Look Me in the Eyes (and tell me that it's me) [Zhongchili]

Chapter 36 - Harbinger of Chaos

The next morning, Ajax wakes. It's the last day he'll wake in this suite, in this bed, and he takes a few seconds of stillness, listening to the birds outside tweet their morning song.

What a pity they shall soon be overshadowed by the thunderous roar of battle.

Then he's up. He sets the coffee machine for the last time, takes an apple from the fruit bowl for the last time, and opens the curtains for the last time. He gazes out across the compound, the Tsaritsa's tower casting its watchful eye across her subjects. That's where he's headed. He just needs to create a large enough distraction that he'll get the time with her that he needs.

Good thing Tartaglia is a master of creating chaos.

He grabs his uniform and dons Tartaglia's skin, the face of the fallen warrior staring back at him in the bathroom mirror.

"Alright, buddy," Ajax says, watching Tartaglia's lips move upon his face. "You and me, one last time. Let's get going."

He smiles, and Tartaglia's determined grin beams back at him.

It's time to go.

He grabs his pre-packed suitcase and hauls it downstairs, hiding it in a bush for easy retrieval, then pulls out his phone. There's one, final signal to be sent.

Ajax: Hey, you're still free today?

A few seconds later, the reply arrives.

Zhongli: As agreed, my time is yours.

Thank the stars for Zhongli's reliability. A weight lightens on Ajax's shoulders as the final piece of his plan slots into place.

Ajax: Excellent. Think you could make a start now? I should be a few hours.

Zhongli: Of course. Then we shall meet soon.

Ajax: Yeah. See you soon. Along with whatever's left of this place. 😉

Zhongli: I look forward to it. :)

Ajax pockets his phone. Everything is ready. It is time.

The next step of his plan involves a pleasant, early morning walk. The sun peeks over the horizon, and Ajax basks in the crisp air pinching his cheeks as he sets off down the lightly sloping dirt track. It's such a nice morning, in fact, that the next 1.5km passes in a flash, and he finds himself standing outside a long, concrete wall set into the hillside. Two garage doors stand in the centre of the wall, as well as a standard, metal door for foot-entry between them. Beside each door, two Fatui guards are posted, standing straight alert.

The ammunition depot.

Oh. What a surprise to find himself here.

And oh, what a ruckus it might cause if, say, a few of the grenades and explosives contained within caught alight. That would surely bring the entire base, including the Harbingers, scurrying along to investigate.

What a mighty shame that would be if that left the Tsaritsa's tower largely unguarded and if a certain someone found his way in.

Ajax straightens himself, shakes out his limbs, and strolls casually towards the first pair of guards.

"Hello, gentlemen," he says, "a lovely morning, isn't it?"

"Yes, sir," they reply in unison, their stances unwavering.

What well-behaved staff.

"Any troubles so far today?"

"No, sir."

"Good, good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some business to take care of, so if you'll unlock that door and step aside for me, it'd be much appreciated."