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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See you later, Aramiya.
[Ajax slips his arm around Yoimiya's back to let his hand rest against her hip, bringing her into him as they leave while he sticks his other hand into his pocket. From the vantage point on top of the hill, he looks around the entire village, still amazed with their temporary home.]
You know, [he says while they trail down the hill,] if we're in a dream, I do wonder if the same logic that applies to the real world will apply here. For example, do you think we'd be able to fly if we so willed it? Or even use other elements that don't pertain to our visions?
[He isn't saying it, but it's clear- Tartaglia wants to know if he has more powers while he's here, which he'd clearly want to use to fight with...]
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Oh, that's a wonderful thought, Ajax! I don't see why not, the last time I was in Sumeru, I got to ride on a shooting star and watch meteorites fall from the sky.
[ It was a wonderful dream she swears to never forget. The only way to improve it is if Ajax was there. ]
I'd love to ride across the starry sky with you.
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Well, perhaps while we're here, we can make it happen. Mastering the power of dreams sounds like an incredible power to wield.
[As soon as he says it, he realizes now why Dottore wants to get his hands on an Aranara. He won't verbalize it, but his cohort wants to control dreams...perhaps that's what that little project he was running was out on those remote islands?]
We'll ask around about it. For now, it's time to get to know the locals. Why don't we start down there? I want to know what that structure is down there, too. I bet there's all sorts of secrets to learn here...
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And knowing Ajax, once he sets his mind on a goal, he'll see it through the end. She had faith they'll have that wonderful experience once more.
But for now, her attention is drawn to the fascinating structure in the middle of the village, it practically caught her eye the moment she stepped foot in this fantasical land. Now that they finally have time on their hands, it'd be a waste not to check it out. She sticks close by Ajax's side as they head down the hill and toward the lake, nuzzling her head against his arm the whole way there. The structure is stunning, every intricate detail looks like it was made from the finest wood in Sumeru. And to make it even more amazing, dendro crystalflies twirl and fly around it, one of them even flies over to land on top of Ajax's ginger hair. ]
Hehe, looks like you made a friend.
[ She giggles, the sight of Ajax with a crystalfly fluttering it's wings atop is head is just too cute not to admire. Yoimiya extends her free arm with full intent of touching it, only to draw away when she realizes it might be rude. ]
Would it be improper to touch it?
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He looks up to follow the crystalfly that floats down and lands right on top of his head, so light that he wouldn't of even noticed if he hadn't seen it first. Ajax makes no moves to startle it, feeling blessed that it had even deemed him safe enough to land on. Looking over to Yoimiya, he chuckles softly at her comment, watching her hand reach and retract itself.]
I think it's closer to, will it allow you to touch it at all. They're pretty skittish creatures. I'm too scared to even budge and inch for fear of it flying off.
[He's willing to bet it's a sight though. He'd take a picture if he could.]
But, maybe you can get it to sit on your finger. I suppose if it were frightened of us, it would have flown off as we were approaching.
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She takes Ajax's advice to heart and slowly extends her arm, stretching her index finger to show she means no harm. The little crystalfly looks almost pensive for a moment, debating if it wants to leave the safety of Ajax's fluffy orange curls, and after some deliberation, it flaps its wings, taking flight to Yoimiya's small finger. Her eyes light up at the gesture, the happiest she's looked in so long. ]
Ajax, look! It's sitting on top of my finger... oh, it's so pretty. I've never seen a crystalfly this close in person.
[ Let's just say her attempts to catch them in the past have been met with........ mixed results. 😔 ]
We really are inside a dream, aren't we? Normally, these little critters would fly away as soon as we're anywhere near it.
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We sure are. I know I've never gotten one to come near me my whole life. You've got to be pretty sneaky and fast to catch one- so I guess this means that anyone who's in the dream must be safe enough for them to feel comfortable with.
[So hopefully they won't notice the crystal cores on his gloves...]
I think it likes you. What are you going to name it?
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Hey, maybe they'll be the first to catch 9999 of those buggers! Surely there's not a single person who has accomplished such a feat. That would be crazy, right? RIGHT?????? ]
That's a great question! I think... I want to name it Moriko.
[ She flickers her gaze at the dainty green creature sitting pretty on her finger. It's so pretty and even if it's only a dream, the little crystalfly reminds her that life is beautiful and there are plenty of wonderful things worth living for. ]
"Mori" means forest in Inazuman, I think that's pretty fitting for a creature from the dendro nation. What about you? Since it landed on your head first, it's only fair you have a say in its name too.
coming back to this thread and seeing you call me out AGAIN
No, I think that's a fitting name. I'm not any good at naming things anyway, so I think we can christen this little fellow as Moriko.
[Childe isn't one to talk to something that can't understand him, so he just nods in approval.]
Perhaps this arch here is simply the home for many crystalflies...seems they like to hang around it. A perfect spot for a picnic, wouldn't you say?
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You're right! This will be a lovely spot for a picnic. We gotta do that while we're here! I'm sure Aramiya will enjoy it too.
[ Excitement aside, she still has questions about the magnificent structure. ]
But surely there's more to this structure than acting as a home for crystalflies, right? It stands out way too much.
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Yes, I suppose it does. We could always just ask someone, couldn't we? Speak of the devil, there's a free Aranara right now.
[In a village full of Aranara, one was eventually going to cross their path, and one does- a particularly strange looking one on top of it. Its body is a lighter wood shade than the rest, accented by a red scarf around its neck with an orange leaf on top of its head that doesn't look so different than the ginger who's broken away from Yoimiya to approach it.]
Excuse me, we'd like to ask you a question, if you have a moment. This wooden arch here in the middle of your town...what is it for?
[The Aranara blinks back at them in surprise, having never seen Nara here before in Vanaranara but...]
Arch? Oh, you mean Silapna? Why, that's just something you can use for training, if you can get it to activate. Arajax uses it all the time, except I fight the monsters inside instead of avoiding them!
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She can't even process what the lil orange aranara is saying. Something something Silapna. What is that? Something about training? Why do they have to activate it???? None of that matters when she's staring at the Aranara version of her boyfriend. She sends a glance over his way, holding up her arm in his direction. ]
Ajax... I know we're in a dream but could you pinch me, anyway?
[ After the whole Aramiya debacle, the appearance of Arajax shouldn't surprise her and yet, it's hard to grasp what she's seeing.
Arajax is here too!! ]
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O-Oh! Hey now, no need for pinching.
[They'd specifically talked about acting cool in front of Arajax, because he knows that if this little guy is like him, he'll pick up on their lies and deception quickly...neither of them are great at it.]
What did she say your name was? Ajax? That sounds suspiciously like Arajax...who are you? And why does a Nara look like me?
[This puts Ajax instantly on edge, feeling himself sweat already. He has to learn to lie to himself in one sentence...]
Who's to say, [he begins,] perhaps it's just a coincidence. Where I'm from, Ajax isn't an unknown name. It's only fitting that an Aranara has the same name. I'm actually flattered to know that I share a name with someone from Vanaranara. But, I'm more interested in what you said last. What's this about training?
[Trying to change the subject as fast as he can to something he knows he'd zero in on immediately!!!]
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Maybe Ajax isn't the best liar but he's certainly better than herself, she'd be floundering if it wasn't for him. Yoimiya is able to pull herself together thanks to his quick thinking, nodding her head to try and make it seem authentic. ]
It's nice to meet ya, Arajax. I'm Yoimiya! Sorry if I scared you, I was so impressed you have the same name as him that I couldn't believe what I was hearing for a second. Ajax is a strong warrior, so it wouldn't surprise me if you were just as powerful.
[ Whew, she's still not great at lying but hopefully that keeps him from looking too deep into the situation. If he's truly anything like Tartaglia, then she has no doubt the little Aranara will hone in on picking a fight with her beloved. ]
Yeah, do you mind elaborating on the part about training? Both of us enjoy fighting and we're always looking to improve our skills in any way we can.
[ Welp, it's not a total and complete lie on her end. ]
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He puffs out his chest a little bit when told that he must be powerful too. He is! Thank you for noticing.]
Nara are interesting in training too, huh? Well, first you'll need a song to enter! Once you're inside, you'll need to use all your skills to deal with the Fungi and Hilinara inside while collecting seeds! Only Arabalika has beat Arajax in the trials. But I'll beat him one day!
[Childe can't believe what he's hearing- it's as if he's listening to a recording of himself. He laughs nervously, throwing a hand behind his head only because now he can hear himself when he talks like that too. Not ashamed at all about it, it's just...weird.]
We'd certainly love a chance at it ourselves, Arajax. But...perhaps you'll spar with me sometime? We'll be here for the foreseeable future, and I'm always looking for strong opponents to cross blades with. Maybe I can teach you a thing or two about how Nara fight. What do you say?
[He folds his arms over his chest now, looking confident and doing his best to wipe away the momentary image of him before that was mildly weirded out.]
How could I turn that down? Anytime you want, Ajax! I'm always ready for a spar. Will you be joining in too, Red Nara?
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Yup, that's definitely a walking plant version of her dearling Ajax. They look like mirror images of one another with Ajax confidently crossing his arms and Arajax puffing out his chest. She has no doubt he's probably weirded out right about now, once they're alone, she absolutely has plans to poke fun at him but for now, she needs to focus on keeping a straight face as not to clue the perceptive Aranara in. ]
Yes! Of course! I'd love to train with y'all. It will be an honor to fight with two strong warriors, hehe.
[ As ridiculous as the scene unfolding in front of her is, this little bit of silliness is just what she needs to take her mind off Seraphina. Coming to this village has been the best blessing she could ask for, seeing all the cute Aranara and chatting with them has lifted her spirits and she finally feels a bit more like her usual perky self. She still can't wrap her mind around Aramiya and Arajax actually existing and acting just like them but for now, she's happy to enjoy this much-needed break from all the doom and gloom of the real world. ]
I happen to have a lyre on me. [ In fact, she produces it as they speak. ] Could you show me how to play the song?
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Of course! It goes a little something like this.
[Arajax begins to sing a simple tune for the both of them, easy to learn and easy to play. Once he finishes, he looks at both Ajax and Yoimiya proudly, happy with his performance.]
There, now you Nara can enter the gate. If you can beat the monsters in there, you can probably take on the Iron Chunks too. Those are the most fun to fight.
Haha, thank you, Arajax. Yoimiya, think you can play that? We could try the gate out right now if you wanted...
[Maybe that would earn them some trust among the Aranara, which is their goal anyway. He can't believe that coming across his Aranara twin might end up proving very useful today. Fate has a funny way of making things come together like this.]
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Let's see... like this?
[ With Arajax's song fresh on her mind, her fingers carefully strum across the lyre's strings, playing the song note for note. Just like that, Silapna's opening glows a bright green, spooking away nearby crystalflies in the process. Yoimiya looks amazed at the sight, she can't believe she's already learned two songs from the cute Aranara. ]
Oh, look at that! It's glowing! How pretty... I guess I need to start keeping track of the songs y'all taught me.
[ Hopefully her blonde head will be able to fit everything... 💦💦💦 ]
Well, do we just hop in to get in on the action?
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That's right! Just step inside and your trial will begin. Good luck, you two!
[Arajax, who has assumed that both Yoimiya and Ajax both want to attempt the gate's trial, plip-plods behind the both of them. In the next second, Ajax can feel a force on his back that's pushing both himself and Yoimiya forward towards the gate, but he doesn't try to resist- he wants to do this more than anything.
That must be that Aranara's power...I can't wait to challenge him.
In he goes, through the portal into a darker version of the very forest they find themselves in. No Aranara are present inside, and he looks around to see what exactly it is they're looking at. He calls out for his companion, looking behind to see if she'd gotten pushed in too.]
Yoimiya?
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But Yoimiya doesn't ponder for too long, they're engulfed by the strange green light and before she even realizes what's happening, the two of them are brought to an almost eerie version of the same forest. As she glances around, the blonde is amazed by what she sees, the forest still has its lush foliage but the surroundings are darker.
It's not long until her boyfriend's voice cuts through her muddled thoughts, bringing her back to... well, as much of a reality as they can get. She looks over to see that familiar head of ginger hair she adores so much, relieved and thankful they haven't been separated. ]
Ajax!
[ She quickly rushes to his side to grab his arm. ]
Oh, thank goodness you're here! I thought I lost you for a second.
[ Maybe she's being a bit more clingy than usual because of Seraphina but considering the circumstances, the idea of separation rips at her heart. ]
That was wild, wasn't it? I'm still trying to figure out how he shoved us in. But wow, this is like, a darker version of the Aranara forest! Their powers sure are on a whole new level.
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They certainly are...especially to practically create a dream within a dream.
[It's the only thing that makes sense to him for this to be. He's sure Arajax would confirm it too once they complete this trial.]
Let's not waste too much time in here. Arajax expressed that he likes to defeat the monsters in here despite it not being necessary...so that means whatever we need to do isn't just slaying fungi. They seem to be in places around those strange green floating objects. They might be guarding them, which means those are our true targets.
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Yoimiya quickly pulls herself together by slapping her cheeks and manifesting her bow. Speaking of Arajax.... where is the lil fella, anyway? She could have sworn he had every intention of joining them. But then again, he is an Aranara version of Ajax and has been through this training session multiple times so there's no need to worry. The little orange sprout will crop up eventually. ]
That makes sense! Sounds like you can either choose to fight the Fungi or deal with whatever the objects are. But we'd be missing the point of training if we ran away from mushrooms.
[ She knows she doesn't have to tell her boyfriend twice, he's going to fight everything within sight. Besides, they could totally use this as a way to blow off steam after all the stress thrown their way. With her bow armed and ready, Yoimiya can vaguely make out the sight of the green floating object that Ajax was talking about. She's never seen anything like it and has no idea what it is but what she does know is that they can't afford to waste time. ]
Oh, I think spot one up ahead. Let's go, Ajax!
[ As soon as they're within arms reach of the mysterious object, a Winged Dendroshroom accompanied by a group of mini fungus appear from the ether to guard it from the two intruders. ]
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His blades are drawn quickly, looking at them like they were a nice snack to be enjoyed along the way towards their goal. Ajax's eyes light up with excitement, and he poises himself for a moment and says:]
Four to two, is it? No matter- let's make short work of them.
[There isn't a single moment of hesitation from the Harbinger, gleefully leaping right into the fray between them all, his blades flashing between swings that slice open one of the smaller fungi to fluid, effortless dodges from him when attacks are pointed his way. Tartaglia has done this on purpose of course- to give Yoimiya the opening she needs to pummel them freely with her bow without having to worry about being chased.]
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Yoimiya quickly rushes into the fray with him, shooting a series of pyro-infused arrows at the smaller fungi. The combination of his hydro blades and her arrows makes short work of the fungi, each of her arrows explode on impact from the contrasting reactions. ]
Is that all y'all got?
[ Now with the mob dealt with, they have the big boss to take care. Yoimiya focuses all her firepower in this one shot, tugging on the strings of her bow until she releases a powerful shot directed at the Dendroshroom and succesfully, searing her signature goldfish mark for Ajax to go wild with the vaporize. ]
Strike them down, Ajax!
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Already on it~!
[He laughs like a maniac as he closes in on the largest creature, slamming his blades together into his glaive as he torques himself around and slashes the monster in half- leaving it only a second to realize its fate before it dissipates into nothingness. With a few twirls of his weapon, he slams it into the ground and lets it disappear effortlessly.]
Hey, not bad! That's the first time we've really fought together, isn't it?
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🎀