Chapter Text
Alekseev Ajax thought the barista from the cafe next to his new “workplace” was cute. Alas it was 8 o’clock in the morning and he hadn’t slept a wink so he doubted she would even look his way when he ordered a double espresso with a face that screamed overworked and overstressed.
She was charming, with a little hop in her steps as she buzzed behind the bar with an energy that made him feel nearly invigorated.
Blonde, her hair cut short in the back. Her socks with mismatched dinosaurs.
Ajax was sure his socks were also mismatched– one white, one with fishes, but compared to the cute barista’s high socks, his were mismatched because those were the first ones he grabbed off the floor as he scrambled for the door in the morning.
What else could be said–
She was cute.
He looked like shit.
And yet, he found her even more charming when she saw him on the TV, looked at him once, but didn’t ask any questions. And while he was grateful she didn’t, he found her behavior quite peculiar.
After all, who wouldn’t ask questions to the very government agent who was handling the grandest heist in the history of Teyvat…?
It is said that big events start on boring days.
Mundanity is a peculiar thing–
And very, very frail. All it took for the status of his Monday not-even-morning-yet to change was a call from his boss, the one known as The Tsaritsa.
The Mint of Teyvat had been broken in.
It was a peculiar thing to hear at 5 o’clock in the morning. Ajax’s first sleepy reaction was to ask why would that be a concern to them; after all, The Mint was located in Liyue, not in Snezhnaya. It took a firm scolding from his boss to get him on the road to the crime scene. Personally, Ajax thought his thinking was justified; even if the Nation of Teyvat had united as one five or so years ago, they rarely acted as one, even when one of them was going through a crisis.
This however– this was different.
“And you’re saying the robbers are trapped inside the Mint?” Ajax heard his partner say as he sipped his coffee.
“Yes, the robbers are trapped in The Golden House .” The woman in charge of the Liyuan branch corrected him, her purple eyes scrutinizing them. “They were trying to run away with the cash but our intervention was faster.”
The Qixing sounded very proud of her team when she said that. Ajax rubbed his temple; something told him his partner was very eager to argue with this particular woman.
“Let me see if I understand this correctly” Scaramouche glanced at her badge. “Inspector Keqing– the robbers were caught mid escape, so instead of surrendering, they dropped all their loot on the stairs of the 'Golden House' and ran with their tails under their legs back into the building? And now they are trapped in there like rats?”
Agent Keqing scoffed. “Exactly. Did you not read our report? I get that you’re here because of the alliance but we can handle this–”
“I did read your report.” Scaramouche cut her bluntly. “And it made me wonder why they would trap themselves inside. Most people when they see guns pointed at them, they raise their hands and surrender. But these guys seemed to have assault rifles, if not more, on them. Who starts a robbery with assault rifles just to be scared by a bunch of guns?”
The purple haired woman glared at him. “What are you implying?”
Ajax had to give it to her; she knew how to be professional even when she probably wanted to kick his partner in the nuts.
“I’m not implying any–”
Sighing, Ajax got up and stretched his hand between both of them. “Alright, stop it, you two. We’re not here to fight. We’re here to catch these robbers and put them behind bars, aren’t we?” He sketched a smile that was not repprociated by either of the two.
The Qixing pointed towards him. “And who is this?”
Scaramouche sighed. “One of our agents.”
Agent Keqing’s big eyes got even bigger. “Him?!” She was still pointing at a clueless Ajax. “But he looks like a homeless man!!! Are you guys sure you didn’t pick up a drunkard from the airport instead of your agent?! He’s wearing sweat pants for heavens sake!!! He hasn't opened his eyes yet– And his socks are mismatched!!!”
Ajax closed his eyes and let out a long sigh.
“Look, you might have gotten the call at 8 something in the evening, but I got mine in the middle of the night, after just wrapping up a very long, very tiresome case. That would be– what? – 21 o’clock for you? Or did you forget our nations are in different time zones, Inspector?”
The lively purple haired woman frowned. “Point taken.” She uttered through gritted teeth. “I apologise for my outburst, but this is a very sensitive matter. The Golden House is not only a mint, it’s a historical heritage for Liyue. There are artifacts in that building that exceed a normal individual’s comprehension of value. If they are to be damaged, or worse stolen, the political tensions between our nations might snap.”
In other words, Liyue might start to doubt the alliance, Ajax thought as he watched the Liyuan agent explain herself. The alliance was new and while its purpose was noble– still very very frail.
The Liyuan and Shezhnayan relationship was an especially daring one. One that exceeded the nations’ years of conflict and bloodshed.
It was normal for the Qixing to be nervous and distrustful of them. However, her behaviour was still very unprofessional.
“I can assure you that both me and my partner are very aware of the political situation and that we will do everything in our power to solve this conflict peacefully and as quietly as possible.” He gave the worried woman an assuring smile. “Despite my unfortunate wardrobe choice, I’ll have you know that both me and my partner are one of the best agents Snezhnaya could have sent for such a delicate situation.” His eyes twinkled with a tinge of pride that he couldn’t yet control as he spoke. “As is our supervisor– you’ve probably heard of him by the code name Capitano .”
Inspector Keqing’s eyes widened. Of course she knew the name. “Capitano” was the Snezhnayan agent that had been personally involved in the war that led to the Alliance. It was rumored that he was the one The Queen of Snezhnaya allowed to accompany her during the Convention of the Seven that eventually led to the Alliance afterwards.
With this new information, the Liyuan agent visibly relaxed. She was almost looking at Ajax with admiration as she briefed the two agents…
…So, of course Scaramouche had to chime in:
“If you could show us to the tent while yapping, that would be grand.”
Both Ajax and Keqing glared at him, but in the end she led them to the tent.
The Liyuan Police tent was stuffy. Stuffy and dark. There were various computers set up in a hurry on metal tables that looked like they were ready to fold underneath the equipment weight…
…Not that Ajax could complain, at least the Liyue police force used metal– the Snezhnayan one would have used plastic without blinking.
Yawing, he plopped himself on a wheeled chair.
“Alright, what have we got so far?” He asked as he stole a small, flowery notebook and a pen from a table.
“As I’ve already told you; a failed robbery with a bunch of robbers locked in the Golden House.” Keqing was prompt to answer. “Didn’t I brief you on the way here?”
Ignoring her snarky attitude, Ajax leaned in his chair. “And when was this…?”
“At 8 o’clock in the evening.”
Ajax tapped his chin with the pen, poking his skin with the pointy star at the top. His gaze met Scaramouche’s, who was standing next to Keqing. One look was enough.
“Are you sure ?”
Keqing’s eyes widened. “Are you implying–”
“That the robbers were inside long before the alarm went off? Yes, that’s exactly what he’s implying.”
The Qixing agent narrowed her eyes. “What makes you say that?”
Ajax wheeled himself on his chair. “While you were briefing us, you told us your men had checked the security cameras inside and that they had all been shot down, right?”
“Right. We assume they have been shot down at least.”
“Then that you’ve checked the security cameras throughout the day and no suspicious persons have entered the building, correct?”
Keqing nodded her head carefully.
“And they had assault rifles on them when they exited the building. That they coincidentally finished the robbery right when the police arrived at the scene. And that they left the loot and ran back into the building while shooting to cover themselves.”
Keqing grimaced. “Your point?”
Ajax crossed his leg one over the other, a smirk curling his lips as he opened his mouth.
“Think a bit, Miss Qixing if they were smart enough to enter the – Golden House – without cameras catching them–”
“–why would they run into what’s basically a rat trap–” A deep, yet feminine voice from behind him cut him off.
Agent Keqing’s eyes widened. Scaramouche raised his eyebrows, an entertained smirk on face as he crossed his arms in that “well well well” manner of his. Intrigued, Ajax spun on his chair.
“–I’m sorry, was that what you were about to say?”
Ajax grinned up at her. In front of him stood Yelan; to some, a seemingly mysterious Ministry of Civil Affairs worker–
–And one of the most skilled Intelligence agents Ajax had the honor to study during the war, under the codename “Tartaglia”.
“You know, Pantalone wants that fur back.”
The woman stretched her arms. “Winter has just begun to set in Liyue, tell him I might return it when spring comes.”
Ajax chuckled at her response, while Scaramouche rolled his eyes.
Next to them, Keqing was watching the scene with wide eyes. And because he was starting to notice her staring at the ginger with too much awe again, Scaramouche cleared his throat.
“Say, what did those dices of yours tell you about this case?”
Yelan laughed, prompting the rest of the staff to chuckle with her in an awkward manner. She was just as quick to cut it short.
“That the robbers took hostage approximately 70 people. And that one of those people is Kamisato Ayaka .”
Keqing’s eyes widened in horror. “But that’s the sister of Kamisato Ayato– the Yashiro Commissioner of Inazuma!!!”
Spinning in his chair, Ajax grinned up at her like a maniac. “Still think this is just a robbery…?”
It turned out he was right; this was no ordinary heist.
Not only had the robbers entered way before the alarm sounded, they had also cut off all communication. No signal was coming from the building. And no signal was going into it either; they had put frequency jammers into place.
The Qixing agent should be grateful he wasn’t as boastful as Scaramouche– his bastard of a partner would proclaim he was right in that instant just to make her feel even more out of place.
But Ajax wouldn’t lie; he felt just as out of place when they received a call from inside the Golden House.
Confusion took over the four agents as they looked at the screen.
“Maybe I was wrong and they’re just stupid…?” Ajax murmured to himself as he watched the geolocation dot blinking right next to the tent.
Amidst his stupour, Keqing was quick to put on a set of headphones and answer the phone.
“Good morning, Inspectors.” A metallic, heavily distorted voice sounded throughout the entire tent. Agent Keqing’s eyes widened, taken by surprise by the sudden cordiality.
“Uh… good morning to you too, Mister–”
The voice let out a chuckle. Ajax kept staring at the dot on the screen– the caller was pacing left and right inside. However, they had not left the Mint.
“Names are not important in this exchange, I assure you, Inspector.” The voice said, the jovial tone crystal clear despite the distortion.
Keqing opened her mouth, but before she could utter her response, Ajax yanked the headphones off her head. Now headphoneless, Keqing let out a yelp of surprise.
“Oh, on the contrary, I personally think names are very valuable, especially in exchanges such as these.” Ajax uttered as casual as possible while the Qixing glared at him. He clapped his hands together and winked at her with a puppy face in the form of a playful apology. The Liyuan agent did not find his gimmicks amusing in the least.
There was a pause at the other end, sign that he took the robber by surprise.
“Indeed, they do seem to be now– that being said, who do I have the honor to be talking with? From your accent, I will assume you’ve been assigned our case through the Alliance.”
“Oh, perceptive, aren’t we?” Ajax chirped in the microphone. “But you’re right, you’re right, introductions first– I am Inspector Alekseev but you probably know me by the codename Tartaglia , and you’re right about my accent, I’m part of the division sent by Snezhnaya. Given that from now on I’ll be the one speaking with you, I would like to know whom I am speaking with, you know.”
The last sentence made the Qixing’s glare worse, yet Ajax decided to deal with his displeased colleague later.
“Fair enough in that case.” The robber's answer was prompt. “A pleasure to make you acquaintances, Inspector Alekseev. As for me, I am but a weary traveler– in fact, I suppose you could call me Traveler throughout this exchange.”
Ajax smirked. “Oh, but I’m afraid we can’t be called acquaintances unless we see each other eye to eye, Traveler. Why don’t you come on out so we can shake hands properly?”
There was silence on the other end, sign he took the robber by surprise again. Good, the more they were thinking about their answer, the more they were letting on about their plan. It was the perfect moment for Ajax to press further.
“And seeing as you’re already aware the Alliance had been invoked, how about we enter the Golden House right now so we can become proper acquaintances?”
“That would be a mistake on your part. I trust the Alliance already knows we have taken hostages.”
Ajax’s face turned serious. “Yes, we are aware.”
The Traveler hummed. “However, I believe I know something you don’t. As a matter of fact, I think the gates of the Mint are already opening.”
Indeed, the officers keeping watch on the Mint were quick to report that the gates had opened. And that people were coming out. The agents were watching in stupor as one by one, robbers were exiting the Mint and forming two lines right in front of the gates.
Keqing was the first to express her excitement with a cry of victory. Behind him, Agent Yelan was watching the screen with narrowed eyes and crossed arms.
“I suggest you hold your fire, lest you will regret it.”
That was the last thing The Traveler told him before hanging up. With his mind racing, Ajax took off his headphones right when one of the robbers stepped forward and started shouting.
“Please do not shoot!!! Inside the Mint, we are all wearing the same thing: black jumpsuit and a hilichurl mask!!! Both the hostages and the robbers!!! The hostages have been given fake guns and rifles!!! I repeat, PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT !!!”
Through walkie-talkies officers were confirming targets and asking for permissions. Ajax took a step towards the screen, mouth agape as wide blue eyes scanned each robber – or were they hostages? No… they wouldn’t let the hostages go outside on their own, at least one of them had to be a robber. But whichone…? He was analysing every person clad in black, yet they all looked the same.
Black jumpers, hilichurl masks on their faces and assault rifles in their hands.
Keqing was the first to answer to the insistent officers that were asking for permission.
“They’re hostages, permission denied! I repeat, permission denied!” She yelled at the walkie-talkie while Ajax watched the robbers enter back into the Mint carefully.
Ajax’s eyes narrowed. One of those to enter last must be one of the robbers. If they were to shoot them down then–
However, one harsh look from Scaramouche was enough to cut his thought short. Ajax’s shoulders slumped down.
It was too risky– one article about how the police shot at hostages would be enough for the Millelith and the Qixing to lose the people’s trust. Realising the same thing as Ajax at the same time, Agent Keqing let out a sound curse through her teeth that reflected what everyone in that tent was thinking.
And with that, the Golden House’s gates closed once again.
After such a sudden development, it was a given that Ajax was in dire need of some coffee. However, they were in the wee hours of the morning and most coffee shops haven’t opened yet. So, imagine his joy when he saw a woman stopping in front of a still closed cafe to take out a bunch of keys with various keychains. Ajax wasn’t sure where he pulled the energy to sprint towards her from, but in the next second he was at arm’s reach– and startling the poor blonde.
“Umm–” She frowned when Ajax greeted her awkwardly while huffing and asked for a coffee. “We’re still closed, sir.” She uttered, her lips curled in a troubled smile.
“Yes, I know.” Ajax huffed, his vision a bit blurry from the sudden glicemic drop. “And in normal circumstances I’d never ask for something like this, but I’ve had an incredibly stressful night and I haven’t slept a wink and if I don’t drink a real coffee in a few minutes, I might just collapse at your door-steps.” He pulled his best puppy eyes as he looked up at the woman. “So, please, can you make an exception this time…?” Dull blue eyes stared into her soul full of hope and just a notch of desperation.
He was being dramatic. Too dramatic, as his former lover used to admonest him when he made use of his puppy eyes. It was a habit that he picked from his early childhood, when he was the youngest and his bright blue eyes made everyone – except his mom – weak to their knees. Not that the stoic Captain would understand that…
The blonde’s lips parted, ready to give her verdict when Ajax added with a serious tone. “I can assure you I have the means to tip your kindness accordingly, miss .”
Caught off-guard by his sudden change of attitude, the young woman frowned.
Then sighed. “Fine… just this once.”
Full of gratitude, Ajax beamed at her as she unlocked the door to the cafe.
He could see why the barista kept stealing glances at him– as if he was an unwatched dog that would wreak havoc inside the house, as she took care of clients. After all, it was 10 o'clock in the morning, clients were coming and going, Ajax was at his third coffee–
And when she passed his table, he asked her for a fourth.
The blonde gave him a weird look. Weirder than a few minutes ago when the morning news zoomed in on a video of him entering the tent while the reporter was announcing that Snezhnaya intelligence had arrived before dawn “ while the people of Liyue slept ” ; his body taunt like a bow as he watched a pixelated version of himself from the past disappearing into the tent. Wearing the same clothes as he did now.
Sighing, Ajax pushed his glasses up his nose and whipped out his phone. With a few taps, he sent the article to his colleagues.
He had no idea where the media had got their hands on such information. Could it be a mole? He wouldn’t be surprised if one of the liyuan officers sold information to the reporter for a quick buck.
His phone buzzed in his hands.
Scaramouche:
Shit…
The bastards sure are quick
Tartaglia:
Let’s not panic. The public was bound to find out we’re involved eventually.
Scaramouche:
If that were the case why do you think you were sent urgently here, in the middle of the night?
Fucking idiot.
He froze when he heard something rattling next to him.
With a quick push of his thumb, the screen went black and his head snapped back. Dull blue eyes sharp and vicious; murderous instincts fueled by the bitter taste of betrayal as they locked on the person behind him. Body taunt as if he was ready to turn whoever was behind him into mere dust.
The blonde took a step back, the coffee mug rattling against the table as she stared at him like a deer caught in the headlights.
“Ah, sorry–” She murmured, golden eyes round and wide. “I didn’t mean to pry–”
Ajax’s shoulders slumped when he saw the fear glistening in her eyes. Great, he had somehow managed to scare the barista who had only shown him kindness.
“It’s alright…” He uttered, eyes regaining their usual dullness as he raised a hand to wave at her. “I’m sorry I glared at you like that. I must be more tired than I thought…”
The blonde looked at him, not fully believing his words. Ajax’s eyes followed hers as she stole a glance at the table.
Oh…
“And thank you for the coffee…” He quickly added, suddenly embarrassed at his own behaviour. “It had truly been a life saver; I don’t think I would be conscious anymore right now if it weren’t for your kindness.” He caught a glimpse of a piece of plastic stuck to her chest. “Truly, thank you… Ying. And I apologise again for the way I reacted just now.”
Now, completely disarmed by his sudden humbleness, the blonde found herself at a loss of words. As if she had forgotten how she should talk with a customer. She nodded her head, still dumb-founded. Ajax gave her a small, guilty smile which seemed to help her relax.
“It’s alright…” Ying murmured, her voice wavering. “I shouldn’t cross a client’s privacy like that, it was my fault.” She responded to Ajax with a small smile of her own. “I’m glad I could help and I hope we will see you again, sir–”
Ajax flinched. “Ah– Ajax .” He fixed his glasses, suddenly feeling too conscious of himself and how unhinged he looked. “Call me Ajax.” In a search to do something with his hands, he grabbed his mug and took a sip. “Your coffee is delicious and you guys are the closest; you can confidently tell your manager you’ve earned a loyal customer at least for a few days.”
She gave him the prettiest smiles he had ever seen. Radiant and warm, long strands of blonde hair framing her face like an aura.
“In that case, I look forward to seeing you again, Ajax.”