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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[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.

[ 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...

Edited (what is spelling) 2025-02-26 04:55 (UTC)

[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.]

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.

[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.]

[ 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.

[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.

[ Yeah, that tracks. Ajax will challenge anyone to a fight, even if it's himself. Honestly, if she wasn't so hellbent on teaching Alnair a lesson, she'd like to watch the two of them duke it out, no doubt it will be the fight of the century.

But as of now, she's determined to remain "in character" as a way to "fight" Ajax himself. She'll fight her boyfriend, she'll fight his past self, this little ball of rage will fight anyone at this point! ]

Oh, I'm sure the extent of his strength goes far beyond my wildest imagination but that just makes me want to take him on even more. I can't get stronger if I don't fight tough opponents.

[ Because yeah, she's still a little salty about not being allowed to fight Columbina. ]

Sometimes life is just unfair! I declared I get to be the one who fights him first so, therefore, he's mine.

[ and just to be a brat, she sticks her tongue out and blows an obnoxious raspberry right at his face. ]

Edited 2025-02-27 18:05 (UTC)

fixed it for you

[Well, that's a good life philosophy to have, if you want to get stronger. He can't blame her for wanting to take on stronger opponents in her journey to better her fighting skills, but someone might have to step in and save her if Alnair is capable of taking on the Heavenly Principles...he'll let someone else take care of that, since he probably won't be conscious for it. (´∀｀；)

Ajax's eyebrow raises at that little raspberry! He can't let her out-brat him, so there's clearly only one way to decide this squabble.]

You can't just lay claim to a battle like that. Why don't we settle this, fair and square?

[His hands come out in front of him, ready to play the ultimate deciding game- rock paper scissors. The game to end all squabbles for a fight that will never happen for Tartaglia to begin with.]

That is, if you're not scared to lose to me.

[ If a brat off is what he wants, a brat off is what he'll get. Yoimiya looks at him with the smuggest grin imaginable, excited to see how he's going to challenge her. She's getting ready for him to whip out his hydro blades until he stuns her with the most unexpected challenge yet.

Rock paper scissors.

He's dueling her with rock paper scissors..........

It's certainly the fight to end all fights and Yoimiya is laughing her head off. ]

Okay, bring it on. Even after chewing out those Fatui guys, I'm still raring for a fight and you will be the perfect opponent to test my might on.

[ Might, she says. This tiny blonde is so full of might. Regardless, she brings her hands to him, positioning them for their long awaited duel. ]

Ready to rumble, Mr. Harbinger?

[Shifting his body to face her properly, he's ready for the fight of the century as both their hands rest in their palms, ready to duke it out. The look on his face is sly and mischievous, like he's absolutely up to no good.]

I've been ready. On three.

[Determination in his eyes, he begins the game, expecting Yoimiya to follow suit.]

Rock, paper, scissors!

[In his hand lays paper, thinking that Yoimiya would throw rock at him first.]

[ Never before has a game of rock paper scissors been this serious and Yoimiya is bound and determined to crush him where he sits. There's no way she can let him get away with that sly look, it's about time she teaches big scary Fatooey man a lesson. ]

Rock, paper, scissors!

[ Yoimiya rationalizes he'll throw scissors at her first and she almost goes with rock. But then it dawns on her that Tartaglia is more cunning than people give him credit for. Scissors seems like the obvious pick, so he might go with rock instead just to throw her off her game.

So with that! She also chooses paper and oops, looks like they had the same thought. ]

Grrr... looks like the first round is a tie. Count your lucky stars because I almost chose scissors.

[Looks like he wasn't entirely correct about how Yoimiya would end up choosing her weapon. He'll have to try to fool her into throwing what he wants, but how to do that is the question. He hums as he thinks, his eyes twinkling at the excitement of this battle, even if it's not a physical one.]

Blame everything on luck and you'll find yourself defeated before you can even say the word again, haha.

[He grins at her, readying his fist in his hand once again for another round.]

So what will you throw this time? You won't get anywhere with that strategy...so I hope this isn't all you've got.

[His eyes lid as he taunts her, his expression a monument of confidence and smugness. He sits ready, already decided on what he'll throw next.]

[ Ooooh, this guy. She puffs out her cheeks at him, clearly ruffled by his taunt. He might be her boyfriend but boy, does she want to be victorious in this silly game. She can see that glimmer in his eyes, he's clearly taunting her and is excited for this petty battle. Maybe she's still a little heated from their exchange with Dottore and their conversation with Nahida but by gosh, she's determined to prove she's more than capable of stepping up to the plate.

Yoimiya stares him down with fire burning behind her golden eyes. She can't let him get away with acting all smug!!! ]

Oh? Big words coming from a guy who just tied with me. Keep talking like that and you're gonna regret challenging me.

[ She falls silent to contemplate her next move. A few ideas pop into her head and after a minute of deliberation, she holds out her hands to begin their next round. ]

Rock, paper, scissors!

[ This time, she goes with scissors. ]

[As expected, her competitive side is now in charge, all charged up to give him what for and do her best to beat him. But this is what he wanted, he wanted her to get riled up. People make mistakes when they're heated, and taunting her never fails to achieve this. Whether or not his guess on what she might throw is right or not is a completely separate matter though, but the one thing he doesn't expect her to throw when she's even a little angry is paper.

So he hits his open palm three times in a row right with her, chanting the name of the game out loud simultaneously as he throws...rock.]

Oh ho ho, seems this game has come to an end.

[He looks at her, triumphant, as he lightly touches the top of her scissors hand with his rock hand.]

The first battle against Alnair will be mine. You can take a shot at him after I'm through with him.

[ There's a small part of Yoimiya that thinks she might have gotten him, she said she was hoping to throw him by announcing she'll go with scissors first. But...as soon as she saw him throwing out his hand balled into a fist, she knew it was yoiver™.

And oof, she's not a happy camper at his declaration. She huffs and puffs at him even harder, swapping her firey gaze between his dumb rock hand and that silly triumphant smirk on his face. ]

HUUUUUH? Who said anything about this determining who gets to fight Alnair?!

[ Letting her take a shot at him when he's done with him... ooooh, she isn't about to take that.

As he bumps her hand with his rock fist, she sends a nasty glare at him and opens her scissor-like fingers onto his fist in an attempt to "cut the rock". Yeah, it makes about as much sense as you would think, because this is Yoimiya and this is how she rolls. ]

Mark my words, I'm not sitting out of any fight with Alnair. I don't care who tries to stop me, I'm joining whether you like it or not.

[Oh, her reaction is priceless. That's the puffy cheek Yoimiya he loves to see, it's too funny and now she's really ready to fight him. That fight taking the form of her trying to cut his fist with her fingers in a mock scissors, which is adorable all on its own. Yoimiya could be any range of emotions and he'd find her pretty and endearing, even when she's being a brat.]

First of all, don't try to change the rewards for our battle just now- the whole reason we did it was for the chance to claim who gets to fight him. Second, you're pretty cute when you're all fired up like this, haha.

[Not knowing if that comment would either make her more angry or if she'd take the compliment, or both. Ajax just continues to watch her scissor his fist (get your mind out of the gutter Hana) with amusement.]

[ This guy really wants to pick a fight with her, doesn't he?

For such a tiny body, there's been so much rage boiling within her and Ajax isn't helping as he continues to taunt and even call her cute when she's angry. She's already a little ticked about not being allowed to join in on the Columbina fight and this certainly isn't helping. ]

Cute, huh...?

[ Clearly, scissoring him isn't working, so instead, she balls her hand into a fist and proceeds to fist him................ i mean fist his rock-hand. (get YOUR mind out of the gutter Bean) ]

Keep this up and I'll show you how "cute" I really am. Go on. I dare you.

Edited 2025-03-03 03:04 (UTC)

Sounds to me like you're ready and raring for a fight.

[Which he is never opposed to. It doesn't hurt as she punches his fist, but it would be way more exciting if they made this more official and duked it out with each other so that fist could be flying at his face instead. Even now, his blood is already pumping to get straight into it, but the only thing that gives him pause is from the last time this happened.

Last time, whispers of a crazed woman convinced him to kill Yoimiya, and she almost died at his hands. It's a sobering thought, and it keeps him from pushing her further for the moment.]

You should save all that energy for our sword training. I'm still interested in that, and you'd fare better against me when you've got more than just a bow in your arsenal. I like the idea of you holding a blade to my neck.

[It would be hot okay!!! Don't blame him for it!!!]

If you asked me, a wrestling match before sword training sounds like a great way to warm up.

[ Yoimiya pls. This is a sure fire sign she itching and raring to go. But even if she's ready to duke it out, it might not be the best idea after what happens back in Snezhnaya.

So she'll try to settle down and unruffle her feathers... for now. ]

But I suppose it won't hurt to expand my arsenal. I'm down even if I'm questioning your intentions right now. You have some weird kinks.

[ you're a freaky fuck, ajax. ]

[you like it yoi!!!!]

H-Hey, it's not weird. Besides, I'm allowed to think of you in desirable ways, aren't I? Being in a position like that only means you bested me in a fight, [he says with a bit of embarrassment rising in his cheeks,] and how couldn't I find that attractive?

[PERFECT LOGIC. Kick his ass and make him propose, flawless plan.]

You're making me all flushed, now.

[He says as he huffs a little bit and turns his head away...lol]

[ Gods, he's not beating the allegations with that flushed face of his. Of course, women who can kick his ass would be attractive in his eyes. Just like that, Yoimiya's annoyance dissipates and now, she's laughing at her weird boyfriend and his freaky kinks. ]

Right, right. Sounds to me like you enjoy getting your butt kicked. Hehe, I didn't peg ya to be the submissive type.

[ She's never going to let him hear the end of this, that's for sure. With a grin from ear to ear, she stands up and heads to the closest silapna to begin their training. Last thing she wants is for an Aranara to get caught in the crossfires. ]

Hold a sword to your neck? Got it! I'll remember that next time we get in the mood.

[ Get your butt ready for some freaky sex, boy. ]

Edited 2025-03-03 22:35 (UTC)

[A little late night training sounds like just the thing to help with getting their minds off of the weight of a loss on their shoulders. Childe picks himself up off of the ground, trotting after his sassy girlfriend, still blushing but yet looking forward to any more escapades they may have in the future. It's been a bit since the last time he properly made her feel nice...and since she's willing to indulge in his silly fantasies...]

Hey now, it's not that I like getting my butt kicked, [he retorts in defense, joining her at her side as they walk down to the silapna,] I just like learning from my experiences. It just so happens that a strong woman like yourself is something that really turns me on, so you know...

[He lets his voice trail off for a moment, like he's thinking about what he's about to say.]

...you, on top of me, holding a blade at me after beating me in a fight...

[he's so ready for freaky sex loool]

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i'm gonna immortalize these tags forever

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