insurmountable | 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...]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[There's a level of warmth he feels knowing that his voice alone was able to help her through this ordeal, a comfort that somehow he wasn't completely useless to help save her. He may not be able to stop this from happening again, but at least he knows he can lend some of his strength to her, even if it is only in the form of support, or keeping her from attempting to kill herself again. They'll have to talk more in detail about it later, but for now, all he wants to do is wrap her in his arms and keep her safe.]

Yeah, it wasn't anything one should underestimate. I felt like I was falling into a deep trance, accepting its words as my own will, but the dissonance I felt when saying goodbye is what triggered my power...I guess that thing underestimated me, too.

[Thank the Tsaritsa for that. If it hadn't, and used more of its power, which he's sure it has- he would of lost her. The very thought makes him curl up and hug her more tightly there in the snow, wanting to shake from the realization of how close it was.]

I couldn't imagine losing you. Yoimiya...I promise I won't allow it to take you from me again.

[ Just having his arms around her is the comfort she needs to get through this. And right now, all she wants is to snuggle up in his warm embrace as they lay in the snow. They came dangerously close to losing each other, making their months of separation nothing compared to this. ]

That thing should have known better than to underestimate you.

[ There's still a lot of questions but there's one she can't quite shake from her head. Why her? Why did this thing want to kill her so bad? Sure, Yoimiya is self-aware enough to know she has a penchant for trouble but wanting her dead is extreme. There's so much to unpack and she's sure Ajax has the same questions but for now, she just wants to appreciate the man who kept on fighting for her. With Ajax's tender love filling every crevice of her heart and soul, she stops sobbing as the last of her tears dry up. Finally, after that terrible ordeal, she can relax and melt into his hold. ]

From the bottom of my heart, I will always believe in you. Even when I was in that trance, I knew you would fight for me till the very end. So, I want to do my part. I promise I'll do my best to get stronger to fight by your side.

[ She lifts her head off his shoulder to admire the face of her savior, greeting him with a warm, gentle smile curving on the corners of her lips. She closes her eyes and gently slots their lips together, pouring all of her appreciation into this loving kiss. ]

[He smiles softly back at her statement- Yoimiya's faith in his abilities warms his heart and he swears he'll use it all to keep her safe. He's not sure if this is over yet, but he can't be too careful when it comes to a monster who's able to control people's minds. If they got away from Morepesok now, would that be enough? He still doesn't know if distance would be enough to keep it from invading either of their minds again, but there's only one way to find out.

But for now, he's going to enjoy this kiss, closing his eyes as they connect and let their lips caress each other's. He's just happy she's alive, back to her normal self, and free of that monster's claws that had sunk so deeply into her. Every pass of his lips cherishes this moment and her, pouring the last amounts of emotional energy he has into it, to tell her how glad he is to still have her by his side.]

I'm going to help you be able to fight off that kind of power, too. Stick with me, and you'll get stronger in no time.

[He says this after they break, winking at her. If there's anyone in the world who'd take this as a challenge besides himself, it's her. And he knows she'll excel in it.]

Let's head back for now. I can't imagine how exhausted you must be.

[Lifting himself off of her, Tartaglia easily scoops her up back into his arms. Just in case, he's carrying her back to Morepesok. He can't have her losing control again and getting away from him.]

You need some rest, and tomorrow we'll plan our next stage of attack, alright?

[ Her body might be worn but Tartaglia's confidence will always light her world, giving her that little bit of energy she needs to giggle. Yoimiya can't deny she's still scared, trapped inside of her own body, unable to scream, unable to cry, unable to control her own limbs... that whole experience was hands down the most terrifying ordeal she's ever been through. But no matter how dark the situation gets, Ajax is her shining star and she will always believe in him. The path toward strength will be met with many trials, it certainly won't be easy but so long as she sticks to Ajax that path will be attainable. ]

I'd like that. A nap sounds lovely right about now.

[ He's right, it's hard to move even a single muscle, her poor body has been through the wringer and she's beyond tired. She appreciates his willingness to carry her, taking full advantage by closing her eyes and resting her head against his chest. ]

Alright, that sounds like a plan. Make sure you get some rest too, you've also been through a lot.

I will. Don't worry.

[As she rests against him, he makes his way back to his cabin, shielding her from the elements as best as he can so she can relax in his embrace the entire way back. It's not long before they reach his home, and he makes sure that Yoimiya is tucked in and taken care of. The kids are told to back off, and Tartaglia has Tonia help care for her the rest of the night, which thankfully goes off without a hitch.

The next morning, he has an idea of where to start.]

you hide your face with your disguise // 'cause someone filled your head with lies

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