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[ A TINY VICTORY HAS BEEN ACQUIRED. (*•̀ᴗ•́*)و ̑̑ Using her adorable looks has paid off, giggling to herself like a mischievous child who just got out of a punishment. He shouldn't have told her she was his weakness.

All jokes aside, she genuinely strives to work hard in order to master their bond weapon. Knowing full well that fighting is his ultimate passion, the last thing Yoimiya wants is to let Tartaglia down. His capabilities are out of this world, her skills not even holding a candle to his but even still, she wants to be a girlfriend he's proud to have around, someone he can fight alongside when the going gets tough. ]

Yes! I believe it comes out like... this?

[ As they say, you never know till you try. She's still unsure how this whole thing works but she has no plans on backing down. Gently, she places her hand on his chest, concentrating her efforts on drawing out the weapon. The same glittering gold glow emits from underneath her hand. Slowly, the tip of the ornate weapon materializes, a hilt of a sword becoming more evident as she pulls out the weapon bit by bit. ]

Ah! Looks like it is a sword, a hilt is pulling out. [ but there is something she's more concerned about than the weapon. ] Are you okay? Is this hurting you in any way?

[ maybe it's just her but pulling a sword from someone's chest doesn't sound like a pleasant experience. ]

[Listen to her, she's not even hiding that she's managed to weasel her way out of getting scolded more by him, giggling like that. He sighs, hoping she really will take this as serious as he wants her to, but deep down he knows she will. Yoimiya's got that fiery ambition deep down in her that when she sets her mind to something, she'll see it through. Yeah, maybe her ambitions themselves don't involve constantly striving like he does to get stronger, but she certainly has the capability of it. And in a world like this, it would behoove her to adopt that mindset- maybe this is a good start.

He doesn't mind getting people to see the fun side of fighting.]

Yes, just like...

[He looks down to see her begin to summon the weapon that's buried within his core, the glow of power that shines a bright gold forming around the palm of her hand from his chest slowly revealing the hilt of a sword that's grey, an abyss-like gem covering the butt of the hilt. But he doesn't get a better view than this, as his vision becomes hazy all of a sudden as she pulls it out farther and farther, his head lightly swaying back and forth as that power manifests into something more solid rising out of his chest.]

...that...

[His voice seems distant, like he's being put back in that same trance as when the power seeped into him. Tartaglia's eyes lose their focus once again, looking out of it as she continues her pull on the weapon. He manages to shake his head, that no, it doesn't hurt. But he's not all there either, unused to the sensation of the warmth being pulled out of him that had settled there.]

Keep...going, Yoimiya.

[ The nod of his head somewhat puts her at ease, a huge relief to see that he's not in any sort of pain. Still, she naturally can't help but worry about his wellbeing, neither one of them is used to this foreign magic, and noticing that same, glossy unfocused expression in her beloved's eyes is a little concerning. Nevertheless, Yoimiya does her best to press on, she can't let Tartaglia down, especially not after promising to work hard.

It's strange, despite worries swirling around inside of her heart, a powerful sense of warmth floods through her entire being as her hand grips around the hilt of the blade. That same spellbinding sensation from earlier returns, connecting her soul with his in a special moment that makes them feel like their destines are forever intertwined with one another. As she draws more of the blade out, Yoimiya takes note of the mysterious gemstone embedded into the end of the hilt. The gray colorless gleam is unlike anything she's ever seen, its appearance bizarrely beautiful but also unsettling for reasons she can't put her finger on. Shaking off those indescribable feelings, she's focused on the goal at hand, her efforts coming to fruition with half of the sword pulled out. Try as she might, the same unsettling feeling comes back in full force as the blade reveals itself, the design catching her off guard.

Unfortunately, that same curiosity is also her undoing. In that short span of studying the sword's blade, she loses her focus, causing the weapon to slide out of her grasp and right back into his chest. ]

Sorry... I don't know what happened. One moment I had it in my hand and then the next, it just slipped out.

[ Her downcast towards the ground, feeling a bit bad for already messing up on the first attempt. ]

[He can feel himself get more and more lightheaded as the blade slides out of his chest, but the visceral feeling of a piece of him being drawn out of him still consumes his being. It's as if all of his confidence and trust in her is manifesting into one spot, and Tartaglia chooses to concentrate on feeding it more rather than to drift off into some sort of comatose state. But in the same moment, suddenly the sensation of himself being pulled outward stops, and he regains the soothing warmth that their bond creates back into his body. After a second, his eyes readjust and he looks down at Yoimiya in confusion, not really understanding what just happened.

It seems as if she'd failed in taking the weapon out.]

It's okay, why don't you try it again? It's a brand new technique, and I find it a little unreasonable to expect you to get it right the first time.

[Unaware that she'd lost her focus because of what the weapon was, he guides her hand to his chest again.]

Go ahead. I'm still alright to give it some more shots. It only puts me in a trance-like state while you're doing it, but I should be fine momentarily after you remove it.

[ Armed with confirmation that the process doesn't hurt him, Yoimiya's worries are laid to rest, feeling better about giving this another go. Maybe the problem was that she was too worried about hurting him the entire time. After all, this exercise is based on trust, she has to have faith in him. Tartaglia is capable of making it out of any situation, this should be nothing compared to everything else he's been through. Okay! She feels way better now.

Back at it again, she focuses all her energy and effort on drawing out this sword completely. Underneath her palm, a golden light shines once more, the gray gemstone emerging from the depths of his core. She sees that familiar silver and blue hilt and now that she's gotten a second look at the ornate design, it almost reminds her of his special weapon from the far cold north— Polar Star. She's able to get her hands around the grip, only for it to disappear back into his chest. ]

Huh...?

[ This strange turn of events is shocking but Yoimiya refuses to give up. With a hand still on his chest, she tries again and again... and again. ]

I'm so sorry Tartaglia. I... I don't know what's going on. On the first try, I got about half of it pulled out but now...

[ Nothing. Not even a single inch of the hilt comes into view. ]

It's not coming out at all.

[He stands firm, letting Yoimiya begin the process anew to draw her weapon, and the same lightheadedness envelops his mind once more as she does so. But each time she tries, it's shorter and shorter, until she's unable to draw it out at all. Once he regains his senses from the last attempt, he blinks a few times as he lifts his hand up to his chin as he's oft to do when he's pondering something.]

I don't know...it's okay Yoimiya, don't beat yourself up over it, okay? Was there anything about it that was strange to you, or did you feel any pushback from it? What kind of weapon did it end up being?

[Maybe this is what they need to know if they're to make this successful for her.]

[ Ajax's words fill her with comfort, she'll try not to get too down in the dumps about her shortcomings. However, she can't help but feel like a bit of a failure in all of this. He's right, she should have been paying attention to the teacher's instuctions, maybe this is what she gets for not taking the situation more seriously. ]

It's strange. The weapon is definitely a sword but something about it made me feel uneasy and as soon as that thought occurred to me, it was like... the sword didn't want me to draw it?

[ She lets out a dejected sigh, hanging her head down to gather her thoughts together. ]

It's appearance is very peculiar. I noticed that the hilt looked an awful lot like your Polar Star. There was also a gray, colorless gemstone at the end of it. From the little bit I saw of the blade itself, it had a gemstone texture colored with blue and purple.

[Everything she says sets off alarm bells in his mind. The fact that she's felt a little uneasy about it means that it could be one thing, and that's the power of the Abyss that lies inside of him. But he's never heard of the power rejecting someone like that. The Abyss enjoys twisting and corrupting the creatures that live inside of it, making them drunk on its power. He knows, best of all, what that's like.

So was what she drawing really something from the Abyss? The way she describes it seems like the blade is taking from aspects of himself. But he doesn't get how it could look like his bow, and the gemstone texture is something that he's never heard of. The colors, sure, those are just colors of the Abyss...but it's still different from the Foul Legacy Transformation.]

It rejected you? There was no mention of that happening during our instructions in how the magic worked. And for you to feel a sense of unease while drawing it...huh...

[The mystery grows, and he sounds as dumbfounded as he looks.]

I couldn't tell you why it looks that way. The colors of the blade itself originate back to something more ancient, but as for the rest, I couldn't say. I'm afraid I'm just as perplexed by this as you.

[ Oh dear, he's just as perplexed as she is. For Tartaglia to not have a solution to this dilemma, she's not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. What she thought was going to be a simple, fun trust-building exercise is turning into something way more unusual than the typical weapon bonds, a deep mystery needing to be solved. And by gosh, she's determined to get to the bottom of this! For both of their sakes. ]

I see. I didn't expect things to turn out like this but looks like we have a mystery on our hands.

[ Tapping her chin in thought, she carefully listens to everything Ajax has to say. It's certainly bewildering that the "vessel" can't make heads or tails of this either. But, his line of thought produces something interesting that catches her attention. ]

You said that the colors lead back to ancient times. Are its origins significant? Do you think knowing that would help in any way?

[ She's not sure but maybe if they start with that line of thought, it might lead to something. ]

Edited 2023-10-04 04:54 (UTC)

Ahem, well...

[He takes a look around for a moment. It seems that they're alone, not that it matters all that greatly, but he'd prefer to keep this between the two of them if he can help it.]

Those colors, going by your description, are distinctive of the Abyss. In the Abyss, the sky itself is dotted with stars against a dark blue and purple gradient, dusting the heavens as far as the eye can see. If the environment there weren't so toxic and dangerous, one could say it's actually quite beautiful.

[Tartaglia can feel his chest tighten a little bit, though not out of fear. He knows that she'll be concerned for him if he tells her some of his past, something he's kept from people and only really feels comfortable talking about it with a scant few. But he did promise to be more open with her about himself, and if he can't do it with Yoimiya, then how could he ever ask the same of her?]

A lot of the monsters use abilities that reflect these colors. It's sort of how you can tell where they're from sometimes. And...it seems that you've managed to pull a blade of that sort...right out of me.

[His voice tapers off a little bit. He knows he's not a monster, but what will she think?]

Edited 2023-10-04 23:22 (UTC)

[ When he brought up the idea of the blade relating to something more ancient, she was absolutely not expecting it to be about the Abyss. Taken aback by this sudden revelation, Yoimiya falls silent, listening in rapt attention to everything he has to say. A dark blue and purple sky dotted with stars, a toxic and horrible environment, with every detailed description, his story becomes alarmingly clear. It's not long until she's able to put two and two together...

Ajax has been to the Abyss before.

Taking the time to quietly shift through her thoughts, Yoimiya doesn't even know where to begin. Admittedly, her knowledge about the Abyss is blissfully scarce, all she knows is that the region shrouded in darkness is a terrible, horrible place. Bringing up this topic must have been hard on him and now, she's starting to fully realize why the frozen winds afflicted his heart so badly. Who would want to talk about such a traumatizing experience?

She casts a glance around their direction, they're alone but discussing such a harrowing time in Ajax's life at the guild's training grounds doesn't seem right to her. Reaching out, she clasps her hand around his, interlocking their fingers together. ]

Would you like to go somewhere more private to talk? Just the two of us.

[ She gives his hand a gentle squeeze, a silent reassurance that he's not a monster, nor will he ever be a monster in her eyes. ]

If it's okay with you.

[He can see the realization in her eyes. At least that's one secret out of the way, one that he's not really all that against admitting to. Though the rest of the story behind it is far more traumatizing than a Fatui Harbinger wandering into the Abyss with all the strength and power he now possesses. But she doesn't know the circumstances behind his visit- nor does she know he's never entered it as a Harbinger.

Tartaglia's fingers twine around hers, understanding that she doesn't want to have this conversation here, which is fine by him. Nodding, he'll let her guide him away from the training grounds to somewhere else.]

Of course. Lead the way, I'm sure you have a lot of questions for me about this. I'll be more than happy to answer them, though they may not be pleasant to hear, Yoimiya.

[He'll give her that warning. It wouldn't be fair for her to go in cold not knowing what she'll learn, or maybe things she wishes she didn't know.]

[ The warning is very much appreciated. Truly a blessing that the electro nation hasn't had to worry about being plagued by the Abyss, living on the archipelagos far away from the mainland has contributed to her barebones understanding of the void realm. With that mind, Yoimiya inwardly prepares for her world view to be blown like dynamite and shaken to it's core. Even so, she remains steadfast in her decision, to be her beloved's anchor and someone he can always lean on for support. ]

I understand. No matter how unpleasant the truth is, it's not going to deter me. All I want is to learn more about you, Ajax. I'm happy you're willing to open up to me about this.

[ Taking his hand, she leads him to a quiet area behind the Summer Guild, away from potential prying ears and eyes.

Now that they're a good distance away from the training grounds, Yoimiya turns to face him. A contemplative silence fills the air as she takes a moment to gather her thoughts, hesistant on what to ask. Tartaglia is a smart man, she knows him well enough to assume he's figured out her horrible realization. Might as well start with the obvious question. ]

From the way you spoke about the Abyss, I take it you've been there before? How did that happen?

Edited 2023-10-05 04:10 (UTC)

[It's a comfort to hear her stalwart commitment to him, and it allows him to breathe a sigh of relief inwardly. It's one thing to tell someone like the traveler, who's battled against the Abyss, has an understanding of it, and has seen what he becomes when he utilizes the power he gained from it.

It's another to break something like this to his sweet girlfriend who's probably never had to deal with a single denizen of the Abyss. The closest she'll ever get to it is the hilichurls, and he sincerely hopes that it stays that way for her back in Inazuma, unless of course she decides to walk a similar path to his own. He can dream.

He stops with her to let her collect her thoughts, waiting patiently for her to ask the questions that require answers of which he's kept to himself for a very long time.]

Yes, I have. It happened when I was fourteen, [he starts, trying to figure out a way to phrase this so it's not quite as dramatic as it was experiencing first hand.]

I fell into an unknown abyss, and I was down there for about, three months or so. That's where I met my master and learned nearly all of my combat abilities. It's for this reason why I suspect the sword's blade looks like it comes from the Abyss. The experience left a lasting impression on me...I probably wouldn't be the person I am today if that hadn't happened.

[ Just when Yoimiya thought she might be prepared for anything he has to say, the terrible truth of Ajax's time in the Abyss is even more horrific than her wildest imaginations. Her eyes grow wide with shock as she's attentive to every single detail of his story. Even as a Harbinger, being trapped inside of that lightless realm is dreadful but to experience such horrors as a child? It's heart-wrenching, his childhood innocence was unfairly ripped away from him. She can't even begin to fathom all of the terrors he witnessed in those three long months.

From his phrasing, she can tell he's trying to downplay his story as a means of quelling her worries. In this moment where their souls are connected by their shared weapon, Yoimiya wonders if he can feel just how much her heart hurts for him. ]

You were so young when that happened. For you to experience such a terrible place at that young age must have been traumatic.

[ She answers back softly, her heart twists at the mere thought of a young Ajax wandering around the Abyss confused and scared. There's a lot of information to unpack and Yoimiya is more than happy to stay and listen to him recount his experience. Sharing this must not be easy for him, her thumb gently brushes over his knuckles, wanting to do anything and everything to give him some sense of comfort. ]

It truly is a testament to your strength that you made it out of there and became the warrior you are now. Your master must have trained you well.

[Ajax's eyes fall to her hand on his, smiling softly as she brushes the knuckles there. Traumatic is probably a good word for it, he thinks, though since his reentry into the world where he was born, he's not thought on it too hard. Enough to know he'd never wish such a thing on someone else, but not enough to let it color him to the point of jading him.]

Hah, she did, [he starts, his other hand reaching to find hers, giving both her hands a gentle squeeze.]

Master Skirk was always very quiet, but she was very strict with me when training me. It was full of boundless danger, and I found myself facing insurmountable enemies and still managing to survive. But let's just say my time down there has given me an appreciation for the life I get to live now. Seeking stronger opponents, overcoming new challenges, striding higher as I break through each ceiling that lies above me- it truly is a beautiful life I get to live in this world.

[He puts on the most confident smile he can- not that it's a facade by any means, but it's also to assuage any concerns she might have. The last thing he wants is to burden Yoimiya with his past, especially when there's nothing that can be done to change it.]

Please do not fret for me, Yoimiya. I found my purpose in this life because of it, and if it weren't for destiny calling me, I may never of met you.

[ As she dutifully hears him out, she starts a get a better picture of how Tartaglia's warrior mindset ticks, why he seeks the thrill of battle that will eventually lead him into laying waste to the gods. It all goes back to his time in the Abyss, every horrible thing he went through shaped him into being the blood knight that he is today. She's not sure if it was fate or destiny that dragged him down there but maybe there is some merit of truth to that declaration, that someone, something knew that Ajax was destined to be an impeccable warrior.

It just hurts to think about all the horrors he faced down there, which might have been why he waited so long to tell her. With that in mind, the least she can do for him is not to fret. As much as she hates that he went through such a traumatizing ordeal, there's nothing they can do to reverse it, he's alive and well and seems to be thriving with his new purpose in life. ]

You're right. No matter the situation, no matter the circumstance, I always have faith that my strong Ajax will make it out just fine.

[ Despite the somber tone of this conversation, he still manages to flash her that confident she smile adores. Once again he's right, if it wasn't for that ordeal, there's a chance he would have never stepped foot into Inazuma and for that, she's blessed that his destiny led to their chance meeting. She feels a bit more at peace from the tender squeeze of his hands, her concern softens into a gentle smile of her own as she laces their fingers together. ]

Thank you for sharing all of this with me. I know this probably wasn't easy for you to talk about but... it means a lot you feel comfortable enough with me to open up about all of this.

[His expression softens, chuckling quietly. It matters to him that she has the confidence to believe in him, that he can get through anything that this world or the next throws at him. And in turn, her own confidence helps strengthen him all the same, twining his fingers with her own as he gazes down at her. Tartaglia appreciates that she's been so patient with him, knowing that he hides deep, untold secrets. Even now, he's not telling her everything that happened there, and he hopes that she'll continue to understand why he's decided to keep certain details hidden from her. But as if to respond to that feeling, he feels that warmth that grows from their newly formed bond, reassuring him that the woman standing in front of him would stay by his side despite any secrets he keeps.]

Thank you for understanding. This is something I haven't even told my own family. When they found me after I'd exited from the abyss, they were worried sick about me...I couldn't tell them where I'd been. I was surprised to find that only three days had passed in Teyvat- I can't imagine how they'd react had I been there longer and emerged older than they remembered.

[He looks down, the memory of when he'd been discovered by his mother and sisters playing back in his head.]

...Please, if for some reason they ever show up here, can you keep this from them? I don't want them to know about the darker side of their brother and son.

[ Oh dear, he was down there for three months but only three days passed in real time? The mystery of the Abyss deepens, leaving her with more questions than answers. Her intuition is telling her that he's still keeping some of the darker details locked away from her. Whatever the case might be, it doesn't matter to her. She's sworn to always be patient, allow him to come forward at his own comfort, and be his cornerstone whenever he needs her. Empathy spreads across her features, a fire burning behind her bright gold eyes that solemnly swears to do anything for him. ]

Your secret is safe with me, I promise I won't tell a soul. With everything you've been through, I can understand that you don't want to worry your family about such a horrific time in your life.

[ There are some things that are best kept in the dark. She can completely understand where he's coming from. If she were in his position, the last thing she wants is to worry her parents sick about some dark realm sucking her in, between ailments and worrying about the shop, her sweet folks already have enough on their plate as it is. ]

Hopefully, this will suffice as my eternal oath to you.

[ To further seal that promise, she catches his lips with hers for a kiss soft, sweet, and full of all the love she has for him, a memorandum that she will keep his secret between the two of them. ]

Edited 2023-10-08 18:31 (UTC)

Yoimiya...

[He's glad he can rest easy knowing that Yoimiya would keep his secret, and he's grateful that she's been so understanding of his situation. It makes him feel better about opening up more to her, that when the time arises he'll be able to share more of his feelings and concerns, worries and anxieties. Taking a deep breath, he smiles warmly back to her before her lips come up to capture his own, eyes closing as he feels himself being swept away by her love, pouring his own back into their kiss as an affirmation, and a thank you. A thank you for standing by his side.

As they separate, Tartaglia can feel how light-headed he's become, laughing as the dizziness dissipates from his mind. He wasn't sure how this all got so serious, which brings his thoughts back to the sword that lies inside of him now.]

Thank you. [His hand comes up to cup her cheek, his expression reflecting his appreciation for her devotion.] Your words mean more than I can express. But let's no dwell on such a heavy topic for now. I'd like to move onto something else. You've got to learn how to wield a sword now, don't you?

[He grins. If there is anyone here who'd love to teach her how to use it, it's him.]

How about it? A little training in preparation for the day when you can unsheathe it properly from me. I've got a feeling that there's a reason why the weapon took the form of a sword.

[ There's no doubt that Tartaglia could knock out a whole army but as long as they have each other, Yoimiya feels like they can accomplish anything together from taking on the whole world to pulling that sword out of his chest. Affirming their bond has ignited a fire within her heart to succeed in not just unsheating the sword, but learning how to wield the blade itself. More than ever, she's determined to rise up and become strong enough to stand beside her beloved.

Training alongside Ajax, spending time with him by partaking in the pastime he values more than anything fills her with immeasurable joy. ]

Yes! I can't imagine a better teacher than you. I know I can be silly at times and I've only ever used a bow and arrow but from the bottom of my heart, I promise to work hard and make you proud.

[ She wants this more than ever, for herself and to make him proud, especially after learning about his three months of literal hell. Ajax went through such a horrible ordeal at such a young age and not only was he able to survive, he came out stronger because of it. Learning how to fight with a sword is nothing compared to what he went through. ]

Did it take the shape of a sword because of your time in the Abyss?

[Tartaglia is touched by the reason why she wants to learn to wield a sword. People have their own reasons, whether it's to protect the ones they love, to become the best swordsman in the world, or like him to constantly seek improvement to become a blade itself, conquering the world in the process- but for him to be the reason, it's flattering. Deep down he knows there's more to it than that, but it doesn't matter. Yoimiya wants to learn, and he knows she'll be a good student for him.]

That's one possibility why it took that shape. Part of the explanation we received is that the weapon would take a shape that suited the wielder- but you've never used a sword before, yes? So if the criteria isn't as clear cut as what I'd assumed, then it must be something else. Something to do with the both of us and the bond of trust we have with each other.

[There's a whole world of possibilities there, but at the moment, Ajax doesn't have a clue as to what it could be.]

Whatever it is, it clearly has something to do with my time in the Abyss. Unless of course, you're hiding something from me...

[ Something that represents their bond of trust... Logically, a bow and arrow would have made the most sense given the weapons they have on hand currently but looks like Ajax is right that the criteria isn't as clear-cut. Maybe there's a special meaning behind the abyssal sword that links the two of them? It really could be a lot of possibilities but she has faith that becoming more proficient with the blade will lead to solving the mystery behind their bond weapon.

But in a flash, any wandering thoughts she might have had are cut short by his question. For someone as chatty as Yoimiya, silence filling the air is most certainly strange. ]

Well... there is something I should have come clean to you about a long time ago.

[ What she's about to say is such a deep dark secret, she's surprised her heart didn't freeze over a few months ago. She inhales before exhaling, letting out a deep sigh in preparation for what she's about to reveal to him. ]

I've been eating your snacks while you aren't looking. [ ... ] Now you know the truth, I'm sorry for keeping this a secret from you, Ajax.

[ Yoimiya looks so uncharacteristically serious about it but with each passing second, it's becoming increasingly evident she's trying hard not to chuckle. A small smile tugs at the corners of her lips. Buck wild secret, isn't it??? ]

[He meant it as a joke, but the sudden silence is a little heavy, heavier than he expected. At first, he's not entirely sure if Yoimiya is pulling a prank on him here, but she's never this quiet. Even her face is very serious- if she's trying deceive him, she's doing a good job in making him think she isn't being facetious here. Maybe she's been spending a little too much time with him to be getting this good at it...

He waits, to see what she says next, doubt creeping into his mind. There's no way someone like her could hide something from him that's as serious as something like the Abyss.]

...

[Because it's not. Snacks...he doesn't even think that he has any snacks that he keeps that she already doesn't have complete permission to eat to her heart's content. After a moment of silence and the ever-encroaching smile that threatens to spill out on her countenance, his own expression cracking into a smile, laughing at how well she managed to pull that off.]

Goodness, snacks, I never would have thought that you'd thieve them from me from right under my nose...impressive to pull off such a feat so blatantly in front of a Harbinger.

[He can't be serious after that. Laughing again, his head cranes down to touch his forehead to the top of her own.]

You had me going for a moment there, hahahaha! I wasn't sure what to expect.

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