Childe "I Can Make Her Worse" Tartaglia (
monoceroscaeli) wrote in
insurmountable2022-11-26 09:40 pm
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you hide your face with your disguise // 'cause someone filled your head with lies
[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...]
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...]
no subject
But before she can dwell on that line of thought, his promise assuages her concerns. The smile on her face grows wider, finally feeling some semblance of relief after being forced to go through that horrific ordeal. ]
Thank you, Ajax. I love you. I promise to stand by your side and support you no matter what. Don't ever hesitate to share your burdens with me.
[ It's the least she can do for everything he's had to put up with in regards to her.
Using the little strength she has left, Yoimiya stands up from the chair to pull Ajax in for a warm embrace, overjoyed that they're both still alive. ]
I'm sorry to be a burden but do you mind carrying me to bed? I think I'm ready to lay down for the rest of the evening. You need to get some rest too, okay? We need to get our strength back before we face Dottore.
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You've had a hard day. C'mon.
[Ajax carries her to the bed, but something at the back of his mind lurks and speaks ill of this exchange. Selfish. She's selfish. It's not fair. Though it doesn't show outwardly, Tartaglia feels the smallest bubble of resentment float to the surface, but he dismisses it instantly, popping it like the transient thing it is. And what had come over him in the moments before this? It's all confusing to him, this business with Alnair, and what it all means for him. That Seraphina is tricky...he's got to be on his guard.
Ajax lays Yoimiya down on the bed, moving the covers so he can tuck her in so she doesn't have to put forth the effort after being so savagely used. He kisses her forehead, admiring her as she lays there, before leaving to fetch their delusions. He's only gone but a moment, before returning with the silk band she'd mentioned before with her delusion, and a chain for his own. He slips hers over her head to wear as a necklace, and then slips his own on as well.]
There. I think we might get an iota of peace tonight, with any luck.
[Ajax rounds the bed to join her, slipping under the covers and getting comfortable.]
Try you best to get some sleep, Yoimiya. I'll do my best to rest too. Don't worry about Dottore, believe me- he's got all the time in the world to accomplish his goals.
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Yoimiya has no idea about the true extent of Seraphina's wrath.
Once he lays her down and tucks her in, Yoimiya finally feels a little bit at peace after her body was cruelly used and abused. What little strength she has left is used to snuggle up close with her boyfriend, desperately craving his warm presence to get her through the night. With the delusion around her neck and Ajax next to her, she might be able to get some semblance of sleep tonight. ]
Alright, you've convinced me. I'll try not to worry about him too much. Surely he's got plenty of other endeavors to tackle in Sumeru.
[ She cranes her head to press a soft kiss to his cheek. ]
Thank you again Ajax. I love you...
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But Yoimiya's kiss manages to settle him down for the moment, take his mind away from his troubles and helps to focus his attention on her. He looks down at her and smiles warmly, eyes crinkling around their edges while he takes a moment to appreciate her and appreciate that she is still lying next to him, safe in his arms instead of in harm's way.]
I love you too, Yoimiya. Goodnight.
---
[It takes some time for Childe to fall asleep. His mind goes through and thinks about what had happened, and the more he thinks about it, the more he convinces himself she had hypnotized him somehow, making him believe he was someone else. But now she's no longer in control of Yoimiya or him, they have their delusions on their person now, and something...or someone...was watching over them. He can't explain away the warmth of the star that permeated his mind, but it must of been something keeping an eye out for them.
After some time, Ajax finally loses consciousness, falling into a deep sleep as his dreams begin to take shape.
The coziness of the cabin he finds himself in is familiar and warm, and he can't quite make out who the person is next to him. Her figure is a blur, save for the radiance and sharp gaze of her pink eyes, which he can't seem to tear away from. He feels at peace and completely in love, as the two giggle and share in each other's warmth with her in his arms. She's the love of his life, she's everything he's ever wanted, and he feels happy, proclaiming his devotion to her before they kiss. Everything is right, and all he wants to do is spend the rest of his days by her side.
Don't forget me, Alnair.
Her voice echoes in his mind, over and over again.
I love you, more than she ever could. I love you. You belong to me. Remember me, Alnair. Only listen to me.]
---
[Sunlight permeates the room as it begins to rise, making Childe's eyes flutter open. He felt like he slept like a baby, his body feels light and good, almost as if the claw marks in his back never came to be. He breathes out a sigh of relief, basking in the warm rays of sunlight and taking a moment to himself to appreciate being alive for another day and being able to be with Yoimiya.
Groggy, he closes his eyes, but what stares back at him are pink irises that reflect off of the back of his eyelids, mesmerizing and controlling. His eyes snap back open immediately, but no matter what he does, those pink eyes don't return...maybe he's just tired...]
Yoimiya, [he says softly as he rolls over to gaze at the gorgeous, sleeping visage of his girlfriend.] You awake? Breakfast...
[He nuzzles her a few times, to try to wake her up. He wants to get food and he doesn't want to go without her.]
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I love you too, Yoimiya. Goodnight.
She'll never get tired of him proclaiming his love, it gives her the slightest bit of hope that Seraphina's influence has nothing on Ajax's willpower. This man has been through hell and back, there's no telling how many death-defying situations he's come out of, if there's anyone who can defy the whims of a crazy woman in love, it's him. From the bottom of her heart, she truly believes they will come out of this situation stronger than ever.
With that peace of mind, Yoimiya closes her eyes, nestles her face against Ajax's chest, and eventually, drifts off to sleep. What awaits her is not the sweet dreams of her lover she was hoping for, but instead...
She's all alone, pulled back to that same ocean she saw in the fog of her consciousness. Not a speck of light can reach the place she's at, there's nothing but pitch-black darkness and ice-cold water engulfing her body, her chest hurts, it feels like ice is pumping into her bloodstream, and she's unable to breathe. But instead of being scared, she's simply resigned to the fact that no one can dive in and pull her out. All she can do is accept her fate to sink endlessly into the sea with no hope of escaping.
Alone... ]
---
[ It's only when something soft and warm touches her that Yoimiya finally begins to stir. She blearily opens her eyes, immediately using Ajax's chest as a shield against the sunlight pouring into the room. Although she managed to sleep, it wasn't the relaxing rest she was hoping for. Still, she had a feeling this was going to be the case. Sleeping with a threat looming over them feels like an impossible task.
But... as soon as her vision comes to and she sees the wonderful sight of her boyfriend greeting her with his handsome face, she feels recharged and ready to face the world with him at her side. ]
Mm... morning Ajax.
[ She manages to crack a small, tired smile at him. ]
Breakfast sounds lovely. Does the hotel provide room service?
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It does, I suppose that means you're still tired and need a little more rest, huh?
[Which is okay. He wasn't sure if she'd have the strength or willpower to get up today, not after last night. He's sure she's absolutely sore and moving probably sounds like a terrible idea, but she'll have to get up to at least go to the bathroom or stretch her limbs.]
I can't guarantee the food they'll bring up will be better than what they serve in the Grand Bazaar, but it's edible. I guess I'm just leery of hotel food...there's always better choices around. Would you rather I go and fetch us something from one of the local shops? I don't mind.
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Are you sure? I'd hate to force you on a fetch quest. I'd like to at least go with you...
[ She already feels awful for being such a burden on Ajax and the lack of good sleep isn't helping her anxiety. Yoimiya grunts and groans as she attempts to move, but try as she might, her legs feel too much like jelly to even slip out of bed, much less make the trip to even a nearby local shop. For a go-getter like her, the worst thing in the world is to be crippled and unable to move. ]
Sorry, I guess I really do need to spend the day in bed. If you don't mind grabbing breakfast from somewhere, I'd really appreciate it.
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I will, please, stay in bed and try to rest. I'll go and bring back something nice for the both of us. I believe there's a cafe just down the street, so I won't be long.
[He leans down to plant a kiss to the top of her head, before going to get himself dressed to go out. Pants, his shirt, socks. No need to put on his full uniform.]
Don't fall asleep though, you wouldn't want to sleep through breakfast and have it get cold, now. I'll be back soon~
[Ajax quickly leaves so she doesn't wait too long for him. There's this nagging feeling that he really shouldn't leave her alone for too long, so he wastes no time at all making his way out of the hotel to get breakfast.]
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But that's neither here nor there. Ajax seems much more rejuvenated than last night and doesn't wish to ruin the mood with her self-deprecation. It's short and sweet but the kiss to the top of her head gives her the warm fuzzies all over. She's so lucky to have a kind, caring, and considerate partner like Ajax. Now if only she could move, she'd be returning the kiss back like crazy. sobs. BUT! Yoimiya isn't about to let her lack of mobility get her down. Determined to give him some form of affection, she props her back against the pillow and blows him a kiss as he departs.
There! Now she feels a whole lot better already. Yoimiya giggles to herself as she gets comfy underneath the sheets, fantasizing about their delicious breakfast from a quaint little cafe. About five minutes after Ajax's departure, there's a knock at the door accompanied by a female voice. ]
Hotel cleaning staff! Are you in need of fresh towels and sheets?
[ Oh! Last night's harrowing events made her forget all about the hotel staff. Yoimiya contemplates sending them away to focus on getting some much-needed rest but after some consideration, she figures it wouldn't hurt to get a fresh change of sheets and towels. Thankfully, she's wearing one of her boyfriend's nightshirts long enough to cover her nude body, so she doesn't feel weird about letting anyone in. ]
Oh, what fantastic timing! Come on in! We used up all our towels last night and some spare sheets would be lovely.
[ Despite being in immense pain, her voice is loud as ever, able to reach the housekeeper's ears even as she shouts from the bedroom. Yoimiya will always have it in her to greet everyone with her warm disposition no matter the situation. With a click, a hotel maid enters the room with a cart full of cleaning supplies and the promised towels and sheets. ]
Sorry for interrupting you. I won't be but a minute.
[ Yoimiya waves off the apology with a smile. As far as she's concerned, this lass is just doing her job. ]
It's not a problem at all. Thank you very much.
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Back in the hotel room, the maid keeps the door open with a door stop, pushes the cart over to the bath where the two had been assaulted by Seraphina the night before, cleaning the area up a little bit and swapping out the towels they'd used. It's all a fairly quick, easy process, not needing to do a deep clean since the residents were there. She works quickly, gathering all of the mess up for them, depositing the dirty towels in a little bin on the cart, and turns the cart to push it back out of the room and leave Yoimiya to her business for the day.
Halfway through the room, the maid suddenly stops, and her body seems to go rigid for only a moment before returning to normal. However, she makes no moves to leave, instead fixing her gaze on Yoimiya.]
Ma'am, I'll need to swap out your bedsheets as well and make your bed up. If you could please allow me to do so, it won't take long.
[But even with or without permission, the maid comes over to the side of the bed where Yoimiya is, her eyes blank as she offers a hand for Yoimiya to take to help her out of bed. Like she expects her to comply, and get out of the bed for whatever time it would take to fix it, and won't take no for an answer.]
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Yoimiya gets ready to take her hand but then, stops at the very last second. ]
Wait a second...
[ It's then, a horrible realization occurs to her. ]
Why are you holding your hand out to me?
[ Sure, she might be lying in bed but there's no way this maid should know she's lying in bed because she can't move. Only herself and Ajax are aware of this fact.
The maid doesn't say anything for a few good seconds and simply stares at her guest with a blank expression that turns Yoimiya's blood cold. She closes her green eyes and when she finally opens them, the blonde is met with striking pink irises that will forever be burned into her memories. Before Yoimiya can react, she's suddenly grabbed by the arm and thrown onto the floor, her body hits the the ground with a sickening thud. She screams in pain as she's slammed onto the ground, her body has already been through the wringer after last night and now, it feels like she's getting thrown off a cliff. ]
I'm impressed, you're actually a lot more perceptive than I originally thought. Not that it matters because you're all alone and there's no Ajax to come and save you.
[ Seraphina.
There's not a single doubt in her mind as to who this is. It has to be Seraphina. No one hates her or wants her dead as much as she does. And now, she's hit with another horrible truth; Seraphina has the power to control not just her and Ajax but also everyone around them.
Using the maid's body as her new vessel, Seraphina forces the woman to stand over the weakened Yoimiya, she rolls the blonde on her back and cruelly pulls her arms behind her with full intent of inflicting as much pain on her as she possibly can before she ties her wrists together. Yoimiya cries out, unable to do anything in her condition, all she can do is scream with tears streaming down the side of her face. ]
Let go! Let go of me...! Please, somebody... HELP!
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A Fatui guard swings in quickly to see the terrible scene before him, the maid assaulting Lord Childe's beloved. He and others had been briefed by Childe to be near and keep an eye on them in case something happened, and the solider had brushed it off as his Lord being a little paranoid for no reason until now. He draws his knife from under his Fatui jacket, brandishing it at the maid with a stern tone in his voice:]
Let her go, or else-
[The guard's voice catches in his throat, gargling a little as something seems to assault him, arms going limp at his side and his head arcing backwards as Seraphina smiles wickedly from her place behind Yoimiya.]
Hahahaha-! Come, come take her for me. She won't put up any resistance for you.
[And like a doll come alive, the guard puts away his knife and moves to Yoimiya to sling her right over his shoulder, silently obeying Seraphina's orders. If it weren't for the mask on his face, Yoimiya would see that his eyes were completely blank of any sort of consciousness, a slave to the witch's whims as he begins to march her right out of the room. More Fatui come, but they slowly come to a stop as well, suffering the same fate- Seraphina traps them in their own minds, allowing the soldier to carry Yoimiya right out of the hotel and into the busy streets of Sumeru City. No one seems to notice or care about what is obviously a woman being kidnapped right before their very eyes- the gazes of the citizens glaze over the moment they notice, allowing passage for Yoimiya to be walked right out of the city without a single alarm raised.
See? A voice inside of Yoimiya's head rings out. No one cares about you. You're worthless. Just dross to be rid of as soon as possible.
Down the ramp towards the docks they go, with no one bothering to stop them from reaching the water's edge. The Fatui solider stops, and the maid swings around to get a good look at Yoimiya. She reaches out and takes Yoimiya's chin gingerly between her fingers, lifting her head up so she can get a good look at her victim before ensuring her demise.]
Did you think that trick last night would save you? My precious Alnair may not be able to finish the job himself, so it falls to me to make sure you're disposed of. Goodbye, mortal, and die knowing that Alnair is safe in my loving embrace.
no subject
One horrible realization after another keeps hitting her. Soon as the Fatui's arms drop to the side and begin to pick her up, Yoimiya realizes the true extent of Seraphina's powers. She can control not just one person but multiple people at a time. The realization becomes even more horrific as she's carried out of the hotel, the other Fatui soldiers simply just allow her to be taken away. Not only that, no one roaming the busy streets of Sumeru City seems to care that she's obviously being taken away against her will, bawling her eyes out, and completely out of function. The worst part of it all, the one that really digs the knife into her heart and cruelly twists it is how a few people just step to the side without a care in the world, as if she is just an insignificant bug.
No one cares about you. You're worthless. Just dross to be rid of as soon as possible.
...
She's right. Seraphina is absolutely right. Not a single soul cares about her worthless self, she should just simply accept her fate to die. If she wasn't around, Ajax could go on grand adventures without being forced to take care of her. She's just a weak human who can't even hold a candle to her lover's incredible strength, so Seraphina truly is the better match for him, they'll be able to brave dangers that Yoimiya isn't capable of.
If she dies then Ajax can finally be truly happy.
Seraphina has successfully whittled her spirits into dust, the light in her once bright gold eyes vanishes, no longer able to fight or scream, the least she can do is accept her death with grace. Yoimiya doesn't even flinch when the maid grabs her by the chin, all that's left of her is the tear-stained face of a woman who is broken beyond repair and ready to accept her death. ]
Ajax... Ajax... Ajax... [ Scared, completely broken, and unable to move, all Yoimiya can do is whimper out her beloved's name between choked sobs. ] Ajax... A-Ajax... I'm so sorry... Ajax...
[ Oh, the look of despair painting her victim's face is simply splendid. A sickly sweet laughter pours out of the maid's lips, seeing Yoimiya in such a pathetic state is like music to her ears. ]
Even when you're getting ready to face death, you sound pathetic as ever. Alnair isn't coming to save you, he'll never love you more than me. Hehe but rest assured, he'll be even better hands. I'll take care of him better than you ever could.
[ The maid motions for the guard to take her away and dump her in the perfect place no one can find her; the ocean. With Yoimiya bound and hauled on his shoulder, the Fatui mindlessly trudges to the edge of the dock, ready to toss her over at any second. The whole time, Yoimiya is unable to do anything but cry and blubber out Ajax's name. The one thought that crosses her mind is maybe that's why she kept seeing herself sinking in the ocean, maybe this was always her destiny.
She's just a stepping stone for Alnair and Seraphina's love. ]
This is your fate, you were always destined to die like this. All alone.
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In one swift motion, the guard drops Yoimiya directly into the water, creating a splash of water that barely even splashes back up onto the dock.
Seraphina feels empowered and triumphant, walking over to the edge herself just to look over and imagine how the oxygen is leaving Yoimiya's body and how all she can breathe in is water into those pathetic lungs of hers. After a minute, she turns and begins to walk the maid's body back, and the Fatui soldier follows along to return to the hotel. With their job done, all that's left now is to claim Alnair utterly and completely, but she'll enjoy this win for the moment before she enacts her plans.
Under the water, a figure swiftly swims down to Yoimiya, grabbing her and swimming away from the docks, pressing his mouth to hers to give her a small amount of breath until they've gotten a safe distance away. Further down the river away from Sumeru City, Childe comes up with her from the depths with a gasp, desperate for air himself. He swims with one arm towards the shore, tired from the effort, but managing to find the strength to lie her down in the soft grass.]
Yoimiya, are you okay? Blast that terrible woman, what a cowardly scheme...Yoimiya, please forgive me for not being there...
[He scoops up her head, holding her gently in his hands, feeling guilt gnaw away at him for being so careless. To think he thought that leaving her alone for any second would be safe...]
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In a way... Seraphina is doing her a favor. It's painful to go on living in a world where no one cares for her. Might as well just accept the sweet embrace of death and finally, rest for all of eternity.
...
A cold darkness envelops her body just like in her dreams. Once again, Yoimiya sees herself sinking deeper and deeper into the water but only this time, it's reality. Just as she's getting ready to close her eyes to accept death, she can barely make out a blurry figure swimming down to grab her. Before she even realizes what's going on, she feels the brush of warm lips pumping air into her system to keep her prevent her from slipping into an unconscious state. The next thing she knows, she's pulled out of the water and gasping for air until her body is set on dry land. She repeatedly coughs in an attempt to hack the water out of her system. She's still slowly coming to but even in this state, there's only one person who has been desperately trying to save her. ]
Ajax, *cough* Ajax... *cough* *cough* Is that... you...?
[ His voice is the confirmation that she desperately seeks. Slowly, she opens her bleary eyes to see Ajax's face staring right at her. ]
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Yes, it's me.
[He smiles as he looks down at her, shifting so that she can rest her head in his lap, keeping it elevated while he tends to her.]
I'm so relieved to know you're alright...I was scared half to death when I didn't find you back in the room.
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But no, the longer she stares at Ajax, she becomes all the more assured she's alive. She should be happy and yet, she still can't sake the feeling that maybe Ajax would be better off without her. ]
Thank you... for saving me. I... don't want to think about the outcome if you didn't make that timely rescue.
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His hand comes down to brush her cheek, gently stroking it as he looks down on her fondly, trying his best to keep any fury off of his expression while he comforts her. He's so angry at Seraphina and her tricks, and he swears he'll kill her the second he gets the chance. But for now, Yoimiya comes first.]
You're safe now, that's all that matters. I know this is sudden, but we need to leave Sumeru City as fast as possible. We're going to get a few backpacks, return to the room and gather only the necessities, and go...somewhere. I haven't worked out where, but we're too vulnerable here with a city full of puppets for her to use.
[A thought that terrifies him. If everyone can be used by her, where are they safe?]
Do you know of anywhere that might be safe for us to go? You know Sumeru better than I do.
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Let's hide in the forest somewhere far away from here. I brought camping supplies in my luggage so hopefully that will keep us tide over until then.
[ She's not sure where they will go but anywhere is better than Sumeru City. There's no telling how far Seraphina's influence reaches but Yoimiya does not wish to find out. ]
Maybe... the aranara can aid us.
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He loathes the idea of returning to the hotel, but that's the best and quickest place for the moment, so he begins to head back to the city, but he's going in the back way- so that they aren't detected.]
You think so? Yoimiya, I'll admit I know nothing about them other than what you've told me...what kind of creatures are they?
[The Aranara remains a complete mystery to him, and probably Dottore too...which is why the man wants to get his hands on one so badly.]
And do you really think they can help?
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They are the nicest little forest spirits that allow people to see sweet dreams. Truthfully, I don't know if they have the power to help.
[ They are sweet forest spirits and here she is, selling them out to a mad scientist who wishes to conduct experiments on them. Maybe everything she's experiencing is divine retribution for being so selfish and valuing her life over theirs. ]
But, searching for them is better than staying here. Anything is better than staying in place filled with people who don't care whether I live or die.
no subject
Hey-
[He begins, surprised at how depressing that statement is. He didn't see exactly what happened before she was drug to the water's edge, but whatever it was, it really must of hit her hard. What did Seraphina do to break her spirit like this?]
That's not true. No one here would want you to die. I don't know what she did to you back there, but whatever it was, don't let her make you think no one cares about you.
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Seraphina's words rear its ugly head to take a swing at her psyche full force. Deep down inside, Yoimiya knows Ajax is speaking the truth, nobody actually wants to see her die, and plenty of people would be devastated if she suddenly disappeared without a trace. She's well aware of all this and yet... she can't banish the images of crowds of people coldly staring at her and even stepping to the side as she was blatantly getting kidnapped out of her head. She also knows that it's not the fault of any passerby, Seraphina was in control over them too. If any of them was of sound mind, surely someone would have jumped in to her resuce.
But unfortunately, the sight of those uncaring faces is hard to forget and will probably stick with her for the foreseeable future. ]
I'll try not to think like that but it's so difficult. When I was being taken away, not a single person spared a glance my way or even tried to step in. I felt so invisible and so utterly worthless as a person.
[ She takes a deep breath, trying to fight back the tears threatening to spill out of her eyes, she doesn't want Ajax to see her in such a fragile state. ]
... I'm sorry I've been so down in the dumps Ajax. I don't think we'll ever know the full extent of what Seraphina is capable of because her powers are truly out of this realm.
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He'd much rather give all that attention to Yoimiya instead, who's really going through it. But at the back of his mind, dark words replay in his head again:
That wench has always been so selfish, always so focused on her feelings. It's not fair that you're always forced to comfort her.
Isn't it selfish to think that way, though? His own mind combats the negative thoughts telling him something terrible about Yoimiya. Where did that even come from?]
I know, [he says softly,] all we can do is be on guard as much as we can. I know it's hard, but try to keep your spirits up. Let's see what the Aranara can do for us before we lend ourselves to despair.
[He smiles softly down at her, slowing his pace only to lean down and press a kiss to her forehead before picking it up again. The hotel is right here now, and he looks up- the leap to the balcony of their room isn't that far. Something he can easily make, and with one strong jump, he's up in the air and landing onto their private balcony with ease.]
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But at the very least, they're back at the hotel and far away from the prying, cold eyes of the rest of the world. Yoimiya finally pulls her face away from Ajax's chest, already feeling a bit relieved that it's just them with not a single soul around. ]
... You're right. I know it's going to be hard but I promise, I'll try my hardest to stay strong.
[ She glances up at him and is met with a smile so soft that it practically melts her heart. Ajax is trying so hard for her when he's suffering just as much, she can't keep focusing on her own negativity. The kiss on her forehead fills her with a warmth that she's desperately been craving. Wanting to return the sweet gesture, she cranes her head to place a soft kiss on his cheek. ]
For you.
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here you write a tag and i'll write the timeskip imo
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don't respond to this! i'm just wrapping up the thread. gunna make a new top level comment