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Kinich was finishing up commissions again before heading back to the Scions of the Canopy. Once he returned to the familiar wooden scaffolding of the main tribe, he saw a familiar head of blonde hair standing near one of the edges. She was with someone else.
“Oh! Kinich! Over here!” Lumine called out, waving.
Kinich swung over to her and saw a tall man with ginger hair standing next to her.
“Traveler, it's good to see you.” Kinich said as he landed near them.
“Good to see you too, Kinich!” Paimon said happily.
“Oh? So you're Kinich, a pleasure.” The man with ginger hair said with a smile.
“And you are…?”
“The name’s Childe, well, you can call me Childe.” The man said, “It's good to meet you, girlie told me you are quite skilled at the extreme sports this tribe specializes in.”
“Oh? You mentioned that? I do partake in all the sports my tribe prides themselves in.” Kinich said, “Are you interested in learning them?”
“Heck yeah!” Childe said with a smile, “This is my first time in Natlan and have been itching to try some new physical activities. The more dangerous and exhilarating, the better!”
“...Just try not to get yourself killed, alright?” Paimon said cautiously, “You are supposed to be here on vacation. And actually spend it as a vacation. The Knave’s orders!”
“I know I know, don't worry.” Childe said.
“The Knave… So you're part of the Fatui?” Kinich asked carefully.
“Indeed, my fellow harbingers may not see eye to eye on some aspects, but I'm honest with my intentions, and I have no goals here but to just relax.” Childe said, “You do not need to worry.”
Kinich crossed his arms, “Oh, I see, you're the eleventh, correct?”
“Oh? How'd you know?” Childe asked.
“The Captain told me about you, he told me a bit about his fellow Harbingers awhile ago.” Kinich said.
“Huh? Why would the Captain tell you about them?” Paimon asked.
“He told me to get information on my past, the price of my information was the price of his.” Kinich said, “What he plans on doing with that information, I don't know, but now I know a little bit about his fellow Harbingers.”
“Oho, so you're already acquainted with the Captain. Now that makes me very happy about this turn of events.” Childe mused, “But beyond just my rank and name, let's set that aside for now to talk about those extreme sports. The one I'm most excited about is bungee jumping.”
“Of course a Harbinger would be interested in the most lethal of sports, perhaps we'll make a suggestion?”
“What the heck?” Childe’s eyes widened when he saw a small, yellow pixelated… thing suddenly appear besides Kinich.
“Ropes are required, Ajaw, no exception.” Kinich deadpanned.
“Why must you always suggest something reckless like that, Ajaw?” Paimon huffed, “You're going to get someone killed one of these days.”
“And why should the Great K'uhul Ajaw be concerned with that?” Ajaw scoffed, “Regardless, are you asking us to play babysitter again? We have things to do, you know!”
“I would hardly call teaching a Fatui Harbinger extreme sports ‘babysitting’. I haven't coached anyone in awhile, but I know how to rig the safety equipment and the regular locations on where to do it.” Kinich said.
“Are you okay with that?” Lumine asked, “I know you have a lot of work to do.”
“As I said before, you can ask me for anything.” Kinich said, “So this is nothing, don’t worry.”
“Oh… looks like I’m in good hands!” Childe smiled as he walked over and immediately glomped an arm around Kinich’s shoulders.
“...personal space…” Kinich muttered as he pushed Childe off. “When would you like to learn?”
“As soon as possible!” Childe said with a bright smile.
“There’s a few commissions we need to take care of in Natlan, we won’t be able to join you guys.” Lumine said, “As the Knave said, Childe is here to relax, that means no joining me on work.”
“Awww… alright, I’ll see you at the People of the Springs then.” Childe sighed.
Lumine and Paimon waved to them as they began to walk away. As soon as they were out of view, Childe wrapped another arm around Kinich’s shoulder with a smile.
“How do we start?”
Kinich slowly but firmly pushed his arm off again. “We need to get you the proper gear first. Come on.”
Childe grinned, “Lead the way.”
Childe couldn't help but smile a bit, this Kinich fellow reminded him of someone. Despite his smaller stature, he could tell he was a seasoned warrior. That little dragon of his also seemed like a handful. What the heck even was he?
Regardless, he was excited about the bungee jumping. He stood still as Kinich tightened various straps and vests around him.
“When it comes to extreme sports, you cannot cut corners on the gear, or else your life will be at stake.” Kinich said as he tightened a piece of bungee rope. “But at the same time, just spending all your mora isn't the way to go either. You need to look for quality. Understood?”
“Loud and clear.” Childe said as Kinich tightened one more strap, before tying one to himself on the strap attached to his outfit.
“Hm? Do you just wear bungee jumping equipment all the time?” Childe asked, he did see Kinich swing in from who knows where when Lumine introduced him.
“In a way, I have to traverse the entirety of Natlan for courier and hunting work. Saving a few minutes of putting on and taking off the safety equipment is helpful.” Kinich said as he tied off the ropes to some sturdy pillars near the cliff.
“How does that feel?” Kinich asked as he tugged at the harness on Childe’s back.
“Nice and secure!” Childe said with a thumbs up. “Are we ready to go?”
“Indeed, follow my lead.” Kinich said as he stepped near the cliff, before jumping and holding his arms out before narrowing them as he fell down the cliff.
Childe grinned before running and jumped off on a similar manner. Whooping the whole while. He let out a smile as he felt the wind fly past his face and the landscape quickly changed alongside his altitude. He turned his head to see Kinich looking as calm as ever as the ropes stretched out.
He let out another whoop as the ropes recoiled and sprung him back up a good bit, laughing all the way. This sense of free falling was incredible.
It wasn't long before they were back up at the top of the cliff. Childe grinning ear to ear as the adrenaline slowly but finally trickled out of his system.
“That was awesome!!” Childe exclaimed. “What other sports are there??”
Kinich looked at him, “Well, this is the most exciting one in my opinion. The others our tribe focuses on are mountain biking and hang gliding.”
“I see, maybe I should give those a try sometime before I leave.” Childe mused as Kinich helped him get the harnesses off.
“Perhaps, but our expedition today is done.” Kinich said, “I have a few commissions I need to handle before the end of the day. Do you need any help getting to the People of the Springs?”
“Eh, I technically could get there on my own, but I would like some company.” Childe said, “So, come along?”
Kinich thought for a moment, before nodding. “Sure.”
Ajaw didn't like Childe. He didn't know how to explain it, but he just didn't like him. There was something extremely off about him that apparently neither the traveler nor Kinich took note of. How can humans be so perceptive and yet oblivious at the same time.
He could smell abyssal energy from miles away and it wafted off Childe like a dense fog. It made him queasy just standing near the guy! Why a human like him was exuding abyssal energy in a concentration even rivaled that of that Abyss Lector calling himself Sanka. Yet, even Kinich could sense Sanka's abyssal energy, but not Childe's for some reason. Was his energy just not that perceptive to humans for some reason?
“...and then I need to get some toys.” Childe said as he listed off things he wanted to purchase while in Natlan.
“Toys?” Kinich asked as they got closer to the People of the Springs’ main village.
“Yeah! My little brother loves toys, not to mention my other siblings. I heard Natlan has a bunch of different gadgets and gizmos, so I thought looking for some toys here might be very rewarding.” Childe said, “Do you know where to get any?”
Kinich shook his head, “I don't. If you're looking for toys, Mualani would probably be more well versed in that regard.”
“Please, Kinich doesn't even know what a ‘toy’ is!” Ajaw exclaimed, only making Kinich frown and Childe look confused.
“You’ve been oddly quiet, and that's how you jump into the conversation?” Kinich asked tiredly.
“I'm only quiet because this grainfruit colored hair has abyssal energy flowing off him like yumkasaur dung!” Ajaw hissed before flying in front of Childe, “Why Kinich can't see your vile energy is astounding!”
Childe looked at him with surprise, Kinich's eyes taking on a mildly alarmed look as well.
“Well well, I don't know what you are.” Childe started, “But you seemingly know a lot about me, considering that, I’ll let you in on a secret. I don’t know if the Captain told you about this, but I have fallen into the Abyss before. I can control abyssal energy to an extent in combat, but it drains a lot of my energy.”
“Abyssal energy… you managed to learn how to wield it?” Kinich asked.
Childe shrugged, “In a way, not that it’s important though, I only use it when I feel the need to go all out. Which is very rare by the way.”
Just as Childe finished saying that, he wrapped his arm around Kinich’s shoulders again, much to the hunter’s dismay. Ajaw felt a vein pop as he tried to smack Childe with his small pixel hands.
“Get your stinky hands off him!” Ajaw hissed.
“Hey! Hey, fine, fine.” Childe chuckled as he backed off a bit, raising his arms. “Since you know about my abilities, what is the deal with you two?”
“Ajaw was sealed in a ruin, we made a deal, I get to use his powers, he gets to leave the ruins.” Kinich said simply.
“And upon Kinich’s death, I get to claim his body for my use. So don’t even think of ruining it with your abyssal energy!” Ajaw explained.
“Hm, gets your body after you die? How would that even work?” Childe asked.
“It’s nothing important, I doubt there’s anything fruitful to gain from knowing that.” Kinich said, “We’re almost at the village, I should head back now to handle those commissions. Don’t bother Mualani too much, but she’ll have a good idea what makes good presents for kids.”
“Alright, thanks for coming along with me!” Childe said as Kinich and Ajaw began to walk away.
After the ginger was out of earshot, Ajaw scowled a bit before flying around Kinich’s head.
“I don’t get why you’re so casual around that guy! Did you not sense any of his abyssal energy?!” Ajaw demanded.
“I didn’t, I suppose it’s due to the fact he’s not a pure abyssal being like Enjou was.” Kinich said, “However, he is on good terms with the Traveler, meaning he’s not much of a threat at the moment.”
“Uggghhh, why is it you humans can sense some energy but at other times none at all?!” Ajaw exclaimed.
“I would assume he has it under some kind of control like the clear fire encasing Kongamato.” Kinich said, “I wouldn’t worry about it, for now anyway.”
Ajaw let out a huff, honestly, he already has a bad feeling about that guy and he doesn’t like it one bit.
“Oh? Presents for kids? I think I may have just the thing!” Mualani smiled as she went further back in the shop she was tending to.
“Getting things for your family?” Lumine asked as she walked up to Childe.
“Indeed I am,” Childe said as he leaned against the counter. “Speaking of which, I wanted to ask you about something.”
“Oh? About what?”
“That friend of yours, Kinich, he’s quite the interesting fellow.” Childe mused, “I didn’t know he made a contract with a dragon either.”
“Kinich is interesting yes, but I wouldn’t go prying if it makes him uncomfortable. Kinich is pretty closed off in that sense.” Lumine said, crossing her arms. “Did you have fun bungee jumping?”
“Oho yes! It was awesome!” Childe shouted, “It was free falling without having to worry about landing on the ground! Speaking of which, did you know he constantly wears his bungee jumping harness?”
“He does?” Paimon asked, “Now that I think about it, that doesn’t surprise me. He’s always swinging around without worry, I don’t know what kinds of commissions would require him to bungee jump, but it is good he’s prepared in that sense.”
“Oh! That’s another thing, we didn’t have the chance to discuss the topic on our way here.” Childe said, “But how good of a fighter is he? I’ve heard some stories, but nothing really conclusive.”
“Don’t tell me you want to fight him.” Paimon said with a frown.
“Kinich is a very good fighter,” Lumine said, “He’s one of the best fighters of the Scions of the Canopy, for good reason. Not to mention his stamina, during the invasions a while ago, he was running around delivering battle reports and fighting on the front lines.”
“Oh right, I almost forgot about that, I don’t think I ever saw him take a break.” Paimon said with a frown, “The one break we did see didn’t last long because of all the pylons falling from the sky! How he manages to fight and not collapse is something else…”
“Oho, so he has a lot of endurance, that sounds promising.” Childe mused, he was growing more and more curious about Kinich. He didn’t know why, but something about him just wanted him to learn more about him.
“I’m back! I have a few recommendations!” Mualani said as she came back with a small crate in hand. “Oh! Lumine! Paimon! Hello!”
“Hello Mualani!” Paimon said with a wave.
As the girls began chatting, Childe was trying to think of what his next encounter with Kinich might be. He doesn’t know how he fights, but he can’t help but wonder since he also has that dragon with him. Does the dragon help him fight? Eh, he’ll likely be seeing him again soon, maybe he can figure out how to bring up the topic then.
Childe let out a yawn as he walked across Natlan’s landscape, he was heading towards the Stadium of the Sacred Flame to meet up with Capitano since he was still here. However, he heard commotion nearby and made his way over. Only to see a glimmer of green as Kinich swung around a horde of rifthounds, bursts of Dendro energy exploding from his hands and striking the monsters in a flurry of green pixels and purple smoke.
Kinich summoned his claymore and tossed it into in the horde, the blade spun around like a gear as it plowed through the enemies. Kinich ran up and grabbed it, keeping it’s momentum as he redirected the massive blade into a circular motion around him as he cut down more of the rifthounds. He planted his feet on the ground again as dendro swirled around his wrists and hands. A green grapple of sorts launched from his wrists and wrapped around one of the hounds. Kinich planted his feet down before spinning around the group as more dendro energy burst from his hands. One of the monsters ran towards him and Kinich pulled his claymore close to block the strike. More of the monsters fell until only one remained.
Kinich struck down the last rifthound as it let out a howl and vanished in a burst of purple smoke. He stuck his claymore into the dirt as he took a breath.
“Sheesh, they just appeared out of nowhere.” Ajaw said as he appeared near Kinich’s head.
“Did you see a pylon anywhere?” Kinich asked.
“Nope, there was nothing within five kilometers.” Ajaw said.
Kinich sighed, “I see, so the issue isn't within our vicinity I suppose, let’s get these supplies to the stadium then.”
Childe broke free from his momentary pause and smiled widely before rushing up towards them.
“That was awesome!” Childe exclaimed, catching the two off guard.
“Augh! Abyss man is back again!” Ajaw shouted as he flew around Kinich’s head.
“I didn’t know you were such a good fighter!” Childe said as he got close to them.
“I fight just to take care of them, it’s no big deal.” Kinich said as he put his claymore away, “What are you doing here?”
“I was heading to the stadium until I saw you strike all those monsters down. I haven’t seen anyone fight like you before.” Childe said.
“I see, well I’m heading the stadium to finish some deliveries and-” Kinich was cut off as Childe grabbed his hands suddenly.
“Please fight me.” Childe said with stars in his eyes. Ajaw’s jaw dropped and Kinich only looked at him confused.
“I’m… sorry?” Kinich said, confused.
“I want to fight you.” Childe repeated, “I mean, I haven't seen anyone fight like you before! And I always want to test my strength! Let's have a sparring match! A fight! No holds bar!”
Kinich only looked mildly disturbed and pulled away from him for a moment. “I don't want to fight you, I have deliveries I need to do.”
Kinich stepped away and picked up the packages he had set aside during the fight.
Childe followed after him with a smile, having returned back to normal slightly. “Aw, come on, I'm a good fighter you know.”
“I know , you're one of the Harbingers, I don't doubt your strength.” Kinich said, “Nor do I doubt my own, but I don't have any interest in a sparring match against you.”
Childe hummed, “Why not? Do you not have an interest in fighting strong opponents?”
“Less interest and moreso less ‘need’.” Kinich clarified, “I don't like wasting energy on tasks that don't benefit me in some manner.”
“And why is fighting me not beneficial?” Childe asked, “You get to see my fighting style and learn it too.”
“Because, unless something extreme happens, I doubt we'll have to fight you.” Kinich said, “And I have problems in the present I need to worry about moreso than you and I potentially crossing blades in the future. Besides, why are you interested in fighting me? Don't you get enough sparring matches with the Traveler?”
“I may get plenty of fights with her, but the only fun comes in because we both know each other's fighting styles strike per strike now.” Childe mused, “So fighting her is always entertaining because we need to switch up our tactics. However, it's been awhile since I actually fought anyone with a unique fighting style like yours. I didn't even recognize any of the moves you used. Who taught you how to fight?”
“...I taught myself.” Kinich said.
“Eh?”
“I taught myself by observing the fighting techniques used by the saurians in Natlan. Most of my preferred methods are based on observing yumkasaurs, but I've gotten techniques studying the other saurian species.” Kinich said, crossing his arms. “Is that a satisfactory answer?”
Childe only grinned again, before once again wrapping his arm over Kinich's shoulders, practically pouncing him.
“You act so serious! Such an answer only makes me more intrigued.” Childe mused.
Kinich frowned as he pushed him off again, “May I ask why you keep doing that? I doubt you do that with everyone you meet.”
“I can't explain it, just seems appropriate.” Childe said, he really couldn't help himself. He's not sure if it's due to Kinich's shorter stature, or his more youthful appearance, but he just looked like a kid trying to act cool. He reminded him of Anton when he was going through his rebellious phase.
It wasn’t very long before they reached the stadium, loud explosions echoing from inside.
“What the… is there a fight going on?” Childe asked, only for Kinich to sigh mildly.
“I can hazard a guess as to who are having a sparring match right now.” Kinich said as the pair entered the stadium. Bursts of ice and fire filled the air as mist obscured the stage from view.
Childe looked on as a shockwave shook the stadium. Kinich placed the parcels he was carrying on the ground near one of the entrances. The mist cleared just a bit and Childe’s eyes widened.
Capitano and Mavuika were at the center of the arena, blades clashed against each other, Mavuika smiled whilst Capitano’s expression was hidden under his mask. They both jumped back before running at each other again.
“No way…” Childe breathed as he watched the fight in awe. He never had the chance to see Capitano fight before, seeing it now, and going against the Pyro Archon of all people… it was… it was incredible.
“I thought they said they needed rest.” Kinich sighed, only to jump a bit as Childe grabbed him by his shoulders.
“Kinich, PLEASE fight me!” Childe exclaimed loudly, neither of them noticing how the two fighters in the arena came to a standstill.
“Childe… I already told you I’m not fighting you.” Kinich said, only for the Harbinger’s grip to not loosen. “I don't have any interest in fighting you, if you want me to fight you that badly, I'll need compensation.”
“Name your price.” Childe said immediately, he didn’t care how much he had to pay, he had to fight him now!
“50,000 mora.” Kinich said without flinching.
“Deal.”
“...what about 100,000 mora.” Kinich offered tentatively.
Childe grinned, he could tell what Kinich was doing and nothing would stop him from getting a chance to fight one of Natlan’s warriors, not with seeing how the Archon is fighting Capitano. “Deal.”
“What is wrong with you?” Kinich asked after a moment, his eyes shifting from his usual neutral expression to one of confusion and concern.
“Nothing at all, I just know a strong warrior when I see one, and seeing those two fight is hyping me up like nothing else.” Childe said as the fight still raged on next to them.
“...Didn’t the Traveler say you were here on vacation to rest up?” Kinich tried one more time, “I don’t think fighting will be good for your recovery.”
“I’ll be fine! Nothing but a bit of sparring!” Childe said, “Plus, my recovery is hardly that of a physical recovery anymore anyway. So don’t worry about me, glad to know you are though.”
Kinich looked at him warily, only for Ajaw to materialize between them again.
“Kinich… if this bozo is willing to shell out money to duel the Great K’uhul Ajaw and his servant, at the very least set the price right! 150,000 mora take it or leave it.” Ajaw exclaimed.
“Ajaw-”
“Deal.” Childe said immediately, “I am serious about this after all.”
Kinich sighed deeply, “...Fine, we can fight. When?”
“Right after they’re done.” Childe said, only to see the arena clear, mist slowly dissipating.
“Childe… I was told you were coming here to rest.”
Both of them looked to see Capitano and Mavuika walk up to them.
“I am resting! But it’s also been ages since I’ve been in a proper fight. So why not get one here?” Childe asked.
“Kinich, are you sure you want to fight?” Mavuika asked.
“I’m sure, it’s supposed to be a simple sparring match and well… he offered to pay for the arrangement.” Kinich said, “Thinking it over, I suppose it won’t be too bad.”
Once again, Childe jumped him and wrapped an arm around him.
“I knew you’d come around, comrade!” Childe mused, Kinich sighing loudly.
“Did I hear correctly that you’ll be fighting next?” Capitano asked, “And must I remind you Childe, that you shouldn’t activate your Foul Legacy. If you do, I will be forced to interfere.”
“I’ll be fine, I won’t use it.” Childe said, “Let’s head down to the arena then!”
Childe practically dragged Kinich down the steps as Mavuika and Capitano looked at them go.
“Is this a wise decision?” Mavuika asked.
“Childe may be the eleventh of the Fatui Harbingers, but he still has his limits.” Capitano said, “I actually believe Malipo Kinich will handle himself just fine within the rules of their duel.”
“That gives me confidence, but still, we’ll observe the match to make sure nothing goes wrong.” Mavuika said.
“Agreed.”
Kinich really didn’t know what he had gotten himself into and he’s not sure if it’s such a good idea. He doesn’t know if fighting someone like Childe, who’s willing to spend so much mora for such a thing, was a wise decision. Still, both Mavuika and Capitano were watching the fight, so if anything were to go against protocol, they can stop them. Capitano didn’t tell him much about Childe, just that he was energetic, trustworthy, and had strong family values. He was ranked eleven for a reason, but going against a Harbinger couldn’t help but make him feel apprehensive.
Still, maybe this would be good practice. If he couldn’t at least hold his own against the eleventh, how could he hope to help Mavuika if someone other than Capitano came to threaten them?
Kinich shook his head, he can focus on hypotheticals at a later point. He summoned his claymore as Childe summoned his Hydro blades on the other side of the arena.
“On my mark, the match will begin!” Mavuika announced as she stood on the edges of railing, “Three… two… one! BEGIN!”
Kinich crouched down for a moment as he held onto his claymore, Childe smiled at him and readied his blades before they both lauched towards each other.
Kinich threw out his dendro grapple and wrapped it around Childe’s waist, he immediately fired his energy only for Childe to block the attack with his blades. Kinich jumped back as a burst of Hydro shot towards him and Childe closed the distance between them. Kinich raised his claymore to block the strike and jumped up, just as Childe tried to hit him. Kinich landed on Childe’s solidified blades and jumpaed behind him, raising his hand as another burst of Dendro shot out and struck Childe in the back.
Childe stumbled from the force before putting his blades away and took out his bow and arrow. Firing in rapid succession. Kinich dodged two of the five arrows and cut through the third and fourth, only for the fifth one to graze his cheek slightly. Kinich shot out his grapple again and used it to yank himself closer to Childe, putting away his claymore and he readied his arm and struck him in the abdomen with a well placed chop with the side of his hands.
Childe let out laugh as he skid back, “Nice shot!”
Kinich didn’t say anything before he launched himself at Childe again. He summoned his claymore again to strike at his chest, only for Childe to block it by summoning his Hydro blades again. Childe pushed him back and threw one of his blades at him. Kinich managed to dodge it before sliding across the ground and aiming his energy at Childe again as a burst of Dendro shot out. Childe let out another laugh as he jumped back, blocking his burst with his blades before pulling out his bow again and fired at Kinich.
Kinich let out a growl as he whipped his Dendro rope across to knock all of the arrows out before running towards the Harbinger again.
“They are fighting quite well.” Capitano noted as he and Mauvika watched the fight.
“Indeed, though I have to ask now, is Childe holding back?” Mavuika asked, she never doubted Kinich's skills, even now he was holding his own and managing to land quite a few good blows against a Fatui Harbinger. Still, she has to wonder if the Harbinger isn't just toying with him.
“Hmm… not in particular.” Capitano said, “He's not holding back, and is fighting at his full physical strength, but we both know they're handicapping themselves.”
“Well I suppose so, Kinich hasn't summoned Ajaw as an assistant at all during this combat. He's just using a bit of his power in tandem with his vision.” Mavuika said, “But what is Childe…”
“If you recall, Childe can summon some abyssal powers. He can summon it in a form known as Foul Legacy. He was put under immense strain the last time he was in that form, so he's been ordered to not use it unless strictly necessary for the coming future.” Capitano said, “However, he's also not using his delusion. He was given an Electro one by the Tsaritsa, but he hasn't used it. Probably deeming it unfair in this instance.”
“I see, I did notice the delusion on him when we went to see them.” Mavuika said, “I must say, to not use such abilities even when it would give you an unprecedented advantage is quite chivalrous of him.”
“Indeed, he has a good heart, his only drive for joining the Harbingers is to serve his archon and protect his family.” Capitano said.
Mavuika couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her now. Even if Childe was not using all of his equipment, in terms of physical combat prowess, this fight meant that Kinich could hold his own against one of the Harbingers. She hoped that would assure Kinich himself of his own skills. Depending on the victor, perhaps they'll have a feast later today.
Or… maybe not.
Mavuika watched as the fight went on, Hydro and Dendro trading blows as elemental energy and arrows flew through the air in a flurry of color. One final blast echoed inside the Stadium as arena filled with dust and all commotion came to a standstill.
Once the dust cleared, Kinich was on his back, his claymore against Childe’s neck as Childe held a blade against his own. Both were breathing heavy as neither moved an inch.
“I think it's best if we call the fight here.” Capitano said..
“Agreed.” Mavuika said before standing on the railing again, “This fight has concluded, the results are a draw!”
Kinich took a heavy breath as Mavuika's voice echoed in the empty stadium. He lowered his blade and sent it away. Childe chuckled before stepping back, putting away his own weapons, and holding out a hand.
“That was a wonderful fight, comrade.” Childe said with a grin, “I'll be sure to remember it and analyze it strike for strike.”
Kinich sighed as he accepted the hand, “Good to know, that means your mora was well spent.”
“Couldn't have said it better myself!” Childe laughed, “Now let's go, after a glorious fight like that, let's have a feast! My treat!”
Kinich didn't even bother protesting as Childe practically dragged him out of the arena and up the stairs to meet with Mavuika and Capitano.
He didn't know what to think of the Eleventh Harbinger, even now. Everything he did didn't line up with everything, and he never knew what as going through his head to make the decisions he did.
Still, he can see why the Traveler was on good terms with him. At least this fight assured him that his fighting skills are worth what he wants it to be worth.
Hands gripped the paper intensely enough to make it crinkle.
“150,000 mora for a ‘sparring match against a strong opponent’?! What is that brat even thinking?!” Pantalone hissed as he felt his glasses crack.
“Childe spending his mora flippantly again?” Sandrone asked as she walked into the room with her robotic attendant.
“I swear, I let him get off with way too much.” Pantalone sighed, he rubbed between his eyes as he took a heavy breath. “Soon, I'll go to Natlan myself and see if this ‘strong opponent’ is worth the price Childe paid. Honestly… that'll determine how mad I am at him.”
“You, leaving Snezhnaya? Color me impressed.” Sandrone mused, “You never left this place ever since you came here from Liyue.”
“Doesn't matter, I just need to fit this into my schedule.” Pantalone sighed. “Honestly…”