Ludi Harpastum
The next day, Markus exits his room at the cathedral with a yawn, adjusting his aching back.

"Finally up, sleepyhead?"

Markus: "Good morning to you too, Barb..."

He says groggily, while his sister is in the middle of cleaning some pews.

Barbara: "It's already noon, actually."

Markus: "Ugh, seriously...?"

Barbara: "Did you sleep well?"

Markus: "Does it look like I slept well?! My back is killing me..."

Barbara: "I told you sitting against the wall was a bad idea. That's what you get for wanting to look cool for no reason..."

Markus: "Shush. I would've obviously preferred my bed, but Collei needed to sleep somewhere..." He grumbles, while trying to bend his arms behind himself and use his Anemo abilities to 'fix' his back.

Barbara: "Do you... want me to heal you, Bro?"

Markus: "No, I'm good, I can heal it myself..."

After a while, he manages to do it, and plops down on a pew near Barbara after he's done.

Markus: "Speaking of Collei, sorry for last night."

Barbara: "You definitely surprised me, y'know!? You came back so late, carrying this girl I didn't recognize, shouting: 'Barb, I'll explain later! Please help me find her a place to sleep, and give her a clean pair of clothes to wear, and help give her a bath!'"

Markus: "I-I didn't shout at you that desperately... And you got the order wrong."

Barbara: "Who cares!? Where did she come from, and why did you come back home with her so late at night?"

Markus: "I mean, it wasn't a big deal, was it? You were already awake."

Barbara: "Sir Kaeya had just brought Dad home from the party. He was really drunk, so I had to help carry him to bed."

Markus: "Jeez, Dad came home before me? Wow, I guess I really was out pretty late..."

Barbara: "Is that girl... alright?" Her voice softens into concern.

Markus: "..."

Barbara: "She was covered in bandages. And she insisted on putting them back on after I helped her bathe, even though it didn't look like she was injured in any way..."

Markus: "Lisa told me not to tell anyone about Collei's illness..." He thinks to himself, biting his lip nervously. "There's no way I'm going to drag Barb of all people into this..."

Barbara: "Tell me, Markus!"

Markus: "U-uh, um..." He glances around nervously. "G-gee, it seems like Collei's still sleeping, huh? The poor girl must've been so tired!"

He notices the door to their room open slightly, some green strands of hair poking out.

Markus: "..."

Barbara: "Is that...?"

Markus: "Come out, Collei."

The strands of hair quickly disappear behind the door.

Markus: "Collei, I know it's you. I don't know anyone else with hair that color."

Collei slowly pokes her head out, an uncomfortable-looking grimace on her face.

Barbara: "Are you alright? Did you not sleep well?" She asks Collei.

Markus: "No, that's how she always looks..."

Barbara: "... Bro, what did you do?"

Markus: "Why do you automatically think I did something?"

Barbara: "Well... did you? You didn't tease her or make fun of her, or anything like that?"

Markus: "M-murgh...!" He grunts guiltily.

Collei: "W-why did you bring me to a place like this?!" She stammers, shaking. "T-this is a church, right?"

Markus gets up and walks over to Collei, arms crossed.

Markus: "Yeah, it is. I live here."

Collei: "You live here?! You don't expect me to stay here too, do you?"

Markus: "Only if you want. It's not like I kidnapped you or something..."

Collei: "I've been forsaken by everyone, even the gods themselves... To bring me to a place like this... Is this some kind of sick joke?!"

Collei clutches her arm, ruffling the bandages covering them. Markus winces, shaking his head.

Markus: "You won't be 'forsaken' here. Mond will welcome you... if you want."

Collei: "Do you really expect me to believe those words!?"

Markus: "You said you came here looking for something, right? Was it not a place that would accept you, to call home?"

Collei goes silent, eyes widening. Markus attempts to place a hand on her shoulder, but she takes a small step back.

Collei: "Y-you'll be... cursed. You'd... b-best stay away from me..." She utters, a lot more softly, her head drooping down.

Markus frowns, sighing.

Collei: "I-I know better... I won't find a savior in a place like this..."

Markus: "Savior... If there's any person that could be one, it's..."

"Mornin', everyone!"

The tension is interrupted by a certain cheerful Outrider approaching Markus from behind, who places a gentle hand on Collei's head.

Collei: "A-ah?!"

Markus: "Morning, Amber. Although it's already noon now..."

Amber: "So you really were brought here, Collei. Did you borrow those clothes from Barbara? They look so cute on you~!"

Collei suddenly jumps back, slamming the door shut.

Collei: "Y-you all are too careless! You'll be...!"

Amber: "It's alright, Miss Lisa already told us what you have wasn't contagious! You don't have to worry about us getting sick!"

Collei: "Lies! That person doesn't know what she's talking about!"

Barbara: "Collei is sick?"

Markus flinches in shock after noticing Barbara is now standing right behind him, overhearing everything.

Amber: "Oh, yeah, she..."

Markus: "Ssh!" He quickly shushes Amber before she finishes.

Amber: "Hm?" She blinks, obliviously tilting her head in confusion.

Barbara: "Bro, you're not hiding something from me, are you?!"

Markus: "I-I don't know what you're talking about..."

Barbara: "I want to help her in any way I can! Didn't you ask me to be her friend?"

Markus: "H-huh? What do you mean?"

Barbara: "Before falling asleep, you practically begged me for help. Saying she could really use a friend." She becomes a bit teary-eyed. "You... haven't begged me for anything like that before. At least not for a long time..."

Markus: He looks away from her, a pained expression on his face. "You must've been imagining things, Barb..."

Barbara: "Markus!"

Amber: "Wait, that's a good idea!" She chimes in cheerfully. "Barbara, you and Collei are the same age, so I'm sure you'll make a great friend for her!"

Barbara: "Wait, she's 13?! But she's so... u-uh..."

Amber: "Small?" She giggles. "You won't be mean and call her a 'shorty' like Markus did, I hope."

Markus: "I-I'm... sorry about that..." He utters, feeling genuinely remorseful.

Amber: "Come to think of it, maybe her size is related to her illn-..."

Markus: "U-uh...! H-hey Amber, where'd you get that mark on your face from?!" He suddenly exclaims, dramatically pointing at her.

Amber: "What?" She places a hand to her cheek. "Oh, it must be because I was sleeping on the library table for so long!"

She puts her hands on her hips, pouting at Markus.

Amber: "Speaking of which, I can't believe you just left me there last night! Why didn't you wake me up, and have me help you carry Collei to the cathedral?"

Markus: "You were snoozing so... comfortably, so Lisa suggested we not disturb you..."

Amber: "Likely story!"

Markus: "I'm not lying!"

Amber: "Hmph! I missed breakfast because I slept so long. And I'm super hungry!"

Markus: "Well, you can have lunch with us instead if you want. I guess..."

Amber: "Great!" She cheerfully knocks on the door that Collei's still hiding behind. "Collei! Come out and have lunch with us!"

Collei: "No way! I don't need your food!"

Amber: "Why not? You not hungry?"

Collei: "No! I..."

A sudden, very loud growling sound erupts from Markus's and Barbara's room.

Barbara: "I'll head to the kitchen and get started on food right away." She suggests, while stifling a chuckle.

Markus: "Heck no, I'm not letting you cook. I'll do it."

Barbara: "Isn't your back hurting?"

Markus: "I healed it already..."

Barbara: She sighs. "I promise I won't make anything spicy this time, Bro. Not when we have guests."

Markus: "So you think it's fine to make super spicy stuff when it's just me?!"

--

The four of them gather in the kitchen. Barbara starts preparing lunch while the other three take a seat, Amber happily sharing stories of past Outrider missions while Markus and Collei sit in awkward silence.

Barbara: "Food's ready!"

Amber: "Oh boy, I'm sure whatever you made will be super delicious~!"

Barbara: "Heheh, it's nothing special. Just some Fisherman's Toast, and some spicy soup... Which I made a lot more mild today because Markus is a big baby."

Markus: "Hmph."

Barbara sets down plates of food for the others before taking a seat herself.

Markus: "It's... actually edible?!" He states in mock awe, after taking a bite. "What a miracle...!"

Barbara: "Knock it off, Bro."

Amber: "Yeah, Barbara's a great cook! Much better than you or I, Markus."

Markus: "Sure, when she cooks normally, that is..."

Collei: "..." She continues to sit silently, staring at the food in front of her without touching it.

Markus: "... U-uh, it's not poisoned or anything, y'know? What Amber said about Barb's cooking is true; I was joking abo-..."

Collei: "... Why?"

Markus: "Huh?"

Collei: "Why... are you doing all this for me?"

Amber: "You were hungry, right? So..."

Collei: "I mean... everything! I just... don't get it..."

Markus winces, looking away from Collei guiltily.

Amber: "... You feel bad about how you treated her yesterday, right?" She tells him softly, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.

Markus: "Y-yeah..." He admits.

Amber: "Well, you were a bit too mean to her... But I'm sure even she can tell you're a good person. Just... do your best to make up for what you did wrong, and you won't have anything to feel sorry about."

Markus: "..."

Amber: "I know it'll be okay. There's a reason I consider you my perfect partner!"

Markus: "I'm only your 'perfect partner' because there's no other Outrider but me..."

Amber: "You're the only other Outrider because no one else was willing to be one with me."

Markus: "I-I..."

Amber: "Together, we'll help Collei feel welcome in Mond, I'm sure of it."

Barbara: "B-Bro, what happened? Is something wrong with Collei?"

Markus: "U-um... Sorry, but we can't tell you that..."

Amber: "Why not?"

Markus: "Lisa said..."

Amber: "We can trust Barbara, surely?"

Markus: "T-that's not... the problem..."

Amber: "Collei is sick with Eleazar."

Markus: "A-Amber!"

Barbara: "H-huh? What's that?"

Collei: "Is that what that purple lady told you?" She utters, suddenly cutting in to the conversation.

Amber: "You mean Miss Lisa? Yes, she did."

Collei: "So you know how dangerous it is to be around me, then!"

Markus: "Lisa told us you're ill, but it's not contagious. Otherwise, I wouldn't have let Barb help bathe you..."

Collei: "She's wrong!"

Amber: "Miss Lisa is probably the smartest person in all of Mond! There's no way she's wrong!"

Collei: "Then... she's lying!" She slams her fists on the table, making the plates rattle. "Because, then... why did I have to go through... all this..."

She begins to cry, her anger quickly melting into sorrow. Before Markus can say anything, Amber places a comforting hand on the sobbing girl's back, holding up Collei's sandwich with her other hand.

Amber: "Here, have some. You must be starving, right?"

Collei: "..."

With a sniffle, she accepts the sandwich and slowly takes a bite.

Collei: "It's... really good..."

--

After everyone finishes eating the food Barbara made, Amber barely has the patience to wait for her junior Outrider to suit up into his uniform before she's sprinting off towards the bustling streets of Mondstadt, cheerfully greeting and waving at every person she passes by.

Amber: "Look, look! Markus, everyone's already started decorating and preparing for the festival~!"

Markus: "Yeah, yeah... I can see that." He stifles a chuckle, Amber's infectious excitement rubbing off on him enough to make him crack a smile.

Amber: "You think they've got some of the games set up already? We should give Collei a tour around the city, and show her the booths! That'll definitely cheer her up, don't you think?"

Markus: "Are you sure you're not making an excuse to go play? We're supposed to be on patrol, y'know."

Amber: "Yes, but it's the city we'll be patrolling today! So playing for a bit should be fine, right?"

Markus: "Uh huh..." He smirks, shrugging. "If you say so. Let's try not to walk too fast, and accidentally leave Collei behind..."

"... That's okay. I'll make sure to stay with her, Bro."

Markus glances behind him, eyes widening as he sees Barbara holding Collei by the hand, helping the uneasy bandaged girl walk slowly behind them.

Markus: "Barb, what are you doing?"

Barbara: "What, you mean holding her hand?"

Markus: "No, I mean why are you here at all?!"

Barbara: "Why not? I want to come, too! As her new friend, I..."

Markus: "I told you to forget about that!"

Barbara: "How come?! Is me coming along such a problem?"

Markus: "Don't... uh... you have anything important to do at the cathedral or something?"

Barbara: "The cathedral isn't very busy during Ludi Harpastum! You know that!"

Markus: "Hmph." He crosses his arms in a huff. "The last thing I want is to babysit my sister while I'm patrolling, especially during the festival. Don't you know how embarrassing that would be for me?"

Barbara: "You don't need to babysit me! I'm not a baby!" She pouts, also crossing her arms in a huff. "You don't need to worry about anything I'm doing."

Markus: "You're practically the shyest person in the universe. Will you even be able to hold a conversation with her?"

Barbara: "O-of course! I'm going to be an idol that'll make everyone smile someday, s-so this much is nothing!"

Markus: "... It doesn't even look like she wants to be your friend."

Barbara: "That's not true!" She turns to Collei, smiling nervously. "Y-you want to be friends, right? We'll have so much fun at the festival together!"

Collei says nothing, quietly looking down at the ground.

Barbara: "U-um... it's still a work in progress..."

Markus: "Go home, Barb!"

Barbara: "No way!"

Markus: "Leave!"

Barbara: "No!"

Markus: "Grr!"

Barbara: "Grr!"

Collei: "Would you two shut up!? You're sooo annoying!"

Both Amber and a couple passersby laugh at Markus and Barbara's quarreling, the two siblings blushing in embarrassment at the attention they've drawn to themselves.

Collei: "... It seems like you get along a lot better with this sister than your other one, at least..."

Markus: "H-huh?" He says, taken slightly aback. "What do you mean by...?"

Amber: "Now, now, that's enough fighting with Barbara, Markus. You know she just wants to help, right?"

Markus: "I-I guess, but..."

Amber: "Hey Collei, while the two of them cool off, want to check out one of the booths with me?"

Collei: "..."

Amber reaches out a hand, which Collei reluctantly accepts.

Amber: She gasps in glee. "Y-you actually took my hand this time!"

Collei: "I-it's not that big of a dea-..."

Before she can finish, Amber happily drags her along. As Collei passes by Markus...

Collei: "... It seems like you get along a lot better with this sister than your other one, at least..." She mutters under her breath.

Markus: "H-huh?" He says, taken slightly aback. "What do you mean by...?"

Barbara: "Bro..."

Markus: He sighs, turning back to Barbara. "You... won't be able to do anything about her illness, Barb."

Barbara: "B-but I...!"

Markus: "Lisa said only the people studying in Sumeru can do anything about it. Even she doesn't know how to cure her."

Barbara: "But maybe I can...!"

Markus: "You can't." He cuts her off again, more sharply. "You know as well as I do that you're skilled in healing physical wounds, but not much else."

Barbara clenches her fists tightly, her eyes beginning to water. Markus's jaw tightens in response, looking away.

Markus: "Jeez... I knew you'd react this way. That's why I didn't want to get you involved..."

Barbara: "Yet, I still..."

Markus: "Why are you being so unusually pushy today? Do you want to help Collei that much?"

Barbara: "I want to help you."

Markus goes silent, eyes widening at her answer.

Barbara: "There was a reason you begged me for help yesterday, right? I could see it on your face then... and I can still see it right now."

Markus: "That... was a mistake." He mutters, biting his lip in regret.

Barbara: "One you wouldn't have made unless you were really desperate. I know how you are with asking anyone for anything, Markus. Probably more than anyone else."

Closing his eyes for a moment, Markus lets out a deep breath.

Markus: "Of all people I had to beg to..."

Barbara: "I'm not a little kid anymore, you don't have to worry about protecting me from things all the time." She states sternly. "I know you made that promise to Big Sis, but..."

Markus: "It's not because of Jean!" He shouts without thinking, before calming himself. "E-er, it's not the only reason, anyway..."

Barbara: "B-Bro..." She softens, becoming even more teary-eyed.

Markus: "C-c'mon, don't look at me like that..."

He pauses, making a long groan before he finally gives in.

Markus: "... Fine... I guess it's my fault for what I said to you last night..."

Barbara wipes her eyes, her frown instantly turning into a bright smile.

Barbara: "Thanks, Bro! I'll do my best to help in any way I can~!"

Markus: "Good grief..." He mutters, not being able to resist a smile himself.

Amber: "We're baaack!"

She returns to the two cheerfully, Collei in tow. Markus blinks a few times, in disbelief from Amber's current disheveled state.

Barbara: "W-where did you go, Amber...?"

Amber: "I took Collei to play 'Pile 'em Up'! Are you two done quarreling, finally?"

Markus: "We weren't 'quarreling'. And we weren't talking for that long!"

Amber: "You could argue with her for hours and still think that~!" She giggles.

Markus: He shakes his head. "Whatever. Why are you covered in lettuce, Amber? And... fish?"

Amber: "Like I said, I was playing Pile 'em Up over there." She points to a nearby game booth. "I... didn't do very well."

Markus peers over at the small girl by Amber's side, a look of disbelief on her face matching his.

Amber: "I was hoping to win the top prize and impress Collei, but... Pile 'em Up is just way too hard."

Collei: "It's just a game about making a tower out of food..."

Amber: "Markus, avenge me! Please win the top prize for Collei! She really wants it!"

Collei: "No, I don't..."

Markus: "We're on patrol right now, remember? Besides, I'm... much too old to play childish games like that!"

Amber: "Boo!" She sticks her tongue out at him. "You're no fun! You just don't think you can win either, right?"

Markus: "Do you seriously think that'll get me to want to play, Amber?" He shrugs.

Amber: "C'mon Barbara, let's just leave this bore here by himself, and show Collei all the other fun booths they have set up!"

Barbara looks at Markus's face, holding back a chuckle as she steps towards Amber and Collei.

Markus: "Murgh..." He crosses his arms, not budging.

Amber: "We're going to have a blast without you, Markus!"

Markus: "Hmph! I don't care!"

He turns around and shuts his eyes, standing there obstinately. After a bit, he can't help peeking behind his shoulder, and...

Amber: "Poke!" She pokes his cheek with a laugh.

Markus: "Y-you're back already?!"

Amber: "We haven't left yet, silly." She grabs one of his hands. "Quit being so stubborn. Let's go."

Markus glances at Barbara, still trying to fight off giggles, and Collei, an unreadable expression on her face.

Markus: "O-okay..." He pouts in defeat, as he allows himself to be dragged along by Amber.

--

"Ah, young Markus! Here to reclaim your fellow Outrider's honor!?"

The portly man running the "Pile 'em Up" booth proclaims.

Markus: He lets out a tired sigh. "I already don't want to do this anymore..."

Amber: "Avenge me!" She begs him again.

Markus: "Amber, you know this game is rigged, right...?"

Pile 'em Up Man: "Not true! Even Grand Master Varka himself has tested his true might, by... building the tallest, grandest food tower in all of Mond!"

Markus: "Uh huh..." He utters dryly.

Pile 'em Up Man: "You can't call yourself a true Knight of Favonius without... being able to create a grand Pile 'em Up tower!" He gestures to a random pile of veggies and meats in an overly dramatic fashion.

Markus: He slams his hands onto the booth in annoyance. "Y'know what?! You want to see an 'impressive food tower' or whatever?! Fine, I'll show you."

Amber and even Barbara cheer on Markus as he builds a tower out of food, as Collei stands there, with a similar look to how she did when she watched Amber make hers earlier.

Collei: "This is... so dumb..."

Markus: "Heh." He smirks, showing off the tall tower he built. "How's that? Good enough for you?!"

Amber: "Wooow!" She exclaims in awe, admiring what Markus made. "I knew you could do it, Markus!"

Pile 'em Up Man: "Hmmm..." He eyes the tower in suspicion. "Young man."

Markus: "Yes?"

Pile 'em Up Man: "Using your Anemo abilities to hold your tower steady is cheating."

Markus: "A-ack...!" He takes a step back in surprise, before his tower collapses and falls all over him.

Amber and Barbara both burst into laughter, Markus flicking the cheese and tomatoes off his head with a grumble.

Collei: "Pfft..."

Amber notices Collei's face buried in her hands.

Amber: "Collei, are you...!?"

Collei: "U-uh...!" She turns her head away, blushing.

Amber: "Is that... a smile I see?!" She gaps in surprise. "You're smiling, right?"

Collei: "N-no..." She denies it, before glancing at Markus again. "Pfft...!"

Collei is unable to hold it together anymore, and bursts into laughter herself.

Collei: "Heh heh... ha ha ha!"

Markus: "It's not that funny!" He growls, his face reddening in embarrassment.

Collei: "Y-you made such a big deal about building an 'impressive tower'... only to be caught cheating! You're so stupid!" She continues to point and laugh at him.

Markus: "Argh, stop!"

Amber: "Markus, you did it! Good job!"

Markus: "E-eh? Did what...?" He raises an eyebrow in confusion.

Amber: "You got her to smile and laugh finally!" Her eyes sparkle in happiness and excitement. "You're amazing!"

Barbara: "Yeah, you're incredible, Bro! Only you could accomplish something like this!" She adds, before proceeding to laugh at him herself again.

Markus: "Yeah, sure, what a great accomplishment... I only had to turn myself into a clown to do it..." He groans, not happy about it at all.

Amber: "Oh, right! Speaking of clowns, I think I heard some will be holding a show onstage later." She turns to Collei. "Collei, do you like clowns?"

Collei: "I... don't know what those are..."

Amber: "After we check out some more booths, we can watch their show tonight, if you want."

Collei: "Uh, yeah. Okay..." She nods, a small smile still visible on her face.

~~

Reid: "Look at Mond's citizens down there. Happily and obliviously having fun, unknown to what terrors will soon encroach their fair city..."

Viktor: "What are you talking about, Reid?"

Reid: "Nothing. Just wanted to sound dramatic."

Viktor crosses his arms while looking at his coworker, who's currently leaning against a wall and reading an unfamiliar book.

Viktor: "What is it that you're reading?"

Reid: "Nothing that interesting." He casually shrugs. "Just... something I probably shouldn't be looking at. Or should even have in my possession."

Viktor: "Excuse me?!"

Reid: "Relax, Viktor. Like I said, it's no concern of mine what that Dottore is up to; I don't work under him after all. And neither do you, so you won't tattle on me... right?"

Viktor: "... These childish antics of yours will come back to bite you one of these days."

Reid: "You consider this to be 'childish', huh?" He snickers.

Viktor: "Hmph. Reid, what are you even doing up here?"

Reid: "Why do you ask? You didn't have to follow me up here, y'know."

Viktor: "You seem like the type to go and do something stupid if left unchecked, so I'm not keeping my eyes off of you for a second."

Reid: "Golly, what a responsible Fatui you are. Your boss would be proud. 'Sandrone', was it?"

Viktor: "I work under La Signora!" He huffs. "Don't you forget it!"

Reid: "Yes, yes. For you to have such a... diligent personality, you must have quite the respectable boss."

Viktor: "And for you to be as irresponsible as you are, your boss must be..."

Before he can finish, Reid suddenly grabs Viktor by the neck, shoving him up against the wall.

Reid: "He must be... what?!" He snaps, dropping his typical smirk.

Viktor freezes, feeling Reid's harsh glare through his mask.

Reid: "Surely you weren't about to badmouth my boss... right? Surely you wouldn't be foolish enough to do such a thing... right?!"

Viktor: "I-I get it! I-I-I apologize! Put m-me down...!"

Reid drops him, Viktor landing with a thud. He holds his neck and coughs, visibly shaking as Reid turns away from him.

Reid: "You know why I don't take anything seriously? Because there's nothing in this world worth taking seriously." He states, his irritable nature not waning. "And there's no individual I find that's worth any of my respect either... with one exception."

Viktor: "What about the Tsarit-..."

Reid: "Only. One. Exception." He glances back, causing Viktor to flinch.

Reid lets out a long, aggravated exhale.

Reid: "Just great, look what you did, Viktor. Now I'm in a bad mood, hope you're happy." He tosses his book away, not caring where it lands. "I'm going for a walk to clear my head. You'd be wise to not follow me this time."

With another cough, Viktor slowly gets up as he watches Reid walk away.

Viktor: "That damn 'Reid'. It's almost blasphemous that a nimrod like him was gifted with as much strength as he has! Almost enough to rival a Harbinger... absolutely ridiculous...!"

~~