Chapter Text
Passing through the busy streets in the capital city of Snezhneya, Tartaglia hustled quickly, nearly tripping on his own feet as he pushed through the crowd, running late for the boat to Inazuma where his colleague was waiting.
He and Arlecchino had been planning this secret mission for months after the fair lady’s death, for they were the ones who shared the most pain after her passing. He saw Signora similar to a mother figure after being sent to the fatui by his father at just 14 years old. Whenever he felt alone, she would always be there to comfort him or listen when he needed someone to talk to. Arlecchino on the other hand, despite being much higher ranked than her, had also seen her as an adult she could depend on. When Peruere had first taken Crucabena’s place as the knave, she felt as if she had already lost everything but being with Rosalyne felt like a piece of her was finally getting a childhood that she never got to fully enjoy. She was forced to grow up too fast too soon, abandoned by her biological parents, and forced to take the life of her best friend she so desperately loved. And so, the two thought it was for the best to take matters into their own hands and avenge the fair lady by destroying Inazuma. Sure the idea’s insane, but the fatui is composed of insane people so it’s only right to carry out the idea.
He finally got to the docks and spotted Arlecchino standing near a pole, easily identified out of the crowd by her heavy harbinger coat that protected her body from the boreal frost. He gave a wave which was returned with a subtle nod before the knave headed into the ship. He took a seat next to her when he got inside, and immediately started to warm his hands by rubbing them together.
“Man, nice weather today eh, Arly?” He smiled as she rested her hands on the table.
“If you consider frostbitten hands enjoyable, then yes.”
He let out a chuckle as he leaned back against the seat, his arms going back to support his head.
For a few moments the two just sat there next to each other
She was difficult to have a conversation with, no doubt, and he never really saw her talking much with anyone else but Columbina. Maybe she’ll propose a plan every now and then during harbinger meetings but never casual talk. Arlecchino, on the other hand, saw differently. She saw Childe as a bit of a rambler, often following her around while they were in Fontaine, telling her about his journeys or complaining about the other harbingers, similar to how a young child would talk to his father. Both their views on each other differed as well. He didn’t like her at all, respect yes, but he saw her as cold and insane. Meanwhile she saw him as immature due to his bloodthirsty nature, she didn’t exactly dislike him. In fact, she saw him like one of her children, a talented young boy, capable of reaching great heights even if he could be too trusting.
“Sooo…” He scratched his head, unsure of what to talk about. “Are you nervous? There’s a possibility that her majesty would have us hanged publicly if she knew we were going against her own orders like this.”
Arlecchino sighed. “Yes but I’ve also come to terms with that risk. There is little possibility. Unless of course…” she paused.
“Unless what?”
“Unless one of our colleagues tells her, but no words have escaped my lips of this mission. I trust you have done the same?” she asked, implying that he better not have told any of the other harbingers about this secret mission.
“Well… I may have let the rooster in on this,” he gave a guilty smile as he saw a flash in her eyes, but he knew she wouldn’t actually harm him. There were better options if she truly craved blood on her blade, for instance Dottore.
She let out another tired sigh. “Of course you did.”
“Come on! He’s trustworthy!” He rested his chin on her shoulder which was easy since he was taller than her. “Give trust ‘till trust is broken, no?” He laughed.
“You’ll learn one day trust is a fragile thing. It is dangerous to give without being earned.”
“You’re too fearful of the world, Arly! Besides, I think he’s earned it. He’s like a grandpa to me,” he gave her a wink. “You don’t like him just because he doesn’t have many nice things to say about you.”
He looked at the bag she had brought with her. “Can I see what you have in there?”
Arlecchino rolled her eyes. “Must you?”
“Haha, lemme guess, you have women stuff in there?”
She scoffed. “You’re getting awfully comfortable with your words, Ajax. We’re still colleagues after all.” Nevertheless she handed him the bag to which he rudely dug into.
“Aww this is cute, a picture of your kids! You’re so lucky getting to see them so often. I honestly would kill just to visit Teucer and Tonia right now. If we survive this mission, can we?”
She groaned. “I suppose.”
He opened each pocket of the bag, rummaging through her stuff and found a pink rabbit doll.
“Is this one of your children’s?” he asked as he held it up to admire. “Why do you have this?”
She looked at the doll in his hands, her eyes softening. “It was a gift, you could say… Something that belonged to a friend. A friend from my childhood.”
“Oh okay. Just doesn’t seem like something you would carry around, but I guess I really don’t know you well.”
He continued to talk about his little siblings and how Tonia would enjoy a doll like that, the one-sided conversation continued for a few hours until he got bored. Despite only saying a few sentences and occasionally nodding, she listened to every word.
“Are we really not there yet?” he complained. “I’m so tired. Wake me up when we get there.” He rested his head down onto the table, the position uncomfortable. As a father she always reminded her children to sit up straight and have a decent posture, and he would be no exception.
She gently guided him to lean against her to sleep more comfortably, after all, she didn’t want his back hurting when they ambush the shogun’s army.
A while passed and he woke up, blinking a few times before realizing he had been resting on his higher-ranked colleague who was now sleeping. He looked out of the window and saw the blurred silhouettes of cliffs and the fatui base in Nod Krai.
He carefully shook Arle awake. “Arly… Arly, look! We’re in Nod Krai! Your girl’s probably there somewhere!”
She opened her eyes and mumbled a slight “okay” before falling back asleep.
“Arleeeeeeeyyy! Come on! The view is astonishing!!”
She nodded softly, not actually paying attention to what he was saying.
He groaned. “Hmph. You’re no fun,” he huffed before leaning back onto her. She gasped as he fell a little too hard on her which made him wince in apology before falling back asleep.