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...]
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He takes a good look all around, slowing down with her, to take in the scenery. Is this really Vanaranara? He can see their little houses, hollowed out wood with moss covering it littering the area. Huge, umbrella-like plants grow all along the edges, reminding him of lily pads out of water. Other than that he sees nothing else, no other Aranara...surely, not all of them are out, are they?]
Is this it? Where are all the other Aranara?
[Childe looks over to Aralauka resting in Yoimiya's arms, puzzled.]
Almost there! Need to enter the dream! Nara have a musical instrument with them, yes?
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But before she can inquire any further, Aralauka asks if they have an instrument on them. A musical instruement... oh, she definitely has one on her!
Since he was such a good sport about their race, Yoimiya gives Aralauka a quick pat on the head before setting the tiny Aranara on the ground. She removes the backpack from her shoulders to dig around for a peculiar item she purchased from one of the shops in Sumeru City; a wooden lyre! ]
Will this work? I bought this as a souvenir for a friend back home but if we need this, I can always get her a new one.
[ Sorry Ayaka, she'll get you a prettier, unused lyre once the ride to crazy bus stops. ]
Yes! It's perfect. Now follow me, Aralauka will teach Nara the song to enter the dream.
[ With a plip-plod, plip-plod, plid-plod underneath its feet, the tiny critter trots over to a rock with a peculiar symbol and a small tree sprouting out of it. ]
Now, just follow my lead and play your instrument to my tune.
[ On cue, Aralauka starts singing a cute that warm even the most hardened hearts. It's moments like this that Yoimiya wishes she had some musical talent, she's lucky she can even beat a drum. But surely it can't be that hard, right? She takes a deep breath, concentrating on the Aranara's voice as her fingers gently thrum against the lyre's strings. ]
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When Tartaglia blinks, the world around them goes from a bright and sunny day with lush green plants all around them to the same backdrop, but now covered with a hint of purple and only a little darker, the sun no longer beating down with its harsh rays upon the area.
And all around them are the Aranara. Every direction he looks, there's another strange little creature walking down a path or resting on a plant. His eyes grow large with surprise and wonder, feeling as if he's stepped into a whole different world. The Harbinger turns to take it all in, jaw dropped before it turns upward as a smile tugs at the corners of his mouth, letting out a small laugh as he sets his arms akimbo.]
Oh my goodness! There's an entire village here, hidden in plain sight! Aralauka, are we really inside of a dream?
[He's never heard of such a thing before, but now he understands Dottore's obsession with finding these guys.]
Yes! Here, nothing will find us! Safe here! Come, you need to meet the elder! This way!
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These sweet creatures are a blessing, their adorable faces and happy smiles give her life and fill her with joy during this dreadful time. But before she gets ahead of herself, Yoimiya places the lyre back inside her bag for safekeeping and begins to follow Aralauka toward the big hut in the center of the forest.
As they walk, Yoimiya's eyes glance around to take in the marvelous scenery, admiring each and every single one of the cuties that pass by. Suddenly, a peculiar yellow Aranara with a butterfly pendant wrapped around its neck, and an orange leaf sprouting out of its head catches her attention, causing her to stop dead in her tracks. With her jaw slightly agape, she stands in the middle of the path to gawk, flabbergasted by what she's seeing. ]
Hey Ajax... doesn't that Aranara look awfully familiar?
[ Maybe she's just seeing things but she swears that's Aramiya... ]
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His eyes follow where she's looking, and when he sees it he has to peer at it for a moment. Aralauka stops to turn towards it too, and all he sees is another one of his Aranara kin, so he doesn't get it.]
You know her?
[It takes Ajax a second, but he finally realizes what Yoimiya's getting at. But there's no way, right?]
Isn't that the little wood carving you gave me? The one that looks like you? Ara...miya?
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That causes the little Aranara to mirror Yoimiya's reaction, also stopping dead in her tiny tracks. She immediately whips around, walking over towards Aralauka as fast as her small feet can take her. ]
Oh, that's me indeed. Hello! I'm Aramiya.
[ at this point, Yoimiya's jaw is pretty much on the ground, stupefied and unable to fathom what exactly she's seeing. There's no doubt, the little Aranara is absolutely... Aramiya. ]
Are these your new friends, Aralauka? They are so smart! How did they know my name? Did you tell them about me? I'm so flattered! Oh, oh, oh! I hope you told them about the time I tried to pick a Harra Fruit and fought those no-good sporesโ
[ Seems like this one is a big talker just like Yoimiya and Aralauka quickly cuts her off before she talks until the end of time. The look on the green Aranara's beady eyes says it all, it's been through this same song and dance with this chatterbox many, many times. ]
Ah, no! Aralauka is just as surprised as you are. So... you've never met these Nara? They seem like they know you.
[ Aramiya shakes her head, also confused and oblivious to the red Nara looking similar to her. ]
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With a real life imitation of the girl's personality next to him.]
We! Uhhhhh...we don't know Aramiya personally, but let's just say that...she's...ahhhh...well known! Yes, she's well known in Sumeru, haha. So much that there's little wooden carvings made of her that are for sale! That's how we know her.
[For all his years in the Fatui, this is the best lie he can come up with on the spot...]
Ahem, so, it's pretty flattering, wouldn't you say? We didn't know we'd be running into a celebrity today.
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Wow... really?!?! There are wooden carvings in my image? Oh my gosh, Aramiya is soooo flattered! If you ever get the chance, I'd love to see one of those wooden carvings with my own eyes.
[ His lie might not have been smooth like butter, but it's enough to fool the unsuspecting Aranara. She's clearly happy with her newfound "fame" and that's all that matters. Aralauka is clearly the smarter one between the two of them since it noticed how quiet Yoimiya has been. ]
Red Nara, you have been really quiet. Are you okay?
[ Oh goodness, now it's her turn to lie. She's not good at this either but thankfully, Ajax provided her a story to follow up on. ]
Oh, um... yeah! I'm perfectly fine. I'm just... um, starstruck we met a celebrity! Yeah!! I can't believe we met the famous Aramiya, hahahaha...
[ A couple that can't lie together, stays together??? ]
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Anyway, it's very nice to meet you, Aramiya. We were just on our way to see your elder. We're hoping they can help us with something. Aralauka has been kind enough to bring us here, so we owe him a debt. I hope we'll get the opportunity to see each other a bit more often in the coming days, but for now we really must go.
[He holds his hand over his chest in apology, before turning to both Aralauka and Yoimiya, inclining his head in the direction of the elder's home.]
Come you two, we shouldn't tarry here. We have some more pressing matters to attend to.
[Like getting! Out of! This lie!!!!]
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It was nice meet you two! Please come and see me when you have time.
[ With that, Aramiya plip-plods away with a skip in her tiny steps. Yoimiya still cant help but gawk at the scene but thankfully, Aralauka has the sense to snap her out of her reverie. The little creature motions for the pair to follow it and up the hill they go! The big hut ahead is imposing and also adorable, Yoimiya can definitely picture an elder living here. Once they step in, the trio are met with an Aranara who looks wise beyond it's years. ]
Ah, Aralauka is that you? I see you've brought Nara with you.
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The mustache on the elder Aranara looks almost comical to the rest of the Aranara he saw as they walked through the village, but he's still polite all the same.]
Yes! Orange Nara and Red Nara saved me from the river with the fierce darana! They asked if we could help them, so I brought them here! They are good nara!
[The elder looks up at Yoimiya and Ajax, studying them to see if he could sense anything off. And there is something, peering at them both. Childe gets the feeling that this probably isn't a good thing...]
Orange Nara, he is of snow and ice. Snow and ice nara were also in the forest, and they have been doing bad things. Are you sure these nara can be trusted?
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She's both impressed and astonished that one look is enough to reveal Ajax's origins to him. ]
Eh? Snow and ice Nara are up to bad things? And Orange Nara is of ice and snow...? [ Aralauka looks up at Ajax, flabbergasted by the revelation. ] Um... even so! Orange Nara still went out of his way to save me. He could have easily left me if he was bad. Besides, he also has the power to see us.
[ Of course, Yoimiya isn't about to let Aralauka do all the convincing on its own. ]
I can also vouch for him! Ajax [ a beat ] er, Orange Nara is a good guy. He's not a part of whatever the snow and ice nara are up to. He's... here to help me.
[ Even up against cute Aranara, Yoimiya is always willing to defend her boyfriend to the bitter end. ]
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Thankfully, he's got a few people in his corner. Both Aralauka and Yoimiya stick up for him, but he also isn't interested in lying to Elder Araja, either.]
It's true, there are some of those from my home that are up to no good here. But truthfully, I have nothing to do with them, nor do I even know what their missions are. The only reason I'm here is because Red Nara here with me is in grave danger, and we're trying to find any way to keep her safe. Hear us out, would you?
[He glances over at Yoimiya for more help. The elder might trust her more than him on this one.
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He's right, we're here to take refuge from this terrible Nara who has been after us. She has the ability to control minds, including ours. And for reasons that are still unknown to us... she really wants to see me dead.
[ Even behind that large mustache, Elder Araja looks stunned by that revelation. ]
A Nara that can control minds... I had no idea something like that was even possible.
[ Yoimiya nods, already feeling relieved to see the elder hearing them out. ]
Believe me, we're just as stunned as y'all are. Orange Nara is just here to save me, he has nothing to do with the other snowy Nara. We were hoping you might have a way to protect us from that terrible Nara.
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She's already controlled the minds of several Nara to try to kill Yoimiya here. We're looking for something that might put a barrier between our minds and her, and if not that, then a simple refuge where she can't reach us would be infinitely helpful in our quest to defeat her.
[Araja looks down at the ground, tiny hand coming up to his chin
what chinin thought. It's not any kind of request that would bring harm to the village, so he doesn't see why he can't find a way to grant it for their help to save Aralauka.]Vanaranara resides inside of a dream, so no nara without the blessing of the Lord of Verdure can perceive this place. Nara are safe while here, so both can stay to hide. As for protection for your mind...I cannot say. Maybe ask the Lord of Verdure?
[Childe's face brightens at the news that they'd be okay here...but the second part wasn't one that he was expecting nor would he of thought to do.]
Yoimiya, I think the elder here is referring to the Dendro Archon. I think I've heard that title somewhere before.
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This solidifies her decision to not turn them over to Dottore. There's no way she has it in her to betray their trust after their gracious help. But she'll cross that bridge with Ajax when they get there. For the time being, she's more curious about the name Araja is referring to.
The Lord of Verdure a.k.a. the Dendro Archon. ]
Yeah, I believe you're right. The Dendro Archon... [ The title is said with nothing but the utmost reverence. ] I heard that she had to go through the wringer just to take her rightful place as the Archon of this nation. Will she really hear us out?
[ Yoimiya herself is just an ordinary girl, she can't imagine the Archon of Sumeru taking time out of her busy schedule to help with her strange problem. Not to mention, there's also Ajax's allegiance to consider. After everything she went through, Yoimiya wouldn't blame her if she didn't want anything to do with the Fatui. ]
The Lord of Verdure is kind and wise. If everything you Nara say is true, I believe she'll be willing to help. It will be hard for Nara to call upon her but not for us Aranara. However, I'm still wary about Orange Nara's connection to the snow and ice Nara. So, if you two decide to stay in this village, you must prove that you are truly trustworthy, and only then I can ask for her help.
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But, he's also heard of her kindness as well...so maybe there's a chance. Especially if Araja says they can get her to listen to them.]
Sure, I don't mind lending a hand. I'm not sure what it is you'd like to see to prove our trustworthiness, but as long as it's within our power to do so, I'm sure both Yoimiya and I would have no problem fulfilling it.
[He's got an idea of what they can do, and he wonders if Yoimiya is thinking the same thing. But he'll hear what the elder here has to say first.]
Is there something we can do? Or, is it up to us to prove our trustworthiness?
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Oh, Orange Nara is quite sharp. Yes, it is up to you to prove you can be trusted. All I ask is that if you have time to spare, please help out any Aranara in need during your stay. Every one of them has their own tune, some are young and in need of guidance, some of them tend to wander off and cause trouble, and some just want to see the world. If you can do that, then I have no doubt the forest will remember your good deeds.
[ Why does she get the feeling that Aramiya is one of the troublemakers the elder is referring to? But regardless, there's no way she can turn down such a simple, innocent request. ]
Yeah, we can do that. Can we, Ajax?
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[He sends a wink Aralauka's way, to which the Aranara poses in shock and a bit of embarrassment. Maybe Orange Nara is right...]
Aralauka would like fighting lessons, to protect against the strong Apshvaana, and learn to use Ararakalari. I'm not good at using Ararakalari, but maybe Orange Nara can help.
[Ajax looks over to Yoimiya again, looking confident that this should be easy for the both of them. He returns his gaze to Araja, gesturing with his hand to convey how simple a task this would be for the two of them.]
See? Not a problem. Yoimiya and I already have a plan to earn your trust too, but I hope you don't mind if it takes us some time to do. It's like the old Sumeru saying goes: Alcazarzaray wasn't built in a day.
Alright. Go and help the village, Nara, and return once you have proven yourselves to us.
[Nodding, he turns, gesturing for Yoimiya to follow.]
C'mon, let's go discuss our plan.
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Right! Thank you again for allowing us to stay here. We promise to help out.
[ With renewed vigor, Yoimiya takes Ajax's hand, leading him out the elder's hut and out of earshot from the Aranara. ]
I take it you had the same idea as me? Thwarting your colleague's plan?
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Precisely. I'm no fan of Dottore myself, and it would be a shame to see any of the Aranara fall into his hands. His research into them isn't mandated by the Tsaritsa, so I have no obligation to help him in this matter.
[It'll be a fun challenge in how they'll have to come up with a way to keep Dottore from getting what he wants.]
You, however, can't go back on your word. So we'll have to play outside of the rules a little bit. If necessary, we may need to find someone to help us. I don't know if we can pull this off on our own.
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And if there's anyone who is adept at being sneaky, it's her cunning Harbinger boyfriend. Honestly, she'd give anything to see Ajax outsmart the Doctor, she'd pay a debt to Pantalone to see the look on his face when Tartaglia tells him off. ]
Yeah, I wasn't keen on handing over the Aranara to him to begin with. So, I would do anything to ensure their safety.
[ So truly, this is already a huge relief from her shoulders. Guilt has been eating away at her ever since she and Dottore made this arrangement. ]
Do you think the Dendro Archon would be willing to help us? She's smarter than any of us combined and I can't imagine anyone more capable of outsmarting the Doctor than her.
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[Tartaglia takes a moment to ponder it. Seeking an audience with an Archon wouldn't be easy, especially after the mess Dottore made here in Sumeru. It might of been easier before that, since he's such a high-ranking diplomat, but naturally his coworkers have to go and make things difficult
as if he doesn't make it difficult too plz childeBut then, a Harbinger is threatening the existence of creatures within her domain as well...it could work out for them. Why wouldn't she want to work with them to help save the Aranara?]
When Dottore returned from Sumeru the first time, he had a run-in with Lesser Lord Kusanali herself. I know that he's not exactly on good terms with her, and he was pretty huffy and irritated when he got back despite making great strides towards the Fatui's goals. If we were able to get her on our side, I think overcoming the Doctor just might work.
[It's not a bad idea. She outsmarted him once, he knows this- she might be able to help them do it, too.]
I'd like to think she'd hear us out, considering he wants to experiment on what I assume are her own creations. We'll have to talk the elder into bringing her here- I don't want to risk leaving the dream and being open to Seraphina's mind attacks.
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They need to seek an audience with her first, which will be the hardest part. Ajax's affiliation might give them some trouble but she's heard about the Dendro Archon's kindness and wisdom, it gives her faith that maybe, she'll look past her boyfriend's allegiance and see him for who he really is.
A guy who just wants to help his girlfriend. ]
You're right, I think she'll be willing to listen to us if she knows we want to help the Aranara. We'll have to seek approval from the Elder first I believe we can do it.
[ The Elder might be wise and perceptive beyond his years but he doesn't seem unreasonable. ]
Since we're staying inside this dream, we might as well go around and make friends with the Aranara! It's not like we have anything better to do. And I'd much rather help out these cute creatures instead of worrying about Seraphina.
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Hahaha, alright, let's go. Though there is one thing we should probably talk about before we head out and meet the locals.
[He looks around to make sure they're still alone for the moment, before returning to look at her and says:]
There's the little problem of Aramiya...
[And if she's anything like Yoimiya they're not going to escape her!]
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coming back to this thread and seeing you call me out AGAIN
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1/2
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๐