research on that man before. Human minds are a curious thing, and I need your input on the case because of it. That, and to keep an eye on Hat Guy for me while I cannot come with him,” the small girl explained, almost sweetly in tone despite the rather… confusing things she was saying.

The ever-elusive mind of an Archon, he supposed.

“You know you don’t have to keep your thoughts to yourself around me, Alhaitham. What’s on your mind apart from the things I can see? You’re an open book when you say nothing,” Nahida commented with a soft giggle. The man in question blinked in shocked surprise at the comment before quickly shaking his head and letting out an admittedly very deep sigh. Might as well.

“Since the case will have a disastrous effect on the Sumeru population if left unchecked as you say, how would that make sense? From what I discovered in my research, Sachin was by all accounts an ordinary person with high hopes and a large estate to fall back on. He researched desert communities and Eremite hierarchy when he was older, but that barely has anything to do with Kaveh at all from what I can tell. Kaveh is someone who helps for the sake of helping because he would feel guilty for not doing so otherwise, and Sachin is someone who gave up on helping once he witnessed the state of the world around him, which- in my opinion- makes no sense as there is nothing to despair over,” he explained, shrugging a little as Hat Guy shot him an indecipherable look. He was being honest with his opinions here, what was so wrong about it?

Nahida at least didn’t seem to mind, staring at him intently as if mulling it over and staring straight into his mind for more answers. Then she shook her head.

“You are both correct and incorrect in that regard. While they studied different subjects and were from different backgrounds and different Darshans, both Sachin and Kaveh have been intimately intertwined since Kaveh’s childhood. After all, Sachin was in a way responsible for what kind of person Kaveh is today.”

At Alhaitham’s confused look, the small Archon continued as she held out her hands, a glowing ball of dendro energy forming there and taking the shape of a small, ornately decorated hand mirror. The object itself looked simple, but the amount of detailing worked into it betrayed its complexity as both men took a good look at the object. Nahida continued at a softer tone this time, gently letting the mirror turn around and reflect a faint array of colours along the Sanctuary’s walls and surfaces.

“Imagine this mirror as Kaveh,” she mused, smiling as the thin sheet of glass reflected a faint blur of colour that looked similar to the man in question. “A mirror reflects the world around it, absorbing both light and darkness equally. Sachin, in a sense, was a small light that Kaveh absorbed as a child, even if that light can no longer be fully recognized today. Their lives, despite their differences, are deeply intertwined because the reflections left on Kaveh’s heart and mind have shaped who he is today.”

She turned the mirror slightly before she continued, her soft expression melting into one of apprehension and something close to blank as the blur of colour behind the mirror surface distorted and twisted into something grayscale. Alhaitham actually winced minutely at the sight, regardless of the beautiful colours continuing to be reflected around the giant chamber they were all in.

“Just as a mirror can reflect both light and shadow, so too can a person be shaped by contrasting influences. Sachin’s despair and Kaveh’s empathy may seem like opposites, but they’re both two sides of the same mirror,” Nahida continued to explain, sighing a little as the blur of colours came back and mixed with the dull tones. Alhaitham’s expression tightened at the result, a distinctly wrong blur of muted colours staring back at them from behind the intricate ornamentation surrounding the glass.

“That is why this case has me concerned. Letting your life be influenced by others is one thing entirely, and it is a part of human nature for this sort of thing to happen. It is why Kaveh is participating in the Championship, and Sachin has a very strong grip on the events.”

Alhaitham blinked as the mirror in her hands shattered, the only reason he didn’t flinch being that he was used to this sort of thing. It was the same as his Vision’s power after all, so this was not new to him. Still, there was something he seemed to be missing about this whole thing that neither of the other two people in the room with him seemed to be keen on sharing with him.

“So when you mentioned that something bad will happen, it will likely take place during the third round?”

Nahida could only hum in agreement, her expression strangely neutral.

“Yes, but what will inevitably happen is something I can’t stop, as the final choice will be entirely up to him. That is why I must ask you to go search for Sachin’s son to gather some more information to at least help him down the right path. Sachin is… currently unavailable, and has not shown his face in twenty years. You must understand that this sort of operation is very delicate because of it.”

Right, the mission.

Hat Guy seemed to snap out of it the quickest, a cold wind starting to billow around the hollow walls of the sanctuary despite his unusually calm expression. He locked eyes with Nahida very tensely, before the girl only nodded. Whatever mental conversation they were having, it seemed to be important considering the shift in expressions the Vahumana scholar seemed to rapidly be going through. Alhaitham could only watch the pair, confused at what he was seeing here. Who was Hat Guy really if he could talk to their Archon like this? Thankfully the mental conversation soon turned audible for the only human in the room.

“That should be doable, Buer. Though, why would you want us to go look for that man specifically? I don’t believe Sachin’s son has anything to do with this kind of case if what you said is anything to go by.”

Again, Nahida quickly shook her head. That tense expression from before quickly disappeared in favour of a much brighter smile. It seemed she already had a plan figured out then.

“That is very simple, Hat Guy. All you need to do is ask kindly about the Diadem of Knowledge. I’m sure it will be fine.”

Perhaps it was for the best not to question her when that smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

As the unlikely pair for this mission left behind the doors of the Sanctuary of Surasthana, the silence was… suffocating, to say the least. Hat Guy looked absolutely ecstatic, flexing his hands and cracking his knuckles as Anemo power built up around his hands. Alhaitham on the other hand was deep in thought, reading through his research notes as they kept walking. Maybe it was better not to ask any questions. Although…

“I wasn’t aware a foreign student like you was this close to Lord Kusanali.”

Hat Guy paused for just a moment at the question, before shrugging and resuming his steady pace down the ramps back to the main building of the Akademiya. There was something sharp in the air around him, held back as if he was waiting to unleash a hurricane.

“Oh, we’re not and never have been. I’m more or less her prisoner who she dotes on for some reason and signed up for classes so that I could ‘make friends’ as she put it. If anything, it’s all useless busywork anyways while I wait for Buer to throw me out, finally. That, or I get my revenge on her. Depends on my mood when we get there I guess,” the foreigner commented way too nonchalantly for what he was actually explaining here, and it sent Alhaitham reeling all over again.

What did this guy even do? Try to take over Sumeru or something?!

“So you’re saying you’re not from here, but you committed war crimes so heinous that our Archon took pity on you and basically adopted you.”

“Pretty much, yeah.”

“Huh.”

“You act as if this isn’t your first time, Scribe.” Hat Guy glanced over at his conversation partner as they kept walking, smirking a little as he noticed him engrossed in his own research notes. Alhaitham just shrugged, not really looking up from the papers. He knew a provocation when he heard it.

“It isn’t, technically. I was put in charge of leading a coup against the old government a few months ago so that Lord Kusanali would no longer be kept in captivity and I could keep my job. When that was over, she made me the Acting Grand Sage temporarily anyways. I’d rather not go back to that position, even if the pay increase is still nice,” the scribe noted, flipping to the next page of his notes. The Inazuman nodded as if in understanding, chuckling a little bit to himself.

“In that case, I think I can let you in on a bit of a secret. If you can keep it, of course.”

Alhaitham glanced up from his papers and over at the other, then gave a small nod.

“Kaveh will make the wrong choice.”

He stopped dead in his tracks.

“What.”

The smirk he was met with was one of manic glee, of a triumphant smugness that made him want to punch something. Hard.

“You heard me, Lunatic. He will make the wrong choice. What are you going to do about it?”

“I will do what I can, even if it’s not much. Is that what you wanted to hear?” Now it was Hat Guy’s turn to look surprised at the surprisingly sharp tone, the icy feeling in the air halting for just a moment before the manic smirk was back.

“I’m surprised. Who knew someone like you could care about someone else?”

“I don’t. This is only because I wish for a life without troubles, and Kaveh unfortunately falls into that category.”

“Sure, keep telling yourself that.”

Maybe it was a good idea to stop there before things got out of hand. They were already limited time-wise as is, so they needed to hurry it up a bit. Hat Guy at least seemed to think so, because there was an exasperated sigh before Alhaitham noticed his partner in crime shoot upwards into the sky. Seems like walking was not an option then.

“You go on ahead, I’ll catch up with you later and question them. Just leave them alive,” he offered, noticing the other just scoff mockingly in response before flying off westwards. Seems like their target was out there in the Vissudha Fields somewhere, likely in hiding away from the prying eyes of their god. Alhaitham sighed as he put his notes back into his belt pouch, then adopted more of a running speed as he used his Vision to blink every now and then. He had to, if only to make sure Hat Guy didn’t actually go through with killing a few people ‘by accident’.

The camp wasn’t even that hard to find.

Vissudha Field was always a very open area, even despite the many ruins dotting the landscape, so it was only a matter of searching the more hidden corners of the area until they were given results. Hat Guy had even been so nice as to wait for him to arrive at the scene, the force of a hurricane billowing around his hands where he was leering at the unsuspecting Eremites doing their usual rounds. Even from their vantage point behind some nearby ruined walls, Alhaitham could spot several weak spots and open gaps in their defences as his mind was working overtime on how to deal with this efficiently. The camp may be small, but there were still many enemies and they were preferred to be captured alive.

Hat Guy, to his credit, didn’t seem to mind much, his entire body coiled and tense as if waiting to be allowed to spring into action. Perhaps he was, as a warmup for the third round that would take place soon.

“So, genius. What’s the plan?” the shorter of the two asked, cracking his knuckles again as more pressure built up in the air around them. The other’s eyes narrowed at the question, before he summoned a few of his mirror fragments to trace paths in the air and point out critical places and people.

“Surprise is on our side for this, so as long as you carve a path through these few Eremites and tackle the stronger ones first, the rest should fall apart like a house of cards. Simple enough?” he offered, nodding as Hat Guy’s gaze became increasingly manic with how his smile widened. The man didn’t even need to be told twice before he already burst out behind the old stones with the force of a particularly strong gust of wind, his entire body practically glowing with elemental energy. He didn’t even bother asking any questions, slicing through the camp and throwing punches left and right as the order of the camp quickly fell apart. Alhaitham could only sigh, smiling faintly as screaming and pleading for mercy was all he could hear coming from the encampment before it was quickly overpowered by manic laughter.

At least Hat Guy was having fun.

A mental count to ten later, and silence reigned in the valley. Hat Guy re-emerged from the camp, a wicked grin on his face as he came strolling back over to his partner in crime with a man held by the collar dragging behind him. He barely seemed to be using any effort at all as the man was tossed to the ground at Alhaitham’s feet.

“Found him cowering away and scheming in one of the ruins. Have fun interrogating him, I’m off to Mawtiyima Forest,” Hat Guy explained, dusting off his hands a little as if they had gotten dirty before he already took off back into the air. Alhaitham could only sigh before he knelt down in front of the very terrified young man they’d captured.

“So, you’re Jiwani, correct?”

The man in question nodded shakily, clearly uncomfortable judging by how there was a pretty big bruise forming on the side of his face.

“Yes, that’s me. What do you even want from me?”

Alhaitham’s eyes narrowed just a little bit, a very much fake smile tugging at his face that had the man he was questioning flinching. Good, the more nervous they are the easier they are to give answers.

“I just wanted to ask you some… questions. Namely about your father, Sachin. You will help me by being honest, yes?”

“Y-yes of course-!”

“Good, that saves me a lot of time then. Now then, first question: What do you know about the Diadem of Knowledge?”

Chapter Text

“-and that’s most of it. Considering some of our fellow commentators are not here yet but we do have a set schedule, I would say we will start the third round soon. Let’s give them another five minutes.”

Alhaitham looked more irritated than usual, Kaveh noted with a look of slight concern from where he was listening to the task instructions with everyone else. Mehrak in hand, he’d actually shown up early at the entrance of Mawtiyima Forest to go see what the terrain would be like. Cyno and Tighnari had even beaten him to it, the forest ranger having taken on a sitting position on one of the nearby giant mushrooms to get better lighting for restringing his bow. Cyno had also stayed close by, practising swings and jabs with his polearm as he seemed to be working on his footwork. It seems they all needed to get back into the swing of things after their party last night.

Hopefully he didn’t still look as hungover as he did that morning…

Faruzan had arrived not much later after he’d taken to sitting in the grass to update some of Mehrak’s circuit boards, the older woman having several gadgets in hand as she seemed to be looking them over one more time. Layla eventually arrived too, all but chased onto the competition terrain by a flying Hat Guy that looked like he was in more of a hurry than usual. Weird, but not out of the ordinary.

Alhaitham and Nilou had arrived last, the red-haired girl coming out of the forest itself while his roommate had approached from the direction of the city. Paperwork perhaps? If the scribe looked slightly more out of breath than usual, neither chose to say anything.

That is how they all found themselves crowding around the booth table, bent over a rather subjective map layout of the forest on display as Nilou explained the objective. The Diadem was hidden away somewhere within the forest perimeter, and it was up to the contestants to find and retrieve it. The first to do so would earn four points, and- considering how close the rankings were at the moment- likely win the competition. It was no holds-barred, meaning they could do whatever they wanted as long as someone brought the diadem back in one piece. Kaveh’s grip on Mehrak’s handle tightened just a little bit as a plan started forming in his head.

No going back now. This is it. If he could take the Diadem and score those last few points, he would win. Then he will finally have made his father proud.

The horn sounded a few minutes later. It was time, even if the Traveler and Paimon were not here yet.

With one last look back at Alhaitham, Kaveh took off into the forest proper as the other contestants spread out in different directions. Hat Guy took off back into the skies, while both Cyno and Tighnari seemed to choose the high ground as they manoeuvred across the mushrooms and swung around along the leaf sigils to cover as much ground as possible. Meanwhile, Faruzan, Layla and him seemed to stick close together for the first few minutes as they didn’t have those kinds of luxuries or training. As soon as they were all deeper within the maze that was Mawtiyima Forest, Layla and Faruzan quickly split off and then it was just himself.

“Mehrak, scan!”

…

Watching the participants leave at the call of the horn, Alhaitham felt… uncomfortable. Perhaps it was Hat Guy’s words that were messing him up, but he just couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going to go horribly wrong, and it wasn’t just the whole Kaveh situation.

The interrogation with Jiwani meanwhile hadn’t yielded many results at all. If anything, it left him with even more questions than answers looking back on it now. That man had barely known anything, only ranting about how bad of a person his father had been and how he’d only been after the inheritance the entire time. The Diadem of Knowledge was something he’d hated with all his might, because that had been what drove Sachin to disappearing for twenty years. Outside of that, Jiwani had known absolutely nothing. Had Nahida been wrong…?

He looked up at the feeling of a gentle tap to his arm, and glanced over at Nilou’s slightly concerned expression. Right, maybe now wasn’t the right time to overthink things.

“Are you okay? You’ve been rather quiet today. More so than usual.”
He quickly shook his head, moving his arm away from her touch. He wasn’t too keen on that sort of thing anyways.

“I’m alright. I was just thinking about some things. You probably wouldn’t understand.”

“Ah, okay.” If Nilou didn’t look entirely convinced, that was her problem.

…

“Alhaitham, Nilou! Sorry we’re late!”

Archons be damned, not another headache.

He could hear the pair’s approach before he even saw them, Paimon’s annoyingly loud voice probably having scared away all of the local wildlife with how unashamedly she was yelling. Not even the Traveler could stop her, looking rather panicked and out of breath as she came running over to the booth. They could barely even stop themselves from barrelling into the wooden table, looking as if they’d sprinted from the desert to here at top speed. Perhaps they had.

“Ah, Traveler, Paimon! Where were you? The third round’s already started-” Nilou did her best to explain, trying to look gentle and encouraging before flinching back as the Traveler slammed both of her hands onto the booth table surface rather harshly. She looked like she’d seen a ghost, and it made Alhaitham’s eyes narrow in suspicion. Maybe it’s better to deny all involvement and accountability with that kind of look on her face.

“Where are the others?” The young outlander looked like she might actually keel over any second now, her eyes wide and wild with likely frazzled nerves. Paimon didn’t look much better, filling in for her companion before Nilou could even ask why or what was happening.

“There might be something wrong with the Diadem. Alhaitham, please tell Paimon you know something about this?!”

Said man just narrowed his eyes a little more, and shook his head from where he was sitting. Deny accountability. They couldn’t hold him accountable if he pretended not to know anything.

“Whatever do you mean?” Maybe the response was a little too smooth, because Paimon’s panicked expression immediately shifted into one of frustration. Seems like the pair was on a time crunch then. Not his problem.

“You-! Whatever, we need to find the Diadem first then. We’ll ask you again later!” The little fairy’s angry tone was pretty genuine as the pair looked at eachother, then glanced at the map, and then took off. Seems like they knew a bit more about it all than he did, so it should be best to let those two do their thing. He would have some questions of his own afterwards after all.

A heavy pit in his stomach told him otherwise. They knew something he didn’t, and they were freaking out just now. If this had to do with the Sachin case, then he’d grossly underestimated the scope of things.

Kaveh…

“They really looked like they were in a hurry… I hope everything’s alright,” Nilou commented softly from her spot next to him. The young lady was twiddling her thumbs, clearly uncomfortable after such a scare. Who could blame her? Alhaitham could only sigh. Best to keep her in the dark about this then.

“They’re probably just overreacting as usual. It’s the final round, everyone is running on adrenaline and not thinking clearly.”

“Alright, if you say so…”

He nodded in return, hoping and mentally praying to Kusanali that this was enough. Let Kaveh be alright…

His gaze drifted over to the pedestal that had been set up a few feet away from their booth. The final location to declare the winner.

Kaveh needs to be okay.

What would he do with himself if he wasn’t?

As soon as they’d spotted Layla start running, the entire forest was thrown into chaos.

Kaveh could barely even see her from where he’d been searching on one of the higher-up ledges surrounding the central swamp, grabbing Mehrak by the handle to keep her close before he took off running after her. His legs were already crying out in agony, not used to all the running and climbing despite how he’d done much of the same these past two days as well. His stamina really wasn’t that great, he could admit that much. Everyone else was so much faster too…

Flashes of several elemental colours erupted from up ahead as he did his absolute best to catch up to everyone else.

The sight he was met with wasn’t that great either.

Layla was doubled over on the ground nearby, her broken shield barely managing to sustain itself at all while a very frustrated Faruzan was throwing a tantrum a few steps away. Judging by the scorch marks on her dress and hands and the loud, distorted beeping close by, it seemed one of her devices had gotten damaged and was now going haywire. A very tired-looking Tighnari could be spotted up on a nearby ledge too, looking down at several dozen arrows firmly stuck in the ground in a scarily neat pattern. Further up ahead, he didn’t even need to see them to know that Hat Guy and Cyno were locked in a really heated fight. Seems like they were duking it out over the Diadem then, with how defeated everyone else looked.

The blonde could barely even catch his breath as he stopped next to Layla, helping her back on her feet before something else caught his eye. Or rather, caught Mehrak’s sensors. The toolbox was beeping wildly where he was holding her, her screen flashing and blinking as she seemed to be pointing at something behind him-

Kaveh's hand instinctively closed around something sharp, the jagged edge biting into his palm just as the sour smell of burning flesh assaulted his senses. He yelped, a mix of surprise and pain, but before he could fully understand what was happening, he noticed that it had been the damaged device he’d grabbed before it violently yanked him backwards-

straight into the chaos.

Layla and Faruzan’s voices reached out to him, desperate and panicked, but they were drowned out by the blood pounding in his ears. His grip tightened involuntarily, and a white-hot pain shot through his hand. He clenched his jaw tightly, swallowing the scream that threatened to tear from his throat, as the small object dragged him toward the ongoing skirmish.

The world blurred, his vision narrowing to the figure ahead- Hat Guy, holding the jewellery piece out of reach like a trophy. Kaveh barely had time to register the sight before Cyno lunged in from the other side, aiming for the same target.

Everything happened at once. Hat Guy’s hands twisted, a hurricane of energy spiralling between them, and Kaveh felt himself being flung past the Inazuman like a ragdoll. There was a sudden, sharp snap against his abdomen- a pain so intense it stole the breath from his lungs. His mind reeled, barely catching a whispered laugh and apology before he was hurled across the path and towards what he faintly recognized as the goal.

The device finally wrenched itself free from his burned hand, but the damage was already done. Agony radiated from his stomach, each heartbeat sending fresh waves of fire through his veins. His vision swam, but he caught the glint of the diadem as it soared into the air, a beacon of his only hope.

“Mehrak!” he practically screamed, his voice raw with pain.

The machine responded instantly, gears whirring as it reached out, boosted by his dendro energy as he poured all he had into her circuits. The blonde’s legs felt like they were made of lead, his body on the verge of collapsing, but he forced his companion’s reach forward. He had to reach it- had to stop it.

But then, the diadem paused before it veered towards him, and Kaveh’s heart lurched in his chest. “Lord Kusanali, save me—”

The impact was brutal. The Diadem slammed into his gut with the force of a cannonball, driving the air from his lungs and reigniting the blaze of pain in his entire upper body. His legs buckled, and he was thrown backwards, his body skidding across the rough dirt with his full weight as he was pretty sure the drag had torn his entire back open. The skin along his entire back felt like it was on fire, and he was pretty sure his shirt was sticking to his skin and sticky with blood and dirt based on the smell alone.

When he finally came to a stop, every inch of him screamed in agony. He laid there, trembling, biting down on his lip so hard he tasted blood- anything to keep from crying out. Mehrak had been knocked out of his hand as well, thrown into the grass and laying there. She was sparking, clearly broken in some way, but he could barely focus on her when his entire vision was blurring and spinning. Everything hurt so much.

The Diadem was still in his hands though, despite a dislocated arm, his bloodied and burned fingers and the bright smears of blood on the beautiful metal.

There was the sound of someone yelling nearby and the thundering sound of footsteps. He had to act now, while he was ahead, as his gaze kept swimming and spinning before it blearily settled on the small, wooden pedestal a few steps away from him.

The goal.

He just had to place the Diadem on its pedestal and this would finally be over.

Only…

As Kaveh held up the Diadem with shaky hands, he almost dropped it in surprise as a sudden, piercing headache swallowed his senses whole without warning.

“Yes, that’s right. Put the Diadem in place…”

A gasp of surprise caught in his throat, the unfamiliar voice rough and commanding as it almost seemed to be clawing at his mind.

He barely even noticed he’d shakily gotten back on his feet until his gaze fell back on the crown in his hands, the gleaming metal of it mesmerising as he couldn't even look away. A voice that sounded vaguely like Cyno’s nearby, full of unease and a sharp warning, fell on deaf ears.

“Something’s wrong. Kaveh, say something-!”

“...and you shall gain all you desire.”

“Wh-who… who are you? Get out of my head…!” The plea sounded weak, even to his own ears. It felt like it was not only his head splitting apart, but like something was crawling under his skin, and digging in.

Kaveh flinched violently as another sharp stab echoed through his skull, his thoughts drowned out as the voice continued in a softer, more gentle voice.

As if beckoning.

“Go on. I am confident that you will not disappoint me.”

The next time he blinked, his body had already moved to place the Diadem on the pedestal with a small click. When a flash of bright light followed though, his fried brain could only latch on to one thing.

An all-consuming feeling of true despair, almost like a whirlpool threatening to drag him along into its depths and never let him go. And, at the centre of it all, sat the Diadem of Knowledge.

When the light died down, he carefully opened his eyes once more. Everything was out of focus and blurred beyond recognition, and all sound around him faded into the background as his messy gaze fell upon the figure of a man standing opposite him.

Looking at him, a neutral expression on his face.

“At long last… a worthy successor to inherit my estate… and with it, my research.”

The man’s tone was rough, weary with age. Despite it all, he smiled gently as he held out his arms, as if beckoning Kaveh to come closer. The blonde barely caught himself in time as his body made a step forward without his permission, gritting his teeth as he stumbled a few steps back.

“Come, Kaveh… Come to me, my child…”

Child...? That wasn’t his father though…

“...How do you know my name? Who are you?” the architect grit out through his teeth, panic slowly starting to rise in his chest. He’d already dealt with blood and injury today, and now there was suddenly a ghost right in front of him that knew him by name?! He’d worked so hard to keep a low profile within Sumeru too! What was happening?

The ghost of a man silenced those thoughts with a single smile that clung to his heart in a way that ached.

“I am Sachin.To be precise, I am but a fragment of Sachin’s mind. Fate is a curious thing…” Sachin explained gently, smiling as Kaveh shivered under his gaze. “You remind me of another I had once met. But you are made of sterner stuff than he, more aware of the trials and tribulations of this world. It is you who is worthy of inheriting all that I once owned.”

And oh, didn’t that hurt. Kaveh visibly flinched at the words, knowing very well who it was that Sachin had mentioned. After all, his father had mentioned the name Sachin once before he’d ultimately left for the desert.

The ghost of Sachin continued to speak though, finally looking around at everyone that had gathered now. The Traveler and Paimon had arrived at the scene now, Hat Guy and Cyno both had their weapons drawn and ready to attack, Layla and Faruzan observed from a bit of a distance, and Tighnari had his bow pointed straight at the apparition with his ears pinned flat to his head. Even Alhaitham and Nilou had given up their act, now fully standing as if they weren’t sure what to do in this situation. Then the gaze fell back on Kaveh, and the blonde winced as something began once more clawing at his already fraying mind.

“We meet today for the first time, children. Though it may seem strange to you all, please give me your full attention and bear witness. After all, you have all performed outstandingly in this Interdarshan Championship. The Akademiya has many rare, exceptional people among its ranks, but you all are the best of the best without question. Though if I were to choose a successor…”

His gaze dug firmly into Kaveh, as if looking for something that should be there. That should tell the world that he had found what he was looking for.

“...I would choose you, Kaveh. Not only because you were victorious, but also due to our similarities in character. After all, are we both not unfortunate enough to be idealists? That is the source of our misery.”

Kaveh could only nod, stunned into silence. After all, Sachin was right. And it scared him.

“Twenty-eight years ago, I came to the desert and lived there for a full eight years. What do you think I saw there?”

Before he could even figure out that the question was supposed to be an open-ended one and not supposed to be answered, the blonde answered without thinking.

“Strife and slaughter…” he whispered, frozen to the spot as Sachin nodded solemnly and continued his speech. It was dead silent as he carried on.

“Conflict over water sources, robbing of merchant caravans, exploitation of the people… relentlessly, day by day. Beyond the Wall of Samiel was a world so completely different from the one we know here. The things I witnessed there torment me greatly to this day. I wished desperately for a way to save them.”

Kaveh, without warning, took a step towards Sachin. The scholar only smiled at the gesture, nodding as if satisfied with something unspoken. The tension that had silently been building reached a boiling point, and Kaveh’s mind seemed completely unaware. Sachin was right, and his methods true. What had gone wrong?

“As a Vahumana scholar, I researched history and anthropology, performed countless experiments on human nature, and even sought out the scholars living deep in the desert calling themselves the ‘Lost Darshan'… but alas, in the end I found that the answer I sought simply did not exist.”

Kaveh’s eyes lowered in shame. In understanding.

“The conflicts could not be blamed on any one party, could they? It’s in our nature as humans, to the point where nature becomes conflict and conflict becomes destruction. That’s why…” he muttered shakily, shivering as Sachin’s form stepped closer and there was a faint feeling of touch on his hands. His bloody hands, torn up and burned in the conflict. He faintly registered the apparition’s form holding on to his hands, as if to offer encouragement. “That’s why you ended up falling into despair… It was all too much, with no end in sight. Everything going from bad to worse, and no improvement…”

His hands were gently being guided towards the pedestal. Towards the glowing diadem now placed upon it. He didn’t fight it. Sachin continued to speak, his tone much softer now.

“In a strange twist of fate, I came into possession of this diadem, which has the ability to preserve part of one’s consciousness. Into it, I placed my experiences, before requesting that the Akademiya manage my estate. And after that, I ended up taking my own life.”

What came next was a blur. He still felt his hand being held, his gaze once again turning into a smear of colours as it felt like his ears were stuffed with cotton. There was the faint sound of people talking, and the soft crackling of elemental energy in the air, but his mind could not focus on any of those things. All he could focus on were Sachin’s words, the Diadem in front of him, just out of reach, and the despair clinging to him like shackles. Shackles that he deserved to carry with him.

Perhaps… being selfish just once would help him. It would help his late father, and it would help the shackles feel just a little lighter. It was all he ever wanted, and it was being offered to him with no ulterior motives… The Diadem…

“-I grieve the fundamental sickness of the world, I regret the unbearable weight of its history, and I lament the research that I failed to complete. And this, Kaveh, my dear child… Is why you will be of great utility to me.”

He blinked rapidly, the world around him snapping back into a sort-of focus as his attention was drawn back to Sachin. The ghost’s gaze was back on him, smiling tiredly as he felt his hands being squeezed in a way that didn’t hurt. It was… strange, but a welcomed gesture.

“So you’re saying… you’re certain you want to give me everything you owned, for me to do with as I please..?” His voice sounded strangely steady, even to his own ears. Sachin only nodded, and moved his hands to gently wrap around the cool metal of the headpiece.

It felt right.

“I have faith in what I see in you. Now, wear the diadem, Kaveh… and complete the journey I could not.”

It happened all at once.

There was the sound of several people yelling all around him, drowned out by the blood rushing in his ears as Sachin’s grip on his hands loosened. As he carefully lifted the headpiece off of its pedestal, his entire body felt like it was itching to follow the order. To put the diadem in the place it deserved to be. There was the feeling of a hurricane building up behind him, a presence closing in on him as he took a deep breath-

The Diadem found its home in his blonde hair.

The pain finally became too unbearable to fight any longer.

The ground rushed up to meet him just as a familiar blue and gold blur rushed past him, a hand missing the headpiece by a hair.

The darkness welcomed him with open arms, and, for the first time in twenty years, Kaveh felt peace.

Chapter Text

The moment Kaveh collapsed, everyone froze.

Sachin’s apparition disappeared in the whirlwind Hat Guy had tried to throw, but the howling winds made room for a sickening silence as the Diadem knocked itself loose from the blonde’s head and harmlessly rolled over the dirt before settling at the foot of the pedestal.

Once even the faint ringing of the headpiece was silenced, it took only a moment for action to be taken.

“KAVEH!”

Surprisingly, or unsurprisingly if you were to think about it, it was Tighnari who jumped into action first. The Valuka Shuna didn’t even care about his previously strung bow, releasing his notched arrows into the ground at his feet before throwing his weapon down to join them as he made a mad dash to his old friend’s side where he’d collapsed like a puppet whose strings had been cut.

Dropping to his knees at the blonde’s side, his large ears practically twitched with nerves just as much as he was shaking his friend’s unresponsive body. When there was no other sound or movement, his head shot up to look at the rest of the gathered crowd as he bared his fangs in anger.

“What are you all standing around for?! He needs help!”

Cyno was the first to look guilty, his death grip on his polearm slackening just a little bit at the sight. He actually had the audacity to look nervous as his shoulders hiked up with tension and he lowered his weapon just slightly. It seemed like the tension had been a bit too much to handle, even for him.

The General Mahamatra, nervous? That’s a first.

“Tighnari, what do you even want us to do…? What happened just now?” someone else questioned, and Tighnari couldn’t help himself, his fur and tail bristling with anger.

If looks could kill, Faruzan would have been reunited with her family years ago.

“Well what do you think?! He’s injured and probably contracting an infection or twenty for one, and I can barely find a pulse! Go to the city and find an actual doctor or something, I don’t know!”

Seeing the usually so composed and calm Forest Watcher freak out like this… it didn’t sit right. No one dared to even move, fearing the Forest Ranger’s wrath, until Nilou all but shot up from where she’d been standing back, for once taking the lead.

“I’ll go find someone at Bimarstan. What do you want me to tell them?”

Tighnari’s gaze softened for just a moment at the offer, but that was sadly it. By now he was digging through his pockets, looking for any quick fixes he might have on hand. It really wasn’t much.

“Tell them it’s an important emergency and to let as little information as possible leak to the public. They might have to do some on-site first aid that I’m not licensed to do,” he explained quickly, sighing in relief when he found a roll of bandages and Layla handed him a bottle of water. Better than nothing.

Nilou nodded quickly, before she took off running with an unusually serious look on her face.

It seemed shock hadn’t quite set in yet.

“Tighnari, how can we help?”

Paimon’s voice should have been annoying or grating any other given time, but right now it was like a godsend. The Tighnarian’s ears drooped with relief as he motioned for the Traveler to kneel down next to him- next to Kaveh.

“Paimon, maybe it’s a good idea that you look away just this once. Injuries like these aren’t too severe as far as I know, but they still look pretty gross to people that are not used to them,” he offered as gently as he could, his tail twitching so hard it sadly gave away his nerves. Thankfully the little fairy didn’t seem to mind, grumbling something about ‘not wanting to throw up’ before she floated over to the booth table and hid under it. Her companion smiled bittersweetly at the sentiment, before turning back over to Tighnari with a gloomy look on her face.

“So, how can I help?”

“Hold him still, I need to pop his shoulder back into the socket. That’s the priority right now and I don’t know if he will move or not. Cyno, grab his legs just in case,” the ranger explained quickly, shaking off the earlier panic best he could. His friend needed emergency first aid, now was not the time to freak out when a life could be at stake. Thankfully the two listened, Cyno kneeling down by Kaveh’s legs and gently but firmly pressing them down to restrict movement. The Traveler meanwhile settled on the other side of the torso, carefully putting a knee up against it to press down his chest while she took hold of his arm. Tighnari nodded at them both before carefully grabbing the dislocated arm and going through the motions with a surprising calm. His Amurta training finally paid off, it seemed.

Ninety-degree angle, gentle pull. Shaking motion and circles, then at a straight angle towards the chest.

There was the gentle sound of a pop, and Tighnari could almost sob in relief at the sound of it. “I need some clean cloth to use as a temporary sling, stat. Layla, use these bandages and the water bottle to make a cold compress. We need to keep the swelling down.”

The young Rtawahist scholar nodded quickly where she had been standing idle nearby before she took her water bottle back, along with the wad of bandages, and quickly got to work as she also sat down in the grass. Though when Alhaitham came walking past her, more than a few gazes landed on him and looked up in surprise. The scribe came walking over to stand next to Tighnari, before he took off his cape and held it out for him to take.

“Will this do? I can request a new one from the Akademiya.”

There was zero hesitation between either of them. Tighnari didn’t look up at who it was that offered the cloth, just taking it with a soft thanks and tying a sturdy sling with it as fast as he could. Kaveh didn’t even twitch once during the whole thing. That might be a concern to bring up to Bimarstan.

It’s only with that thought that he looked up at who had given him the cloth, and he almost scrambled back in surprise at seeing Alhaitham standing there with an impassive look on his face, his arms crossed, and decidedly capeless as he moved past his friend to go pick up a still beeping and sparking Mehrak out of the grass.

“Wh- Alhaitham?! Since when do you willingly give away your coat?”

“What, am I not allowed to do whatever I want with my own clothes? You wound me, Tighnari.”

If he didn’t have a complete deadpan stare, that response would have almost been comical. Perhaps there were others who thought the same thing, as Paimon’s indignant yells from across the field had the Tighnarian pin his ears down flat with a small wince. The little fairy was still hiding under the table, visibly sweating with the amount of effort she was putting into not looking at the scene directly. Instead, she was focussing her entire attention- and lung capacity- into yelling at the scribe.

“Alhaitham! How are you so calm about all this? And don’t think Paimon has forgotten that you promised us some answers!”

Right…

The scribe could already feel his third headache for the day forming.

…

It took a minute to get away from the rest of the people still strewn around the grounds, Alhaitham leading the Traveler back over to the now deserted booth as he placed Mehrak on the table and sat back down in his chair. He didn’t even bother looking up at his conversation partners as he began carefully peeling the bent and broken metal plates apart, careful of exposed wires and flying sparks. Thankfully, it didn’t look like the damage was too substantial and could be repared if Kaveh had blueprints lying around somewhere at home.

“So, what did you want to talk to me about?”

Paimon’s indignant squawk at his casual tone would normally make him smile a little in amusement, but today was just an odd day of exceptions. The little fairy had crawled back out from under the table by now, and all but stomped her feet in frustration where she was floating, causing the Traveler to look down at Mehrak’s broken case with a rather gloomy expression on her face.

“The Diadem of Knowledge! What just happened there and how are you so calm about this! Paimon demands answers!” she almost shrieked, causing the scribe to cringe as he moved to up the volume of his earpieces a little bit.

Too loud, he’d have to adjust the capacity of the noise dampening sometime soon.

“I don’t know any more about the diadem itself than you two if that’s what you were wondering. Anything could happen with an item like that, it’s more surprising no one has exploded yet with how carelessly it has been handled today.” Was he being too harsh? No, this kind of tone should usually be fine in a situation like this.

The Traveler seemed to disagree, because she moved to lean in a little closer and placed her hand in between him and Mehrak. There was something tense in her eyes, no clear emotions visible as she lowered her tone to the point where even Paimon stopped throwing a tantrum to listen. Uh-oh…

“Why did you agree to join the competition then, Alhaitham? If it was handled so carelessly as you put it, why did you let Kaveh get hurt?”

Now that was a good question. Alhaitham fell silent as he stared down at her hand, before his gaze drifted back to Mehrak and then back onto the field. To Kaveh lying motionlessly as Tighnari, Layla and Cyno worked on the injuries. Nilou could be spotted approaching in the distance as well, followed by a few people that were likely the doctors she promised to fetch.

“Would it satisfy you to say that I was intrigued by Sachin’s work and research? I wanted to learn more about his views, and I got what I asked for. This kind of outcome was to be expected. Now would you let me get back to what I was doing? I’m busy.”

He didn’t even flinch when that same hand slammed onto the table again, drawing his attention for just a moment.

“What were the notes you left him for then? Or the sentences in a foreign language?”

“The notes were ones I made during my research because I figured he might want to read them later. The foreign language part does not concern you. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

Without warning, he got up out of his chair just as Nilou and the doctors reached the field and got to work. With Mehrak in his hands as carefully as possible, he proceeded to turn up his earpiece volume to block out all noise around him as Paimon started shouting expletives, and the Traveler watched him with an indecipherable expression. All calls for his attention went ignored as he made his way off of the competition grounds, his feet carrying him back towards the city. Towards his house.

Mehrak needed fixing. He could worry about other things later.

Kaveh would be pissed if Mehrak was still damaged by the time he would be back home.

He didn’t dare call it home when Kaveh wasn’t there.

…

“Hat Guy, you did what you could. Let him go.”

“But I failed, Buer. I couldn’t stop him in time, even though I promised to not let anything bad happen.”

The pair was watching the scene from some distance away, seated among the many looping branches of the forest. Now that the attention of everyone there had been scattered, they finally had time to talk as a few cabbage-shaped fairies came to sit with them. Nahida sighed as she carefully picked one up, patting it on its leaf-shaped head with her free hand while the other held an infamous diadem as the conversation continued. Seems like they’d grabbed it in the chaos when no one was looking. Hat Guy actually had the gall to look guilty, biting his lip as he tried to hide both his eyes and the view with his large hat.

“Mistakes happen, Hat Guy. It’s something every being has to deal with in life, human, god or otherwise,” the small archon offered gently, a rather bittersweet smile tugging at her lips as she watched the scene below.

Tighnari and Cyno were both barking orders now, the medical staff that Nilou had brought hard at work now that they’d arrived and probably gotten briefed on the situation. Layla, Faruzan and Nilou stuck close off to the side, seeming to be mostly just chatting to let off some steam and ease the nerves now that the adrenaline had worn off. The Traveler and Paimon meanwhile stuck close to the booth, the latter complaining loudly and quickly getting more and more upset judging by the tone alone. And Alhaitham… perhaps they just needed to give him some time alone.

Nahida watched the scribe leave with a small pang of guilt in her chest, before looking down at the Aranara that had settled next to her.

“Besides, this wouldn’t be the first time. Sachin had said it himself, something close to this had also happened twenty years ago under almost identical circumstances.”

Hat Guy glanced over at her from under the rim of his hat, nodding with a solemn look.

“Kaveh’s father. Driven mad by Sachin’s views, then moved to the desert, and ultimately died without ever being able to contact his family again. So that’s what you meant when you compared him to a mirror, huh…” the former Harbinger actually smiled a little as his gaze also drifted back to the competition grounds, ultimately lingering on Alhaitham’s retreating figure and Kaveh’s unresponsive one. The smile dropped off his face, and he could only sigh.

“Let me guess, you want me to continue to keep an eye on them? I can’t see their minds anymore, nor control them in any way, you know. I refuse to go back to that,” he grumbled, before dropping it when an Aranara settled on his shoulder with a happy warbling noise. He just sighed, let the little sentient cabbage do its thing, and smushed his face into his hand as he leaned his arm on his crossed legs with a bored look that had Nahida laughing softly. It didn’t sound quite right compared to her sweet smile.

“Perceptive as always, Hat Guy. You know I won’t force you to do anything, but you’re closer to most of them than I am. I can only do so much, even as their god. That’s why I’m asking you right now: what fates do you see?”

The Inazuman paused, his eyes widening for just a moment, before he sighed and closed them. Silence reigned for a few moments, before he suddenly jolted upright with so much force it caused the Aranara to scatter in panic. When he shook his head and finally looked back at his captor, he looked like he could barely breathe. His eyes had a faint glow to them, sharp and bright like a whirlwind.

Not a good sign, then.

Hat Guy’s gaze lowered as he pulled his hat over them, his voice soft and tense as he whispered his next words. His gaze, even under the hat, lingered on Kaveh as the man was carefully loaded onto a stretcher and moved towards the city proper.

“The worst wounds are the ones we can’t see… His have been bleeding for a long time and will swallow them all in the oncoming tide.”

Chapter Text

When consciousness returned to him, all he felt was warmth. It was pleasant, almost comfortable enough to lull him back to sleep.

Slowly cracking his eyes open, Kaveh’s vision was gradually taken over by a warm, golden glow. As his eyesight finally steadied enough to take in shapes instead of just colours, he shot up in surprise at the sight he was met with.

He was surrounded by an elegant, golden framework, glistening in the light—like a cage, but more delicate, as though crafted for something precious.

A birdcage. Fit for a prized possession.

“Where am I?” he whispered, his voice still a bit heavy with sleep. The sheer size of the structure was surprising, its gorgeous detailing contrasting harshly with the unease settling comfortably in his chest.

He hadn’t even noticed that there was no feeling of pain.

As if his injuries had never existed.

…Had he really been injured at all?

He hesitantly reached out, gripping the bars of the cage. They were warm, almost invitingly so, yet the sensation sent a shiver down his spine.

“Hello? Is anyone there?” His voice was louder this time, more desperate.

Silence greeted him, as everything beyond the metal frame remained a blur of colors and motion, too fast for his mind to comprehend. It was disorienting, the speed of it all, and he clung to the bars like a lifeline, his knuckles turning white.

Then, as though the world had suddenly decided to right itself, the colours slowed and finally formed into familiar shapes. The House of Daena came into view, the grand library's shelves towering around him, and he felt a fleeting sense of relief. Someone had to see him. Surely, someone would notice the cage he was in.
But as students and faculty moved through the halls, not one of them even glanced his way. They were engrossed in their own worlds, lost in conversation or deep in thought, oblivious to his presence.

When several faceless figures passed by him and almost through him with no reaction, he rattled the bars of the cage, desperation creeping into his voice. “Can’t anyone hear me? Please!”

But his pleas went unanswered. Not a single person turned their head, as if he didn’t exist.

He let go of the golden barrier and collapsed backward with a deep sigh. The cage felt more like a prison like this, as if the walls were closing in on him. Maybe they were just pulling a prank…

Or maybe they simply didn’t care. Maybe they’d rather pretend he didn’t exist.

What difference would it make, anyway?

A cold, painfully familiar voice pierced the silence, and he froze.

“Why can’t you get it through your thick skull already?! Maybe if your giant ego didn’t get in the way so much, people would like you more. They’d actually appreciate your help and ask for your company! But NO, you can’t even be bothered to see past the stick up your own ass!”

No. Not this. Anything but this.

“Funny you should say that, senior. My ‘egoism’ has kept me out of unnecessary trouble more times than you’ve been dumped by classmates with a lower intelligence than your own. If anything, it’s your massive sense of altruism that will drag you down in the long run. Why should I improve when you’re clearly a flight away from reality? It must be quite the burden to live with nothing but guilt like that- just admit it.”

The memory replayed itself with brutal clarity, a younger version of himself and Alhaitham standing in the middle of the House of Daena, research papers in hand and their faces flushed with anger as they tore into each other with words. The sound of their voices echoed off the walls, but no one paid them any mind. Was this really that normal to people?

His heart pounded in his chest like a Natlan wardrum as he watched the scene unfold. He knew what came next, had relived it a thousand times in his mind. The argument would reach its peak, and then-

“Well, congratulations, Alhaitham! I regret ever having made friends with you!”

The words hit like a physical blow, and he felt his throat tighten. He remembered the look on Alhaitham’s face, the cold fury that had settled in his friend’s eyes. He remembered the sound of paper tearing as he shredded their thesis in front of him, a hollow gesture that had done nothing to soothe the pain.

He only realized there were tears streaming down his cheeks when he heard the soft patter of droplets hitting the metal floor of his prison. He couldn’t look away from the memory, even as his vision blurred with sorrow.

For years after that day, he had blamed himself for how it had ended. Alhaitham had seen right through him, striking where it hurt the most and making him face the reality he couldn’t handle, and Kaveh had retaliated in the only way he knew how.

But it hadn’t been a victory. No one had won that day.

His gently but poorly patched thesis papers were all he had left of that day, worn with age and never quite the same again.

His surroundings shifted again, the House of Daena dissolving into a different scene, one he knew all too well. He’d seen this sight countless times, bot in reality and in his worst nightmares.

He vaguely recognized the pavilion area that he was in, as the Palace of Alcazarzaray loomed over him in the warm glow of the sunset. Or rather…

…what was left of it.

And he himself was sitting on top of it all, hunched over and sobbing into his hands with nothing but despair in his heart and a plan to fix it all forming in his mind.
He remembered that night vividly. The night he had decided his future, the night he had set himself on the path that led to this moment. The next morning, the gods would grant him his Vision, and the project would be restarted- at his own expense this time.

His magnum opus would be born, but at what cost?

The cost had been all of his savings, an empty house full of bad memories, and whatever he had left of stability and a healthy mind.
And what did he have to show for it in the end? Nothing more than a seemingly precious trinket adorning his hip and endless debt papers in his pocket. That had been it.

This was where it had all started, and, looking back on it now, he could only feel conflicted.

He watched the younger version of himself weep atop the wreckage, and the weight of it all settled on him like a crushing burden. Once the sun would rise, he would decide to sell his house and all that he had to fund the project, and Lord Sangemah Bay would throw him into debt. It sent him into homelessness, only saved by Lambad’s kindness and a roof over his head in the tavern in exchange for some work and minor renovations. It threw him into his drinking problem, really making him realise that, sometimes, the world was better off through a blurred, alcohol-tinted lens. And in the end… It even sent him Alhaitham.

As if the gods actually cared about someone like him. As if he mattered at all.

And yet, he couldn’t blame anyone but himself.

Looking back on it now, it seemed he finally knew what to say to that question his junior had asked him that fateful night.

“How has realising my ideals gone for me… Despite the pain and torment, I’d say it was worth it. The world would at least still know I existed…”

Perhaps it was ironic then that his surroundings melted away at the words, forming a blur of colour as if it was paint mixing before it reshaped itself like clay. It reformed itself into what he quickly recognized as a speaker’s podium, and a pit dropped in his stomach when a spotlight beat down on him harshly.

His very first lecture at the Akademiya as a guest speaker, shortly after he’d finished his magnum opus. The only difference was that this time there was no crowd, only rows upon rows of empty seats as he looked around in growing horror.

“Hello? Anyone?” he called, before freezing up at a sudden noise.

A laugh. Someone was laughing, as if they just heard something hilarious
.
“Who’s there? Hello?” he tried again, before being rudely cut off by a second voice laughing.

Then another,

and another,

and another,

until it became a cacophony, echoing around the empty lecture hall walls and bouncing around in his skull. He actually had to lower his head in pain at the sheer volume, gritting his teeth and squeezing his eyes shut to hold himself back. They didn’t mean him. He was not the butt of their joke. He couldn’t be.

“Light of Kshahrewar? What a joke!”

“A lunatic who lost his mind, nothing more!”

“He deserved it, he deserved it all!-”

“Kaveh…?”

The voice was soft, almost hesitant, but it struck him like a bolt of lightning as it rang clearly above the cacophony of laughter and harsh words. His breath caught in his throat as he slowly turned, dread curling in his stomach.

“...Dad?”

In an instant, the Akademiya stage and the laughing masses crumbled to nothing around him as he finally looked up. Face to face with one person he thought he’d never see again.

His father was right there, his face impassive where he stood right outside of the cage he was stuck in. He was even holding the Diadem he’d promised to win back then, the headpiece secure in his grasp as he stared down at his own son.

“Why did you do it, Kaveh?”

Huh…?

“Dad, what-”

“Why did you let me die, Kaveh?”

Something cracked in his chest, and tears welled up in his eyes once more. From one truth to another, it seemed. How dare his father say it to him just like that? How cruel…

“Dad, I didn’t mean to- I thought you would be okay!”

“You asked me to compete, and I did. You killed me when you asked for the Diadem of Knowledge. You killed me, Kaveh.”

“I know! I know! I killed you, I’m the reason mother left, and now you’ll leave me again! Just get it over with!” he cried, barely able to focus on his father’s form as tears once again started blurring his surroundings beyond recognition. All he could focus on was his father, and the diadem innocently held in his hands. That accursed diadem, that he worked so hard for to win.

“I wanted to win to make you proud! To get rid of that guilt! So go on then, disappear again so I know I’m still not worthy of your forgiveness! I never am and never have been!”

His father only looked on as his son’s voice raised in pitch and volume, nearing hysterics as he struggled to scream out the words over the tears. He was rattling the bars of his cage by now, his grip on the metal so tight it looked like he might actually rip it off its hinges. It didn’t give, though, a perfect wall between them as horror started clawing its way up his throat alongside the screams at the sight before him.

His father, slowly sinking back into the ground as sand welled up and his body crumbled into dust as he glared daggers into his own son’s soul. He could barely see his father’s expression past the tears streaming down his face, adding to the waves upon waves of sand rushing past him as his father was dragged away from him one more time. All that was left was the Diadem of Knowledge, sitting innocently on top of the piling sand as the last thing he saw was his father’s hand reaching out to him before it crumbled to dust too.

“You were a child back then. Of course you didn’t know. Even now, you still don’t know what you have done. Give up, Kaveh. I will not forgive you, because you were the one who killed me.”

Kaveh awoke with a gasp, tears streaming down his face as he could barely not stop himself from falling out of bed and he ended up falling to the floor with a small thump.

It was the mellow scent of spices and old parchment that met him as the door swung open, before there was someone kneeling at his side and rubbing soothing circles into his back as he cried and they helped untangle him from the blankets.

“Shhhhh it’s okay, Kaveh. It was just a nightmare, you’re okay. It’s okay sweetheart,” the person soothed gently, and he could only barely stop himself from sobbing even louder when he realised who it was.

“M-mama! I-I dreamed,” he wailed through his tears, burying his face into the cloth of his mother’s shirt as he got tears and snot all over it, “I dreamed that papa died! I-I killed him, mama!”

His mother only sighed gently, her youthful face tugging into a smile as she held her son. How many years had it been since he’d seen her that happy…? It must’ve been even before she remarried years ago…

“How about you come down for breakfast then, dear? Your father came back from the market with ingredients for the fatteh you love so much, maybe you can talk to him about what you saw? You know how much Rtawahists love to study dreams and the stars,” she offered with a soft laugh as he felt her hand gently carding through his hair. It was so soothing…

Yeah, maybe it really was all just a nightmare… His parents are still here, and he’s safe and happy with them. The cage isn’t real, and he’s just at home with his mama and papa. Neither of them are gone, and he’s safe and happy. There is nothing to worry about here, when he’s still so young.

“Y-yes please…”

As he followed his mother down the familiar hallway, a fleeting image of the golden cage flashed in his mind. The echo of his father’s words lingered, and for a moment, he felt the bars closing in around him again, choking him. He shook his head, trying to dismiss the thought, but the lingering unease remained. Even as the warmth and love of his family surrounded him, a small part of him knew the nightmare wasn’t just a dream.

It was reality, and something had to give sooner or later. But for now, he would enjoy every second of this peace.

When Tamara came in to check on Kaveh that morning, it was just supposed to be another day at her internship. Bimarstan was never very crowded, so there was nothing interesting going on most of the time anyways.

According to doctor Zakariya, she just had to check on him and see how he was doing, just as she had done for the past three days. A shame, really. That man had won the Championship, and now he was stuck like this with no change in status or any sign of waking up. People must be worried about him by now…

She partially noted sir Tighnari of the Forest Watchers in the hallway she was supposed to be in today. The Valuka Shuna waved her good morning, likely trying to grab her attention, and she only sighed as she waved him over as asked. This may not be entirely her job, but she knew better than to shut down someone of higher rank.

“Good morning, sir Tighnari. The usual visit?” she asked, her usual bored tone a nice contrast to the situation at hand. Whatever it was that the other was here for, it wasn’t her problem. She just had the job of checking on patients and doing paperwork of their condition.

Tighnari, to his credit, just smiled and nodded as his ears twitched a little bit. “Yes please,” he agreed with a small laugh as he followed the intern to the appropriate door. It wasn’t the first time he’d been here, not by a long shot, but it was better to make his presence known to employees here to avoid unnecessary trouble.
The two of them found the door pretty quickly, the visitor taking a polite step back to let the intern open the door.

She didn’t look up from her notes as she opened it, reading over his file again as she was met with the amount of silence she expected at this point. Nothing out of the usual.

Recovering injuries on every part of his body except the neck and head, a recovering dislocated shoulder that should not be moved, and an induced coma of unknown origin.

Quite the case, but mostly harmless. What could a comatose man even do?

When she looked up from her papers though, she had to do an actual double take at what she was met with and almost dropped what she was holding in shock.
The bed was empty.

The sheets were neatly folded as if they had not been used at all, and the windows were closed and locked as they should have been. It was as if no one had been here at all.

As if Kaveh had just gotten up and left, with no one there to stop him.

The two of them stood frozen in the doorway for what had to be a good few minutes until Tighnari finally snapped out of it, his ears pressed flat to his head as he rushed into the room to look around and search.

There had to be a clue, there had to be.

When he came up empty though, the foxlike man turned to the poor intern still frozen in the doorway with a smile so shaky, so fragile, it did nothing to soothe the tension hanging thickly in the air.

“Tamara, call the matra. Kaveh’s gone missing.”

Chapter Text

When Cyno practically burst into his office that morning, Alhaitham was pretty close to just ignoring him and continuing with his paperwork. After all, now that the Championship was over with no proper closing ceremony and most of the details hidden to the public, there was a lot of paperwork that needed to be done before he could go back to his job in the archives. When the other person refused to leave though, closing the office door and standing guard with his arms crossed and an angry huff, only then did he pause in favour of looking up at his colleague.

“Yes? Make it quick, I want to finish these papers before lunch break,” he commented, trying his usual nonchalant routine to get Cyno to leave already. He really wasn’t in the mood for a chat anyways.

Cyno had other plans.

“You know, I heard the most curious thing earlier when I showed up on patrol on my first day back at work. I heard that a certain blonde architect has gone missing overnight, and from Tighnari of all people.”

If it piqued Alhaithan’s interest, the only indication was his writing hand slowing down and his head tilting up a tiny bit.

“It would not surprise me if he sleepwalks, he usually made too much noise at night anyways hammering away on projects. I am simply enjoying the peace and quiet.”

Cyno could only sigh, shaking his head a little bit. The nerve of that man…

“That’s the thing. No signs of waking up, forced entry, or exit. No one had seen him since the last round of checkup last night, and suddenly he’s vanished into thin air in the morning. There is nothing usual about this, as you put it.”

Alhaitham only shrugged, seemingly unbothered as he continued filing papers at his slower listening pace. If Cyno wasn’t going to leave, then might as well humour him.

“Someone had to have seen something. It’s not really my problem if the staff are careless with their patients.”

Sadly, Cyno seemed to disagree as electro started discharging into air and making his skin tingle in warning.

“Alhaitham, listen to yourself right now. Kaveh is just as much your friend as he is ours, and you’re just here filing paperwork like he’s at home and napping or something. At least try to take this more seriously.”

The scribe only shrugged in response, but did set down his pen and moved the paperwork aside to look up at his friend without distractions. He even leaned his elbows on the table, leaning into his hands as if trying to look a bit more serious. Now that he was taking in Cyno’s stance in full as well, it did seem like the desert dweller wasn’t joking. He looked tense, unusually so, posture completely stiff and expression hidden behind his headpiece as electro seemed to be rolling off of him in waves.

Cyno was dead serious.

“Fine, I’ll take this more seriously if it stops you from blowing up my office. What are the details?” he asked, sighing as Cyno dropped the pulse of electro in favour of glancing back at the door. Matra instinct, perhaps.

“As I said before, Kaveh went missing from Bimarstan overnight with no signs of hindrance at all. Everything was left behind neatly, no signs of struggle, and no one had seen or heard anything. Tighnari and one of the interns found his room empty this morning with no hints or leads,” he explained again, his eyes narrowing a little as his shoulders tensed up. Seems like it was a bit difficult to talk about.

Alhaitham hummed in understanding, mostly just nodding along. “If it helps, the Diadem of Knowledge was placed back in the care of the Akademiya after what happened. It had to do with the state he was in, so checking it should yield some results. If not, I’m still repairing Mehrak.”

Cyno hummed a bit in appreciation, the tension in his shoulders seemingly melting away a little bit at the offer. Perhaps it might be a good idea to start there, with no other leads to go off of, anyways. The short man moved to flex his neck a little bit and cracked his knuckles with a nod, before summoning his polearm. Best to keep up his reputation if they wanted to continue to keep most of Sumeru in the dark about all this.

Alhaitham, in turn, just got up out of his office chair, set it back neatly, and moved to put away the unfinished paperwork for later. With a nod to his colleague, the two of them were out the door rather quickly while the scribe stuck a note to the door saying he would be gone for a while. No one should question it at least, he’s already pulled this kind of thing often enough for people to get the hint.

The walk to the House of Daena and up towards the main offices was a quiet one. Tense, as it was not often that people saw the Scribe and the General Mahamatra walk together, much less without being at each other’s throats.

Those days, it’s better to just stay out of the way and hope no one speaks to them in fear of interrupting something important.

…

A trip up the elevator and some filed paperwork in the offices later, and Alhaitham was presented with a neatly cleaned Diadem of Knowledge wrapped in pristine cloth. Even Cyno had to whistle in appreciation at the sight, finally getting the chance to see it up close without needing to bash someone’s head in for it.

At least they’d cleaned Kaveh’s blood off of it…

The thought alone made something uncomfortable stir in both of their chests.

“So… What do we do with it? You’re holding it now but it’s not billowing smoke like it did back then when Kaveh held it,” Cyno commented, hoping to ease the tension that had been building silently.

Alhaitham on the other hand could only shrug, gently turning the headpiece over to other angles as the pair moved to find an empty office to continue their talk.

“There really isn’t a lot of information to go off of for it. All I know about it I heard from Sachin’s son, or it was mentioned in rather ancient historical records or ones of the man himself. It’s said to originate from the desert thousands of years ago, but that was all I could find.”

“I see… so you were responsible for helping catch Jiwani and his hired muscle?”

Cyno actually looked a bit amused at the comment, coughing into his hand to hide his smile and shut down any comments on that. He was working, it could wait.

Alhaitham just nodded, having enough audacity to look flustered as he finally found an empty office and beckoned his colleague to come inside before he closed the door behind them. As soon as the lock clicked shut, they both moved to occupy the chairs around the desk as the scribe set the diadem down for both of them to get a better look at.

Still nothing.

“There might be information in the restricted archives, but not even a scribe like myself would be allowed access. You know the process, Cyno.”

“And we both know that letting you in there would be like letting a Sumpter beast into a Liyuean china shop. I would never allow it.”

Alhaitham couldn’t help it, leaning back in his chair with a smug look on his face and a good shrug. “Worth a shot.”

Cyno, to his credit, didn’t seem to mind much though as he instead leaned in closer to inspect the diadem better. It was really just sitting there, glimmering innocently in the dim office lighting as if it hadn’t caused an actual disappearance and probably a few hundred casualties. Who knows?

What neither of them expected was for a soft, high-pitched voice to echo through the room as the diadem actually started glowing.

“You’re all so silly, it’s just funny!”

There was a loud crash ringing through the room together with a surprised yelp as Alhaitham’s chair toppled backwards and hit the floor with him still on it.

When both men recovered from their shock- and this actually took a moment- there was a small, flower-shaped spectre sitting comfortably on the wooden surface of the table in the middle of the diadem it had seemingly sprouted from.

And it was laughing.

“A pari?!”

The scribe could barely contain his surprise at the sight of the tiny figure, struggling to get back up as he leaned his full weight on the table surface. Cyno couldn’t even help, frozen up in shock judging by how stiff his shoulders looked. It just made the tiny figure laugh louder, leaning on the diadem for support as it continued.

The pari was surprisingly large, the normally vibrant colours for its species leaning more towards a pale, sickly brown. There was a small crown of thorns woven around its horned head, intertwined as if two snakes were curled up around it as it did a little spin for the two men watching it.

“Zahāk, at your service~” it chirped, launching into another fit of giggles as Alhaitham tried to summon some of his chisel-light mirrors and instead came up empty, much to the confusion of both of the humans in the room.

“What did you do?!”

Cyno had finally snapped out of it, it seemed, polearm aimed at the small creature as his noral stern expression seemed to be back. The waves of electro rolling out into the air were almost painful, purple lightning sparking around the young man. The pari barely looked threatened though, looking up at him with an almost smug look where it was floating.

“Oh, all I did was follow my life’s mission. My dear Yasnspati made me a home, so I use it to give gifts to those who need it. As such, I will not allow anything that could break my home near it.”

If he could, Alhaitham would have snapped that damn thing’s neck already at the attitude alone. Scratch that, Kaveh would have. That man’s temper would be very much in line with that kind of thinking in this situation. Maybe he should think about this more calmly.

He waved for Cyno to lower his weapon, and leaned against the table in a way that motioned for the pari to look at him. “In that case, let’s try this again in a civilised manner. I’m Alhaitham, Scribe of the Akademiya. The other person here is Cyno, General Mahamatra, also of the Akademiya. We wanted to know about someone who has recently come into contact with your ‘home’.”

If the little pari could blink, it probably would have. Instead, it tilted its head in question before doing a little twirl in place as if doing a curtsy.

“I am Zahāk, a Pari of the old courts of our Lady Egeria. My home was forged for me in the ancient desert sands, when it was still under God King rule.”

The small fairy settled down on the headpiece at those words, tilting its head as if trying to smile or look cute. It even let out a small chirp, as if giggling.

“As for this person you speak of, yes I have in fact seen him. He was a rather poor one, with too much empathy for his heart to handle. His mind gave away under the burden, so I granted him a peaceful solution in the form of a dream.”

Finally, a hint.

“What kind of dream?” Cyno asked as he settled down in his chair again to listen. Alhaitham nodded in agreement.

Zahāk just shrugged as well as a being of its stature could, patting the diadem affectionately. “A dream of his past, as if nothing had gone wrong. His mind was a heavy one, too stained by hurt and regret to contribute anything to my home. I’m not sure where his body went, but then again his experiences are of more interest to me than whatever else there is to you humans.”

Oh, that was an insult.

And Alhaitham didn’t let it slide for once.

Before anyone could say anything, he reached out to grab the small pari by the scruff and gave it a small shake. As a warning, of course. He wasn’t a monster. His expression remained impassive as the little fairy started struggling, seemingly unhappy with the situation.

Good, may that teach it a lesson.

“Look, you can either keep monologuing about your sympathetic backstory, or you can help us get our friend back. We both know which option is the correct one, so please, do choose wisely. It would be a real shame if your dear little headpiece would end up in pieces on the floor, wouldn’t it?”

“Alright, alright, fine! Just let go of me,” Zahāk cried in return, chirping rather aggressively as it was dropped back onto the table none too gently.

The pari dusted itself off once it knew it wouldn’t get manhandled again, and kind of huffed as it shot Alhaitham a glare. Said scribe just chose to ignore it in favour of grabbing some writing utensils in case this might be more difficult than they thought. Then, the pari began to explain.

“My home is a collection of gifts for me to give out, especially to empaths. You humans can give me your own gifts to keep me company, and the most recent one to have done so was that old man that actually got me to talk to him. He considered himself my Yasnapati, but to me he wasn’t. He kept me company until that blonde human greeted me, and I gave him a dream. Now, the old man is walking around in the blonde’s skin.”

There was a pause.

And then…

“EXCUSE ME?!”

Zahāk didn’t even look surprised when the two men both stared down at it in shock, the sound of an ink pen snapping in half painfully loud with the tension in the room.

“You heard me the first time. Honestly, humans these days…”

Cyno was the first to respond, his voice low and tense as if he was restraining himself. Perhaps he was, if the hairs on Alhaitham’s arms standing on end was anything to go by. “No, we heard you the first time. But what do you mean when you say ‘walking around in his skin’? That has to violate several Akademiya rules, if not completely disregard them.”

Zahāk only snorted, or rather as well as a small fairy could. It just shook its head, chirping softly as it probably just feigned ignorance.

“Oh right, you humans probably call it something like… possession, was it? The mind is a fun little thing, you should study it.”

“We prefer not to, it violates several core principles of the Akademiya to begin with. It would violate human evolution, as well as the autonomy and free will of the people,” Cyno countered, really looking none too pleased. He had to deal with those kinds of cases regularly, it only made sense, Alhaitham noted.

“Besides, how does that help us find Kaveh? We only know where his mind is, not his body. We can’t help him if we don’t know where Sachin took him.” The desert dweller’s gaze hardened at the words, a flicker of electro leaping off his skin. The pari on the other hand looked completely unbothered, flying in a few loops to entertain itself.

“Oh that should be easy. Where would the old human go if he had a second chance?”

A pause.

“How in the Abyss did we not think of that before.”

Chapter Text

The ride to Aaru Village was rather quiet, surprisingly.

It was just Alhaitham sitting on the back of a Sumpter beast, reading a book while Cyno walked alongside the large, fluffy animal. Tighnari was seated under some cover as well, shielding himself from the scorching desert sun as he had to share his ride with the scribe.

None of them mentioned the brownish pari making itself comfortable on Alhaitham’s lap as it chirped from time to time while looking around at the vast expanses of sand, sand, and more sand.

Or rather, they tried to.

“What are you reading?” Zāhak asked from where it was sitting, staring up at the scribe with curious eyes and a mischievous glint. Alhaitham only sighed, pushing the little fairy’s head down as he held his book out of reach with an agitated grumble.

“Nothing you would understand. It’s a book about a topic not even someone like you could even hope to figure out,” he hummed, that familiar glare back on his face as he did his best to keep his attention back on the pages in his hand.

“Oh really? Try me.”

Challenge accepted.

He lowered the book to the pari’s eye level, and flipped to a page he knew would be much too difficult to understand, even for an ancient spirit like it. For him though, this was as easy as reading a birthday card.

“It’s a book about linguistic dialect shifts in the desert. Good luck figuring out what is written here,” he hummed, practically smirking gleefully as he pointed to the most difficult page in the entire book. As expected, Zahāk blinked in obvious confusion as its eyes jumped all over the place. When it tore its gaze away from the pages and instead squinted at the title printed into the fabric cover, he knew he’d won their little stand-off.

“The Paradox of Eremite Semiotics: Linguistic Entropy of Sumeru Desert Topography? What does all that even mean?!” The pari cried once it finally seemed to figure out what all those fancy letters spelled out, and Alhaitham scoffed in obvious triumph.

“It means exactly what I said. It’s about dialect shifts and changes of the desert. If you couldn’t figure it out, the page I was reading was obviously referring to the dialect difference between the former Tanit Tribe and the Eremites of the Land of Upper Setekh based on their topographical and geographical locations within the desert and the animals and people passing through them,” he explained, his tone so smug it even made Tighnari cringe a little bit where he sat behind the pair.

“Alhaitham, can you please quiet down? You sound like you’re lecturing Kaveh on what the difference is between a language syntax and a garden-path sentence and last time I checked he tried to smash your head in with one of Lambad’s chairs when you tried that the first time. And you did it five times,” the poor Valuka Shuna whined where he was perched further up on the fluffy ride animal, hidden under several layers of fabrics and sweating profusely as he was downing water at a concerning pace. Right, he didn’t deal well with the desert heat.

Just like during the second round…

“Tighnari is right,” Cyno commented from beside the pair, sighing as he shifted the grip on his polearm, “Though I hate to admit it, you’re sounding like you’re going through Kaveh withdrawal and taking it out on us instead. I would make a joke about it usually, but for some reason I’m really not in the mood. And that’s saying something.”

Alhaitham could only raise an eyebrow at the comment, actually surprised and mildly confused for once. “Is this about the party when we came back from the desert last time? I’m still not sorry for dragging both of you off the table and revoking Kaveh’s alcohol privilege for the next two months. Don’t think I didn’t see him crying so hard I thought he might faint of dehydration all over again.”

Cyno paused at that, before the other two were suddenly yanked forward as he roughly signalled for the Sumpter beast to stop pretty suddenly.

Uh oh.

“First of all,” the desert dweller snarled, holding out his ceremonial spear to block the path as he made sure to lock eyes with Alhaitham, “I was not responsible for him crying. We were having fun and enjoying the atmosphere, and everyone that was there that night can vouch for all three of us that he started crying out of nowhere. He never said what the reason was, nor did he feel comfortable to do so. As soon as you took him home, everything died down anyway because he was the biggest entertainment at the party. So before you pin it either on me or his drinking problem, consider for just a moment that not everything is as easy as it looks. Not everyone has the same level of composure or luxury as you, Alhaitham.”

It was only when the stunned scribe could manage a shaky nod that he lowered his spear and motioned for their ride to get moving again.

The rest of their journey ended up being spent in uneasy silence after that, the tension so thick not even the little pari with a big mouth dared to say anything. After all, Cyno was right in some regard.

It seems Alhaitham had a lot to think about as the Aaru Village basin came into view in the distance.

Kaveh should be here. He had to be.

Time to have a very stern talk with someone who was not supposed to be here.

A group as mismatched yet coordinated as theirs arriving at the village bridge drew quite some attention, which would be surprising in any other scenario.

Handing the Sumpter beast off to a nearby merchant really wasn’t an issue, but as soon as all three of them were back on their feet and their companion pari had hidden itself in Alhaitham’s belt pouch, they were… kind of lost. They looked between each other rather awkwardly as soon as they were alone on the village square, Tighnari being the first to shrug in confusion.

Where were they even supposed to start?

“Alhaitham, Cyno, Tighnari!”

Speak of the devil.

“Paimon, Traveler,” Cyno greeted as the pair came to meet them, looking pleasantly surprised and also kind of confused to see both the former Acting Grand Sage, the chief of the Forest Watchers, and the General Mahamatra all in one place at the same time. Paimon came flying over first, waving rather enthusiastically as her companion followed behind with a slightly melancholy expression.

“What are you doing here? I thought there were no events in the foreseeable future?” Paimon asked rather loudly, glancing back over at her partner who just shrugged. As soon as the pair reached the square, Alhaitham moved over to make some place for them in their little circle with a small nod.

“Official business. Or rather, as official as it can get without it being public knowledge,” Tighnari informed with a sigh, in the middle of opening his nth water bottle for the day before he took a few big swigs. Paimon sent him a look of concern, before looking back over at the other two men present with a confused look. Alhaitham was the second to sigh, crossing his arms as he glanced back over at the village bridge.

“The incident during the third round. We have some investigating to do, if you would mind not interfering.”

“Ah, right. How is Kaveh doing?”

None of them made an attempt at hiding the flinch mentioning that name caused.

The Traveler seemed to catch one pretty quickly, if her expression dimming was anything to go off of. She beckoned Paimon back over to her side, before letting out a sigh so deep she might as well have been hundreds of years old and regretting it. Perhaps she was.

“He has something to do with this investigation, doesn’t he.”

It wasn’t even a question. It was a statement, and none of them denied it.

“How can we help?”

The relief was palpable. That was a question all of them had been hoping to hear.

“Do you know where Sachin might have left his research?” Alhaitham immediately asked, looking rather nonchalant as he crossed his arms in an attempt to at least look somewhat unbothered. When he noticed Paimon pout in anger at his attitude, he let a small smirk slip her way as a tease. She deserved it, anyways.

“From what we gathered from an… anonymous source, somewhere in Aaru Village. I’m not sure where exactly, but we can still help if that’s okay?” The Traveler offered with a bit of a strained smile now, humming when Paimon fired into a rant about ‘attitude’ and ‘Paimonial wrath’ or something. White noise, if anything.

“That’s still more than what we could go off of so far, so any little bit is appreciated,” Cyno offered instead, shifting the grip on his polearm as he glanced around them. Perhaps he wanted to make sure there was no one eavesdropping as usual. Alhaitham hummed a little at the gesture, nodding in agreement. Though his careful attitude immediately got a wrench thrown in it when a certain pari decided that enough was enough and seemed to think that now was a good idea to make its presence known as it started yapping loud enough to not only turn a few heads their way, but also make Alhaitham wince hard enough to turn up the noise cancelling of his headphones a little bit.

“Oh hush, sand eater! He’s around here somewhere, I can sense the gift I gave him not far from here anyways!”

Paimon stopped in the middle of a word, almost choking on it with how her eyes widened and her jaw dropped in surprise. The Traveler looked just as shocked, her eyes wide as the pair took in the small fairy practically wrestling its way out of the bundle of cloth it had been stuck in.

“A pari?! Why are you so far away from the oasis?!” Paimon was the first to cry, almost shrieking with surprise once the pari was free and fluttering around with what could only be a mean smirk judging by its chirping noises. Alhaitham just sighed and glanced back over at the pair as he nodded to Zahak.

“Would you believe me if I said this little one lives in the Diadem of Knowledge? It was responsible for Kaveh fainting the other day,” he explained, his look of mild interest immediately dropping into an unimpressed glare as the pari floated up to pat him on the cheek with what was very clearly a giggle. He shoved it aside rather quickly, ignoring the snorts of amusement from Tighnari and Cyno. “Its name is Zahāk.”

The Traveler blinked, once, then twice, then held up a hand as if to tell him to pause before she moved to dig around in her pockets for something. Namely, a similar flower spirit coloured a bright pink as it shot out of nowhere with a graceful little twirl and a happy chirp. Most notably, this one seemed to be wearing something resembling a crown, and it quickly caught their interest.

Zahak, on the other hand…

“Sorush.”

The pink fairy paused where it had been hovering, and the glare could be felt more than it could be seen with how much venom was oozing from its voice.

“Zahāk.”

“Whoa whoa whoa, someone tell Paimon why there’s two pari flying around and they apparently know and hate eachother!”

The tension snapped at the same time all heads did towards Paimon at her outburst. The Traveler didn’t even stop her, looking almost as lost and confused as she did.

Almost.

“Paimon, remember what we learned at the oasis? Pari have are born with a life’s mission and return to the oasis one it’s complete. If a pari is here, that means its mission is here. Don’t just insult someone you just met,” she chided gently, very much aware of the stares she was getting for that last comment.

A few regions too late for that one.

“Paimon knows, but that doesn’t explain why those two hate eachother!”

“Oh that’s simple,” Sorush ground out as she effectively cut off another rant. The little pari still looked absolutely disgusted at the sight of her kin, almost growling in anger. Zahāk just crossed its wings as if they were arms, looking away with a huff.

“Zahāk is infamous in the tales of the pari, and considered a traitor to the Voroukasha oasis for abandoning it at the time of the war of the gods. That name is a curse under the great Simurgh’s protection.”

“And I’m more surprised they granted a young, rude pari like you the twin-horned chaplet. The last Sorush I knew was a kind one, gentle and understanding. You’re a mere brat sullying the name and mission given to you.” Zahāk held zero hesitation at the words, a true snarl leaving its small body as it floated back over to Alhaitham before settling back on his shoulder. Said man just sighed and picked it up, putting the fairy back in his belt pouch as it was kicking and screaming.

“And that is why I didn’t let you out up until now. Somehow you’re even more annoying than Paimon.”

“Hey!”

The Traveler could only sigh, holding back both of her floating companions as Tighnari was trying his hardest not to laugh and even Cyno cracked a small smile. There would be no murder today, thank you.

“That aside though, your pari did make a good point for your search. If it was responsible for the state Kaveh was in and can still sense him, it could lead us right to him. Let’s focus on that before we decide to start killing eachother, okay?”

Cyno was, thankfully, the quickest to agree. Even despite the earlier insult, he stood tall and nodded as his professional mask seamlessly slipped back into place and he tapped his staff against the stone tiles of the square. “Right. Miss Sorush, please refrain from interfering too much. We require all the help we can get, as this is an important mission.”

The bright pink pari huffed in response, but thankfully relented as she floated back over to the Traveler and promptly disappeared.

“Fine, but I will make sure he will not be allowed to step a single feather onto oasis soil. Whenever that is.”

And as soon as she was gone, leaving behind a small trail of hot pink flower petals, Zahāk peeked back out of the bundle of cloth with an angry sigh. Alhaitham could only shrug when the pari looked back up at him in question, and helped it back out so it could float around.

“Alright then, lead the way.”

As soon as the group got moving, several heads of nearby villagers turned away very quickly to feign ignorance.

…

The first sign that they were coming close was Tighnari’s nose scrunching up a little bit.

The Valuka Shuna looked vaguely uncomfortable as the group climbed the many stairs up the levels of the village, pausing for a moment halfway up a set as his ears twitched. Cyno, who had been walking right behind him with his guard up, paused alongside him as he called for the rest to wait for just a moment. Then, he turned to his friend as he noticed him looking more uncomfortable.

He looked vaguely green in the face.

“Tighnari, are you okay? You don’t look well. Do you need more water?” the desert dweller offered gently, before being quickly shut down by a strong shake of his friend’s head. By now, they’d caught the attention of the rest of the group too.

“No, I’m okay on water. It’s just…” His nose scrunched up again, and this time he actually gagged a little as his shoulders hiked up with tension. His ears gave one more strong twitch before folding down flat against his head as the fur of his tail bristled.

Something was up.

“I can smell something sour up ahead. Like rotting flesh.”

Shit.

Alhaitham didn’t even hesitate as soon as those words registered, making a mad dash up the rest of the flight of stares as the rest of the group-minus Cyno and Tighnari- scrambled to catch up. It was Zahāk who lead him ahead to one of the nearby houses on the upper level of the village then, pausing in front of an unassuming door as something promptly flipped in the scribe’s stomach.

The sour smell was coming from inside.

He tried the lock. It wouldn’t budge.

He tried rattling it. No luck.

“Kaveh?”

No response.

“Habib?”

…

“I’m kicking the door down.”

Perhaps he should’ve expected it when the old wooden door broke a little too easily under the full weight of his shoulder hitting it, but it was still a surprise as the old thing splintered and gave away as if had been a mere sheet of paper he was tearing.

Over the crash of the rusted hinges breaking off and the wooden door hitting the ground at his feet, he vaguely registered the rest of the group finally catching up to him.

Calling his name.

Not that he could answer them.

He found him after all.

“Kaveh…”

The crumpled shape of a familiar man blearily looked up at him from where it had been laying splayed out on the carpet, unfamiliar eyes locking with his.

A small, almost vengeful smile tugged at familiar lips before those unnaturally sharp vermillion eyes grew dull and rolled back.

Kaveh’s head hit the old, ratty carpet before his eyes had the chance to closed, the faint smell of smoke in the air.

“Hai… tham…”

“Kaveh!”

Oh, how familiar this felt. Sometimes, deja vu was a curse.

This time it was Alhaitham who ran to catch him, far too late by the time he fell to his knees at the blonde’s side.

The sour stench was assaulting his nose now, disgustingly acrid as he took in the shape his friend was in. Most of the bandages had been torn or completely removed, barely clinging to his skin. In the dim lighting of the decrepid old house, he could faintly spot several inflamed infections that were likely caused by disregarding the body’s needs. When he took a look at Kaveh’s hands though…

They were torn once again. His fingers were bloody and covered with dirt, grime, and off-coloured blood crusts in several places. All of the old damage had returned tenfold.

Something twisted in his chest at the sight, his grip on the architect’s wrists tightening.

There was so much rotting flesh and skin-

“Alhaitham, let go. You need to calm down.”

His gaze shot up at his name being called, reflexes too sharp as he vaguely realized he almost punched Cyno in the face. The matra had caught his fist with one hand, squeezing hard as a warning. His other hand let go of Kaveh’s wrists.

When had his breathing gotten so ragged?

“Alhaitham.”

It took all the willpower he had to not throw another punch as Cyno gently guided him away from the body. They made space for a very nauseous Tighnari as the ranger got to work. He barely noticed when the sour smell of flesh and dust and rot made way for the much clearer scent of desert sun, sand, and a vague hint of spices.

They were outside.

Cyno turned to face him, expression carefully blank.

He barely realized it when his legs gave out and he collapsed onto the dusty tiles with a tiny, hoarse rasping noise slipping out of his throat that sounded suspiciously close to a sob-

“What the fuck happened-”

“Sachin. Sachin is what happened.”

Something twisted violently in his stomach at the name. He couldn’t even look up from the sand and dust at his knees as Cyno came to kneel in front of him. The man’s hands on his shoulders felt like a slap to the face, each individual inch of touch making his skin prickle violently as goosebumps spread along his arms.

Shit.

“Too much- headphones-”

Cyno blinked in surprise at the words, but thankfully said nothing as he let go of Alhaitham’s shoulders and gently reached up to fiddle with the pieces of technology over his ears. It took a few seconds, but as soon as all of the outside noise died down with a familiar whirr, it finally felt like he could breathe again.

His eyesight was a bit blurry, he vaguely noted as he reached up to wipe at his eyes. His hand came away a little wet.

Alhaitham stared down at the wet smear on his hand for what was probably a little too long before he finally let out the breath he’d probably been holding for a bit now. As soon as the tension slowly started bleeding out of his stiff frame, Cyno leaned back on his hunches and cracked a small smile.

“You worried me for a second there, you know. Not a lot of people are used to sights that gruesome.”

As if to prove his point, Paimon came zooming out of the broken doorway behind them and promptly started throwing up in the nearest bush. The Traveler followed her companion outside, but didn’t seem too bothered as she glanced over at the two of them and offered them a small nod of reassurance. Seems like Tighnari had it under control then.

Alhaitham could only nod back, eyes trained to the ground as tension finally left his body. The blissful silence outside of the talking was helping a lot.

“Seen it a lot. Never gets any easier.”

He was aware that his voice was hoarse and cracking around the edges, but thankfully no one made a comment on it. Not that it mattered, as Tighnari chose that moment to leave the rotting old house with a stone cold expression on his face and a disturbingly unbothered Zahāk in tow.

“How is he?” Someone asked.

“Nothing I could figure out in full. Whatever it was he came here for, it’s over and done now, but I don't know what else I can do. As for his physical condition… All I can say is that it’s not pretty.”

“What do you mean?” It was Cyno speaking now.

Tighnari’s ears drooped and his tail tucked itself between his legs, and it felt like Alhaitham couldn’t breathe.

“I can’t get his body to move. Whatever it was that Sachin did, he may as well be considered dead to the world.”

“Don’t tell me-”

“Alhaitham, he’s not dead. Or at least, he shouldn’t be. He’s breathing and running a fever from the infections he got. Other than that…”

The Valuka Shuna bit his lip, his mask slipping for just a moment as almost tangible pain flared up in his eyes. Something wrenched violently at Alhaitham’s chest.

“I found a fracture in his spinal cord. Right in the neck.”

…

“Full paralysis.”

Alhaitham was only vaguely aware as something cracked under his ribcage.

Chapter Text

Who knew he’d be scared to go through a single door for the first time in his life?

It had taken a scarily long time until the others were able to shake Alhaitham out of his intense panic, the scribe almost entirely unresponsive as he’d taken to sitting on the old house’s doorstep. It took Cyno helping him into a more comfortable position and Paimon of all people to help drape a blanket over his shoulders so that he would be more comfortable until he finally had a chance to calm down at all, unaware that Tighnari had gone back inside for the time being. The Traveler chose to keep him company at least, sitting down next to the man and telling him stories about anything and everything in the softest tone she could muster.

None of it helped for several hours, until the sun finally set over Aaru and the night chill finally came creeping in.

It was only when the last few rays of sunlight finally disappeared over the basin walls that Alhaitham finally managed to look up, prompting the woman next to him to fall silent. Even then, he could only manage a small gesture of waving her away. He only relented to the company when the Traveler and Paimon handed him a steaming bowl of radish-veggie soup to eat. Something they cooked themselves, they said.

What would have been a delicious meal tasted like bile and ash on his tongue as his gaze drifted back behind him to the broken door.

Kaveh’s mangled and rotting body came to his mind, and he fought not to flinch as his expression twisted with pain and discomfort.

“You don’t have to go back in yet if you don’t want to,” the Traveler offered gently when she noticed his sour look, waving Cyno over who had a bowl of soup of his own. The desert dweller shuffled over to come sit down with the pair, quickly followed by Paimon staying hovering nearby. Even Zahāk came floating over before settling back in Alhaitham’s belt pouch with a small chirp. The man could only sigh, looking down at the mostly untouched bowl in his hands as steam wafted off of it. None of it was as comforting as it should have been.

“Someone has to bring him back to Sumeru City. He will not have enough care here to recover,” he mumbled instead, ignoring the worried looks from his friends as he forced himself to take a good swig of the broth.

No, not his friends.

Kaveh’s friends.

He had nothing to do with this at all.

“I understand that, but we can’t move him like this, nor can we do it so soon. Tighnari is doing everything he can, but people will find out eventually. The people of the village already overheard us today, it’s only a matter of time.”

His gaze shifted over to Cyno as the man spoke up before he moved it back down to the bowl in his hands.

“Tighnari is not doing a good enough job, then. Kaveh should have been recovering in Bimarstan at this time, not rotting away in an old house in the desert.”

Wrong move.

Electricity sparking in the air made the hairs on his arms stand on end, and he only barely had enough time to dodge out of the way and save his bowl of soup until there was a smouldering polearm firmly lodged in broken and crumbled tiles. No matter if it would’ve probably cut him clean in half if he hadn’t moved. Cyno, on the other hand, looked properly pissed.

“You can say whatever you want, but even a scribe like you should know when words are unnecessary. Insulting people is one thing, but blaming the only medically experienced person here for something out of their control is taking it too far. We came here for Kaveh, not your fragile ego.”

Alhaitham didn’t dare to even twitch, eyes wide and locked onto the General Mahamatra’s wild expression. He was vaguely aware that those amber eyes were hidden behind a mask glowing with pure electro energy, meaning he was dead serious.

He lowered his head in apology, setting the bowl down slowly before he held up his hands in surrender.

“Then I’m sorry.”

Cyno, who looked about ready to launch into another rant, froze up as his mouth snapped shut.

“I’m sorry for insulting Tighnari’s abilities, I’m sorry for making you angry, and I’m sorry for everyone here being dragged into this mess. I should not have snapped at you, and I apologise for saying the wrong thing at a time when that would make it worse.”

…

Silence.

It was only broken when Tighnari poked his head back out of the old doorway, ears twitching as he glanced around at everyone gathered. His gaze lingered on the polearm lodged in the ground next to Alhaitham, and then fixed on Cyno slowly letting Hermanubis ebb away as he seemed to be calming down. The Traveler only gave him a nod before offering another bowl of soup for him to take as well. The Valuka Shuna reluctantly did so, leaving the hut and making Alhaitham scrunch his nose at the strong smell of medicine rolling off of his friend.

Yes, he was doing all he could. He had no right to judge the Forest Ranger.

Said man finally moved to sit down next to everyone with his own bowl of soup, and promptly let out the heaviest sigh any of them had heard in years before he started gulping down the broth at a concerningly fast pace. As soon as he was done, he all but slammed down the bowl against the stone steps as he took in a sharp breath.

“Good to hear you all are getting your thoughts sorted out, but you should be aware that I’m still working as hard as I can to help Kaveh while you two are bickering like the world is ending. So if you want to make yourselves useful, either go get Candace and ask her if everyone can stay at the village chief’s house for the night, or help get me a few things while I’m working.”

“I will go ask Candace then. She knew we would be coming, it’s only fair that I say hello,” Cyno immediately offered. The Traveler nodded along, smiling when Paimon also puffed up her chest rather proudly.

“Paimon will help look for materials then!” She offered proudly as her companion agreed to come along just to keep an eye on her. Alhatham just sighed, looked back down at his unfinished soup, and took another small sip.

“I will stay here then,” he hummed as he set the bowl back down, not looking at Tighnari next to him as the other three got up to get to their tasks. He stayed silent until they were all out of earshot, tucking the blanket a little closer around him until he looked more like a cocoon and doing his best to ignore Tighnari chuckling softly next to him.

“You know I heard what you said, Alhaitham.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay, really. Emotions are running high, and I understand that you were not in your right mind. I accept your apology, and it’s good to see you opening up to people more.”

“Still hate it though.”

“Fair enough,” the Valuka Shuna chuckled as he leaned back a bit, looking up at the night sky and the many stars dotting it in pretty patterns. Layla could probably say more about it if she were here right now. “You can stay here and keep watch if it makes you feel better. It’s getting late anyways, so you should get some sleep too.”

“I’ll try. How is Kaveh doing?” Alhaitham’s gaze lowered as he almost stumbled on the name, holding back a wince pretty poorly. It had the other man smile sympathetically as he also looked dow at the ground in thought.

“The infections are manageable, at least. As for the spine injury… Even if we somehow figure out how to heal the break, the nerve damage is there. I’m not sure how else to go about it. Doesn’t Kaveh heal when in contact with blooms?” Tighnari’s ears twitched as he explained, not missing the scribe’s pretty strong flinch as he could only smile sympathetically.

“I can’t guarantee anything in terms of medical knowledge and practice. Maybe your new pari friend knows something, but I’m aware of what the Traveler’s own pari said. Let’s wait it out first.”

Alhaitham, to his credit, paused at the first part of what the ranger said as his brows furrowed in thought for the first time today. It probably looked like he was glaring holes into the village’s stone tiles to anyone else, but it is what it is.

Kaveh heals when touching blooms… That was the first time he heard something like that.

“We can wait it out, but the sooner we figure something out the better. Do you know the specific triggers of blooms?”

Ah, it seemed like the old Alhaitham was slowly coming back out then. Tighnari smiled warmly as he nodded, before looking back up at the stars as his ears straightened up with his heightened focus.

“Of course it’s one element touching the other that creates them, but the usage of Vision abilities on those kinds of reactions is… rather under-researched. Amurta would know something about it, but this would fall more into Spantamad’s elementalism. Kaveh mentioned his healing once over dinner, I don’t believe he ever elaborated. My guess would be that his Vision specifically allows for the ability to manifest. Anyone else would not have the same result.”

Of course. Visions were already an enigma as is, and they were the only dendro Vision users in the immediate area. Either of them using reactions would probably only result in more harm than good.

Alhaitham’s thinking-glare intensified as he nodded along, before pausing as he glanced over at Tighnari. He had an idea.

“From what I remember, he uses Mehrak as an extension of his Vision. I’m still repairing her because he never made a proper blueprint for her and mechanisms are not my strong suit, but maybe we can use her as a technicality.”

Tighnari, to his credit, brightened up considerably at the offer. He actually smiled wide for the first time in almost a week now, his tail swishing in delight. “Then you might have luck asking Madam Faruzan for help. She knows a lot about machines, especially semi-sentient ones!”

Finally, they had a lead.

The moment was only ruined when the taller of the two men had to stifle a yawn.

When Alhaitham glanced over at his conversation partner, he almost choked on his own spit at the genuinely surprised look on the other man’s face before Tighnari seemed to realise his own reaction and quickly coughed into his hand as a way to cover it up.

“Ah- I think that’s my cue to get back to work then. You can still keep watch if you want, but it might be better if you get some rest.”

Tighnari disappeared beyond the door frame before Alhaitham had even a second to say anything. He was left in stunned silence, staring at where Tighnari had disappeared with wide eyes. He’d never let his guard down that much before, only with Kaveh…

“Right…”

“Alhaitham, do you have a minute?”

When he opened his eyes again, he almost shot wide awake at the sight around him.

The last thing he remembered was the doorstep of the old house after Tighnari had gone back inside, with him sitting on the steps outside to keep watch. Now though, he was met with a pitch black void as far as the eye could see and someone he honestly didn’t expect standing in front of him with her hands clasped behind her back and a sweet smile on her face.

Lord Kusanali. Nahida.

He had to forcefully swallow down his nervousness at her proximity, taking a small step back. All he felt was more void under his feet. It felt disorienting. Unusual.

“Yes?”

Nahida, to her credit, looked completely serene as she smiled back at him with a small giggle, taking her own step forward. Under her feet, grass grew and flowers bloomed with each step as her laughter rang like little chimes. She seemed completely unbothered, which should be a bad sign. If the god of Wisdom was carefree, then something was up.

“Ah, I just wanted to see how you were doing. I heard from Hat Guy what happened, and right now the only way I can reach you to verify is through your dreams. I hope that’s okay?”

Yup, something was up.

Alhaitham’s eyes narrowed as he held his ground this time, sighing as he crouched down to the small god’s eye level. Might as well ask her what’s been bothering him all this time.

“It is. I was just wondering… Since your domain is that of dreams, did you know about that pari too? Zahāk?”

The small Archon’s eyes gleamed with something indecipherable at the name, but she just smiled wide and nodded as she reached up to give him a pat on the head. Alhaitham thankfully said nothing, a small, embarrassed pink tint rising to his cheeks. Best not to give her ammo, even if it was just the two of them.

“Yes, I know about him. He’s from a time long before the cataclysm, but that’s as far as my memory reaches. Even now I’m still recovering bits and pieces, but the name at least rings a bell. Is this about his gifts of dreams?”

Of course the god of Wisdom would immediately catch on. Bless her heart.

“Yes, actually. Did you see what kind of dream he had?”

The name didn’t need to be said.

Nahida’s smile dropped, and the flowers under her feet wilted a little bit. Alhaitham’s heart skipped a single, traitorous beat.

“It may be… a bit much to explain to you. I can show you though if you’d like, since you’re here right now.”

“...Please.”

Nahida’s expression took on an edge of something he couldn’t name, but there was no dwelling on it now. He’d said it, and that was that. He would accept the consequences, even as something he could only describe as fear crawled its way up his throat as the small child’s eyes took on an unnaturally bright glow and the pure essence of dendro flooded his senses before it was all swallowed by a bright light. He didn’t question it, even as his heart lurched with something warm as the void blended into a smeared mess of colours until they built themselves up and shaped themselves into what he recognized as his house in a heartbeat.

Their home.

“Alhaitham, can you take a look at this for a second? Languages are your thing, usually.”

Oh, how he missed that voice, a traitorous little voice cried in the back of his mind.

The scribe carefully wandered over to the window next to the door, Nahida following behind him and deciding to be silent. Not that he minded in this situation, glancing through the colourful stained glass to see a scene that made his heart ache.

He saw himself and Kaveh, lounging in the living room as if this was a casual day with not much going on. Perhaps he was already done with work today, or it was a work free day, judging by how relaxed they both looked. He spotted himself sitting on one of the divans, sprawled out casually with a book in one hand and sipping on a mug of coffee held in the other, a small pile of books building next to one of the sofa legs. And Kaveh…

Kaveh was bent over the central table, colourful papers and reference pictures littering the wooden surface and nearby floors as he seemed to be covered head to toe in charcoal smudges. There was an empty cup of coffee pinning down a few papers set to the side too, and the blonde looked to be reading a few ancient texts. Perhaps it was a commission that got his creativity flaring up again, he noted with a small smile as he watched the man hold up the paper he was studying and pass it over to himself.

The other Alhaitham only looked up from his cup of coffee at the gesture, smiling warmly as he set his book aside to lean in and take a look. “It reads: In the quiet of dusk, the door’s creak foretold more than entry. It’s part of the opening act of an old Liyuean epic,” he explained warmly, chuckling when Kaveh nodded quickly and went back to scribbling on the other papers with a renewed intensity. It seemed his mind was once again running a mile a minute, coming up with dozens of ideas that needed to be put on paper.

“This commission has had you in a chokehold for a month. Are you sure you’re not pushing yourself too hard again? I can ask Cyno and Tighnari to delay TCG night at the tavern if you want to finish this first.”

Kaveh only glanced up from his scribbling to scoff, smiling proudly as he shook his head. He even itched his nose a little, unknowingly getting some charcoal smeared all over it before he went back to his work. “Oh please, I actually know how to pace myself now. You make sure I actually eat and sleep anyway. Just tell them to save some wine for me and it will be fine. I feel like I don’t need a twentieth revision.”

This was all he ever wanted to see. This other version of himself said all the things he wished to say, open and accepting and kind. Everything he wanted to be for this man who had wormed his way into his heart and never truly left.

Something tugged painfully in his chest at the admission, and Nahida must’ve noticed. There was a small sigh to his left, before something in the scene shifted.

A golden birdcage, surrounding Kaveh to a point where it looked almost like it was suffocating him. Squeezing him into a space too small for his own body.

The second thing he noticed was the lack of colour in the blonde’s eyes, and immediately he wished he’d never agreed to seeing all this.

“The Diadem is showing him everything he wants. A happy and complete family, a healthy home, and a stable job that allows him the freedom he craves. He specifically wanted you, and he doesn’t see the mirage for what it is. It’s a mirror reflecting a mirror.”

He physically had to tear his eyes away from the window to stare down at Nahida, eyes flashing in anger. Warning.

“What is it with you and your mirror metaphors? First the Sachin request, and now this? None of it is making any sense!”

Nahida chose not to answer, unflinching at his sharp tone as she turned her attention back to the scene of the dream. At this point the two people in it had gotten to reading through papers together on the divan, their coffee cups refilled and blueprints pushed to the side for now as they laughed and joked about something in the stories they were reading. She didn’t even flinch when the scene faded away, shifting and changing into what Alhaitham recognized as Bimarstan with startling speed.

It was how they’d left Kaveh not even two days ago, after visitor hours had halted and the nurses had done their last rounds for the night.

The night he disappeared without a trace.

“A mirror can never see something new when it only reflects itself. Even the tiniest blemish or spark can create a new pattern, but it will never be new.”

A gasp got stuck in the scribe’s throat as he watched Kaveh’s eyes blink open slowly, the vibrant vermillion he was familiar with dull with something he couldn’t name as they stared into nothing. He didn’t even dare say anything as Kaveh slowly got up out of bed, uncaring of the bandages adorning his body as the poor fabric tore and stretched in ways it shouldn’t. He only got up, silently folding up the blankets and straightening out the pillow as he cleaned up after himself, expression empty as he shambled his way over to the door and gently opened it to leave. He didn’t even twitch when old wounds reopened, bones creaking and drops of blood leisurely rolling down his skin and sticking there. Any drops that hit the floor, Alhaitham realised with startling clarity, simply faded away as if they never existed.

Kaveh just kept walking, and walking, expression completely empty as he left the building unopposed and ambled his way down the streets of Sumeru City at a slow but determinedly steady pace. He didn’t even stop once, not even to catch his breath or anything. He just kept walking, leaving civilization behind slowly but surely as he made his way westward.

To the desert.

To Aaru Village.

It’s only when he passed the Wall of Samiel that Alhaitham noticed something that hadn’t been there before. Wisps of smoke clinging to the blonde with every step, almost looking like chains as they dragged him along like a prisoner on death row being led to his execution. Smoke even wreathed his head, looking almost like the Diadem of Knowledge itself as Sachin moved into step next to him at the exact same pace and speed. Neither of them said anything, only looking ahead as Sachin smiled and looped an arm around the other man’s shoulders as they kept walking. Kaveh said nothing.

Nahida’s voice only barely dragged Alhaitham’s attention away from the scene, eyes hopelessly drawn to his roommate’s almost mechanical movements as they just. Kept. Walking.

“This is what Sachin did to his body. Kaveh is in a dream, having relinquished his use of his body to a man who should have been dead two decades ago. Sachin started it all, and this was his way of ending it too. A mirror should never reflect a mirror that is its exact match.”

As she spoke, the scene slowly shifted as if to show that time was passing. The moon blurred past the horizon, giving way for the blazing sun as Kaveh’s pace remained steady. Even as he stopped sweating and his body stumbled over uneven terrain and loose stones, he kept moving forward on his death march until finally the basin of Aaru Village came into view. And even then, Sachin led him onward as not even one person looked his way or even noticed he was there. As if he really was just a ghost, wandering the planes never to interact with anyone again. And when the pair finally reached the old house, he helplessly watched Kaveh simply open the door, walk in, and close it behind him gently as if coming home from a long day at work.

“The only way for a mirror to stop reflecting the world around it would be for it to shatter.”

He didn’t want to see this. He knew what was going to happen, but it was only a matter of time. He didn’t want to see what Kaveh was going to go through. Not when it was Sachin making him do it.

For a man who had fallen from altruism to nihilism, this was nothing but cruel. Making someone see their own perspective of the world, and then taking them away from it was just wrong. It made Alhaitham’s stomach twist in several knots as he watched Kaveh in the old house, digging around for a few books and papers before he seemed to have found them and taking his time to read them over once more.

Whatever he found, it seemed to have satisfied him as he watched Sachin reach for the Vision adorning his hip, a small green glow emitting from it as the books seemingly disappeared.

Then it happened in a flash.

Kaveh’s eyes regained their spark for a singular moment, gaze wild and disoriented as his claymore materialised mid-swing. He was probably aiming at Sachin in his trajectory, but overshot it in the small space of the house as a sickening crack followed.

Kaveh crumpled like a sack of potatoes, eyes wide in pain and disbelief as Sachin stared down at him with a small smile. His claymore clattered to the ground before disappearing, unnoticed by the pair as they were locked in a staring match for a moment or two.

“Well? What conclusion have you drawn, my child?”

Kaveh could barely respond, wheezing and choking on every word as his expression distorted into one of agony.

“Empaths have no place here. Dreams are better than-” he had to pause to wheeze out a weak breath- “reality.”

Sachin only smiled, nodding along as if mentally writing down the observations. As if this was all still research. It made Alhaitham sick to his stomach.

“The words of a true successor of mine. You have done well, Kaveh. You should rest now. Your work here is done.”

And it was that moment when the door slammed open, Sachin fading away as sunlight flooded the dusty old house and he recognized himself breaking the door down with a large crash earlier that day.

To think the events happened so close together.

He could have saved Kaveh if he had been faster by just a minute or two.

Nahida must have known. He turned to her, words quickly dying on his tongue as he took in her expression.

The young Archon looked almost… sad.

“Despite all the mirror metaphors, he is still the one person in Sumeru who has an almost perfect understanding of the meaning of Sumeru as a nation of wisdom. If I had not been Sumeru’s god… It would have been him.”

The revelation hit him like a slap across the face, and suddenly he wished he was anywhere but here. Nahida could only manage a humourless laugh, watching as the scene earlier that day faded back into the void from the beginning of this whole mess. They were alone once again.

“So, Alhaitham… What is your verdict?”

There was no hesitation this time.

“I have to make sure he’s okay. I already lost him once, I will not let it happen again.”

…

“Correct answer.”

He woke up.

Chapter Text

The world around him coming back into focus was… disorienting, to say the least.

There was a sharp yelp of surprise as Alhaitham shot up from where he had apparently been laying down, before there was the dull pain of his head slamming into something else as a floating white shape stumbled back with a lot of expletives.

Did he just accidentally headbutt Paimon?

Eh, she deserved it.

“Are you back with us? You slept for quite a while, Tighnari thought you might have come down with something.”

The man blinked, schooling his bewildered expression back into his usual sharp one as he finally noticed the Traveler coming back into focus. She looked mildly concerned where she had apparently been kneeling next to him, though there was also a hint of knowing something she wasn’t saying out loud. So instead, he just sighed and nodded as he finally figured out the situation he was in here.

Apparently someone must have carried him back to the village chief’s house, because the first contrast from how he fell asleep he noticed was that there was a mattress under his back and a weirdly damp pillow where his head had been a moment earlier. Not only that, but the crisp night air of the desert was replaced with the cosy but slightly dusty warmth of the Aaru Village houses. His visitor smiled a little as it dawned on him, poorly holding back a snicker as she waved for Paimon to calm down a little bit because she wasn’t hit that hard.

“Before you ask, Candace helped carry you back here. It would’ve been a really uncomfortable position to sleep in otherwise.”

“I see…”

“And before you say anything, I know she spoke to you. Being sensitive to elemental energy has its perks sometimes.”

The scribe hummed softly in understanding, huffing a small smile as Paimon came floating back over and immediately started yelling in his face as she cut off her companion, all loud and angry. He just tuned her out anyway.

“Listen here Alhaitham! Paimon decided to be nice and wait for you to wake up with extra food that Paimon would have loved to eat too, and then you just go and hit Paimon in the head?! Paimon dropped your food out of shock! Paimonial wrath is not cutting it, Paimon’s giving you the ugliest nickname in all of Teyvat-! Hey, at least look at Paimon when Paimon is talking to you!”

He could only smirk, that same old nonchalant look back on his face as he glanced off to the side and pushed the fairy away by her face with one hand. She was even throwing a fit and everything, it made him think of Kaveh in a way. That one thought immediately had his smile grow a tiny bit more fond.

“And here I thought you were trying to gouge my eyes out. My apologies for thinking you were a flying fungus trying to attack me and not someone trying to give me food poisoning.” Yes, the sarcasm was completely intended as he watched Paimon’s face puff up and burn bright red in anger as she immediately threw another fit. The victory tasted oh so sweet, he couldn’t help himself even if it was only a half-truth.

“Ugh- Paimon is thinking of an ugly nickname right now, shut up! Paimon is supposed to be angry at you!”

“Suit yourself, I want to go back to my nap.”

The small fairy’s face flared an even darker shade of red in her fury as she decided to try and hit his chest instead. It didn’t hurt at all, and he could only barely stop himself from laughing and exposing his little act as he moved to lay back down like it was just a fly bothering him or something. Paimon, on the other hand, continued to ramble on as she refused to halt her harmless little rampage.

“Bookhead! Paimon will call you Bookhead now! You better be scared when Paimon uses your ugly nickname! Paimonial wrath be upon ye!”

“I’m going back to bed, wake me up in twelve hours.”

Pulling a way too scratchy blanket over his head to hide his smug smirk never felt so satisfying, even if the small fairy’s voice raised both in pitch and volume at his blatant sass. She better get used to it then, if the pair was going to stick around any longer. The Traveler didn’t seem to mind at least, also barely managing to stifle her laughter as her companion kept rambling and rambling until there was a rather indignant yell for her to shut up already from down the hall.

A minute later, an exhausted Tighnari finally slammed the door open and Paimon finally shut up.

“I swear to any and every archon out there, Paimon, if you don’t quiet down right now I will personally dropkick you into the nearest hilichurl camp strapped to a rock.”

“Paimon would be sorry if Bookhead would at least appreciate a nice gesture!”

“I will only warn you once, Paimon. I will leave you to the hilichurls if you don’t shut up right now.”

“Paimon is quiet.”

The tired smile on the Forest Watcher’s face as he nodded in approval said enough. “Now, can you please leave Alhaitham alone for a bit? Cyno and I need to talk to him about some things… privately.”

The Traveler at least nodded, seeming to understand that this was something they were not supposed to listen in on. Before Paimon could get a word out, she grabbed her companion by the hand and dragged her past Tighnari and out the door. Neither man would find it surprising if those two ended up eavesdropping by the end of this as Tighnari beckoned Cyno into the room from where he had been standing guard too. While he closed the door with the soft click of the lock behind them, Alhaitham let the earlier amusement drop off his face as he sat up to face the others.

“So, I assume you briefed Cyno on our talk yesterday evening?”

The Valuka Shuna nodded, glancing over at his friend as Cyno moved to stand guard in front of the door with his arms crossed. The desert dweller had his serious expression back, but it wasn’t as sharp as yesterday. Business it is, then. “From what I remember of my Spantamad studies, Visions react to the will of their bearer. If we want to fix Kaveh, we have to make his Vision respond in kind. Hydro isn’t that hard to get your hands on here either, you can either take a dip in the bottom of the basin or ask Candace.”

Tighnari nodded, his expression solemn. “That’s the issue though. No one I know of would have the same ambitions he had. Visions respond to ambition, and his is too unique to resonate with probably anyone in Teyvat. Nilou might come close, but she doesn’t have his delusions of grandeur.”

A mirror reflecting a mirror will never show something new.

Alhaitham blinked, acutely aware that the other two men in the room were now looking at him. Were they hoping for his input? Maybe he’d been a little too quiet. He just shrugged, shifting to sit on the side of the bed to try and look a little more like he was actually taking this seriously. He’d promised Nahida he would, after all.

“Before we think of anyone in particular- and insult them- has anyone even seen his Vision lately? He usually loves to wear it on his hip, but I haven’t noticed his dendro signature for a few days by now.”

Silence fell between them.

Where had Kaveh’s Vision gone?

None of them had any ideas.

“From what I remember, Bimarstan never confiscated anything resembling a Vision when he was admitted that day. He still had it during the third round, but after that I’m not sure,” Tighnari mumbled as his ears twitched pretty harshly in response to his thought process. Cyno seemed to be following the same vein, his eyes narrowing with concentration.

“It was there when Hat Guy hit him in the stomach during the race to the finish. I was close enough to him to spot it during the fight. After that, I’m not sure if he still had it or not. It was all a bit rushed.”

Alhaitham nodded, gaze sharpening as his mind ran a mile a minute. Usually he was pretty good at this sort of thing, so why now? Why was it that answers evaded them now of all times? After all… he’d heard of what happens to someone disconnected from their Vision for a long time. All the reports of the Vision-Hunt Decree in Inazuma lining the bookshelves of the House of Daena already did that job for him.

“Mehrak was still somewhat functional when we were in the Mawtiyima Forest borders. As soon as I got home to fix her though, it was like all the power was drained out of the core. Is the Vision still within the forest borders somewhere then?”

Tighnari seemed to be the first one to catch on, because his head snapped up as his ears straightened up immediately. His eyes widened, body at full attention as it seemed like he’d figured something out.

“Then the reason he was out cold for so long instead of moving straight here… Alhaitham, didn’t you hand me your cape to use as a sling at the time? That’s where you usually wear your Vision,” he pointed out, and Alhaitham could almost facepalm at the realisation alone.

“...And I got my cape back from the Bimarstan staff the day before he disappeared.”

“Meaning a Vision hinders Sachin from using his body. It makes a lot of sense in hindsight, with Candace’s nearby. Maybe she passed by the house at some point,” Cyno added with a hum, but something about that didn’t sound quite right. After all, there was a pari tied into this whole mess too. Too many variables and factors, and not enough facts and concrete evidence to build a solid case around.

Alhaitham voiced it as such, his frown deepening as he instead resorted to staring at the wooden planks littering the floor. As if that could give him any ideas as to how this all tied together.

“That doesn’t explain how he held out for so long though, nor how Zahak ties into all this. After all, it was the Diadem of Knowledge that started it all, it’s why he chose to compete in the first place. Visions and the Diadem have no effect on eachother, because he can’t have been the first person to have touched the headpiece. And yet, he is the only comatose case. That also doesn’t factor in his injury.”

Back to the drawing board then. Tighnari and Cyno both fell silent at it all, also falling into something pensive. They may all be scholars of the Akademiya, but this was a stumping case, even for them.
Cyno in particular almost destroyed the door when a small knocking sound came from it, too tense to notice his own strength.

A smoking chunk of wood crumbled where his fist met the door, breaking away with a small thunk to reveal Hat Guy’s deadpan stare right behind it.

“Good morning to you too, asshat.”

“And why are you here?”

“Buer said she would do me a favour for this. Now, do you want me to help or not?”

Alhaitham blinked, processing Hat Guy's sudden appearance. Of all the people to show up unannounced, he was probably the last on their list. Still, he knew better than to dismiss someone who had probably lived through more strange phenomena than most scholars combined based on his snark alone.

Besides, Nahida basically never offered favours without a reason. He glanced at Cyno, who still had his hand positioned over the hole in the door, tension building up like electro before a lightning strike. The electro user watched the Inazuman with wary eyes, but made space for him to enter the room just this once.

"Help with what, exactly?" Alhaitham asked, trying to weigh his options on what angle the strange scholar might be playing.

Hat Guy stepped forward, his deadpan expression unchanging, but there was a flicker of something sharper beneath the surface. "With your little Vision problem. The one involving Kaveh." He leaned against the busted doorframe, arms crossed and eyes darting over the small group with a knowing glint. "I happen to know a thing or two about disconnected Visions and the mess they leave behind."

Tighnari’s ears perked up immediately, his sharp gaze fixing on the young man. "And how would you know about that?"

Scaramouche’s lip curled slightly. "I may have had some... personal experience in that area." His voice dripped with sarcasm, but it kind of made sense. He was of Inazuman origin after all, so he should know at least something they might have been missing going off of the Vision-Hunt Decree back then. "Buer thinks I can offer a perspective you're all missing. So, are you going to listen or let your egos get in the way?"

For a moment, the room was silent. Alhaitham exchanged a glance with Tighnari and Cyno. It sat kind of wrong in his chest to admit it, but he couldn’t deny that Hat Guy’s involvement could give them an angle or a lead they hadn’t considered yet.

Cyno finally sighed, lowering his arms and nodding to the scribe. “It’s your call.”

Alhaitham sighed softly, more to himself than anyone else, before turning back to the puppet. "Alright then, let's hear what you have to say."

The Vahumana scholar’s eyes gleamed with something dangerous.

Knowing.

"Good. Let’s start with what happens when a Vision bearer’s ambitions are twisted beyond recognition."

As the short man moved to lean against the wall opposite the bed and prepared himself for his little lecture, he glanced back at the open door behind Cyno and gave a small sound as if indicating something. A very sheepish-looking Traveler and Paimon peeked out from behind the hole in the wood, flustered and a little nervous as they shuffled their way into the suddenly rather cramped room. It felt like a proper strategy meeting now, Alhaitham noted with a small huff that seemed rather close to a smile.

“You see,” the Inazuman began as he drew everyone’s attention again quickly with that familiar condescending tone of his, “Visions aren’t just fancy accessories that resonate with your goals and ambitions. If anything, they’re more like extensions of the self. Like a piece of your soul. Yes, they respond to ambition, but the call for that response has to be true. Genuine. Without that factor, it’s how you’d get things like the Delusions that the Fatui use.”

Alhaitham’s eyes narrowed at the words, not entirely blind to the personal weight behind them. “So you’re saying Kaveh’s ambitions have been twisted to no longer align with his Vision?”

Hat Guy’s smirk grew.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying, Lunatic. When someone loses the alignment with their Vision, it essentially destroys them from the inside out and robs them of pieces of their soul until only a shell is left. In his case, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s bad enough to kill him. That guy has more empathy than he knows what to do with it. His Vision is probably doing something much worse than what you lot can see on the outside anyways.”

Tighnari’s ears twitched in curiosity. “Worse how?”

The Inazuman shrugged, smirk turning a slight bit lazy as his gaze drifted over to a suddenly very uncomfortable Traveler watching it all unfold in the corner. Right, she’d already been to Inazuma before this… It wouldn’t be surprising if she saw those kinds of effects firsthand. Paimon too, despite her loud personality. This might be a pretty sensitive topic to discuss around the travelling pair.

“Think of it this way. Being separated from your Vision for a long time makes you forget what ambitions granted it to you. You lose your memories, and completely shut down as you become an empty husk of your former self. Delusions, on the other hand, give you the same kind of power uncaring for if your body can handle it or not. Those tear you apart from the inside out and drain your energy until you die from the strain. Combine the two, and get the picture of someone dying a slow and painful death with every memory they lose. His Vision is essentially rejecting him, lashing out at someone it can no longer connect to.”

There was the small sound of someone gagging and trying not to throw up. Hat Guy wasn’t done yet though, nodding over to the small pile of cloth next to the foot of the bed as Alhaitham immediately realised that that’s where most of his stuff went. The anemo user’s expression was tense, unreadable and yet also knowing.

“If his Vision is gone, have you tried asking that little pari that’s with you where it went?”

The silence that followed was palpable, tense, and suffocating.

“Zahāk, I know you were listening.”

A small, distinctly familiar brown shape wormed its way out from under a bundle of black and teal cloth, looking surprisingly mad at getting caught. The pari just decided to sit there, pulling out a small, bright green trinket and Alhaitham’s heart almost stopped when he noticed it was his own Vision.

“And here I thought I was just doing something nice. You wound me, god-puppet.”

Chapter Text

For the first time in his life- and it was weird that he was saying this so often lately- he was actually afraid at the sight of a small flower spirit holding what was now likely confirmed to be a part of his soul.

The old pari was holding the Vision close to what was probably its chest, holding on tight as it was glaring daggers at Hat Guy. It was even hissing, a sharp trill close to what could only be considered a growl coming from the small body in a way that made it sound like a wild animal threatening to fight for a piece of meat. Not a gift from Celestia that was tied to his whole being.

“I hate to say it, but Buer expected this. Though to think it would take this little for it to show its true colours,” the Inazuman grumbled as he crossed his arms, glare deepening as the pari hissed louder in response.

The tension that had already been building these last few minutes reached a boiling point, it seemed. They were at a standstill, and Alhaitham could only watch in mute horror as Zahāk was basically holding a piece of him hostage. Electro sparked off of Cyno’s body and dendro started gathering at Tighnari’s fingertips as he seemed to be getting ready to draw his bow, but surprisingly it was the Traveler who held up an arm to stop the pair from doing anything.

Hat Guy just scoffed, levelling the pari with a small smirk.

“I would give that back right now, if I were you. Wouldn’t want to be torn limb from limb while you’re praying for your creator to come and save you when we all know she’s dead, right?”

Zahāk froze.

Bullseye.

“Don’t you dare insult Simurgh’s great sacrifice! The Mistress of Many Waters will strike you down!”

The puppet’s smirk didn’t twitch out of shape for even a second. Alhaitham seemed to catch on, because he looked at the small pari and remembered that…

This one was born before the Archon War. It never experienced the Cataclysm, nor did it know of the fate of Egeria. Yet… it somehow still remembered the sacrifice of Simurgh? Something wasn’t making a lot of sense here.

“Egeria is dead. She has been for over five hundred years. She perished during the Cataclysm, just as Simurgh did. Gods die, and new ones take their place.”

“Liar!”

“Then why is it that you refuse to give up the Vision of someone like Kaveh? Or hold on to one like Alhaitham’s, for that matter?”

Everything came to a screeching halt.

That was an angle no one had dared to consider until now.

Nahida’s words during last night’s dream once again surged through Alhaitham’s mind, and his eyes widened in understanding. The Traveler seemed to be having the same realisation, Hat Guy nodding in agreement.

“Visions. The fragments of godly power, given to those that are seen as worthy to ascend to godhood. Kaveh has been acknowledged by the God of Wisdom, and the Vision you’re holding right now is its exact mirror.” The puppet only let the silence settle for a moment before he finally took a step forward, and it was only then that the scribe noticed that Zahāk was shaking.

Zahāk was afraid.

“Visions are tied to the soul, reflecting the self’s fate in the stars of Teyvat’s fake sky. If death is written in the stars, then there is no avoiding it. Give up, pari. Those Visions are not yours to keep, nor is it right to condemn someone to a fate without growth.”

Because that’s what it was. That was what Nahida had meant.

Kaveh and Alhaitham could not grow without eachother. A mirror reflecting a mirror.

“And what are you going to do about it?! That blonde human is happy with the gift I gave him! He doesn’t want to go back to a world where he only suffers!” Zahāk cried instead, all of its bravado cracking and crumbling as its voice cracked in panic.

“Then let us prove you wrong. If Kaveh is suffering in reality, let us show you that dreams don’t match up to reality,” Tighnari offered gently from the back, ears flattening to his head as the heads of everyone else present whipped around to stare at him in surprise, confusion, and… thankfulness?

The Valuka Shuna’s gaze was still aimed at the pari though, expression soft as if trying to soothe a wounded animal, not an angry predator. He even let go of his weapon, letting it clatter to the floor as he held up his hands in a placating show of surrender.

Zahāk’s eyes narrowed in suspicion at the offer, but it seemed to relax as the tremors died down. It actually felt like Alhaitham could breathe, the grip on his Vision easing just a little bit. He made no move to grab it though, roughly understanding that that would probably throw their progress back to square one.

“And how would you do that, fox?” Zahāk finally managed to hiss, its previous bit gone now as it hissed rather mutely. Hat Guy just snorted in amusement, uncrossing his arms and putting them at his sides as he nodded over at the Traveler and Paimon. The fairy almost sputtered at finally being given permission to talk, blurting out the first thing she could think of.

“Paimon thinks that Kaveh needs to actually be alive first for us to do anything! We can’t help someone who’s dying with every second we waste by talking to a brick wall like you!”

There was a small laugh, before Hat Guy had to hide his face under his hat as the sound just got louder. It was as if the tension in the air had just snapped, the sight of the aloof and rude Vahumana scholar laughing too bizarre to put into words at this point. Cyno lowered his weapon in surprise and Tighnari’s tail swished side to side at the absurdity of the situation, and the Traveler just sighed and shook her head with a confused smile on her face as she patted Paimon on the back. Alhaitham on the other hand just sighed, and held out a hand for Zahāk.

The pari’s grip on his Vision had loosened at the scene, the sheer confusion in its eyes painfully clear as it looked around at everyone gathered. Whatever control over the situation it had had clearly been ripped away from it, and it was now scrambling for anything to still hold on to. So when it saw the outstretched hand, there was a sharp hiss before it seemed to nervously back away a little. Alhaitham didn’t let up, determination clear in his eyes as he kept holding out his hand.

“Paimon is right, Zahāk. We can’t do anything to prove or disprove your point while Kaveh is dying, probably the next room over, and holding on to my Vision will not help. It’s not a bargaining chip in this sort of situation. Give it back. The longer you wait, the more suffering you’re causing him.”

…

“Please.”

The pari’s gaze was tense, uncertain in a way that looked more like an uncertain child than an ancient spirit with more power than people might realise. Its eyes flickered between Alhaitham’s outstretched hand, then back down at the Vision it was holding- which was glowing a bright, brilliant dendro green by now- and the others in the room. Hat Guy was still laughing, though more quietly, and everyone watched the small fairy with bated breaths and bodies stiff with held-back tension. Then it looked back at Alhaitham, and finally relented with a deep sigh as it shoved the little trinket back into waiting hands. The relief was palpable, Alhaitham immediately holding his Vision close to his chest as his soul felt mostly whole again.

“...Fine. I’m keeping his though until you can… how did you put it again? Ah right, prove that he can live without me. Prove that he doesn’t need my gift. As long as he doesn’t die though, of course. I quite like the blonde human.” Zahāk still tried to keep up its earlier bravado it seemed, tiny cheeks puffing up as Paimon came floating over with a cheeky giggle and patted it on the head. Not even swatting at her hands made her stop.

“We’ll make sure to prove you wrong, Paimon can promise that much! There’s nothing the Traveler and her trusty companion can’t solve!” She hummed happily, glancing back over at the woman in question as both of them smiled brightly. Tighnari and Cyno had finally calmed down now too it seemed, the latter lowering his weapon as the electro charging the air finally dissipated.

He still looked rather pessimistic despite the situation, and the earlier conversation before the new additions was likely to blame. They still hadn’t figured out how to heal Kaveh after all. “While I love your enthusiasm, there are almost no elemental healers in Sumeru that are not self-healing. Getting a foreigner would take too long, and the situation is too delicate to be taken lightly. If we want to get anywhere with this, we need Kaveh to wake up and actually be lucid.”

Alhaitham glanced over at the desert dweller, sighing as he gently nudged Zahāk aside to pick his cape back up so he could put it back on with his Vision. The pari allowed it, chirping slightly nervously this time as he adjusted his clothes and moved to get back up off the bed. “Then we need to go check on him and see what we can do here and now. Aaru Village does have a non-elemental doctor, so he should know at least something. If any of you could go fetch him, that would be great. I’ll go check on Kaveh.”

And with that, he was out the door and leaving behind several sighing people and exasperated looks. Looks like the Akademiya scribe was back to his usual self.
It was only Hat Guy who fell into pace behind him, quietly following his path as they both wandered through the village chief’s house to go find Kaveh. Who cares about asking for directions.

When they finally found the appropriate door though, he found himself hesitating to open it.

“I hope you have a plan,” Hat Guy drawled behind him as the pair came to a standstill, tone dry but lacking the usual snark for once. He adjusted his hat a little bit, and Alhaitham sighed as he glanced back at the weirdly plain piece of wood separating him from his old friend. “Because if we don’t, we might be in for a mess so bad not even Celestia can fix it.”

Alhaitham could only sigh, knowing exactly what the other man meant by that. Not having a plan would probably make it worse anyways. “We’ll see what state he’s in first,” he replied curtly, keeping his tone as even as he could for now. “And we’ll adapt from there. It’s the best we can do for now.”

Hat Guy just snorted in amusement, but stayed blissfully silent as he nodded for the other to open the door already.

…

Inside the small room, the sight wasn’t pretty at all. Kaveh was right there, quiet and still where he’d been placed to rest in bed. He was covered in even more bandages than when he’d seen the man last in Bimarstan, a thick wad of fabrics tied around his neck to likely help with the spine injury. It made Alhaitham’s heart clench in sorrow as he sucked in a sharp breath, horrified at just how small the architect looked like this. Fragile.

It was not a sight he could stomach, with Kaveh completely unmoving in that bed.

Behind him, Hat Guy leaned against the doorframe as casually as he could, expression unreadable as he watched Alhaitham move almost stiffly over to the side of the bed. “Well?” he prompted softly, as if the weight in the air demanded a quieter tone.

There was a small moment when the scribe said nothing, moving to kneel next to the head of the bed. His hands hovered, not daring to touch anything in fear of making it worse. He just watched Kaveh, the man’s breaths raspy and shallow where he was asleep. He looked almost ashen in this lighting, pale and too small. He was visibly withering in front of their eyes, and yet…

“His eyes are moving under his eyelids. He’s awake.”

Whatever snarky response Hat Guy wanted to make died pretty quickly at those words. Behind him, Cyno and Tighnari also froze in the doorway as they just arrived.

“He is?” the Forest Watcher called gently, all but scrambling to join the fellow dendro user’s side by the bed. “Let me check some things, try talking to him.”

Alhaitham blinked at the odd request, but nodded as he shuffled over a bit to make space for Tighnari. That man went straight to work, all light touches and gentle gestures as he peeled the blanket off of Kaveh’s body to do a pretty thorough checkup. The scribe meanwhile gently took one of the hands, giving it a tiny squeeze in fear of moving the many wads of bandages there too much. He leaned in, even, tone barely above a whisper as he tried talking to his friend.

“Kaveh, it’s me. I’m not alone either, Cyno and Tighnari are here to help, and even Hat Guy, the Traveler and Paimon are here to say hello…”

There was no response, but that was to be expected. The eye movement stilled for a moment, before a tiny, barely there noise escaped Kaveh’s throat.

It wasn’t even proper words, but Alhaitham felt like he might actually cry.

“Yeah, everyone is here. They wanted to see how you were doing, Kaveh. We still haven’t been able to celebrate your victory after all…”

Next to him, Tighnari shot him a bit of a questioning glance at the words. The man was in the middle of something, clearly, so to see his ears perk up suddenly was a bit of a surprise.

“You made your father proud, Kaveh. You won the Championship, and yet we can’t celebrate without you…”

He barely even realised he was shaking until he looked down and almost let go of Kaveh’s hand with the force of it. His nerves were on fire and there was a faint buzzing in his ears that was starting to drive him insane. Did he really say before that he enjoyed the silence? In this situation, he wasn’t so sure anymore.

“You’re always the one talking, I don’t really know what else to tell you… Just- I miss your voice. It’s too quiet…”

And yet, there was no reaction from the unresponsive blonde. Only the tiny shifting of eyes under his eyelids, seeing something only he could see. It made his heart ache, and he glanced over at Tighnari.

“Is it okay if I open his eyes for him? That might help.”

Tighnari, to his credit, only shrugged where he was rebandaging a few wounds on Kaveh’s other hand. Basic first aid and all. “Knock yourself out. Just be gentle, it could irritate his eyes otherwise.”

The scribe nodded in a strangely shaky way, before regretfully having to let go of Kaveh’s hand with one of his own. He then carefully leaned forward, reaching for the man’s closed eyelids as he very gently pushed the soft skin there back. Sure enough, the movement gave way to a pair of tired vermillion eyes that locked on to him almost immediately.

They were dull and unfocussed. Almost lifeless.

But it was still him.

It just made his heart ache more.

“There you are.”

In response, Kaveh’s gaze flickered just a tiny bit. He looked lost like this, eye movements so sluggish it made sense that he was likely stuck between dreams and reality. It made Alhaitham squeeze his hand just that little bit tighter, before he realised he might make the injuries worse and let up a little bit as he let a small sigh slip. He needed to be strong for both of them, not let his emotions and temper get the better of him right now. Kaveh needed stability, not anger.

“You’re not alone, Kaveh. We’ll get you back,” he murmured softly, letting a crack appear in his stoic mask for the first time in what felt like forever. Nahida was probably watching them, it was only fair.

In response, Kaveh’s gaze, unfocused as it was, shifted- just a fraction- as if he was trying to respond, trying to reach out from whatever dark place he had been pulled into. But no words came, only a soft, strained exhale, barely audible over the tense silence that had fallen over the room. It made a sickening feeling of hope lurch strongly in the scribe’s chest, holding the blonde’s hand close to it. It was unlikely, but maybe Kaveh could feel his heartbeat- maybe even hear it- and be reminded that he really wasn’t alone.

Beside him, Tighnari’s movements slowed as he listened to Alhaitham’s quiet words, while Hat Guy’s usual aloofness seemed to dim with the weight of the moment. Cyno still stood by the doorway side by side with the Traveler and Paimon, silent and grim, as if acknowledging the gravity of the battle unfolding not just outside but within Kaveh himself. It made Alhaitham hiss out a small breath when the man’s eyes fluttered a tiny bit again, hoping and praying to whatever archon would listen that there would be some kind of sign. Some kind of tell that could help them figure out what they could do to help.

A mirror reflecting a mirror. Even the tiniest blemish or spark can create a new pattern, but it will never be new.

Nahida’s words rang through his mind, and something clicked. His gaze shot back to Kaveh’s eyes, and the relief was palpable when that dull vermilion gaze was staring back in his direction, though not at him. It was more than enough.

“Kaveh, can you hear us? Look up for yes, or down or no.”

The response was slow- sluggish- but that was to be expected. Everyone gathered waited with bated breath for any kind of response, and even Alhaitham held his breath as he waited for a response. Any response.

The movement was tiny, but Kaveh’s eyes flickered a fraction upwards.

Yes.

Kaveh had heard him! He could understand what was being said- he was still okay!

CRACK!

Before he could even figure out what happened, a sharp, stinging pain flared up in the side of his face as something definitely solid made contact with it. The force was so strong, he found himself literally getting flung to the floor with a small thud before everything blurred. The earlier silence was quickly broken, Hat Guy’s fuzzy and muffled voice ringing painfully in his ears. Did that guy just punch him?!

Hat Guy, meanwhile, still leaned casually against the doorframe, his hand slowly lowering from his punching position as sharp wisps of anemo flickered off of his limbs before disappearing. The sly smirk on his face barely masked the simmering frustration in his eyes. “You really are dense sometimes, you know that?”
He crossed his arms, tilting his hat just enough to hide most of his expression. "Of all the things you could’ve said to him, you decide to sound like a worried lover reciting a tragedy." His tone, though mocking, carried an odd weight of concern beneath the layers of sarcasm that the scribe wasn’t entirely sure he was imagining or not, still reeling from the blast of anemo that had hit him square in the jaw judging by the location of the pain. “I’m not here to watch you drown in self-pity or deliver poetic confessions to someone who can't even answer back properly."

Alhaitham groaned, half in pain, half in irritation, as he pushed himself back up, the sting of the punch still burning pretty badly as he shook his head to try and get rid of some of the feeling. It didn’t help much. "You didn’t have to-"

“Yes, I did," Hat Guy cut him off sharply, his smirk gone. "You're trying to fix him by tugging on your shared misery, but Kaveh doesn't need more chains, Alhaitham." He jabbed a finger toward the bed. "What he needs is a reason to want to break free from them.”

The puppet’s eyes flickered, momentarily softening as they glanced at Kaveh, before he straightened up with a shrug, returning to his usual aloof stance. "Besides, we both know Kaveh would rather die than let you of all people see him like this."

“...And how would you know that…?”

“Sitting next to a man suffering through a heat stroke for hours while you’re doing what you can to keep him alive does a lot, I’m just saying. He may not remember from being delirious at the time, but I certainly remember him rambling on all about you for TWO. HOURS.”

Suddenly the sting in his jaw didn’t hurt so much anymore. Two hours? That was a bit much, but somehow it didn’t surprise him at all. This was Kaveh, a chatterbox with barely any filter around people he trusted. This would be exactly something he’d do. The realisation alone was pretty sobering. Alhaitham lowered his head in response, cradling his jaw with one hand where there was now a pretty big bruise starting to form already.

“Right, okay… In that case, maybe he has some things at home that could help. Kaveh has always been pretty materialistic, he has to keep mementos somewhere. It might be a good idea to search his stuff ahead of us bringing him back home.”

He took a deep breath, slipping his calculative mask back on. Hat Guy’s smirk was back, and everyone else scrambled to get ready.

“We’ll get Kaveh ready for travel back to Sumeru City. Hat Guy, fly ahead and notify Faruzan that her tinkering skills are needed. If you can find Layla and Nilou, even better. Have this too.”

He tossed the Inazuman a familiar golden key with a lion keychain without thinking.

“That way you can get into the house without breaking a window. Now let’s get to work.”

Chapter Text

For a long time, his mind was blissfully silent.

It was warm here, comfortable and light.

Alhaitham was with him, and the house was always filled with light banter and the scent of spices and cooking food.

Even when waking up in the birdcage, he didn’t bat an eye as the now familiar warmth almost lulled him back to sleep.

Almost.

There was the distant sound of gentle chimes that reached his ears before his mind could fall back into blissful sleep, and something tugged at his eyes as if telling him to stay awake. To fight.

It made Kaveh blink sleepily as he turned his head towards the source of the sound, a gentle breeze rushing past him and caressing his form gently as if the Thousand Winds themselves were here to greet him. It made a small, sleepy mumble slip out of his throat, before his blurry gaze finally landed on something solid. Tangible.

There was a small, faintly familiar blur of colour just laying there, on the opposite end of the cage, just beyond the ornate bars separating him from the world outside. He wasn’t sure what it was, but the faint tug of a memory of dual-toned eyes, dark fur and sharp words made his curiosity take over as he sluggishly pulled himself up from where he had been lying down and slowly crawled over to the blob of colours.

It was a book.

A lovingly handled leather cover, with simple detailing and a bright green bookmark. There was no label on it, but something about it felt… familiar.

The soft sound of the chimes rang through the air again, and this time it felt as if something- small hands- was guiding him to reach for the bars. To reach past them, and get to that infuriatingly simple but familiar book. It slowly made the exhaustion flake from his mind, the urge to see what it was growing.

The bars stopped him.

“Kaveh, are you sure you want to ask me for this kind of task? Figuring out the proper flower arrangements for a garden that huge is a lot of work.”

…Where had he heard those words before?

“I know you can do it though- …The Palace would not look the same without your expertise. So how about padisarahs,-?”

It was on the tip of his tongue, but his mind just couldn’t put a name or face to the voice at all. The thought alone made his head hurt sharply, as if urging him to just… not think about it. To fall back into that warm haze, the comfort and Alhaitham’s steady presence. He almost did, if it wasn’t for the gentle tug at his arms growing firmer.

The chimes rang just a little louder, as if trying to keep his attention.

When his outstretched hand finally grasped onto the aged leather cover, it was as if something just snapped back into place.

He couldn’t see anything, his senses dulled as his body refused to respond to him. All he could feel was a dull ache, and the only sound that reached his ears was the gentle sound of deft hands flipping through paper. The pages of a book perhaps?

There was a soft hum from somewhere to his left, and the vague shape of a head of dark hair with large fox ears slowly started to take shape in his mind.

“It’s been years since I gave you this book, Kaveh. I’m surprised you still held on to it after what happened with the Palace. To think I spent several weeks selecting all these flower samples with you just so you could get the inspiration you needed for your dream project…”

There was a soft pause, then the soft sound of a book snapping shut.

“I would love to teach you more about them, or even just show you a few new ones that are not in this book. If only you would wake up… Collei’s been asking about you, you know. She wants to know how her favourite uncle is doing. Her words, not mine.”

The name was… familiar.

It reminded him of a shock of bright green hair, bright eyes and a tired smile. Of days practising and patrolling in the forest, and of small talk and laughter over dinner. It reminded him of someone who looked up to him, or at least just pretended to not come across as rude, perhaps. It made something warm grow in his chest at the memory, pulling the book gently through the bars of his cage to hold it close to his chest.

This was something he held dear, he realised, memories of gardens, laughter, and drinks at the tavern ramming into his head like a Sumpter Beast. Not even the old lectures whenever he overworked himself or got himself hurt by accident hurt that much.

God, how he missed Tighnari.

The memories were clearer now. Memories of the Valuka Shuna helping him through flower arrangements, or checking him over after a particularly taxing project of his. It reminded him of drinks at the tavern, and gentle encouragement to be kinder to himself. It reminded him of his old friend, even when that man had angrily berated him for building a house over a withering zone. It had landed him in the Bimarstan for over a week, but all in all, the experience had been worth it.

He just wanted to thank Tighnari for it all…

It was with that last thought that the haze finally crept back in, lulling him back into the cage as sleep once again tugged at his mind. The chimes were softer now too, more gentle as he cradled the worn leather book close to his chest. Even as he curled up around it and drifted back off to sleep, something told him that that voice had been real.

It was a comfort he hadn’t realised he needed.

…

The next time he woke up, it was to the gentle rustling of fabric and a soft thumping sound as if something was dropped on the floor rather unceremoniously.

It barely caught his attention from where he had been laying in his cage, the gentle dream of him and Alhaitham reading in the study together as the faint scent of old paper and sandalwood still tickled his nose as the other’s soft hums still lingered in his mind like a warm embrace.

When something gently knocked against the bars though, the sound was almost too loud. His eyes snapped open in alarm, panic surging as he frantically looked around for the source of the sound. He barely realised there was still an old book in his hands before he put it down in favour of scrambling towards where the sound had come from.

There were no chimes this time, only the faint smell of one of his favourite brands of wine as he found what looked like a small TCG deck box at the edge of his cage. There were a few wine stains on it, but it looked mostly unused.

When he gently picked it up to turn it over, a single card fell out and he found himself back in the empty, blurry void.

It felt a bit colder now, perhaps it was somewhere in the evening. Next to him, there was an odd series of sounds as if the person sitting there wasn’t entirely sure of what to do.

The gentle sound of someone clearing their throat.

“I… don’t usually do these kinds of talks. I’m not the emotional type of person, that’s usually you, Kaveh. Tighnari threatened to not let me crash on his couch if I didn’t though so… How are you doing?”

There was no response. That was to be expected.

“Oh who am I kidding, you can’t really talk. Still though… I guess I’m still kind of upset about that evening with us and Tighnari? We were having so much fun, and you were actually the first person to laugh at my jokes. Do you have any idea how happy that made me? You may suck at TCG, but I would willingly lose a match to you if I could hear you laugh like that again. Even if the tears were… less expected. I could even teach you if you want, of course.”

Kaveh couldn’t really respond, but the words did tug at his memory a bit. A night of music and laughter, of alcohol being passed around as they celebrated… something. Of Tighnari patting him on the back as he lost his eighth match that night, and the other person drunkenly dragging the entire tavern into a wild song and dance. It was… something he looked back on rather fondly, despite the mild fear he felt at the idea of the person themselves.

“I know we got off on the wrong foot when we first met through Tighnari, but I really do want to make it up to you somehow. If you ever need someone to look into any clients or help with escorts or anything else, you can always ask for the General Mahamatra. If it’s you, or Tighnari, or Collei, or anyone else I care about, I will come running with no questions asked.”

Cyno…

“Just… don’t give up, okay? Collei has been nagging us for a few days now about how you were doing, and I can’t keep taking leave from work or the other matra will start asking questions. I know you’re going through something tough, but please remember that you’re not alone. We all want to see you again…”

The sheer warmth and honestly funny confusion in the man’s voice filled Kaveh with a soft warmth, curling around him like a soft blanket. Even as he picked the card back up to take a better look at it, none of it could stay in focus as that gentle haze started tugging at his mind once more. Memories of laughter, awful puns and jokes, and a sense of competition echoed through his mind like a distant memory as he moved back to gently place the box and card next to the old leather book.

As he drifted back off to a gentle sleep, the one thing that rang clearly in his mind was a beautiful jackal headdress and a cocky, competitive smile.

…

When Kaveh awoke for the third time, it was to the gentle sound of gears rattling and clicking in an almost soothing rhythm pleasant to his ears. The dream of him and Alhaitham wandering through the market of Treasures Street and browsing various wares faded into the background together with the sounds of merchants calling out and the gentle ringing of mora being exchanged for goods. The faint smell of baked ajilenakh nut from Lambad’s was the last straw that drew him back into focus, the weight of grocery bags disappearing from his arms in favour of the warmth of his cage.

The book and box forgotten for the moment, blinking the haze of sleep out of his eyes came a little easier now as the gentle chiming of bells once again pulled him back to the waking world. The rattling still continued, now joined by a small melody of bells and beeps that he recognized from somewhere. It didn’t take long to find the source.

He spotted a familiar toolbox nudging against the bars, beeping softly as it hung open to reveal what he quickly recognized as a puzzle cube.

Was his eyesight always this blurry? His cheeks felt a little wet.

The toolbox didn’t fit through the bars this time, but he could still grasp the small cube. It made something ugly ache in his chest as the numbness returned, along with the now familiar void of blurry colours.

The sound of clicking and whirring was still there.

“To think you would get yourself into such a mess, my dear junior. You’ve been gone for a few weeks now, and I had to learn from Hat Guy of all people that you needed my help. Honestly, youngsters these days…”

The rattling stopped for just a moment. There was the soft sound of a sigh, before he caught the faint sound of cloth rustling. Whoever this was, they were probably readjusting their sitting position in a chair judging by the small sound of wood scraping against wood that followed. He wanted to ask… something, but his body would not respond.

He could only listen.

“You know, I still really appreciate your help during the first round. If it hadn’t been for your resourcefulness, you wouldn’t have won in the end. The mechanical butterflies are still stored away just for you, in case you still want to use them for something. I really wouldn’t mind helping either.”

There was that gentle beeping again.

“It’s not just me. Would you believe it that that friend of yours asked me to help repair Mehrak? She’s your most prized treasure, and she misses you too. Even the House of Daena feels empty without you there. It’s too stuffy and quiet there without you to liven up the place. Your ideas were always so inspiring, all the younger students could really learn a thing or two from your line of thinking.”

The clicking sounds and the beeping stopped for a moment. It was just a gentle touch, but the feeling of someone’s hand carding through his hair like a mother soothing her child made something painful tug at the back of his eyes.

“So please wake up soon. I would love to take you out for some coffee sometime soon, or my name is not Faruzan. You don’t even have to call me Madam, I would even allow that.”

Right, Faruzan… Mehrak…

How could he forget them? The many hours of just honest debates with her, complaining about Akademiya work ethics and discussing lecture plans. Those times were always wonderful, and the Haravatat lady reminded him of Alhaitham in as many ways as she didn’t. She was one of his best friends, he couldn’t just leave her here…

Waiting…

As sleep tugged him back under into the fuzzy void of warmth and sheer nothingness, he was only barely aware of a faint gasp on the outside. Something wet rolled down his cheek, and the last thought clinging to his mind was that of wanting to apologise.

…

The fourth time he awoke, it was to the gentle sound of something tapping against metal. As if knocking on a door, waiting to be invited in. It came together with the faint sound of leaves rustling in the wind, and of the smell of fresh dewdrops in Razan Garden as he and Alhaitham decided to go stargazing there. The faint glimmer of the stars in the sky was the last image clinging to his heavy eyelids before he managed to keep them open, shaking off the heavy blanket of sleep.

He could barely react in time before there was a familiar blur of gold and shades of blue right in front of him, kneeling there and only separated by the gleaming, warm bars of his cage. The figure was the one knocking.

“Hey Kaveh, it’s me.”

He blinked, a little surprised. Mehrak was nowhere to be seen, and the puzzle cube from his last moment awake had seemingly joined his little pile of trinkets. The Inazuman glanced over at it, before looking back at him and moving to sit down where he had been kneeling. It took him a little too long to figure out the name behind the face for his liking, but when it hit him, it was joined by a pretty harsh pain in his side.

“Hat Guy?”

The man in question sighed, fidgeting with his hat a little as he made himself comfortable in his spot. Kaveh could only really watch him, faintly aware that his limbs felt like lead along with the flaring pain in his chest. Hadn’t Hat Guy punched him in the stomach once…? The memory was a little fuzzy…

“That’s me. I came to check on you, outside of the little memento scheme Alhaitham has been planning these past few weeks. We barely knew each other, so it made sense you didn’t have anything connecting back to me,” Hat Guy hummed a little once he seemed comfortable, crossing his arms as he looked off to the side with a look of… embarrassment?

“Besides, you still promised to pay me back for that time in the desert. A favour is a favour, and I’m not one to let it go that fast. You better wake up soon, people are already asking questions.”

Kaveh blinked in surprise at the admission, but something about that sounded correct. It was with the faint memory of almost dying of heatstroke in the desert as Hat Guy nursed him back to health best he could over the course of a few hours that he finally caught on and smiled a little in embarrassment. The small chuckle leaving his lips sounded just as flustered.

“Right… I’m still so sorry you had to see me like that…”

“Oh please, I’ve seen people do worse over the past five hundred years I’ve been alive. Your little scene was on the lighter end by a pretty large margin.”

Kaveh could only manage a small chuckle, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment, “I’ll try to make it more dramatic next time then.”

Hat Guy scoffed, but his tone actually sounded somewhat fond beyond the usual sarcasm. Was he imagining it, perhaps? “Save it for a stage performance then, next time. I may have been a Kabukimono somewhere in a past life, but you can just as well give it a try too. That dancer girl might appreciate it.”

“Fair enough,” the blonde hummed as he quieted down a little bit. His conversation partner did too, and… it suddenly didn’t feel as lighthearted anymore. There was something heavy lingering in the air that they had trouble addressing.

“Look,” Hat Guy finally spoke up, “I didn’t just come here because Buer or that annoying roommate of yours were worried. Everyone in Sumeru is wondering where the Light of Kshahrewar went now, and waiting longer will only make it worse. You have to wake up soon, people are starting to lose hope. Even I’m getting worried, and that’s a feeling I genuinely don’t like.”

Kaveh blinked a little in surprise.

Hat Guy? Worried? Is the world ending?

“But you hardly know me.”

“Maybe not, but I can see how much people care about you. We may only have actually spoken that day in the desert, but it reminded me of a distant past. I couldn’t just leave someone behind that reminded me of my earlier days. You have a lot of potential, even the dendro Archon says so, and it just sucks to see you throwing it away like this, you know?”

Now that was a first. The dendro archon herself? He may as well have died right then and there, this couldn’t be real. Surely!

“I never really thought about it that way. I guess… It’s just easier to be a burden, then. Potential only brought me suffering and misery, but like this, it feels like I’m actually worth something.”

Hat Guy’s expression took on a sharp, pained look. He lowered his head where he was sitting, doing his best to hide his trembling behind his overly large hat. Had he said something wrong?

“You’re not a burden, trust me. And if you don’t believe me, just look at the way Nahida talks about you. She believes in you, and I do too, even if we don’t know each other well. I see glimpses of what you could accomplish, and it’s impressive.”

“Wait, really? How even?”

The small smirk he spotted under the brim of the hat said a ton.

“I guess attempting to overthrow an archon and trying to install yourself as Sumeru’s new god has its perks. That’s all I’m willing to say. I’m mostly glad you weren’t there for the whole thing, you would have probably raised hell and messed up my plans big time. It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest.”

“Oh yeah…” It was coming back to him now, slowly but surely. “I was in the desert at the time. Originally for a project, but then I got lost and helped some nice folks in that mirage in a bottle. Veluriyam, I believe? It’s why it took me so long to get back to Sumeru City…”

He sincerely didn’t want to admit that his memory was getting foggy. Names and faces were starting to blur together. Even Hat Guy’s words were starting to slip through his fingers like grains of sand, and while he was slowly getting more awake, his memory was really starting to fail him. He couldn’t even remember the name of the girl that ran the mirage anymore… What was her name again?

Whatever expression he was making, Hat Guy genuinely seemed to dislike it. The deep sneer on his usually handsome face was one that made him deeply uneasy.

“I see we might be running out of time then… You should go back to resting, if it helps keep your memory intact.”

He could only really nod, not entirely sure what the Inazuman meant by that.

“It was still nice to talk to you though… I’m not sure why you care so much about someone like me at least.”

As the warm haze rolled in to cradle him again, his companion’s eyes sharpened into a glare. Not that he could see it, the world around him blurring in and out of focus with every second they spent like that. The haze beckoned him gently, waiting for him with open arms as his eyes started to slip shut on their own accord.

Hat Guy was saying something.

His mind could only barely cling to the words as Alhaitham’s house faded back into view. He could be happy again…

“I care because you’re like me. Keep fighting, Kaveh, because the second you let go, Sumeru will lose its light. The people will mourn for a century if you give in now. You can’t do that to them. Not even to yourself.”

He was only distantly aware of something soft being pressed into his hands. Something made of cloth, worn with age and tended to by gentle hands. There was the distant thought of it maybe being a doll of some kind as he watched Hat Guy get up and walk off into the void before darkness reclaimed him.

…

The next time he woke up, there was no sound que. At least… he didn’t think there was one? It was just an uneasy feeling, as if someone was there with him. That he wasn’t alone.

There was a dream still clinging to his hazy mind, of late nights at the tavern, sharing conversation and warm food while the taste of wine stayed on his tongue. It was just so tempting to go back to that now…

“Master Kaveh… How do I even begin?”

Something solid came into contact with his sleepily wandering hands. It felt cold- metallic. Not entirely finished as he realised it was a small pile of scrap metal and crystal chunks.

Where had he seen it before…?

“I always wanted to ask you for your help, but I didn’t know you were building me an astrolabe from scratch… Oh, if only I could’ve asked you sooner…”

There was the soft sound of a yawn, followed by the soft tinkling of metal hitting metal as the person seemed to be moving.

He couldn’t put a face or name to them at all anymore. This was not someone he was very familiar with.

“You know, despite all these theses and projects that need to be finished… I don’t feel so tired when listening to you… You help me understand so many things, and even the blessing from the stars praises you…”

Where had he heard that before…?

His memory was really starting to fail him now, he knew that much. Thoughts, moments and people were starting to become more fleeting, slipping through his fingers like the sand he hated so much. It was the voice of a young woman though… Always tired, a connection to stars… Hadn’t there been someone like that during that competition? They’d only spoken briefly on their way to the second round though, so why was she here now?

“I still remember the advice you gave me that day… That there is no real cure for some issues in life. That it’s usually best to just tough it out… But look at you now, Master Kaveh… It doesn’t really make sense for you to say that when you’d end up like this in the end…”

There was the soft sound of a sniffle, as if someone was stifling their tears. It made him feel like he was missing something, that familiar numbness in his body making him more uneasy than usual.

“If I’d known you had family in Rtawahist, I would’ve tried to reach out sooner… I really do miss your advice, the stress is just piling up, there’s too many papers and essays due, and I just can’t keep my head above it at all. Not even the blessing is helping as much as usual, Master Kaveh…”

There was a long, heavy pause after that. He would’ve thought the person had given up and left, if not for the numbness still making his limbs feel like lead that told him the person was not done yet. He wanted to reach out, maybe call out to them in some way, but no words came to mind. It was all slipping away from him already, so why bother trying.

“Kaveh.”

That previously soft voice was back now, more sharp and confident. The haze that had been tugging at his eyelids a moment before relented at the presence alone, making him blink rapidly as clarity slammed into him full force. No way, was this really who he thought it was-?

“Daytime Layla worries about you a lot, you know. She really does care, even if she never dared to approach you directly. A star can’t guide others home if it refuses to shine by itself, you know?”

There was a soft chuckle, and suddenly it all clicked back into place. It was Layla who was speaking to him. Not the insomniac, overworked and exhaustedly paranoid Akademiya student, but the other one. The split personality, the confident version of her that only came out at night. He’d heard rumours about her before, but this was his first time meeting her in person. Or rather- as in person as it could get. It was suddenly making him feel a little flustered at being stuck in a situation like this.

Other Layla continued though, her words uninterrupted and sharp. As if she was a teacher lecturing a student, not the other way around.

“You, of all people, should understand this. You’re the Light of Kshahrewar. Without you, things will fall apart. Do you really think the people around you won’t notice your absence? Do you really think your work will mean nothing if you give up now?”

There was a small pause. Likely Other Layla taking a deep breath to calm herself. Her next words likely reflected that, her tone much softer now as she continued. Melancholy.

“I didn’t come here to tell you everything will be okay if you stay asleep. Because it won’t be. If you keep lying here, pretending the world won’t notice you’re gone, you’ll fade. Completely. And the people who rely on you- who care about you- they’ll feel that loss every single day.”

Her words reminded him of something. Of blonde hair, a bright smile, and going out on late nights to stargaze together. Of the blistering desert heat, of sand getting into his shoes. Of cries echoing along the walls of his home, raw and desolate in their despair. And yet… wasn’t he still here despite it all? It was his fault, yes, but… they didn’t deserve to feel that same kind of loss. Never, even into the next samsara.

As the hazy fog came rolling back in, he was only distantly aware of Layla still continuing to speak. There was the gentle feeling of someone giving him a tap on the cheek, but that was all as the darkness embraced him like a parent waiting for their child. Like a father waiting for his son.

“You have to wake up, Kaveh. You’ve still got work to do if you want to pluck the stars out of the sky.”

"Wake up."

Her voice became distant, echoing like a dream. His eyelids fluttered, struggling to stay open. After all, what was really left of him now? His achievements? His title? How was it worth it to wake up when it meant going back to long projects, tiring hours, and people who never appreciated his hard work and effort? And yet… so many people made it clear they missed him. He still meant something to other people, so why was he hesitating now?

He wasn’t ready yet. Not to stay. Not to leave. But maybe…

The last thing he saw before his consciousness slipped was a small, white and green finch.

…

The next time consciousness returned, he barely recognized his surroundings anymore. It was all a blur now, gold surrounded by a void of colours he could no longer find the name for. The only thing his tired mind could latch on to was the gentle strumming of what had to be an instrument, some tune he could no longer name floating around in the void where it was accompanied by soft birdsong and the even more gentle ringing of distant chimes.

The only reason he was able to keep his eyes open this time was a gentle tug at his arm where he had been lying in his cage- was it really a cage?- and the gentle, distant laughter of a child.

…Was it someone he knew?

“What do you think, Kaveh? Honestly I wasn’t expecting you to keep the old dutar, especially when Mister Zubayr told you it was probably broken beyond repair. You did such a good job of fixing it too, I’m honestly kind of jealous of your talents…”

It was a young woman’s voice this time, accompanying the nameless tune. Mister Zubayr…? That name rang a bell somewhere, but he wasn’t entirely sure anymore what that was. Everything felt foggy nowadays, blurred beyond recognition as it didn’t feel worth it to hold on anymore. His little collection of trinkets was the only thing he could still hold on to aside from the comfortable haze of peaceful sleep.

His dreams have been getting more vivid too. Alhaitham joining him on a walk, the two of them feeding the stray cats out in Sumeru City, or even just going on a roadtrip to Liyue to celebrate Lantern Rite. Even if it wasn’t entirely their culture, it was still something he looked back on fondly, the many lanterns lighting up the night sky like a bunch of little stars joining the existing tapestry.

So who was it that was talking to him this time…?

“The Bazaar doesn’t really feel welcoming without you there anymore, you know. The buzz of the crowd is gone, and people have been thrown into chaos over their favourite regular customer no longer showing up. They keep asking me, but I don’t know either. It just hurts to see people so lost and confused without you there, I suppose…”

The gentle strumming of the dutar picked back up, weaving together with the melody of birdsong and chimes in a way that it formed what he could only describe as a blanket of warmth, comfort and nostalgia as it wrapped around him lovingly. The Bazaar… That place did ring a bell. It reminded him of chatter, gossip and the distant calls of merchants advertising their wares. It reminded him of music, dance, and children playing among the many crowds of people. Above it all though…
It reminded him of red hair and a bright, sweet smile.

Nilou…

It was with that thought that clarity finally returned to him, even just for a moment, and the name matched the face he was struggling to remember. Nilou, the star dancer of Zubayr Theatre. One of his best friends, sharing his love for the arts. Though she may not be an academic, she was still someone he found a lot of inspiration in.

The realisation that it was her playing the old dutar and trying to talk to him hit him square in the chest like a charging fungus.

By taking this long, he was leaving her behind. Her sunny demeanour, the lively chaos of the Grand Bazaar… It was not something he ever wanted to see be changed, he realised as clarity hit him full force once again. After all, hadn’t he promised he would come see her dance at the next Sabzerus Festival? Hadn’t he promised the people of the Bazaar that he would come see them every now and then, even if his life got a little busy? Even if it was just to chat, people were still waiting for him…

“It’s not just the people of the Bazaar that are starting to feel your absence though… All the Akademiya folks that still drop by nowadays always look so cranky and tired. Entertainment doesn’t help anymore, and the matra are running out of steam trying to stop fights from happening… If you were there, I bet you would solve it just by showing up, right? But you’d have to be awake for that…”

There was a small pause. The sound of a string snapping.

“Alhaitham’s been worried sick too… From what I heard, he refuses to leave work and almost never goes home anymore. It’s like he can’t find rest without you there to help him… So please, Kaveh, for all our sakes.”

“Wake up.”

The darkness swallowed him before he could even open his mouth to respond.

“I want to wake up. I just can’t. Not yet.”

…

“Kaveh.”

When he woke up this time, it was with a startling lucidity he wasn’t entirely used to anymore. It was as if that familiar fog was never there, making him realise very quickly something wasn’t quite right about the situation.

The cage.

Understanding struck him like a bolt of lightning when he remembered he was stuck in a birdcage. A prison of his own making. So where was that voice coming from? It was one he recognized, yes, but from where? It made him scramble to sit up so quickly the world spun for a moment, but he pushed through it with gritted teeth and a hiss slipping out of his throat.

“Who’s there?! Answer me!”

All he received was silence.

No bells, no birdsong, and no chatter or soft music. Just pure silence, suffocating him in the now familiar void he called his home for… how long has it been now?

There was a small spark on the horizon. A tiny star in the inky black distance, golden and gleaming in a way so vivid he thought it had to be his imagination.

The star disappeared, and instead a young woman came walking up to the cage with a solemn, neutral expression on her face. Blond hair, golden eyes and a white dress and flowers. He realised with a sobering clarity that he knew her.

“Traveler…”

“I’m surprised you remember that fast, considering we’ve barely spoken. It’s been a while after all…”

The young woman smiled gently at her own words, pace steady as she approached. When she came to a halt in front of the golden bars though, that smile dropped into a frighteningly neutral look. Kaveh’s eyes widened in shock when she completely ignored the bars right after, instead walking right through them and into the space he considered his own for so long now. She completely ignored his squawk of protest as she wandered over to his small pile of trinkets and then knelt down in front of it with a knowing look in her eyes.

“I see I’m the last one then, just as she predicted. I suppose I can offer something a bit more interesting than a memento, if you’d like?”

Now that caught his attention. Even more so than the small, white and green finch that he spotted out of the corner of his eyes, the small animal fluttering into the cage and just sitting there staring at him. It might be his imagination, but every time he saw it ruffle its feathers he swore there was the distant sound of twinkling chimes.

“What’s the offer?”

The Traveler’s smile dipped into something so gentle, so warm, Kaveh thought he was going to melt.

“A conversation. Just the two of us, with nothing held back and no secrets uncovered.”

Kaveh, though, hesitated.

“But I’m trapped here. I have been for a long time already, most likely. What does it matter at this point?” He muttered, gaze growing distant at the words. He only snapped back to attention when there was a hand shaking his shoulder gently, and he noticed that the Traveler was now sitting right in front of him. On her knees, her dress skirt dusted aside deftly as she watched him with an expression of nothing but sorrow.

“It does matter, Kaveh. Your Vision is burning out, and it’s likely I will be the last to talk to you. If I can’t convince you to wake up now, you will die. There is no sugarcoating it.”

She sighed, and pulled her hand away to instead place it in her lap. The young woman’s expression shifted back into something a little more pleasant, as she instead cocked her head to the side a little again with a small smile.

“So, what do you say? Even if it might be the last time we talk, might as well go out with no regrets then.”

Kaveh’s gaze lowered back down to his own lap, his lower lip catching between his teeth as he chewed on the soft skin a little bit. She did have a point, and the argument was pretty compelling, and yet…

“Why would someone like you care about someone like me then? I already proved I can’t keep going. Everyone wants me to wake up, and yet I feel so… empty? How can I come back from this, if at all?”

Ah, that look in her golden eyes was one he knew all too well. It was one of deep understanding, of realising that things were as complicated as they looked. And yet, he could see the resilience of centuries of life in his conversation partner’s eyes as her gaze softened almost painfully.

“Then let me tell you of my experiences, if it helps you make your decision. Because it may not look like it, but I’ve been where you are now many times before. I’ve seen many people in the same boat as you, and everyone’s experiences were still somehow different. And yet, in the end they all came to the same conclusion. No matter what world or time you might be from, isn’t it worth more to live despite your burdens than to live in an illusion of flawlessness?”

The Traveler sighed, and in that moment he didn’t see a young woman. He saw an ancient being, tired and worn from the many centuries of travel and yet still satisfied.

“After all, I know what it means to live with a darkness you can’t escape from. I came to this world with my brother five hundred years ago, and now I travel across this world to see him again. I’ve seen so many gifts this world has to offer, and yet I know that it will never feel quite the same without my twin by my side to experience it all with me. Sometimes the meaning of happiness lies in your journey to reach it, not in the final destination.”

Kaveh’s heart skipped a beat at her words. Something painfully close to hope was steadily clawing its way up his throat, and it was something so disorienting in this situation, he wasn’t so sure of his own view on the situation anymore. And yet…

“But what if that journey only leads to more pain and suffering? What if it’s just an endless cycle of misery, despair and disappointment?”

The Traveler leaned closer, her gaze unwavering. “Pain is part of being alive. It’s how we learn, how we grow. The very act of feeling- joy, sorrow, love, loss- makes us who we are. Without it, we risk becoming hollow shells, trapped in our own cages, much like the one you’re in now.”

He swallowed hard, the truth of her words hitting a little too close to home. “But I’m so tired. Tired of fighting, tired of pretending I can make a difference.”

“Rest is important, yes. But remember, it’s okay to lean on others when you’re weary. You don’t have to shoulder everything alone.” She paused, allowing the weight of her message to settle. “You have people who care about you, Kaveh. They want to support you, to help you through this darkness.”

At her words, the Traveler nodded to the small pile of seemingly useless items next to them. The worn leather book, the damaged deck box, the unfinished puzzle cube, the worn and aged doll, the yet to be finished astrolabe, and the old dutar with a now broken string. Each a reminder of his friends that they did care, that his existence meant something in their lives. And still, it felt like there was something missing. Someone he was very close to, even after years of distance, cutting words and sharp insults. Someone he cared for deeply, and yet could never willingly utter a single word of praise for.

His mind conjured up an image of grey hair, teal and orange eyes and the smell of old parchment and coffee, and his vision blurred without him asking. He was only distantly aware of the wet feeling on his cheeks, barely noting that these were tears.

“I’ve already burdened them enough… They suffered because of me, I can’t just face them now…”

There was a soft sigh. The blonde woman sitting opposite him held out her hand as the small finch from earlier came fluttering over and settled on it with a soft chirp.

“Then let me put it this way… Why do you consider yourself a burden and still keep going despite it all?”

Kaveh stared at the finch perched on the Traveler's hand, its tiny body seeming to pulse with life. He felt a tightness in his chest, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him. The words came out before he had a chance to stop himself.

“Because… I don’t know how to stop. I’ve always been the one who holds on, even when everything feels lost. I just thought… I thought that if I kept going, if I just pushed through, maybe I could make things better.”

“And that’s a strength you can be proud of. It’s why you received your Vision isn’t it?”

His head shot up at that one word, eyes wide in shock. Even through the tears, he could see the blurry image of that same woman, that Traveler holding out the familiar trinket for him to take. That piece of his soul that had been missing for so long now, dulled and barely hanging on. It was clinging to his last sliver of hope as much as he was, and the realisation hurt.

“Kaveh, no matter how bleak or impossible it may seem, don’t give up hope. Everyone you meet, you meet for a reason. Everything happens for a reason, just as much as you matter to the people around you. They care about you, and they have their own reasons for standing with you. You don’t have to shoulder this burden alone anymore if you will just let them.”

That image of green and orange eyes looking at him so warmly flashed in his mind again, and before he knew it, his mind was made up. He reached for his Vision, only vaguely aware of the birdcage crumbling around them before the darkness was swallowed by a bright light. It embraced him like a parent would their child, and the sheer feeling of safety meant more than he could ever put into words.

That finch settled on his hand now, as if welcoming him home. In the distance, a bell rang as if announcing an occasion.

“Then I choose to wake up. I want to go back.”

The first thing he noticed when he woke up was numbness.

It was a familiar feeling, but when trying to place it he came up empty.

When he opened his eyes though, slowly but surely, many different things slowly flooded his senses one by one. The green-painted walls of what he recognised as their home. The soft weight of a pillow behind his head, and the distant warmth of a blanket over his body. The gentle warmth and light of the lamps in their home, reflecting the colours off of their stained glass windows in a gorgeous pattern. The faint smell of spices and herbs in the distance, likely something cooking in the kitchen.

Green and orange eyes staring down at him, normally handsome features twisted into an ugly, messy glare of what he could only describe as despair staring straight into his soul. There were tears streaming down his face.

A torn research paper, carefully taped back together and worn with age.

“You’re a fucking idiot, you know that?”

“Alhaitham…”

“I thought I lost you.”

Chapter Text

The silence that hung between them was heavy. Suffocating, almost. It dragged on for what had to be at least a few minutes, Kaveh’s mind running a mile a minute. After all, what did he have to say for himself? How long had he been out of it? Should he apologise? Explain? Or find any and all excuses he could think of? At this point anything would be fantastic to ease the growing tension, and he still somehow came up empty.

His gaze flicked back over at Alhaitham, and the sight still made his throat feel strangely tight. There were thousands of things he wanted to say, and yet it all got carried away with the wind at the sight of tears and familiar eyes just looking so fragile. Despite the storm brewing behind the scholar’s eyes, he could see a vulnerability so painful, it may as well be compared to a freshly opened wound.

Alhaitham’s eyes locked with his, and the tension snapped.

“Who would’ve thought you kept that stupid paper even after all these years… I thought you threw it away back then.” The younger choked out, words wet with even more tears despite the absolute hurricane of emotions likely warring in his mind. It made him wince a little bit at the tone alone, looking away with a rather sorry look on his face.

“I’m-” Kaveh wanted to begin, only to be immediately reminded of just how dry his throat seemed to be after so much disuse. Before he knew it, it felt like he was actually coughing up a lung. Faintly, beyond his senses dulling with the pain, he was aware that Alhaitham was trying to move him into a sitting position before there was a faint warmth on his back holding him steady and the taste of glass against his lip.

He drank the water without hesitation, his throat soothed for the time being as the world slowly bled back into focus.

“Don’t. Just- don’t, please. You’re pushing yourself too hard.”

If he wasn’t aware that he was just stating the obvious, Kaveh would have immediately retaliated with a snarky comment or another one of his infamous complaints. Instead, all he could do was greedily take in as much air as he could, the tremors in his body slowly dying down again as he relaxed against Alhaitham’s grip. Once the other deemed it safe again, he was gently moved to lay back down.

“Wha…” the blonde tried to mumble instead, tone much softer now that he knew not to push it. Alhaitham could explain at his own pace.

“What happened is that you were in a coma for about a month, Kaveh. The people at Bimarstan had already given up on your case, so I had to look after you at home. I let people in from time to time thinking it might help, but you were still withering away.”

Alhaitham was looking at him again. The tears were welling back up, but the old ones were smeared across his junior’s cheek. Did he try to wipe them away to look more serious?

“I couldn’t stand seeing you like that anymore, so asking the Traveler was my last resort. Her and Paimon are still in the living room if you want me to go grab them?”
There was something he wasn’t telling him, he could tell that much. Alhaitham never stopped being blunt and honest, but even he could tell that all that wasn’t the whole truth. So, in the end, curiosity got the better of him and he did the first thing he could think of.

He flicked his eyes upwards.

Yes.

It happened faster than he could blink, his weight shifting abruptly along with his perspective before there was a warmth and weight enveloping him that he hadn’t realised he’d missed. The faint smell of way too much coffee and old papers and parchment tickled his nose, and it was only then that he realised what was happening.

Alhaitham was hugging him, tightly, almost frantically, as if he might disappear the moment the other let go.

There was a dull thud of a stack of papers hitting the floor somewhere, but he was completely okay with ignoring that for now as he gently leaned his head against the scribe’s shoulder. No matter if he couldn’t feel anything from the waist down and everything from the neck down felt heavy and numb. Alhaitham was holding him, and it was not a moment he wanted to end so quickly.

“Are we interrupting something?”

He didn’t really need to look up from their embrace to recognise that squeaky voice. Alhaitham, on the other hand, looked up from the hug with a small huff of embarrassment before he looked away to what was likely the door. He genuinely looked upset at being interrupted, and it made Kaveh want to laugh at the idea alone.

“I was just about to come get you, actually.”

He spotted two raised eyebrows and a knowing smile along with golden eyes in the doorway. The pout on Alhaitham’s face was adorable enough to let it slide.

“...Eventually.”

“And I’m secretly from Celestia- you’re not fooling anyone, Bookhead!” Paimon immediately countered, a cheeky smirk on her face that raised more questions than answers for the blonde at this moment. He glanced over at Alhaitham, who in turn looked back at him, and then just sighed. “That overgrown fungus insisted on giving me an ‘ugly nickname’. Don’t ask.”

“Hey! Paimon is not a fungus!”

He just couldn’t help it at that point. A small chuckle slipped from Kaveh’s lips at the sight, the scene a little too absurd for him to wrap his head around at the moment. He was barely away from the brink of death, and people were already arguing. If Alhaitham wasn’t still holding him, he would’ve thought that man would throw one of his mirror shards at her to shut her up. So when he immediately launched back into another coughing fit, it didn’t feel as horrific on his throat this time. Alhaitham’s hands were likely rubbing soothing circles on his back judging by the moving warmth, and he faintly spotted the Traveler pulling out a small, steaming bowl of what was probably soup.

Seriously, how did she fit so much stuff into her pockets without even a bag?

“Should I notify the others that he’s woken up? I know that at least Tighnari, Cyno and Collei have been begging us for updates for a while now,” the outlander offered, humming warmly as she handed the bowl of what he now definitely knew was soup off to Alhaitham. “Besides, Tighnari might want to give him a proper checkup now that he’s awake and not actively dying anymore.”

Alhaitham’s grip grew a bit tighter on his frame, and Kaveh could only give an unimpressed snort. Why was his junior being so possessive today? This was maybe a bit much. “Be my guest, but I would appreciate it if he doesn't get overwhelmed immediately. Tighnari, Cyno and Collei are fine for now.”

There it was again. Something unspoken between the two of them, and even Paimon seemed to be in on the action judging by that smug little smirk of hers. What were they not telling him?

“No worries, Paimon’s got you covered. Paimon will personally bring them the invites-”

“That won’t be necessary, Paimon.”

Green and white.

There was a small girl standing in the doorway, half hidden behind the Traveler. Long hair tied into a side-ponytail, an admittedly pretty dress, and bright, almost all-knowing eyes that stared deep into his soul. It made the architect shiver a little at the gentle intensity. He could almost swear he heard the distant sound of chimes again, the echo of childlike laughter ringing in his ears at the sight of her.

She was smiling brightly, having moved to stand right in front of him faster than he could blink.

“It’s good to see you awake, Light of Kshahrewar. I’m so glad we could finally meet in person.”

“Lord Kusanali…”

“Indeed, it’s me.”

The small girl smiled widely at the admonition, hiking up her shoulders a bit as if trying to be apologetic. That sweet expression on her face told a completely different story though, and yet he couldn’t help but avert his eyes in respect. No matter if the Traveler was holding back a small laugh, Paimon looked about ready to make a joke at his expense, and Alhaitham held him just a little bit closer. It was very much appreciated at that moment.

“I’ve been watching you for a long time already, Kaveh. I’m just glad I was able to help, and that you’re back in the land of the living now.”

That caused him to blink for a second. She helped him? How? When?

There was the soft glow of dendro in her eyes for a moment, and she immediately giggled. Oh yeah, couldn’t she read minds?

“I was the one who guided you into waking up, as well as leading the Traveler to you. I know what it’s like to be stuck in a cage with no way out for too long, so it was only fair I helped in the best way I could.”

Behind her, Paimon nodded as she immediately launched into a completely over the top explanation with sound effects, grand gestures and everything. He chose to tune it out immediately, rolling his eyes a little bit as he leaned back into Alhaitham’s embrace.

“If you’re going to lecture me about my life choices, can I at least have some alcohol? I don’t want to deal with this sober.”

No matter if his throat hurt like hell, he was being honest here. He really just had a strong craving for wine after all that, and withdrawal was not something he wanted to deal with today. No matter if Alhaitham gave him a death glare for that comment alone.

“Absolutely not, I’m locking the liquor cabinet until Tighnari gives you the clear. I don’t want you dying of alcohol poisoning, or dying in any other way for that matter. You just woke up, what you need right now is a lot of soup and light foods.”

His retort came as naturally as breathing. Or, well… as well as he could breathe at the moment.

“As long as it’s not that abomination you call a stew it’s fi-” he started, before immediately launching into another coughing fit. Number three, and it’s only been what? Ten or fifteen minutes? Time was hard to keep track of nowadays.

Alhaitham, to his credit, stayed right by his side through most of it. Once the coughs died down, he even held up that bowl of soup Traveler had given him for the blonde to try. Screw using a spoon, drinking it straight out of the bowl felt like heaven to his sore throat by then.

Nahida, meanwhile, just watched it all with a sweet, knowing smile on her face. She patiently waited until there were no more interruptions before she spoke up again, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

“I will give Hat Guy an update on your condition then, as long as you take it easy. Tighnari, Cyno and Collei on the other hand…~”

The moment she disappeared in the blink of an eye, there was a loud knocking ringing through the house.

The front door.

Suddenly, it felt a little too cramped in here.

Alhaitham, sensing his mild distress, sighed and helped the blonde lay back down a bit. Neither of them said anything about how his hands twitched and hesitated to let go of him for a moment before he pulled them back. He had no right to ask.

“Want me to get the door for you?” The scribe asked instead, trying to fill the silence with a slightly more calm tone than before. His eyes were still a bit red and puffy, but he looked a lot more composed than earlier. Kaveh could only really give a tiny nod, looking away a bit in shame. He would’ve loved to do it himself if he could, but no dice.

The Traveler, watching it all unfold with a knowing smile on her face, instead turned to a very disappointed Paimon. Guess no one paid her any attention. Oops? “Paimon, how about you let them in? I think our scribe needs a moment.”

Paimon just grinned, gave a small salute, and flew down the hallway with a yell of “Paimon’s coming, give Paimon a minute!”

Then, her companion turned back to the two roommates as she crossed her arms with a small sigh. What kind, no one knew.

“Kaveh, remember that you’re not fully in the clear yet. You have to believe that those dreams are not necessary anymore. The moment your resolve wavers, I don’t think even Nahida can save you anymore. Just… think about it, okay?”

“Right… Sorry for worrying you by the way.”

Those words were said not a moment too soon, because there was soon the sound of several pairs of running footsteps all but thundering down the hallway as they got louder and louder. He also heard a… frantic series of beeps?

The door slammed open and straight into the wall, and it took every bit of willpower he had left to not yelp in surprise when he spotted two pairs of tall ears- one real and one fake- and bright amber and dual-toned eyes staring straight at him.

Shock. Disbelief.

A heavy weight lifted off of tired shoulders.

Before he could even open his eyes to greet his old friends, the frantic beeping got louder until there was a solid shape of several pounds of pure metal flying straight at his chest. It only took him a moment to figure out what was happening, and when he did, he couldn’t help but laugh softly as he tried to push his rusty voice a bit again. No matter if he would have more throat problems afterward.

“Hello to you too Mehrak… And you too, Cyno. Tighnari.”

“Kaveh…”

Now that the blonde finally took in the pair in the doorway, something cracked a little in his chest at the sight. What the hell happened?

Tighnari looked more tired than usual, and that was saying something. The Valuka Shuna’s clothes were rumpled and messy, and he noted with a heavy heart that his friend’s tail was completely messed up and covered in tangles and missing patches of fur. Had he really torn it out from stress?

Cyno though…

The General Mahamatra was a well and true mess. Even more so than Tighnari. His uniform was covered in sand and dirt that looked like it couldn’t be removed anymore, and there were several cuts, bruises and wounds that looked really poorly taken care of. Though on top of it all, the desert dweller looked exhausted. Bags under his eyes that looked more like dark bruises, messy and tangled hair, stiff shoulders, and the occasional twitch or tremor that told Kaveh of likely sleeplessness and paranoia.

That’s why his gaze respectfully drifted downwards so he could avert his eyes as the pair came rushing over to pull him into a tight hug. Well… as tight as he could make it since Mehrak was hogging most of him and still beeping loudly and he couldn’t really move or feel anything from the neck down. What was up with that, anyway?

“Oh thank the Archons you’re okay! We genuinely thought something must’ve happened since we haven’t heard anything in weeks, do you have any idea how worried we were?!”

Tighnari was the first one to break the silence, ears pressed flat to his head with how overwhelmed he looked. At this point more tears were just the norm, it seemed. Cyno wasn’t doing much better, having thrown off his uniform helmet in favour of burying his face against Kaveh’s shoulder. The man was actually shaking now, probably using a death grip with how tense he looked. Kaveh glanced over at Alhaitham for help, who just shrugged with that classic bored expression on his face.

“Best not to ask him too many questions or get him to talk much. He’s been only awake for less than half an hour at this point and he already almost coughed up a lung several times,” the scribe instead interjected, a tiny, amused smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as the Valuka Shuna’s ears perked up and his expression sobered up a little.

“Good that we were the first ones to come by then, do I need to check him over? Does he need any food or specific treatment?”

Alhaitham shrugged. That bastard.

“Traveler gave him a bowl of soup and that’s all he was able to stomach so far. Nothing else I can think of. Though it’s not really clear what else might be wrong aside from his throat.”

There it was again, the tone of someone who wasn’t telling the whole truth. Besides, how could that man brush off the fact that he couldn’t feel most of his own body at all? It made Kaveh grumble a little in complaint as he looked away from his roommate with a small huff.

“Funny you should mention that when my body feels like dead weight from the waist down and numb all over up to the neck-”

He paused.

Realisation struck him like lightning.

“I’m paralysed.”

The silence ringing in the room was deafening.

“I’m paralysed and that’s not the first thing you told me?”

His tone was completely flat for once, betraying no emotions even as everyone present could hear a small strain in his voice. He wasn’t looking at any of them, but it was clear they were all looking away too. Perhaps they felt guilty? Hah, if only things were that simple. It made a small, bitter chuckle slip from the blonde’s lips before he tensed up and a small cough forced its way up his throat. No one stepped in to help this time.

“Great start, guys. Do you have any idea how that could affect me? My job? My entire livelihood?” After all, he was an architect. Despite the prize money and the inherited estate, he was an artist first and foremost.

How could he live up to his dream when he couldn’t even use his damn hands?! The thought alone was a bitter one, chewing at his chest like acid as his face scrunched up in pain and anger.

Cyno was the first one to break the silence, surprisingly, holding up his hands as a show of peace. His entire posture was stiff, the stress very visible even to him. Whatever guilt he felt at the sight disappeared though the moment his friend opened his mouth.

“Kaveh, you’ve been in a coma for a month. This was bound to happen, we all had no real way of telling it to you straight without you flipping out on us. We know how you deal with overwhelming situations, we really didn’t want to push you too soon.”

“Or what?! You were just going to let me rot here until I either died or somehow miraculously recovered on my own? Did you expect me to walk next?!”

The blonde knew he was pushing it. He could feel his throat closing up, the searing pain unbearable even as his eyesight grew slightly fuzzy. It felt like his mind was drifting off elsewhere, lured back into the old temptation of sleep, and that thought alone scared him. He was overreacting, he knew, but he couldn’t let this go. Never something like this. Not even when his voice cracked badly enough that it made tears well up in his eyes.

“Well here’s a reality check, I can’t even sit up on my own! My legs are nonexistent, and the rest of my body barely functions! Excuse me for reacting to the situation appropriately!”

The coughs that followed the outburst were immediate, agonising and almost burning in their intensity. He had to turn his head away to spare them the dignity, his entire frame shaking with the motions as he was hacking and coughing like his life depended on it. Perhaps it did, if Alhaitham literally shaking him with a look of raw panic poorly hidden behind his usual neutral expression was anything to go by as the fog in his mind slowly faded away again with the motion.

Was this what the Traveler had meant…?

“Out.”

“Kaveh-”

“Get out.”

There was a pause. A silence so heavy, it might as well have crushed them right then and there.

“Alright. We’ll wait until you want to talk to us again.”

Tighnari this time. The Valuka Shuna’s ears were drooping, same as his tail as he headed towards the door without so much as a fight. Cyno hesitated for a moment, but eventually picked his discarded headdress back up and followed suit. Alhaitham though…

Alhaitham looked genuinely hurt.

It was a thought Kaveh would never dare to consider.

“You too, Alhaitham.”

The scribe paused at the tone, schooling his expression back into something painfully neutral. Then he also turned to leave, herding a rather melancholy Traveler that had been waiting in the doorway back along towards the living room as well.

“Very well.”

The door shut with a soft click, and that’s when the tears finally welled up. He’d done it. He’d pushed his best friends away, despite the warning not to. He was alone now, well and truly. He could only look down at his old toolbox beeping at him sadly where she was settled in his lap before the tears welled up.

“What have I done…?”

When the door to Alhaitham’s room shut behind them, it was with a soft click and then thundering silence. All four of them were dead silent as they made their way back to the living room, right past a very confused Paimon and straight to the divans to go sit down.

They really needed it right about now.

In the meantime, while everyone else was busy trying to wrap their heads around what had just happened, Alhaitham split off from the rest to wander into the kitchen. After all, he’d finished cooking and was about to serve it before the arrival of the Traveler to hopefully wake up Kaveh. Depending on the outcome, the meal would have been either one of mourning or one of celebration, the young man mentally noted as he looked down at the six plates set out on the counter.

Fatteh. One for himself, one for the Traveler, one for Paimon, one for Tighnari, one for Cyno, and one for Kaveh.

The last bowl was filled with the biggest portion, and yet it would go uneaten today. The thought alone made him want to probably just grab the plate and smash it on the floor, but he knew better. Kaveh needed some time alone, and he needed calm and steady guidance. No temper or pressure. He’d promised.

Instead, he stared at the plate, an unsettling weight settling in his chest. The empty place at the table felt louder than the outburst from moments before.

Alhaitham’s mind raced with calculations, planning their next move. This wasn’t just about emotions anymore- it was survival. Kaveh was definitely spiralling, and if they didn’t act carefully, they could lose him. Not just his mobility or his body, but his spirit, his drive- everything that made Kaveh who he was. He couldn’t let him slip away again. Not after what that infuriatingly lovable blonde had put them all through already.

This was their only chance.

There was a sixth plate sitting lonely on the counter when he wandered back to the living room, food in hand and ready to help ease the tension for once. Right now they needed to form a proper plan that would make Archons-damned sure Kaveh would no longer be slipping away.

The mood was tense, everyone seated not daring to say anything in fear of making it worse. After all, they likely all felt some kind of guilt for letting it get this far. Alhaitham knew he did, at least. So instead, it might be better to ease the tension and get ideas flowing. They didn’t have the time to cling to what went wrong, now was the time to figure out how to fix it.

“Here’s dinner for everyone. So while we eat, let’s discuss what we can do about the problem.”

Chapter Text

That night, a plan was made. Just between them, with no word to anyone else- Nahida probably being the only exception. Nothing could escape the god of wisdom’s watchful eyes and ears after all. Though in the end, a unanimous decision was made as one person decided to stay in the house for the time being, two would go around the city for specific materials, and two would go back to their work with their hearts lighter and more confidence in their postures than before.

That night, a small group of Sumeru’s citizens slept peacefully for the first time in a month.

This, sadly, didn’t include Kaveh.

The blonde, aware of the time for the first time in ages and not caring at all as he usually did, stayed awake almost all night. While Sumeru slept, he was wide awake as he watched Mehrak float around the room with that serious expression in her display panel he missed so dearly. His voice may have given out several times over those few hours, but he didn’t care.

“Mehrak, scan!”

“Sight clear!”

“Come at me!”

Each time, the poor little toolbox’s display flickered as she swung his old claymore around, doing her absolute best with the limited space of his room. No matter if he’d knocked over several furniture pieces and his poor desk chair, or if a few old draft papers got shredded by accident in the process. He kept calling commands to the poor gadget, only broken by harsh coughs and the sound of him hacking up a lung with the tension and strain he was putting himself through.

Still, there was no dendro energy accompanying the commands. No beautiful pattern on the floor, nor the gentle shimmer of bloom cores appearing where he knew Alhaitham had left him a glass of water and where he’d left his bowl of paint water on the desk. The most he could manage in the end was a faint flicker of a pale green surrounding his trusty old blade as he called for his elemental burst, and even then it had only been for a moment.

After that, Mehrak had dropped the claymore with a harsh clattering noise before she came floating back over to the bed and dropped by her owner’s side with a sad beep.

He wasn’t doing much better.

Still, it was still something. A tiny spark for a kindling would eventually grow into a roaring fire, as long as he nurtured it properly. If he could, at least…

“It’s okay, Mehrak… You did your best. Don’t beat yourself up over it, okay?” he instead hummed gently, his throat hurting like hell even as he did his best to keep his volume to just barely a whisper. He’d pushed himself too hard, but it was something he was proud of. Poor Mehrak shouldn’t be blaming herself for her creator’s incompetence.

The toolbox at least seemed to get the hint, dropping the sad look as her face plates shifted and instead activated her grab function. The blonde chuckled hoarsely as her lock-on brought over the neglected glass of water, and took a grateful few sips before nodding for her to put it back.

“At least you still treat me like I’m not a disabled fungus, huh…” he hummed as he got another happy beep in response, wishing above all else that he could just pat that lovable hunk of metal on the head to show her some thanks. Sadly that was impossible, but he could dream.

“Will you watch over me for tonight, Mehrak? If anything happens, either wake me immediately or go find Alhaitham. That emotionally stunted log would likely come running anyways, no matter how you try to grab his attention.”

His toolbox’s display shifted into that familiarly bright smile, and he knew he could rest easy. At least for tonight… Tomorrow, who knew what hells awaited him? Perhaps the Traveler had a point after all.

He needed to keep an eye on that edge he was standing on. He couldn’t fall behind.

He couldn’t handle being looked down upon like this. He needed to stand on his own again- prove that he didn’t need anyone’s pity.

…That’s why it was rather strange to wake up the next morning and see Alhaitham just sitting there in his room. Reading.

The place was mostly cleaned up, last night’s clutter pushed aside for now with his desk chair picked back up and currently being used by the scribe where he sat by the door. The man didn’t even look up from his book, just flipping through it idly from time to time. It looked less like he was reading and more just sitting there waiting for something to happen. Did that smartass think he was going to talk with someone there to talk to or something?

When the nth sound of a page turning that morning happened again, he’d had it. The blonde coughed harshly as he grumbled particularly loudly, the rough movement and force on his admittedly fragile body making him dizzy from the strain for a solid few moments. When the fit passed and he looked up, it was to the sight of Alhaitham eyeing him like a hawk. This finally snapped his patience in half and figuratively threw it out the window.

“What are you doing here, Alhaitham? I thought you had work at this hour.”

Alhaitham didn’t even bother to hide his staring, immediately looking back down at his book and shrugging as his expression stayed deceptively neutral. It was just so irritating, the sight alone grated painfully at his already frayed nerves. What was he playing at here? He wasn’t even reading anymore, he could tell from here!

He’s just sitting there. He’s not here for the lighting or whatever- he’s here to watch me. The realisation only made his blood boil more as he gritted his teeth hard.

“Am I not allowed to get some good lighting to read a book in peace? You wound me, senior,” Alhaitham responded instead, completely deadpan as usual. It just made the architect grit his teeth harder in frustration. Did that dumbass really think he was some sort of charity project now? Or was his stubborn junior just going to keep him out of the loop permanently? He wasn’t that helpless!

“Good lighting? Oh please- if you wanted lighting to help you read you’d normally just lounge in the study all day.” Kaveh immediately countered, a halfhearted sneer on his face as his cheeks puffed up in a small pout. “Why are you really here?”

This time, Alhaitham did actually look up from his book as he snapped it shut with one smooth motion. He then set it aside on the nearest desk, glancing over at it for a second before his gaze drifted back over to Kaveh with a sharper and more stern expression this time. This was the Alhaitham he was familiar with, he should be able to handle it.

The scribe’s confident facade shaking for just a single moment made that resolve crumble immediately.

What did his junior see to react like that?

It made Kaveh blink a little in surprise, but he stood his ground. He kept his glare best he could, doing his best to maintain his pout as if that could help him look more intimidating. Did it help in any way?

That single moment told him that no, Alhaitham didn’t think of him as intimidating. If anything, he looked… smitten? Was that the right word? That mental image made him want to gag in disgust.

The scribe had to clear his throat to regain his seemingly lost composure. His gaze drifted back to the floor, neutral expression giving way to something a bit more soft.

“I wanted to make sure you would actually wake up. I had to wear my soundproof earpieces back to bed for the first time in a while because you were making a lot of ruckus last night. Excuse me for not wanting to find a corpse in my house.”

If it wasn’t for Alhaitham refusing to make eye contact with him at all while he said it, he might as well have mistaken it for one of Cyno’s jokes. It almost made him choke from the dry delivery alone, the blonde’s eyes widening as his roommate refused to elaborate further. Where was the punchline? The over explanation that was never really needed in these talks of theirs? Usually there was a sharper tone there, not something this soft!

It made Kaveh’s face heat up as his eyes widened in shock.

Was… Alhaitham being serious?

The silence stretched between them to an almost awkward degree, and it didn’t take a genius to figure it out anymore.

Alhaitham was serious.

“I…” Kaveh tried to start after about a minute or so, suddenly feeling rather out of his depth now. This was not really something he was used to. He hadn’t even apologised for his outburst yesterday either… That thought formed a rather heavy lump in his throat as he tried to cough to loosen it. It didn’t help very much.

“I’m sorry, by the way… About the things I said last night…”

There. Now Alhaitham could stop pestering him about it.

Alhaitham raised a single eyebrow, and suddenly apologising was something he shoved to the back of his mind in favour of the bright red burn of embarrassment. The scribe looked almost fond at his admittance, and he didn’t dare continue down that train of thought. He had no right to in this situation.

“Well now, my dear senior apologising? Who would’ve thought you had it in you? Do you need a prize or treat for that?” The scribe’s tone was so teasing, it really did feel unbearable. What was he playing at?! That man needed to shut up right now, or he might actually do something drastic!

“Do you need a dog toy? You’re talking so much, maybe a very squeaky one could match your volume-”

Before Alhaitham could finish that sentence, there was the loud crunch of wallpaper and actual bits of stone giving away under a large pressure as there was now a full claymore stuck almost up to the hilt in the wall, only an inch or so away from the scribe’s head.

Suddenly, watching Alhaitham almost wet his pants in fear was something he would love to see for once.

“Shut up right now, or I will do it again. And when I do, I will not miss.”

The scribe swallowed so audibly, it almost made him laugh out loud at the absurdity alone. Except he didn’t, and it was instead an overly trigger happy Mehrak that was floating over his shoulder with a series of very happy beeps that did it for him. His little toolbox came to his rescue again, it seemed.

“...Noted.”

Perhaps it was that Mehrak was now back online to back him up, but that short response was all Kaveh needed to burst into a fit of laughter at the sight. The oh-so mighty scribe, reduced to a stuttering mess as he tried not to lean too close to the edge of the claymore lodged into the wall. No doubt he’d later get in trouble for that and probably be charged with the repair bill, but this was just something he wanted to commit to memory. The only reason he had to stop after a minute or so was because his throat closed back up and with it the coughing fits returned. On top of that, his stomach grumbled pretty loudly.

Right, he hadn’t eaten dinner last night in favour of stewing in his own misery. He’d gone to bed hungry just to feel something other than anger and frustration aside from his sword fighting practice with Mehrak.

Maybe he needed to fix that now. His roommate was right there anyways, so might as well try to fix his attitude problem a little bit. “Could you… go make breakfast? Please?”

Alhaitham just sighed at the request, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he got up and avoided the large weapon still sticking out of the wall. Seems like whatever that man was planning, he’d unknowingly played into it somehow.

“With pleasure. I’ll be back soon.”

Over the next few days, this kind of pattern would continue.

Kaveh would wake up to Alhaitham sitting in the chair by the door, keeping a close eye on him while hiding it behind the excuse that he was just reading to pass the time. They would argue, then banter, and then Kaveh would give in once his stomach started growling with hunger and they would have an oddly peaceful breakfast together. It was over those few days that he actually realised he’d been sleeping in Alhaitham’s room sometimes, not just his own. That made the younger man’s attitude make a bit more sense, in hindsight. Perhaps it was to give him a change of scenery from time to time, who knows?

Then, in the afternoon, it was either Tighnari or the Traveler and Paimon that would drop by depending on the day. They would either drop off some foods and medical supplies- in Tighnari’s case- or some strange materials judging by the loud noises coming from the study whenever the Traveler and Paimon came for a visit. The blonde never knew what they were doing either, left hopelessly curious as he noticed some of his tinkering tools and utensils going missing from time to time. Every time he’d ask, Alhaitham would immediately redirect the topic of conversation too. That was not something he could figure out on his own right now, so he had to let that one slide.

And then, in the evening, the positive air they’d had in the house all day would dissipate in favour of that sour, almost painful feeling of anger and hopelessness he was used to by now. He would kick Alhaitham out of whatever room he was in that day, ruining his throat all over again with how much he was now yelling every time. He would then go to bed hungry, and practice sword fighting with Mehrak until both of them ran out of steam. After that, he would fall into a fitful, dreamless slumber and the cycle would repeat.

It was not optimal, but apparently it was better than him falling back into a coma and actually dying this time.

That is, until about a week after he’d first woken back up.

The morning had started the same as every morning up until then, with Alhaitham sitting by the door and the large hole left in the wall next to it, a random book in hand and pretending to read while they got back to their old banter. His throat had been getting a lot better with how much they’d taken to just talking too, so his coughing fits were dying down a lot as well. That meant that Tighnari dropped by a lot more often to drop off materials that weren’t just tea blends and cough medicine, and those days meant a lot of chatter while the Valuka Shuna offered him small items to fidget with as best he could. There was no progress on that front, but that was okay.

All the sword fighting training was helping him get a tiny bit of feeling back in the tips of his fingers, even if it was just a faint tingling, and that was already more than enough. Not that Alhaitham had to know of it yet, of course.

That’s why it was rather surprising when it was Cyno standing in his doorway this time and not Tighnari.

The desert dweller looked much better physically than he’d last seen him, and that was saying a lot. Cyno still looked extremely exhausted, but those tremors were less pronounced now. The old injuries were better taken care of too. All in all, he looked much less like a nervous wreck and closer to his old appearance. It was rather reassuring to see, even if neither of them wanted to initiate eye contact.

He did turn down Cyno’s attempts to help and be understanding last time they’d spoken, after all…

“So… How are you doing?” What a great start from the other man who had turned to leaning against the doorframe in an attempt to look a bit more casual. It didn’t help much.

“Fine,” Kaveh finally replied after a pause that felt a little too long for this kind of situation, still not making eye contact. He took to instead looking at the massive hole in the wall, which made his conversation partner also look over at it and whistle low in appreciation.

“So when you say you’re fine you mean you almost killed a man. Got it,” Cyno instead teased softly with a tiny smile, before sighing and glancing back over at the other. The smile dropped into something a bit more stern, like how he knew his friend to be when actively on duty.

“I’m surviving, then.”

Another sigh, much more tired this time. “Aren’t we all?”

Cyno glanced back over at him, before it seemed like he saw something of interest as he came to wander over to the bed and pulled up a chair to sit down at the bedside. At least he didn’t wait long to speak up about it, because his hands hovered so obviously that Kaveh had to roll his eyes and give a small nod for his friend to go ahead. Cyno grabbed his hands gently, before giving them a small squeeze and taking a closer look.

“You say that, and yet I can see that your physical condition is improving. You may not feel it, but you have a lot of grip strength right now, Kaveh.”

That was not something he was expecting to hear today.

“Excuse me?” Kaveh’s head snapped up almost a little too quickly at the words, eyes wide and disbelieving. He was improving? But he was barely even doing anything! He could barely feel his fingers at all, and everything else still felt numb and unresponsive like dead weight. How did he have grip strength then, according to Cyno?

The person in question seemed to notice his friend’s bewilderment, snorting a little as he moved one of his hands to press along the architect’s limp wrist. With a well placed movement, the blonde watched in shock and awe as his hand actually responded, fingers curling up into a proper fist as a nerve bundle seemed to have been pressed. It made Cyno smile a bit more at the sight, those dark bruises he called eye bags not looking quite as dark as before.

“That’s what I meant. It’s why Alhaitham asked me to come in on one of my rare days off, I guess.”

“But- why- How?” Kaveh sputtered instead, the shock not quite registering as he stared at his own hand in mild horror while it relaxed again and his fingers uncurled themselves as Cyno let up on the pressure to his wrist. He continued the motion a few times, watching his hand curl into a fist and relax again a few times with zero complications. “I’ve barely been doing anything, and it was mostly Mehrak doing the practising for me-”

“I wanted to test it last time we spoke, but you kicked us out before I could ask,” Cyno immediately interjected as he leaned back a bit in his chair. “I can say it from experience, mostly. I broke an arm in a fight before while on duty and I had the same kind of reaction back then as you’re having now. It’s maybe a hard concept to understand, but often your body responds better than your mind tells you if you know how to make it respond.”

That’s why it almost made Kaveh cry when Cyno pressed a small object into his hand rather firmly and his fingers tightened around it all on their own. Neither of them mentioned that it was a small, fake wooden dagger, mostly just as a first test. The shape of it was simple enough, blunt and flaking at the edges from likely years of use. Perhaps it was of Cyno’s own.

“Try keeping pressure on it. If you can hold it, that means you can also still hold a brush or a pencil or whatever else it is you want to hold. Actually moving your arm is a different story though, of course.”

The blonde’s gaze lowered a bit at the words, but his friend was right and he wasn’t entirely sure how to respond to that. He’d pushed them all away in a moment of vulnerable impulsivity, and yet here Cyno was, teaching him how to work past his paralysis in a way that actually helped him overcome one of his biggest fears he’d blurted out at the time.

He’d been an actual asshole to Cyno, and yet his friend was using every bit of relevant knowledge he had to help out a friend in need.

“Of course, I still plan on teaching you how to play Genius Invokation properly if you’d like. That way I have an excuse to come over more often.”

Lord Kusanali, save me.

“You know what, I’ll think about it. Maybe at some point. Though uh… is it maybe a bit weird that I can feel my fingers tingling?“

Behind them, hiding next to the doorway in the hall, Alhaitham smiled warmly at the topic of conversation. With his arms crossed and tension in his shoulders letting up, hearing Cyno actually get some of that old energy back was all he ever needed to hear. When he glanced into the bedroom and saw the desert dweller hugging Kaveh like his life depended on it, it only made that steady pang in his chest over the past few days come back full force. He could almost feel the tears welling up, having to cover his mouth to not let the person unaware of his presence know. Their plan was working.

They were helping Kaveh, one step at a time.

Next to him, an amused Traveler had to shush a shocked and excited Paimon as well.

Seems like their plan could move into phase two soon, then.

“Cyno, I can’t breathe! Let go of me already, you glorified teddy bear!”

“No. Not until you agree to let me teach you TCG when you get better.”

“Cyno!”

Or maybe not soon enough.

…

Just like that, another small moment in his everyday life was added to the routine. Alhaitham would sometimes leave Kaveh alone, and then Cyno would join him in whatever room he was occupying and do little exercises with him. If Tighnari was also there that day, then their effort would double as well. The feeling in his hands was still very weak, but progress was still progress.

It was more or less going well, and that usually worried him. That meant something was brewing, and it was usually never something good.

That specific day started off completely normal, and that was not something he ever thought he’d say in a negative tone. Alhaitham greeted him in the morning and they turned to discussing a thesis some Akademiya student submitted that had caught Alhaitham’s attention that day, if only because it was poorly written despite a genuinely intriguing subject. This kept them busy all throughout breakfast and leading towards lunchtime, when Alhaitham said something about needing to go to work despite already being late if he actually had to go. This left Kaveh in the living room for the first time in a while, laying down on one of the divans with a blanket and some pillows while Mehrak kept him company.

That’s how he had prime view of Tighnari and Cyno coming in and greeting their friend on his way out.

With Collei in tow.

The young girl looked beyond nervous to be standing there in the doorway, fidgeting with her Forest Watchers uniform and shuffling her feet while Tighnari and Cyno made themselves comfortable on one of the divans that wasn’t taken up by someone else yet. Was he supposed to say something? Or do something about it?

Kaveh finally cleared his throat a little bit once the awkward silence became a little too much, and put on the best smile he could muster right now.

“Collei, it’s been a while! Come in, come in, no need to be shy.”

The young girl still looked a bit uncomfortable at the greeting, but it seemed like that melted away when Cyno began unpacking a few decks of cards and Tighnari’s ears twitched, likely as a sign that it was okay. After all, they hadn’t seen each other since before the competition and she hadn’t been allowed visitations. He’d heard plenty about it from Tighnari already.

Said man just sighed as the awkwardness dragged on a bit longer, just deciding to wave his student over so she could sit down. “Collei, you’ll let bugs into the house if you keep standing there with the door open. He’s not going to collapse over you just being there, calm down.”

“R-right!”

She still looked somewhat nervous but quickly shut the door behind her before coming over and sitting down next to Tighnari. Cyno just sighed at the thick tension in the air, handing a prepared stack of cards over to Mehrak for the toolbox to take with her grab function.

“So anyways, how are things at home? Alhaitham’s still waking you up by watching you sleep?”

“Oh, of course! This morning he decided my input was actually more important than one of his books for once and asked for my opinion on one of the papers he’s been grading at the Akademiya. Would you believe it? I genuinely thought the world was ending for a solid minute until we looked it over and found out that that student had spelled his own name wrong on the front page! Was he just making fun of my intellect, or was this some way for him to laugh at people’s incompetence?”

It was to no one’s surprise when Cyno failed to hide a small snicker, pointing over to the stack of cards he’s just handed to his friend.

“Why does that not surprise me at all? For someone as composed as the Scribe, he just loves to Hate-em,” the younger commented, as monotone as possible, and it immediately made Kaveh cackle at the delivery alone. Tighnari, on the other hand, just groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose while Collei just blinked in confusion.

“...How is that a pun?” The young girl commented softly, her tone a little strained with the sheer stupidity she was witnessing here. Cyno just looked proud of himself, a bright smile on his face as he immediately switched back to explaining the cards.

“Well good to know he’s still a smartass, so here’s the deck I brought for you to try out today. Would you believe they actually released a card of you recently? It’s a surprisingly popular one too, I had to show up rather early at the sale venue to get the limited edition version and I was still somehow barely in time to get one before they were sold out.”

This made Kaveh blink a bit in confusion, nodding for Mehrak to display the cards for him so he could read the effects and setup properly. A bloom deck? It looked pretty promising at least, his own card paired up with Nilou and a girl in what looked Liyuean style clothing with what was probably a plush rabbit.

“So this is just a discard deck that works with high cost cards? It’s more complicated than that weird crystallise deck with that oni character you brought last time. I’m not sure how much I can work with this,” he muttered as he shifted through the cards, smiling when his toolbox helped nudge up one of his arms so he could grab the cards properly. He knew his grip was getting stronger, but fine motor skills and his arms themselves were still a pretty big issue. Maybe that’s why Tighnari brought his student along this time.

Cyno, meanwhile, just nodded and showed his own deck of cards. One of himself as usual, with some electro girl with a raven and Tighnari’s card as a backup. “Your strategies are always pretty good, but I noticed you always overthink actions and make blunders when you’re not sure about it. A deck focusing on just applying as many reactions as you can fits your style more. You should try it.”

“As much as I would like seeing you two go at it over cards, remember that we’re here for a checkup too. Plus, Collei’s been wanting to come along to say hello on top of me making it a learning experience for her. So before you two start- Kaveh, can you try holding your arm up without Mehrak for a moment? I want to check how well your muscles can lock up.”

Tighnari’s more professional approach did dampen their mood a little bit, but this was normal. Their friend was just always like this, preferring everyone to be physically okay first before they could do anything that might be troubling. It made Kaveh sigh a bit as he nodded for his toolbox to grab his cards again, before she moved out from under his arm with a small beeping noise and a smile on her display.

He did his absolute best, but his arm was still shaking pretty badly with the effort. He mentally counted five seconds before a faint pain in his arm flared up over the numbness and he had to drop it back down with a small gasp for air. The Valuka Shuna nodded to himself at the observation, pulling out a pencil and notepad to write something down. When he noticed Kaveh’s small pout though, his large ears flicked a little in amusement.

“Now what’s that face for? It’s a new personal best, last time it was only four seconds.”

“That was, what, two days ago? That’s barely anything.”

Tighnari’s smile didn’t falter for even a second. “Barely anything is still better than nothing, Kaveh. I have a feeling you’ll be back to drafting blueprints in no time at your pace, I’ve seen people take way longer to recover at the Bimarstan than this.”

“Well I can’t Bimar-stand the atmosphere at that place anyways. Last time I had to stay there for a broken ankle, they completely cracked my plans for that weekend,” Cyno immediately interjected, smirking proudly at his own puns while Kaveh fought to keep in a pretty loud laugh at it and Collei again just blinked in confusion at it all. Tighnari just looked like he wanted to sink into the floor and disappear.

“Cyno, if you tell me one more pun to my face today I can and will make you sleep on the front porch next time you ask to stay over.”

The man in question quickly held up his hands in surrender, looking like a deer caught in the headlights.

Collei just looked even more confused, glancing between the two younger men before looking back at Kaveh with a look asking him for an explanation. Kaveh looked just as confused, looking mildly amused at the stuff going on.

“So uh… Kaveh, how have things been going? Last time I saw you was at dinner in Gandharva Ville…” the young girl tried to initiate, fumbling a bit with the hem of her shirt while her teacher and his friend immediately got into an argument in the background. It made the blonde’s smile soften a little as he shrugged best he could.

“It’s been pure chaos, that’s for sure. I’m not too sure what happened after the competition, but apparently it landed me in the Bimarstan more than once and then into a coma. Now I’m apparently paralysed from the neck down and doing everything I can to regain function in my arms. So yeah, a lot happened.”

…Was that look on her face always that pained?

Collei actually looked like she was properly struggling with her words this time, not just because she was someone who wasn’t very comfortable with talking about emotions or medical history. He’d heard bits and pieces of the things she’d been through before she was brought back to Sumeru by Cyno, and that made him sober up quite a bit.

“That’s… awful to hear, I’m so sorry… It reminds me of when I had Eleazar, actually…”

She took a deep breath, and he knew immediately that this would be a bit more of a serious talk. Time to drop the pleasantries then, as he also sighed deeply and felt his shoulders sag a little bit. The smile was gone this time as he glanced back over at Collei and she looked back at him with a small nod.

“I can understand that. Eleazar has never been something pretty, and it was a disease no one should have ever been subjected to in the first place. I’m just glad it’s gone, but I see why this would remind you of that time. Minus the slowly but surely dying part, of course.”

Collei nodded again, going back to fidgeting with her shirt as she turned to staring at the pattern on the carpet instead. Despite the pretty morbid conversation topic, it did make the blonde happy that she at least seemed to appreciate his taste in decorum, unlike a certain scribe. “Yeah, those were… pretty dark times. But- you’re not actually dying too, right? Last I heard, you actually were.”

At the last word, her head snapped up and her wide eyes locked on to his, halting the ongoing conversation in the background. Tighnari and Cyno both looked rather confused at the scene, before it seemed like realisation dawned on them. It suddenly made Kaveh feel like he was back on that speaker’s podium again, surrounded by laughing and jeering nameless faces as a spotlight beat down on him relentlessly-

No, focus! Collei needed reassurance, not a panic attack!

He shook his head quickly, both to get rid of the mounting panic and to show her that, no, he wasn’t dying, or at least he thought so, and there was no need to worry. No matter if the action left him slightly dizzy as a result with Tighnari reaching over to help steady him.

“But I’m here now, aren’t I? Can’t be dying if your mentor keeps paying me visits and commenting on how I’m improving despite the fact that I’m stuck at home all day and Alhaitham carries me around in his arms when I get sick of staring at the wallpaper-”

“Then what about that wheelchair the Traveler said she was working on?”

If he could do a spit take right now, he probably would. Around him, Tighnari immediately facepalmed while Cyno tugged his headpiece over his eyes to hide his expression. It was almost as if they knew something he didn’t…

…

“WHAT?!”

Chapter Text

It’s safe to say that the rest of the visit after that was… a bit more awkward.

Kaveh appreciated their efforts to lighten the mood, really. It was just… a lot to take in, he supposed. The card games were fun, and Cyno had been right. The strategy was actually more in line with his way of thinking, and he actually came close to winning for the first time in his life. He still had a long way to go, but it was a start.

Collei and Tighnari did their best too. They kept him distracted with chatter about all sorts of things, and Collei had even gotten free range over the kitchen near the evening to make pita pockets for everyone as a lighter alternative for dinner. Alhaitham stayed away for a lot longer today than usual.

That’s how he found himself back in his room somewhere close to midnight, having been carried back with Mehrak’s help after his friends had left to go back home for the day. He still had his usual practising to do, yes, but…

He just didn’t feel up to it today, just staring blankly at the ceiling as his thoughts wandered.

A wheelchair. Of all things, his friends were building him a wheelchair.

The thought alone filled him with not only dread, but also a bone deep despair just thinking about it.

They believed that he would never get any better than this. That he would be stuck in place for the rest of his life, looked down upon even more than he already was while the world continued moving around him. Did they really think so lowly of him that he would be considered a lost cause now too? After all that help?

It made him squeeze his eyes shut, doing his absolute best to shake off the growing anxiety. The Traveler told him to believe their words and trust their actions. They probably had a reason, he might just be overreacting. No matter if it felt like he was struggling to keep his head above water, something trying to drag him back down into the depths so that he could never resurface. The thought alone made his heart race, breaths turning ragged as the anxiety slowly started to spike.

That’s why he didn’t notice the door creaking open softly, a familiar head of grey hair poking in to come check on him. Mehrak let out a small beep in warning, but nothing else came of it.

“Still awake?” Alhaitham called gently, his tone soft as he slipped into the room and closed the door with a soft click. His tone was casual, as if talking about the weather instead of him trying to lure his roommate back out of his spiralling thoughts. It made him snap back into reality more harshly than he would’ve liked to admit, almost whimpering in fright when he realised who it was standing there.

“Alhaitham-? Why are you still awake?!”

His body was completely tense- he could feel it. And yet, his eyes locked onto Alhaitham’s in his panic, the sight of those teal and orange eyes made the anxious thoughts in his mind come to a screeching halt. He even managed to spot the moment his roommate’s gaze softened, and he moved to sit down in the usual chair with his arms crossed.

Who knew that that feeble scholar actually remembered to respect his personal space?

“You weren’t making as much of a fuss as you usually would at this hour, so I thought something was wrong. I’m more surprised that I’m right than the fact that you’re having a mental breakdown while no one is looking.”

If he could bring himself to snort at the reaction right now, he probably would have. Instead, the architect’s expression grew a bit more gloomy as he turned away to look to the side as he broke their small eye contact. He refused to acknowledge the small pang of pain in his chest when he did, the anxiety slowly starting to crawl back in his mind now that those heterochromic eyes weren’t keeping him calm anymore. He would never admit that. Not even to himself.

It’s also why he didn’t notice Alhaitham’s soft expression shifting into one of slight worry, still masked behind his usually careful neutral one. That man always hid some secret or another when he did that.

“So, Kaveh… What’s got you breaking your usual routine today?”

The answer slipped from his lips before he could process it, the words tasting like bile on his tongue. He faintly registered the taste of salt as well, which would explain why his eyesight was blurring a little with tears.

“Collei said that you and the Traveler were working on a wheelchair…”

There was a gasp, and Kaveh knew it didn’t come from him. Instead, as he hesitantly looked over at his conversation partner, Alhaitham’s shoulders looked tense, his eyes slightly wide with an emotion he didn’t know how to place right then. Did he look shocked? Surprised? He had no idea in this situation, choosing to bite his tongue.

The silence that rang in the small room was heavy, and gods how he hated it.

It felt suffocating, words dying in his throat even when he tried to open his mouth and at least say something. Alhaitham looked almost hurt like that, and this wasn’t the first time either. What was that stubborn man hiding from him, if a single word got such a reaction out of him? It just made the old panic pile up more, tears welling up even harder the longer the scribe took to form an answer.

The moment the first tear rolled down Kaveh’s cheek, Alhaitham took a deep breath. His eyes locked onto the single tear like a hawk onto prey as it traced its way downwards, something in his expression shifting to something impossibly soft.

“I see that Collei has managed to ruin the surprise then.”

That one sentence took him more off guard than he would like to admit.

“...What?”

The scribe sighed, finally picking himself back up out of the chair before he quickly crossed the room to the side of the bed. It made Kaveh shift away just slightly out of reflex, his eyes widening in surprise and confusion. The confusion only grew stronger when Alhaitham knelt down next to the bed, holding up a hand surprisingly hesitantly as if asking for permission for something. With a tiny nod, the blonde could only gasp in surprise as Alhaitham’s hand moved to gently wipe away the tears on his cheek.

The touch was so gentle that it made something ugly claw its way up his throat when he flinched at the contact and Alhaitham’s expression briefly flickered to one of something close to sorrow as he quickly pulled his hand away. As if he only now realised what he was doing. The expression was gone just as quickly, shifting back to the one of warmth behind a mask of neutrality that was pretty common nowadays.

“We were… planning on surprising you with it. Not just that either, the Traveler apparently found something she wanted you to have. Now I’m not sure how to bridge that gap anymore, now that you’re aware of it,” the scribe explained surprisingly gently, glancing over at Mehrak and backing off a little bit when the toolbox beeped in warning again.

Kaveh, on the other hand, had no idea what to make of all this.

Alhaitham was in on the plan? Not just the wheelchair, but he was also responsible for getting him woken up from his coma now that his mind finally made that connection. Hat Guy literally told him what was up, and it took him until now to figure it out. It made him mentally facepalm several times while he fought the urge not to bash his head into a wall. How was he considered a genius when he was this stupid???

It’s also why he almost missed a whisper that slipped from Alhaitham’s lips, the younger man probably not wanting him to hear it with how he looked away at the floor with a slightly sad look on his face. As if he was afraid to make eye contact and accidentally burst this little bubble they were in.

“Besides… I don’t think you’re a burden at all.” Alhaitham’s tone was soft, so full of warmth that there was no doubt that his words were genuine. It just made more tears well up from Kaveh’s eyes, a chaotic mix of relief and confusion, as he was doing his best to hide them. “If anything, you were the best thing that happened to me.”

This was too fragile of a confession. If he said anything about it now, it would probably ruin the atmosphere they’d created together. Alhaitham would probably never look at him again.

Kaveh was not going to risk it. Not now.

Better switch to another topic to divert the conversation back to something he could actually handle.

His tone remained soft as he looked back down at his hands, sniffling a little as he watched his fingers fist tightly into the blanket pooled around his hip. He couldn’t really feel the softness nor the strength of his grip, but it didn’t take a genius to see how he gripped the fabric almost tight enough to rip it. It just made him sniffle harder.

“What’s the point of the wheelchair then..? Why put in so much effort for someone who will probably never be a functional member of society again?”

His tone was so strained and quiet, it made Alhaitham’s gaze snap back to him so quickly it almost felt like there was the sound of something shattering ringing loudly over the gentle, late night quiet that hung over the small room. Normally it would be a soothing feeling, but right now it felt nothing short of suffocating.

Alhaitham’s gaze fell back down to his hands as well, and his brows furrowed with something unrecognisable for a moment. It took him a moment to find the right words, and for the first time in his life Kaveh was surprised that the Haravatat graduate who had mastered over twenty languages and even been the Acting Grand Sage for some time was struggling with speaking.

It actually took several minutes of the younger scholar’s mouth opening and closing silently multiple times until it seemed like he finally settled on the right words. The silence hanging over them was finally broken when he spoke up, tone quiet but so heavy it made Kaveh’s heart ache with something fierce.

“Because that’s what the wheelchair is for. Your legs may be beyond saving, but we’re doing everything we can to save your arms and hands. You need them to draw, after all.”

And oh, didn’t that bring back the tears with a new ferocity.

Not just Alhaitham, but all of his friends were working together to make sure he could still work and commit to his passions and interests despite all the shit he put himself through. They made sure to stay with him even when he turned them away, and they even went behind his back to work on something to help him function more normally. He knew they’d been planning something, but it wasn’t this. Never in a million years did he ever expect this.

There was the soft, gentle sound of chimes ringing in a chorus with birdsong in the distance, and he knew there was no more need to worry.

That’s why he summoned all the strength he could muster, and, with a little bit of help from Mehrak, raised his arms to pull Alhaitham into a shaky, weak hug just as the first sob tore from his throat. The younger scholar’s eyes widened in surprise at the action, jumping a little at the touch in a way that told of him perhaps not being used to it. Only when he felt the faint sensation of hands coming to cup over his own did Kaveh’s eyes shoot up to meet Alhaitham’s, and then he knew it was over.

A mirror reflecting a mirror, the cracks and blemishes forming a new, beautiful pattern.

The moment he felt the faint warmth of Alhaitham’s own arms circling around his middle to return the hug, he knew there was nothing to worry about anymore. As his junior buried his face against his neck, the tears finally burst and Kaveh cried like he hadn’t been allowed to in a long time. Even as his grip on his junior’s night shirt weakened and his arms hung limply, he felt nothing short of safe in his arms. Maybe he could even get used to this…

“Thank you.”

No matter how many times he blinked, it was still completely weird to look over at his side and find himself trapped in a hug by a sleeping Alhaitham right next to him. And yet, he really didn't want to be anywhere else at that moment. Snuggling back into the gentle warmth of it a little bit with a soft hum, he couldn’t help but admire the way the early morning sunlight fell through the window and framed his roommate’s features in an admittedly rather beautiful way that made his fingers itch with the urge to commit it to memory with charcoal and paper.

Oh right, last night…

Alhaitham had promised him that they would help him. Not only to regain some semblance of autonomy over his body, but also to rejoin Sumeru’s society as a somewhat functional member again after his admittedly long absence. He’d promised to take time off work today to bring the group back together so they could actually continue with the plan despite the ruined surprise, and it honestly made Kaveh a little bit nervous. The dusk bird with the appropriate messages was sent out before they went to bed last night, so it was only a matter of time until everyone arrived.

For the first time in a while, it wouldn’t just be him, Alhaitham, Tighnari and Cyno in the house anymore. From what he gathered, Faruzan, Layla, the Traveler, Paimon and even Hat Guy and Lord Kusanali would be there. It would be properly crowded in their little home, and the thought alone made his skin crawl with anxiety.

How would that be compared to going back outside then? To a Sumeru that was, according to what he’d heard, still a chaotic mess without him there to lend a helping hand. How would the people react to him being carted around in a wheelchair then? Some of his old clients were already less accepting of him and his weird quirks before the Championship; he could only imagine how many people would look down on him now. For a famous architect and artisan on the side, he really did feel looked down upon by society already. Add a physical disability to that, and…

He could feel the anxiety starting to spike again, and quickly nuzzled back into Alhaitham’s embrace just a little more to ease his racing heart.

He was only snapped out of his little spiral when he felt some shifting behind him, the man holding him letting out a small, sleepy grumble as his grip tightened just a little bit. There was the soft sound of a yawn before Kaveh felt the pressure of Alhaitham moving his head so that his chin was resting on top of the other’s head, and humming warmly. Seems like his roommate has woken up then.

“What are you having anxiety about so early in the morning? Go back to sleep, Kaveh.”

The blonde in question could only manage a small shake of his head with the new position and angle, huffing a little as he was pretty sure his cheeks tinted a tiny bit pink. Not that Alhaitham would probably see it, but still!

“...Anxious about the meetup today, I guess. I’m not used to that many people anymore… I barely feel presentable as is, and they’ll all probably look at me weird, and-”

He was quickly shushed by a soft yawn coming from the man behind him, snapping his jaw shut at the sudden sound. Not that Alhaitham seemed to care, the soft tone he used reverberating rather soothingly against his back and neck.

“Kaveh, they’re your friends. You’re overthinking it, no one is going to judge you. Besides, you can always take a page out of my book and just not talk to them.”

There was the soft sound of fabric being moved and shuffling as the other’s grip on him shifted. He found himself gently being turned around to face his junior, the younger man’s eyes softening as they made eye contact. It was such a tiny gesture, and yet he couldn’t help but appreciate it.

“Besides, it’s still my house. If anyone bothers you, I will throw them out the window or just kick them out.”

Kaveh couldn’t help but snort in response. “That sounds like you, yeah. You did attack the former Grand Sage while pretending to be insane, so I can imagine you’d also try to throw a chair at someone like Hat Guy.”

Alhaitham pulled his head back at that, looking away to the side with a look that screamed embarrassment. To think that the Lunatic of the Akademiya could be embarrassed, what a day. It made Kaveh smile just a little more as he nudged against the other man’s chest with his head. He couldn’t help it, teasing his junior was actually pretty fun when the teasing wasn’t aimed at himself for once. “What, is the great Scribe getting flustered about his own achievements? You should be proud of it, you know.”

“Coming from the mastermind behind the Palace of Alcazarzaray, that’s rich,” Alhaitham finally countered, letting a small smirk of his own creep onto his face as he eased up on their embrace a bit. “Besides, what do you think of breakfast? We should get ready soon if everyone else has to be here today, and I could go for a cup of coffee.”

Oh right, how did he get distracted so fast? He’d gladly blame his roommate for it as he sighed and craned his head a little to glance over to where Mehrak was settled next to his bed. The toolbox was shut off for now, no expression on her face plate where she was charging. While the idea of breakfast did sound tempting…

Something he hadn’t felt in a long time was itching in his fingertips, urging him to pick his weapon back up just to see what he could do.

“Can I do some practising first? I didn’t really get to do that yesterday, you know…”

Alhaitham seemed a bit surprised at the request, his eyes widening just a little bit before his expression softened into one of understanding as he offered a small nod. That man did keep him awake for quite a while last night after all, even if it was only so he could finally spill most of his bottled up emotions for just a little bit of relief. To see Kaveh actually have more energy than only for banter in the morning, it was a reassuring sight.

“I’ll help you to the living room, then. I’d prefer it if you didn’t smash another hole in the wall.”

Kaveh snorted yet again, delivering another small bonk of his head against Alhaitham’s chest as a small chuckle slipped from his lips.

“Yes, yes, I’ll pay for the repairs for that one. I can actually pay for it this time anyways.”

…

That’s how Alhaitham found himself walking back into the living room around an hour later, fully dressed and with two steaming bowls of adasi and some spoons in hand as he paused in the doorway, taken aback by a scene he never thought he’d see again. Not even so soon.

Kaveh was laughing, carefully nodding directions for Mehrak to float around as the toolbox swung his old claymore for him in familiarly perfect arches and strikes. The warm embrace of blossoming dendro energy filled the room, the potted plants in the windowsill almost overflowing from their little station with how charged the air felt.

There was a small but stable bloom core gently floating in the bowl of water on the table, glowing faintly as it seemed relatively stable.

It almost felt like old times again, before the competition threw a wrench into things.

“Alhaitham, are you seeing this!?” Kaveh called from his spot on the divan, laugh pure and warm as his trusty toolbox happily beeped in sync with him.

The scribe could only nod, properly lost for words for the first time in his life at the scene before him. It was everything he’d hoped for since the beginning when Nahida had shown him that dream, and yet to see it become reality still felt so foreign to him. Who knew that something so small as them just communicating had such a huge effect on Kaveh’s health and growth? Perhaps studying socialising by watching Kaveh actually started to pay off.

“And I brought breakfast. You shouldn’t push yourself too hard, we still don’t have your Vision back and we will have guests on our doorstep in a bit,” he commented instead, hoping to not let his excitement show too obviously. Damn that blonde, his happiness was just too infectious sometimes.

The promise of food immediately seemed to catch his companion’s attention, as Mehrak quickly dismissed the weapon to float over to Kaveh’s side with a happy beep. The man in question sat up a bit straighter too, his smile turning a bit more flustered as his stomach growled pretty loudly at the promise.

“And here I thought you’d take another hour or something. Seriously, what’s with your attitude lately?” The architect commented, motioning for Mehrak to use her grab function to take one of the bowls and spoons for him. He hummed happily at the sight of the piping hot adasi, but it seemed like there were still some improvements to be made as Alhaitham moved to sit down on one of the other free divans with his own portion in one hand while he pulled out a book to read with the other.

Despite the book, he couldn’t help but make some observations.

Kaveh still couldn’t hold small objects properly, his hands not cooperating with the rest of his body to hold anything securely. While he was rebuilding some muscle mass, fine motor skills were the thing they needed to focus on the most if they wanted to help Kaveh get back to his job properly. Not only that, but his arms still couldn’t support themselves. This was easier to handle with time, practice and patience, but that should resolve itself. For now, even just watching him eat by himself with Mehrak as his support was more than enough.

Even if that toolbox was doing most of the heavy lifting that Alhaitham should actually be doing. It made that earlier warmth in his chest turn the slightest bit sour.

Why in the Abyss was he jealous of a toolbox?

“I guess I just don’t want to watch my roommate stew in his own misery for once. Shocker, I know,” he responded instead, that familiarly snarky mask of his slipping back into place as easy as breathing. He did watch Kaveh take the first bite of the adasi, if only to see if it was any good, before trying some himself with a soft hum.

“Oh hush, we both know you find more entertainment in bullying the new Akademiya students every year. I’m surprised you even do that, considering how soft spoken and cute you were as my junior back then.”

“The only reason we even met was because you thought I was being left out by my classmates back then. You just wandered over and sat next to me while I was minding my own business reading.”

Kaveh’s smile widened between spoonfuls of stew, humming happily as Mehrak’s grab function gently guided his hand along in a safe way to let him eat without too much strain on his arm. “And yet you didn’t chase me away or even scold me for it. You know you love me, Alhaitham. It’s okay to admit it.”

Oh, that was a dangerous thing to say.

If Kaveh wanted to make a joke about it, then so be it. Let him see it as a joke then.

Alhaitham paused with a spoonful of stew halfway to his mouth, thinking it over. Was he really doing this? Screw it.

“Okay then, I love you.”

The only thing breaking whatever kind of mood they had going on was the rather loud sound of a knock at the door. It was so sudden, Kaveh jolted enough in surprise to knock Mehrak over and caused a small domino effect of the toolbox losing concentration, her support shutting off, and the blonde immediately dropping the bowl and spoon on the floor with a rather loud clatter.

Now there was stew all over the rug, and Alhaitham had to fight not to choke on his most recent spoonful of stew as he quickly set his own bowl and the book aside to rush over to the front door.

When he opened it, it was to the sight of a rather smug-looking Hat Guy with his arms crossed and a knowing look on his face and an innocently bright Nahida.

Both of them knew, and he could tell. Lucky bastards.

“Did we interrupt something?” The small Archon asked innocently, giggling as Alhaitham had to knock on his own chest to dislodge the bit of food he almost choked on and sheepishly stepped aside to let the first pair of visitors in.

“We were in the middle of breakfast, for one,” he commented instead, doing his best to look as calm and composed as usual before he turned back to the living room and almost died of embarrassment right then and there. The small sound of something exploding followed by a surprised laugh said more than enough. Hat Guy certainly seemed to like it, laughing along pretty loudly.

It was a scene of Kaveh laying halfway on the divan and half on the floor, limbs sprawled everywhere with Mehrak dropped on the floor nearby upside down. Judging by the heavy smell of pollen in the air, it seemed he’d just missed the detonation of Kaveh’s bloom core that they left in the water bowl by accident. The architect’s usually neat hair being rather messy for once certainly seemed to suggest it. He actually looked up upside down at the new arrivals, a rather sheepish smile on his face as he tried to nod in greeting.

None of them had to mention that he was probably stuck like that, unable to move.

“...A little help here?” Kaveh instead called, his face burning even brighter when even Nahida had to laugh a little bit. It made sense, if even a god was laughing at your expense.

“...Please?”

Alhaitham just snorted in amusement before schooling his expression back into something more neutral and wandering over to help the blonde back up. He did wave for his visitors to go find a place to sit as well. Hat Guy just rolled his eyes before moving to sit down on the only untouched divan. Nahida moved to sit next to him.

“Honestly, for someone who broke his spine you sure have a lot of energy suddenly,” the Inazuman commented pretty casually once Kaveh was settled back into a more comfortable position. It made the architect sputter a bit at the blunt delivery alone, eyes wide in surprise.

“I have my reasons, okay?” Kaveh pouted as he made himself comfortable again, helped along by Mehrak now that the little gadget was also back in working condition. The toolbox got to work cleaning up the spilled breakfast with a happy beep while the conversation continued. “I can’t really help it when I was fighting for my life at the time.”

Alhaitham sighed at the words, understanding that this was something he shouldn’t be interrupting. After all, he knew what this was about. Nahida had shown him what had happened at the time, but bringing it up now would probably just sour the mood further. The young Archon seemed to be in the same boat, shooting him a knowing glance and a nod. They would let Kaveh speak of this himself, if only to ease his burden a little. Alhaitham grabbed his book off the table again to go back to reading. Feigning disinterest might help.

Hat Guy meanwhile also seemed to be vaguely aware of it, but chose to forgo the silence as he nodded with a slightly more serious expression on his face and crossed his arms where he sat. Whatever silly mood they were in before, it might be best to shift to something more serious while there weren’t many people around yet. Not everyone in Sumeru needed to know this. “I heard. You injured yourself in self defence right before you were found and brought back here.”

Kaveh nodded in return, looking a lot more sober now that silence fell between the four of them. Not even Mehrak’s little mechanical sounds as she moved around seemed to break the tension, almost sounding far away as Alhaitham took in the scene over the edge of the book in his hands. This was rather difficult to talk about, it seemed.

“I know it wasn’t your fault though. You have every right to defend yourself if it’s ever necessary, no matter the circumstances. What happened is in the past now, and you’re arguably doing a lot better than when we found you. Don’t forget that.”

Kaveh blinked a bit in surprise at his words. After all, this was likely the first time he heard about the fact that it had been his roommate that had found him back then. Judging by the mild look of panic, it probably wasn’t something he was expecting to hear at all. If he was planning on talking about his experiences, that probably shut him up rather quickly.

…oops?

The silence ringing between them was only broken when Mehrak came floating back over, nudging against her owner’s arm in an attempt to try and help him cheer up. Whatever energy the blonde seemed to have, it seemed to drain out of him the moment it looked like the words finally sunk in. He sighed, letting his toolbox find its place under his arm again as a small support. It was only now, in the late morning light filtering in through the stained glass windows, that the bags under the man’s eyes looked like properly dark bruises. Kaveh could only manage a weak chuckle, his voice quiet and more strained as it seemed he finally found the right words.

“It wasn’t self defence though… That man- Sachin- brought me on his death march. He wanted to finish his research with my help, and then get rid of his witnesses.-”

He paused, taking a deep breath.

“-Me. I was aware of the swing’s angle and force, and… I still let it happen.”

The words were a statement, hollow and dry as Kaveh laughed almost bitterly. Alhaitham noticed Hat Guy out of the corner of his eye biting his lip rather harshly, face scrunching up in anger as he tried to hide it under the brim of his hat. Nahida meanwhile averted her gaze, shuffling with her feet a little bit as even the small god seemed a bit too lost for words of comfort. And Alhaitham himself…

Alhaitham could only feel a deep despair.

His mind went back to that night at the tavern, after they had come back from the desert after the second round. When Kaveh had snuck out despite being physically unwell, and he’d found the man several glasses deep and openly sobbing as Tighnari was trying to help him outside to get some fresh air. When he helped carry his roommate back home, and the man had confessed something that was never supposed to be spoken out loud.

“You’re too good to me… I don’t deserve it, ‘Haitham…”

It made something clench painfully in his chest at the memory. Something twisted an ugly, but true.

This was Kaveh. The real Kaveh. No filters, no mask, just his raw emotions laid bare.

And he hated it.

He hated it just as much as he did back then, all those years ago in the Akademiya. Back when they were still students, openly friends working together on a project that would eventually rip them apart. And yet Kaveh had taken his torn part of that thesis, and eventually pieced it back together with the kindness and patience he denied himself time and time again. Kindness he denied himself when he desperately needed it.

…Was that why he could not bring himself to face Kaveh during that month-long wait? Knowing that his senior still cared about him after all these years, even after their many ups, downs, and bitter fights?

A laugh escaped him, bitter and disbelieving. The irony twisted his insides almost uncomfortably, even more so when the blonde stared at him with a look of what could only be hurt and panic. That man had always been so expressive.

“And yet you’re still here, Kaveh. Despite knowing and letting it happen, you’re still alive and breathing. Isn’t that a curious thing?"

Before Kaveh could respond, it was surprisingly Nahida who cut both of them off. The small Archon’s expression was a blank one, guarded and careful as she held up a hand in an attempt to gather the room’s attention. Once all eyes were on her, she took a calm, deep breath, and finally spoke up. Her tone was soft, soothing, but something felt a little off about it.

“Kaveh, you need to understand that Teyvat has its own laws. Fate can be twisted and bent, but not avoided entirely. No matter how hard you might try, fate can not be changed by a human.”

Hat Guy winced next to her, and both of them understood that she was likely using him as an example.

“I foresaw these events, and still the details were never clear and kept changing every time I looked. Some good, some bad, yes, but most events lead back to one conclusion.”

She paused, as if waiting for a question. An input. When nothing came, she continued in that same calm tone, now joined by a sense of warmth. A small smile crept back onto her face, her bright eyes locking with Kaveh’s as she continued to speak.

“You’re a good person, and there is a reason why Celestia gave you the gift of the element I preside over. If the fate of the stars sees you as someone worthy of ascending, then I will do anything in my power to help you there. No matter what setbacks you might face, you are still considered one of my people.”

“Lord Kusa-”

“Nahida is fine, Kaveh. There is no need for formalities between a god and her most capable successor.”

Silence.

Kaveh’s eyes were blown wide, mouth hanging open and gaping like a fish out of water. The sheer shock and confusion in his expression was almost comical if it weren’t for the fact that she was right. After all, everyone here except for the blond knew this already. Nahida, on her part, just smiled sweetly as she waited for the information to sink in.

Hat Guy and Alhaitham shot each other a look, and promptly cracked matching knowing smirks. The scribe snapped his book shut, knowing that it wouldn’t be necessary for a bit.

“Wait- what? Me?” Kaveh stammered finally, tripping over his own words as his mind and tongue were probably completely thrown out of sync. He glanced around at everyone’s expressions with a look of growing panic and confusion, before settling back on Nahida’s serene smile. As if nothing was wrong. “But- I’m not worthy! How can I be?!”

“Oh that’s simple,” Nahida interrupted him gently. She held up a hand where he could see it, and in it, a small grey and green finch formed before it fluffed up its feathers and took off flying. Another moment later, and it dispersed back into dendro energy and disappeared. “You’re the one person in all of Sumeru who has an almost perfect grasp of the meaning of wisdom. Not only that, but haven’t you defied fate itself before and been rewarded for it?”

At Kaveh’s lost and confused expression, she nodded to Mehrak and the little gadget acted on its own. It beeped where it was still propping up her owner’s arm, her face plates shifting to display an eerily familiar hologram.

The Palace of Alcazarzaray.

Kaveh’s jaw snapped shut pretty quickly at the sight of it, making Nahida chuckle a bit. “I’ve heard about it and seen it through the eyes of others, but I’ve never been able to ask its creator about his reasons for building it or how it came to be. All I know is that it was destroyed and rebuilt again- at your own expense. Am I correct?”

“Y-yes.”

“Then that was the test, and you passed. It was written as fate that the palace would be destroyed, but you pushed on and defied fate anyways. It still stands tall today, a landmark and reminder of your accomplishments. You were rewarded a Vision for your efforts, and it pushed you to grow and evolve as a person. This proves that you have potential, no matter how negatively you view yourself.”

Hat Guy chimed in as well, fidgeting with his large hat for a moment before carefully taking it off and leaning over to place it on Kaveh’s head with a little more force than necessary. This got an undignified squawk out of the blonde, who did his best to shift away from it while Alhaitham couldn’t help but laugh a bit. “See? I told you before that you need to stop being so hard on yourself when even Buer likes you. So stop acting so gloomy and actually do something about it, blondie.”

The only reason the architect couldn’t respond was because there was another knock at the door, cutting through the atmosphere that had been building up until now like a lightning strike.

Alhaitham could only sigh, mourning the actually meaningful conversation they’d been having up until now while he got up to go answer the door. He grabbed his headphones off of the shelf along the way and put them on in advance, but did glance over at the others, and huffed a bit as Mehrak’s hologram feature shut off again and she replied with a happy beep. Then she was off, floating into the kitchen probably to go grab snacks for their guests.

“Just think about it, okay? You can come talk to me anytime you’d like,” Nahida decided to finish, smiling warmly as the door opened for Nilou and a very exhausted Layla to stumble into the small house’s foyer followed by the actual house’s owner. He turned on the noise cancelling on a low setting, and not a moment too soon.

The second the girls’ eyes fell on Kaveh on the divan, all hell broke loose. In a good way, of course.

Chapter Text

“Kaveh! You’re okay!” Nilou cried as she practically came running over, almost tripping over the rug in an effort to just pull the blonde into a hug as fast as he could. It made the man in question almost scramble back in a panic at the sheer energy being thrown in his face today, kind of proving his earlier point. He really wasn’t used to so many people anymore and it showed.

“Nilou, Layla, good to see you too-” he tried to greet in return, before practically getting suffocated in a hug by his dancer friend while Layla came wandering in much more slowly. It seemed the younger scholar had already spotted Nahida and was probably rather confused by a child of unknown origin seated right there on the divan to say anything. Nobody would be surprised if she was internally freaking out trying to figure it out right now.

“You had us all so worried, do you have any idea how much of a mess the Bazaar has become?” The ginger-haired girl practically cried, only hugging her friend tighter as he tried to choke out muffled protests that, yes, he was okay, and yes, he’d heard about the state of the city already. She completely ignored it, checking him over almost frantically instead. “It’s just been boring without you there every day, I’m so glad you’re feeling better! Does anything hurt? Have you been eating and drinking enough? Are you getting enough movement? Are you-”

“Nilou, I think you can let go of him now. You’re giving him a panic attack,” Alhaitham interjected rather quickly, trying to pull her off of Kaveh once it became clear that the blonde was getting rather distressed. It was really easy to tell too, with how his breathing was getting rather ragged and his hands were starting to tremble a little bit. Nilou just muttered a quick, panicky apology before sitting down on the only unoccupied divan to try and calm her own nerves. Layla joined her, immediately starting to fidget with her dress sleeves. She did smile tiredly though when Alhaitham moved around the back of the divans and pulled Kaveh into a small hug to help him ease up a bit. It was a good feeling of relief when he felt his roommate relax under his touch and lean back a little bit.

“I’m surprised you’re so… attentive? It’s… nice to see, sir Alhaitham…” she commented tiredly, stifling a yawn as the roommates in question both looked away in different directions with mildly flustered looks on their faces. He himself could only barely stop himself from rolling his eyes.

“I’m just making sure he’s not wasting away in his room anymore, we really don’t need that again after the past month and a half. Besides, I guess it’s comforting to have some energy and noise back in the house.”

If people shot him knowing looks, he pretended not to notice.

Not that he needed to comment on it anyways, as a rather excited Mehrak came floating back into the living room not even a moment later with several trays of snacks and drinks secured carefully in her grab function. Alhaitham sighed mentally, noting that he’d probably have to make a quick run down to the market later to restock the pantry.

Curses, socialisation.

It didn’t help that he already spotted Tighnari and Cyno coming up to the front door through the window too, the Valuka Shuna’s large ears standing out like a sore thumb. He let go of Kaveh with a soft apology and a promise to be back soon, and left the group alone for another moment to go open the door yet again.

Just in time too, because the scene before him of Cyno’s hand still raised and about to knock was priceless in his surprise.

“Well, that saves us some time. Good morning, Alhaitham.”

“Before you ask, we’re only missing Faruzan, the Traveler and Paimon now. Come in, we have snacks,” Alhaitham noted with a nod instead, stepping aside to let the pair into the house. Tighnari smiled brightly in thanks, his ears twitching a little bit though as he paused in the doorway while Cyno immediately made a beeline for the food. The Amurta scholar’s nose twitched as he looked around, the taller of the two men crossing his arms with a questioning look.

“I smell a lot of pollen in here, did you use your Vision at some point today?”

Alhaitham shook his head, sighing as he nodded back towards the proper crowd now. It seemed Cyno immediately ended up in a pretty heated standoff with Hat Guy over a plate of small sandwiches that had other people there laughing, Kaveh included.

“Would you believe me if I said it was Kaveh who did that? He doesn’t have his Vision back yet, but I found him using the element with a surprising amount of self-control when I brought him breakfast. He even managed to make a bloom core explode in the water bowl earlier.”

This seemed to get his friend’s attention, the large pair of ears twitching to stand upright as his tail started swishing with interest. Tighnari glanced over at Kaveh where he was sitting with a few pillows to support his back, looking him over rather closely, before his gaze flicked to the water bowl and then the overgrown plants in the windowsill. It seemed he spotted something of interest, because he moved to shut the front door quickly before leaning in to whisper to a now very intrigued Alhaitham.

“Do you see that? Kaveh’s hands are actually moving a bit without any obvious issues and he’s not shaking as hard when sitting up as he did when I came in for a checkup yesterday. Do you think…?”

Oh.

…Oh.

Alhaitham caught on frighteningly quickly, nodding as his eyes widened. Did that harmlessly simple incident really…?

“Don’t tell him. Wait for Madam Faruzan, the Traveler and Paimon to arrive, and we should catch him off guard. Telling him now might throw his emotional stability off whack. He already had a hard time after what I heard happened yesterday and this morning and I don’t intend on making it worse.”

Tighnari nodded, schooling his expression into something a bit more neutral.

“Got it.”

Lunch was at least bearable, according to Alhaitham.

Nevermind that Cyno and Hat Guy got into an actual fistfight over the last plate of fatayer, leading to Tighnari dragging them both outside by the ear for a scolding, or Kaveh and Nahida getting into a discussion about architecture styles so complex that at some point it just became gibberish to everyone not in the know. Even Layla managed to join in on the conversation, if only to add her own opinion to it when they started talking about skylights and how that could somehow help study constellations and astral movement? By then he’d already tuned it out in favour of a good book and some music to distract himself from just how many people were in the house today. Not to mention that they were still missing a few too.

The book was good, but he couldn’t help but notice how Kaveh kept shooting him glances from time to time. After about the fifth time, the scribe sighed, snapped his book shut, and moved over to sit next to Kaveh who seemed to perk up immediately at the action.

The architect had taken to letting Mehrak help him eat some falafel while he was engrossed in talking, making his toolbox offer some for Alhaitham to eat as well. A free snack couldn’t be passed up on, so that’s how they found themselves sitting next to each other and eating while the conversation volume in the living room died down a bit.

No one questioned it when Alhaitham’s arm found its way around Kaveh’s waist, and he preferred to keep it that way as he felt his face heat up just slightly.

It was around the time when the lunch foods were running out when that last knock on the front door was heard, and conversation died down almost instantly because of it. If he felt upset about having to let go of Kaveh, that was between him, Nahida, and probably Celestia. It took everything he had to not just stay there and hold on to Kaveh until whoever it was at the door would give up and leave, but that just wasn’t an option sadly. With a small apology towards Kaveh, he let go and begrudgingly got up to go and actually answer the door.

As expected, he was immediately met with Paimon’s gratingly loud voice and quickly turned up the noise cancelling.

“Ugh, finally! Paimon thought you were going to let us starve outside! Paimon could smell food and got hungry,” the small fairy immediately complained, going completely ignored as Alhaitham’s gaze fell back on a very tired-looking Faruzan and… the Traveler holding a teapot? What was that for?

“Traveler, Faruzan, come on in. You’re the last to arrive, so try not to get into a fistfight over the last bits of lunch. Tighnari already had his hands full enough today.” The rather pointed look over at Cyno and Hat Guy being forced to sit as far apart as they could was enough before he let the last few guests into the house. As expected, Paimon went straight for the leftover food and almost took the last candied ajilenakh nuts before Nahida grabbed them. Not that he paid much attention to them, turning back to the Traveler as Faruzan also passed him to go sit down.

“I’m sorry this was done on short notice, Collei apparently couldn’t keep it a secret and told Kaveh during their visit yesterday. He’s… not been taking it very well.”

She nodded in return, the smile on her face looking just a little bit more forced than usual as she glanced past him to get a good look at the man in question. Kaveh seemed to be genuinely delighted to see Faruzan, the two of them immediately having launched into a lengthy conversation about puzzles and robotics. He was smiling rather brightly too, despite the still noticeable bags under his eyes and the slight tremors running through his frame even as Mehrak did her best to help him stay sitting up. The Traveler seemed to see something specific of note, because she turned back to Alhaitham and held up the teapot with a sigh.

“Then I think bringing this will help. The wheelchair is stored in here, I just need to go grab it.”

Alhaitham raised a questioning eyebrow and she sighed even harder.

“It’s a Sereneteapot from Liyue that I got from a friend, it has a pocket dimension in it where I have my house.”

“Ah.”

He didn’t understand any of it.

“Let’s not waste anymore time then, now that everyone is here.”

Maybe it was for the best that he didn’t dwell on the specifics this time around. They were all here for Kaveh, so it was for a good reason. He let the Traveler pass him to come into the living room, and immediately cleared his throat in the doorway to grab everyone’s attention. Once the noise died down to an actually bearable level he turned off his noise cancelling and crossed his arms to look a bit more stern.

It was time.

“I don’t think I need to explain why we are all here today,” Alhaitham began slowly as he tried to figure out his next words. Giving speeches like this has never been his strong suit, much less leading a conversation. “It’s earlier than we planned, but since someone couldn’t keep the secret I suppose it can’t be helped now. No offence to Collei.”

He ignored Tighnari’s pretty tired sigh at the mentioned name and continued his speech. Kaveh must’ve noticed when his expression softened a little bit, because he spotted a soft pink tint on the blonde’s cheeks. No matter if his senior’s entire attention was on him now, he needed to stay focused. This was important. “The plan was to help Kaveh adjust at a pace comfortable for him so that we could surprise him with a reward for his efforts, but we can still reward him nonetheless. After all, he did win the Interdarshan Championship despite everything that came after it, and none of us ever got the chance to celebrate properly. So, why not make today all about him and his achievements?”

That pink tint turning into a bright red flush as Kaveh did his best to tear his eyes away was all he ever wanted to see, doing his absolute best to hide a self-satisfied smirk.

“So with that, I suppose we should reward him for his hard work and all the effort over the years before we get to celebrating properly.” He nodded over to the Traveler, who held up her teapot with a determined nod. “Traveler, if you would, please.”
The outlander disappeared into the pot for a moment, which should be a concern but he knew better than to question her at this point. They all did. Then, a minute or so later, she came back out and all but dumped the contents that she had grabbed onto the living room floor.

There was the soft sound of a barely choked back sob, and he could tell it came from Kaveh before even turning to see his reaction.

Kaveh looked like an emotional wreck, and that was an understatement. The tears barely had time to come up before they streamed down his face, his eyes wide and glassy with the sheer amount of emotions running across his expression like a whirlwind. If he didn’t know better, it almost looked like the blonde was spiralling into a panic attack. That couldn’t be further from the truth though.

He could see Kaveh’s eyes roam over every single detail of the wheelchair where it sat on the living room floor, a combined labour of love from all of his friends. It didn’t matter that he routinely had to steal Kaveh’s tinkering tools or that Faruzan had to manually draw up a blueprint with the little knowledge she had of it all because she wasn’t an artisan or a Kshahrewar graduate. It didn’t matter that the Traveler and Paimon went across several past regions to ask the right experts and collect the right materials so that this could work. It didn’t matter that Tighnari and Cyno did everything they could to help Kaveh adjust and get the exercise and company he needed.

It didn’t matter, because Kaveh was happy. Despite the tears and the sheer feeling of being overwhelmed, visible in every single way he acted down to the way he breathed, Kaveh was happy.

Everyone seemed to be holding their breaths, waiting for a reaction. The silence was a tense one, but Alhaitham knew better. He knew to just give it time, and Kaveh would react. He always did. That man couldn’t live with silence very well.

“Wh- how…?”

“A combined effort. Everyone contributed, even if it wasn’t with the actual thing itself.”

“...Thank you.”

Okay, maybe his actions after those two words were not entirely part of the plan.

For a moment, Alhaitham simply stood there, watching Kaveh with his tear-filled eyes and a happiness so raw it was infectious. And then, he wasted no time in crossing the living room, only pausing in front of Kaveh to make eye contact, and then promptly picked him up in his arms.

He couldn’t help it, hopelessly lost in Kaveh’s sheer happiness as he leaned in to slot their lips together. It felt like coming home.

No matter if the entire living room erupted into utter chaos around them, the Traveler rushing to cover Paimon’s eyes while Nahida laughed or Cyno and Tighnari shared knowing looks and matching smiles.

All he knew was that Kaveh was in his arms, and nothing else mattered anymore.

Chapter Text

After that… incident, thankfully the party actually went smoothly.

Kaveh and Cyno got into multiple TCG matches over snacks and cake that Nilou had brought from the Bazaar, and there was no doubt that the neighbours would be filing noise complaints soon with how loud everyone was screaming in joy when Kaveh actually managed to win a match. It was with his last character card down to its last health points, but still. Cyno sulked for an entire two hours after that, and Alhaitham stayed by his roommate’s side the entire time.

No one had to know that he had been the one to give Kaveh the winning strategy. That was between him and Celestia.

After that, it was mostly entertainment that kept the mood up. This included Hat Guy being forced into a dance by Nilou, and even Layla joining in with a very flustered expression when the red-haired dancer dragged her into a small circle dance. Nahida certainly seemed to enjoy it, pulling the Traveler and Paimon into a circle of their own as Kaveh gently instructed Faruzan how to play his old dutar. Even with a broken string, the music, laughter and chatter was something that even Alhaitham could enjoy despite not liking loud noise. Tighnari and him certainly seemed to enjoy just staying in the kitchen to chat between themselves quietly, something about books from the House of Daena and proper care methods for Kaveh now that he could move around properly again with some help.

All in all, the celebration between friends was a success.

As for the rest of Sumeru, however…

That is how neither of them could sleep very well that night, even in each other's arms after the party had ended and they ended up in Alhaitham’s room. Anxiety reared its head again now that the buzz of excitement was no longer there to keep it away.

The night air was just a little too chilly, even as the pair snuggled a little closer for warmth.

“...I will say it another two times if necessary, but… Thank you, Alhaitham…” Kaveh muttered softly after a moment, burying his head against the crook of the younger’s neck with a soft hum. Alhaitham just sighed, shaking his head a little bit as he carefully moved his free hand up to card it through blonde hair.

“Don’t mention it, senior. I’m just glad you can get back to work now and not stay in the house all day,” he commented with a small smile, gaze softening as Kaveh let out a small snort of amusement.

“Of course, even though I don’t really need to pay rent anymore now.”

Because that was one thing they hadn’t been able to address yet. Sachin’s inheritance and the Diadem of Knowledge.

The two things that started all this.

“So… Do you still want to move out then? Since you can now afford a place of your own.”

Kaveh was quiet for a moment, the only sound between them the distant rustling of leaves in the night breeze and the soft tune of their own breaths. He looked like he was thinking about something, and the distant look in his eyes told the scribe all he needed to know. This was not a question meant to incite dread or anxiety, but an earnest one.

Would they still be living together now that Kaveh could function on his own again after so many years?

It took a few minutes, but when the blonde answered, it was with a tone so soft and sad that it made Alhaitham’s chest clench in what he now recognised as worry and understanding.

“If you’ll have me… can I still stay here?” Kaveh asked so quietly, it was a miracle the Thousand Winds hadn’t carried the words away already. His senior was looking at him now, a look so forlorn in his eyes that Alhaitham didn’t have it in his heart to tell him no. He never had, no matter how many times they argued over the smallest things. So he just smiled, ruffling Kaveh’s hair gently as a show of acceptance that made the blonde grumble in discomfort at the disturbed mood between them.

“Of course, the door to our home is always open for you.”

Home.

A place inhabited by the people that you love. The people that you care about. Not an empty shell of a house, or any place in Sumeru or Teyvat for that matter.

Kaveh was his home, and always would be.

“Then I will stay here, if only to keep paying you rent,” Kaveh finally managed to choke out, burying his face against the soft skin of Alhaitham’s shoulder again as his next words came out a bit more muffled. “I’ll need to get the debt with Lord Sangemah Bay settled now that I can, but right now I just want to get to work again…”

Ah, that was a good start then. There was his old senior, always thinking about ways to make himself useful by shooting himself in the foot. This time Alhaitham would be there to bandage his wounds though, and every time after that. He would make sure of it.
“Let’s get you back in working order first then, hm? Can’t accept work and draft new blueprints if you don’t have any clients.”

“Hah, yeah… I still need to show my face to Sumeru again…”

Kaveh groaned softly at the words alone, the dread palpable as he let Alhaitham help move one of his arms a little to simulate him facepalming. Even like this, he was always so expressive. It was good to see him get his energy back, despite the issue of his still missing Vision.

Zahāk hasn’t shown its face in a while either… They needed to get that Vision back still, or they would still have a problem.

That could wait for tomorrow though.

“Let’s save that for tomorrow, habib. You can come with me on my way to the Akademiya in the morning if that helps.”

Kaveh raised an unimpressed eyebrow at the nickname, before moving to headbutt Alhaitham in the chest lightly with a small pout pulling at his cheeks. It was rather cute, even if that was not the intention. He would never tell his senior that.

“Fine, if only because I don’t want to strain Mehrak and can’t push the wheelchair myself just yet. And what’s with the pet names? Never thought my junior would be such a sap.”

The scribe couldn’t help it, poking the blonde’s forehead gently and smiling just a little wider when the man in question made a small, disgruntled noise at the motion. “Because that way you will stop arguing with me over everything. Besides, we’re seen as partners now anyway because we kissed.”

“You kissed me. The only reason I kissed back was because I didn’t expect it!”

“Keep telling yourself that, habib.”

“I can and I will, if it stops you from making me so flustered!”

Jackpot.

Alhaitham couldn’t help but smirk, leaning in to press a kiss to Kaveh’s cheeks right as said cheeks flared as bright red as a tomato. It did look cute on him. Did he enjoy the pet names, perhaps? “Don’t tell me you like it when I call you habib, senior.”

Kaveh, in turn, glared right back as his face flared an entirely new shade of dark red. If he looked closely enough, it wouldn’t surprise him if there was steam coming off of his skin too. Kaveh just made his heart feel all funny like that, it didn’t surprise him in the slightest if you were to ever ask him about it.

“I’m not going to answer that and you know it! Besides, you’re derailing the conversation!”

Alhaitham’s smirk only got wider, eyes gleaming with mischief. “You derailed it yourself by deciding to comment on my choice of words, senior. I had nothing to do with it.”

Kaveh could only sigh, rolling his eyes rather dramatically as he tried to cover the bright flush on his face by rolling over to turn his head away. He knew he didn’t push it too far though when he spotted the small smile on his senior’s face and couldn’t help but ruffle blonde hair again affectionately.

“Besides, if anyone has a problem with you they will have to get through me first. You’re staying with me and we are a couple now, if anything they should respect you more.”

The architect may not have noticed, but he absentmindedly swatted one of his free hands backwards to stop the touch to his head with a small huff. It made Alhaitham’s heart soar with glee, knowing that Kaveh was actually recovering and Tighnari’s earlier observation seemed to be right. What a day.

“I don’t think you noticed, but I haven’t talked to even my existing clients for almost two months now. They probably think I’m dead, or they see me as a liability for dropping all contact for so long. I’m lucky if I even get one contract tomorrow at all,” the blonde countered, sighing as he snuggled back against his senior’s chest. “But thank you for the vote of confidence, I guess.”

There was a soft chuckle, and another attempt to ruffle already messy hair being halted with a small swat of a hand. Neither of them commented on it.

“Not a single contract? Not even one from the Dendro Archon? I believe she would be delighted to have you work on a project for her, no matter how small.” After all, he had no doubt that Kaveh would be recognised for his talents. Anyone would, if they only had a shred of taste.

“Stop giving me false hope, you ape.”

“Really, we can go ask her tomorrow. Didn’t she say she would love to chat with you at the party?”

Kaveh’s voice was a bit more quiet at the question, almost hesitating. “...Yes.”

Alhaitham chuckled, leaning over to press a small kiss to the shell of Kaveh’s ear. The architect shuddered lightly at the contact, making his expression soften a bit. “Then there you have it. Even if no one else would give you work, you can always ask Nahida. I bet even Hat Guy would like to spend some more time with you if you just asked.”

There was a short pause between them, Kaveh probably trying to let the words sink in. That’s alright, he could wait.

“...Fine. But only as a last resort.”

“Good.”

Cyno and Faruzan weren’t kidding when they said that the Akademiya was a mess.

Everywhere he looked, it was all grumpy and tired students, staff and faculty almost tripping over their own workload, and exhausted matra barely managing to stay awake at their posts. The sight alone made Kaveh shudder in discomfort as Alhaitham helped him through the main halls, Mehrak beeping softly behind him where she was slotted into the back of the wheelchair. That was one thing he sincerely needed to thank his colleague for when he saw her again at some point, Faruzan probably having had to think long and hard about how to enable him to still take his trusty little toolbox with him.

When they finally managed to reach the main bridge towards the House of Daena, it seemed Alhaitham finally seemed to notice his discomfort as he carefully slowed the wheelchair to a halt. Not that it helped much, because the blonde was now very acutely aware that they were being stared at. He could feel their eyes on him, weighing him down and almost feeling like they were clawing at his skin. Just the thought alone made him shiver slightly.

They were staring at him. Were they wondering why he dared to show his face now? Were they angry that he was back? Were they upset that it took him this long? Were they-

“What’s wrong? We’re almost at my office, you can just tell me if something bothers you.”

Kaveh shook his head quickly, faintly aware that his grip on the armrests was getting rather tight as his breath hitched in his throat almost painfully. He couldn’t already be having a panic attack. Not so soon.

His voice was a hiss when he managed to respond, his eyes narrowed and tone quiet as he glanced back at the scribe with a conflicted expression. “They’re staring at me. It’s uncomfortable.”

Alhaitham, to his credit, looked very calm in return. Where they were standing in the middle of the grand halls, it was surprisingly quiet between them. The only sound echoing around was the sound of papers rustling and tired complaints and discussions from students, until his junior finally responded with an equally soft tone. He even made sure to glance around, sending rather nasty glares in the direction of anyone that might’ve been a threat.

A few younger students scampered off, which did help, but that was about it.

Then he turned back to Kaveh, and finally responded with a sigh.

“It’s just your imagination, senior. If anyone wants to talk to you I’ll make sure they come by my office first.”

The blonde seemed to agree with the idea, sighing rather dramatically as he leaned back against the headrest to get a good look at Alhaitham. Then he just closed his eyes, and huffed as if trying to shake off the nerves a little bit.

Not a moment too soon, either.

“Thought it might be you two, I could hear you two being lovey-dovey all the way from Razan Garden.”

It only took one glance of a comically large hat and several shades of blue for Kaveh to straighten up, forcing the brightest smile he could onto his face to the point where it made Alhaitham sigh and roll his eyes. They would have to work on that, but not now. That would be for another time.

“Hat Guy, good morning!” The blonde called just a little too cheerfully, but it didn’t seem to matter much. The Inazuman just sighed as he came wandering over, several stacks of books in hand to the point where it looked like he might actually topple over. When he reached the pair on the bridge, he just dropped the entire stack with a loud bang and zero disregard for the other people currently busy nearby as he leaned against one of the back handles of the wheelchair. It made Alhaitham’s frown deepen, but neither of them chose to comment on it as Hat Guy just sent the scribe a knowing smirk.

“Morning to you too, sunshine. What’s the occasion today?”

Alhaitham’s nose scrunched up instinctively at the sarcastic tone, eyes narrowing further. “We were just on the way to work. Isn’t it class hours for you at the moment?”

Hat Guy just groaned at the notion alone, leaning his face into his hand rather dramatically as he stuck out his tongue in disgust. It made Kaveh laugh a little bit, and Alhaitham noticed his roommate’s shoulders loosen up slightly. That’s good, it seemed conversation was needed to ease tension then.

“Oh I’m aware, can’t stop me from hating it. The only reason I’m here right now is because Buer insisted I write a paper by the end of the week about the Interdarshan Championship. Might as well ask you two, since you were involved in the most recent one,” the younger man immediately complained, glancing around and glaring rather harshly at anyone that might try to approach the three of them.

Seems like Kaveh had a second guard dog then. Good.

“So you’re wasting our work hours by complaining about school? Shame on you, Hat Guy, you should honestly get back to work or at least treat those books better,” the blonde in question added rather gently, smiling when Hat Guy grumbled something under his breath and moved to pick up the books he dropped.

Alhaitham, meanwhile, could only sigh as his grip on the wheelchair handles tightened a bit. He knew he was getting rather protective of Kaveh lately, but this was getting ridiculous. Hat Guy was someone who shouldn’t be a threat anymore, and yesterday they actually had a calm and interesting conversation. His clenched fist had nothing to do with Hat Guy. It was the growing restlessness gnawing at him- Kaveh shouldn’t be this exposed right now. How long was Hat Guy going to occupy their time for anymore anyways?

He sighed, reaching up to rub his temples a little bit in frustration. This was going to take too long, and he still had to clock in for today too. Better make use of the situation as it was presented, or they would be here all day and he would get in trouble.

“While you’re at it then, Hat Guy, you can send a message if you’re on the way to bring those books back anyways. You can tell Nahida that Kaveh and I will be at my office during today’s work hours, and Kaveh’s potential clients will also be able to find him there. Just post it to the message boards, it shouldn’t take long.”

The Inazuman didn’t seem to mind much at least, raising an eyebrow in amusement as he used his control over anemo to float some books back to their proper spots in the shelves. If he ever got in trouble for that, it was not Alhaitham’s problem. “So I’m the errand boy for your office now too? Only Buer gets to order me around, you know.”

There was a small pause between them, only cut through by Kaveh chuckling slightly into his hand as it seemed he was actually relaxing a bit. Alhaitham’s expression softened at the sight, but only minutely. Any longer than this and it would probably start to impact his work. He hated overtime.

“If you do it right now I will cover for your class absences for the next week.”

Not even a moment of hesitation.

“Deal.”

And with that Hat Guy was off, gone in a gust of wind as the last few books and papers settled back into the shelves all on their own. The only sound in the young scholar’s wake was the soft murmurs and gossipping of fellow students as they did their best to keep their opinions and comments on the scene quiet. It was starting to get later now after all, so it would only be getting more busy. The sounds of chatter and work were starting to amp up, and Alhaitham really didn’t want to deal with it right now. They had to get to his office, and soon.

“I still owe him a favour too, now that I think about it. Do you think he does it on purpose?” Kaveh cut through his thought process, looking back over his shoulder with a smile so awkward it reminded the scribe he was here. Right, get Kaveh somewhere more quiet. With that they started moving again, Mehrak beeping happily as the wheelchair started rolling once again. They would just have to go into the House of Daena and up the lift, then they just had to find the office. Easy enough.

He just rolled his eyes at the question, sighing as the grand double doors to the library opened for them and they were met with hushed conversation, the strong smell of aged paper and parchment and the faint whiff of too many students having too much coffee at their work stations. “Knowing him, probably. Not that it matters, as it gives me less work to do anyways.”

It didn’t matter that several dozen eyes fell on them as they crossed the bridge to the lift, the soft rattling of the wheelchair the only louder sound echoing around the circular walls of the library. It didn’t matter, because Kaveh was within an arm’s reach and looking at ease right now. Just another few minutes, and they could both enjoy some blissful silence for a while.

Hopefully.

…

Well shit, he spoke too soon.

“This is not what I paid for, and you know it!”

The only reason the insults weren’t as harsh and biting was because this was the scribe’s office. Anywhere else, and Kaveh would probably already be halfway to Lambad’s.

Right now though… Kaveh just hung his head low where he sat, his bangs hiding his eyes in a way that made Alhaitham’s heart clench in silent sympathy. The blonde said nothing, even as the fourth old client from before the championship annulled the contract simply because Kaveh hadn’t made his whereabouts known since then. It hadn’t even been his fault either, and now he was just being used as a punching bag. He didn’t deserve it.

Once the door slammed shut so loudly it almost sounded like it got broken off its hinges, only then did Kaveh finally react.

It only took one soft sniffle, and Alhaitham pulled him out of the wheelchair as gently as he could and into his lap instead. When the dam burst, it was only met with soft shushing and gentle touches. Thankfully that should have been the last old client, but even then there was no way of predicting what else might happen today.

And it had only been an hour since he’d clocked in, too.

Work was willingly pushed aside in favour of holding Kaveh close as he continued to cry, rambling and mumbling about how it wasn’t fair and that it wasn’t his fault. It really wasn’t, and every time Alhaitham heard the word ‘failure’ being thrown around he held the blonde just a little bit closer. He saw the haze taking over carmine eyes, the faraway look in eyes that deserved to be clear and sharp. Not even Kaveh gently hitting his chest to try and let off some steam as he sobbed hurt as much as the realisation.

This is what Zahāk had meant. Why Kaveh’s Vision had been taken from him. This is what Kaveh needed an escape from.

All he could do was help him through it for now, but it made a lot more sense now in hindsight. Why Kaveh would almost always go to the tavern after work, and would come home drunk rather often. These kinds of clients; the unreasonable ones, the ones with a quick temper, and the willfully ignorant ones. Exactly the kinds of people that had no business being around Kaveh at all. This was why Kaveh was drawn into that dreamworld so easily.

It was why all he could do was to hold Kaveh close, gently running a hand through soft blonde hair as he guided a tearstained face to rest against his shoulder as the discomfort of the hits died down and Kaveh seemed to still for now. The hazy look in his eyes took a few minutes to recede, but it was all the confirmation the scribe needed that his methods were working. Only when those carmine eyes cleared up enough to make eye contact with him did he release a breath he didn’t realise he’d been holding.

“...Are you okay?” Alhaitham finally asked softly, smiling when Kaveh could only nod in response.

“...Been better…” the blonde croaked in response, his gaze lowering as he nuzzled his face against Alhaitham’s chest. It got him a soft chuckle in response.

“That’s okay, as long as you’re back in the waking world. The worst of it should be over for now.” The scribe hummed softly as he continued his soothing motions, gingerly dragging his hand through Kaveh’s hair as the last of the hiccups and stutters died down to small hiccups. The architect was doing his absolute best, the quiet between them was very much needed and appreciated. He sent a quick mental prayer to Nahida as thanks, not expecting a response. She was probably too busy to come see them today anyways.

He got proven wrong not even a second later when there was a soft knock at the door, shattering the serenity between them as that accursed piece of wood slowly creaked open to reveal the small form of their Archon peeking in.

“Am I interrupting something? Excuse me for coming in unannounced,” she called gently, smiling a little brighter when the scribe offered her a shake of his head. “After all, there are some people here that would like to talk to Master Kaveh.”

Kaveh seemed to flinch a little bit at the mention of his name, but it was quickly soothed with a careful hand rubbing circles against his back at a leisurely pace. “Let them in, I think I can manage. Thank you, Nahida,” the blonde offered once his breathing was more steady, though his voice still shook rather heavily with anxiety. Nahida just nodded before disappearing behind the door for a moment as conversation seemed to be picking up in the hallway. Whoever it was, they sounded rather apologetic with how loud they were getting. It was… a bit strange.

A moment later, the door opened once again, wider this time with Nahida taking the lead.

Behind her, the Traveler and Paimon looked rather sheepish as they were quickly followed by what looked like a Mondstadt bard, a rather imposing-looking older man in Liyuean attire, and… was that the Shogun of Inazuma?!

Kusanali end him, he could already feel himself passing away right there.

Was the Traveler casually bringing gods over?!

“Kaveh, focus. Stay with us now-” he could faintly hear Alhaitham murmur to him, the feeling of someone tapping his cheek dragging his world back into focus far too slowly. “They’re only here for business, you passing out from shock doesn’t make you look any better.”

“Then why in the Abyss are there four Archons in your office right now?!” Kaveh sputtered as he frantically gestured towards the doorway, where the bard was already pulling out a bottle of dandelion wine. Okay- maybe he could forgive them just this once…

“Well, if they specifically came to see you then I assume they are here to employ your talents. You did make quite the name for yourself, senior. It would not be fair to let the opportunity go to waste, no?”

Alhaitham was quickly shut up with a light smack to the head.

“Alright, fine! But only because there’s wine involved!”

That meeting went… surprisingly well, actually.

As well as casually meeting four of the Seven and discussing construction and architecture with them over a bottle of wine could go, anyway.

Apparently the Traveler and Paimon couldn’t keep the news to themselves and ran their mouths, and somehow this lead to the respective archons of every nation they visited so far showing interest in reconstruction projects. How even someone who was supposed to be dead factored into this, not even Kaveh was going to question it. It’s how he ended up tipsy and ranting about work ethics to the Anemo Archon, whose name he learned was Venti, agreeing to oversee projects for each nation one by one. Who knows how much mora he would be getting for a contract of this scale, but now he was nervous just thinking about it.

The Archons themselves, commissioning him. A simple human. It made his stomach twist in both anxiety and absolute giddiness at the thought alone as he waved the three visitors off, Venti calling after him that they should go out to drink properly sometime before they closed the door.

By then, it was only him, Alhaitham, Nahida, and the Traveler and Paimon left.

Seems like the main reason for the visit was next, then.

“Well, first of all… Paimon completely forgot to give you something we found at the party yesterday,” Paimon started once the silence stretched on a little too long, fidgeting a bit as she avoided eye contact where he floated. The Traveler was doing no better, sheepishly digging through her pockets as if actively looking for something. It made Kaveh pause where he was once again leaning back in his wheelchair, having been put back there to look more professional during the meeting. He’d have to do a ton more paperwork now, but it should be fine anyways.

“Oh yeah, Alhaitham mentioned that before. What did you want to show me?”

What he didn’t expect was to have an envelope gently be placed in front of him, an unfamiliar seal holding it closed. It looked visibly aged, a stark contrast to the blueprint paper and documents that kind of piled up over the past two hours or so.

He looked up in confusion at the pair, the tipsiness from the alcohol leaving his system gradually now that he had something to focus on. It was the Traveler who responded first, sighing rather deeply as she gestured towards the unopened letter. Or was it resealed? No way to know that now.

“During the Championship, we… did some digging into the history of the Diadem of Knowledge. This is the last thing we found, and it was meant for you.”

For him?

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to open it, then? This looks really old, and I don’t think I have anything to do with whatever it is you uncovered?”

She shook her head pretty firmly. “Check the back.”

Kaveh blinked in surprise at the tone, but complied as he carefully cradled the aged paper and ran a finger over the wax seal. It seemed to be rather new when compared to the paper itself, but that wasn’t a problem, not when his eyes widened in shock as he quickly recognised the handwriting neatly pressed into the back of the envelope. After all, even if his memory of that time was foggy, he would always recognise his own name written in that particular scrawl.

“My… father’s handwriting. Where did you find this…?”

It was surprising that he wasn’t ripping the old paper with how much his hands were shaking.

“We… had some help in our investigation. An old mercenary took it back then, and his son kept it. It only took us some convincing to take it off of him,” the Traveler explained softly. “You should have it. It was meant to reach you years earlier, but life got in the way it seems.”

Why was he hesitating to open that simple wax seal then? Why was he hesitating to read his father’s last words to him after so many years?

Some deep, dark thing lurking in the corner of his mind knew why. It knew, and he knew as well, even if he refused to admit it. The nightmares told him everything.

…Was he terrified of seeing the words he told himself for so many years written out on paper? Or was it the idea that his perception of himself was real? That his father really did blame him for his death?

The faint image of blurred, golden bars of a birdcage flashed behind his eyes, and he had to force himself to squeeze them closed. He couldn’t breathe, the rough feeling of sand pouring into his mouth and nose stealing his breath away too much to handle as he saw a single hand slowly disappearing in the abyss-

The gentle touch of a hand on his shoulder dragged him back to reality almost violently as his eyes snapped back open with a pained gasp. They met Alhaitham’s eyes with such a ferocity it made the scribe blink in shock as he pulled his hand back.

“You don’t have to read it now if you don’t want to, Kaveh,” his junior offered instead, tone hesitant as even his eyes softened in worry.

…He was being pathetic again, wasn’t he?

“No, I… I feel like I have to, if that makes sense?” Kaveh could only meekly respond, glazing back at the letter in hand. This was too sacred for him, as if being offered a secret of the universe on a silver platter.

…What did this secret to the universe have to offer though…?

Only one way to find out.

“Here goes nothing, then…”

…

“Well, it’s good to finally see you in person, my dear Yasnapati. It has been many years since someone offered me a gift in return.”

“Dear pari, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Nothing, nothing, my dear blonde human. You just reminded me of an old friend, many millenia ago. You have that same look in your eyes as he did back then, it suits you rather well.”

“Dear pari, what do you mean?”

“You have that shine about you, that of a human who has discovered their purpose in life and finds meaning in it. Am I wrong?”

“Not at all, dear pari. In fact, would you believe that I received the blessing of the gods?”

“I would not doubt it, blonde human. The gods see potential in you, I see it was not fair of me to take that potential from you.”

“So… you took my Vision?”

“For your safety, my Yasnapati. Besides, I do have a name.”

“Ah, right. I’m sorry, Zahak.”

“Don’t mention it, Kaveh.”

“Then… Will you stay with me for a bit?”

“Of course. I will stay with you until my form withers away with time.”

“...Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. You’ve earned it.”

Chapter Text

When the door to Lambad’s opened, cheers and greetings swelled from within. Even if the people coming in were a bit slower than usual, it seemed the mood had become drastically more positive anyways. Not that the visitors minded much, carefully manoeuvring past packed tables and taken chairs, past the main bar counter, and to somewhere a bit more tucked away in the back. As the pair passed the bar though, one held up a hand to call for the tavern owner with a bright smile on their face.

“Master Lambad, the usual order please!”

The tavern owner only needed to nod, smile widening as he set aside the glass he had been polishing in favour of getting to work. The pair paid it no mind, moving over to a table that already had two open spots left open just for them. Or rather…

An open spot on one of the benches and an open spot for a missing chair.

“Kaveh, Alhaitham, you made it! And here we were, wondering if there was a delay at Port Oromos or something.”

Kaveh responded first, expression rather haggard but smile bright as he let Alhaitham move his wheelchair into the open spot. The scribe did so without hesitation, chuckling and leaving a small peck on his companion’s cheek before he moved to sit down in the free spot on the bench. “Oh believe me, we almost did! Would you believe that ships from Inazuma are for some reason horribly underprepared for stormy weather? Mehrak almost got short-circuited because she got knocked overboard once and Alhaitham had to dive in to save her.”

Cyno, who had already been helping himself to some finger food where he sat next to Alhaitham, sighed in between bites of food and shifting through a deck of cards. “And here we were, not having seen either of you in months. I’m surprised you made it back in one piece, I was shore those boats were all sail and no anchor.”

There was immediately a chorus of groans, followed by bright laughter from Kaveh that he at least had the decency to hide behind his hand.

“Then again, we have been gone for quite a while. How have you all been?”

Tighnari made no effort in hiding his exhausted groan, kicking Cyno in the shin as he leaned back with a glass of wine and draped himself over the back of the bench at the question. “Honestly? Ranger patrols have been getting busier and busier lately because more people have been leaving the city to go sightseeing or camping or whatnot. Now that Kshahrewar finally has some proper funding, we catch underprepared students around Gandharva Ville all the time. Now I don’t know what’s more exhausting between Cyno’s jokes and those students.”

Cyno nodded in return, passing the couple a plate of falafel and dip sauce that they gladly helped themselves to. “And on my end, the workload has actually been getting lighter. The matra are finally getting back into top shape, and I recently used a few vacation days to pay Candace and Dehya a visit in Aaru Village. They wanted to be here to welcome you back, but unfortunately work called. They do send their regards though.”

Alhaitham sighed as he moved aside a bit so that Lambad could set out their food and drinks, before shuffling back into his spot to take a sip of wine. “I, for one, am just glad to be back in Sumeru after so long. Work may be a hassle, but these past few months were something else.”

Kaveh rolled his eyes in amusement, chuckling as he took a sip of his own wine with one hand while accepting a deck of cards from Cyno to shuffle through. “Coming from the man who dragged me into a kiss in front of an entire audience during Lantern Rite, that’s rich. And don’t even let me mention that time you almost got blackmailed into being employed by Yae Publishing House-”

The blonde jumped in surprise when he got a hand clamped over his mouth, before dropping his expression into an unimpressed deadpan stare. Alhaitham, meanwhile, looked rather sheepish judging by the red blush dusting his cheeks. It matched his new scarf very well, actually. Cyno certainly seemed to think so, now that he glanced over at the man over a glass of wine while he was busy rolling his dice, humming in appreciation at the new garments on both of them.

“I see you two changed your get-ups a bit since we last saw you. Any reason?”

After all, it was rather obvious now that Alhaitham seemed to be wearing Kaveh’s old cape as a scarf and had that familiar teal feather tucked into a nook in his headphones aside from his familiarly old outfit. Yes, both of their hairstyles looked a bit different, Alhaitham’s hair being slightly longer and having small braids in it and Kaveh’s hair having been tied into a neatly braided bun, but that was to be expected after such a long absence. Kaveh meanwhile had taken to wearing more loose clothing, a gorgeous red kaftan over a white blouse with golden embroidery. His legs were covered up with a rather plain-looking but well used blanket that somehow still looked warm and soft. It seemed a lot had happened while those two were away then.

Kaveh just sighed as he shoved Alhaitham’s hand away from his mouth in favour of taking a good long sip of his wine. “Haravatat decided it was fun to steal my accessories while we were abroad for those work contracts I sent you guys those letters about. I had to scour several exotic markets to even find anything resembling Sumeru fashion of high enough quality to replace my old clothes.”

Alhaitham just rubbed his temples in annoyance, nodding as the stares of their conversation partners shifted to him. “You spent a lot of money on that, you know. And that’s not even counting you getting drunk at the tavern with the Anemo Archon on our first day in Mondstadt, almost getting in trouble with the Millelith because apparently you didn’t have a license for Mehrak, or almost getting scammed out of half of our travel fund at Ritou- if it hadn’t been for that Thoma fellow.”

“And yet you still refuse to give me back my earrings. Those cost me a lot back then too, you know,” Kaveh immediately countered with a nicely pointed jab against his partner’s side.

“Sounds like a lot happened then. How did the projects go?” Tighnari piped up where he was relaxing in his seat with a roasted mushroom platter, shifting through a few cards of his own. “Since that’s what you two travelled so long for.”

Kaveh hummed happily over the rim of his wine goblet, his bright smile turning just a little flustered as he awkwardly scratched the back of his head. He could join in on the card game, but that could wait for when they all would inevitably get more drunk. “Mondstadt gave me the request to renovate the Knights of Favonius barracks. Then, Liyue asked for my help in reconstructing the docks and some parts of the Jade Chamber. And Inazuma was an entire mess I don’t want to get into detail on. Let’s just say… We somehow ended up serving in peace talks between Watatsumi and Narukami forces while both sides asked me to help with reconstructions from the civil war.”

Alhaitham, in the meantime, just sighed and adjusted his noise cancelling as the conversation volume in the tavern rose around them. “You say that, and yet I was the one who did most of the translating. With the Traveler’s track record, it’s only a matter of time before you start getting commissions from Fontaine or maybe even Natlan.”

“About that,” Cyno cut in as he and Tighnari moved to lay out their card game setups now that both of them had their dice rolled. The desert dweller played a weapon card and attacked, then ended his turn for now. “I heard from Collei that she, the Traveler and Paimon and some Mondstadt friends got lost in some bottle domain in the desert recently. Apparently, the boss of that place knows you? She wanted to extend an invitation for you in case you ever want to help out with remodelling again.”

“Idiya! I’m surprised she remembers me at all,”Kaveh piped up as he started fidgeting now that he’d finished a good portion of his wine and meal. “I got lost and ended up in that domain sometime during the period when I was supposed to be doing that project in the desert. When I came back, suddenly the entire Akademiya was turned on its head and this monkeybrain-” he vaguely gestured over at Alhaitham who just looked away in embarrassment, “-got appointed as Acting Grand Sage. We should all pay her a visit sometime, maybe as a nice summer group vacation.”

“As long as it’s not close to Voroukasha!”

Cyno and Tighnari were both startled out of their match at the new voice, while Kaveh and Alhaitham both just laughed and rolled their eyes. A familiar brown pari neatly settled in the blonde’s lap, cheeks puffed up in frustration as it tried to sneak some of his food off the table.

“Yes, yes, we’ll steer clear of it just for you, Zahak. Celestia forbid we get in trouble with a god or another,” the architect mused with an amused chuckle, holding the little fairy close with a fond smile on his face. It settled down rather quickly after that, instead trying to nab some of Alhaitham’s food.

“I’m still surprised Nahida let you keep that one, even though it literally tried to kill you.” Tighnari looked rather conflicted, but that was to be expected. After all, even now Kaveh still hadn’t fully recovered. The lacking fine motor skills in his hands were rather telling, like how he still had trouble holding a fork properly. Aside from that though, it seemed things were improving steadily. Not that Kaveh seemed to mind his condition much, sighing as he patted the pari on the head affectionately.

“It’s alright, we made peace over it already. Zahak was just trying to look out for me, and I’m its Yasnapati now. I’m stuck with it whether I like it or not. Besides, Nahida promised to seal away the Diadem to make sure nothing like that can happen again. Sachin will no longer reach people and the curse ends with me.”

A comfortable silence fell over their little table, only interrupted by Cyno and Tighnari’s TCG match. The soft clattering of dice on the wooden table created a nice contrast to the loud chatter of the other tavern patrons and the strong smell of fresh food being cooked and served. Though it did feel like something was missing…

“I’m surprised there’s a lack of music today. Did the usual people not make it?” Kaveh asked in between bites of food while he also snuck a few bites to Zahak. Tighnari glanced over at his friend where he turned one of his character cards around to signal they’d fallen, then nodded as his ears twitched a bit in interest.

“The main people had to cancel today because of a family emergency. Don’t tell me you’re thinking of playing something?” Tighnari offered, smiling rather mischievously.

The flustered tinge of pink suddenly dusting Kaveh’s face was rather telling as he immediately choked on his drink and ended up sputtering trying to catch his breath. Alhaitham had to pat him on the back to help him through it, and not even Cyno could resist a small smirk. “You don’t have to, it would just be nice you know?”

When the blonde sent his desert dweller friend an incredulous look, the man in question just shrugged. “Think of it as a welcome home, Kaveh. It’s your first time home in months, people would love to hear you play.”

“B-but I haven’t practised in so long! It would just sound bad and ruin the mood!”

Alhaitham finally cut in, quirking an amused eyebrow as he crossed his arms to look more smug than he already was. It just made Kaveh’s blush darken. “Really? You haven’t even told them about that duet you played with Venti at Angel’s Share that you got several gifts and love letters for, and now you’re suddenly being humble? Shame on you, Kshahrewar.”

Kaveh’s face burned a few shades darker, and he quickly hid his face in his hands to try and hide it. There was a soft whine of embarrassment coming from him that drew a few looks from the people around them, but it was quickly waved off thankfully.

“Yeah, I don’t think either of us have ever heard you play. The only reason we learned about it was because Hat Guy found your dutar in those boxes back then. Would playing a tune for us really be that bad?” Cyno added in, smirking a little as he set some dice aside and Tighnari flipped over his second character card. It just made Kaveh’s state worse though, to the point where even Alhaitham couldn’t help it.

“Come on, habib. It might be good practice for your hands after drawing and writing for so many months.”

Kaveh’s face flared as red as a tomato, and he dramatically threw his hands up in surrender with a goran loud enough to quiet the chatter of the tavern. Everyone’s attention was on them now, and the blonde seemed to realise that very quickly. He shrunk into himself with an embarrassed whine, staring down at his half-eaten plate of food.

“Alhaitham, don’t call me that in public! Besides… I don’t even have the dutar with me and I wouldn’t even know what to play-”

“Then don’t think about it. Just ask Master Lambad if you can borrow one of the band instruments.”

“Alright, fine! Only if it makes people stop staring at me already!”

With that, he carefully grabbed the pari that was still sitting in his lap, it letting out a confused chirp at the motion, before setting it down on the table to focus on backing up his wheelchair a little bit. Nevermind that Mehrak was still settled against his back, set in standby mode, and that Zahak immediately dove for the nearest plate of food as he carefully moved his wheelchair back towards the main bar. People seemed to notice his destination, as there were soft murmured apologies and the occasional shuffling of chairs being moved out of his way before he finally reached the counter again with a defeated sigh. Lambda only greeted him with a smile, setting down a few more glasses of wine.

“Another order, Kaveh? Or is this about something else?”

Kaveh could only groan, hiding his face in one hand while his other took to fidgeting with the blanket around his legs. Usually that would help, but today it somehow only made him even more antsy. Better get it over with though.

“Mind if I borrow one of the dutars from the band today? I promise I will pay for the use.”

“Of course, of course, don’t worry about payment! Having my most favourite customer back in the city is payment enough!”

Kaveh eyed the man suspiciously for a moment, before sighing and nodding in agreement. “Fine, but I will still compensate for any possible damages.”

Lambad didn’t seem to mind at all at least, looking more than happy as he left his post behind the bar to grab the instrument in question. There was still a lot of noise in the tavern, but once the old instrument was pressed into Kaveh’s hands and he was helped to turn to his audience, a hush fell over the building. All eyes were on him now, watching the blonde intently as he took a deep breath and shakily raised his hands into the right position to start playing the first tune he could think of.

As the first riff of gently strummed strings echoed against the walls, the movement shaky and out of practice, the door opened for another three people coming in to say hello. A blonde traveller, her silver companion, and a child accompanied by faint chimes and birdsong stood in the doorway, frozen for a moment at the familiar tune.

After all… it was a melody reminiscent of a time gone by. A time, so long ago, only held together by the withering branches of time and memory.

Branches, much like the gentle embrace of a parent.

…

My dearest son Kaveh,

I wanted to start this letter off by saying I’m sorry. Sorry for not being there when you needed it, and sorry for not being a better father to you. I really wasn’t a good parent, was I? You were always so happy to be around me and to learn from me and your mother, and yet I barely had time for you because of my responsibilities.

Which makes me think… How old will you be when you receive this letter? What friends will you have met? What bonds have you made? And, most of all… what kind of person did you grow up to be?

Did your mother treat you well? Or has the Akademiya gotten to you a bit too much too? You have always been such a kind, sweet boy, are you still like that? The neighbouring aunties always loved to gush about how cute and polite you were when you were younger. It takes me back to when you were just born, they were practically all over your mother and I trying to be helpful when raising you.

Faranak… I’m aware that she wasn’t doing very well after the Championship, and I’m aware that I was a terrible husband and father for making you look after her. Is she happier now? Now that I am no longer here, has she been able to move on? I do wish her all the best, but… I just wish I could’ve been able to hold you and your mother for just another moment. I know my time is limited now, but I just wanted to tell you…

I’m sorry.

You should never blame yourself, not for what others do to you, nor for how your actions affect those around you. It’s not your fault, it never has been, and it never will be.

This world is cruel, yes, but… you are not. You are the light of our lives, and the kindest soul we could have ever had the pleasure of bringing into this world.

I love you, Kaveh. As a father to his son, you were the best thing that ever happened to our little family. Never forget that, no matter how bleak things might get.

…

Do you remember that night we went stargazing together? When there was a meteor shower and you begged me to come along because you wanted to see what I did for work?

You pointed out a few stars, and I named the constellation for you.

Paradisaea. The bird of paradise.

Do you still look up at the stars sometimes and trace the pattern?

Whenever you do, think of it as me watching over you.

You are my most beloved son, Kaveh. Never forget that, no matter how many years may pass, or how many people in your life may come and go.

I will watch over you and smile, because you are the light of our lives.

Truly, the Light of Sumeru.

the kindest regards,

Your father.