Genshin Impact: A Fool

On a fine day at House of the Hearth, Lyney and Freminet were sparing as their respective weapon clashed. Lyney skillfully shot his arrows as Freminet ducked and delivered a severe blow with his catalyst, forcing the former to leap backwards.

At the side, Lynette was observing the battle, absorbing any aspect in which the spar could be used for her own gain. The other children energetically fought each of their own as the training yard got more and more livelier.

This morning, Alrecchino was said to have left early for a mission; thus, like 90% of the time, the Director was not here.

There was an anomaly in this harmony, however.

There stood Heins, a well-known Fool of the Hearth, blankly swinging his sword lethargically. He seems to be in deep thought, though the residents knew otherwise. Fool was just living in his own world.

As for Fool himself, he was still thinking about last night. The night his Mistress kissed him. It was also the time that he watched as his mistress disappeared into the night while leaving a pendant on the floor.

Heins knew immediately what the pendant was.

It's a Delusion.

Still, despite his inner turmoil, his lackluster performance was still there, swinging his wooden sword around like a fool. No one would've ever thought that the local Fool was the one their Director had chosen. Wasn't that more unlikely than Celestia herself appearing, hm?

As Heins mechanically swung his wooden sword through the air, his mind remained far away, lost in the memory of Arlecchino's searing kiss and the revelation of the Delusion she had left behind.

The clang of metal on metal and the shouts of his fellow trainees faded into the background as he pondered the weighty implications of her actions.

He knew all too well the power that the Delusions held, the way they could twist and warp the minds of those who wielded them. Only Her Majesty the Tsaritsa has the authority to bestowed this upon him.

Heins shuddered to think of what the Tsaritsa might have in store for him, what trials and tribulations she would subject him to.

As he continued to go through the motions of the training exercise, Heins couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled like a stone in the pit of his stomach.

He was the chosen one, the Fool that Arlecchino had singled out for greatness, but at what cost? Would he be able to bear the burden of her expectations, to rise above the limitations of his station and become the weapon she envisioned him as?

Heins's sword arm faltered, his grip loosening as a shudder rippled through his frame. He stumbled, nearly losing his footing, and only by sheer force of habit did he manage to regain his balance and continue the listless assault.

Around him, the other children continued to clash and spar, their laughter and shouts of encouragement a jarring contrast to his inner turmoil.

Lynette, ever the observant one, noticed Heins's distraction and frowned slightly. She stepped closer, her violet eyes narrowing as she studied his face, seeing the faraway look and the way his sword arm shook with barely concealed emotion.

She opened her mouth as if to speak, to offer some word of comfort or guidance, but in the end, she simply shook her head and turned away, leaving Heins to his thoughts and the weight of the secret he carried alone.

As night fell, the orphans found themselves exhausted from their daily schedule and plopped themselves to the bed.

In a small clearing surrounded by bushes, stood Heins. His crimson eyes, as always, are cold as he clutched the Delusion in his hand. Its signia showed the bright colour of green.

It's an Anemo Delusion.

As he stood, the moonlight casted an eerie glow through the gnarled branches above.

He stared down at the Anemo Delusion clutched tightly in his trembling fist, its emerald green sigil pulsing with an otherworldly light.

A grim smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he contemplated the cruel twist of fate that had led to this moment.

The contrast between the gentle, airy nature of Anemo and his own dark, stormy essence could not have been more stark. It was a perverse jest, a twisted joke played upon him by the very goddess who sought to use him as a pawn in her grand designs.

And yet, even as revulsion and unease roiled within him, Heins could not deny the thrill of anticipation that raced down his spine at the thought of unleashing such power.

Heins took a deep, shuddering breath, steeling himself for what he knew must come next.

With a low, guttural growl, he slammed his eyes shut, his fingers tightening around the Delusion until the emerald sigil blazed like a brand against his palm.

"I will not falter, no matter the whats."

Then, in a burst of elements, Heins exploded in a cacophony of Anemo and Electro. It was a crazy thing to do, one that could result in an immediate self-implode should one thread the path with carelessness.

Even now, Heins could feel the sheer strain of using the Anemo delusion. His control over it was so severely insufficient that he subconsciously activated his Electro vision.

It was a disaster. In a moment, Heins quickly deactivated it. A Delusion is very harmful, for it utilized a Delusion of its user, a belief that does not believe. A delusion rather than a real one, the Vision.

One could easily be sweep away by it should they are incapable of controlling this surreal power.

But once they could... Heins's face turned cold as he panted in exhaustion.

"I'm one step closer."

And thus, as he alone thread the path of transcendence in this unassuming clearing, Heins stood up once again and activate the Anemo Delusion once more.

Heins stood tall and resolute amidst the swirling vortex of Anemo and Electro, his crimson eyes blazing with a manic intensity as he fought to maintain control over the dueling elements raging within him.

The air crackled and popping with the electric charge of Electro, while the wind whipped and howled with the wild fury of Anemo.

It was a terrifying spectacle to behold, a dance of destruction and chaos as the two incompatible forces clashed and merged in Heins's grip.

Heins gritted his teeth, a bead of sweat trickling down his ashen face as he poured every ounce of his willpower into the task of mastering his newfound abilities.

It was a battle against his own nature, against the very fabric of his being, and he knew that to succumb would mean to be consumed utterly by the two elements that tore at his core.

But Heins did not falter. He could not afford to, not with Arlecchino's expectations weighing upon his shoulders like a millstone.

He was her chosen one, her Fool, and she expected nothing less than perfection from him. Heins would not let her down, could not let her down, for to fail would be to invite her sadness and the disappointment of her beautiful face.

As the storm around him intensified, Heins took a staggering step forward, his voice rising above the cacophony of the clashing elements.

"I will not falter!" he roared, his crimson eyes blazing like the very embers of hell.

"I will master this power, make it my own, and use it to be the weapon that my Mistress requires. The Tsaritsa has shown me the path to greatness, and I will walk it, no matter the cost!"

Heins's body shuddered as he took another step, his form now wreathed in a maelstrom of green and purple, the colors blurring and merging until they were one.

The Delusion pulsed in his grip, its emerald sigil glowing brighter, more intensely, a testament to his growing control over the impossible power that now flowed through his veins.

Over the nights, this was repeated and repeated, and while the side effects were as bright as the sun, Heins coldly continued. It wasn't until Arlecchino was back from her mission and witnessed the side effects that she appeared before him as he trained his elements and slapped him.

A hint of sorrow and fury appeared in her eyes as she hissed, "Fool! A Delusion consumes upon its user's vitality. What do you think you're doing?! Why didn't you consult me?!"

Heins reeled back from the stinging slap, his crimson eyes widening in surprise at the sudden interruption.

He stumbled, his still-unsteady control over the dueling elements causing them to flare wildly before he managed to wrestle them back under a semblance of order.

Heins's face flushed a mottled red, as much from the force of Arlecchino's slap as from the exertion of his training, and he bowed his head in a show of deference and respect.

When he spoke, his voice was tight and strained, a mixture of pain, frustration, and a stubborn undercurrent of defiance. "M-Miss Arlecchino," he said, his words clipped and precise,

"I did not mean to worry you. I merely sought to... to push myself, to prove my dedication and worthiness to serve you." Heins's gaze remained lowered, but there was a mulish set to his jaw, a silent rebellion that belied his submissive posture.

Arlecchino's eyes flashed with anger, but beneath that fury, there was a glimmer of something else, something akin to fear. She stepped closer to Heins, her voice lowering to a hissed whisper as she spoke.

"Fool," she spat, her hand raised as if to strike him again, "you cannot simply flout the rules and expectations set forth without consequence. A Delusion, while a gift, is also a curse - it feeds upon the life force of its wielder, slowly siphoning away their vitality until there is nothing left. And you," she jabbed a finger at Heins's chest, her nail digging into his flesh, "you have been wasting it away, throwing it into the wind like so much chaff!"

Arlecchino's anger seemed to drain away as quickly as it had come, replaced by a grim resolve. She grabbed Heins by the chin, forcing him to meet her gaze, her own eyes searching his intently.

"In the future," she said, her voice low and heavy with unspoken meaning, "you will consult me before undertaking any such... experiments. Do you understand me, Fool? I will not have my Fool destroying himself in his haste to please me. Your life, your well-being, is precious to me. Never forget that."

"Nothing pleased me more than your being."

Heins widened his eyes under the shadow of his bow, but he silently nodded. Arlecchino, still feeling sorrowful inside, continued coldly, "If you dare to do such a foolish thing again.... I'll keep you confined for the rest of your life."

Heins, behind his indifference, flickered a wryly smile, "But Miss... I am always a fool—"

"Shut up!! Be quiet! You listen to me, or else I would not take your defiance lightly again!"

Heins flinched at the venom in Arlecchino's voice, his crimson eyes widening in surprise at the sudden outburst. He quickly bowed his head, his charcoal hair falling forward to hide his expression as he muttered a hasty,

"Yes, Mistress," his tone carefully neutral and uninflected. Behind the curtain of his hair, a wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, gone as swiftly as it had come, replaced by a carefully blank expression.

Arlecchino's eyes narrowed, her grip on Heins's chin tightening for a moment before she released him roughly. She stepped back, her posture rigid and unyielding as she stared down at him, her gaze hard and unreadable.

"I meant what I said, Fool," she said, her voice low and heavy with a threat that sent a shiver down his spine. "Push me too far, and I will not hesitate to make good on my promise. You are too valuable to be wasted on your own reckless whims."

Heins remained silent, his head bowed and his eyes downcast, but there was a tension in his shoulders, a coiled readiness that spoke of a man who had not yet surrendered, not truly.

Arlecchino watched him for a long moment, her expression unchanging, before she turned on her heel and strode away, her footsteps echoing in the sudden silence of the clearing.

Left alone, Heins slowly raised his head, his crimson eyes glinting with a light that was equal parts defiance and determination.

He knew he had pushed Arlecchino too far, had tested the limits of her patience and her tolerance. But he also knew that he could not, would not, stop pushing forward, stop seeking to prove himself worthy of her favor and her trust.

Heins was a fool, yes, but he was also a survivor, a man who had clawed his way up from the depths of despair to stand before the Fourth of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers.

He would not let a little thing like the threat of confinement stop him now. No, he would find a way, as he always did, to walk the path he had chosen, no matter the cost.

There's this stubbornness, but there's also her love. In the end, Heins slapped himself and sneered, "Wake up. Miss Arlecchino... Cares about you. Do not do anything foolish once again."

The next day, Arlecchino stood, as icy as an iceberg as she stared at the indifferent Heins who looked down quietly. As always, she used the authority as the Director of the Hearth to fetch him from the confinement of the orphanage's walls.

But this time, she officially stated that Heins had joined the agents under her, shocking everyone in the orphanage.

This news also spread over the whole of Fatui, shocking men and women alike. A ten years old boy... was officially recruited as an agent by Arlecchino? Is she out of her mind?

Many comments and rumors about her started to circulate, but both Arlecchino and Heins cannot care as they stood in her private training yard. It will naturally dispel once the Tsaritsa calls her Fool.

"Fool, your training starts now."

Thus, it began.

In a week, the schedule was set. There are only 9 months left before he embark on a journey. A journey that will shook Teyvat to its core. But that's a tale for another time.

First day of a week, Arlecchino would left him battered as she ruthlessly beat him down to hone his fighting skill and his senses.

Second day of the week, he would learn everything he must know to remain safe in Teyvat. Every dangerous thing he must avoid was taught to him.

Third day of the week, he would be taught by the alchemists under Arlecchino under to identify any useful herbs he could find in the wild to be used as emergency panaceas should he be wounded by the inevitable clash in his journey.

Fourth and fifth day of the week, he would be taught to use his Vision and Delusion to their utmost efficiency. Such as Anemo's momentary flight and Electro's flash footwork.

As for sixth and seventh day of the week, he would be free from the trainings, to rest his tensed nerves and physique so he could recover to his optimal condition.

And this schedule would be repeated for 9 months. Again and again.

Heins stood battered and bruised before Arlecchino, his black hair matted with sweat and grime, his charcoal clothes torn and dirty from the rigorous training of the past week.

Despite the pain that throbbed through his muscles and the exhaustion that weighed heavy on his limbs, there was a glint of determination in his crimson eyes as he stared back at his Mistress.

The first day of training had been brutal, a relentless assault on his physical form as Arlecchino had pushed him to his limits and beyond, honing his fighting skills with a ruthless efficiency that left him aching and spent.

But Heins had not faltered, had not cried out or begged for mercy, even as Arlecchino's staff had cracked against his bones and her fists had pummeled his flesh. He had taken each blow as if it were a lesson, a step on the path to becoming the warrior she demanded he become.

And as he stood there now, his breath coming in ragged gasps, Heins knew that this was only the beginning, the first step in a journey that would reshape him entirely.

The second day of training had been a lesson in survival, a grim education in the dangers that lurked in the nations of Teyvat. Arlecchino had spoken of horrors and perils that made Heins's blood run cold, painting a bleak picture of the world beyond the safety of the Fatui's walls. Sumeru's Eleazar, along with its withering swamps, the absolute laws of Fontaine, the enigmatic Adeptus of Liyue, the twisted ruins of the Abyss Order, along with the vengeful spirits of the vanished Khaenri'ah - each was a threat, a obstacle that Heins would have to navigate and overcome in his journey to come.

The third day had been a lesson in the practical arts of survival, as Arlecchino's alchemists had taught Heins to identify the herbs and plants that could heal his wounds and sustain his strength in the wilds of Teyvat. He had learned the names and properties of a hundred different flora, committing them to memory as if his life depended on it - which, in the journey to come, it very well might.

The fourth day and fifth day had been a revelation, as Arlecchino had guided Heins in the use of his own Vision and Delusion. She had shown him the secrets of Anemo's momentary flight, teaching him to catch the wind and ride it as if he were born on the currents of the air.

And she had tested him as he used the lightning-fast footwork of Electro, honing his reflexes and his reactions until he could dance between the strikes of a dozen foes as if they were mere shadows.

As for the sixth day and seventh day, Heins had learned to cherish these brief reprieves, using them to nurse his weary body back to fighting form. He would spend the days tending to his bruises and strains, applying salves and poultices specially produced by the technology of Fatui to speed his recovery, while his mind drifted to the trials that lay ahead.

The pain was a constant companion, a reminder of the price of his ambition and the sacrifices he would have to make in his quest to prove himself worthy of Arlecchino's faith.

As the weeks turned to months, Heins's body transformed, honed by the unrelenting demand of his training. His firm frame has became even more refined, filling out the lacking parts with lean, hard muscle. His movements becoming more precise and controlled with each passing day.

His reflexes sharpened, his instincts honed to a finely tuned edge, until he could react to threats before they even registered in his conscious mind.

And through it all, Arlecchino watched, her icy gaze tracking his progress with a critical eye. She pushed him harder, demanded more, never satisfied with anything less than his absolute best.

There were times when Heins had wanted to scream, to rage against the unyielding pressure of her expectations, but he had swallowed those cries, burying them deep within himself as he gritted his teeth and endured.

As the nine months drew to a close, Heins stood before Arlecchino, his body a weapon forged in the fires of her tutelage, his mind a steel trap of knowledge and skill.

He knew that he was as ready as he would ever be, that the journey that lay ahead would test him in ways he could scarcely imagine. But he was not afraid, for he had Arlecchino's faith to guide him, her belief in his potential to light his way through even the darkest of times.

Arlecchino regarded him now, her expression unreadable as always, but Heins fancied he could see a glimmer of pride in her eyes, a flicker of satisfaction at the man he had become.

She spoke then, her voice soft but carrying a weight that seemed to echo in the very air around them.

"Fool," she said, her tone melodious and soft, which is more than enough for the little fool as a compensation for his suffering these past months.

"The time has come. In a matter of days, you will embark on a journey that will shake the very foundations of Teyvat. The path ahead is uncertain, filled with peril and danger at every turn. But I have faith in you, as I always have. Remember what you have learned, remember the strength you have gained, and use it to guide you in the trials to come."

Thus, in a cold night of December, the very period when Arlecchino found him in the woods, Heins stood, cold and indifferent as he faced Arlecchino.

He was ready, donning a long black coat with the Fatui insignia proudly etched on its back. He wore a pair of black, leather light boots. His inner wear consisted of a black tight t-shirt and a belt that secured a tiny black dagger covered in a small sheath. His pants are black and light, perfectly accentuating his now toned legs.

Over the past three years, he grew from a lost, scrawny child to a strong, decisive and cold young man.

His prior stature that could only reach Arlecchino's mid-section was now straight, comparable to her figure, despite still being a boy.

It could be seen that he would definitely be a tall, handsome man that could shoulder whatever was entrusted to him.

This is when he will begin his journey.

Arlecchino no longer need to looked down to stare at his eyes.

"Are you ready to meet Her Majesty the Tsaritsa?" Arlecchino's tone was soft yet unyielding, a perfect epitome of tough love.

Heins's indifference ceased, as always, when he was only with Arlecchino and reply with a nod and a gentle smile, "I am as ready as you wish me to be, Mistress."

"Very well then."

Arlecchino's gaze flicked over Heins appraisingly, taking in the way the black coat hugged his now broad shoulders and the confident set of his stance.

She nodded slowly, a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes as she noted the transformation he had undergone in her care.

She stepped closer, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she circled him like a shark scenting blood in the water.

Her voice was low and soft, but it carried a undercurrent of steel that made Heins's skin prickle with goosebumps.

"Fool," she murmured, "in a matter of hours, you will stand before Her Majesty the Tsaritsa herself, and the rest of the Fatui Harbingers. They are the most powerful beings in all of Teyvat, each one a force of nature in their own right. The Captain, the Doctor, Pierro, Columbina..."

She paused, letting the weight of those names sink in, before continuing in a voice that was barely above a whisper.

"They have not been summoned like this in decades. The Tsaritsa's interest is...rare. And you, my dear Heins, are the reason for it. Do not let me down."

Arlecchino's hand came up to cup Heins's cheek, her thumb brushing lightly over his cheekbone.

Her touch was gentle, almost tender, but there was a threat lurking beneath the surface, a silent warning that echoed through Heins's bones.

"Remember, my sweet Fool," she breathed, "you are a reflection of me now. Your actions, your words, your very existence...it all reflects back on me. So be careful, my darling boy. Be very, very careful."

With that, she stepped back, her hand falling away from his face. She turned on her heel, her coat swirling around her legs as she strode towards the door. She paused there, glancing back at him over her shoulder.

"Do not make me regret my faith in you, Heins. Now, come. The Tsaritsa awaits."

And with that, Arlecchino led Heins out into the frigid night, the biting wind whipping at their coats and stinging their faces.

Arlecchino, now donning a mask and her Fatui cloak, stood before the gate of the glamorous Zapolyarny Palace. Behind her, stood Heins, donned in his own blank mask and a long cloak.

"Get ready."

Thus, the gate of the Palace was opened. Before them, as always, sat the mortal vessel of the Tsaritsa, her splendorous figure coldly sat upon her throne.

Beneath her was the Fatui Harbingers. Now, all of them are present, their gaze scrutinizing the newcomers with indifference and cold observation.

The Director, Pierro.

The First Seat, II Capitano.

The Second Seat, II Dottore.

The Third Seat, Columbina.

The Fourth Seat, Arlecchino, his Mistress.

The Fifth Seat, Pulcinella.

The Sixth Seat, Scaramouche.

The Seventh Seat, Sandrone.

The Eight Seat, La Signora.

The Ninth Seat, Pantalone.

All of them, donned in the different masks and the same cloak, sat beneath the Tsaritsa. Arlecchino, who nodded at Heins, also disappeared and joined them, acting as how a true Fatui is, cold and indifferent.

Thus, Heins stood before the core members of one of the strongest force of Teyvat, the Fatui. He, a mere boy of eleven, took this all in with indifference.

Fatui is not an easy place, and as someone who had been trusted by his Mistress's heart, he must not pale no matter the fear.

He slowly walked, emitting grace and subservient as he kneeled before the Tsaritsa under the gazes of the Harbingers and greeted, his tone cold and flat. His cloak swayed as it trailed behind his figure.

"This orphan greets Her Majesty the Tsaritsa."

Arlecchino watched Heins from her seat among the Harbingers, her expression unreadable behind her mask.

She felt a flicker of pride at his composure, the way he carried himself with a grace and indifference beyond his years. Heins was no longer just a mere orphan, but a true child of the Fatui.

The Tsaritsa regarded him silently, her icy blue eyes piercing through him. The weight of her gaze, heavy with the power of an Archon, pressed down upon the boy.

Yet, to Arlecchino's satisfaction, Heins did not waver. He knelt before the throne with a fluidity that spoke of practice, of countless hours drilled into him by her and her trusted confidants.

Around them, the other Harbingers observed the scene with keen interest. Pierro, the enigmatic Director, leaned forward slightly in his seat, studying Heins like a hawk eyeing a mouse. Il Capitano sat ramrod straight, his masked face turned towards the boy, no doubt assessing his potential as a warrior. The other Harbingers too, from the mad II Dottore to the harmless Pantalone, all had their eyes fixed upon the newcomer.

Arlecchino's gaze lingered on Heins, her heart swelling with a strange mix of pride and possessiveness.

The palace was silent save for Heins's even breaths, the soft rustle of his cloak the only sound daring to interrupt the heavy quiet. The Tsaritsa's gaze flicked to Arlecchino for a moment, and Arlecchino felt the weight of that look, the unspoken question hanging in the air.

She met the Archon's eyes, her own black with red 'X' pupils glinting with defiance and loyalty in equal measure.

"Rise, Fool," the Tsaritsa commanded, her voice echoing through the grand hall. Her tone was level, but there was a sharpness to it that cut through the silence like a blade. "You have been chosen by Arlecchino, the Fourth Seat of the Fatui Harbingers. Speak now, and tell me of your purpose."

Arlecchino watched, her heart pounding in her chest as she awaited Heins's response. This was his moment, his chance to prove himself not just to the Tsaritsa, but to the world.

And Arlecchino knew, with a fierce certainty, that her little Fool would not disappoint. For he was, after all, her creation.

Heins answered with coldness, reverence and unadulterated determination, his crimson eyes glinted with a hint of purple as he put his right fist on his chest.

There was not even a speck of uncertainty in his voice, only pure faith and will.

"Your Majesty, I am an orphan. I was eight when my Mistress took me in and molded me into the warrior I have become today. I have withstood your gift and made it my own."

With a burst of a splendorous cacophony of Anemo and Electro, despite its drawback by utilizing the deadly Anemo Delusion, Heins's cold voice continued,

"I will march, no matter the enemies. I will obey, no matter the behest. I will kill, no matter the oppositions. I will dare, no matter the consequences. I will shoulder, no matter the burdens. I will rise, no matter the trials. I will fight, no matter the contradictions. I will bleed, no matter the schemes. I will believe, no matter the disbelief. I will be Fatui, no matter the threats."

Heins bowed his head.

"Your Majesty, I am yours to command. As for my purpose..."

"I am to be Fatui's sharpest sword. A purpose I will desperately pursue until Your Majesty is to bestow me should I be worthy of the title. Should I succeed to withstand my trials, and fully recognizing the true nature of my purpose."

"As of now, I am but your soldier, Your Majesty."

Arlecchino listened to Heins's declaration.

His words rang out, clear and strong, echoing through the grand hall with the force of an unshakable conviction.

She could see the Tsaritsa's eyes narrow slightly as Heins spoke, could feel the weight of the Archon's gaze heavy upon the boy. But he did not falter. She felt a thrill of anticipation, a dark delight at the thought of the future that lay ahead for her little Fool.

Around them, the other Harbingers shifted in their seats, some with looks of approval, others with a more calculating interest.

Pierro leaned back, steepling his fingers beneath his chin, his eyes glinting with a mysterious light behind his mask.

The Tsaritsa regarded Heins for a long moment after he finished speaking, her eyes searching his face as if trying to discern the depths of his resolve. Then, slowly, she nodded.

"Well spoken," she said, her voice echoing through the hall. "You have been well-trained, Fool. Arlecchino has done a fine job in molding you into a true servant of the Fatui."

Arlecchino felt a rush of satisfaction at the Archon's words, a sense of validation for the years she had spent honing Heins into the weapon he now was.

He was her creation, her masterpiece, and the Tsaritsa recognized that.

"The path you have chosen will not be an easy one," the Tsaritsa continued, her voice taking on a harder edge. "It will be filled with trials and tribulations, with enemies and obstacles that will seek to break your resolve. But if you remain true to your purpose, if you hold fast to your oath, then you shall have a place in my new world."

She paused, letting her words sink in, before continuing. "I accept your pledge, Fool. I accept you as a soldier of the Fatui, and I charge you with the task of being my sharpest sword. Prove yourself worthy of this honor, and you shall have your reward."

Arlecchino saw Heins bow his head, saw the set of his shoulders as he accepted the Tsarita's charge.

Her heart bloomed with pride, and a subconscious possessiveness. He was hers, her little Fool, and she would see him rise to greatness. No matter the cost.

The Tsaritsa continued, her tone as cold as the winter's gaze, "You received my interest, Little Fool. I will behest you to thrive within the nations of Teyvat, and the day you come back, you will prove me of your words. Until then, you are not allowed to come back. You are not allowed to be assisted by anyone from Fatui, including your Mistress Arlecchino, in any forms."

"The day you are to come back... Will be the day you be bestowed the title 'Fatui's Resplendent Sword' and be a part of the Harbinger. Until then, you cannot face any Fatui members, nor can you go back to Snezhnaya."

"This is my trial for you. Are you ready?"

Arlecchino listened to the Tsaritsa's words, her heart clenching in her chest at the prospect of being parted from Heins for so long. The thought of him facing the world alone, without her guidance and protection, filled her with a trepidation she rarely allowed herself to feel.

But she could not let it show, could not betray the slightest hint of weakness in this hall of power players and schemers.

Instead, she sat tall and proud, her gaze fixed straight ahead, not daring to look at Heins lest she reveal the turmoil within her. The Tsaritsa's trial was a harsh one indeed, a test of Heins's mettle and resolve.

And while the Archon's words had not mentioned any restrictions on Arlecchino's own actions, she knew better than to interfere or offer aid. To do so would be to undermine Heins's growth and potential.

So she remained silent, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her expression an unreadable mask. Inside, a maelstrom of emotions warred within her - fear, pride, anticipation, and a deep, aching sense of loss at the thought of Heins's absence.

But she would not, could not, let it show. Not here, not now. Not in front of the Tsaritsa and the watching eyes of the other Harbingers.

Her gaze flicked to Heins, a brief, unreadable glance filled with a thousand unsaid things.

He would face this trial, would prove his worth, and she would be there to welcome him back as the Fatui's Resplendent Sword. She had to believe that, had to have faith in the training and guidance she had instilled in him.

So she sat in silence, a silent sentinel watching over her charge, even as the Tsaritsa awaited his response. The moment stretched out between them, heavy with anticipation and unspoken words.

Arlecchino held her breath, her heart pounding in her ears as she waited for Heins to speak, to accept the trial and forge his own path to glory.

Heins did not answer immediately. The thought of not meeting his Mistress until he is strong enough to be a part of the Harbingers, the strongest combatants of Fatui, is a sinking feeling. But the thought of coming back to Fatui with enough strength to take the title of Fatui's Resplendent Sword is invigorating.

That day... Will be the day he proves of his worthiness to his Mistress's love and affection. It will be the day where he has no need for hesitation should his Mistress expressed her love for him.

This is his reason. His source of inexhaustible strength that will be his fuel in his journey.

With a resolute jab to his chest with his fist, Heins coldly answered, "I receive your behest, Your Majesty. I shall be Fatui's Resplendent Sword the day I come back. Until then... I will not be in Snezhnaya, and I will not receive any form of assistance nor will I meet with anything related to the Fatui, unless fate plays a part in it."

The journey would be a long one. A journey that will not end until he became a part of the Harbingers.

The Tsaritsa nodded then waved her hands, "Go forth. I shall wait for you to take your promised title."

Arlecchino watched as the Tsaritsa waved her hands, dismissing Heins to embark on his long and arduous journey. She saw the resolve hardening in his eyes, the set of his jaw as he prepared himself mentally for the trials ahead. Her heart ached with a bittersweet mixture of pride and longing.

As Heins turned to leave, Arlecchino rose from her seat, her movements graceful and purposeful. She took a step towards him, closing the distance between them until she stood mere inches away. Her eyes locked with his, searching his gaze, trying to memorize every detail of his face.

She whispered to his ears, the words that will be his faith in his journey.

"Remember, the path ahead will be long and fraught with challenges. You will face adversity, doubt, and perhaps even despair. There will be moments when you question your strength, your purpose, and your resolve. But I want you to remember this: you are stronger than you know. You have a power within you that transcends the limitations of your physical form. Nurture that strength, let it grow, and wield it with skill and wisdom.

The road may be dark, but your heart is a guiding light. Trust in yourself, and never forget why you embark on this journey. Let your love for me be the wind at your back, the fire in your spirit, and the compass pointing you home. Face each obstacle with unyielding determination, knowing that every challenge conquered brings you one step closer to me.

I will be here, watching over you, believing in you, and waiting for the day when you stand before me as the Fatui's Resplendent Sword. Until then, my little Fool, know that you carry my love and pride with you, wherever you may roam. Now go, and let your legend be written in the annals of history. Farewell, my dear Fool, until destiny reunites us."

The Tsaritsa and the Harbingers silently watched the parting pair. The queen was cold and indifferent, while some Harbingers reacted. Arlecchino's words may not reach their ears, but her stiff gestures were enough for them to understand.

Pierro the Jester merely watched in interest. The boy was the only person the Tsaritsa personally invite to be a part of the Harbingers. After all, he was the one that gathered most members here. He found it intriguing.

II Capitano watched with respect and understanding. A person pursuing strength with a sense of purpose is worthy of his respect, at least until he proves his words and come back.

II Dottore merely smirked. He was still thinking about the many experimental subjects that he could use to achieve his dream of creating an artificial god.

Columbina watched with an 'ohh' smiling and giggling. Her thoughts are unknown.

Pulcinella merely smiled outside, offering his sympathy through his facade.

Scaramouche sneered as if a mortal's matter was not worthy of his attention.

Sandrone played with her mechanical palm-sized puppets, though she occasionally glanced at the boy with an unknown purpose.

La Signora watched with a mocking smile, remembering her own parting with her beloved one back then.

Pantalone showed a humourless smile. Like many, his thoughts are unknown. Perhaps he was pondering about new business plans.

Thus, after the boy nodded and left the palace, Arlecchino came back to her seat. The Tsaritsa then continued, "I have recalled you all to behest upon you your objectives."

Except for Pierro, II Capitano and II Dottore, who have their own purpose, each Harbinger was tasked with a mission.

The Tsaritsa began, "Arlecchino, you will be responsible for the Gnosis of Fontaine. The Fontaine's prophecy will occur in ten years, and I hope you could gather satisfactory results in preparation for that time."

"Pulcinella, you will govern the region of Snezhnaya on my behalf. Your results are satisfactory, thus you shall continue."

"Scaramouche, you will stand by should I need you to act. You shall report should any strange phenomenons occur."

"Sandrone, you shall continue your creations and provide satisfactory results for the Fatui."

"La Signora, you shall watch over Mondstadt and see if the sign of the Gnosis has appeared."

"Pantalone, you shall assist the activities of the Fatui and be the ears of Fatui. Utilize the wide scope of your influence."

The Tsaritsa ended her speech, "Harbingers, dismissed!"

Lost in thought, she barely registered the Tsaritsa dismissing the assembly. Shaking off the momentary distraction, Arlecchino rose from her seat with the poise of a queen, her black and white attire a stark contrast against the opulent decor of the palace.

She took a moment to glance around at her brethren, noting their varied reactions. Pierro's intrigued gaze, II Capitano's stoic respect, II Dottore's maniacal smirk, Columbina's enigmatic giggle, Pulcinella's sympathetic smile, Scaramouche's disdainful sneer, Sandrone's preoccupied puppetry, La Signora's mocking nostalgia, and Pantalone's meaningful upturned lips. Each of them a piece of the grand tapestry that was the Fatui, woven together by the Tsaritsa's design.

As she moved to take her leave, Arlecchino couldn't help but reflect on the young boy's words once more. "Strength," she whispered to herself, "with a sense of purpose."

Perhaps, she pondered, there was more than one way to skin a cat. And as she stepped out into the frigid air of Snezhnaya, Arlecchino allowed herself the faintest hint of a smile beneath her mask, already plotting her next move in the grand chess game of the Fatui.

Outside of the warm walls of the orphanage, Heins stopped here briefly, staring at the place where he created bonds despite acting as a fool. Then, with currents of purple covering his visage, Heins disappeared within the raging snow of Snezhnaya, for it was December.

As his feet crashed against the snowy ground of the woods, Heins did not look back no more. His gaze was frontward, cold and indifferent.

At eleven years old, he stepped out of his home and become a wanderer of Teyvat.

As the door to the orphanage closed behind him with a heavy, decisive thud, Arlecchino stood on the porch, watching the young boy disappear into the swirling snow. She couldn't quite put her finger on why, but something about his unflinching determination and cold indifference stirred an unfamiliar feeling within her heart.

The biting wind whipped at her cloak, but she paid it no mind, her gaze still fixed on the spot where Heins had vanished. At such a tender age, the boy already possessed a strength of will that few of her other agents could match. In her eyes, it was almost... admirable.

A wry smile tugged at the corners of her painted lips as she recalled his parting words. "Fool," she murmured, more to herself than to the empty air. "You may yet prove to be the most valuable piece on the board."

With a swish of her layered skirt, Arlecchino turned to make her way back inside. The snow continued to fall, blanketing the world in a thick, muffling shroud. It was a harsh world, this realm of mortals, but one that held an untapped potential.

As she crossed the threshold, Arlecchino allowed herself a moment of introspection. The boy's fate, like the path of the Fatui, was far from sealed. But one thing was certain - his journey would be one of trials and tribulations, of forging alliances and vanquishing foes. And she would be watching, always, to see what he would become.

With a final glance at the snow-laden landscape, Arlecchino closed the heavy door, sealing herself off from the cold and the unknown.

And so, as the snow fell and the night deepened, Arlecchino retreated to her chambers, her thoughts consumed by the future - and by the enigmatic boy who had captured her imagination with a single word: bride.

An: Time to f*cked up Genshin mweheheheh—