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]

[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.]

[niwabi]

[ 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. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[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.

[niwabi]

[ 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.

[monoceroscaeli]

[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.]

[niwabi]

[ 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.

[monoceroscaeli]

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!!!]

[niwabi]

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. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[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]

[niwabi]

[ 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. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[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]

[niwabi]

[ Ajax..... you aren't beating the freak allegations you weirdo. But at the end of the day, he's her weirdo and she wouldn't change him for the world. Besides, it's not like she isn't a little bit of a freak herself, especially not when she's really liking his proposal, and they could stand to indulge themselves after everything. ]

Hehe, who would have thought that virgin guy I met back in Inazuma would be such a freak? Buuuuut never fear, Yoimiya is here and always happy to please.

[ WINKS

as they approach the device, yoimiya pulls out her harp, playing the tune to let them in. ]

So if that's what you truly want, we can totally give it a shot one day.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Immediately checking that on great kinky sex they can have! He swears he hit the jackpot with Yoimiya, and he's going to make sure they indulge in every little dirty fantasy she has too. It's only fair, right? Tartaglia is ready for a whole new world to explore with her. Hot, interesting, and a freak...never in his little virgin heart could he of expected to land the woman of his dreams.

So he's got some pep in his step as she opens the portal once more, looking around to make sure that none of the Aranara are watching them go inside again. He figures it would scare them considering what happened before, but it should be alright as long as he doesn't transform himself.]

I'd love to, and if you have any requests yourself...

[He lets his voice trail off, giving her one of those looks that says that he's all about having a great time fucking her in any way she wants.]

But for now, let's get a little exercise before bed, shall we? Think you can pull that sword out again?

[niwabi]

[ Oh, she sees that look you're giving her, mister!!! That's the face of a man who wants to get his mind blown next time they have sex and she's absolutely here for it. She returns the look with an all-knowing grin, even throwing in a wink as a promise. Maybe once she's in a better mood, she'll come up with some crazy ideas to show Ajax that she can be just as much of a freak like him.

But as nice as a good 'ol fuck sounds, they need to focus on the task at hand! And that's summoning the strange sword from earlier. ]

Let's see...

[ Yoimiya takes a deep breath to focus on the powers within her. Admittedly, she's not quite sure how it manifested in her hands to begin with but she's bound and determined to try.

And soon enough, the sword with a galactic-looking blade emerges from the ether and right into the palm of her hands. The appearance still catches her off guard and yet, she finds the sword's intricacies to be quite beautiful. She's never seen anything like this and still can't wrap her mind around summoning this from practically out of nowhere. ]

Oh! There we go. I gotta say, that was easier than earlier.

[monoceroscaeli]

[As the world that holds the Aranara fades away inside of the portal, he stands ready to see the wonder that is the sword Yoimiya summoned. He's still got so many questions about it, especially since there's no doubt in his mind that this is some sort of weapon that originated from the Abyss. But it shouldn't be possible for Yoimiya to wield it, right? And there was the fact that it was so familiar in his hand when he held it before...]

Did you even use your Vision this time to summon it?

[The answer to this might help to solidify some of his guesses. He doesn't need a Vision for the Foul Legacy Transformation, and if he's right about this sword, it shouldn't need a Vision either.]

[niwabi]

[ That's a good question, one that Yoimiya has to ponder on since she was so focused on summoning the sword. Looking back on what happened, she's fairly certain she didn't tap into her vision, all she thought about was bringing this sword out for Ajax.

Which is kind of a weird thought in itself. If she's the one who can manifest this weapon, then it only makes sense that she should be the one to wield it. And yet, she can't stop thinking about how this sword will benefit Ajax. ]

No, I definitely didn't. It's... kind of hard to put this feeling into words, but all I did was think about how much I wanted to bring out this weapon to help us out.

[ She gives the sword one last glance over before wrapping her tiny hands around the hilt. This is her first serious contact with a close-range weapon and it's admittedly a little intimidating. Nevertheless, she's determined to get stronger, she needs to get strong if she wants to join in on fights. Burning with desire, she grips the hilt and begins slicing the air. It's not a clean cut at all, and it's clear she still needs lots of work on her technique. ]

It's weird. Even as I swing this around, this sound just feels... strange in my hands.

[monoceroscaeli]

[He'd laugh at the inexperienced swings she's doing with the sword if this moment didn't feel so serious. It definitely goes beyond the norm that she's able to summon it without using any kind of power...or is she? That's not a normal weapon, he could tell when he held it.]

Given that I believe that sword may of come from somewhere else other than Teyvat itself, perhaps the reason it feels strange is because it may not belong to you?

[Either that or a million other possibilities. The sword itself doesn't give them any clues as to who it might belong to, only where it might of come from.]

Your lack of familiarity with the Abyss is telling- there's no way a person unaffected by the Abyss, or being otherworldly otherwise, would be able to have a weapon like that. But, despite this, you're its current owner. Learning to use it might alleviate the distant feeling you have with it, and maybe you'll learn something new.

[niwabi]

[ Taking his words into consideration, she stops her swings to peer over at the sword in deep thought. If there's anyone who knows about the Abyss and weapons, it's Ajax and now that's been said out loud, there might be some merit of truth to the matter. There's no other way about it, the sword just feels uncomfortable in her hands as if she truly isn't the rightful owner of it. So maybe he's right, perhaps this sword doesn't belong to her.

And yet... why does she have the power to summon it? Doesn't make a lick of sense. All these unanswered questions pile up one right after the other and it's starting to make her head hurt. ]

Yeah, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to learn how to use this thing. Maybe I'll get more comfortable with it if I keep trying.

[ And try she does! She really could stand to blow off some steam after today so thus, she goes right back to cutting the air without a care in the world. ]

Besides, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to gain proficiency with other weapons. Especially after a certain man and an Archon ganged up on me and told me I shouldn't fight Columbina.

[monoceroscaeli]

[It's been nagging him since they left the elder's hut that Yoimiya might be annoyed about something past all the already horrible things that've happened. And honestly, he wouldn't blame her. They both had a terrible day, received less than favorable news, so there isn't much to be happy about. And when she voices it, along with how she isn't exactly showing the sword the most respect in the world, he instantly sees what the cherry on top of it all was for her.

But still, he's going to be firm in his opinion on this.]

Yoimiya...look. I know that it would be satisfying to enact revenge on her for the unforgivable things she's done to both you and I. I too, want to make her suffer for the things she's done.

[He watches her swing the sword over and over, sighing.]

And you can choose to ignore my warnings all you want, but are you really going to stand there and be angry when the God of Wisdom herself tells you that it's a bad idea?

[niwabi]

[ There's a part of Yoimiya that knows she's being a little too hotheaded about this, and that she's allowing this horrible day to get the better of her. But even so, she's not about to back down from her stance either.

Not when all she wants to do is help. ]

Did you really have to drag the God of Wisdom into our conversation? I want to fight alongside you so bad, there's no way I can sit around on my thumbs knowing that my boyfriend is out there fighting a woman whose power rivals the Archons. It felt pretty humiliating that even after I poured my heart out to you, you had to turn around and pull her into our spat.

[ Frustrated, Yoimiya gives up sword training. If she continues swinging it around like a madwoman, she's likely to send this sword flying and get hurt in the process. She lets out an irritated sigh and proceeds to stab the blade into the ground. ]

I'm not some damsel in distress in need of constant protection, Ajax. I want to help and get my own revenge for everything she's done to us. But right now, it feels like you don't believe in me.

[monoceroscaeli]

[He sighs, throwing his hand back behind his head to scratch it. She's not wrong about dragging Nahida into it, he really can't deny that. He watches the blade sink into the soft ground, looking at it, then back to her. He's not sure how to respond at first, because he understands where she's coming from. But at the same time, he feels that she's not recognizing the damage that Seraphina's already done in the terms of what would happen with a direct confrontation.

Like how she's almost died several times and Seraphina's never actually been physically present for any of it. What would happen when she is?]

That's not it, [he begins,] and it's not a matter of believing in you or not. Believing in someone doesn't win battles, Yoimiya. Trust me.

[Frowning, he walks over to the sword to pull it up out of the ground, balancing it in his hands. It feels like it's connected to him, as if the instant he touched it, it simply became an extension of himself. Swinging it a few times, he tests it for fun, before returning his attention back to Yoimiya.]

...I'm sorry that I dragged Lesser Lord Kusanali into it, and I didn't mean to humiliate you. I didn't think you'd listen to me, so I wanted a respected second opinion on it so you didn't just think I was trying to just be the hero here, trying to protect you like you're helpless or something.

[And he might of given in too, if Nahida wasn't there. He flips the blade, holding it out to her now, pommel first so she can take it.]

But our Dendro Archon is correct. Columbina, as she's shown, wields power comparable to the gods. How exactly, do you expect a showdown between the two of us to go? If you want me to believe in you, I have one question for you first: do you believe you have the power to rival a god?

[niwabi]

[ As much as she wants to argue with him, the truth of the matter is that no, she isn't strong enough to take on a being with god-like powers. At the end of the day, she's just a country girl who owns a firework shop. She's not the Traveler, she's not a Harbinger, and she's certainly not an Archon. Sometimes, she wonders why someone as plain as her was even blessed with a vision to begin with.

There's a pause on her end, a brief moment where she looks a little disheartened at her own abilities. But like the sun itself, Yoimiya is quick to bounce back. ]

No. I know when you get right down to it, I'm just an ordinary girl. Do you really think I'm the kind of person that's gonna let something like that stop me? I defied my own Archon to stand up for my country. It's not in my nature to throw in the towel when the going gets tough and I'm not about to watch my beloved go off and fight someone with otherworldly powers on his own.

[ His apology does shimmer her anger down. The heart of the matter was that she felt humiliated and wronged that Ajax dragged in another party into their disagreement without consideration for her feelings. ]

As much as I respect Nahida, I've stood up against my own Archon and I'll do it again if it means helping out someone I care about. So no, I'm not backing down from my stance.

[ Sorry Nahida ;;; she'll apologize when she's feeling a little less heated.

Regardless, she takes the sword with a small sigh. ]

I'd ask you if you believe you have the power to take on an otherworldly being but I think I already know the answer to that. I know you relish in the thrill of the battle above all else and I'm not going to stop you from but Ajax, how do you think I feel about all this? You said it yourself, she can take control over us, so do you not think I'll be just as worried?

[monoceroscaeli]

[As much as he still believes she shouldn't be going anywhere near Columbina, her defiance still makes him smile. That's his Yoimiya, scared of absolutely nothing, fiery down to the core. He can see why she was granted a Pyro Vision, it pretty much is a symbol of who she is as a person.]

I know you will be. If I had more time to prepare for this showdown, I'd take it, believe me. There's still bounds and leaps I could make before taking on someone of her strength. But she's not going to give us that time. Please understand that I don't have much of a choice if we want to keep you alive, and keep myself from becoming her mindless, love-stricken slave.

[He's glad that she's taken the sword, it means that she's calming down a little.]

So if you insist on fighting alongside me, you're going to have to pick a way to do it. You can fight her the same way you took on your own Archon- behind the scenes and as support, or you can fight her head on with me, but only under one condition.

[He sets his arms akimbo, looking more serious than a heart attack.]

You have to defeat me in battle, in a no holds barred, drag out match between us.

[niwabi]

[ Honestly, Yoimiya wants to argue that he's also not taking the risks into consideration by jumping headfirst into battle. She gets that they aren't given much time, but she's scared that he'll be easy picks for Seraphina to mind control while he's fighting her on his own.

But that's a concern for another day, especially when he issues his challenge to her. ]

Isn't it obvious what my choice will be?

[ There's not an ounce of hesitation in her eyes as she holds up her sword, pointing it at his face. ]

I want to fight her head-on with you. This ain't gonna be a one-and-done deal like that rock, paper, scissors game. I'm going to keep challenging you until I can prove my worth. I'm not letting you slide until you see exactly what I'm capable of. Archons, Harbingers, Descenders, past lives, whoever, I'm not letting a single one of you dictate what I can and can't do.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Tartaglia looks down the blade of her sword, not surprised in the least that she'd rather fight him for the chance to participate in the final battle rather than stay on the sidelines. Just the mere action of her threatening her sword against him gets his blood pumping a little bit, loving the idea of a fight, even now.

He lets one of his hands fall to his side, a dangerous smirk unfolding on his features as she makes her declaration.]

Then so be it. Consider this as your first lesson in dealing with the might of a Harbinger.

[In a flash, Tartaglia's blade appears out of no where as he swings it directly at the blade of her own with the intent of disarming her, not holding back any speed in doing so.

If successful, the tip of his blade will level with her face, and if unsuccessful, his sword is held ready for another strike, with bloodlust in his eyes for the battle he's always craving every second of the day.]