#experiment god reader

The green-haired man nodded. "Of course. I swear on my life that I will not speak about this nor write it down anywhere."

The gathered people did their best to relax. Scaramouche put his hands on (Name)'s shoulders and gently pulled them forth so that Childe's body wasn't shielding them anymore. They cringed and averted their eyes.

"(Name), this is Baizhu. As you probably have heard just know, he'll be in charge of getting that Delusion out of your chest", the Balladeer introduced them, not letting go of them even as they tried to worm their way out of his grip.

The doctor smiled. Although he'd like to come closer and give the Creator a proper welcome, he refrained from doing so upon seeing the fear in their eyes. Eyes that resembled the nightsky. "It's an honor to meet you, Your Grace. This on my shoulders is Changsheng, my beloved friend."

(Name)'s eyes flickered to the snake, eyes focusing on her. It's like a muted conversation took place between the animal and the god, and Changsheng slithered down Baizhu's body to get to them. A soft smile graced their lips at the feeling of the cool and smooth body underneath her hands and they picked the snake up, placing a kiss on their snout.

Their God looked back at the doctor and nodded hesitantly. "Very well. I can agree to that."

They had to. No matter the discomfort it would bring in the future, it was worth it in the end.

Baizhu started the process by reading through Dottore's notes several times, pointing out key notes to whoever had been tasked with watching over him on that day. It was always either a Harbinger or a high-ranked Fatui agent. They didn't trust him to leave him alone with the mad Doctor's research. And that was good. If circumstances had been different, he would have loved to delve deeper into them and try a few of those experiments himself.

The Delusion held a unique power in it, one Dottore described as 'Darkness Manipulation'. He found nothing about its exact abilities, only that it was a revolution to all known things and, should their God ever learn to control it, an unstoppable force. The crazy Doctor had been working on a training schedule for (Name), but he never got around to start it. If it was for the better or the worst, Baizhu couldn't tell. Had they been able to control it, they at least wouldn't hurt anyone. Now he'd had to tread with even more care to ensure he wouldn't activate the Delusion on accident. Childe had told him enough of their God's bad days to know that its power wasn't to be underestimated.

After he was sure he understood enough about the Delusion, the true test began. Baizhu took skin samples from the affected area on the Delusion, tried to see what kind of movements or touches would force it to repel him. It happened quite so often that he'd be flung into a wall, their God apologizing to him whereas the Harbingers laughed at his plight. He'd only remind them that it was his job to work out the kinks, even if it meant he'd get hurt. There was nothing to worry about.

But the worst reaction happened the day he tried to cut out the Delusion for the first time. Baizhu numbed the area with a potion in advance to ensure (Name) didn't feel any pain during the process. Changsheng slithered around their neck, resting her head against their cheek and flicking her tongue out in a way of comfort.

Scaramouche and Childe both were present, arms crossed and anxiously watching the procedure.

The scalpel slit into the skin with ease and (Name) turned their head away, eyes shut tight. He removed the excess skin covering the Delusion, careful not to cut into it. Scaramouche cringed at the sight of the skin now lying on a medicinal tray, opting to focus on their God's face instead.

The Balladeer gasped, rushing over to cup their God's face. Tears had been pouring down their cheeks, teeth biting into lips so hard it brought forth blood. "(Name)?", he asked gently, repeating their name several times. But they didn't respond, only grimaced and started to shake their head.

Their expression was a mixture of confusion and terror, body tense and ready to run for it. Although the affected area had been numbed, they still felt the pressure on their body. It brought them back to that lab, until their mind slipped fully back into the past.

The Delusion's light pulsed in beat to her heart, alerting them of what was to come.

"Doctor Baizhu, I suggest you leave the room."

Baizhu nodded and picked up Changsheng, hurrying out with one last glance at their God. Sweat had started forming on their skin.

Childe strode to (Name)' head, placing his hands on their shoulders. They writhed and bucked up, a quiet cry tearing from their throat.

"(Name)!"

Their desperation was obvious. If they didn't get them under control now, they'd be forced to knock them out to prevent the havoc their Delusion would ultimately cause in response to their feelings.

"(Name), please. Listen to me", Childe urged, bending down until his lips brushed against their ear. "You're not with him anymore. We're here. Your Ajax and Kunikuzushi. You're not alone."

Scaramouche rubbed their cheeks, placing his forehead on theirs despite their movements. Their breaths intermingled and his distinct smell slowly perturbed the iron stench of blood their memories had procured. "You are safe. You are free", he whispered. "You're not his puppet. Not anymore. We found you."

(Name) opened their eyes, lids fluttering. They gagged at the burning sensation of vomit in their throat and the two Harbingers helped them up just in time for them to vomit onto the floor. Scaramouche turned up his nose at that and closed his eyes for a brief second. He took a deep breath in his gloves.

Their God heaved and shook, a dazed look in their eyes. Sweat dripped down the side of their head.

"You're fine. You're safe. You're free", the two Harbingers whispered. They only stopped once (Name)'s eyes shut and they fell asleep.

From that day on, they were forced to take it even slower. None of them had thought of their trauma or the fact that this resembled what Dottore had done so much. They'd been careless to believe their God had forgotten what had been done to them.

Several weeks after that first failed attempt, (Name) had their first bad day in months. They stared at the ceiling, hands clutching the blankets close to their body. No movement was seen expect for the occasional subconscious blink or gulp. They didn't even listen to any orders urging them to eat and drink.

Childe stayed by their side the whole time, sitting on the bed, their head resting on his thighs. His right hand stroked her head, the other lay intertwined with his God's on the silk sheets. He rambled on about his dreams and the latest talk going around the castle. Then he'd reassure them again, speaking to them in hushed tones how much he treassured them, that he was so grateful to have them in his life.

They showed the first sign of life during his stories about his family. Specifically Teucer and his mother.

"I'd like to meet them."

Childe stopped, unsure if he'd heard it right. Their voice was oh so quiet, barely audible over his own and he hadn't expected a reaction at all the whole day. He looked down at his God, but their eyes remained vacant. "Who?"

"Your...family."

A euphoric warmth spread through his chest and he lifted their intertwined hands to place a delicate kiss on their knuckles. He smiled into the skin, his warm breath causing goosebumps to form on their skin.

"It would be my honor to introduce you to them, (Name)."

Therefore it was decided. Childe made quick work of convincing the others that it would be good for their God to leave the Ice Palace for a few weeks. They'd been cooped up in here ever since he brought them back, the only times they went out was for his departure and arrival. Besides, Baizhu's procedures drained them rather rapidly. He was sure that once their God managed to get a nice vacation with his family, they'd be feeling better than ever and noone had to fear an outburst. Most likely.

The Tsaritsa didn't like the thought of their God leaving her palace' safety, however even she found herself accepting Tartaglia's request. It wasn't healthy for them to stay inside all the time and interactions with people that weren't servants or the Fatui surely would do them good.

Not even three days after (Name) had uttered their wish they found themself in a carriage, bundled up in thick fur coats provided by the Tsaritsa. They were sure that these were from the Archon's personal collection, the icey smell and length telling them so. Once upon a time the thought would have made them feel uncomfortable, now they buried into them.

"Are you excited, (Name?)", Childe asked them. His bright grin made them smile back at him.

"I am. Thank you...for all of this."

"No need to thank me! Just enjoy this trip away from any prying eyes and tell me if you're overwhelmed. My family can be quite strenuous and I'll understand."

The journy took two days. Morepesok lay far up north where even summer days never brought any warmth and the generic occupation was fishermen. Most houses were ramshackle buildings that looked as if a harsh gust of wind would destroy them in a second in spite of the fact that Childe reassured her that wasn't going to happen. His family owned a more luxurious mansion, he said, thanks to his high pay as a Harbinger. Or a toy salesman, which was the occupation he told his family he had. They never questioned it, thankfully.

They came to a stop at a market and Childe helped (Name) out of the carriage after helping them put on a scarf and mask, instructing the driver how to reach his home. His arm wrapped around their shoulders and he steered them towards the various booths holding warm drinks and food, fabrics, clothes and so many other things.

Their eyes brightened at the sight, at the happiness the people exuded despite the unbearable cold and bleary environment. The both of them strolled through the market. (Name) got wary looks from the citizens, them openly displaying their distrust to the covered stranger, although they greeted Childe in a familiar way.

However that wasn't a surprise to them. They wore a black mask that covered half of their face. A safety precaution. One of many the Tsaritsa had worked out with Childe beforehand to ensure that nothing would go wrong on this trip.

Suddenly Childe whooped, opting to grab their hand and pulling them along as he ran through the crowd. A few people leered and insulted them, but most just shook their hand and continued on their day, smiling fondly at the scene.

(Name) found it hard to keep up and clutched the scarf around their neck closer, breath coming out of them in fast puffs. Due to staying inside ever since...that, they hadn't worked out or done anything to uphold their stamina. Hence they bent over, hands resting on their knees to catch their breath. They heard Childe apologizing and he ran a hand along their back, rubbing in soothing circles.

Two snow-white hands came into their vision and cupped the back of their head, making them look up. (Name) tensed at the sudden touch, but relaxed as soon as their eyes fell on a ginger-haired woman. Familar blue eyes looked back at her. "Are you okay, dear?", she asked, frowning in concern. "Please excuse my son for making you run like this."

Childe pouted and crossed his arms. His mother let go of them. "I already apologized!"

"And they were just focusing on breathing and probably didn't hear you! Again, young man!"

The ginger groaned and leaned down, his lips touching their forehead. "I'm sorry for not taking care of you better, (Name)", he whispered, careful as to make sure noone heard him say their name.

(Name)'s eyes crinkled and they chuckled, taking his hands and intertwining their gloved hands. "It's okay. You were just excited. I understand."

Coos disrupted their peaceful moment of looking into each other's eyes and both looked at the ginger-haired woman, who now adorned a big smile on her face. "I'm glad you're back, Ajax. Your siblings miss you. But who is this? You did mention someone was going to come along with you..."

Ajax grabbed the basket from his mother with one hand and motioned the woman to follow him. This time he walked slow, glancing (Name)'s way to make sure they were alright. "Let's get home first. This is no place to talk."

His mother was visibly confused by this need for secrecy, but she accepted it nonetheless. She hummed as they trudged through the market to the outerskirts of the village, the song a sweet lullaby.

(Name) saw their home the moment they turned a corner. Unlike its neighbors, it was two stories high and upkept. A fence surrounded the grande building, the metallic gate opened halfways. Just in front of the door stood the carriage that had brought them here.

"It's quite different", they murmured as they walked up to the entrance. Ajax squeezed their hand. "It's...nice."

They separated once they entered the building into the lobby. A fire burnt in a fireplace to their left, its warmth attracting the newly arrived. Ajax and his mother discarded their winter clothes first, hanging them up on racks while (Name) waited. The Harbinger came to them and went onto helping them out of the several coat layers. The scarf stayed, hiding the Delusion from sight for the moment.

His fingers toyed with the strings of the mask, a contemplative and sad look in his eyes. "Mother. What I'm about to tell you is a state secret. It was hard enough to get them out of the Ice Palace, so if anyone were to find out...yeah."

Telling his mother about their Creator meant admitting to working as a Harbinger. His mother who was the only person of his family to be granted such a privilege. (Name) put a hand on top of his, stilling the nervous movements of his fingers. They nodded.

Ajax took a deep breath, shoulders slumping. "Meet (Name)...our Creator and the God above all gods." The mask came loose with a soft tug of his hand and fell off, fluttering to the carpeted floor.

His mother looked at them with wide eyes, confused and shocked. She grabbed onto the back of a couch as a wave of dizziness washed over her. "Our...Creator? What? The Ice Palace? Ajax, what do you mean?"

Ajax went to his mother and helped her sit down. He stood staying, his hands resting on her shoulders. "It's a long story and I promise I'll explain more later when we're alone. Just...you can keep this secret, can't you? (Name) needs this reprieve. They just need to feel normal again."

(Name) walked up next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist, snuggling into his side. He accepted the hug, pulling them closer.

"I'm just (Name). Nothing more", they said, voice hesitant. They didn't want to overwhelm the poor woman. It was clear that she was close to a breakdown. "Frankly, I...I wanted to come here to meet Ajax' family. The family of the one who saved me."

It didn't matter that it was Scaramouche who found them first. Ajax, their Ajax, was the one to get them out of that horrible place. They shivered and burried their face in his shoulder as old memories resurfaced.

A lithe hand touched their hand and pulled them down, only to be replaced by warm arms. The distuingished smell of fish entered their nose. Hands rubbed soothing circles into their back.

"I may not understand this situation, but..." His mother breathed out shakily. "You are in need of a family, aren't you? Your eyes...they remind me so much of my boy's after he came back from being kidnapped."

Her mouth found its way to (Name)'s cheek, lingering there. "It's nice to meet you, (Name). I hope you'll enjoy your stay here."

(Name) felt their eyes grew wet and she bit into their bottom lip to stop the sobs from bursting forth. But his mother looked into her eyes, and that look told them everything they needed to hear.

The first drops ran down their cheeks and they hiccuped as they pressed their face into her shoulder. Warm hands caressed their back and waist and soft humming tuned out the rest of the world.

Dottore's rule is simple.

One step out of line, and you're a goner.

The whole world has to listen to him now, forced to carry out laborous tasks and be punished should they voice their opinions.

But most don't. Not with you watching over the world, at the hands of the new ruler.

Even when you'd come to raze their cities to the ground should they decide to disobey, they praised and bowed to you. You, their Creator, their beloved God.

They didn't see the scars littering your body, nor the hollowness to your eyes. They blind themselves from the obvious control Dottore has over you.

You're their God and in their short-sighted minds, they decided that you willingly must be helping the crazy tyrant.

And a tyrant he is.

Now that the whole of Teyvat is his playground, he doesn't hold back. He works on the craziest, most dangerous machines. He experiments on humans as much as he wants, ignoring their pain.

All while making sure to mostly keep you to himself.

Sure, you are sent out occasionally to make sure his new slaves didn't riot, but other than that you'd stay by his side. Always kneeling on a pillow on the ground. Always ready to follow his orders.

His good little pet god.

His want to have you locked up for only him to see is strong.

You are his biggest success. The one thing he truly cared about.

You had the special and unique Delusion in your chest to prove it, didn't you?

At night, you'd lay by his side, burying your face in the crook of his throat, arms wrapped around his neck. He'd kiss you, over and over again, placing a row of kisses down to the Delusion that flashed in bright purple colours at his touch, his lips meeting the thin skin holding it in your body.

You are responsive, but not speaking much. You preferred to voice your thoughts by sounds he'd quickly memorized, knowing what that click meant or this whine told him.

He doesn't care much about that. He's happy as long as he has you.

There was only one more thing.

The foolish Archons locked up in their special holding cells, deep inside Zapolyarny Palace. Their shouts are annoying at the best of days, infuriating at the worst.

His original plans had been to try and extract their unique essence, but now...he thought of something better.

Why not let you have your fun?

Your memories of the past are lacking at best, but you still remember the pain the Archons had brought to you. A pain you are sure to never forget.

And what would be more satisfying than watching the Archons die by your sweet, capable hands?

The hands of their God, who they'd hunted down so ruthlessly.

Yes, he now knows what he was going to do the next day.

For now, though, he'd enjoy having you in his arms.