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

[monoceroscaeli]

[Had Columbina been here, he would have lost it and snapped just as Nahida fears him doing right now. All he can think about is fighting her, uneasy feelings be damned, until someone's dead by the end of it. It barely registers when Yoimiya's hand finds its way into his own, his gaze coming down to look at her, eyes wild with fury. He would do anything to protect her, ensure she's safe and able to live without the fear of constantly looking over her shoulder. Even now, with her hand in his, trying to soothe him, all he can do is shake his head at her.]

No.

[Tartaglia's eyes keep that intensity even now, because he's thinking about what it would look like if Yoimiya did fight alongside him. It's honorable and he's proud of her for showing the courage to take on someone who's shown that her power has been enough to debilitate both of them with ease. But he realizes this is the Third they're talking about, and while he had no idea until now why she was given that seat, it's been proven that she's strong beyond any kind of measure. With a power like that, even The Captain would have issues dealing with her.]

I don't want you anywhere near her when our battle takes place. You've seen what she can do. The last thing we want is for her to use you against me, and believe me, she will.

[Ajax's hand comes up to cup her cheek, staring down at her with a seriousness that doesn't come out often. To think of the awful things she could do to Yoimiya, what she's willing to do...it breaks his heart, and he swears that he will do anything to keep her out of harm's way.]

Let me handle her. I'm the one she wants. I won't let her do with you as she pleases, and that means I need to make sure you aren't put in a precarious position.

[niwabi]

Ajax...

[ She gets it, the intense look in his eyes tells her he's dead set on not letting her anywhere near Columbina. It's another fact she truly understands, just from what she's seen, the Third Harbinger's powers are unlike anything she's ever witnessed, and it's scary to think that she's hiding more in her arsenal. There's no way a simple country girl like her can take on someone with powers that stem from centuries ago.

Yoimiya appreciates the sentiment. The warmth from Ajax's hand is comforting, a reminder that despite him being out for blood, he still cherishes her more than anything. But despite everything, she's not one to let the situation get the better of her. She softly smiles at him, nuzzling her face into his palm as her own hand snakes up to cup the top of his. With her thumbs gently brushing his knuckles, she looks at him with an intense conviction that burns hotter than the sun itself. ]

I love you and appreciate you so much, Ajax. I understand you don't want me anywhere near her. I... can't even begin to fathom the depths of her powers.

[ She takes a deep breath. Yoimiya knows exactly what she wants and that's to stand by Ajax's side through thick and thin. It breaks her heart to think about all the terrible things that wicked woman could potentially do to him in battle. She'd never forgive herself if there's something, anything she can do to help him. ]

But even so, I still want to fight by your side. I don't want to be some girl who needs rescuing, I want to be a woman worthy of standing at your side as both your lover and a fighter. It hurts me to think about all the awful things she could do to you in battle, and I can't sit around while you're out there fighting on my behalf.

[monoceroscaeli]

Yoimiya...I love you too, more than I could ever express. But...

[He breathes out a heavy sigh, feeling like he should of anticipated this. Of course she wouldn't want to sit on the sidelines for this. Of course, he also can't blame her, and he understands her reasoning for it. But at the same time, strong words and convictions doesn't mean she's ready to go against an opponent as strong as Columbina without being gravely hurt or killed. So he's torn on honoring her fighter's spirit or keeping her as safe as he possibly could. Tartaglia feels a deep responsibility for her well-being, and it doesn't quite sit right with him to put her in danger like that.

So he turns his head to the side, to look at Nahida, trying to fight the rushing blood to his face at how sweetly she nuzzles against his palm, and at the loving brushes of her fingers against his knuckles.]

Archon, [he says in a faux exasperated tone,] please tell the love of my life here that this is a terrible idea...

[Because he's having a hard time telling her no after a small speech like that. Please, he needs some backup here, or else she's going to get what she wants and he really doesn't want her there only to get hurt.]

Mmmmmmm, I can't say I would advise for you to put yourself in harm's way like that, Yoimiya. The top three Harbingers have strength equal to the gods. That's not something you should be taking lightly, as much as I know that you want to support Tartaglia.

[His gaze returns to Yoimiya, still as serious as it was.]

There are other ways you can help, but a direct confrontation might be catastrophic. No doubt she would find a way to remove your Delusion from you, mind control you and use you as a hostage against me. In the cave, she wasn't even there and her power hypnotized me for almost long enough to let you fall in that lava. She even got in my head while we were sparring and I almost...argh...what if your Delusion isn't enough while in her presence?

[That thought alone scares him, and his eyes go from intense to showing a hint of panic. There's so many factors to think about, and he feels like he hasn't even scratched the surface.]

The other Harbingers, save for the Captain, do not have the same personal honor I do. Look at what Dottore just did. I don't want you to become her puppet in the middle of the battle, Yoimiya.

[niwabi]

[ There's a moment when Yoimiya thinks that maybe, just maybe she convinced him. She stares at him, her eyes almost looking like bright, shimmering stars full of expectancy as she eagerly anticipates him telling her she can come along. But her hopes and desires are quickly extinguished by a simple word; but.

The light in her once excitable eyes begins to dim as he takes it a step further by involving Nahida in their affair. She glances back and forth between the two of them, feeling hurt that neither one of them thinks she has it in her. It's true, there's no feasible way she'll be able to stand up to Columbina, and she understands that Ajax and Nahida are doing this for her own safety... but there's something about the way both of them are shooting her down completely stings more than she'd like to admit. It makes her think that maybe Columbina is right, she really is just that weak and pathetic. She's so weak that she'll be nothing but a burden for Ajax. Maybe he's right too, she'll just hypnotized and used against him, maybe this time she'll throw her off some cliff, or maybe even control her to fight the love of her life.

And there's nothing she can do about it because she's just that weak. ]

... Okay.

[ It's clear that Yoimiya has completely lost her spark in this one-word response. If both her boyfriend and Archon don't think she's capable then well, that's that. She still wants to join the fight but doesn't seem like either one of them are willing to back down on their stance, and after that whole ordeal with Dottore, she doesn't have it in her to argue with either of them. ]

I'll... drop the subject, then.

[ Without another word, she disheartenedly pulls away from his hold, shifting her gaze toward the ground with only one thought floating through her mind;

If only she wasn't so weak, she might have been able to help. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[It breaks his heart to see her become so dejected, as she breaks from him and looks at the ground like she's the most useless person in the world. Tartaglia quickly shoots a look over to Nahida, concern lining his features, before he steps forward to Yoimiya, placing both hands on her shoulders as he bends down to try to look her in the eye.]

C'mon, Yoimiya. Don't be like that. We just have to play to our strengths here to win. Going in recklessly won't win us any battles. I'm still going to need your help, but we must be careful. Columbina is even stronger than I am, and I have no clue by how much. We're going into this practically blind.

[He's not sure if that's going to help her at all, but all he can tell her is the truth- there's no point in sugar coating such a dangerous situation.]

And we don't need to face her right away, either. I need to train you on that sword a bit more, remember?

[niwabi]

[ The feeling of his hands on her shoulders causes her to lift her eyes off the ground and onto him. She doesn't say anything for a solid minute, almost feeling insulted to be told "Don't be like that." when she got ganged up on for simply wanting to help. Still, she doesn't have it in her to start an argument, especially since she understands both Tartaglia and Nahida's stance but...

It still hurts to essentially be told you aren't ready, you aren't up to par, and you're better off just staying on the sidelines. She presses her lips together in a thin line as she takes in Ajax's words. ]

That's true, I would like to learn how to use that strange sword....

[ She doesn't say any more than that, the situation hurts her a lot more than she'd like to admit, and a change of subject is in order for the sake of her wellbeing. ]

Nahida, is there any other information you'd like to share with us?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Those pursed lips mixed with her fighting spirit probably means she's not alright with being told she has to sit out on the main event, but Tartaglia feels like this is still the best course of action at the end of the day. He doesn't want to make her upset, but he'd rather her be upset and alive than dead. He breathes out a sigh, letting her go and standing up straight, thankful that she's at least accepted his small offering in exchange.

Now, he looks to Nahida, who's been patiently waiting for them to resolve their issue, nods at Yoimiya.]

There is. I have a few more details about Seraphina for you both. Irmunsul has records of her all the way back before the Archon War, when her race was destroyed. Righteous judgement from the Heavenly Principles came down upon them, in a terrible war between them and someone else. Seraphina was in love with that person, but they aren't recorded in Irmunsul, which means they weren't from this world. Irmunsul cannot record the existence of those who come from outside of Teyvat. Got any ideas on who that person might be?

[Nahida looks squarely at Tartaglia with a knowing look in her eyes. That very person is standing right here, and she's expecting the gears to move pretty quickly in his brain to figure it out. And it does- Ajax's face goes from intrigued to astonished and a little pale, hearing her say that out loud. He can't forget about how he'd lost himself to some strange entity within him, that surfaced only after she'd called for him within the ocean of his mind.]

...No, hold on a moment. Are you saying what I think you're saying? That can't be...she did something to me, planted something within me to take on her lover's mind. That's not me. That's someone else. I'm from Teyvat, I always have been. I'm no reincarnation of a Decender.

[Yet he knows that's not true, that "Alnair" was of the same mind as him, somehow, but just locked away inside of him. He can't accept that reality, not one bit. That would mean something terrible, and he can't allow that to be the truth- it would be too much for him, and how would Yoimiya take it? He doesn't dare try to imagine.]

[niwabi]

[ Goodness. Seraphina has been around since way before the Archon War? That information alone is enough to pull Yoimiya out of her disheartened funk, her once thin lips are now practically on the ground from shock. She never would have guessed that Columbina had been alive for that long. Before she's even able to process that information, Nahida hits them with another bombshell; the person that Seraphina is in love with doesn't have a record in Irminsul.

Soon, the cogwheels in her head begin to turn. Both Ajax and her already know that she is in love with someone named Alnair and considering Seraphina wants her dead specifically because of her relationship, it's not hard to put two and two together to realize what's going on. Ajax must be related to Serpahina's lover in some kind of fashion, and if Alnair truly is a Descender...

Then does that make Ajax a reincarnation of a Descender? Yoimiya's eyes grow wide with shock as she attempts to process this news. She turns her attention to Ajax to gauge his reaction, and he looks just as stunned as she is. And from the sounds of it, doesn't seem like he believes it, and who can blame him? Being a reincarnation of someone else is already shocking, but being a reincarnation of a Descender is on a whole new level. ]

Ajax... I... I think the Dendro Archon might be onto something. I know it's hard to believe but, why else would she be so deadset on killing me if you weren't related to Alnair in any way? She wouldn't be going after you as relentlessly as she is.

[ Alnair, huh? Nahida files that name in the back of her mind to look into it at a later date. ]

While I can't deny that Seraphina might have other ulterior motives, you also have to wonder why is she specifically going after you? If she's just using you to take on her lover's mind, she could use anyone. And well, if it is truly a case of reincarnation, then that just means that Alnair was reborn as you. You're still Tartaglia, a man who has lived in Teyvat all his life as the Eleventh Harbinger, but you might also harbor the soul of Alnair.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ajax feels like he just got blasted right in the face, getting told that he's some figure from the ancient past that fought the Heavenly Principles and died for it. That alone puts him on the verge of shaking, wondering about how massively powerful he had to of been to lead a war against the very gods that the Fatui are working to overthrow as they speak. And he still lost...just how powerful was he?

Was that him though? As he listens to both Yoimiya and Nahida, now it's his turn to feel like he's getting a little double teamed here. He doesn't want to believe he would of ever fallen in love with a creature like her, but the logic is sound. Tartaglia's eyes dart back and forth between the two of them, still in disbelief. He knows just as well as Nahida that reincarnation is real, thanks to Fatui research, but he never considered that he could be a product of it.]

If that's so...that explains what happened to us before. ...I don't want to get into the details, but it felt like she woke something up inside of me...

[That's too much. The memory alone of the rough night of sex they had and how he completely became Seraphina's slave replays in his head, making him bury his face in his hand as he recalls it. Alnair was a devoted, helplessly in love little puppy to Seraphina, so much so that he was willing to kill Yoimiya just on her whim. But it wasn't just that. Childe is still convinced that Seraphina did something to him, that it wasn't just Alnair being blind in love.]

I...I need some time. Time to process this.

[He wants to leave, he's not sure if he can take this conversation right now. Maybe when he's had time to himself to think about it, he can.]

May I be excused?

[niwabi]

[ Poor Ajax. Yoimiya can't even begin to imagine the motions he's going through. Being told that your past life is an ancient hero who took on the Heavenly Principles is shocking enough as it is. But now, as she dives deeper into this rabbit hole, another horrible implication hits her right in the face. If this is true, then that means Alnair really fell in love with Seraphina centuries ago, and if that's the case... then Seraphina's hatred for her makes sense. In her eyes, it feels like her man has been stolen from her right under her nose.

And Yoimiya isn't sure how she feels about that. She wonders if maybe, she's the horrible person for preventing Seraphina from being with her the love of her life, and that maybe, she's well within her rights to direct her ire at her. It tears her apart to think that Ajax was actually in love with that horrible monster but she can't deny the possibility that she became a monster because her love got stolen. When she thinks back on that night in Sumeru City, Alnair seemed to be truly in love with her and even relished in their barbaric sex.

If that's truly the case then... Alnair also wanted her dead and thinking about that makes her feel like a boulder has dropped inside of her stomach. ]

Of course. Take all the time you need.

[ Nahida responds, nodding her head in understanding.

Yoimiya is quiet, and for the first time in her life, she's rendered speechless by this revelation. It feels like words are lodged inside of her throat and she can't find the right thing to say but she eventually manages to mutter out. ]

... Do you need to be alone?

[ After everything that's happened, she truly doesn't blame him. Between Avin and Aralauka getting kidnapped, not being allowed to join in on the fight against Columbina, and now this, she's admittedly not in the best of moods. But if he needs her, she doesn't mind joining him. Ajax's comfort is still important to her. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Tartaglia can safely say that the only thing that might of rattled him as badly as this has was when he fell into the Abyss all those years back. And since then, he's been so much more confident and sure of himself overall in his decisions and in his judgements. But right now, he doesn't feel sure of anything. There's a small part of him that's questioning who he even is, especially after reliving the memory of becoming Alnair and relishing in reuniting with Seraphina after all these years.

That was him. The soul inside of him, the core and foundation of who he is, in love with a monster. He remembers asking her to spare Yoimiya, but then something changed and he decided to kill her instead. It's like she had a complete grip on his mind...and that bothers him more than anything else.

He nods in thanks to Nahida for letting him go, but Yoimiya got really quiet all of a sudden. Ajax turns to her, noting how disconcerted she looks, her voice small. He's not sure now if leaving her alone is what he should do now, being the one that's really at the center of all this disaster. His life, as far as he knows, hasn't been in any particular danger. If anything, he's been the danger to her- and that doesn't make this any better. But still, he doesn't want to push his problems onto her more than they already are.]

...I think so. Just long enough to get a bit of fresh air and clear my head. Lesser Lord Kusanali, if there's anything else, would you go over it with Yoimiya? I'd appreciate it.

[And to Yoimiya:]

I'll be up on the small hill just behind Aramiya's hut. Come find me there once the two of you are done here. That should be enough time.

[niwabi]

[ Poor Ajax, she can tell this information has taken a toll on him, it's rare to see him so shaken up. She can't fault him, how could he not be a little freaked out to find out he might potentially be the reincarnation of a Descender and Seraphina's love from thousands of years ago. He's going through a lot, and she can't even begin to imagine the emotional toll he's going through as he takes her advice to have some much-needed alone time.

Ajax...

She looks at him with concern painting her features but she'll let him be. Maybe some fresh air will help him gather his thoughts. She slowly nods her head at him and immediately makes a mental note to give him all the attention he needs once they're done. ]

Alright, I'll see you there.

[ This is a lot for Ajax to take on and Nahida can't blame him for needing space. ]

Will do, there is another bit of information I'd like to relay but I'll be happy to share that with Yoimiya. Thank you for everything you've done, Tartaglia. Please get some much-needed rest.

[ And then, Yoimiya turns to Nahida. ]

Oh? There's something else you'd like to share.

[ Nahida nods. ]

Yes. According to the records, there was actually another person involved with Seraphina and Alnair but as for the extent, not even Irminsul could tell me. All I could gather was that this third party was not an ordinary person, her powers were more... otherwordly as if she was on a higher plane of existence. Unfortunately, there wasn't any information on her, Irminsul couldn't even tell me if she's still alive but I'd thought I share this so the two of you can remain vigilant. If this mysterious person is still around, she might spell trouble for you.

[ Sheesh, just when Yoimiya thought this situation couldn't get any worse, there might be another lady involved in all of this? They already have Seraphina hot on their tail, the last thing they need is another woman with potential god-like powers standing in their way. What a mess... but even through her sigh, she manages to crack a small smile of appreciation for Nahida. ]

I see. Thank you for everything, Nahida. Every bit of information helps.

---

[ Once Nahida has shared everything she's learned, Yoimiya quickly exits the Elder's hut to find Ajax. With any luck, their conversation has given him enough time to clear his head and let him breathe for a second. She strides her way to Aramiya's hut and sure enough, she spots him behind her counterpart's leafy dome, sitting underneath the stars the little Aranara admires so much. She inhales, exhaling a deep breathe as she slowly approaches him. ]

... Hey. How are you feeling?

[ She's worried about him but given the circumstances, she doesn't blame him if he simply needs to be alone for a little while longer. ]

Do you still need time to yourself?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Yoimiya will find Tartaglia staring up into the darkened sky, looking at the stars, almost as if he were lost in them as he thinks on everything they've learned. Once he hears her voice, he turns his head to greet her, but that look of wonder and confusion hasn't left his features. Taking a deep breath, he proceeds to let out a sigh, patting the ground next to him for her to join him in the grass, and looks back up at the stars.]

No, I think I'm alright now. The fresh air has done me some good.

[It hasn't answered his questions, though, and it shows.]

Once I had a little bit of time and an open space like this one, I could at least compartmentalize Alnair and Seraphina's relationship away from myself. But I still have so many other questions aside from that as well...

[He shakes his head, trying to keep himself from delving back into that endless pool of questions with no answers.]

Anyway, that's not important right now. Are you doing alright?

[niwabi]

[ At his call, she doesn't hesitate to take a spot next to him on the grass. She quickly joins him, lifting her gaze off the ground and onto the beautiful sky above them. The mood might be dreary, but she can appreciate the twinkling stars painting the sky like a shimmering canvas. There's something about it that puts her at ease, almost as if she's right at home.

But enough of that, she's more concerned about Ajax. Nahida's information was beyond shocking, and she couldn't fault him for needing to take some time for himself to clear his mind. She's not even sure what to make of it, though it might be more appropriate to say she's not sure if she wants to dwell on the ramifications of Ajax being a reincarnation of Alnair. If that's truly the case... what does this mean for their relationship?

Likewise, she shakes her head to clear her thoughts. There's no use trying to find answers to all these endless questions. ]

I hate to say this but I'm... not okay.

[ Between Dottore kidnapping Aralauka and Avin, to being barred from fighting Columbina to Ajax and Alnair's relationship, it's a miracle she hasn't completely broken down. But she knows she isn't the only one suffering, she can't even begin to imagine all the turmoil and conflicting feelings he's going through right now. ]

But as much as it pains me, I know there's no use crying over spilled milk. The only thing I really can do is work hard to try and fix our problems.

[monoceroscaeli]

[It's not an unexpected answer. The truth of the matter is that neither of them were probably okay, no matter how much Ajax tries to hide his own suffering. But Yoimiya is getting the short end of the stick on all of this, so he can't imagine what she has to go through. The fact that she hasn't broken down yet is a testament to how tough she really is.]

I wish I could make this easier on you.

[Childe's eyes fall from looking up at the stars to the grass. In a way, the only reason she has to go through this at all is because of him. He knows it's not his fault, and he knows that despite her very life being in danger, she's willing to risk it just to be with him. And then there's what happened to Aralauka and Avin on top of it all.]

...I'm sorry.

[It's barely above a whisper, an apology that he feels doesn't go deep enough to make up for all the terrible things that have happened to her just because of him. Tartaglia reaches for her hand, to take it gingerly into his own, cupping it protectively like it's a piece of stained glass, beautiful yet fragile.]

It's unfair that all of this is happening to you just because of what simply amounts to a very jealous ex-girlfriend.

[niwabi]

[ The faintest hint of a smile curves on her lips as he takes her hand. His hand is warm and strong, a reminder that no matter the circumstance, he'll always be there to weather the storm with her. Honestly, he could easily ditch her and live a life free of stress without her but the fact he's still willing to be with her even after ordeal after ordeal is a testament to his love. A loving sigh spills out of her lips as she leans against his shoulder. ]

It's not your fault, Ajax. The only person responsible for this mess is Seraphina.

[ Even if Seraphina felt like her love interest was cruelly snatched away, going on a killing spree is just plum crazy. If she wanted to win Ajax's affections, then she should have done it like a normal person. ]

I'm... still trying to wrap my mind around this reincarnation business but even so, none of it really matters to me. In my eyes, you're Ajax, the man who managed to capture the Queen of the Summer Festival's Heart. As far as I'm concerned, you were born in a different timeline and have nothing to do with whatever mumbo jumbo Seraphina and Alnair had going on.

[monoceroscaeli]

[The small comfort of Yoimiya leaning against him is really what he needs in this moment, sighing as his own head leans down to rest on top of hers as they both gaze at the stars together. At least, they're facing this together, as much as he wishes she didn't need to deal with any of the problems that have sprung up since she came to Snezhnaya.]

Thanks. I'm trying to see it from that angle too.

[Yoimiya's right. He doesn't have anything to do with an ancient relationship from thousands of years ago. That died with the destruction of whatever Columbina's race really is, and Alnair's death. It's not fair that she's putting this upon them, and he's determined to make it all stop. Even if he didn't want to fight to the death, he doesn't see a way where that's avoidable...and is more than prepared to take her on.]

When this is all over, the Queen of the Summer Festival is going to get an entire month of being pampered and waited on. I think you deserve it, don't you think?

[Turning his head, he plants a kiss to the top of her head before he lays his head back down on her, smiling as he looks upwards at stars he knows aren't real...yet wonders which one he might really be from.]

[niwabi]

[ It's sweet that he still wishes to go above and beyond for her even with all the doom and gloom. A girlish giggle spills out of her lips at the kiss to the top of her head, he's already doing in wonders in making her feel like a princess. ]

I won't say no to some extra spoiling. But if you asked me, I think you also deserve lots of love, attention, and pampering. So if I may be so bold as to say, I'd like to spoil you back once this is all over.

[ Ajax deserves the world and then some, it's the least she could do after everything he's done to comfort her. She cranes her head to place a small kiss to his chin before drifting her gaze back to the stars. Even before all this, she's always wondered about the possibilities that lies beyond the skies of Teyvat. Traveling across the galaxy sounds like an adventure beyond her wildest dreams, she wonders if Alnair felt a rush of excitement pumping through his veins as he sailed through the stars and the Milky Way.

If it didn't feel like such a pipe dream, she'd love to travel to other worlds with Ajax. ]

Before we get ahead of ourselves, there is one last thing Nahida told me after you left. Apparently, there was a mysterious third woman involved in Seraphina and Alnair. Irminsul couldn't give a name, or even if she's still alive but according to the records, this woman's powers were... comparable to a god, almost as if she didn't originate from this world either.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Even the simple act of a kiss to his chin is enough to give him some sense of normalcy in a world where he might begin to feel like an alien in. It helps him to keep his footing, to be himself and not dwell on the knowledge that his soul is older than the Archons themselves. But for now, he'll stay as Ajax, until they finally get to the bottom of all of this mess.

Yoimiya's got more information though. His ears perk up when she mentions it, listening intently as they relax against one another under the stars. The news is neither good nor bad, and he's not optimistic given that they don't know who this person is. So far, anything from the distant past has only given them trouble.]

I don't know if I like the sound of that...

[Tartaglia's eyes close as his mind goes through a reel of possibilities. Some of them good, others bad.]

That's the sort of thing that springs up on you when you least expect it. She could be dead, but then those who wield powers as strong as that aren't the kind that die off so easily. And you didn't say she was dead for certain, so I've reason to believe she still might be around.

[Seems like they can't catch a break. He lets out a heavy sigh through his nose, as another weight is put directly on them. This might go deeper than he originally thought.]

And you heard what Nahida said. Irmunsul can't record people who aren't from this world, so she has to be from here. And if her powers are from another world, they could originate from the Abyss. Not a whole lot comes from the Abyss that isn't extremely dangerous, so we'll have to keep up our guard.

[niwabi]

[ She doesn't blame him. She didn't like the sounds of it either when Nahida relayed the information to her but there was no way she could keep this a secret from Ajax. That sigh is a huge mood, the only thing that prevents her from feeling completely disheartened is the connection of their hands. Needing to soak in his warmth, she laces their fingers together, giving him a gentle squeeze in hopes her presence provides him with even the slightest bit of comfort. ]

Yeah, Nahida told me about the mysterious woman as a precaution. Since her whereabouts are completely unknown, there's honestly no telling if she's alive or dead. For all we know, she could be lurking around the corner waiting to strike.

[ Seraphina is crazy enough as is, Yoimiya can't imagine handling a second woman with an unknown connection to the source of their turmoil. Ideally, it'd be nice if she was an enemy of the crazy couple but she also can't deny the possibility she might be working with them. That thought alone terrifies her. ]

Geez, how many women did Alnair get involved with? We didn't ask to get involved in the love affair of some ancient people...

[monoceroscaeli]

[With their situation going from bad to seemingly worse, he's not sure if he can find any comfort in the moment. Their path forward is getting rockier by the second, and they really need to figure out how to rescue Aralauka and Avin first and foremost. The disadvantage of having their foe be one of his own comrades can't be understated, and it might take a miracle to pull it off.

Tartaglia's thoughts on that matter get cut off short though, with this last comment from Yoimiya. He blinks a few times, because it's so out of left field, yet completely relevant to ask that kind of question. He doesn't know if he should be offended or not by it, in a funny way of course- but maybe this is good springboard for some kind of lighter conversation. Not one to miss an opportunity, he takes it.]

Hey now, are you trying to suggest that I was any sort of floozy in my past life?

[The facetiousness couldn't be more apparent, his faux offended tone of voice overselling it.]

I would never go around acting like a womanizer, [he says, with a definitely, totally serious huff at the end.]

[niwabi]

Wha?

[ At first, Yoimiya is taken back by Ajax's retort because she really hadn't intended for it to come out like Alnair is the biggest playboy in all of Teyvat. She blinks in confusion before she finds the humor in the situation, erupting into a tiny fit of giggles. ]

Hey now, I wasn't suggesting that but it almost sounds like you're taking offense for him.

[ After everything they've been through, Yoimiya could use a laugh even if its at her boy's expense. ]

Now, I'm not saying either one of you are womanizers but with your good looks I'm sure you can pull any lady you want. And who knows? He might have used it to his advantage. You might not be a floozy but he could.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Compliments from Yoimiya are always welcome and make his chest buzz a little with love, but he manages to stay in character for this even if all he wants to do is nuzzle her and kiss her till she's red in the face.]

Hah! I refuse to believe that any version of me would be so dishonorable as to lead a woman on like that, [he responds, still defending Alnair's honor,] and I think you should make it up to me for showing such disrespect.

[At that, he sits up straight, folding his arms over his chest, looking all huffy while trying to turn his cuteness up a few more notches.]

[niwabi]

[ Get a load of this guy. Ajax is a whole breed of his own, she'll never stop being impressed at how quickly he switches from being handsome and cool to a baby brat. She rolls her eyes so hard she swears she can see the back of her skull. He sounds so ridiculous and yet, he looks so cute acting all huffy like a petulant child.

It's tempting to reward him for being cute but now that he's daring to challenge her, she refuses to back down. ]

Ha! Alnair ain't getting a shred of respect from me. I'm not gonna apologize to a guy who fancies crazy women.

[ NOW GRANTED, she has no room to talk considering Ajax likes her crazy self BUT STILL!! At least she isn't going around acting like she's two cards short of a full deck. And just for good measure, she crosses her arms and turns up her nose at him. ]

If Alnair takes issue with what I'm saying, he can fight me for himself. No need for you to defend that weirdo's honor.

[monoceroscaeli]

[It takes a little bit of willpower to keep himself from snorting. As if Yoimiya isn't a little crazy herself, he swears. But maybe to keep himself intact from her fury, he won't point that little fact out to her, so he continues to act petulant.]

Be careful what you wish for, [he warns,] if he's like me, surely his strength far surpasses that of even Vision holders. In fact, I'd like to fight him myself...

[It's only a shame he can't :( Maybe in his dreams.]

It's just unfair that you get to fight him before I do.