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After the Traveler and Deyha left Pardis Dhyai, Tighnari went back to treating Hapasia mixing up the respectable herbs to treat her. It has been rather quiet since the others left headed off to Port Ormos.
Almost too quiet.
Tighnari wondered how they were going to successfully rescue their archon, Also wondering how the Traveler, Paimon and Deyha were doing with tracking down Dottore. He can’t deny, after hearing their plan to save the dendro archon and playing some part in it, he couldn’t help but applaud them for their utmost bravery. Tighnari hummed while he ground up the locusts with the mist flower powder being careful not to overmix them before emptying the paste in a bottle to be heated up.
His tail swished to the side of him in order to avoid the flames, placing the bottle over the Bunsen burner carefully, watching the contents heat up. “It’s just you, me and Karkata boe Hapasia..” He muttered to himself watching the blue liquid start to bubble. He sighed, recalling the conversation that he had between the Doctor, and his words. Now that he thought about it more, something was off with their conversation. It was true, he didn’t harbour any malicious intent during their conversation, but he couldn’t help but think of collei during their encounter. What the man had put her through was cruel and unforgivable, however although Tighnari has a mouth that will surely get him in trouble someday, he was sure to hold back as he didn’t know what the doctor was capable of if he pushed the wrong buttons.
Hapasia groaned lightly in her sleep and the scholar perked up at the noise. He thought she was waking up, but it was her shifting around in her dreamless rest. It wasn’t until a second later that he picked up another noise, multiple footsteps approaching the area of Pardis Dhyai. It sounded heavy and clunky, and there were a lot of them from what he could tell. They weren’t the Travellers footsteps, they were too light..nor where they the woman named Deyha’s, they were more refined.
“This should be it..” he heard a voice gruff out feintly. Tighnari removed the things off the fire quickly, making his way outside of the greenhouse inspired building to find a group of fatui soldiers coming up to the steps of Pardis Dhyai. “Um, excuse me?” Tighnari snapped storming his way over to them standing at the top of the stairs. “What are you doing here? This place is for scholars of the Akademiya. Not nobody’s who have no purpose in life.”
“We’re just here passing through.”
Tighnari raised his eyebrows clearly not buying the crap the man had just told him of ‘passing by’. “Pardis Dhyai is not a place where you Fatui can just show up unannounced and do as you please”
“Forgive us, but we were sent to collect medicinal herbs for our journey back to Snezhnaya.” The bearded man said with his hands tucked neatly behind his back.
“Uh huh? And you expect me to believe that?”
“I believe we've already made ourselves quite clear. Our superior gave us permission to search for and collect medicinal herbs in Pardis Dhyai for research purposes.”
Collect herbs? Bullshit.
“Oh really? But you've been in Sumeru for some time already. I find it…coincidental that you chose to only come here today. Especially right after your superior left.”
The Fatui Sergeant scoffed, clearly losing his patience with the hybrid in front of him. “Even the Grand Sage himself may not have the right to question our research, much less an ordinary scholar like yourself.” A metal gun by the pyro gunner was raised dangerously to threaten Tighnari’s safety. “I've done my duty to inform you. Don't make things difficult for yourself.”
The fox stood unbothered by the threat of a gun being raised at him. As if it was something that happened to him on a regular basis. “It would seem that my words have fallen on deaf ears. You can keep trying to deny it, but coming to Pardis Dhyai now? I'm pretty sure you're not just looking for herbs.”
“With all due respect, your baseless speculations will only lead to unnecessary trouble.”
“Well, you only have your Harbinger to blame. He knows nothing about keeping a low profile.” The forest watcher folded his arms crossly, narrowing his normal wide hetrochromic eyes at all the men stood before him. “I may be staying at Pardis Dhyai as a scholar, but that doesn't mean I'm no longer a Forest Watcher. It is still my duty to protect the peace and safety of the scholars who have contributed so much to Sumeru.”
“Then it seems our conversation has hit an impasse.” The man scowled angrily, gesturing for the gunner to fire off a warning shot at Tighnari’s. It hit his cheek, Cyno’s most favourite cheek (for some reason) that he loved to bite and chew on. The bullet cut across Tighnari’s skin swiftly, along with small fragments of his hair as it flew by, lodging itself somewhere on site.
Blood began to pour out of his wound and he lifted a gloved hand to touch the wound, swiping at the blood that was falling down his flesh and looking at it stained upon his gloves.
Tighnari was not the violent kind, nor was he someone to engage in many physical fights. He was quite reserved, relying on his mouth as his primary weapon to shut people up. He was more than capable of handling himself when it came to defending himself. But this snapped the somewhat calm composure within him and his face twisted into a dark expression.
“I will murder you.” He said lowly summoning his bow.
“Take him down, I want him out of the way before we get Hapasia.” Ordered the Sargent, drawing his own weapon.
Tighnari pulled out one of his floral bombs, pulling at a string with his teeth and throwing it at the charging enemies. The green dust dispersed in the area making them cough and choke on the power, giving him a chance to charge up 3 dendro infused arrows that broke off into more when being shot. He knocked about 5 fatui members down, their blood splattering on the grass and white pristine steps of Pardis Dhyai.
Tighnari grinned at the bloodshed, dodging swiftly when another bullet was shot at him unexpectedly, drawing his bow quickly once again to snipe the enemy who dared to try to hit him with another bullet. The fox flattened his long ears down so that they would be safe during combat, charging forward to jump down the slope to where more of the Fatui members were—landing on one of their backs, taking pleasure of hearing the bone crunch beneath their boots.
“Akademiya scum!” The beefier men rushed forward, throwing down deadly punches to the forest watcher trying to get a solid hit in. The electro one managed to hit Tighnari in the face again, making him groan at the pain while another snuck up behind him when he stumbled back. They grabbed onto his smaller body and held him in place while the Electroboxer Vanguards charged up another shot.
“Oh no you don’t.” Tighnari growled, flipping the lower half of his body up so the attack aimed for him struck the other Fatui Skirmisher in the chest, leaving nothing but a big gaping hole. He wrapped his legs around the neck of the slow falling dead body. It was an awkward placement, but it was to evade the other shot aimed at him.
He detached himself with a flip to land back at the beginning of the slopes, steadying his bow, eyeing the enemies that kept on pouring in. No matter how many he killed, more kept on coming.
Damn it.
More footsteps approached the area that Tighnari caught wind of and his attention shifted to those slightly. They were frantic and desperate but deeply familiar so thankfully, they weren’t more enemies..
“Tighnari! Are you alright?” A high pitched voice yelled full with concern. It was paimons voice, so that means the Traveler and Dehya had come all the way from Port Ormos when they recognized something was up.
“I'm fine!” He shouted, swooping down to deliver a clear spin sweep of the footing of the Fatui member. Dehya joined in the fight, slamming her claymore into the Sergeant who just about blocked her attack while the Traveler drew their sword. “These Fatui have really crossed the line! Time to teach them a lesson!”
“There's no use resisting! Give us Haypasia!”
“Keep dreaming!” The fox said full of anger, punching an unluckily member in the face with his bow end.
“Urgh! The Doctor's orders are absolute. ” He stammered, readjusting the hold on his weapon.
Deyah laughed at the man’s determination, “Yeah? You've been someone's lapdog for so long that you don't know anything else now!”
All three panted heavily, now standing on the grounds of Pardis Dhyai due to being pushed back in combat. “We're not getting anywhere…Traveler, Paimon, please go to Haypasia. We need to make sure they don't try to sneak around and attack from behind.”
“On it.” Paimon yelled, hurrying off with the Traveler quickly.
With that said, it was only him and Dehya left and they huddled together, side by side in a battle stance. “DON’T LET THOSE TWO GET AWAY!” The Sargent raised his voice and his soldiers surged forward. “I’ll go on up ahead.” Dehya nodded and Tighnari understood. With the amount of times he’s fought alongside Cyno, he knows what needs to be done.“I’ll stay back and cover you.”
Dehya went ahead to do close combat while Tighnari stayed behind to support. To be honest, it didn’t matter what position he was in a fight, he said as good at close combat and long range so that’s a bonus.
He watched as the cat-like woman sliced through the enemies left right and centre, spraying blood on the heavily decorated marble floor effortlessly, while Tighnari picked them off from behind. It was really remarkable to see how she worked in combat.
“Filthy Fox.” The Sargent grit his teeth, breaking away from the bloodshed by Dehya and sneaking up to Tighnari. The fox wasn’t concentrated on him, giving the opportunity for him to assassinate the hybrid. The pyro Sargent yelled with fury, slamming his gun into Tighnari’s side who heard the noise a little too late, knocking him backwards and stunning him. Tighnari puffed out a breath at having the wind knocked out of him, raising his bow sideways to block another attack. The Sargent struggled against his bow, pushing his gun down further and further roughly to break Tighnari’s block. The bow and Gun flew away from their hold, leaving the two weaponless. Tighnari looked at his hand panicked and the Sergeant aimed for his ears that now sprung up, grabbing them roughly and holding them together.
“TIGHNARI!” He could hear Dehya yell, elbowing an enemy off her.
The fox yelped in pain and instantly grabbed the Sargent gloves hands to pry them off. “I’ve got you now.. pathetic scholar.” A maniacal laugh erupted from the man’s mouth, sweeping the man from his feet bringing him to his knees. “Do you yield now?” He asked, squeezing a bit tighter making Tighnari’s eyes water. “Hah..the day I yield would be the day I die.” Brownish-Green eyes looked up at the white haired man sharply with pure disgust and hatred.
“Then you will die by the Fatui’s hands.” He said, adding a hand to his neck.
Crack.
The sky turned dark, the clouds swirling in a rageful nature. Purple light surged from the sky, crashing onto the floor and around the grounds of the greenhouse. It was lightning, but something was abnormal about it.
One by one, it struck down the Fatui members and Dehya rolled backwards to avoid being struck looking up at the sky. “What in the hell..” she asked herself, listening to the screams of the Fatui men who exploded into nothing but dust.
The Sargent grip unconsciously loosened at the thunder, and Tighnari took the opportunity to free himself and kick the Sargents kneecaps so that his ears would be free. Unfortunately, during the process, a lightning bolt struck down on both of them, electrifying the Sergeant to a pulp and electrocuting Tighnari.
A gut wrenching scream came from Tighnari’s mouth as he felt the high voltage tear through his body. It felt as if his muscles and limbs were being torn apart and thrown in a fire at the same time. He’s been close with lightning before with Cyno weilding an electro vision and having to deal with thunder in the forest. He’s never been directly struck before, but he could tell this lightning was different; lethal, strong and artificial.
“TIGHNARI!” Deyah called again, this time raw with worry from seeing him relax down onto the stone cold floor. Now free from her enemies, she put Claymore away running up to his crouched form on the floor trying to touch him but being zapped with charged energy herself. She winced at the stinging pain reaching out to help him again, “Hang on Tighnari..” she frowned, pulling him up to his feet ignoring the tingling she received when doing so.
Tighnari stumbled on his feet, clutching his head in agonising pain breathing ragged and uneven breaths. “You’re okay..” she soothed wanting to touch him, but saw the way how he shook violently.
“Dehya! Tighnari! Are you guys okay!” Paimon screeched, flying alongside the traveler who sprinted to them. “Tighnari…?” The Traveler said in a hushed tone looking at the shivering boy before him.
“I’m fine, but he’s hurt.”
“..I’m..urgh, fine..” Tighnari muttered out reluctantly, taking a few calming breaths. The thunder was hurting his ears and the purple lightning crackled and popped off his body. “It’s..just so loud.”
“I know..” the Traveler said softly. “And it feels as if you’re body is being torn apart. The pain is sharp but also excruciating for when it first hits. But leaves an uncomfortable tingling on your body..”
“Traveler..?” The woman asked with a funny look.
“I know, I’ve fought the Shogun. I know what it feels like. But we’re not safe out here, come. Let’s go inside.”
Tighnari almost passed out with relief when he saw Hapasiya sleeping alright, safe and sound on the makeshift leaf bedding. He sat down, groaning at the pain from his wound and listened to the conversation with Dehya and the Travler as they exchanged information.
At last, they wrapped up their conversation and left to head for the Grand Bazaar, leaving Tighnari to sit and rest on Karkata. He groaned at the searing pain in his body from aggravating his injury by trying to get up too fast and exhaled lightly.
He guessed he’d rest up a bit before had to drag himself back to Ganharva Ville.
Tighnari was back at Ganharva Ville, back at work a few days later after the incident. After all, the unresolved problems in the forest don't rest for no one. The forest watcher was wrapped in multiple bandages on his ears and body, and a gauze over his cheek that wouldn’t stop bleeding.
It was difficult to walk around a lot, and it certainly wasn’t very easy to do activities that required a lot of mobility. So he did take it easy although he didn’t want to.
He was in his study noting down what supplied would need to be restocked next time it was time to visit the city—when he heard footsteps approaching the Village, getting up from his seat to limp over to the doorway.
“Cyno? And the..Traveler..?”
Cyno was carrying an unconscious Traveler on his back being followed by a screaming Paimon who shed fat tears of concern. “Can you please, stop yelling in my ears? I told you they’ll be fine.”
“B-BUT PAIMON IS WORRIED! WHAT IF THE TRAVELER DOESN’T WAKE UP!” She cried, wiping her snotty nose with small hands. “Ugh..” Cyno groaned at the floating girl, “They’ll be fine, I assure you. Oh, Nari!”
“Nari??” Paimon asked, pausing her sobbing for a moment.
“Hello. Fancy seeing you here after your heroic filled days.” He teased, hobbling over to greet them.
“…” Red eyes scanned the state of the fox, and Cyno became silent at all the bandages on Tighnari’s person. Of course the fox couldn't help but take notice. “What happened to the Traveler?”
“I’m unsure. I found them unconscious near the sanctuary of surthstana.”
“And you want me to treat them I assume? Like the other 900 people you’ve brought to me.”
“Yes.”
“Y’know, I might start charging shit for making me do this. You always bring people to me.”
”I’m willing to give you payment.”
“Fine. Bring them this way.” He sighed, losing his footing and having to grab onto the wooden railing. He heard a quick ‘Are you okay?’ from Paimon and Cyno only to nod dismissively, partially walking to the medical bay.
“Hm..” Cyno hummed throataly, almost coming out as a growl. Tighnari knew it had a different meaning: he disapproved of the way he limped while he walked.
Cyno laid the Traveler onto the bed carefully letting Tighnari work and Paimon went off to enjoy food that the rangers were making. So at least she was out of their hair for now.
It was uncomfortably silent for a while, until Cyno decided to break the silence.
“I’m being reinstated as General Mahamatra now. Since the sages are gone, Lesser Lord Kusanali only thought it was right.”
”That’s great news Cyno. I’m very happy for you.” He smiled, checking the Travelers pupil reaction.
“…The uh, Traveler said you were injured during a fight..I didn’t know it was this bad.”
“Hum, It’s not too bad.”
Cyno looked at Tighnari with a straight face.
“Okay fine..maybe it is. But it doesn’t hurt anymore. Actually, it does, but it hurts less than before. I’m okay though, I assure yo—eh?!”
Cyno cupped Tighnari’s head between his thumb and index finger when he turned to speak to him, examining the damage done. There was a large cut covered by a gauze on his cheek and his ears were also wrapped up. There were some scratches on his face and two faded scars that resembled lightning that became more prominent leading down to his body. “Cy..?”
“I’m sorry. If I knew..this plan would’ve put you in danger..then I-”
“Cyno, it’s not your fault. If anything, I’m glad you asked me to help. I know how much you trust me.”
“…still..”
“I was caught off guard, it’s not your fault.”
Cyno pulled Tighnari’s face to his lips for a sweet kiss and the blush on Tighnari’s face darkened. “If anything happened to you because of me, I’d never forgive myself Nari...I love you.”
“I love you too..” Tighnari breathed out.
Just as they were about to kiss again, a screech came from the doorway startling both men. “SO THIS IS WHAT YOU MEANT BY A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH TIGHNARI?!”
Cyno looked at Tighnari who’s ears fell backwards, and then to Paimon with a shit eating grin.
Busted.