Work Text:
“Prepare yourself, we're about to learn if this is a good idea or not.” Arlecchino texted, and Isabella was just barely able to hide her notes and halo before there was a crash behind her.
Isabella shoved her experiment underneath a coat and rushed to Arlecchino's side. “Archons, what happened?” She asked, trying to hold the Harbinger but took her hand back at the wince.
“I don't know. After the Moon Marrow was taken from me, my glitching was getting worse. I also started to have stomach aches and then coughing up blood.” Arlecchino explained, but was sent into a coughing fit. Just as she said, blood came out too.
The new Harbinger cursed and helped Arlecchino onto a table. “Just stay here, I have to get the device.” Isabella rushed off to the other side of the room, rummaging through her experiments until she found the armor.
It wasn't exactly “armor” per se, more like a series of diamonds to mimic the ones already protecting Arlecchino's back. Isabella went back with the armor and presented it to Arlecchino.
“I made it at your request but it's heavier. Well, about as heavy as a suit of armor would be, but since it's smaller the concentration of weight seems like it is heavier.” Isabella rambled. “But, I didn't know you were also dealing with coughing fits, I didn't account for that in the original design. Hopefully, it would help with that so I'd like to try this first before I assess your other symptoms.”
Arlecchino nodded, going to hold the armor. She immediately felt some relief, but the pain was still there. “I assume you need my jacket?” She asked, already going to take it off.
Isabella quickly said “Yes, please,” and took the jacket and armor to the table. She removed the old diamond pattern and attached the new one. The outer plating was removed and the inner part was put in the empty space of the jacket. Then, Isabella put the outer plating back on and handed it back to Arlecchino.
“It should be all secured and not rip the fabric. If needed, I can make more accessories to help. Did you see how I attached it? Just do the same but reverse it when you need to wash the jacket. Oh, and it should turn on when you glitch next so don't have to worry about that.”
Arlecchino accepted the jacket and put it back on carefully. Isabella saw the other's shoulders visibly relax and let out the breath she was holding. “I can already feel the relief, thank you Isabella. Though it still feels like I'm being stabbed in my stomach.”
Sighing, Isabella directed Arlecchino to lay down and put her hands on the other's stomach. Reaching out with Dendro, Isabella used her very limited medical capabilities to try and assess any possible injuries.
There was, in fact, none Isabella could find. “I'm sorry, but I can't find anything. Except for a… tether of sorts connecting you to what I am guessing is the Moon Marrow. Whatever happens to it, you feel. Dottore's probably fucking with it. I'd suggest asking Megumi to help when she gets back to Nod-Krai.”
Arlecchino sat back up, her unique X pupils thinner than usual. Isabella was suddenly very grateful she would never get on the first Harbinger's bad side. “Thank you for the help. I suppose I'll have to find a different way to get back to Nod-Krai,” Arlecchino pondered aloud.
When she looked up, she was faced with the sight of Isabella staring longingly at the coat. “How are you planning on fighting the Doctor?” She guessed whatever was under the coat was Isabella's secret weapon.
Isabella jumped, moving in front of the coat to shield it from Arlecchino's piercing gaze. “Um… I'm figuring out a process to disarm kuuvahki?” Isabella said, lying horribly.
Arlecchino studies Isabella and gives up on questioning more. Arlecchino might be responsible for the 8th Harbinger, but everyone has their secrets.