[ This is getting so much more complicated. How can he be sure this child he met in the abyss isn't just a spy sent to use his connection to him to destroy Inazuma? Should he kill him? He definitely looks like he's thinking it over ]
I had run-ins with Harbingers before. They weren't pleasant, and they stole something from me.
[ childe doesn't seem the least bit concerned. ] I might have been the 11th Harbinger, but that doesn't mean I was the weakest. Her roster isn't even full anymore. [ he snorts. ] If you were going to kill me you would have done so already. What's the point of doing so behind closed doors? [ he leans in real close. ] I'm dead serious. I didn't come here because I'm on vacation, Shogun, I came here because the nation I thought would protect me and my family betrayed me. My loyalties no longer lay in the nation of ice and snow.
[ oh, no. HE'S HOT. He is thoroughly distracted as he leans close, but tries to keep his focus on.
This is incredibly dangerous, but without his Gnosis he has no hope of protecting Inazuma long-term. What does he have to lose by trusting him? What does it matter if this person gets killed in the process? He shouldn't care ]
... Very well.
They took my Gnosis. It's not exactly the source of my power, but it amplifies it significantly.
Get the Electro Gnosis back, and I'll take care of your family.
[ he sits back, slowly. ] I know what a gnosis does. [ he gets to his feet. ] You better take care of them. If I come back and they’re not safe I’ll use your own gnosis to kill you… and that is a promise. [ he turns to leave. ]
I’ll be back.
[ and so he leaves to go back to snezhnaya. he’s gone for about a month, with the trip taking up most of that time, but eventually he comes back, the guards having remembered him, so they escort him to the palace. ] Did you miss me, Yuuri?
[ Things have gotten even more tense in just that month, so if he had to be honest, he was starting to believe Ajax wouldn't make it this time. But here he is, coming back to him once more.
Surprisingly, he finds himself thinking "yes" at that question ]
You're just as resilient as a cockroach. How intriguing.
...comparing me to cockroach? Really? Might want to work on complimenting a guy. [ he tsks as he walks over to him, slapping at that hand to instead walk behind him and wrap his arms around him. ] You ought to shower me with praise, Yuuri.
[ childe flashes him with a sharp smile. ] Feeling the pressure, Shogun? [ he pokes his cheek. ] Bet you were getting real nervous... thinking I wasn't going to come back. Just like last time. You really have no faith in me, huh? I'm hurt. [ he gives him a shove forward, chuckling. ] Well, what's the reward you were thinking about giving me. I'm ~curious. I want to know if all that trouble was worth it. And I'd like to see my family.
For a cheeky brat you really are getting too comfortable with me. I'm not just anybody, I'm a god. Show some respect already.
[ but here he is, letting himself get shoved, turning around to look at him ]
You came here with no money and no title. You will be duly compensated and if you wish to, I will even let you work under me. Your family has been living here, and I let some servants take care of them during their stay — but I have no intention of that being a permanent solution.
And if I want it to be a permanent solution? [ he produces the gnosis, but he makes sure to put some space in between them so yuuri can't just grab it from him. ] I even took out one of her Majesty's harbingers - La Signora.
[ he looks surprised at the question, and then he just glances away. It's not like he can refuse him - not when he got him the Gnosis back, and even managed to deal a significant blow to another Archon.
But ]
... I haven't let anyone set foot in here since my mother died.
I made an exception for you and to take care of your family.
... [ well now he kind of feels like an asshole. his expression changes and he goes quiet for a few minutes. ] Why not? Do you really intend to do this all by yourself? Even the Tsaritsa has the Jester.
[ he looks at the gnosis and then he takes a knee, offering it to him. ] I can be *your* sword.
[ He makes it so tempting to accept. He desperately needs powerful allies and Ajax has proven to be just that. Twice now he's proven to be the kind of person who keeps his word — he won't die, would he? ]
...
I can't govern properly if I get attached to people. And the people need a strong leader in these times. I don't need food, and I don't need rest, so there's no need for me to keep servants for myself here. This place should be dark and dead and silent.
[ and yet here he is, taking a step toward Ajax and reaching for that Gnosis ]
...heh, well I'm afraid I do need those kinds of things. And why does it need to be those things? It could stand to be a bit more lively. You can be strong without having to seal yourself in a literal prison.
I don't mind if you call me Ajax in private. [ he takes his hand and gets back on his feet. ] But call me Tartaglia while we're out and about. Let the world of Teyvat know that you managed to take one of her Majesty's harbingers. And let it be a lesson to her. I'm going to kill each and every one of the others... and eventually she'll have nothing and no one.
And my family doesn't need to stay inside the palace walls. I just want them accommodated and taken care of. I'd also like to be able to visit them sometimes, but I doubt that'll be a problem when I'm so close to them. I should probably go tell them I'm back at some point today too.
[ ??? ] You don't...? Are the servants just here for show then?
I'd appreciate that. [ he snorts. ] Going to keep me here as your pet? [ he gets up in his face again. ] Going to make me grovel? Do you want me on my hands and knees your highness?
They're here just for your family. But if you'll take care of them, then I won't have any use for them.
[ he'd like to look smug, say something smart in response - but Ajax is giving him critical hit after critical hit. Would he like to keep him as his pet? ... yes. Would he like to see him on his hands and knees? Also yes. And his face goes red as soon as he calls him YOUR HIGHNESS ]
No. We'll need the servants. I'm going to be busy as your right hand man. I can't really imagine I'll be just standing around here doing nothing with all the shit that's going on out there.
[ ...weakness detected. his smirk broadens. ]
What's the blush for then, Yuuri? Sure seems like you're really interested in those kinds of things? Would you step on me while I'm on my knees? Bet you'd like that. You'd probably do all sorts of things to be. Been so lonely... haven't touched a human in who knows how long. Have you even explored your own body?
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I had run-ins with Harbingers before. They weren't pleasant, and they stole something from me.
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This is incredibly dangerous, but without his Gnosis he has no hope of protecting Inazuma long-term. What does he have to lose by trusting him? What does it matter if this person gets killed in the process? He shouldn't care ]
... Very well.
They took my Gnosis. It's not exactly the source of my power, but it amplifies it significantly.
Get the Electro Gnosis back, and I'll take care of your family.
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I’ll be back.
[ and so he leaves to go back to snezhnaya. he’s gone for about a month, with the trip taking up most of that time, but eventually he comes back, the guards having remembered him, so they escort him to the palace. ] Did you miss me, Yuuri?
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Surprisingly, he finds himself thinking "yes" at that question ]
You're just as resilient as a cockroach. How intriguing.
... Come here.
[ he holds his hand out to him ]
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He didn't expect him to just do that, he expected him to be charmed and offer him his hand as he requested. He looks flustered, glancing back at him ]
I never said I wasn't going to reward you. You really are a brat.
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[ but here he is, letting himself get shoved, turning around to look at him ]
You came here with no money and no title. You will be duly compensated and if you wish to, I will even let you work under me. Your family has been living here, and I let some servants take care of them during their stay — but I have no intention of that being a permanent solution.
You should find a place for yourselves.
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But ]
... I haven't let anyone set foot in here since my mother died.
I made an exception for you and to take care of your family.
But I can't let it be forever.
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[ he looks at the gnosis and then he takes a knee, offering it to him. ] I can be *your* sword.
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...
I can't govern properly if I get attached to people. And the people need a strong leader in these times. I don't need food, and I don't need rest, so there's no need for me to keep servants for myself here. This place should be dark and dead and silent.
[ and yet here he is, taking a step toward Ajax and reaching for that Gnosis ]
You want to work for me.
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Yes.
I can be your sword and shield. Your knight.
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[ he takes the Gnosis from him, letting it disappear into his own body, and then reaching for Ajax's hand again ]
Let this be your reward then. From now on, you fight for Berith, the Electro Archon. ... Ajax.
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Maybe soon enough we'll get that whale you were hunting back then too.
[ he holds his hand, and doesn't seem to want to let go ]
I'll let you stay in the palace. But you're responsible for keeping them functioning.
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And my family doesn't need to stay inside the palace walls. I just want them accommodated and taken care of. I'd also like to be able to visit them sometimes, but I doubt that'll be a problem when I'm so close to them. I should probably go tell them I'm back at some point today too.
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But if that's the case ... I'll make arrangements to get a place for them. But you — you'll stay in this prison with me.
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I'd appreciate that. [ he snorts. ] Going to keep me here as your pet? [ he gets up in his face again. ] Going to make me grovel? Do you want me on my hands and knees your highness?
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[ he'd like to look smug, say something smart in response - but Ajax is giving him critical hit after critical hit. Would he like to keep him as his pet? ... yes. Would he like to see him on his hands and knees? Also yes. And his face goes red as soon as he calls him YOUR HIGHNESS ]
—Quit playing around, this is a serious matter.
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[ ...weakness detected. his smirk broadens. ]
What's the blush for then, Yuuri? Sure seems like you're really interested in those kinds of things? Would you step on me while I'm on my knees? Bet you'd like that. You'd probably do all sorts of things to be. Been so lonely... haven't touched a human in who knows how long. Have you even explored your own body?
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—It's - it's not like I have those sort of needs. My body doesn't require release.
It's fine even if I don't do anything like that.
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