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

[niwabi]

[ The mention of the persistent Arajax causes Aralauka to stare off into the distance as if he has PTSD from being around the two rowdy Aranara. Just one look is enough for Yoimiya to figure out what's up, the poor fella has probably been dragged into Arajax and Aramiya's shenanigans more times than he can count. And of course, it won't be the last... she can already picture him getting caught up in their wild pace for the foreseeable future.

But that's a problem for future Aralauka.

Anyhow, he seems to come back to the realm of Teyvat as Ajax does a play-by-play. He stays quiet for a few moments to digest the plan before finally nodding his little head. ]

O-Okay! The big bad Nara sounds so scary... but Aralauka trusts you, Orange Nara, and Lesser Lord Kusanali. I'll do whatever it takes to keep Vanarana safe!

[ The sudden burst of confidence in Aralauka's voice ignites her own spirit. Yoimiya replays Ajax's plan in her head, not finding a single flaw. All she has to do is be honest and not say a word about Vanarana. Sounds easy enough but executing it in front of Dottore is a whole other deal... but with Tartaglia and Aralauka at her side, she has faith they can pull this off. ]

That's the spirit! Don't be too scared, Aralauka. Since the big bad Nara can't actually see you, it should be easy for you to sneak out without any troubles. Besides, we got the Dendro Archon on our side and knowing her, she won't let a single one of her Aranara in Dottore's grubby hands.

[ Working together with Nahida truly is a gift from the heavens. Yoimiya inhales a sharp breath and exhales before slapping her own cheeks to get herself pumped. With that out of the way, she's ready to go. ]

I'm ready! Let's do it for all the Aranara out there.

[ Aralauka holds up his stubby arm, ready as ever. ]

Aralauka is ready too!

[ Now with the plan set in motion, Yoimiya takes another deep breath as she marches on toward their destination. In the distance, she can make out the sight of Dottore and a few Fatui soldiers awaiting their arrival. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Poor Aralauka. Is this how people react when it gets mentioned that they have to deal with Childe, too?

But that's neither here nor there right now. The goal is all that matters, and it's good to see that his companions here are in good spirits despite the oncoming challenge. That confidence is going to come in handy when things get tough, so he's hoping that it goes as smooth as possible for all their sakes. These worries don't show on the surface, giving them both a confident smile of his own, like he's ready to take on the entire world.]

Alright, then let's go. I assume you've been listening in the whole time, right Archon? Are you ready to go as well?

[He seems to look up in the sky as a voice drifts into all their minds, accompanied by a giggle.]

That's right! I'll be monitoring everything from here. All you need to do to speak with me is to think it, and I'll hear you. The minute all of you are inside of the target area, I'll activate the samsara.

[Tartaglia joins Yoimiya at her side as they make their way towards the figures in the distance, getting ever closer by the second. He shoos any nerves that rear up and threaten to cast any doubt, noting that the Fatui envoy seems to have noticed them.]

Here we go. Don't act any different than normal, or else he may catch on. Let's get it right the first time, so everyone walks away happy and we don't waste our precious daylight.

[But something feels off. He can't see very well from how far away they are, but the closer they get, something starts to bother him. Is it how the soldiers are standing? Or Dottore's posture? It feels like they're hiding something.]

Hey, I can't put my finger on it, but there's something wrong here. I don't know what it is, but be prepared for anything...

[niwabi]

[ Oh! Nahida's voice is a welcomed surprise. She sounds so cute, sweet, and wise beyond her years. Yoimiya still has many questions about the samsara process but she figures the situation will work itself out in the end. ]

Yeah! The sooner we get this done with, the quicker we can get that mean 'ol scientist out of our hair.

[ and no, she is not sorry for saying that. Unlike Ajax, Yoimiya doesn't notice anything off about Dottore or the soldiers behind him and thus, she marches on without a care in the world. But as soon as they step into the area, her senses immediately pick up on the change of surroundings.

It's faint but it almost feels like they are in a realm away from the world... as if it's just herself, Ajax, Aralauka, and the Doctor himself.

So, without further ado, Yoimiya starts off by clasping her hands together and bowing her head in fealty. ]

So, I want to formally apologize for bailing on you. We were unexpectedly attacked at the hotel we were staying at. We learned that the mysterious entity can not only control my mind but also a whole city of people. We had no choice but to get out for our safety.

[monoceroscaeli]

[The second they step into the samsara, he notices the change as well. That instantly makes him worried- he knows that everyone here has just fallen into a deep sleep right here on their own two feet, now dreaming within the realm of the samsara. So if he noticed that something changed, would that mean that Dottore might of also sensed it as well? Or maybe it's only because he knew this would happen that he realizes it?

That's too much to worry on at the moment, he can't let himself get distracted by that fact. He needs to concentrate on the objective in front of him, and quickly figure out the source of his unease in regards to Dottore. Seeing his comrade again definitely is setting him more on edge than it normally should, but Yoimiya's taken the lead here and started just fine, so...]

Oh, believe me, I've heard. It seems this mystery attacker wanted us to know what they were capable of. They hadn't even bothered to wipe the memory of the people involved in your attack, so I was able to gather the information needed to piece together your disappearance. Why do you think you weren't tracked down sooner? I knew you'd come back. I'm glad to see that Childe and yourself are safe.

[He doesn't like this, not one bit. The words are polite but there's something off, and it's really bothering Tartaglia more than he likes.]

Anyway, I received your correspondence, Childe. Seems you've made headway with the Aranara, as promised? Tell me, what's come of a possible partnership with them?

[niwabi]

[ There's something about Dottore's words that doesn't sit well with her to the point of sending a chill down her spine. But as troubling as it is, she needs to steel herself and not shown any signs of weakness in front of the Second. She does her best to keep a poker face going while they discuss matters. ]

Admittedly, I'm not sure how this will work since not many people can see them. But even if you can't see him, we actually have an Aranara with us at this very moment. His name is Aralauka and he's very intrigued by you.

[ She turns her attention to the trembling green creature beside her. ]

Say hi, Aralauka.

[ Nervously, Aralauka slowly steps into Dottore's line of vision, unsure if the scary nara can see him. ]

H-hello....

[monoceroscaeli]

[Childe's arms fold over his chest as this exchange takes place, analyzing every second of it. There's no way Dottore doesn't have a trick up his sleeve, one that's going to be there for every single cycle they get with the Doctor, so they aren't going to be able to ignore it. It probably has to do with the way that the other Fatui were positioned waiting for them.

So they're hiding something. But what?]

Oh?

[Dottore's eyes widen from beneath his mask, trying to see what on earth it is that Yoimiya is talking to. He can hear it, the little voice that floats up from next to her legs.]

So this is an Aranara? But how can I be sure? You two wouldn't be trying to play a trick on me, would you?

[He looks at both Yoimiya and Childe, examining their faces, before humming to himself.]

No matter, I came prepared either way. I think you know this girl, Ms. Naganohara. Oh, Avin...come here, would you?

[From behind the few Fatui soldier that accompanies Dottore walks out a small child, one that Yoimiya will recognize. The light in her eyes is dim, like she isn't completely there.]

Yes, Doctor...?

[niwabi]

[ Avin...

As soon as she hears that name, the blood pumping through her veins freezes. It takes her a minute to process what he's saying because she almost can't believe it. But then, her worst nightmares are confirmed as a few of the Fatui step to the side to reveal the first friend she made in Sumeru.

It really is Avin and she's using both her legs to stand. Yoimiya can't even comprehend what she's seeing but even so, there's an even more important elephant in the room to tackle, it's obvious Avin was clearly brought here against her will. An innocent kid with a long life ahead of her was dragged into this mess. ]

AVIN?!

[ Yoimiya screams in abject horror. The whole situation is upsetting but the worst part of it all is the lack of any sort of shine in poor Avin's eyes. The girl who was already sad about her legs but vowed to get stronger now looks like a lifeless doll, her blood that once ran cold now feels like it's boiling over into an unbridled rage. She gets ready to run over to Avin but is quickly stopped by Fatui barricading her way. All she can do is glance over at Dottore with pure hatred radiating from her eyes. ]

What's the meaning of this?! How could you drag an innocent child into this?!?!

[monoceroscaeli]

[The second he sees that little girl come into view, he understands the terrible feeling he had in his gut about this. Childe's eyes go wide as Avin steps forward, noting how lifeless she looks. Absolutely obedient, showing no resistance to Dottore whatsoever. There's no doubt he did something to that little girl, and his temper shoots through the roof the moment he realizes that he's most likely either kidnapped or persuaded her parents to let him take her for some reason. That's how he works, that's how he always works.

It makes him so angry that his face turns red, hands gripping into tight fists.]

Hey, hey, there's no reason for that little girl to be here. What did you do to her, Dottore???

[He bores a hole into the Doctor's forehead with how hard he's staring, and Araluaka can sense that this situation just went from bad to absolutely terrible. The little Aranara keeps silent, looking up at the poor little child nara who seems to be possessed, in his eyes.]

I'm taking good care of little Avin. She was plagued with the inability to use her legs, and I've given her the ability to walk again. Isn't that kind of me?

[But Childe knows this is only half the story. He would never do this out of the goodness of his heart.]

She's here just so you could verify that there was really an Aranara here, right? I'm offended, Dottore, distrusting me like that.

[But Dottore only tsks at Childe, not completely buying his words and holding up a finger.]

Alright, then can you verify that there's an Aranara standing right there, Childe? You can't see it either, can you? So how could you possibly know?

[That makes Tartaglia fall silent, unable to answer it. He can't let Dottore know that he can see the Aranara too...that would make for a far more dangerous situation. So he grinds his teeth in anger, now left without a retort...and leaving the next part to Yoimiya.]

[niwabi]

[ I'm taking good care of little Avin Hearing that makes her sick to her stomach, she'd love nothing more than to deck him in the face for saying that. She's not aware of the extent of Dottore's capabilities but even she knows he did something awful to that poor child. Those lifeless eyes, that stare... being on the receiving end of that look is going to give her nightmares for the rest of her life, that sweet child did not deserve to be dragged into the whims of a mad scientist.

Yoimiya can no longer contain the rage in her tiny body. She tries her hardest to break through the Fatui wall, desperately sticking her hand to reach out to Avin while the men push her back with their weapons. They're also tempted to teach this blonde a lesson but it's clear they are holding back on strict orders of Dottore. ]

Give her back! Give Avin back right now!! She's just a child! Do you men have no shame?! I swear when I get my hands on you...

[ It takes every ounce of energy for her to not reach over and pummel the Fatui soldiers standing in her path. Diplomacy be damned, Avin is way more important but... if this whole thing goes wrong, then her friend might suffer an even crueler fate and this might cause problems for Ajax down the line. Her boyfriend is already sticking his neck out for her, he can't even admit that he too, can see the Aranara and the last thing she wants is to make things worse for him.

So as much as she hates it, she's forced to knash her teeth and back off. She balls her fists together, flickering her gaze back and forth between her friend and the sick man who kidnapped her. She needs a moment to herself to gather her thoughts together, one angry slip of the tongue might reveal Ajax's ability to see the Aranara, and she absolutely cannot bear to get him into hot water. ]

You're right. Between the two of us, I'm the only one who can see the Aranara. But why drag Avin into this?! And how did you know that I'm friends with her?!

[monoceroscaeli]

[Dottore definitely came prepared. Those Fatui soldiers wouldn't stand a chance against him, but they're not there to keep him away from the Doctor or Avin- they're there for Yoimiya. Naturally, Childe wouldn't make a move unless absolutely necessary against his own comrade, and aside from the damage that's already been done to Avin, the girl seems like she's "safe" for the time being. As long as it doesn't go against the Tsaritsa's wishes, he has no authority to interfere with anything Dottore is doing, as it's bad enough he's already undermining him in this operation.

And in turn, those soldiers know not to harm Yoimiya or else Childe will step in. He's watching carefully as they keep her from Avin, fingers twitching in anticipation that he would have to draw his weapons in case things went south. Luckily for the soldiers, they stay disciplined enough not to hurt her, and they're also lucky Ajax keeps his own cool and doesn't cut them all down for doing such a terrible thing to a kid. His blood boils just looking at Avin and the Doctor's smug smile, but there isn't much he can do here as a lower ranked Harbinger.

Thankfully, Yoimiya recognizes when to back off. He stands, poised to move if necessary, but he has to be patient and see where this goes.]

My dear, do you think I didn't do some research into you the moment you revealed you could see the Aranara? There were plenty of Fatui in Sumeru to keep track of your movements. It would have been a lot harder, if you weren't accompanying the Traveler at the time, to get that information. We tend to keep an eye on them, don't we, Childe?

[Cue a deep frown from Tartaglia- using his comrade to collect information on Yoimiya, that burns him in a way he's never experienced before.]

Hah. The lowest possible way to get to Yoimiya, how unsurprising. Watch your next actions, Dottore, or I'll make you regret using my own comrade to hurt my girlfriend. You've already crossed one line with me today, and you're on the precipice of crossing another. And that's something I simply won't tolerate. But since Avin's here for one purpose, let's get that purpose over with so you can let her go. Avin, you can see Aralauka, yes?

[Aralauka, though shaken, steps out enough so that the little girl can get a good view of him. This was his role here, and he hasn't forgotten, no matter how scared he is.]

Yes, I see him. He's standing right next to Yoimiya's feet.

[She points to Aralauka, who is trying his hardest not to run. This is so terrifying, so there's no telling what could happen.]

There. Is that good enough for you? If so, let her go. She has nothing else to do with this.

[The Doctor hums happily, like he's satisfied with Yoimiya's performance.]

Oh yes, perfect, and thank you for bringing him to me. Will the Aranara come with voluntarily? Or is there more debating to be done?

[niwabi]

[ So throughout her whole exciting adventure in Sumeru, she was being watched the entire time. Normally, something like that would send a chill down her spine but as of now, she's seeing too much red to even freak out. And to make matters worse, they were using their watchful eye on the Traveler, her friend of all people to track her movements. That doesn't sit well with her, she can feel her rage reaching its peak and getting ready to boil over. If it wasn't for Avin being in the middle of this mess, she'd pull out her bow and fight every single one of them herself if she had to. (But of course, she knows Ajax will join her.) She'd love nothing more than to punch Dottore in the face and wipe that sorry excuse of a smirk right off him.

As much as it hurts, she knows she has to stay calm. Seeing those soldiers purposely keeping her away from Avin absolutely pisses her off but she has to do it for her. Still, she's not above sending Dottore a mean mug and Yoimiya isn't afraid to show it as she practically glares a hole into his head with her fists curled into a ball. She takes a deep breath to calm down, she needs to do this not just for herself but for Aralauka as well. The poor thing looks so scared, but even so, he's still willing to show his face and stand by their side till the bitter end.

There's no way she can let him down. ]

No! Aralauka isn't coming with you. I'll never go with a bad man like you.

[ If Yoimiya wasn't so mad, she'd be cracking up at the tiny creature telling off Dottore. He's still so shaken up and yet, he's trying his best to stand up to the big bad nara and she can't be any prouder. It's just a shame the Harbinger can't hear it. But Avin's presence means she's not only his eyes but also a translator for the Aranara. Yoimiya feels her heart sinking into the pit of her stomach as the little spoke in the most robotic tone she's ever heard. ]

Doctor, the Aranara said it won't come with you.

[ It hurts her so much to see Avin like this. What exactly did Dottore do to the poor child? She almost doesn't want to know but at this point, she'll do anything to save her friend. Which also means she has to stay strong in the face of this terrible man. ]

Well, you heard him. He's ain't gonna join y'all! Besides, I only promised you that I would help you talk with the Aranara. We never said anything about delivering one to you.

[monoceroscaeli]

[He can feel Yoimiya's anger rising, steam practically coming out of her like a hot teapot. The situation is turning worse by the second, but Tartaglia knows that they need to find out a bit more before they turn the clock back on the samsara and try again, so he can further reevaluate the situation. Nahida's voice reverberates in his mind, realizing that Ajax is the calmer of the two, asking him to tell her when she needs to restart the cycle. Breathing out heavily, doing his best to keep his emotions in check, he advises her not yet, before Aralauka does the one thing he was hoping he wouldn't do.

Just outright refuse.

He can't hide his eyebrows raising at the declaration, quickly trying to claw back his reaction given that Dottore can't hear it. No, no, that was bad, Aralauka shouldn't of just said no right out the gate like that. Ajax's stomach drops out from underneath him, because he can feel in his gut that Dottore was probably prepared for this. This probably isn't their trap anymore- it's Dottore's.]

Hey, [Tartaglia interjects, his voice sharp and commanding towards his companions.] Let's not jump to conclusions now. We're here for a discussion, remember?

[He turns his attention back to his comrade, pissed off that he can't just solve this with his blades. But his hands are tied, so diplomacy it is.]

Look. You've gotten your answer, now it seems to me that if you want to have a civil discussion, you'll need to ensure Avin's safety. And by that, Avin needs to be released from you and into someone else's guardianship. I'd be more than happy to take that role. Is this agreeable to the two of you? Yoimiya? Aralauka?

[He stares at them, expecting them to say yes. The point is to make the swap to the fake Aranara waiting for them outside of the dream, and if they screw this up, it won't go well.]

[niwabi]

[ This is why Yoimiya has never been good at strategic discussions, she's prone to letting her emotions get the better of her and that horrible reality of the situation hits her like a sack of bricks when she realizes both she and Aralauka made a fatal error.

Aralauka just outright refused. And they can't be having that when a switch is supposed to happen. There's a brief second of where dread paints her features, enough for someone as sharp as the second Harbinger to realize. Yoimiya internally panics as she tries to remain cool but the damage has already been done. Shr knows if she doesn't act fast, they are all in danger.

She's just thankful to have Ajax interject because if she was on her own, she'd fold like a house of cards. The situation still seems salvageable to her and so, she just barely manages to cool her temper down. ]

He's right. Not only did you use my friends againt me, there's no way I can speak to someone who kidnaps kids and puts them into some weird state. Avin has a bright future ahead of her, she's not some doll to be mistreated.

[ The Aranara also seems to have realized his mistake. Thankfully, doesn't seem like Dottore can see him trembling and panicking. Ajax's declaration seems to have cut through his momentarily dread and he's able to somewhat get it together. ]

Y-yes... Aralauka has never met that girl but she doesn't deserve this.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Dottore's eyes look back and forth from between Tartaglia and Yoimiya, never betraying his real thoughts as he analyzing what's happening here. He hums in frustration, agitated that there's no consensus or organization coming from the other side here. Tartaglia senses this, frantically trying to think of what to do next. Is he onto them, or is he just annoyed that no one's being civil or agreeable?]

The Aranara agreed with Yoimiya.

[Once again, the lifeless form of Avin translates for Dottore, who's hand has come up in front of his face so he can think.]

Hmmmmmmmm...well then. I see we've come to a bit of an impasse, haven't we?

[His hands fall from his face as he stares at both of the humans in the room, setting them both in his pockets in expectation of some kind of a rebuttal or response at the very least to whatever all this is. A moment later, Tartaglia feels a sharp pain in his head, an unnatural one but one that he ignores swiftly so he can attempt to navigate a way around this mess.]

If you're unwilling to set Avin free, it seems we have. Sorry, I'm not here to ensure your plan here succeeds. If you can't meet their demands, then you're out of luck. Yoimiya did, after all, only promise this opportunity, nothing more.

An opportunity most appreciated, I can reassure you.

[There's a silk laced around those words he doesn't like. Too confident, too polite, almost. Like there's a layer of smugness behind it all. Tartaglia's gut tells him to expect the worst, and he immediately hits the abort button in his head, psychically trying to reach out to Nahida to hit the reset on this cycle so they can start again.

Except, there's no answer. He's alone in his head, with the Dendro Archon silent.

Lesser Lord Kusanali????

He's screaming in his head for her, feeling panic rising in his chest. He looks over to Yoimiya, wondering if she's experiencing the same issue.]

What's wrong, Childe? You look a little distraught. If you were trying to reach your precious co-conspirator, I'm afraid you won't be able to anymore.

[niwabi]

[ The longer this conversation goes on, the lump formed in the back of her throat falls into the pits of her stomach like a boulder dropping off the edge of a cliff. Yoimiya has always known the Harbingers are a force to be reckoned with but Dottore still somehow manages to be scarier beyond her initial impressions.

Since they're at an impasse, now feels like the time to call for Nahida to reset this whole mess. They can start from scratch and this time, not have Aralauka straight-up refuse. Every so often, she glances over at Tartaglia, and judging from his silence, she senses that he's probably thinking the same as her. While she boldly stands in front of Aralauka protecting him, Yoimiya doesn't say a word as she attempts to contact the Dendro Archon.

Lesser Lord Kusanali, we need your help!
Lesser Lord Kusanali!
Lesser Lord Kusanali...?

Oh no. Oh no. Oh no no no no. This isn't good. No matter how loud she screams, no matter how much she yells for help, nothing seems to be getting through. Try as she might, Nahida doesn't answer her call. The dread she felt from earlier increases tenfold and making eye contact with Ajax tells her everything she needs to know.

He's also not getting through to Nahida. ]

Tartaglia...? Are you okay?

[ Despite that she's internally panicking, they can't afford to get caught here. If Dottore figures out their plan it's game over for Avin, Aralauka, and of course... Ajax. Yoimiya would never forgive herself if her boyfriend was seen as a traitor because of her failings.

So as much as she hates the whole situation, she's doing everything in her power to feign being confused. ]

Co-conspirator? What in Teyvat are you talking about? It's just the two of us and Aralauka.

[monoceroscaeli]

[This sneaky jerk...Childe should have known that he would have something with him that would allow him to get the upper hand. They made too many mistakes already in this negotiation, gave Dottore too many clues that something was definitely up. And now, he knows, and did something to impede their own plans. His stomach feels like an empty pit, knowing that they've been caught. But Dottore doesn't seem like he's all that angered by them trying to pull a fast one, if anything the only annoyance that came from him was from their own disheveled mess of an alliance between human, archon, and aranara.

Tartaglia shakes his head at Yoimiya in response.]

There's no need to keep the charade up anymore, Yoimiya. He knows.

[Dottore's laugh is as cruel as it is amused, setting a hand on his hip as he surveys the two.]

Did you think I wouldn't notice that we stepped into an isolated dreamscape, trapped within by the power of an archon? Only a god has the kind of power to create what we're inside of. Thankfully, I managed to acquire plenty of data on samsara cycles from the sages and the fight against our man-made god. So I was ready for something like this while in the land of wisdom.

[Ajax's hydro blades emerge without warning, gripping them in his hands as he waits for whatever happens next. He won't underestimate his comrade, and if anything, understands how much more powerful he probably is over him. He can't screw this up, or let Yoimiya or Aralauka get hurt. The appearance of his weapons doesn't seem to phase Dottore, who continues to speak.]

I must thank the two of you, you've done me more than a service by bringing an Aranara straight to me. I'll forgive you of this betrayal, Childe, because this has been fruitful for me in the end. It shouldn't be long now...

[What does he mean? Childe tenses up, his blades at the ready, wondering if Dottore was going to attack. What's confusing to him is that Dottore isn't ordering his soldiers, nor preparing to attack at all. What's his plan...]

Yoimiya, brace yourself! This might get ugly. Do your best to get to Avin if you can, and leave Dottore to me. Aralauka, you need to run. Now.

[niwabi]

[ Ajax doesn't have to tell her twice, she can't stand to hear Dottore's smug laughter any longer. She's perfectly fine with giving up the charade to use her fists instead. Acting sneaky has never been her style and Yoimiya is all too happy to whip out her bow and aim it at the Fatui soliders holding Avin hostage. One of the vanguard hoists his electro hammer to slam it down on her but unfortunately for him, Yoimiya is quick on her feet, easily moving out of the way to fire a barrage of arrows directly at the men. ]

GET YOUR GRUBBY HANDS OFF HER AND LEAVE MY FRIEND ALONE!

[ Yoimiya's shout practically resonates throughout the forest, shaking the leaves off trees. She is beyond pissed and is ready to make someone pay for hurting her friend. Maybe it's a bit reckless of her to start the assault but she no longer cares, especially when Aralauka and Avin's safety is on the line.

Luckily, the lil Aranara picks up Yoimiya's reckless intentions; she's purposely attacking to give him the break he need to hightail it out. So it's without much thought he tries to run as fast as his little legs can take him.

But unfortunately for him, there's an agent lying and in wait for the perfect chance to snatch him. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[There she goes. Even he knows better than to get between anything that involves a buzzing, angry Yoimiya, and he wishes his Fatui comrades some luck in dealing with her and getting out of this as unscathed as possible. But this is their duty, and their warrior's honor depends on their own performance, so far be it from him to dishonor either Yoimiya or the Fatui soldiers who are, really, just doing their job. He imagines Yoimiya probably won't need his help.

And Aralauka has made a run for it. Everything seems to be taken care of by someone...

Which leaves him with Dottore, who hasn't moved from his spot even as arrows zing past him, staring at Childe. The smug demeanor hasn't left the Second, and he takes a few steps forward towards his fellow Harbinger, who seems ready and eager to fight. Avin is close to Dottore, which doesn't bode well, but he'll have to make due with the situation he's been given.]

I've always wanted to test my skills against another Harbinger. Pity this is how it ended up shaking out.

I assure you Childe, you aren't going to get to live your little pipe dream here. As if I'd dirty my hands fighting the likes of you.

You think so? [Tartaglia retorts, gripping his swords a little tighter, but feeling his blood start to rush and the excitement of battle now standing at his doorstep.] You haven't given me much of a choice, have you? Let Avin go, and face me.

Shouldn't you be more concerned about your little friend?

[There's a yelp from behind him, one of Aralauka squealing from getting picked up and now in the hands of an agent. The agent can't see Aralauka, but the little Aranara tripped and smacked right into the legs of the agent, giving him the opportunity to grab for him. The little plant creature squabbles in the agent's hands, yelling for help.]

Red Nara!!!! Orange Nara!!!! Help Aralauka!!!!

[Gritting his teeth, he forgoes any sort of plan to still hide that he can't see the Aranara anymore, turning and dashing backward towards the agent to save Aralauka from the hands of one of Dottore's minions. His sword sings as it's intercepted by the blade of the agent, barely holding onto his prey and praying that another Harbinger doesn't decapitate him right here and now.]

Let him go.

[Childe's growl is dangerous, and the pure intimidation coupled with the sheer strength of the single slice gets the agent to drop Aralauka. In one swift motion, Childe scoops Aralauka up, but it's too late. Leaving Dottore alone was the mistake, when suddenly the world shifts around them, and a sharp buzzing sound hits his ears and makes his vision go blurry.]

Wha...

[Everyone around Dottore seems affected, even the Fatui soldiers and the agent stumble as this sound reverberates in their ears. Even Aralauka looks up at Childe, the beady eyes somehow looking distant as he tries to talk.]

Orange Nara...I'm really sleepy...

[Me too, Ajax thinks, barely getting the chance to look over to Yoimiya and see if she's alright before his eyes close and he collapses on the ground. Suddenly, he's in a sweet dream, passed out completely as everyone is helpless to the only person who stayed awake- Dottore.]

[niwabi]

[ Through her yelling and the sounds of sizzling arrows, Yoimiya barely makes out the voices of Ajax and Dottore on the verge of a brawl. Pity she's preoccupied with the soldiers because she'd love nothing more than to watch her boyfriend go toe-to-toe with the most infamous Harbinger and put him in his place. She trusts that he's got this in the bag, all she has to do is make quick work of the soldiers so she can join him at his side.

Never before has the blonde been so enraged in all her life, she's practically seeing red as she unleashes barrage after barrage. Once she's calmed down, she'll feel a little bad for the soldiers involved because really, they're just under orders of their Harbinger. But as of now, all she can think about is freeing Avin from their grips as she fires another that knocks a Skirmisher's gun out of his hands before she runs over to give him a good kick in the shin. For the first time in her whole life, she's not taking any prisoners.

Yoimiya is so preoccupied with taking on the grunts that she fails to realize an Agent has hidden himself in the shadows. Suddenly, she hears a high-pitched scream as she's in the middle of fighting a Vanguard. Slowly, she looks over to see her worst fears coming to fruition. ]

ARALAUKA—

[ Those screams, those cries for their names... it tears her heart apart. Tartaglia is on his way, and Yoimiya feels assured when he sprints over to scoop the tiny Aranara in his arms. With nothing but rage-fueled adrenaline surging through her body, the blonde uses her bow to deliver a powerful SMACK to the Vanguard who is practically three times her size. Once he's taken out, she quickly whips herself around to intercept the Agent for Tartaglia but unfortunately, Dottore proves that he truly is two steps ahead of the trio. Suddenly, she's hit with the sensation of the world spinning and going black around her. No longer can she see Ajax, Avin, Aralauka, or even the horrible Dottore. All she can see is the back of her eyelids slowly closing down on her as she attempts to fight off the overwhelming drowsiness. ]

Let go... let... my friend.... g...o...

[ The Fatuus will witness a terrifying blonde in their nightmares. Even with some unknown gas filling her senses, she's still doing her best to fight it off and push on to save Aralauka. But it proves to be too much even for her to handle and it's not long until she succumbs to the substance, crumples into a heap on the ground, and dreams about a far more happier timeline with Ajax that doesn't involve Dottore or any of her friends getting hurt.

It's dark, Yoimiya isn't sure how long it's been since she's started dreaming, and it'd be so easy for her to sleep the day away. Fighting off the men and the substance that Dottore used on them has done a number on her body, feeling like she's ran a marathon around Teyvat. Unbeknownst to them, little flowers begin to sprout around the vicinity accompanied by the sweet aroma of Nilotpala Lotus blooming under the moonlight. It's then, a familiar voice greets them as the scent beckons them to awaken. ]

Tartaglia? Yoimiya...? Wake up. It's me, Nahida.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Tartaglia lies there sleeping the day away, his dream filled with lovely days with his family, with Yoimiya, and with battles. It's as if he's had a nice vacation in Snezhnaya, with no Fatui to be seen, no responsibilities, nothing but everything he's ever wanted from life. That dream shifts to the sweet scent of a flower he doesn't recognize, with a voice that infiltrates his nice dream, calling his name and Yoimiya's, asking him to wake up. It slowly pulls him from the depths of the dream, his eyes fluttering a few times as confusion takes him, not knowing who was calling for him or why he had to leave the wonderful place in his mind.

Finally, his eyes finally open, to Nahida doing her best to wake them both. He can feel the grass underneath his face, groaning as he rolls over onto his back with a heavy sigh. It's dark out now, and suddenly all of the memories of the fight come rushing back to him, making the fog of the dream in his head dissipate completely. Tartaglia sits up, looking around, seeing all of his comrades beginning to wake up.

Notably though, Avin and Aralauka are gone.]

Ngh...my head...

[He holds his head in his hand for a moment, before picking himself up off the ground. He spots Yoimiya, immediately crossing the battlefield to be at her side, kneeling down to hold her.]

Hey, are you alright? Yoimiya...

[Concern lines his expression, his eyes worried. He looks over her for injuries, to make sure she was okay first and foremost.]

[niwabi]

[ Yoimiya's ideal life is a peaceful one with Ajax and their families at their side. In the depths of her slumber, she envisions a world where she and her beloved could hold hands and run across Inazuma's beach without a care in the world. It was a wonderful dream, the best one she's had ever since that horrific incident in the cave. But it all comes to an end when the scent of a nilotpala lotus fills her senses, stirring her to wake. The first voice she hears is familiar but not quite like the second voice that follows.

It's Ajax. She faintly makes out the sounds of Ajax gently calling out to her, and the familiar warmth of his arms holding her.

Her eyes sleepily flutter open to look over at the man kneeling above her. ]

Mm... Ajax...?

[ She mutters with a quiet groan, her whole body feels like it's taken quite the beating. It takes her a minute to come to but with Ajax's assistance, she manages to slowly hoist herself from the ground. ]

I... don't know. I think I'm okay? Gosh, I can barely remember the last thing that happened. We were in the middle of a discussion with Dottore and then we suddenly fell asleep.

[ Archons, what happened after their "chat" with Dottore? Her head is pounding so much that she can barely concentrate. She shakes her head to try and fight off the weird side effects plaguing her. As she tries to adjuts to their surroundings, she glances at Ajax with an equal amount of concern painting her features. ]

How are you holding up?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Relief floods him as she wakes. He's glad to see her safe and sound, with no visible injuries. He's sure the fight might of been a little much, given how angry she was...but for now, he'll take that she's here, awake, and alright.]

I'm quite alright, for better or for worse. I too, fell to that sudden buzzing sound and found myself in the middle of a nice dream. I'm really not sure what happened, but it seems like Dottore's escaped in a hurry. He didn't even bother to take his subordinates with him...

[He looks over to the slumbering forms of the other Fatui soldiers, probably still in the middle of their own sweet dreams. Ajax sighs, knowing that they'll have to accept defeat here.]

A buzzing sound?

[Nahida pipes up from next to them, joining them at their side.]

I think I know what that was. Don't worry, it didn't do anything else to you two other than put you to sleep. What matters is that you're both okay.

[niwabi]

[ Now that she's slowly coming to, the memories of what transpired start to return to her head. She glances over at the sleeping Fatui soldiers, already planning to give them an earful when they wake up. But more importantly, she's happy to hear Ajax made it out unscathed. ]

Nahida... oh, thank goodness. I'm so glad to hear from you. Sorry that the plan kind of went haywire. Thank you so, so much for saving us. Um... hey, where's Avin and Aralauka? Are they okay?

[ Nahida falls silent, glancing down for a brief moment. ]

Well, that's the unfortunate part. You see, the Doctor took Avin and Aralauka with him.

[ This time, it's Yoimiya's turn to not say a single word. The news of both of her friends taken by Dottore hits her like a lawachurl. ]

I... see.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Even though he knew that they would probably discover that both Avin and Aralauka were missing, it still hurts and feels like a knife directly in his chest to hear Nahida lay it out so plainly. He sighs again and hangs his head, anger welling up inside of him at the nefariously shady way that Dottore managed to get the upper hand on them, and anger at himself for his own failure to protect them. The plan hadn't gone the way they wanted it to at all, never even getting the chance to enact the reset of cycles until they got their desired outcome...but he guesses life just doesn't work like that.

He'll thank his lucky stars that Yoimiya was okay. If he'd done anything to her, he's sure he'd be losing it right now.]

I'm sorry, Archon. I hadn't anticipated that he would discover the samsara right out of the gate, but he came prepared for just such a situation. He cut off our communication completely.

[Nahida frowns, but knows that Tartaglia's apology is sincere.]

I figured something was wrong when it seemed like too much time had passed without hearing from you again. I lifted the samsara when it felt like it had been too long, and I'm guessing that's when Dottore used that device on all of you to knock you out.

...So that's what he meant by, "It shouldn't be long now." He figured out that we were working with you.

[Another sigh, and another swell of irritation and anger. He's never had a plan go so sideways before, and this is after what happened in Liyue.]

And now he's got both Aralauka and Avin. Yoimiya...

[His attention turns back towards his girlfriend, who's gone silent. But who can blame her? Avin was her friend and Aralauka was their friend, too. Now both are at the whims of the Doctor.]

We'll get them back.

[niwabi]

[ Just like that, both Avin and Aralauka are gone. She swore to protect them and before she could even realize what was happening, Dottore snatched them from right under her nose. Fury, sadness, disappointment... all of that doesn't begin to describe how horrible she feels. And the worst part of it all? They weren't even granted a chance at activating a reset.

The Second certainly is suitable for his title, Dottore completely and utterly outsmarted all of them, even Nahida. Yoimiya doesn't even know what to say, all she can do is look back and forth between Tartaglia and Nahida. Her boyfriend looks like he's about ready to tear his coworker a new one, on top of knowing their friend is kidnapped, she knows that seeing a child mind controlled and snatched away angers him just as much. As for the Dendro Archon... it probably hurts her to find out that one of her beloved Aranara is gone and ready to be treated as a lab rat.

Yoimiya is beyond upset. If crying and screaming were the key to bringing back Avin and Aralauka, she'd make sure her voice shakes the heavens. But after everything that transpired, the anger building up inside of her is about ready to burst. And luckily for her, she has the perfect victims to take her anger out on.

Without saying another word, she marches with her fists balled over to the sleeping Fatui subordinates. She takes a deep breath, needing a short moment to prepare before she yells at the top of her lungs. ]

WAKE UP KNUCKLEHEADS!!

[ The fact that Yoimiya still has so much energy even after the fighting is almost terrifying. The soldiers immediately wake up and the first thing they open their eyes to is the visage of a small, angry blonde who kicked their sorry asses not too long ago. Fear immediately sets in and the men tremble and cower under the terrifying might that is Naganohara Yoimiya.

For someone so small, she's so scary..., one of them mutters under his breath. It's no wonder why our Lord Harbinger likes her so much, another one mumbles with abject fear in his eyes. ]

HEY!!!!! Less muttering and more talking. Tell me the location of that conniving, smelly, no good, mean 'ol Dottore's lab right... NOW!

[ Meanwhile, poor Nahida is just taken aback by everything. The scene unfolding in front of her is both startling and a little scary but at the very least, she's assured both Tartaglia and Yoimiya are sincere about their intentions. It's clear they are also just as torn up about Aralauka.

Still, she's not sure if Yoimiya should be up and yelling after all that. She looks over at Ajax with an expression laced with concern. ]

Um... will she be okay?