you hide your face with your disguise // 'cause someone filled your head with lies

[monoceroscaeli]

[It had been a few days since the hunt for the Great Mujina Youkai had come to an end, having to say goodbye to the kids and to Yoimiya too. The ship that was to take him back to Snezhnaya would be arriving a bit later in the day, and Childe sighs as he sits back in his chair in the tent he's occupying in one such hidden Fatui camp. He had a great time in Inazuma. The country was beautiful, rich with a new culture to learn and all sorts of places to explore and fight new and more exciting enemies. All his things were in order- the gifts that he'd bought to bring back to his family, Teucer's Onikabuto in a little bug box with some food to keep it alive during the trip back- all he'd have to do is wait for the ship and he'd be on his way.

He tells himself that he'd return to the country one day, once tensions between the Fatui and the Shogunate calm down. It was a miracle that he was able to stay as long as he has, evading the Tenryou Commission. He has some people to thank for that, and he won't forget what they did for him while he's been here. Some gifts would be in order for them upon his return.

The Harbinger idly plays with a writing utensil between his fingers. He'd like to bring something from Snezhnaya for Yoimiya, too.

There's a sharp rap at his door, and Childe sighs. He doesn't really want to deal with work right now, perfectly happy reminiscing on the time he's spent in Inazuma before he leaves, but answers with a bored tone to his voice:]

Come in.

[An agent enters, bowing and standing at attention.]

Sir, we've captured a Tenryou Commission spy that was found sneaking around. We've taken her into custody and are awaiting your orders on how to deal with her.

[Childe's eyebrow raises. It should have been hard to find this camp, even by the Shuumatsuban. Somehow, doubt creeps into his mind, but stands from his chair.]

Alright, I'll deal with it myself. At least I can have one last bit of fun before I depart.

[The agent only bows once more, to lead Childe towards the prisoner. He knows better than to argue with the Harbinger, but feels sorry for the spy. The two cross the camp to another tent, the agent stopping him right before lifting the flap for his senior commander.]

She claims to be from the fireworks shop, but we've seen Tenryou soldiers stop frequently at it.

[Before he can answer, the flap is lifted to reveal a certain girl that he'd met not but a few days ago...]

Comments

[monoceroscaeli]

[Tartaglia isn't sure what exactly has changed with Yoimiya, but she's a bit more forceful than he remembers her being, more hungry and more possessive than she's ever acted before. Their foreplay is becoming more and more intense as they speak, and he's loving it more than he thought he would. The visceral feel of her nails digging into his skin is helping to turn him on faster and faster, and Yoimiya's attention to his dick serves to lock him completely into her ministrations and he easily falls under the spell being woven upon him. Childe hums and groans with delight, his cock hardening terribly under each stroke of her hand, spreading fire across his sensitive skin and pouring lava into his veins.

More, he needs more, and his hands become more feverish in how they grope and press into her. He desperately wants to play with her clit, to get her to spread her legs and open completely to him, but her words seem to hold him in place for the moment as she says something strange that he wouldn't of expected out of Yoimiya.

Get in our way? It's that thought that sends a red flag immediately, but something's slowly taken over his mind that he wasn't aware of previously. He moans even louder now as Yoimiya catches his mouth with her own, kissing her back with a growing, ancient hunger he didn't know he had in him. When she breaks, he stares at her with heavily lidded eyes, and that name...the way she says it, it echoes in his ears, a memory of the past that was planted deep within him resonating and waking up slowly.]

What...? Who did you just call me...?

[Ajax is clearly confused at first, having a hard time reconciling the feeling in his chest that's starting to spread and that name, blinking slowly at her a few times as his mouth hangs agape. And there's that sound, that haunting sound she begins to hum that captures his attention fully as he stares back at her, completely mesmerized as he starts to recognize that this is all familiar, reminiscent of a happier time in his life.

In this life?

He has no idea what's happening, but he brings his face closer to Yoimiya's, searching for something he feels like he's missing in her eyes, finding only a love he feels like he'd forgotten...]

Who are you? Why do I feel as if I know you...

[niwabi]

[ Ah, he's within a hair's breadth of remembering, so close... yet, it seems like her endgame is still so far away. She knew that forcing him to recall his past life from thousands of years ago would not be an easy feat. Fortunately for her, she's used to daunting ordeals. Trials and tribulations have always stood in the way of their relationship and despite it all, their love has continuously withstood the test of time. It didn't matter who or what got in their way, the love they once shared has always survived against all odds. His hazy memories, that pesky blonde, she'll rise above all of them if it means getting her love back.

He isn't pushing her away, so she takes that as a sign he's slowly coming to. All he needs is a nudge in the right direction. For the time being, getting lost in the sounds of his delicious moans will tide her over, she doesn't mind taking the time to explore his body as his memories slowly come to the surface. While still keeping her hand wrapped around the base of his throbbing, eager cock, she shifts her vessel's body atop him, settling comfortably over his lap with her breasts spilling over his chest. Her slim fingers thoroughly stroke every inch of him from the hilt all the way to his thick head, she keeps her thumb focused on pleasuring the tip, rubbing small circles to ensure that he's perfectly tended to as she lavishes that perfect cock with all the attention it deserves. Archons, even if she's not the one directly touching him, his dick is just as wonderful as she remembered and it's so unfair that this insignificant human was given a chance to enjoy her beloved's body. As much as it pains her, their bodies truly do slot together perfectly, and if he has to unleash his urges on this filthy body to help him recall, then so be it. Yoimiya's legs spread apart on their own, allowing Ajax to see her sensitive clit that yearns for his touch and use her body to his heart's content. ]

You do know me. We were once lovers a long, long time ago. Back then, we swore that we would always love each other even if death tore us apart.

[ As beautiful as her voice is, there's the slightest bit of pain and grief as she speaks, saddened that he couldn't keep his end of their promise but she doesn't blame Alnair, it's this cretin's fault for stealing him from her. ]

Alnair... Alnair... Alnair. [ A mantra of his name spills from her lips like a desperate, pleading prayer. ] Please, say my name. I know that deep down in the depths of your heart, you remember me. I'll help you obtain those memories, all you have to do is relax.

[ And make him relax, she will. Taking advantage of his confusion, she crashes their lips together for yet another lewd, open-mouthed kiss while her vessel's hand dutifully pumps his cock, urging him with each long stroke to succumb to her whims. The pattern on his chest is finally complete, forming into the shape of an eye that flashes images of a time when they made beautiful, sweet love in a majestic hot spring once upon a time. She passionately kisses him, over and over again, moaning into his mouth with her angelic voice that connects to the very core of his soul, his mind will hear her calling out to him.

Remember me. Remember the name of your one true love. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[As his mind tries to make sense of everything that's happening to him, the entity embodying his Yoimiya is doing everything in her power to keep him from sorting out his confusion. Yoimiya is saying words that don't belong to her, but his thoughts are having trouble connecting that this may be the very danger they were afraid might follow them to Sumeru to begin with. He's so distracted by her haunting tune, her body mounting him and keeping him stimulated with her hand. Tartaglia finds himself sinking further into depravity by the second, not caring for anything else but the beautiful woman atop him, stroking him into submission and sending shocks through his system that crave for more.

His eyes wander down to see her spread her legs, showing off the slick heat of her pussy and the throbbing pearl of her desires, begging him to touch it. His hand subconsciously reaches down to press his thumb against it, rolling circles in a good, steady rhythm, stimulating it in a way that feels like pure muscle memory. Deep down, he knows she likes it when he pleasures her this way, how it riles her up and makes her moan for him until she can't stand being empty without the feel of his dick inside of her. Childe finds himself staring deeply into Yoimiya's eyes, entranced and mesmerized by her voice that calls him by a different name that feels right and surely, must be his name.

Her claim is large, and yet, he believes her. His heart knows she's telling him the truth, and there's the beginnings of an ache in his chest for her. She's been gone for so long, and this is the first time in forever that he's been able to touch her, kiss her, and fall even more deeply in love with her. And to make it worse, he's hurt her, he's sure of it. But he feels relief when she chants his name, and when pulls him into a deep, unabashedly passionate kiss, it erases any concerns, as he knows if he just follows her whims and submits to her desires, everything will be okay.

Childe kisses her back with a aching, ancient need for her, his lips sweeping across her own as he relaxes into her hold. The scene in his head being played out on his chest is blurry in his memories, but he can feel the nostalgic feelings of how they once made love to each other just like this in a hot spring long ago wash completely over him. Her song hypnotizes him completely, and something bright and warm rises from the depths of his soul, along with a name that bubbles to the surface. Remember, remember, your one true love. Remember...

Ajax breaks from her kiss to gasp for air, but continues to kiss along her neck and up across her jawline, breathing the name that's finally risen and enveloped his every thought:]

Seraphina.

[His entire body shudders with delight at the recollection of her name and the pleasure that surges through his body from her hand pumping him, body feeling more and more incredible. His fingers slip into her pussy, tickling her walls until he finds that sensitive spot inside to make her quiver beneath his touch, happier than any man on the planet now that he's been reunited with her.]

Oh Sera, forgive me...

[niwabi]

[ As soon as they break from the kiss, the breath that was caught in the back of her throat spills out in a melody of lewd, harmonious noises. She was already on the edge of losing her mind at the sensation of his thumb rolling over her sensitive pearl but soon enough, her mind is fully encapsulated with thoughts of only him as soon wonderful fingers give her a taste of that sweet friction her body craves. Without any thoughts left in her mind, Yoimiya's hips move on autopilot, rolling up and down to match the rhythm of his digits. Good gods, he's so good. Too good, he hits that sensitive little spot that drives her wild with such accurate precision just like he did many, many times in the past. Her cunt responds duly, squeezing as he sinks in knuckle deep, and she can even feel her slick coating him. Despite that entity is using the body of Ajax's current lover, she's connected parts of her mind and soul with Yoimiya to make up for all that precious time they lost.

It's just like old times as if they were never separated to begin with. Ajax— no, Alnair knows the ins and outs of her so well, he's so perfectly attuned to what makes her feel good, he knows the best way to get her to moan for him in a dulcet harmony. His lips against her neck are like fire to her skin, setting every neuron in her vessel's body ablaze. While her hand faithfully strokes his cock, the other reaches over to the back of his head to thread his beautiful ginger curls against her fingers. And just when she swears she could see the heavens above, the name spilled from his lips floods her heart with so much joy that it could burst.

Seraphina.

Finally. The last time she heard that name was thousands of years ago. All she's ever wanted is to hear her name in his voice, it pained her that the only way she could was when she dreamed of him during those long, agonizing nights of loneliness. And just when Serphina thought she couldn't be any happier to hear her own name, the thunderous beats in her heart pounds louder and faster when he calls her by a name oh so special to her.

Sera.

The nickname repeats in her head on repeat, Alnair was the one who gave her that pet name and he's the only one who has ever called her that. No one is allowed to refer to her as Sera other than him. Overwhelmed with a mix of emotions, the hand in his hair moves down to tenderly cradle his face, her flickers her gaze at him, seemingly studying every inch of his perfect, handsome face that she missed so much. All of her waiting, all of her patience has finally paid off in this wonderful reunion. ]

Alnair. Oh, Alnair... don't fret. It's not your fault that you were cruelly ripped away from me. My love for you is as vast as the universe itself. I will always forgive you.

[ Seraphina already lost him once and she won't let it happen again. This time, she will ensure he stays with her. Forever. ]

The only one to blame is the body of this weakling I'm inhabiting. This is all her fault, she never should have gotten in our way...

[ Her mind is so solidly connected with Ajax's, that he'll even hear her negative thoughts flitting through her head. It's all her fault. It's all her fault. It's all that wench's fault. Never before has she had such an unbridled hatred towards another being, it disgusts her that she's forced to use her body. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Tartaglia can tell the second his fingers slide in and begins to touch and tantalize that sensitive spot inside of her pussy, that she's hooked on his touch, her body responding and rocking against him in a way that he knows means that she's fully engrossed in the love making that they're going to engage in for the rest of the night. Her voice in his ears continues to hypnotize and pull him into a world of nothing else but her, and her name filters through and becomes attached to every thought, every motivation he has. His sweet, sweet Seraphina, looking so happy and feeling so pleasured, it gives him an immense amount of joy. Her hands through his hair feels like a precious gift, one that she's bestowed upon him for treating her like a queen and making her feel so incredibly good, and he's not even done yet.

Childe finds himself locking his gaze with hers as she studies him, feeling blessed that she's willing to forgive him for his sins, for being with another woman and not finding her throughout all these years. His eyes scan over Yoimiya, listening to his lover curse his girlfriend, blaming her for their separation.

That's when he blinks a few times, confused. He can hear it in his head, her feelings weaving into his mind. He had no idea how much she hated Yoimiya, and the jealousy that radiates from Sera is like a wave that could crush an entire seaside town. But...]

It's you, [he says slowly, like he's found a level of clarity between the hypnosis of Seraphina's desires being projected onto his mind.]

You're the one who tried to kill Yoimiya in the cave, and who tried to get me to kill her. Seraphina....ugh, what's happening to me...

[Childe squeezes his eyes shut, finding it hard to make sense of it all through the stroking of his dick and her wonderful body on top of him. But he retracts his hand, slipping his fingers out of her soaking cunt, mind spinning.]

Don't hurt her, [he manages to get out,] please...I don't understand what's going on...I'm so happy you're here and with me, but Yoimiya means everything to me...

[niwabi]

[ Oh, looks like he figured it out. Not that she seems particularly perturbed, especially how she simply giggles without a care in the world at his accusations. For a voice that is more beautiful than a heavenly choir, those giggles hold a pitch so sinister that it could turn even a season veteran's blood cold, a telltale sign that she doesn't feel even the slightest hint of guilt for nearly killing the puny insect twice, the only remorse she feels that of her failed plans.

Well, that might not be entirely true. There is one regret she is going through at the moment...

And that being, Alnair sliding his fingers out of her. Heat no longer fills her core and now, she feels dreadfully empty without him, her trembling pussy aches for him, yearning to be stuffed full of him once more. They've been apart for thousands of years, she's so close to finally having him all to herself but now, it almost seems like he's being ripped away from her once more, just like when he died. To make matters worse, the love of her life doesn't reject the blonde pissant and even has the gall to call her his everything?

Unfair. Unfair. Unfair. Unfair. She doesn't deserve him. She never deserved him. It's all her fault. It's always her fault.

The jealousy in Sera's heart is a black void, consuming her thoughts to where all she can think about is her unbridled hatred for this girl. Her loathing for Yoimiya burns hotter than the sun itself. For a good while she doesn't say a single word, only staring at him with visible hurt in her eyes. It feels like she's being rejected all over again. She inhales, then exhales, fighting back the urge to choke out a sob as her fingers reach out to tenderly stroke his cheek. ]

I love you Alnair.

[ So passionately that it hurts, especially right now. She meticulously glides her fingers across his face, etching every inch of that perfect, handsome face into her memory until her fingers stop at the center of his forehead. ]

I love you deeper than she ever could. How could she be your everything when you swore that we would always find each other even after death?

[ With one last full stroke, she lifts her hips and hovers above his cock, tempting him with her soaking pussy that yearns for his essence. She doesn't slide down to take him, only allowing the tip to press against her wet folds to fully focus his mind solely on her. ]

Just forget about her. She's too weak and pathetic for someone like you. Discard her and love me only.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Childe can feel her sinister intent, those giggles were nothing but vile and malicious. It would have sent a pang of intense concern and even fear for Yoimiya if he weren't so under her spell, staring upwards at her naked body positioning itself right over his cock. His gaze is still locked on her visage, and he almost expects it to twist and morph into something more frightening, seeing the hurt in her eyes as if he'd ripped her heart right out of her chest. Guilt wracks him, he hadn't meant to hurt her, but at the same time he still feels this yearning for Yoimiya that he can't quite explain.

Seraphina's touch brings him back to her however, the brush of her fingers against his skin makes his whole body shudders and her words capture his heart in a way that he hasn't felt for so long. Her fingers stop at his forehead, and his head cranes upward to meet them, frozen in place, breathing shallow as he finds himself completely at her mercy.]

Seraphina...

[Childe is starting to lose himself, his mind accepting that he was no longer himself, but that of Alnair. Alnair loves Seraphina deeply, that presence inside of him reaching out and begging for her to lower herself down to make love just as they have so many times before. His eyes dilate, and his mouth seems to move on its own, muttering every single wish that Seraphina wants to hear, demands of him.]

I will. Only you have the strength to truly have my hand...and I shall honor my promise I made to you...

[His hands come up, one to hold his dick still and the other grips into her hip, begging her to complete their connection, to let him slide inside and give her the ultimate pleasure that he's sure she's seeking.]

I love you more than the very oceans run deep, and I've missed you so much. Sera, my love, it's finally time we can be together again. Please, connect me with you, please....

[niwabi]

[ Finally, after a thousand years worth of agony, Alnair is finally back home. The wait was excruciating, the most painful experience of her long life but Seraphina knew their fates would cross paths again, their destinies are forever intertwined, a fact of life that she will always ensure. His unwavering words of devotion intoxicate her mind, pulling her further into his depths, and reminding her of how much she wholly and unequivocally loves this man with all her heart. A bit unfortunate she had to push him in that direction with the mark embedded on both his chest and forehead but that just means she's taking back what rightfully belongs to her.

All her waiting has finally paid off, she's been dying to hear those words for so long. The press of his fingers digging into her hip sends shockwaves throughout her body, he looks so needy and desperate underneath her, it's a delicious sight that she can't seem to get enough of. And now that he's given her what she wants by forgoing his affections for that little annoyance, who is she to deny him of his wants? Besides, she too feels deprived without their connection, just the tip of his aching cock is already sending her mind to the pit of no return, she needs him like substance to survive.

Without further delay, she lowers her hips to envelop him in that wet warmth he desperately seeks, the head of his hot, throbbing cock sliding into her core sends her spiraling, that familiar girth is just as mind-numbingly incredible as she remembered. Every inch of his cock is sculpted to perfection, stretching her open and stuffing her soaking cunt completely full. An unstrained, guttural moan rips out from her throat as she takes a moment to simply enjoy their solid connection. ]

Oh, Alnair. Gods,Alnair... you feel so wonderful, just as good as I remembered. I've missed you so much, my love. And now that it's finally just the two of us, we can make up for all that time lost.

[ She'll never let him go ever again. If it's pleasure that he seeks, she'll make love to him over and over and over again if it means anchoring her beloved Alnair to her forever. With him now fully inside, she methodically moves her hips, sinking all the way down on his cock with every thrust to hear him scream and cry out her name. After making the finish touches to the mark on his forehead, she brings both of her hands to grip his shoulders, viciously digging her nails into his skin as if she's leaving a brand that indicates he belongs to her. ]

Ngh Alnair... Alnair...! I wish it was my own body making love to you but since you've proven your devotion to me, I'll allow you to use the body of this wench for your pleasure just this once.

[monoceroscaeli]

[He watches on with bated breath as Seraphina slowly let him sink deep into her, the grazing of her walls against the sensitive skin of his cock forces a gasp out of him as bliss surges and leaves his skin sizzling from her heat. Alnair cries out involuntarily, his mind blank except for the swirling, all encompassing thought of his beloved Seraphina and their reunion. From beneath the depths of his mind emerges the faint memory of the feeling of making love to her, of nights spent swearing his loyalty and expressing his utter, total devotion. His heart fills with a twisted, wicked love, one that he doesn't even understand where it comes from. The only thing he knows is that all his love is for Seraphina, and no one else. This is how it was meant to be, and how it will always be...

And as she moves her body against his own, his body responds duly, rocking his hips upward to meet her in time as chills and shivers run down his spine with how good it feels, how good she feels. Even though he stares upwards at Yoimiya's visage, Alnair can only think of her as Seraphina, the most beautiful, powerful woman he's had the privilege of making love to, whom he will stay with forever. That is her wish, and he will fulfill it.]

Oh! Ohhhhhhh, Sera, oh goodness....Ahhhhhh!!! So good....you feel so good....

[He begins a chant of her name, moaning terribly as her nails dig in and create marks in his shoulders, breaking blood vessels and coming close to drawing blood itself. But Alnair loves the feel of his lover claiming him, making him hers and no one else's. His head cranes forward to suck viciously on her breasts, with no care in the world for what he might be doing to Yoimiya's body.

After all...]

Thank you, [he murmurs through nips and sucks of her tit, partaking of it with abandon.] Let's use her for all our desires tonight, my love, because I know you'll ensure she won't have need of it for much longer.

[The hatred Seraphina feels for Yoimiya begins to bleed over into his own thoughts, being fed through the mark she's left on his mind. Her influence is strong, and Alnair feels himself getting drawn into it, buying into the thoughts that Yoimiya isn't worth a damn thing, only serving the purpose of pleasuring them both tonight.]

Fuck me, Sera, till I can't think of anything else but you. Oh, how I've missed you. I can't remember the last I made love to you, and yet it feels only like it was yesterday...

[His own hands dig into Yoimiya's skin, scratching and helping her shove her hips up and down his cock, as he lets out yet another guttural moan from the raw pleasure surging through his body.]

[niwabi]

[ And just like that, all her filthy, wicked wants have finally come to fruition. All those long years of pure agony have finally accumulated into the desire she's yearned for the most: Alnair's undying love and devotion. Every word spilled from his lips plays in her mind on repeat, exactly like what she's dreamt of during those long, lonely nights of separation. Seraphina feels like she's on the peak of cloud nine as she takes him in fully, matching the rhythm of his hips as she bucks up and down, savoring every inch of his thick cock with her pussy tightly squeezing around him.

To the gods above, she swears Alnair feels just as amazing as the last time they made sinful love. Despite him being in a different body, the man that she's fucking is without a doubt her Alnair, she can't see him as anyone else other than that powerful warrior who captured her heart centuries ago. And now that she finally has him right where she wants him, her terrible heart is filled to the brim with joy to finally hear him treat Yoimiya like the insignificant being she is. In Seraphina's mind, this woman should be lucky Alnair gets to have his way with her one last time, this stupid blonde doesn't deserve such an incredible cock but if it satisfies her beloved, then that's all that matters to her. His mouth latches around her breast, eliciting a loud, primitive moan from her, it's clear that Seraphina loves the pure brutality in every nip and suck. One of her hands comes up to the back of his head, pushing his face between her tits, fully encouraging him to continue with his merciless sucking and leave the most terrible red marks all over her. ]

I missed you too, Alnair. I missed you so much. I've been longing for the day where we can make beautiful love again and the wait has been more than worth it. You feel so good... so good... your cock is just as wonderful as remembered. Archons, you're practically splitting this pussy open...!

[ She slides both of her hands down his back, sinking her claws further into his skin to leave scratch marks all over him as a reminder that he will always and forever belong to Seraphina. Her nails draw the slightest bit of blood, mixing a hint of pain with pleasure as her cunt squeezes around him, setting a merciless pace they both enjoy. She leans down to ferociously nip at his neck, sucking and using her teeth to leave hickies blooming across that pristine skin of his. Shockwaves dart all across her body from the sensation of his own nails digging into her hips in tandem with his hands shoving her down on his cock without a care in the world, this is just like how they had sex in the past... savage and cruel.

As if Yoimiya's body is a mere ragdoll to her, she cruelly slams her hips down to ensure his tip hits her back wall over and over and over again, not caring in the slightest if this pitiful human winds up hurt and abused. Even if her legs give out, or her stamina can no longer handle it, Seraphina is determined to push this body past her limit. Doesn't matter if the wench is unable to walk the next day, she's going to be dead before the night is over. She's so happy to hear that their hatred is one and the same, as it should be. Yoimiya is the reason why they aren't together. It's her fault. It's all her fault. ]

Oh, Alnair. We'll have so much sex tonight to make up for those long years of separation. Whatever your heart desires, I'll ensure you get it. All I ask is that when you've had your fill of this worthless human... if I could have you to myself. I... oh I can't wait to have this cock deep inside my real body.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Seraphina presses him hard into her chest, and he responds by being more rough with her pleasant, supple breasts that beg for him to bite and suck at to his heart's content. When he's able to open his eyes, he can already see the blossoming of hickeys and broken blood vessels all over them, and no doubt they'd be sore the next day from his assault. But his lover revels in it, digs her nails into his skin and rakes his back in a way that makes more nostalgic, wonderful feelings bubble up and explode in his heart. This is how they made love, always rough and terrible with each other, but he takes great joy in the pain. It was a symbol of how he would always return to her, how he can't go without the feel of her teeth sinking into him, how much he's grown to love the iron grip she holds on his mind and heart. Seraphina is his entire world, and he can't remember who he was before her.

Alnair moans terribly at her ministrations, the pain along with how deep and hard she's shoving Yoimiya's body up and down his cock causing him to tremble uncontrollably. He hits her back wall so hard, over and over again, dragging across his entire length. He can feel his eyes slowly rolling backwards into his head, blinded by the pure pleasure and satisfaction of their intense, barbaric crash of hips against each other. The sickening slap of their skin meeting becomes white noise in the background, as he continues to chant her name like she's his god, his only need and the figure of his worship. Alnair's hands grab frantically at her body, as his head cranes backwards, losing control of himself to her whims and needs.]

Seraphina, oh Seraphina...all I want is to be together again. Ohhhhhh...

[The peak of pleasure starts to rush through his veins, and he can feel the build of his release beginning to become too much, even as much as he tries to hold it back for her. He won't cum until she does, he would never disrespect his all-powerful, wonderful Sera, who only deserves the best from him.]

Please take me, I need to see you in your own body. I don't need this shell you must use now to see me, get rid of it and allow me to fill you full as it was always destined to be. Seraphina...! Ah-! Oh, you're so good, please! Please...let me be your devoted, humble servant once more...

[niwabi]

[ No doubt both of them will be terribly sore the following morning but that hint of pain with pleasure has been sorely missed. Rough, barbaric sex has always been her favorite and there's not a single soul who can satisfy her needs the way Alnair does it. The marks they leave on one another will serve as a beautiful reminder that they wholly and unequivocally belong to each other, that no one can stand in the way of their passionate, brutal love. This shell of a body will be unable to move her legs tomorrow but what does it matter when Seraphina plans on squashing her like the insignificant bug that she is?

Once they've finished, Yoimiya will be good as dead and she can finally have Alnair all to herself, just like it was always meant to be.

Her senses go into overdrive as the tip of his cock hits a wonderful pleasure point akin to a wave of white-hot bliss crashing over her. Seraphina pulls away from his neck to let out a symphony of beautiful, throaty moans, his stalwart devotion fills her heart to burst with love. Providing her sweet Alnair with pleasure and ensuring that he'll never want anyone else but her was always her top priority. He tells her to get rid of it and she couldn't be any happier to hear those words, now that he's had his fill of Yoimiya, she's ready to discard this body like trash to be thrown out. She can feel him twitching and straining inside of her, begging to unload the accumulation of their thousand-year love. And yet, he still waits for her to finish first like her perfect, loyal dog. ]

Oh, Alnair. You're so good... such a good, faithful servant. Since you've been so wonderful, I'll allow you to fill this body to the brim. Don't hold back, spill everything you have into this pussy so we can finally be rid of her. When we're truly reunited, I'll show you a world of pleasure beyond your wildest dreams. You'll never want to leave me ever again...

[ Although it's not Sera's own body, she feels every inch of his perfect cock shoved so deep inside of her that it becomes too much even for her to bear. There might have been a snag in the road but Alnair has proven his loyalty, deserving nothing but the most earth-shattering orgasm he's had in this life. ]

I'm gonna come... Oh gods, Alnair. I'm coming because of you. Alnair... Alnair... ALNAIR—!

[ Euphonious cries of his name and ravenous moans reverberate across the bathroom walls in a melody he'll hear even when he falls asleep. Seraphina has taken the means to ensure that even if he breaks out of his reverie, he will always see her and hear her harmonious voice. Alnair will come back to her, by all means necessary. Finally, she hits the peak of their shared pleasure as she slams down on his cock one last time, taking him all the way in so he can fill Yoimiya's cunt one last time as her gift to him. Her pussy tightens up, contracting around his length to finally, cum around him hard. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[The sound of her voice is a haunting, hypnotic melody in his ears, with moans and groans that echo in his mind and solidify her hold on him. Her praise is all he needs, her permission is an honor to receive, and her promises are like beautiful poems engraved into his heart for all of eternity. Alnair craves for nothing else and no one else other than his precious Seraphina, filling his mind with hatred for Yoimiya and making more and more feelings resurface from the depths of his heart that were buried. Yoimiya is why they were separated, keeping his true feelings locked away, she is the curse placed upon him that keeps him from truly reawakening and reuniting with his one true love. But now, he's connected with her so deeply, his cock slamming into her, that he sets all of those negative feelings to the side to focus on what matters in the moment- making his wonderful Seraphina feel amazing, to show her how much he still loves her and longs to fall underneath her spell and control once again.

He can feel her body speed up, chasing the high that she rightfully deserves to feel for all of her enduring patience to find him again, her voice screaming his name in a way that will float into and infiltrate his dreams, much to his delight. Anything that will help him remember her, keep her eyes in his life, and help him return to her side. The way her cunt snaps around his length is mind-melting, sending him into a frenzy as he thrusts so hard and deep inside of Yoimiya's abused pussy. His breaths shallow and speed up, his eyes widen and his jaw slacks from the pure wave of bliss that rolls through his body and reminds him that he belongs to Seraphina.]

I won't ever leave you...I won't ever leave you...! Seraphina, yes, yes yes yesyesyesyesyesYESYESYES!!!!! SERAPHINA, OH, I LOVE YOU, I...I....!!!!!

[Before he knows it, Alnair releases into Yoimiya's body, filling her full with his cum, eliciting an earth-shattering moan out of him as he reaches his own peak as his cock shudders within. Every little drop is milked from Alnair, his breathing finally starting to slow and his eyes lidding heavily with pleasure and love as he stares into the stolen eyes of Yoimiya.]

Oh, Seraphina~

[He begins to sing her name, fully under her spell, with both marks keeping him under control. Alnair's hand comes up to run through the golden locks of Yoimiya, drunk on love and happy to of finally come home. This is where he belongs, where he was always meant to be, and he can't believe it took this long to finally reach it.]

I'm so happy to finally be with you once again~ But before you dispose of her, I have one request, dearest love.

[niwabi]

[ Beautiful, gorgeous, harmonious... Seraphina's voice has been endlessly praised, she's heard many people admire her for sounding like an angel but in this moment, it's Alnair's voice that sounds like a chorus from the high heavens. His shouts, his cries, his moans, everything spilling from his lips the most blissful symphony to ever grace her ears. And more importantly, she's overjoyed to hear those three words she's been dying to hear.

I love you.

Those shouts will be forever engraved into her heart, the filthy sounds of their sinful lovemaking will be what she will hear in her dreams tonight. She brings her arms around his shoulders, tightening her hold around him as he plunges his cock so deep into Yoimiya's weeping pussy that she can feel the waves of euphoric ecstasy even from distances away. The mounting signs of Alnair's orgasm surges through her, she can feel him twitch and throb until heat spills into her core, coating her walls with his thick essence, making a complete mess out of her vessel's abused cunt. And as far as Seraphina is concerned, this is exactly what the wench deserves, to be used solely for their pleasure. She spills over in a keen alongside him, their voices melting together in a ferocious symphony that could make the gods in Celestia quiver in fear at their throne. ]

Oh, yes! Just like that Alnair. Yes. Yes. Yes. Fill me with your cum, don't let a single drop spill out. Ooooh....! Alnair, Alnair... Alnair, Alnair, Alnair! I LOVE YOU TOO, ALNAIR...!

[ So warm and so fulfilling, Alnair's climax filling her full is the best feeling in the entire world, a satisfaction that consumes her wholly, erasing her mind of everything but him. His disheveled mess of hair, his feverish pants, he's always looked so radiant as he comes undone but tonight, he looks extra stunning in the throes of their cruel, savage sex. She rides out the wave of pleasure given to her, forcing Yoimiya's worn body to sink fully on his quivering cock to make sure not a single drop spills out of her. Alnair spreading his seed inside of Yoimiya's body is revolting, replusing her right down to her bones, this pathetic thing doesn't deserve the splendor of her lover's cum but... she supposes she can throw her vessel one last bone before her untimely demise. After all, both of them have gotten wonderful use out of her. If it wasn't for how weak-willed she is, she never would have been able to take control over her. ]

Of course, my love. This is my gift to you, please use her body as you see fit. You can have whatever your heart desires out of her.

[ Alnair's request catches her interest, she's not sure what he wants but whatever it is, she'll see that he gets it. He's been so good and so wonderful to her that he deserves it. Thanks to him, she's been left a complete disheveled mess with sweat glistening her skin, red marks peppering her breast and hips, Yoimiya's body has been through the wringer but she could care less, she'll force her to go through more if it means pleasing Alnair. Through labored breaths, she tenderly places a hand over his cheek to admire his visage. That look in his eyes is so stunning, she could bask in the afterglow of their debauchery for eternity. ]

Use her as your pleasure hole.

[monoceroscaeli]

[With vows exchanged and the apex of the highest peak of pleasure surging through their bodies, Alnair feels drunk on her words, happy that they could finally affirm their love to one another through this brutal round of love making. His head swirls with feelings that are as ancient as Teyvat itself, even if he doesn't know where they come from or why. All he knows is that the woman in front of him, even if it wasn't her true body, was the one he was always meant to be with. His heart years for the day he gets to see her in person, not fully understanding why she couldn't just come to him herself. But to have this opportunity now is something he won't take for granted. Surely, he tells himself, Seraphina must have a reason why she possessed the body of this mortal dross to connect with him again. Seraphina has always loved him.

Seraphina is everything. Seraphina is all he cares about, all he knows.

He gazes back at her with a total, full devotion, unquestionably loyal in every facet. But he sees that his beautiful Seraphina has misunderstood what he truly desires, and he holds her hand against his cheek as his eyes glow with love and adoration up at her.]

I've no need for her, what I need is you, my gorgeous Sera.

[Alnair's eyes close to take her hand on his cheek, kissing the back of it in exaltation, like she were his undeniable master and he, the lowly servant.]

Even now, I have no memories of our time together. I've only been able to remember who I am and the feelings I have for you thanks to you and the incredible power you wield. But even so, I still haven't been able to regain any of my memories despite your efforts. Seraphina...

[He looks back up at her, his eyes changing from worshipping to worry.]

...I think I may of been cursed, whenever and however I died. I need you to lift the curse and return my memories to me so we can truly be together again. I can't tell you more than that, as everything is fuzzy and I only have memories of this life. But you've awakened my soul from within this body, so I believe you can finally free me from this endeavor, and then we can be happy once again.

[Alnair nuzzles his face into the clavicle of Seraphina's neck, breathing out a sigh, happy to be so close and so in love with this woman. He hates that he has to do it with this puppet she's forced to use, but this is what they have, and he could never see himself keeping his love from her just because she's had to use another body.]

Please Sera, will you help me? Please help me...

[niwabi]

[ Despite that she misunderstood his true desires, Seraphina couldn't be any happier to be wrong. I've no need for her, what I need is you, my gorgeous Sera. Is the most wonderful thing he could have ever told her, she drinks in his words, basking in him as if he's a ray of sunlight in her dull, colorless world. It's been too long, so many agonizing years without his touch, so many sleepless nights without his arms around her. The kiss on the back of her hand sends a pleasurable shiver down her spine, the perfect sign of his unwavering devotion to her as her lowly servant. Seraphina can't ask for any more than his fidelity, she loves him, she loves him so much that it hurts, she's loved him over the course of thousands of long, lonely years, and she refuses to let him go again.

She tenderly strokes his cheek with her thumb, staring down at him with eyes filled with a love as vast as the sky itself and a wickedness that yearns to have complete and total control over him. His worshipping is a good start but it's not enough until he has all his memories back. If she could, she'd implant every single memory of their time together in his head but even her otherwordly powers has it's limits. It's a miracle he was able to reincarnate. ]

Alnair... my loyal warrior, I promise that you will remember everything in due time. I've already planted the means for you to get your memories back. We might be forced to part if the curse takes hold of you again but I'll still be here with you. All you have to do is listen to my voice when I speak to you, don't listen to anyone else but me.

[ Her power might not be strong enough to withstand the test of time but with the marks she's left on his body, she's ensured that her voice will always reach his ears no matter how far apart they are. ]

It will take some time for you to regain your memories but I believe in you. I will always believe in you. You're one of the strongest men to ever walk Teyvat and I know that you have the power to fight off this curse and come back to me.

[ His warmth is everything to her, their closeness draws a long, blissful sigh of contentment. As rough and savage as their coupling is, she's missed the moments when they would simply soak in each other's affection and love. She places a soft kiss on his forehead, putting the final touch to the mark left on his skin. With that, she's done what she's set out to accomplish and it's only a matter of time before Alnair embraces her real body. Her lips leave a trail of kisses from his forehead, to his temple, all the way down until she stops at his ear, leaning in to whisper her command into his ear. ]

Just remember... listen to my voice alone. Drown out anyone else.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Alnair looks back up at her with desperation as she strokes his cheek with her thumb, feeling more and more relieved with her promise. He should of known that Sera had already prepared the means to give him his memories back, and he curses himself for being such a fool to think she already hadn't planned for this very outcome. A smile spreads across his face, nodding in understanding. Everything takes time, and a curse isn't easy to lift. The knowledge he has as Childe tells him that gods can curse people with their power, and the fact that even with his awakening, he can't remember anything from his past life tells him enough.

But her faith in him reinforces his spirit, and he's thankful he has a woman as powerful as her to be able to rely on in these times of need. How he ever managed to survive without her is a mystery to the love-striken Alnair, and the moment she plants a kiss to his forehead to complete the seal on his mind, he feels his whole mind shift in a way that sedates him and puts him completely under her power. The trail of kisses along his skin are mesmerizing, and Alnair's eyes heavily lid as he falls into a trance where the only thing he can hear is Seraphina's voice.]

Yes...

[Everything seems to go silent around him, and the only thing he can focus on is the melodic sound of her voice in his ears. Her command is now law, set in stone in his heart and mind, her will now his own.]

I can only hear you, my love, my master. I will obey.

[Alnair turns his head just so to plant a kiss to the inside of her neck, kissing upwards in a line across her jaw before his lips meet her own as he takes her in and kisses her deeply, his tongue probing so it can twirl and dance with hers in a loving caress, now solidly under her command.

Seraphina, Seraphina...

His mind fills with nothing but her, happily moaning into her mouth as he awaits more orders. If she commanded him to love, he would love. If she commanded him to kill, he would kill, and if she commanded him to die, he wouldn't hesitate.]

I love you...command me, Sera, as you see fit.

[niwabi]

[ Ah, every kiss he administers to her neck is a reminder that the wait will soon be worth it. He'll be back to her soon and they can finally live their lives together without any interruptions. Seraphina doesn't hesitate to kiss him back, pouring every ounce of love she has for him through her lips. She moans as their tongues dance together in perfect harmony, happy to drink in his taste for as long as their bodies are able to give.

She's breathless once they break, mumbling a mantra of his name under her breath like a pleading prayer. Alnair is back. Alnair is back. Alnair is back. This is truly the happiest day of her life and she intends to take full advantage of it. ]

I love you too, Alnair. I love you so much. I'm so happy you're back.

[ I love you. I love you. I love you. IloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyou. She'll say those three special words until it's hammered into his head. Alnair is never going to leave her clutches, no matter how hard he tries to fight it. His obedience fills her heart with such glee, the spell is working as intended and she knows exactly what to dish out as her first order. ]

As for my first command, I want you to get rid of this puppet's body. Make sure she's properly disposed of so no one can find any remaining trace of her. I...

[ Suddenly, Seraphina pauses mid-sentence as if something got a hold of Yoimiya's body, doing everything in its power to fight back. No. No. Nonononono. Not now! Not when she's so close to killing the one thing standing in the way of her and Alnair. But try as she might, the presence fighting against her is too powerful for Seraphina to flush out from miles away.

Even in the midst of darkness, there's always a sliver of light. Wherever Ajax is inside his head, a soothing voice finds a way to reach out to him, breaking through the cracks of Seraphina's magic to bring him back.

This isn't you. Wake up, Ajax.

A tiny star as warm as the sun falls in front of Ajax, beckoning him to take a hold of his fate and wake up from this nightmare.

Meanwhile...

Somewhere far, far away is a girl lost in the depths of her own headspace. It was foolish to assume Seraphina's influence couldn't reach her in Sumeru, she let her guard down, causing her fate to be sealed the moment she set foot into the water. Yoimiya doesn't know where she is or even who she is, all she can see is an empty void of pitch black and the sensation of ice-cold water prickling her skin like glass shards. Her mind barely registers she's in a place where the sunlight can no longer reach her— the deep, dark ocean. But even with that epiphany, it doesn't matter, her body is completely at the mercy of the one who controls her, Seraphina has made sure not even Ajax's ray of light could reach her. All she can do is accept her fate as she sinks further into the black sea below, welcoming the embrace of the cold darkness.

Just when all hope seems lost, Yoimiya is greeted with a warm beam of light shining down upon her. Slowly, she flutters her lashes open to see the same star that manifested in Ajax's mind. It's small yet pleasant, powerful enough to brighten up even the darkest of oceans, and provides her a strange sense of familiarity. Although it reminds her of the meteors she saw in her dreams in Sumeru, something about it seems so... different. As if she'd seen them even before her trip to the Dendro nation.

You can't let her win. You have to fight. Wake up, Yoimiya.

The same voice inside Ajax's head speaks to her as well. Without a second thought, she grabs hold of the star, watching it dance in the palm of her hand until it bursts into a flurry of sparkles.

The light in Yoimiya's bright, golden eyes returns in full force, they shoot wide open after finally reclaimed the her body for herself. Her lungs feel like it's on fire from being filled with water, forcing her to take a moment to gasp for air as if she's been pulled out of the ocean from nearly drowning. What happened...? Her eyes dart around her surroundings, she recalls stepping into the bathroom to have a fun, relaxing night with Ajax but everything is a blur. Still attempting to get her bearings together, Yoimiya doesn't even realize that she's sitting on top of him with his cock shoved deep inside of her. Slowly, she flickers her gaze over at him, hoping he's not as confused as she is. ]

Ajax...?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Alnair can feel her love flowing into his head, breathless and thankful that she would have the capacity to love him, and he'll return it with loving her as deep as the ocean itself runs. Her first command is received loud and clear, dispose of the worthless mortal who's stood in their way for the last few weeks, keeping them from finally reuniting. He already is formulating a plan on how to kill her, a question on his lips to ask Seraphina to keep her still while he strangles her to death, but it all gets interrupted before he can act or even think more on it.

Something warm, something inviting enters into his mind. It doesn't feel anything like Seraphina, who's love is cruel, tight, and crushing. This feels gentle and soothing, like a soft hand reaching out for him to take. Within the fog of his consciousness, the warm glow of a star falls before him, floating in front of him and beckoning him near. Ajax stares at it, drawn towards it, reaching out and taking it into the palm of his hand. It feels nice, flooding his body with a warmth that he wasn't aware he needed- his body is cold, almost frozen from the power of Seraphina's magic, and the star flashes once at him before he presses it against his chest to let it sink inside of him.

Ajax feels how its power cleanses him, purging dark and icy power from his soul, the effects of which can be seen even on the outside as dark wisps of power leave his body. The trance he was under slowly dissipates, eyes blinking a few times as he stares back up into Yoimiya's glittering, golden eyes, that now look confused as to what just happened. He too, isn't exactly sure himself, as he hasn't pulled completely out of the fog that clouded his mind, slowly coming to now that his mind is free of the control that Seraphina had placed upon it.]

Yoimiya? Ngh, my head...

[One hand comes up to hold his head, feeling a headache come on. He hasn't registered everything that's happened, feeling the throb of pain come after his body and mind had just been purged of evil.]

I'm not sure...what just happened...

[niwabi]

[ Sounds like he's just as dazed and confused as she is. Not that she blames him, she's still not quite sure what happened or why she even blacked out to begin with. One minute she was getting ready to join her boyfriend in the bath and then the next, she's on top of him with no recollection of what happened in between. Bit by bit, memories begin to filter in her mind. She vaguely recalls calling Ajax... Alnair? And she's certain he was uttering the name Seraphina. A myriad of questions begin to stir in her mind, she doesn't even know where or how to begin. But first things first, checking up on Ajax is her top priority. ]

Me either. My mind feels like it's in a haze...

[ As she's getting ready to reach out her hand to cup his cheek, she's suddenly hit with a sharp pain in her lower half as if she's been thrown around and used like a lifeless doll. ]

Oh—!

[ Yoimiya groans in pain, the full force of the rough sex Alnair and Seraphina had comes at her like a truck, her whole body trembling from the aftermath. She collapses on top of him in a heap, too tired and utterly drained to even move. ]

Ngh, Ajax... I can't move my legs. It hurts.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Alarm bells already go off in his mind as it begins to clear, remembering at some point Yoimiya got on top of him like she is now, but the fact that they're both in such a daze can't be a good thing. Childe doesn't even have time to think about what those implications might be when his girlfriend slumps over him, exhausted and in pain. He quickly wraps his arms around her, concerned and realizing that with her movement, his dick is inside of her still, like they'd had sex.

They had sex. Really rough sex. So much that Yoimiya can barely move, and she confirms it immediately.]

...Here, just rest against me for a moment...

[But his voice begins to sound nervous, as memories come back to him. He'd fucked her hard, much harder than he would have otherwise. He remembers how quickly he'd gotten turned on, how Yoimiya floated above him, carved her nails into him, kissed him and wanted him all to herself.

A name slowly bubbles back to the surface, one he chanted over and over while he railed her, and it makes his veins run ice cold as his eyes widen in shock. Seraphina.

That's right, the one that tried to kill Yoimiya, the one that wanted him to kill her here in their room. Ajax's mouth instantly goes dry, and his eyes dart back and forth while he stares at the wall behind her as it all comes back to him. He'd been taken by her. Completely mesmerized, and a willing slave to her whims. And worst of all, in love with her.

Alnair.

That's what she called him back, and he'd loved every second of it...]

...Yoimiya, we might be in a lot of trouble. Can you remember anything from the last twenty minutes or so?

[His voice is quiet, disturbed. He doesn't mean to scare her, but it's not something they can avoid.]

[niwabi]

[ Despite that she can hardly move and is in so much pain, Ajax's arms around her fill her with a sense of comfort. She happily accepts his offer, melting into his hold as she nuzzles her face into his shoulder, completely spent and hurting everywhere. By chance, she looks over his shoulder, immediately noticing red scratches all over his back that look incredibly painful. Yoimiya winces at the sight of his torn-up back, attempting to process what exactly happened when suddenly, the memories come flooding back.

They definitely had sex but it was unlike their usual intimacy. It was savage, rough, and totally out of character for both of them. Her nerves are shot, she can feel the pit in her stomach crawl up into her throat as she recalls the terrible, awful way she slammed her hips against him. And now, her body is paying from the aftermath of that brutal sex.

And just when it couldn't get worse, a name that Yoimiya has never heard of comes to the forefront of her mind; Alnair. She distinctly recalls crying out that name and proclaiming her love for him. But, that's not the entire truth of the matter. ]

... I think it's all coming back to me.

[ The lump inside of her throat becomes harder to swallow as she finally remembers the terrible event, it wasn't her calling out for Alnair, it was someone named Seraphina taking control over her body. Instantly, the color drains from her face, if she wasn't so exhausted she'd be panicking right about now. ]

Alnair. That's what I called you, I remember crying out your name as we... [ she pauses, unsure if that depravity should actually be called sex. ] had sex. And the whole time you were calling out for...

[ The tone in his voice does not go unnoticed, it's obvious that he's deeply perturbed by everything that transpired, she doesn't blame him. Yoimiya has to take a deep breath to prevent herself from breaking down, she's in excruciating pain, disturbed by what happened, and she just wants to cry. But for Ajax's sake, she's trying to stay strong. ]

Seraphina.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Neither of them were spared with the bliss of ignorance. Tartaglia begins to remember it all, down to every minute detail, and his skin begins to raise with goosebumps when he can feel the ghost of Seraphina's claws carving into his chest and forehead. He's not sure what she did to him, but he completely lost himself and became someone else...someone he's never heard of before. Those feelings still sit in his chest though, ones of a love long lost, but surely, these feelings aren't his. They belong to that guy who was in his body, not him...

He can tell too, that Yoimiya is taking this even harder than him. Childe, at least, felt like he was still him despite clearly being this Alnair person, where Yoimiya was being controlled by the entity they've been terrified of. Trapped in her own body again, it must be such a harrowing experience for her. She's trying so hard not to cry, not to break down, and he hugs her a little more snugly to him in support.]

That's her.

[His voice continues to be soft, and he buries his head against her own as he speaks.]

She was the one that tried to kill you in the cave, tried to get me to kill you in the town square. The one that wants you dead.

[The sigh he lets out is long and labored, closing his eyes as he realizes that they are in even more trouble than he thought a moment ago. She can reach them anywhere, at anytime, in any way possible. And, he was powerless to stop it, as she'd woven her influence into his mind before he even realized what was happening. Tartaglia had been so eager to kill for her, to get rid of Yoimiya, making him say those awful things. Guilt wracks him again, just like it had in Snezhnaya.]

I'm so sorry, Yoimiya.

[The strain in his voice is evident, he isn't trying to hide how horrible he feels. An apology doesn't feel like enough...nothing feels like is enough to rectify his behavior, even if it wasn't his fault. If only he were stronger...]

[niwabi]

[ That's her. It's the confirmation that she wish wasn't real but it's the undeniable truth. Once again, she got trapped inside of her own body, forced to do the evil bidding of some wicked entity that wants her dead for horrible reasons unknown to her. Try as she might, she can't prevent the tears from prickling the corners of her disheartened eyes until they tumble down her cheeks and onto his shoulders. She weakly wraps her arms around him to return the hug, his presence is the only solace giving her the slightest bit of comfort. It truly was foolish to believe that thing's presence couldn't reach them in Sumeru, it came after her harder than ever, and now, they have to face the music that no matter where they go...

They will never escape from Seraphina. ]

Ajax...

[ She isn't the only victim in this, Ajax is suffering just as much as she is if not more. It pains her to think about her beloved wrenched with guilt when he's doing nothing wrong, he didn't ask for this, he would never actually want her dead, it's all Seraphina's fault and her influence making Ajax say things so uncharacteristic of him. And deep down inside, Yoimiya knows she's just as much to blame as Seraphina. If she wasn't so weak, if she was just a little bit stronger they might not be forced to go through so much agony.

But she doesn't wish to wallow in pity forever, not when Ajax is in so much pain. One of her hands approaches the back of his head, and gingerly strokes his orange locks through her fingers in a show of comfort, she needs him to know that she isn't holding any of this against him. ]

Please don't beat yourself over it. None of this is your fault.

[monoceroscaeli]

[It was never on his mind that they would end up having such a somber, sad moment in this hotel room in Sumeru. He'd hoped that they could come here, enjoy themselves a bit, and get the Doctor's end of the deal out of the way so they could concentrate more on their own goals. But instead, they both are here trying to console each other, and Tartaglia is failing miserably in this aspect. He appreciates her kind words, knowing that she's right and he should listen to her.

But it tears him up inside to know that for several long moments, he willingly discarded the woman he loves for another that he doesn't even know. The memory of the feelings he had brewing in his chest for Seraphina and how strong they were disgusts him, and though she says it's not his fault, how could he ever forgive himself for letting her do that to him? For her almost successful attempt to separate them forever?]

We were wrong. We didn't have our delusions on us, thinking we'd be safe in Sumeru, that maybe even a simple bath was alright. We let our guard down. I failed you, and I can't apologize enough to you, Yoimiya. Ugh...

[He lifts his head, knowing he can only apologize so much for screwing up, and all he can do is move forward. But with lingering effects still swirling in his head, he still doesn't really know if everything will be okay.]

We got lucky, and something saved us. That light...I saw a light and a star, and it snapped me out of it, telling me to wake up. Next time we may not be so lucky, though I wish I knew what that power was...