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

Dinner at Aramiya's

[monoceroscaeli]

[Having secured Aralauka's help with the plan, the two of them can finally head back to Aramiya's after scrounging up a few more ingredients. The item on the menu is something he's never heard of before, but he's more than willing to learn and help make it according to Yoimiya's directions. Working together, they make a delicious looking salad together that still has Tartaglia questioning everything he's ever known about salads.

He's staring over Yoimiya's shoulder at the finished product, plated out on three different plates for the three of them to enjoy together, as Aramiya waits patiently for them to serve dinner.]

Huh. It looks delicious, but can Aranara eat spicy food...?

[He has so many questions. Why would a plant person need to eat? Wouldn't they just need water????]

[niwabi]

[ Honestly, that's a good question to ask. Even though she was the one who made the suggestion, there was a part of her that wondered the same. But after giving it some thought, she figures that if Aramiya is anything like her, she'll enjoy every last spicy bite. ]

Well, if Aramiya is truly a splitting plant image of myself, then I have a feeling she'll enjoy a little kick in her food. Besides, this recipe has been passed down in my family for generations, I don't see why she wouldn't.

[ Best of all, she gets to share her special family recipe with her beloved. Even if it's just a salad, Yoimiya is thrilled she got to prepare it with him. Hopefully, he can handle his spice to enjoy it.

Without further delay, Yoimiya takes the plates and sets them in front of a very excited Aramiya. The little plant looks so amazed by what she's seeing, there's so much green... a little chunks of red sprinkled all over it?! She inspects it from all angles, having never seen anything like this before. ]

Hey Aramiya! Hope we didn't keep you waiting too long. This a little something my family taught me how to make and Ajax did a splendid job preparing it. We call this the Fireworks Salad because it's guaranteed to explode in your mouth when you have a bite.

[ Most Aranara would probably be startled to hear that but not the gutsy Aramiya. ]

Wow...! This is a first for Aramiya. I've heard that Nara food is spicy enough to turn their faces red but haven't tried it for myself.

[monoceroscaeli]

[If she says so. Ajax doesn't know whether or not this will end well or poorly for their host, but then when he thinks about it, spice comes from plants to begin with. So surely, if a plant eats plants, then they had to of had some kind of spicy food at some point. Right?

Right?

It'll be fine...]

What you heard is certainly true, though I doubt it'll be the same for you, Aramiya.

[Do Aranara even have blood to make flush, red faces? Questions he never thought he'd have.]

I haven't had this particular salad either, so we'll both be trying something new together. Bottoms up, then?

[He looks at both Yoimiya and Aramiya, before he takes a big bite of his own salad. Tartaglia's eyebrows raise immediately, tasting the spice directly on his tongue. It's so much different than the spice he was used to from Liyue, but it was good.

He tentatively looks up to Aramiya, to see what's happening over there...]

[niwabi]

[ Bottoms up! Aramiya raises her tiny arm to give him a cheer before turning her attention to the intriguing salad. She reaches over to grab a bite and as soon as it hits her mouth, she widens her beady eyes... as much as an Aranara can. ]

Oh!

[ She looks started for a moment, taken back by the spice hitting her palette but it soon becomes evident that she enjoys it as swoons. ]

This is soooo good! Aramiya loves it. Thank you Nara friends! Please teach me how to make this amazing treat.

[ It's not long until she proceeds to go for more bites. Meanwhile, Yoimiya looks proud at her Aranara self, she knew the lil thing could handle it! ]

[monoceroscaeli]

Hahaha...

[Ajax looks on in anticipation as Aramiya tries her salad. And thankfully, it seems to of gone over well with the little Aranara. Inwardly, he breathes out a sigh of relief, before looking over to Yoimiya.]

Good thing we didn't make a bet, I have a feeling I would of lost handily to you on this one...

[He eats a little bit more of his own salad to show Yoimiya how much he really is enjoying it. Definitely is something that'll give any normal, boring salad enough of a kick to make it a repeat dish on the menu ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و ♡]

[niwabi]

Geez, I'm kicking myself for not making a bet with you. Could have won something really grand.

[ but as long as he and Aramiya are enjoying it, that's all that matters. Speaking of Ajax... ]

How are you liking it?

[monoceroscaeli]

It's unlike any salad I've ever had before. But I like it! It brings the unique taste of Inazuma to this forest, and honestly that is one of the things I really enjoyed about my time there.

['Not bland as hell' is really all Tartgalia could ask for, and this was far from it. He eats another mouthful, tapping the little makeshift utensil against the plate.]

Mmmmm...I really like the spice. It's different than the spices they use in Liyue. Well done, Yoimiya.

[But as they eat, there's a little shuffling noise coming from outside Aramiya's hut, followed by a polite knock at the door. Surprised, Ajax turns to look in the direction of the door, wondering who'd come visit- though it is a small village, so anything's possible.

There is a fighty boy on the other side of that door, unbeknownst to everyone inside.]

[niwabi]

[ His compliment sends her heart soaring, seeing him enjoy a recipe that's been in her family for generations causes her eyes to light up like the brightest star in the sky. She's always happy to share a little bit of herself with him, and it fills her heart with joy to think about other recipes they could share and learn from each other. She hopes that one day, she'll have enough skills to prepare one of his favorite Snezhnayan meals...

But before Yoimiya could dwell on that thought, her ears perk up to the knock on the door. She's getting ready to get up to answer but Aramiya quickly stops her. ]

Don't worry, I'll get it!

Oh, are you sure, Aramiya? I don't mind grabbing it while you enjoy your feast.

[ The small Aranara shakes her tiny head and hops off the chair. She opens the door and is surprised by the Aranara on the other end.]

No! You are Aramiya's guests, you two already worked so hard to make this meal, please enjoy yourselves while I take care of this.

[ Yoimiya is trying not to laugh as she hears her signature plip-plod, plip-plod all the way to the door. ]

Oh! Hello Arajax! What brings you here?

[monoceroscaeli]

[It takes everything not to giggle at the cute little plip-plod noise coming from Aramiya as she gets up to go answer the door. He will probably never get over this noise for the duration that he stays in Vanaranara, it's way too cute. Exceptionally cute. Has absolutely no business being that cute.

From behind Aramiya is a pair of blue eyes that stare at the guest in question, immediately understanding what this is all about. Tartaglia grins devilishly, glad to see that his Aranara self hadn't forgotten about him.]

I know what brings him here, [he says under his breath, but loud enough for Yoimiya to hear.]

Hey there! I'm here for those two.

[Arajax points his stubbly little plant limb in the direction of Childe and Yoimiya.]

I felt that power from earlier in the training realm, and I'm here to challenge them to a fight!

[He proudly stands there, looking like he's not going to take no for an answer. Ajax already knows what his answer is, but he'll be polite since he's a guest...and let Aramiya either tell Arajax off or let Yoimiya voice her opinion first. ^^]

[niwabi]

[ As soon as Yoimiya heard her Aranara self greet Arajax, she already knew what the battle-hungry was here for. Looks like her boyfriend has the same thoughts as her and it takes every ounce of willpower not to giggle at him. She has no doubt that even a plant-like version of her Ajax is strong but it's just so... adorable seeing something so small with stubby arms and beady eyes making a declaration of war.

Unfortunately for the thrill-seeking Aranara, doesn't look like Aramiya is having any of it. She stomps one of her stubby legs in the ground, if it was possible for her to puff out her cheeks, she would and she'd look more like a squirrel than a plant creature. ]

Must you fight everything you encounter, Arajax?! They are Aramiya's guest and they just went through the trouble of preparing dinner.

[ Oh... she's definitely letting him have it. Yoimiya doesn't even have to say anything since Aramiya seemingly has this under control. Even when annoyed, she looks and sounds so cute with her high-pitched voice scolding her buddy. ]

You could at least join us for dinner before challenging our guests to a fight!

[monoceroscaeli]

Goodness, is that how you'll yell at me about things in the future?

[He jokes and lightly pokes his elbow into Yoimiya's side, still grinning like an idiot. This entire scene is so amusing to the Harbinger, especially since it seems Arajax is just as much of a troublemaker as he is. Admittedly, this interaction between the two Aranara is a lot more friendly than past interactions he's personally had with the people of his hometown back when he was younger...but he supposes that's just part of growing up, tempering that combative side of him.

But for now, he has no intention of tempering anything. Instead, he's thinking of ways to rile up Arajax later for a good fight to work off their dinner.]

Oh? Are you inviting me in then?

[The little fighto boi walks inside of Aramiya's little hut, looking around a little bit and letting his eyes sweep over the two challengers before he lets his focus rest on Aramiya again.]

I wouldn't mind staying for dinner, if there's enough to go around. Whatever's been made smells wonderful.

[Ajax glances down at his salad, letting the intrusive thoughts in....what if he told him that he has the last plate of salad, and that he had to fight him for it if he wanted some....]

Oh, I see the Nara have made plenty over here. This bowl is full of Nara food! It's good for us Aranara, right, Aramiya?

[Childe frowns. He found the extra salad. Thwarted.]

[niwabi]

Oh, I didn't know you were into that. Hmm... you're gonna have to push my buttons enough to find out.

[ Yoimiya giggles at the little nudge to his elbow, shooting him an all-knowing grin. She won't confirm or deny his silly accusation, he'll have to test her patience if he really wants to see her give it to him like her little Aranara counter part.

Anyways, Aramiya seems to have calmed down now that Arajax has seemingly dropped the fighting subject for the time being. She plip-plods to the side to allow him entrance in her hut. She might be a bit miffed at him challenging her her beloved guests, but she isn't about to turn down someone that might be potentially hungry. And considering how much Arajax loves to fight, she's sure he'll be needing substance to fill his belly. ]

Please eat to your heart's content! It's called fireworks salad. The leaves taste hot and feel like they're gonna explode in your mouth but it's a taste unlike anything I've ever had. I think you'll enjoy it.

[ But oh, the Nara did prepare the food especially for her... she quickly turns her attention to Ajax and Yoimiya, wanting their permission first. ]

Is it okay if Arajax joins us for dinner? If he's going to fight, he might as well fill his tummy first.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Arajax immediately starts dishing himself up some salad, gazing at it like it's the very fuel he needs in order to keep fighting and give him the strength to beat their new Nara friends. Aramiya said he could eat to his heart's content, so that's just what he's going to do. He hums to himself happily as he sits down, wondering how to approach this new fireworks salad that's supposedly hot.

Tartaglia watches him do this out of the corner of his eye, silently fighting with himself not to start laughing at the entire scene. But Aramiya seems concerned, so he gives her a bright smile and a nod to soothe her concerns.]

Of course it is. We made plenty to go around, and what is dinner time not but a great time to spend with friends and family alike?

[That and he knows that both he and Arajax will use dinner as an excuse to need to 'exercise' after dinner to work it off...which is exactly what he wants.]

Right Yoimiya? How could we deny Arajax some much needed nourishment.

[To those who know the Harbinger, his voice is dripping with a hunger...but not for food.]

[niwabi]

[ There was no way Yoimiya was gonna turn down Arajax, especially not when he looks so stinkin adorable as he contemplates how to go about eating the dish. But she gets Aramiya's concerns and is happy to squash them. ]

Of course! There's no way we could turn down a cutie like Arajax. Besides, thanks to him we were able to train a little and got a chance to speak with the Dendro Archon. So, he deserves to join us at our feast.

[ Aramiya looks both amazed and impressed. She's quick to join them back at the table, taking a seat next to Arajax. ]

Really?! You helped them get into contact with Lesser Lord Kusanali?!

[ Cute... her Aranara counterpart really does remind her of herself. If her eyes didn't look like beads, she's sure they'd be sparkling right about now. ]

Besides, I think this one over here also wants to pick a fight. [ She brazenly points at Ajax. ] And if they're gonna start duking it out with each other, they both need proper nourishment.

[ Ajax might get his "nourishment" from fights but even so, Yoimiya won't let either one of them duke it out on an empty stomach. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Arajax has finally decided how to go about this- he's gunna just jump right in and start shoveling it in his mouth. He can handle any kind of hot that this salad might give him. He looks up from his plate with his mouth full, chewing happily on the food and realizing that Aramiya really wasn't kidding when she said it was hot. He can already feel his mouth start to feel like it's on fire- which is really bad for a plant creature such as himself- but he knows it's not actually on fire.

This is good training...]

Hey, don't rat me out right from the get go! He already knew I was raring to go, [Ajax responds, puffing his cheeks out a little.

Arajax finishes his bite, waving that tiny little stub of a hand he has in front of his mouth. Oof, this'll take some getting used to. But the little Aranara looks over to Tartaglia, pointing that same stub at him.]

Nara shouldn't be playing with rats, make Nara sick. Then we can't have our fight.

[And then goes back to eating, clearly enjoying the food, but also taking some time between bites, muttering to himself.]

Nara food is so hot...but good...

[niwabi]

[ Don't rat me out right from the get go! Oh please. If he's gonna act hungry for battle, she might as well call it out. But still, his almost indignance is really cute, he looks so adorable with those puffed-out cheeks of his. Harbinger at night, little brat during the day, Yoimiya feels blessed she gets to see so many sides to him.

Giggling, she brings a finger to the side of his face and begins poking his puffy cheek. ]

Hehehe, your cheeks sure are soft and squishy when you're pouty. You look like a squirrel. Pyon, pyon~!

[ And of course, she's not gonna stop there. Poke. Poke. Poke. Poooooooke. She's gonna keep poking him because he's so darn cute.

Meanwhile, Aramiya's attention is directed onto poor Arajax. He keeps eating, which is a good sign! So it seems like he's enjoying the food but... she swears his face looks even redder than usual. She tilts her head in concern, ]

Did you say something, Arajax? Are you gonna be okay? Maybe it's Aramiya's imagination but you look like you've been fighting with the rain.

[ lbr Aranara probably don't sweat but she swears, something looks off about him. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

That's not...what that means, Arajax...

[Poke, poke, poke. Yoimiya pokes him over and over, and he feels like she's treating him like a cute little hamster with food stuck in its cheeks. Tartaglia's arms cross over his chest at first, taking the first couple of pokes, but it's not long before he can't take it anymore and comes up to wave his hands in front of him to deter her pokes to his cheek.]

Hey, hey, hey, c'mon now...

[Going to ninja her hands away from his cheeks, he can already feel himself getting mildly embarrassed.

Meanwhile, Arajax has to stop his assault on his salad. His whole body is starting to feel uncomfortable, and he realizes too late it's because he decided to eat a little too much of the salad all at once. The small pauses between bites wasn't enough time, and he sits up straight as he looks for some water.]

Just need a little water, and I can keep going. A salad can't beat Arajax...

[Through Yoimiya playing with his cheek, Ajax stops after a moment to notice the small Aranara's plight too, eyebrows raising as his hands are entangled with hers.]

Oh ho, I think someone has finally found a new opponent. We Nara like to call that, "spice."

[niwabi]

[ Wow!!! Now it's Yoimiya's turn to huff and puff as he ceases the pokes to his cheek. She was having fun poking the Ajax hamster... how dare he take that away from her. But, she's about ready to show the two Aranara her combative nature is almost on par with her boyfriend's as she fights to free her hands. He's got them tangled up quite well, their fingers are laced together, and trying to release herself from his grip is proving to be a challenge.

As she attempts to break free, she glances over at Arajax who looks like he's about ready to explode from the heat. She's a little surprised since Aramiya took it like a champ but since he's like Ajax, maybe there are some white boy genes in there. ]

That's right! That spice in particular is from a red pepper that's been in my family for generations. It tastes different from Sumeru spices but it still packs quite the punch. So, it's best not to underestimate it.

[ Yoimiya huffs once more, finding it difficult to pull her hands out so instead, she leans in to place a kiss on that cute, puffy cheek of his. Mwah!

Aramiya quickly scrambles to the back of her hut and it's not long until she has a leaf bowl filled with water. ]

Please don't exert yourself, Arajax. Drink plenty of water. I know you like to win but sometimes you have to pick and choose your battles.

[monoceroscaeli]

Ohhhh, thank you...!

[The poor little Aranara hurriedly takes the little leaf bowl with water and drinks it down, gulping it like it's the very carbon dioxide he needs to live. The fresh, cold feeling only lasts a few seconds, and for a moment he thinks that the fire has been extinguished in his mouth. But the fire comes right back, stinging his tongue and refusing to go. Though the beady eyes on him don't change, you can tell just by looking at him that they've gone wide in surprise that the water didn't help.]

What a formidable pepper! Water doesn't extinguish the fire!!!

[Tartaglia's eye closes on the side where Yoimiya gets her final word in, a kiss to his cheek instead of more pokes to it. Sighing, he lets go of her hands, figuring they probably shouldn't have a little squabble at the dinner table even though he was, admittedly, having a lot of fun "fighting" with her (๑>؂•̀๑)]

The only way to truly prepare to take on something spicy is to eat more of it, Arajax. Believe me, my first visit to Liyue truly opened my eyes to true spice. After spending some time there, I can eat quite a bit of spicy food now. I suggest you use this approach.

[Not Ajax egging his alter ego on sigh]

I'll conquer this spice yet, mark my words. Don't worry about me, Aramiya, I'm fine. I can do this.

[niwabi]

[ Poor Arajax... he's trying so hard and yet, the spice might be right up there with Arabalika as his greatest opponent. Although his facial expression remains as Aranara-like as ever, she can tell he's practically sweating bullets even after drinking fresh water.

But of course, of course, her boyfriend has to encourage his mini-plant self. Yoimiya quietly giggles to herself, the mental image of Ajax breathing fire from Liyue spice plays in her head. That heat was probably unlike anything the country boy from Snezhnaya ever tasted. She makes a note to ask him about his journey into Liyue cuisine later. ]

Okay! Aramiya believes in you! You'll conquer the pepper and become the strongest Aranara in our village.

[ Archons, help. Aramiya isn't even encouraging her but Yoimiya swears her heart has grown ten times from that little exchange. Both of them are so cute and if anything happens to them, she might go Seraphina level crazy. ]

How about this? Since I have the spice flakes on me, I'll leave it here with Aramiya so you can train with it even after we're gone. If you work hard enough, I bet you'll get used to it and this might be something you can beat that Arabalika guy in. I doubt he's had a pepper like this before.

[ Speaking of victory, her hands are freed!!! Their silly little "fight" was fun and she kind of wanted to continue... though it's best they show some respect at the dinner table. But since this is Yoimiya, she can't help but give his cheek one last good poke because she's a brat. ( ` ꒳ ´ )✧ ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[He swears that Yoimiya could have very well of said those same words herself, and he'd think she really did if he didn't hear them come right out of that tiny Aranara who's a spitting image of her. He can tell the two of them probably have a good relationship, no matter what kind it is. It's very endearing to see her encourage Arajax like that...and it's almost as if he were looking at a mirror, watching them interact.

But the sentimental moment doesn't last long, now that a little poke gets delivered to his cheek. For now, he'll let it go, and get her back for it later.]

That's a splendid idea, Red Nara. Thank you, I'll train very hard and be a master of your Nara spices in no time.

That's the spirit, Arajax, [he interjects, looking satisfied with his little counterpart here.] I know you'll show them all a thing or two. Now, why don't we all try to finish our meal? I know I'm itching to go out and get some...exercise afterwards.

[He bloodthirsty look he shoots Arajax says it all- he's dying for a fight.]

[niwabi]

[ And there he goes, this man will never hesitate to ask for a fight even if it's up against a tiny plant, she wouldn't be surprised if he's still itching for a fight even when he's old and gray. Regardless, his fighting spirit is one of the many traits she loves about him and just like Aramiya, she's happy to support him.

She's been around Ajax for so long that his thirst for battle is starting to rub off on her. Raring to go, she finishes the last of her salad and stands up to clean the table of any bowls. ]

I'm ready whenever y'all are! The best way to finish a tasty meal is to burn it off with exercise. [ Of course, she doesn't forget about her little Aranara self. ] Are you okay with this, Aramiya?

[ But it's not like Yoimiya had to ask for her counterpart's permission, the little plant is just as excited as she is. ]

Of course! I'm not good at it.... but Aramiya likes to watch Arajax fight! The moves he busts out are so cool.

[ It's then she's struck with an idea. ]

Well, why don't we teach you? I'm sure the battle brothers [ gestures at Arajax and Ajax. ] Will be happy to have more fighting comrades.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Arajax and Ajax are both on the same wavelength as Yoimiya, with the Harbinger digging back into his salad to finish it and the Aranara willing himself into eating the rest of his, determined not to leave any uneaten lest he offend the Nara who made it. Tartaglia stands up from his spot when he finishes, quickly moving to help Yoimiya so that they can all go out and get a good battle or two in before the night's end. Arajax won't finish his salad in time to help other than take care of his own bowl- the spice is still a lot for him to handle, but he's getting through it.

As Ajax cleans up a bit of the utensils they used to make the salad he grins back at the girls, liking the suggestion he's hearing from Yoimiya and ignoring the proud look on Arajax's face when he gets mentioned.]

I'm sure we could teach you the ropes, right Arajax?

[The little Aranara nods his head, triumphantly shoveling the last bite of his salad in his mouth and swallowing before responding.]

That's right. Aramiya, this world is for the strong, so it's very important to become a formidable warrior. You know I would gladly give you some tips.

[niwabi]

[ Though an Aranara's face can't make many expressions, Aramiya looks like her entire year has been made. Everyone is so nice... they're even taking the time to clean her utensils! This is the first time she's interacted with Nara, but there's no doubt in her mind Ajax and Yoimiya will forever be her favorite Nara in the entirety of Teyvat.

The little thing excitedly leaps into the air. The sight is so cute and Yoimiya feels her heart melting as she watches her. Once the ordeal with Seraphina is over, she vows that the four of them will go on an epic adventure. Ajax, Arajax, Aramiya, and herself... they'll get into so much trouble but it will be the best kind of trouble. ]

Then I'll happily take you up on your offer! Thank you so so so much. Aramiya promises to work hard and make you proud. I'll train so hard while you two are gone so I can punch those mean ol' fungi.

[ Yoimiya scurries to put up the dishes because she can no longer stand it, her cute aggression comes in full force and she can't help but walk over to pat the top of her precious little head. All she wants to do is pick up both Arajax and Aramiya and give them the biggest hug. ]

Hehehe, then it's settled! We'll duke it out and work off that salad. I think we're all ready to go now. The boys are practically salivating for a duel and I'd hate to keep them waiting any longer.

imo we should just handwave their dumb duel LOL

[monoceroscaeli]

['Mean 'ol fungi' is mouthed by Tartaglia silently, still trying to accept that even little things like exact language even made it into Aramiya's speech. He's really starting to think that maybe every Aranara here might be the plant version of someone who exists in the world, and they just happened to run into their own counterparts. He can tell that Yoimiya is about to burst into pieces at how cute Aramiya is- as evidenced by that barely restrained pat on the top of her head.]

Well, I'd say Arajax here is more salivating because he can't quite handle his spice yet, haha.

[He looks down at Arajax, a challenge gleaming in his eye, and the Aranara takes the bait hook, line, and sinker.]

You know, those are fighting words here! You really want to go, don't you, Orange Nara?!

You bet, so let's see if you can put your mora where your mouth is. Let's go, you two, and you'll get to witness the greatest battle any Aranara has ever had. Make sure to take lots of notes Aramiya, and don't blink or you'll miss it.