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 whole world could be against her and Yoimiya would still feel safe and sound so long as she had her beloved at her side. They've got a long road ahead of them and no doubt it will be one filled with fraught and terror but since she's got Ajax, she feels like she can take this one step at a time. Her bright ray of light hasn't completely dimmed,

But for now, she needs to focus on getting plenty of nutrients. And with Ajax's strong arms shielding her from the rest of the world, she's able to stomach the last of the food. ]

Right! I think I'm just about done eating.

[ She pops the last of their breakfast into her mouth, chewing, swallowing, and finally enjoying the delicious taste melting onto her tongue. ]

I hate being a huge burden but do you mind grabbing another nightshirt for me whenever you're ready? And... I might need you to carry me out of here since my legs still feel like jelly. I'm sorry, Ajax. I know this is a lot for you.

here you write a tag and i'll write the timeskip imo

[monoceroscaeli]

[With the problem of locating the Aranara and dealing with Dottore's deal set to the side for now, he finishes up his own food. It might be the only decently cooked meal they'll get for a while, but on the bright side, Tartaglia can cook for them out in the wilderness. He gets up from the table, crossing the room to put a few things in a bag that he'd brought with him for the trek to see the Aranara anyway, thankful that their goal now aligned with their original purpose for coming here.

As he packs, he turns his head to give Yoimiya a reassuring smile.]

No need to worry. You're light as a feather, and I'm hardly a stranger to such situations. As long as you can stand for a short time while I buy some needed supplies before we head out, it'll work out just fine. When you're ready to go, we'll make our way to the Grand Bazaar, get some cooking supplies and go.

[He continues to pack, grabbing only the necessities, and once that's finished, slings it over his back.]

Okay, I think that's all I'll need for now...let me pack your bag too, and we'll go. You can carry it in your arms for the time being.

👍

[niwabi]

[ His remark draws a much-needed giggle out of her, the first laugh she's let out all day, finally bringing her back to some semblance of normalcy. Light as a feather... she will remember that and try not to consume too much food so she can stay that way. She already feels like a burden to Ajax, the last thing she wants is for him to strain himself from carrying her.

Steeling herself for a little bit of pain, she takes a deep breath and attempts to stand. She's somewhat shaky as she tries to get off the couch but overall, it's a success! Yoimiya's whole face lights up as she sees herself standing on her own two feet. Walking is a whole different story but, at least she can stand while Ajax goes to buy supplies for their long journey. It's a small victory, one that makes her feel accomplished for taking back her own mobility. ]

Yeah, I think I can at least stand up while you grab any supplies we need. I should have camping equipment and medical supplies in my luggage, so hopefully you won't need to grab too much. I'll happily pay for everything we need as well. So, don't you dare think about spending too much mora on me, mister!

[ Because she knows how Ajax is, this man will spend a fortune on her if could. No wonder Pantalone seems taken with his young coworker, he's also a walking wallet. She playfully waves her finger at him, finally feeling a bit more like her usual self, all thanks to her beloved. ]

Thank you again, Ajax. I love you so much, there's no way I'd be able to do this own. I'm ready whenever you are.

don't respond to this! i'm just wrapping up the thread. gunna make a new top level comment

[monoceroscaeli]

[He looks up from packing to see Yoimiya be able to get to her feet, more happy than anything to see a bit of that bright personality of hers shining through. It's hard on her, he knows, being the target of some crazy stalker of his who's also got the powers to control everyone around them...including themselves. At least they have their delusions, and he makes a mental note that he still needs to really teach her how to use hers.

Laughing, he goes back to packing, heading over to grab the things out of her own luggage and getting it prepared for their trek. It'll be a little hard on him the first day, but hopefully Yoimiya will be alright to walk herself after another day of rest.]

Hey, I love you too. There's no need to thank me...and, by the way, I think mora is the least of our worries right now. You can pay me back when it's all over, and I'll make sure it's expensive. [(｡•̀ᴗ-)✧]

[But once he finishes, he straps everything to his back, picks Yoimiya up in his arms, and heads out the back once again. The room is left locked, and he sends no messenger to anyone about their whereabouts- he'll explain himself later. This isn't the worst thing he's ever done, so as long as he returns, he knows he'll be fine. It's off to buy some food for their trip, and he'll make it quick before they head out into the jungle for the next leg of their adventure...]