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

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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...]

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[ Although she can't promise that she'll never be worried about his safety, what she can promise him is her unwavering faith in him and his abilities. Tartaglia's job is fraught with danger and with the threat of his Delusion taking a toll on him, she'll always harbor some level of concern for her beloved but deep down inside... she knows he's more than capable of handling it. He's right. The Fatui wouldn't have given him a Delusion if they weren't confident in him, Ajax has proved himself in battle time and time again. And with each passing day, his abilities continue to blossom.

If she wasn't already reassured, that precious smile of his seals the deal. That's the look of a man confident of taking on the world and conquering it beneath his heel. Yoimiya knows he'll be able to accomplish anything he sets his mind to, she just hopes she'll be around long enough to see him achieve his dreams. ]

Okay. I can't promise that I won't always worry but... I can say with certainty that I believe in you, Ajax.

[ She pulls away from the embrace to take both of his hands, interlocking their fingers together. His hands are so much bigger than hers, those same hands have been through countless battles and slain those who oppose the Tsaritsa but despite all that, no other set of hands could fill her with love and comfort the way he does. ]

What I can promise is that I'll work hard to adjust to the Delusion's powers. And with you as my teacher, I have faith that everything will be okay.

[Ajax's fingers curl around her own as she takes his hands, happy that she's willing to put her faith in him. It's all he can ask for, and he silently vows to himself to do his best to never make her worry needlessly about him. He never wants to be the reason why Yoimiya gets stressed out. She's got plenty of other things to worry about- namely, her own life.]

I'll do my best to instruct you in how to use it. You'll be a master in no time.

[With the serious part out of the way, he breathes out a sigh of relief, leaning down to place a small kiss to the top of her head.]

Now, why don't we go and enjoy the rest of our day? I see no rush to get into Delusion use, and we've got to make good use of our time before we travel to Sumeru with the Doctor. Will it be alright if you extend your vacation a little longer? Regrator will make sure you're paid for that time after all, and I can easily send orders back to Inazuma for our agent to continue to help your folks.

[Breaking contact with one of her hands so he can swing to her side, he adjusts her other hand in his so they can walk the streets hand in hand as they continue to tour the city.]

I'm sorry your vacation up here has ended up this way. I hope the people of Inazuma can understand that we'll need to keep The Queen of the Summer Festival here for just a little while longer.

[ For someone as ordinary as her who has never even touched a Delusion, it's not going to be an easy road but with Ajax as her instructor, there's nothing to worry about. She's elated to hear his faith in her abilities, it's the greatest honor she could ask for. And since he'll be her teacher, she's fired up with determination to make him proud and be a girlfriend strong enough to stand by his side.

A Tarukiss is just what she needs to feel extra better! ♡ She blissfully sighs at the press of his lips to the top of her head, nodding in agreement with his suggestion. After everything they've been through, they deserve a nice day out where they can just enjoy each other's company. ]

Of course! If we can, I'd like to get this settled before returning home. And... even without this looming threat, I probably would have asked if I could stay a little longer. I'm not quite ready to leave you...

[ Extending her vacation is for the best, Yoimiya doesn't even want to think about taking this horrible entity back home with her to Inazuma. She would never forgive herself if this thing took control over her body and made her hurt her parents. ]

You don't have to apologize for anything, silly. Despite everything that happened, I still don't regret coming to Snezhnaya. I'd rather take my chances with some mysterious entity than stay separated from you. Those long months apart from you were one of the most excruciating experiences of my life.

[Tartaglia feels his heart stir with her words. He's not ready, not even close, to separate from her yet. And that's just on principle- now, more than ever, he finds the idea of being separated from her more agonizing every moment. Maybe, once all this is over, he'll figure out a way so the two of them can see each other more often than once a quarter. If she can be with him, sometimes she probably could also travel with him when he goes out on assignments, depending on the mission. It's something he longs for, and now that she's here, he's unwilling to part from her.

His thumb brushes over her knuckles, looking over to her with a soft expression. Knowing how much she really cared, how much she'd missed him is like a shot to his heart. He was already determined to do his best to get Yoimiya the life she deserves, one that isn't wracked with stress and fraught with danger from some unknown presence, but he's filled with even more motivation to see that through.]

Missed me that much, huh? Haha...I guess I really left an impression on you before I left Inazuma.

[He says like he's hasn't thought about her every single day since he got on the boat. Like he hasn't had everything planned out with things to spoil her with and secret gifts he still hasn't given her yet because he's waiting for the right moment. Like he doesn't feel the exact same way about it as her.

That, and he's just trying to make this a little more lighthearted too.]

Then I guess you'll just have to stay for a lot longer...I couldn't bear to have you experience that again.

[^^]

[ It's true, he left a strong impression on her. Ever since they kissed at the festival, Yoimiya knew he was the one. Tartaglia is practically her dream guy and there's no doubt she fell for him pretty fast and hard. During their short time together in Inazuma, no one has ever made her heart soar above the clouds the way he has. He left such a profound impression on her that their separation was one of the most painful moments in her life, she spent many restless nights thinking about him and yearning for his touch. And when he brushes over her knuckles and blesses her with that soft smile, Yoimiya is even more convinced she's found her one and only true love.

But...

It's the blatant way he teases that causes her to arch an eyebrow at him. ]

I couldn't bear to have you experience that again. [ She deepens her voice, trying her hardest to pull off an Ajax impersonation but there's only so much her cute, high-pitched voice can do. ] Uh huh....

[ She narrows her eyes, shooting the egomaniac ginger a flat look. He's just trying to lighten the mood and she knows it, what he's doing is a much-needed change of pace from all the dread and gloom they've been forced to endure these past few days. But there's something about the way he doesn't even mention his own feelings that makes her want to put him in his place. ]

You say that like you didn't send me all those heartfelt letters while we were apart, or plan out this whole trip, or didn't just ask to extend my trip. I'm sure you were a wreck without me.

[ (˵ ¬ᴗ¬˵) ]

[Childe has to fight to not curl his bottom lip inwards to bite it just to keep himself from laughing at how she imitates him. No comment on whether or not that was a good impression of him, but it's too cute with how high her voice is even when she's trying to deepen it. And the mean mug she's giving him...oh, how much fun it would be to start a little spar right here, right now. But it's not the time or place for it...]

Me? A wreck? [His free hand comes up over his chest as if she'd just accused him of a terrible crime.] What would ever give you the impression that I was a wreck?

[He doesn't hide the look on his face now, both it and the tone of his voice scream facetiousness. He continues on, with a smirk on his face, gesturing now with his free hand as he goes on to describe how much he missed her...]

I only thought about you every night we were apart, yearning for the day where I could wake up beside you. My dreams were always filled with joyous moments, only to find that that's all they were...dreams. Food didn't even taste as good as it does now that you're here...surely that's not enough to accuse me of being a wreck, now is it?

[He was absolutely, without a doubt, a mess without her.]

[ Childe refraining from a fight? GASP-P!!! What is this beautiful character development? 😢

On the flip side, Yoimiya suddenly gets the urge to start a brawl with him the moment he places his hand over his chest. Who does this guy think he is??? Acting like he's being accused of some heinous crime when all she's done is speak the words of truth! And that smirk... ooooh, she's having difficulty letting that slide. Despite being much shorter than him, she has no qualms giving her skyscraper boyfriend the stink eye, seriously considering starting that fight he's sure to enjoy.

But luckily for him (or maybe unluckily for the battle-crazed Harbinger—) he more than makes up for his silly quip with his follow-up. The blonde's mean mug melts into something softer, an expression of a girl who is hopelessly in love with her over-the-top boyfriend. Ajax has always had a way with words, and it's just like him to say something that causes her to be like putty in his hands. ]

Hmm... well, when you put it like that...

[ Just like that, Ajax manages to weasel his way out of this. Giggling, Yoimiya gets on her tiptoes to plant a quick and loving kiss to his lips. This guy never stops winning. ]

It is kind of hard to make that call. Maybe I was a little unfounded in my accusation. Just a bit, hehe.

[Seems he's quelled the beast who was ready to tear him apart, the way she's looking at him like he'd just melted her heart and made her yearn for him. He meets her as she gets up on her tiptoes to receive her sweet kiss, pulling away with amusement at his silly girlfriend's antics. Feisty one moment and then soft and sweet the next, it's all entertaining to him and he's thankful he's got such a fun, interesting lady to fill his life with. Not to mention how adorable she is when she giggles like that, it makes his chest flutter and drives him to elicit more of those cute laughs out of her.]

See? I'm much stronger than you think.

[Says Tartaglia, who now can't keep the game up any longer and begins to laugh at how silly the both of them are acting.]

Hahahaha, oh goodness, for a second there I really thought you were going to hit me there. Where in the world did you learn your imitation skills, hahaha!

[He moves to press his side into her a bit, just as a cute gesture (and bc lbr he just wants to be as close to her as possible.)]

[ For all of her bravado, the truth of the matter is that she doesn't have in her to "stay mad" at him. Ajax will always be her greatest weakness, he can get away with practically anything as far as she's concerned, especially when he scoots in closer to her. So cute... he is just like a baby fox craving attention. She can't help but want to spoil her strong fox baby, standing up on her tiptoes to leave a trail of kisses from his chin to his lips. ]

Hehe, I guess you've rubbed off on me so much that I know your voice by heart. I think I did a pretty good job mimicking you. [ She did not do a good job...] Let me try again!

[ Despite that her impersonating skills are a little... lacking, she eats up his praise, strutting her feathers like his little golden pavlin. Their silly banter is just what she needs to take her mind off their troubling situation, and she appreciates Ajax for being her bright shining star. Without further delay, she clears her throat to begin her next attempt at Yoijax. ]

This place is pretty dead. By which I mean... there's nothing to kill.

[ Yoijax sure has a high pitched voice... ]

[He enjoys those kisses! They feel nice against his skin in the cold weather, warming him up a little more as he smiles down at her.]

Well, that is certainly something I would say...

[Ajax's hand comes up to his mouth to hide his sardonic expression, amused at her continued antics here. She didn't do a good job at all but it's endearing and cute no matter how you slice it. So he's not going to stop her. Not at all. If anything it's a little flattering that she's paid attention to his speech this closely to even make the attempt. At least she got the dialogue right!]

Maybe try a few more phrases, just so I can determine how well you've really got it down.

[For his entertainment. (⌒‿⌒)]

[ Now, Yoimiya might not be the sharpest tool in the shed but she has a sneaking suspicion her boyfriend is up to no good with his request. She doesn't quite know what his game is but for the time being, she'll play along! It's pretty fun to imitate him even if she'll never be able to get his baritone voice down pat. ]

The world looks glorious in the snow. Pure white, like the light of the moon. A perfect backdrop for bloodshed. [ Giggling to herself, she's starting to realize how much Ajax waxes poetics in his speech. It's really impressive. ] I've been working hard on this particular line! It's my favorite. Are you ready for it...?

[ She takes a deep breath before exhaling, needing a short moment to concentrate to deliver her best Yoijax performance. Finally, after getting her bearings together, Yoimiya locks stares with Ajax and opens her mouth to say: ]

Hey look at me, I'm Ajax and I sure love fighting. Have I told you how much I love a good ol' brawl? Nothing beats duking it out with everyone and anyone. Let's fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

[ How was that??? (*-`ω´- ) ]

[Ajax would probably argue that his own poetry probably sounds a little better and smoother when he says it, compared to that, which is what makes it even funnier when she says it. Yoimiya definitely looks like she's having fun imitating him, and Tartaglia's eyes are wide with amusement as he listens to her recite things he's probably said in the past at some point during their time together. Such bloodthirsty words coming out of that little body...he'd hardly be able to imagine it if it weren't happening right before his very eyes.

He can barely keep his laughter in at her little chant at the end of that last bit. His eyes gleam, feeling his fighting spirit getting riled up just by her words.]

I think you just made all of that one up. Is that what I sound like to you, like I'm some kind of bloodthirsty hound who's only seeking a battle wherever he goes?

[He's not denying that it's true that he really is always looking for a fight. Even now, there's a brewing chaos behind his eyes, an itch he can't reach that's growing more and more present in his veins for a fight. He looks at her with a hunger that's only satiated with blood, licking his lips as he sizes his little girlfriend up.

Now he does want to fight...]

[ Oh, she's having the time of her life imitating him. Even if she can't quite match the 11th Harbinger's pitch, she's thoroughly enjoying herself, and seeing Ajax laugh his head off is all the more worth it. After everything they've been through, she's overflowing with joy to see his dazzling smile and hear that heart-stopping laughter.

This blissful moment is exactly what she needs to take her mind off their situation. His smile and shimmering eyes are a more efficient cure than the Delusion Dottore gave her. ]

Hehehe, I may have exaggerated some details here and there. [ Just a few. WINKS. (>ᴗ•) ] Buuuut... judging from the expression on your handsome face.

[ She can see it clear as day, her silly little quip has lit a fire in his heart, an insatiable desire for battle swirls behind those deep blue eyes. Grinning from ear to ear, she returns his look with an all-knowing smirk and a chaotic storm that brews behind her bright, golden eyes. He's not beating the bloodthirsty hound allegations when he licks his lips and sizes her up like she's the next course in his meal. If it wasn't for the fact they were out and about in public, Yoimiya would have lost all control right then and there as soon as she saw that tongue wet those succulent lips of his. ]

I don't think I was too far off in my assessment. Does my little bloodthirsty hound crave a fight?

[ If a fight is what he wants, then he shall receive! After all, she's still reeling from his silly little comment from just a few moments ago. ]

[He looks back at her inquisitively, wondering where she's going to go with this. He can see how her eyes light up, she's clearly enjoying how she's gotten him all riled up. She'd played him like a fiddle, gotten him to succumb to his own desires, lit a flame inside of him that needs and wants for conflict. Ajax will fight anyone and anything, as long as they're willing to participate whether he puts them in a position that stokes the fires of war in their own hearts or if they volunteer simply because they like to and it's fun to them. Including Yoimiya.]

Hah, if you had been anyone else, your imitation of me would of been considered mockery and I'd of challenged you to a duel right then and there.

[He swings himself back in front of her, wrapping his arms around her waist with nothing less than his full affection, eyes burning as he stares down into those charming gold pupils that also reflect the storm raging in his heart.]

We could put on a little exhibition match right here in the square. It's not often someone gets to go up against a Harbinger. Consider it an honor.

[An actual spar with her where they're having fun and not one where she's trying to push him away in order to kill herself sounds like a much better time. And he doesn't mind showing off his skills to the Snezhnayan public, to show them that their Harbingers truly are worthy of their admiration. He, specifically, should be feared- and then the people could see that the beloved of the Eleventh is just as fierce a fighter.]

What do you say?

[ Without any hint of shame, Yoimiya can no longer hold back and has the sheer audacity to roll her eyes right in front of him. A mockery, he says. She's got half a mind to tell him that he brought it onto himself by trying to use her as his form of entertainment. However, she's not interested in a childish back and forth, what she wants is a no-holds-barred match against her boyfriend in the center of Snezhnaya's capital. Not only does it sound thrilling, but it's exactly what she and Ajax both need right now; an outlet to let loose and have fun.

She might still be learning about her battle-happy Harbinger but the one thing she does know about him is that he loves the thrill of combat above all else. He not only saved her from a gruesome death in the volcano, but he's also the reason why she was able to pull herself out of that entity's grip, and continued to help her by taking her to Dottore. Ajax has also been through so much in the span of these few days and all she wants is to help take his mind off all this stress and let him have the time of his life. ]

Sure! Sounds like a great time to me. This will give me a chance to show you how much I've improved since we parted ways in Inazuma.

[ Even if he's acting like a bloodthirsty hound ready for battle, he's still so affectionate and cute. She's never seen someone both eager to battle and act like a total darling as he wraps his arms around her waist. Maybe he's more like a bloodthirsty puppy, instead? She presses her lips in a thin line to hold in her giggles, rewarding her sweet hound by leaning on his shoulder and nuzzling her face into his warm Harbinger coat. ]

However, I'd like to add one special condition to our match if you don't mind.

[ Using his embrace to her advantage, Yoimiya gets on her tiptoes to lean in close to his ear and whisper her special challenge to him. ]

Last one to the square is a rotten lavender melon.

[ In a flash, she breaks away from his hold, coquettishly sticking her pink tongue out at him before hightailing to the square, all the while her merry laugh warms the frosty air of Snezhnaya. ]

[He holds a snort back at her eye roll, and his eyes light up once she agrees. It's not exactly the best place to hold a duel but he's never been one to be too picky about where or when he has a fight, unless it's, you know, a funeral or something. Joy fills his heart as she nuzzles into him, happy that she's happy at the prospect as well. Though he curious of what she's got in mind for this 'special condition', leaning down as she tip toes up to hear it is what she's got to say-]

Huh?

[Ajax's eyes go wide as she breaks from him, sticking her tongue out and taking off into a run towards the square. His jaw hangs agape for a moment, surprised at her action before it all catches up to him and lights a fire under his ass and he takes off running. Tartaglia's long legs definitely give him an advantage, but she got a head start- so he wonders if he should cheat a little to catch up...]

Hey!!!! That wasn't very fair!!!

[He runs full tilt, his coat billowing out behind him as he sprints to catch up to her. HE SWEARS.]

[ Yoimiya's laugh grows louder upon hearing her silly boyfriend's protest. He may have the advantage in terms of height and those long legs but that isnt enough to deter her! She's ran around with children enough to be confident in her speed. With her best foot forward, she runs as fast as her little legs can take her all the while laughing and not caring about any passerby staring at them. ]

Life ain't always fair, Ajax!

[ Although she has her back turned to him, the smugness in her voice is evident. She happily takes advantage of her cheating head start, sprinting forward with all her might. ]

What's wrong? Can't keep up with a little country girl from Inazuma?

[ She is absolutely taunting him on purpose.]

[The clear mocking coming from this girl! He's even more determined to catch up now and show her who's boss here. Civilians and passersby make sure to get well out of the way of one of the Fatui's Harbingers, the coat giving him completely away to at least his rank within the military's hierarchy. For those who don't move, Ajax is bounding over and using all of his dexterity to not lose any speed, trying to catch up with his sassy girlfriend!]

Don't think you've lost me yet!!!

[Water begins to shoot up around his feet, almost instantly freezing as he starts to hydroplane across the ground with his own hydro powers. He's a blue blur, racing across the ground, gaining on Yoimiya considerably before he finally catches up- but instead of passing her, Tartaglia scoops his bratty girlfriend up into his arms as he skates across the ground. She's hefted and secured instantly, traveling another good twenty or thirty feet before he breaks his movement and comes to a stop.]

Fancy meeting you here, of all places, [he says with a smirk, now under a large statue of some long-gone Harbinger on a horse, leading their troops into battle.]

Weren't you supposed to beat me here? Seems we've arrived at the same time. Perhaps I just didn't hear you right.

[ There it is! She can taste victory on the tip of her tongue as she spots the square that's within her grasp. Just a few more steps and it's hers!!! Oh, how she can't wait to go home and brag to everyone that she was able to beat a Harbinger in his own country. Winning has never tasted so delightful...

Well, that's what she thought was going to happen.

Yoimiya's ears perk up to certain noise, she swears she hears a whirling sound behind her. The noise gets closer and closer until... oh! It's too late. Yoimiya gasps at the sight of the blue blur, knowing full well that it's her boyfriend taking full advantage of his powers. Before she can even get a word in, she's scooped in his arms and they're hydroplaning at high speed. ]

HEY! Cheater! Ajax is a big stinky cheater!!

[ NOT THAT THIS CHEATER HAS ANY ROOM TO TALK WITH HER HEAD START AND ALL

Despite her name-calling and bratty protests, Yoimiya is having the time of her life in Ajax's arms as he skates his way to the square. She's bellowing over with laughter and holding onto him for dear life until they're finally at their destination. Along with her own merry laugh, she can hear the sounds of other civilians chuckling at the pair, this is their first time seeing one of the famous Harbingers out in public with their lover and having fun. ]

Hmph! We only tied because you busted out your powers and WOOOOOSHED all over the place. [ Yup, she actually said wooshed out loud. ] Without your vision, you didn't stand a chance against me!

[ Brats. Both of them are just brats all around. But despite it all, she gives him a playful boop on the nose with her index finger before brushing their noses together for an Eskimo kiss. ]

[Oh, how delightful her protests are. He drinks them up as he skates to the finish, laughing along with her at how fun and funny that all was. He doesn't even mind the onlookers, more focused on Yoimiya and how cute she looks with her nose and cheeks painted red from the cold and her adorable little indignant noises she's letting out. The people feel like they're getting a rare glimpse into the world of one of the mighty Harbingers, so they stick around to rubberneck a bit while the pair enjoy the company of each other.]

Just so you know, there was no rule against my wooshing to the finish line. I still could've beat you, vision or not. But arriving in a flourish was far more fun.

[He states it as his eyes close when she boops his nose, happily brushing his nose against hers before he nuzzles his face into her neck. Ajax looks up innocently from that position, batting his long eyelashes at her as if he'd never done anything wrong in his entire life and he's just a baby who should be coddled.]

How could you accuse me of cheating, anyway? You know I would never do such a thing. You've hurt my feelings, and wrongfully besmirched my honor. You should apologize to me or face me in a duel.

[You know, that duel they were going to have anyway.]

[ HE SAID WOOSH TOO!!! Pinky promise with Dottore and getting her boyfriend to say the W word... today has been fruitful.

Even better than a WOOSH is that precious expression, he looks so darn cute batting his eyelashes at her like the most innocent person in all of Teyvat. He's so adorable that Yoimiya almost forgets about both their race and their duel in favor of spoiling him to death for the rest of the day. Who wouldn't want to coddle a face like that?

Like clockwork, all it takes is for Ajax to open his mouth to ignite her competitive spirit, Yoimiya goes from looking like a young maiden in love to a warrior lady ready to go all out. ]

Hehe, who do you think you are? I have nothing to apologize for. I only spoke the words of truth. You cheated by using your vision!

[ Yoimiya makes her declaration loud and proud in the form of a duel... that they already agreed to earlier. She hops out of his arms, putting on a performance for the audience by backflipping onto her feet with her bow drawn at him. ]

I, Naganohara Yoimiya challenge the Eleventh Harbinger [ a beat ] stinky Tartaglia to a duel!

[ More and more crowds of people begin to gather. For some of the people in the crowd, they've never witnessed a Harbinger fight right before their very eyes. This is an occasion they absolutely cannot miss! Especially since the Harbinger in question is fighting none other than his girlfriend. ]

[Tartaglia smirks at her, still accusing him of being a cheater, but he knows he didn't cheat! She's just being a big 'ol brat towards him, and quite frankly it's pretty cute. He doesn't mind her accusations, folding his arms now that she's hopped out of them and brandished her weapon at him. He looks absolutely unimpressed, as if her little stunt didn't intimidate him at all, walking forward with a stride befitting of his station, his arm held out as hydro coalesces there in a whirl of water to have his hydro bow snap into existence into it suddenly. The crowd ooohs and aaahs at both of their moves, and they back up instinctively.

These two are about to fight and they're going to get a show...but it's a little dangerous to get too close. They don't know who this girl is, only a few of them recognize the name from Inazuma for their fireworks...but the rest, all they know is that a Fatui Harbinger is about to show off his skills. They pray for this young woman's safety, girlfriend or not.]

Stinky? You've got some nerve, [he says with a challenge, grinning wickedly at her now (and trying not to laugh at her antics, what is even that kind of name calling in a fight omg,)] calling me stinky. I'll accept your challenge, and if I win...

[He lets his bow fall to his side as he lowers his arm, tapping his chin with his free hand. It's only a few moments before his eyes widen and dance with mischief, thinking he's come up with a good reward that still makes him look good in the eyes of the Snezhnayan people and will entertain her.]

...you must retract your statement, and tell everyone that in fact, you're the smelly one among the two of us. May the frost strike down that slanderous tongue of yours, bringing forth retribution as it freezes it solid as the very permafrost itself. This is the fate of those who choose deception and lies.

[Yes, the crowd nods, their honorable Harbinger is right. There's even a whole nursery rhyme that goes along with the Lord Harbinger's words!]

[ Watch out guys, we're dealing with a badass over here. Any other time, Yoimiya would find his mastery of hydro awe-inspiring and there's no denying the way the water unites to form his bow is actually really awesome in of itself but two can play the game of looking unimpressed. She brazenly yawns, walking up to him completely unafraid of any tricks he might have up his sleeve.

It takes every ounce of effort not to bellow over with laughter as her boyfriend repeats her insult. Stinky. That's right, Ajax is stinky! Knowing him, he's about to issue a challenge that will thoroughly amuse her and naturally, he comes through! Yoimiya has to bite down her bottom lip to prevent herself from giggling. Smelly... although she's determined to win, calling herself smelly is too funny and she wouldn't even mind.

As expected of one of Tsaritsa's finest soldiers, his words get the crowd going. If she wasn't being a huge brat, Yoimiya would be hooping and hollering right behind them. Ajax may have the advantage of playing on his home turf but she's not scared. If anything, the people's cheers for their beloved Harbinger rouses her competitive spirit to come out on top. Oh, how delicious it would be to see the look on everyone's faces if she beats him right in front of that statue of a Harbinger from eons ago. ]

Me? Smelly? You've got some guts to call me that. Alright, I accept your challenge. And if I win, you need to tell everyone that you're the biggest stinker between the two of us. I know exactly what you did and you have no room to talk about lying...

[ There's still a little bit of fire in her from when he downplayed her accusations of being a wreck without her. ]

With a will as brilliant as a storm, and a roar as loud as thunder, may a divine bolt of lightning crash down on you and your fiendish ways. The truth of who the real liar is will come out of this match.

[ The crowd gasps at the audacity of this girl, not only did she stand up to their honorable Harbinger but she also used her country's own idioms. A few of them cheer louder for Tartaglia but Yoimiya remains unbothered. She figures it's time to give the crowd a good show. Without further delay, Yoimiya does yet another skillful backflip in the air, shooting off a string of pyro-infused arrows directly at him. ]

[As she walks forward, Tartaglia doesn't move an inch as she stands against him in this "showdown" they're having. He looks down at her, and he can tell she's trying not to bust out laughing at their exchange. It really is silly, ultimately, but it's fun and that's really what this is all about to begin with. He stands there and takes her insults and the threat of the power of the Narukami Ogosho, not intimidated by it in the slightest (as if it were serious at all, just as much as his words really weren't) and ready to fight. And the first of the shots come, skillfully shot from her bow as they fly right at him.

The Harbinger grins to himself- this is where it gets interesting- and he rapidly notches his own arrows with the power of his Vision, firing them off at hers to intercept them and keep them from reaching their mark. The crowd scrambles back even farther, and Fatui soldiers that are part of the military police slowly filter into the area to usher others back. Lord Childe is at it again...when will he stop doing things like this???]

Nice try, but maybe you should try this instead-!

[The next shots out of his bow are aimed at the ground, sending sharp waves of hydro across the ground at her, one after another. He continues to shoot wherever she runs to, laughing like a maniac. To make matters worse, the water begins to freeze along the ground as well, due to Snezhnaya's cold climate. He plans to take away her footing!]

[ As expected of her Tartaglia, for someone who claims to be the least adept at the bow, he sure knows how to curb her shots with his own. His strength and ability to adapt to any situation is one of the reasons why she finds him so alluring, he wouldn't be near as exciting to be around if he couldn't handle her opening attack. She watches his hydro arrows extinguish her own, grinning from ear to ear and how well he intercepted every single one of those arrows. It's no wonder he's so revered by the crowd watching them.

It's then, Ajax proves that his adaptability is no joke. No matter where she runs, she's met with a wave of hydro impeding her path. She tries the run in the other direction but nearly slips now that it's starting to freeze over. Goodness, he's certainly got her caught in a rock and a hard place. And to make matters worse, he's laughing like a lunatic! This guy is having way too much fun for his own good. ]

Oh? Trying to get me to slip up, huh? I see where you're going with this strategy but you forgot something very important.

[ There's not an ounce of hesitation from her as she also laughs like a maniac, aiming her bow at the ground to melt away his makeshift ice skating rink. Unlike her typical pyro arrows, tiny goldfish familiars emerge from her bow, swimming in the air in dazzling shades of orange and red to give the audience a small show. Some of the people ooh and ahh at her brilliant artwork, only for their jaws to drop once the goldfish aim for the ground to explode the ice floor around her. ]

Playing with fire is my specialty.

[ Using a blown-up ice chunk as a cover, one of the little goldfish familiars swims towards Ajax from behind and brands itself onto his back. ]

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