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]

[ As expected, those crocs are no match for her beloved Harbinger. Even as they chomp a little too closely to his legs, Yoimiya believes in his abilities, and sure enough, her faith in him comes to fruition. She swears he moves so fast that he looks like a blur, one minute he's in the water grabbing the creature, and then next, he's gliding through the river like he owns the element. Yoimiya shoots a few more arrows at the beasts just for good measure before running down the bank to catch up with him.

Everything moved so fast for the plant-like creature tucked away in Ajax's arms, that it felt like all of Sumeru was spinning right before its eyes. The small creature looks up at its savior, eyes brimming with relief and amazement. ]

Oh, thank you, Orange Nara. Thank you! You are so strong! I'm okay now all thanks to you. If it wasn't for your valiant effort, I'd be a spinocrocodile's lunch. Ooh...

[ The poor thing trembles, thinking the grim fate that would have befallen it if Ajax was unable to see it. A few seconds later, Yoimiya finally arrives on the scene. The first thing on the agenda is to check up on Ajax but... she's unable to pull her eyes away from the familiar critter huddled up in his arms. ]

Ajax! That was an incredible rescue. You... [ She pauses, almost looking speechless for a moment. ] just saved an Aranara. That's definitely an Aranara you're holding!

[monoceroscaeli]

Hey, it's alright...you're safe now.

[He quietly tries to comfort it right before Yoimiya shows up, looking up from the Aranara to her. He's practically beaming at his achievement, clearly proud of himself and he'll definitely let Yoimiya praise him for it. And praise he gets, but the look on her face is telling, and he instantly realizes what's happening before she even says it.]

Oh? This is an Aranara? Definitely not what I was expecting...

[The little creature in his arms seems surprised too now that the initial shock has worn off. It looks up at Ajax, then at Yoimiya, and back again.]

Orange Nara and Red Nara can see Aralauka, must mean both have still not grown!

[To which Childe looks at it incredulously, feeling mildly offended by that...]

Hey, c'mon, what's that supposed to mean?

[niwabi]

[ Who would have thought Ajax could see Aranara too? Yoimiya certainly wasn't expecting that. And now in hindsight, she feels a little silly bragging about her special capability to the Doctore. The Traveler, Ajax, and now herself... that's three adults who have been blessed to meet whatever criteria the Aranara have. She wonders if maybe there's a connection but for now, it's best to put a pin on that thought and save it for later. There are too many questions and not enough answers.

Besides, there's no way she can think about it any further when Ajax is making the funniest, offended face she's ever seen. Poor guy just got roasted by an Aranara. ]

It means that we're still children in their eyes. Hehe, I think it's safe to say both of us can act like kids at heart.

[ She adds salt to the wound by shooting him an all-knowing wink, her boyfriend might be a lean, mean, Fatui machine but she's seen his boyish behavior first hand. This guy has it in him to act like a childish brat. ]

Hello Aralauka! It's wonderful to meet you. I'm Yoimiya and this is Ajax. We've been actually hoping to speak with you.

[ The Aranara keeps chattering, oblivious to Tartaglia's mild offense. ]

Oh! You've been looking for me? How wonderful! Since Orange Nara Ajax saved my life, Aralauka will do anything to repay your kindness.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Man, now getting treated like a kid by this forest spirit thing...life really is unfair sometimes. Childe pouts a bit at the fact, letting Yoimiya talk to the little creature in his arms. The nerve to say that to him after he saved its life! What, does it want to fight him or something????]

Yes, well...we wanted to see if there was something the Aranara could specifically help us with. We're in a tight spot, you see, because we're trying to find refuge from a certain individual who's been after us.

[Yoimiya did say that they might be able to help, so he guesses it won't hurt to explain a little bit of the situation.]

The problem is this person has the ability to control other people's minds, ourselves included. Do you think you have a way to protect us from them, even if it's only for a short while?

[niwabi]

[ Only Childe would think about fighting an Aranara...

Thankfully, Yoimiya is none the wiser to what's going on inside her boyfriend's battle-happy head, she simply nods along, allowing Ajax to explain while the little Aranara intently listens to him. She attempts to read the creature's face to the best of her abilities, but there's only so much of a face the beady-eyed plant thing can make.

And judging by how quiet it is, that's not exactly a good sign. ]

Sorry, I wish I could help but unfortunately, I don't think there's anything Aralauka can do to ward off that individual. A monster that can control your mind... how scary!

[ Just the thought of such a scary creature is enough to get Aralauka shaking like a leaf. ]

But don't fret, Aralauka is determined to help! Maybe Orange Nara and Red Nara can come to Vanarana with me? It's the village where all of us Aranara live! There's lots of us and I'm sure if we all put our heads together, we can figure out the best way to help you.

[monoceroscaeli]

[The life of an Aranara must be terrifying. Everything can practically eat you, you have seemingly no defenses against anything...he's surprised that Dottore is after such a weak creature. What's so special about them that it's worth making this trip out? Maybe he'll never understand the mind of a researcher. Not that he'll ever care to.

But, at least a sort of solution is offered. Going to their village would probably be okay. Even if Seraphina controlled every last Aranara there, Ajax is pretty confident he could fend every single one of them off with ease.]

Thanks Aralauka, we'll take you up on that offer. It's better than staying out in the wilderness, anyway. Are we far from it?

[The little Aranara hops out of Ajax's arms, looking happy and proud to lead them back to Vanaranara.]

Very close! Just up the road. Nara look like they've been out in the woods for a while...and Orange Nara needs to dry off. Nara get sick when wet, so we'll hurry back. Come!

[Ajax shoots a look over to Yoimiya as Aralauka begins to walk and head towards home, making what he'd say is the cutest noise he's ever heard in the entire world as it does.]

[niwabi]

[ Plip-plod plip-plod plip-plod... well what do you know? Looks like she was on point with the little sound those adorable creatures make. Despite everything that's happened, Yoimiya can't help but crack a smile as she watches Aralauka depart from the pair. Aranara are truly one of the cutest things she's ever seen. They're such kind, peaceful creatures that wouldn't even hurt a fly.

Which in turn, makes her wonder why the Doctor wants to get his hands on these innocent forest spirits incapable of putting up a fight. Internally, she begins to second guess herself and her decisions.

But before they follow their new friend, Ajax really needs to dry off before he catches a cold. So without further delay, Yoimiya whips out a towel from her bag, handing it to him. ]

Ajax... I....

[ From her silence, it's clear that something has been on her mind ever since they encountered the Aranara. ]

To say I'm shocked you can also see the Aranara would be an understatement.

[monoceroscaeli]

[He's not going to be over that noise for the rest of his life. He doesn't understand why Dottore wants one of these little guys, but he definitely understands why he wants one of these little guys. If only they could be pets...he'd take one home for the kids in the blink of an eye if that were the case.

So, he dutifully begins to follow behind Aralauka, trying to fight the urge to shove his wet hands into his wet pockets. However, he stops once Yoimiya hands him the towel, taking it gratefully from her and drying his hair to start.]

Really? Why is it so strange? I get that not everyone can see them, but surely you can't be the only person in the world who can, right?

[It's clear as day to anyone who knows anything about Aranara that Ajax has absolutely no idea what he's talking about. The man only knows what Yoimiya has told him, nothing more.]

There was bound to be someone else who could see them.

[niwabi]

[ ...

Yoimiya doesn't say anything for a good minute, only giving him a look because what is this lack of a reaction???? These are the Aranara, Sumeru's welle renowned forest spirits and he's just brushing it off like its another day in the park?

That tracks for Ajax, of course he wouldn't see this as a big deal. ]

Did you already forget about how Dottore reacted when I told him?

[ She even made him partake in a childish pinky promise, that's how low he's willing to stoop to get one. ]

Only children can see these little guys. As far as I know, the only adults who have been able to meet them are the Traveler, myself, and now you.

[monoceroscaeli]

[He remembers, and he knows that Dottore wants them really bad. But that doesn't mean he cares about what Dottore wants or needs, because that guy's kind of a freak and he likes to stay away from him as much as possible. Ajax shoots back an equally confused and mildly offended-but-not-actually-offended look to her, arms spread out in front of him.]

C'mon, I didn't know that...

[Though that's an interesting thought. Only kids? Is that why Aralauka thought they weren't grown up? But what kind of criteria is that? He's definitely a responsible adult who does a lot of not-innocent things that a child would generally never think of committing...]

Besides, my comrades are weird. Dottore being interested in weird things is par the course, and he's the weirdest of them all. But, when you put it like that, I guess it is a little surprising. Why is it you can see them, then?

[Is it because they both act like little kids sometimes???? He can admit to that, he hangs around his sibs enough anyway.]

[niwabi]

[ If she was her usual, chipper self, she might have called him out on his remark about his coworkers. Pot calling the kettle, Ajax. You're kind of a weird guy with weird interests yourself. But for now, she dismisses the thought, focusing on the topic on hand instead of her boyfriend's thirst to pick fights all across Teyvat.

Why can she see the Arnara anyway? She understands why the Traveler and Ajax can see them, they are special unlike her unordinary self. After a bit of pondering, Yoimiya simply sighs and shrugs, unable to come up with a solid conclusion. ]

I don't know, I've been wracking my brain trying to figure that one out too.

[ There's no denying she can act quite childish at times, she has no shame in admitting that. And considering Ajax also has it in him to act like a kid, it's the only logical answer that makes any sort of sense. But surely there's more to it than simply being childish, right? ]

One thing you and I have in common is our desire to protect children. Maybe somehow, that gives us the ability to see them?

[monoceroscaeli]

Perhaps...

[He lets his hand come up to his chin in thought. There isn't enough information at all about this sort of thing, and now he's learning that he too, can see these coveted spirits that Dottore was willing to work with Yoimiya for. It must be a rare talent then, but Childe has no desire to help Dottore at all with his experiments, really. So he doesn't have to know, for now.

But still...]

...but you're sure it's not because you're still just a kid at heart?

[He laughs as he teases, realizing that the same could be applied to him, but they need a little lightheartedness right about now. Aralauka looks behind him, wondering what's taking the Nara so long to keep up. He's short, and their legs are so long!]

[niwabi]

[ Like a record being scratched, Yoimiya suddenly stops dead in her tracks to give him a look. She stands in on the middle of the path with her fists on her hips, not saying a single word, and a face painted with indignance all over her.

He's not wrong and she knows it. Yoimiya is very aware of how childish she acts. But he has no room to talk!!! If he wishes to poke the blonde bear, she is more than willing to show him she bites. Without another word, Yoimiya strides over to the confused Aranara, scooping it in her arms. ]

Hey Aralauka! Wanna teach this guy a lesson? Let's team up and get to Vanarana first.

[ Yoimiya's laughter fills the air as she takes off running with the small creature in her arms. ]

Last one to Vanrana is a rotten stinker!

[monoceroscaeli]

[Uh oh, you don't have to know a person to understand that look he's getting from Yoimiya. Childe watches her pick up Aralauka, say her piece and start running.]

Wha-?

[Yoimiya's laughter echoes throughout the forest, and he only stands there for a second before he starts running after them.]

Hey, no fair! You aren't going to lose me so easily!

[He's thankful for his long legs, he's already a pretty fast runner anyway and if he lost the Aranara, there'd be no way he'd find Vanaranara on his own. Tartaglia doesn't let himself lose sight of the blonde head of hair in front of him, quickly catching up as they run up the half-dirt path.]

Fancy! Meeting you here-!

[niwabi]

[ Naturally, his long legs and physical stamina make it easy for him to catch up to her quickly. Of course, it wouldn't be a fun challenge if she smoked him, he'd had to turn his Harbinger card for losing to a country bumpkin in a foot race. Yoimiya isn't surprised when he's right on her tail, she can practically feel his breath gusting against her neck from how close they are. ]

Hello! [ a beat ] And goodbye!

[ But Yoimiya also isn't the type of person to give up so easily. She keeps a tight hold on Aralauka and pushes forth all her might, putting all her power in her heels to gain a little distance from him.

Meanwhile, poor Aralauka is hanging on for dear life, but despite how fast the world is spinning around the little fella, it's having fun. Never before has the Aranara been on such a high-speed ride. ]

Oooh! Both Red Nara and Orange Nara are so fast! Umm... Vanarana is just right between those trees.

[ The little Aranara doesn't have to tell her twice, Yoimiya makes a beeline in the direction Aralauka is pointing towards. She sprints into the clearing ahead, greeted with trees that look like giant leaves are sprouting out of them. So much lush greenery... the sight is so beautiful that it causes Yoimiya to slow down and admire the scenery. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[This was a race he was never going to be able to win- Yoimiya has the only thing that can show them the way right in her arms, so all he can do is keep up with her. But it still makes him laugh, how she's determined to do everything she can to stay ahead of him, enjoying the much-needed distraction as they both run headfirst towards the trees and finally into a clearing.

He takes a good look all around, slowing down with her, to take in the scenery. Is this really Vanaranara? He can see their little houses, hollowed out wood with moss covering it littering the area. Huge, umbrella-like plants grow all along the edges, reminding him of lily pads out of water. Other than that he sees nothing else, no other Aranara...surely, not all of them are out, are they?]

Is this it? Where are all the other Aranara?

[Childe looks over to Aralauka resting in Yoimiya's arms, puzzled.]

Almost there! Need to enter the dream! Nara have a musical instrument with them, yes?

[niwabi]

[ Ajax says exactly what's on her mind. As beautiful as the scenery is, it also seems quite empty for the home of the Aranara. She sees the quaint little huts that she assumes they live in but where are those adorable little creatures?

But before she can inquire any further, Aralauka asks if they have an instrument on them. A musical instruement... oh, she definitely has one on her!

Since he was such a good sport about their race, Yoimiya gives Aralauka a quick pat on the head before setting the tiny Aranara on the ground. She removes the backpack from her shoulders to dig around for a peculiar item she purchased from one of the shops in Sumeru City; a wooden lyre! ]

Will this work? I bought this as a souvenir for a friend back home but if we need this, I can always get her a new one.

[ Sorry Ayaka, she'll get you a prettier, unused lyre once the ride to crazy bus stops. ]

Yes! It's perfect. Now follow me, Aralauka will teach Nara the song to enter the dream.

[ With a plip-plod, plip-plod, plid-plod underneath its feet, the tiny critter trots over to a rock with a peculiar symbol and a small tree sprouting out of it. ]

Now, just follow my lead and play your instrument to my tune.

[ On cue, Aralauka starts singing a cute that warm even the most hardened hearts. It's moments like this that Yoimiya wishes she had some musical talent, she's lucky she can even beat a drum. But surely it can't be that hard, right? She takes a deep breath, concentrating on the Aranara's voice as her fingers gently thrum against the lyre's strings. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ajax wonders exactly what she's going to pull out of her bag, and much to his surprise, she produces a small wooden lyre. It's cute and he wishes now he would have thought to purchase something like that, it would have been perfect as a souvenir to bring back home. But down the path they go, following Aralauka to the little stone/tree thing he brings them both to. It's a nice melody, staying silent as Aralauka teaches and Yoimiya plays. As she plays and completes it, he can feel something strange happen in the air around them.

When Tartaglia blinks, the world around them goes from a bright and sunny day with lush green plants all around them to the same backdrop, but now covered with a hint of purple and only a little darker, the sun no longer beating down with its harsh rays upon the area.

And all around them are the Aranara. Every direction he looks, there's another strange little creature walking down a path or resting on a plant. His eyes grow large with surprise and wonder, feeling as if he's stepped into a whole different world. The Harbinger turns to take it all in, jaw dropped before it turns upward as a smile tugs at the corners of his mouth, letting out a small laugh as he sets his arms akimbo.]

Oh my goodness! There's an entire village here, hidden in plain sight! Aralauka, are we really inside of a dream?

[He's never heard of such a thing before, but now he understands Dottore's obsession with finding these guys.]

Yes! Here, nothing will find us! Safe here! Come, you need to meet the elder! This way!

[niwabi]

[ As Yoimiya pulls her eyes away from the lyre, she sees that the world around them has completely morphed into a scene that almost looks magical. The sun is no longer shining upon them but instead, they are met with a sky that looks virtually purple and pink, a beautiful backdrop to the tall green trees that stand proudly. But the best part is the sight of Aranara everywhere you look. Her eyes grow wide with shock as she looks around, taken by the scene of cute creatures conversing with each other, admiring the water, and just... living their happy lives.

These sweet creatures are a blessing, their adorable faces and happy smiles give her life and fill her with joy during this dreadful time. But before she gets ahead of herself, Yoimiya places the lyre back inside her bag for safekeeping and begins to follow Aralauka toward the big hut in the center of the forest.

As they walk, Yoimiya's eyes glance around to take in the marvelous scenery, admiring each and every single one of the cuties that pass by. Suddenly, a peculiar yellow Aranara with a butterfly pendant wrapped around its neck, and an orange leaf sprouting out of its head catches her attention, causing her to stop dead in her tracks. With her jaw slightly agape, she stands in the middle of the path to gawk, flabbergasted by what she's seeing. ]

Hey Ajax... doesn't that Aranara look awfully familiar?

[ Maybe she's just seeing things but she swears that's Aramiya... ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Tartaglia is looking around, taking in everything. He still can hardly believe what he's seeing, but at the same time, wondrous things like this really aren't unheard of to someone like him. It's still incredible nonetheless, as they climb the hill upwards to the home of the elder Aranara. He barely notices that Yoimiya's stopped behind him, turning only when called to see her expression completely astonished by what she's seeing.

His eyes follow where she's looking, and when he sees it he has to peer at it for a moment. Aralauka stops to turn towards it too, and all he sees is another one of his Aranara kin, so he doesn't get it.]

You know her?

[It takes Ajax a second, but he finally realizes what Yoimiya's getting at. But there's no way, right?]

Isn't that the little wood carving you gave me? The one that looks like you? Ara...miya?

[niwabi]

[ Ara...miya?

That causes the little Aranara to mirror Yoimiya's reaction, also stopping dead in her tiny tracks. She immediately whips around, walking over towards Aralauka as fast as her small feet can take her. ]

Oh, that's me indeed. Hello! I'm Aramiya.

[ at this point, Yoimiya's jaw is pretty much on the ground, stupefied and unable to fathom what exactly she's seeing. There's no doubt, the little Aranara is absolutely... Aramiya. ]

Are these your new friends, Aralauka? They are so smart! How did they know my name? Did you tell them about me? I'm so flattered! Oh, oh, oh! I hope you told them about the time I tried to pick a Harra Fruit and fought those no-good spores—

[ Seems like this one is a big talker just like Yoimiya and Aralauka quickly cuts her off before she talks until the end of time. The look on the green Aranara's beady eyes says it all, it's been through this same song and dance with this chatterbox many, many times. ]

Ah, no! Aralauka is just as surprised as you are. So... you've never met these Nara? They seem like they know you.

[ Aramiya shakes her head, also confused and oblivious to the red Nara looking similar to her. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Childe looks once between Aramiya, to Yoimiya, and back to Aramiya. The look on his girlfriend's face says it all- this is crazy and it's unfathomable how that little wooden carving is an actual, real live Aranara. While not quite as stupefied as Yoimiya is, he is very surprised that there's a real life version of the carving.

With a real life imitation of the girl's personality next to him.]

We! Uhhhhh...we don't know Aramiya personally, but let's just say that...she's...ahhhh...well known! Yes, she's well known in Sumeru, haha. So much that there's little wooden carvings made of her that are for sale! That's how we know her.

[For all his years in the Fatui, this is the best lie he can come up with on the spot...]

Ahem, so, it's pretty flattering, wouldn't you say? We didn't know we'd be running into a celebrity today.

[niwabi]

[ Thank the stars above for her boyfriend's quick save, there's no way she could come up with a good excuse, especially not when her chatty self is rendered silent. Yoimiya is still... attempting to process what she's seeing. She never in a million years could have guessed that the little wooden carving she picked up on a whim has a real life version of it walking around. ]

Wow... really?!?! There are wooden carvings in my image? Oh my gosh, Aramiya is soooo flattered! If you ever get the chance, I'd love to see one of those wooden carvings with my own eyes.

[ His lie might not have been smooth like butter, but it's enough to fool the unsuspecting Aranara. She's clearly happy with her newfound "fame" and that's all that matters. Aralauka is clearly the smarter one between the two of them since it noticed how quiet Yoimiya has been. ]

Red Nara, you have been really quiet. Are you okay?

[ Oh goodness, now it's her turn to lie. She's not good at this either but thankfully, Ajax provided her a story to follow up on. ]

Oh, um... yeah! I'm perfectly fine. I'm just... um, starstruck we met a celebrity! Yeah!! I can't believe we met the famous Aramiya, hahahaha...

[ A couple that can't lie together, stays together??? ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[She bought it. He can't believe she bought his flimsy lie. That's his reaction for the first few seconds...before he realizes that this Aranara is just like Yoimiya. Okay...maybe it makes sense she bought it. She seems very excited about this too, hopefully he didn't accidentally get themselves into trouble if they have to deliver on the wooden carving. He glances over at Yoimiya when she tells her own horrible lie, and it's then he knows they're going to only dig this hole deeper if they don't get out of it.]

Anyway, it's very nice to meet you, Aramiya. We were just on our way to see your elder. We're hoping they can help us with something. Aralauka has been kind enough to bring us here, so we owe him a debt. I hope we'll get the opportunity to see each other a bit more often in the coming days, but for now we really must go.

[He holds his hand over his chest in apology, before turning to both Aralauka and Yoimiya, inclining his head in the direction of the elder's home.]

Come you two, we shouldn't tarry here. We have some more pressing matters to attend to.

[Like getting! Out of! This lie!!!!]

[niwabi]

[ None the wiser to their lie, Aramiya happily waves her tiny arm, sending them off with a bright smile reminiscent of human Yoimiya. The blonde has so many questions but she'll refrain from asking, they have much more pressing matters to attend to. ]

It was nice meet you two! Please come and see me when you have time.

[ With that, Aramiya plip-plods away with a skip in her tiny steps. Yoimiya still cant help but gawk at the scene but thankfully, Aralauka has the sense to snap her out of her reverie. The little creature motions for the pair to follow it and up the hill they go! The big hut ahead is imposing and also adorable, Yoimiya can definitely picture an elder living here. Once they step in, the trio are met with an Aranara who looks wise beyond it's years. ]

Ah, Aralauka is that you? I see you've brought Nara with you.