Chapter Text
You awoke abruptly, immediately being met with cold, harsh wind that felt as though icicles pierced your skin. You, however, were unable to speak. Instead, everything you attempted to say came out in loud, high-pitched wails. This caused your eyes to wander, and you looked down at your hands.
They were... small. Too small for your liking. The confusion only added to your emotions, that for some reason felt as if they were enhanced by ten times.
You were placed in a basket, and the only thing that was keeping you warm from the freezing air was a thick blanket that covered your entire body.
You wept and wept as the one thing illuminating the area was a light that was seated neatly on a stone podium. Snow seemed to be dusted on top of it.
Now that you thought about it, where exactly were you anyways?
You focused your mind, trying to recollect your memory on what happened before you woke up. Scanning your mind, you searched for the answer to your question.
And then it hit you, the memories running back.
You died due to heart failure. In which the heart was unable to pump the efficient amount of blood needed for your body.
I guess you knew that you were going to die soon, which is why you spent most of your time on a shitty little anime-styled game that gave minors gambling addictions.
And it's not like you could've gone out to see the world either, after all your parents were unable to provide basic healthcare for you. Neglectful and ignorant about your wellbeing, probably until you passed.
So, how did that correlate to the situation you were in as of now? Dying and then what? You woke up as a baby in some random place, which was totally not strange nor weird at all.
You suddenly perked up, hearing the faint sound of footsteps coming from somewhere around you. Unsure of where it was coming from, you hesitantly glanced around.
Your eyes then shot to the door in front of you, hearing the clicking of the doorknob as a lady dressed in black and purple accents opened it. A mask was on her face, yet only covering her eyes and nose. Her attire was familiar as well, where had you seen it before?
The lady studied the surrounding area, suspicion eating her away before she looked down. Instantly spotting your tiny figure in just a mere basket, she was quite taken aback.
Hoisting up your basket into her arms, she carefully brought you inside. The warm atmosphere of the room began to warm you up as you snuggled beneath the blanket that was laid over you.
"Well, little one, how did you get here?" The lady cooed, a small smile on her face as she watched over you.
You only stared back up at her with doe eyes, wonder and curiosity peaking as your eyes wandered around.
You didn't get a good look, considering how you were small and in a basket, so you couldn't see where you were going.
However, this walk seemed to be going on for a long time. Were you in a hallway?
The lady slowly came to a halt, standing in front of a wide double door that was paved in gold.
She knocked three separate knocks, as if to signal that she was there.
"Come in." A sharp voice echoed from through the door. The lady politely pushed open the doors, and you two were now standing in front of a crowd of ten. Another woman was in the back, sitting on a throne as a way to display her authority.
"Your excellency, please excuse my interruption." The lady bowed with respect, still holding you tightly in her arms.
The woman in the back stood up. Her light grey hair softly fell behind her, and her dark eyes glared down at the subordinate before motioning her closer, "Come forward." Her voice was cold, giving the same chills as the temperature outside.
The lady quickly made her way over to the woman, kneeling down as she brought you up, almost as though it was like an offer.
"Why did you interrupt the Harbinger's meeting with a small human child?" The woman inquired, her harsh gaze moving from you to the lady holding you.
The lady gulped nervously before responding, "The baby was left outside the doors of the palace. No one should know about the Harbinger's location, so is it truly a coincidence that this baby was left by the doors?" She explained.
"The Harbinger's? Where have I...?" You thought to yourself, that oddly familiar title striking a nerve somewhere in your brain.
The woman on the throne considered everything carefully for a moment. As she looked back at your tiny body, realization struck her. Although it wasn't apparent, you caught onto it anyways.
"I understand, you are free to return to your duties." The woman spoke again, taking your basket out of the lady's hands.
The lady quickly walked off, bowing one last time as a sign of respect as she exited the room. The door shut with a loud thud, and the room was left in silence once again.
The woman carefully took ahold of you, wrapping you in the blanket as she carried your small frame. Her touch was frigid, as if she was the embodiment of all thing's ice and cold itself. However, her gentle and almost caring actions contrasted her freezing touch.
"A change of plans." The woman announced, gaining the attention of everyone that was seated at the long table in the middle of the room. "This young child will be our greatest weapon in the entirety of the Fatui."
As you turned your head to look at the people in the room, you noticed someone. Or multiple people.
"Your confusion is justified, but I will not elaborate on this matter. Only time will tell, and we must remain patient." The woman continued.
Wait... was that?-
"In five years, this child will be in need of proper training within combat and skills that are regularly used within this military."
All the switches in your head began to click one by one as you pieced together the puzzle.
"I would like one of you to give this child the training they are required to have."
Scaramouche... La Signora... Dottore... These are all characters from that game you played...
So this person holding you must be...
"As of now, this child will reside in Zapolyarny Palace under the watch and guard of The Tsaritsa herself." The Tsaritsa proclaimed, her voice reaching every corner of the room.
"And, under no circumstances, will I allow any act of defiance against this child." The Tsaritsa declared.
"Any act of defiance against this child is an act of defiance against me."
"Do I make myself clear?" The Tsaritsa demanded, checking to see if she hammered this inside their heads already.
"Yes, you're excellency, The Tsaritsa." They bowed, showing their utmost devotion to her.
Ah, first day being in this world and you're already being used as a military strong arm.
How wrong could this possibly go?
The meeting was adjourned soon after The Tsaritsa's statement. One by one, each of the Fatui Harbinger's filed out. However, just as the Sixth Harbinger was about to leave, his presence was recalled back to the room.
"Scaramouche." The Tsaritsa called out to him.
The short man turned around, his veil waving behind him as his attention was set on The Tsaritsa. His gaze darted to you for a second, knowing what to expect.
"Your excellency." Scaramouche kneeled on the spot, intent on listening to what she had to say despite the fact that he didn't want to become some kid's personal trainer.
"I task you with the assignment of having this child as your future pupil." The Tsaritsa asserted, "In five years, I expect you to fulfill this request."
Scaramouche gritted his teeth, annoyed that he was specifically chosen for this role, "With all due respect, your excellency, can I ask why you chose me?"
The Tsaritsa let out a sigh, pacing around the room as she explained the situation of the other Harbinger's, "In the upcoming years, we will finally take control of the Gnoses. La Signora's part to play has already been decided, as for the other Harbinger's as well. You, on the other hand, are the only Harbinger that is able to teach the skills needed to this child."
Scaramouche was about to speak again when he was cut off before he could even start.
"Your battles have always resulted in a win on your side, and in battle I have seen your versatility and ability to adapt to all amounts of change. I believe you are the only one fit for a role like this." The Tsaritsa finished, knocking him silent.
"Stand up, I suppose you have no more questions regarding this, so you are free to leave." She spoke, allowing him permission to leave.
Scaramouche said no more as he stood up. You could only hear his footsteps grow further and further away, soon hearing the echo of the wide door closing.
"Now... What shall we do with you?" The Tsaritsa gazed down at you softly. She cradled you in her arms as she stepped towards her chambers. "Y/N, is it?"
You blinked, how did she know your name? You then looked down at your shirt, seeing your name written out for her to see.
"Oh." It clicked in your head.
As The Tsaritsa walked with you, you felt yourself dozing off. Your eyes slowly began to droop in a haze.
You distantly heard the voice of The Tsaritsa talking to someone, presumably one of her maids.
You drifted off to sleep, being comforted by the feeling of being held in someone's arms.
Ah, you wished you could've stayed like that forever.