Death of Me [Tartaglia]

chapter 32

The air is alive with elemental energy as I send another bird soaring at the ever coming rush of Fatui guards. A tall anemo wielder shields my birds then sends a power punch towards my gut. I sprawl back, slamming against a stone wall as I see another seven guards join the fight. 

I managed to take out eight of the ten before back-up was called. An electro mage sneers down at me sending shoots of electricity through my body making my head spin. I clench my teeth, raising my arms to send my trump card, a huge hydro falcon inspired by Diluc, soaring through all of the soldiers. I take my moment and clumsily spirit towards the exit. I feel cold air the second I fling the door open, hesitating mere milliseconds before continuing my escape. 

I feel cryo mist singe my back, but don't stop running. I'm quicker than most of the guards it seems, only the electro and cryo mages, along with the pyro wielding guards keep in pace with me. 

I dart through the thick pine trees surrounding the palace, pure adrenaline leading my efforts. I call my birds to fend off my remaining pursuers as I continue to run, clipping tree branches against my face and stumbling over rocks hidden in the thick snow occasionally.

I stop after I no longer hear the fatui chasing me. I slump into the thick snow, heaving as adrenaline leaves my body. Pain from my escape starts to fill my body too. That anemo dick definitely broke a rib, and I can feel all types of elemental reactions lingering on my body. 

I stand shakily, reaching into the pocket of Ajax's coat to make sure Tuecer's toy is safe. I don't think I'm too lost, and I begin to wander on the vaguely familiar path to Ajax's family home. I twitch slightly as I walk, electricity shooting through me from the cold's trigger. My palms are gripped tight in my pockets until I finally see the clearing leading to my destination. 

I run the final kilometer, hesitating once I reach the door of the small house. My aching body and frozen limbs win over and I bang my fist on the door. My heart sinks a little when Tonia opens the door. Her eyes registering distaste as soon as she recognizes me. 

"Who's there?" I hear from inside the house. "Is it Mama?" 

"No," Tonia sighs. "What the hell are you doing here? Where's brother?" 

"Can I come in and explain?" I ask, shivering. 

"Is that Miss. Yn?" Tuecer's voice calls from inside, his little form running to the door. 

As soon as he sees me, he hugs my leg. Tonia gives me an agitated look, but opens the door wide enough for me to slip into the warmth of their home. 

"Thank you," I say to Tonia. 

"Answer my questions," she snaps. 

"Your brother was sent to Liyue on a mission for the Tsa- for making brand new toys," I correct. "He's leaving a little sooner than expected, but he's ok. At least I think." 

"What do you mean you think?" Tonia asks skeptically. 

"Look, Tonia, I don't know it all happened really fast," I say exasperatedly, my own worries catching up to me. 

Shit, why am I even here!? What if I was followed and I just jeopardized Ajax's whole family? He'd hate me and probably turn me in! No, he couldn't do that without incriminating himself- fuck! What are you even thinking Yn? You're here to comfort and inform his siblings... and maybe find a place to sleep. 

I turn away from her and to the two boys lingering by my feet, "Here boys, you're super cool big brother wanted me to give this to you before he left!" 

I present to them the small figure Ajax had been so carefully working on earlier this night. Fuck, that feels like ages ago. Their eyes light with excitement as they beam at the toy and then up at me. 

"Can you play with us!?" they cheer in unison. 

"In one minute, go over to the sitting room and I'll be in soon. I want to talk to your sister really fast." 

"Ok!" they say, running off with giggles. 

"Look, Tonia. I'm not trying to invade, but your brother is really busy and we had to leave our toy factory together and now I have no place to stay. Please let me stay the night, I'll cook you guys my signature hashbrowns in the morning."

"So why aren't you with him?" she snaps. 

"We got lost," I lie, begging for her to let me stay. "Please Tonia, for your brothers' sake." 

Her blue eyes, so like her brothers, glare into mine before softening slightly, "Fine. We eat at 8:00s sharp. You can sleep in brother's room since you two flirt." 

I beam and hug her thin body, "Thank you so much, Tonia. It means so much more than you know!" 

"Whatever, get off me!" she says shoving me away. "Go play with the boys, I'm going to bed." 

I entertain the boys for about half an hour before they crash on the floor. I carry each up stairs to their rooms before finding Ajax's childhood bed room. 

It's quite simple. Two posters of Fatui soldiers with inspiring mottos underneath, and sword, and a chest of toy are the only thing in the room other than a bed and dresser. I smile a little, laying in his overly plush bed, still smelling like him even though he hasn't slept in it in a decade.