littlesilhouettoofaman | The Brightest Things Fade The Fastest

Entry tags:

*psl

The Brightest Things Fade The Fastest

First they were nothing but echoes, noises without a source or purpose, just something he could blame on the battle he just lost. But echoes changed into soft voices and footsteps and eventually he could even hear the sound of rain outside.
And his body did not hurt after the fall he made, it is merely a familiar sort of uncomfortable sensation of joints popped out of place and cracks that shouldn’t be there. But he had expected to be beyond angry, to feel that rage surge through him, that sense of absolute frustration and that undying desire to serve a certain purpose, that certain purpose. But surprisingly enough there was nothing for now. Just a dreadful, heavy emptiness.

Of course he remembered everything. How could he forget it? Yet another setback. He had been so close to fulfilling his birthright and then that idiot… Oh, yes, the idiot. That buffoon who ranked way lower than him and had the audacity to stand up to a god. And had the audacity to win.

The room is quite dark and when he opens his eyes he can see a couple of figures standing close and half of his mind expects to see the Doctor standing between all of them. But he is nowhere to be seen.

“Get out.”

Did they all come to look at a fallen god? Because seriously, who’d given them the right to do so? So when he repeats the words for a second time they are louder and a lot more threatening.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

When Childe swats his hand away Scaramouche just chuckles softly. Truly, all this man had was a maddening desire for battle, he was too human and in a way too stupidly kind to ever be able to outsmart his fellow Harbingers.

"No, you just don't have it in you to be a Harbinger." He slowly crosses his arms and gives him a bit of a look and when he speaks there isn't a standard mocking tone to his voice "Your body is not entirely able to handle the foul delusion, not? It damages your bones and muscles. It causes pain beyond belief."

Then he shakes his head.

"Your mind isn't consumed by anger, revenge, greed or anything like that. You just like to battle."

And yes, there is more to this. More than mercy or battles. And he is glad to hear that Childe is finally ready to fess up.

"I won't lie to you. Yet if you imprison me I will tear out the wires by myself." For all the dull looks Childe might have seen on his face, the one Scaramouche is flashing towards him now is bright and somewhat determined. "To exist, to feel like I am worth something, I need a purpose. One that goes beyond that of being your personal punchingbag. That is downright insulting."

Childe isn't sure if he can believe what he's hearing from Scaramouche. To say he's weak, sure. That's something the puppet would say. But...

Did this guy just suggest he was too good to be a Harbinger? It makes him laugh inwardly- he knows that he's no clean soul either, and his deeds would hardly fit a bill of purity. Everything was done in the name of the Tsaritsa, and also to fulfill his selfish desires of endless combat and slaughter. And yet he doesn't know Scaramouche to sugar coat anything...if he says it, it's probably he believes it to be objective fact. Never would he think that anyone besides his mother would tell him something like this.

"Look. I've never viewed you as my personal punching bag, not once. I didn't save you just so I could fight you again."

He doesn't want to say it, he knows all that will happen is he'll get laughed at, called pathetic, even get used by Scaramouche.

"I did it because I couldn't leave you like that."

Tartaglia can't bring himself to explain himself on that front. It was already hard enough admitting to that, and he's already steeled himself for Scaramouche to pounce on him given that information.

"That is barely an answer. I think we have already established that I have been on the receiving end of your mercy." Scaramouche chuckles dryly and if there was a possibility to smile in an absolutely vile way, he's pulling it off right now. "Yet the pity is new to me. If it means anything, you have shown me more kindness than my own creator. Thank you."

That was the big reveal? He couldn't 'leave him like that'? Like what? An empty shell? If anything, Tartaglia should've just given him to the Doctor for parts.

Scaramouche moves to sit on the chair that is next to the bed he has been lying on for so long.

"But tell me more of your plans for me. Are there orders you want me to carry out? Perhaps a visit to the Abyss? It has been a while since I've last been there. Who knows, perhaps I even succeed in finishing some of the beasts off."

It may have been hardly an answer, but it's the only answer he's willing to give so far. It doesn't show on the surface, but underneath he's uncomfortable with even letting that much out. Tartaglia watches Scaramouche like a hawk as he moves, poised to defend himself if the former Harbinger lashes out again, a little annoyed that it seems he's just acting like he's here for the ride. But at the same time, Childe's given Scaramouche no direction, no other thing to go on other than that he'd fix him and fight him. Deep down, he knows this is his own fault, cursing himself inwardly. The one thing that sets him apart from the other Harbingers is proving to be his downfall here, and he doesn't like it.

"I wouldn't mind a little trip to the Abyss. Sounds interesting. But how will I know you aren't going to try to backstab me while we're in there? Not that it'll matter much," he says with a laugh, "because I'll just beat you into submission if you try anything."

Tartaglia lets a wicked smile unfold on his features, meaning every word that he said. Fighting in the Abyss against each other is a terrible idea, but he'll do it, and he won't hesitate.

"However, you'll still need to be fixed fully. I want you to promise me you're not going to attack the one repairing you, or I'll make sure you're turned off during the repairs. Whatever errors happen during that process won't be any of my concern, it'll be your own fault because you couldn't restrain yourself. Good luck surviving in the Abyss like that."

"Then turn me off."

Scaramouche shrugs and leans back in the chair. This entire situation is grating to him beyond belief. Yes, there is the notion of being useful to another person but that's it, really.

"And stop with those empty threats. This is the choice you have made. Every choice has consequences. If I do not stab you in the back, an Abyss beast might kill you. And if an Abyss beast won't kill you, something else will."

But he sees that grin. It's the grin of a battle-thirsty idiot. And Scaramouche is planning to bring that battle-thirsty idiocy out to the fullest. Fierce enough to break things, tear monsters apart and to make sure that it will end Scaramouche himself in the process. A stupid way to end it all, but an end is an end.

"Just turn me into what you want me to be. Travel to the Abyss and perhaps, if you adjust me well, I will praise you for your kindness. If not, I will betray your trust."

And really, that's it. Scaramouche is looking at Childe, the look in his eyes dull and tired.

The Harbinger searches for words of deception in the puppet's speech, but he doesn't find any. Sighing, he resigns to doing this Scaramouche's way, approaching the former Harbinger and looking down on him for a moment in frustration. If only he could just make things easier, but that wouldn't be in his nature, would it? But fine. If he has to play by these rules, he will, if only to move past this impasse they've found themselves at.

"Fine. Next time you wake, you'll be finished and we'll be heading to the Abyss."

The hole in the puppet's chest is still wide open, shoving his hand deep inside of it and pulling the plug once again, catching him before he falls over in the chair. Scaramouche will be put on the bed, asleep for weeks while the engineer rests, and is summoned back by Childe to continue his work- but now with the guarantee that the puppet will not be turned back on until all repairs are done. Childe will make sure to reward him generously, especially after getting stabbed.

-----

When the power is reconnected, Scaramouche will wake up to the sight of Childe personally working on his body, a black streak on his face along with a few streaks on his bare hands as he's doing the final touches. The hole that used to expose the core of the puppet gets covered, sighing now that he feels the job is finally over. The holes that adorned the puppet's back where the tubes had once been are now gone, everything seeming to be in order.

"There. You awake yet? The repairs are all finished."

Even though he isn't aware of anything when being turned off, he does deem it a better state to be in. A state where his thoughts do not haunt him, his hopes do not bother him and his sadness does not hurt him. Its peaceful. Truly, the world is far more peaceful when he isn't a part of it.

Yet, Scaramouche also knows that nothing goes as he would have wanted it. So eventually the world starts to exist around him again, voices get through to his head, the sensation of someone messing with his body. When his eyes crack open there is light at first and when the focus returns he sees a dot of orange hair. Oh yes, as if he could forget. He's Childe's little plaything now.

"As you can see."

His eyes flash purple for a moment, as if something inside of him is being activated. Something that has been broken before.

"Still fond of pointing out the obvious." Slowly he moves to sit up and, really, it is true. He seems to move better. Nothing is creaking or complaining when he bends his limbs.

"The Abyss, was it not?"

It looks like everything is in working order on the puppet's body, Childe now standing up to his full height and wiping his forehead with the back of his arm. Though Scaramouche may not see it yet, he looks so much better now than when he did after their terrible battle, all the dings and the scratches removed and looking almost brand new. He couldn't of asked for a better job from that engineer, and he does hope that the mora he'd given him would be enough to keep him silent for a time. The Lord Harbingers are not people underlings will want to mess with- hopefully the fear of his name and the payment will do the job.

Setting his arms akimbo, he smiles and nods to his former colleague, glad to see he hasn't forgotten for as long as he'd been asleep. Or dead, depending on how one looks at it, but he's choosing to see it in a positive light instead for now, to counter the oncoming negativity that he's sure Scaramouche was going to exude in one way or another.

"That's right. It just so happens that intel was able to find a Abyss Order camp outside of Sumeru City a ways- we can use that as our point in. You looking forward to it? Because I am."

Just the thought alone of slaughtering Abyss creatures has got him pumped and ready to go. He looks excited like he could head out right now and go crush everything in their path.

"And since I still can't quite trust you to behave, I figured we would go right away, so I can keep an eye on you. I can't have you ripping through my men, after all, and you've hardly proven that you're capable of controlling yourself."

"Then the Abyss it is..."

Scaramouche scoots to the side of the bed and moves to stand on his feet. Yes, his body functions way better than before. Yet he still feels as empty as ever.

"No. I do not." He shuffles around the room until he has found the clothes that cover his upper body. "You know of my opinion about this entire situation, idiot. That hasn't changed. But if I can be of use, I will take that as it is."

The prospect of battle doesn't excite him at all. In the early days every victory would mean a step closer to becoming stronger, but now...nothing really matters.

"Stop speaking to me if I am some child." Scaramouche picks up his hat. "If you don't want me to rip through your men, give me a reason to not do so." Then he pauses so he can put his hat on. "I might just want to test my strength before we return to that wretched place."

Childe's arms fold over his chest as he watches, unimpressed with the answer given to him, but happy that Scaramouche seems to be willing to go nonetheless. When the puppet seems to be ready to go, his arms unfold as he walks to the door, expecting him to leave first- he's not going to leave his back open to the guy after what he's pulled so far since being brought to this safehouse in Sumeru City.

"Or, you could stop acting like a sore loser and not involving anyone else who doesn't deserve it," he retorts, "if you're going to attack someone, then make it me- I'm the one responsible, remember?"

Childe's annoyance is clear, but it wouldn't be surprising to him if that's what Scaramouche wanted to do in the first place.

"So I'll be more than happy to let you test your strength out...on me," he says sternly.

Really Childe, this is all the concequences of your actions. He hears the clear tone of annoyance in the other's voice and all he can do is shrug.

"What are you going to do when I attack others? What will my punishment be?" As they start to walk Scaramouche looks over his shoulder, well aware of the fact he's asking annoying questions for the sake of being annoying. "After all, we have already established that I will serve as some sort of punching bag, not?"

But, to be fair, its good to be outside again. To be surrounded with nature. The only problem is that there's an idiot at his side.

"Ah, Tartaglia." Now he does turn, walking backwards for a moment so he could look at said idiot. "Do not talk to me as if I am a child. Agreement or not, you are nothing but a mere insect in my eyes. Do not make me repeat this for a third time."

For a short moment there's a purple flicker visible in his eyes. Nothing but a spark and its very brief, but it is there. The idea of fighting in the Abyss doesn't do anything for him. There are monsters, they are beyond powerful, Childe is stupid and he has been given the most stupid chance on a second sort of life.... Without his permission.

"I take it you know the way."

He's not sure what he saw in Scaramouche's eyes just now, but something was there. Maybe, it's just the arrogance of a fallen "god" who's sore that his ascension was cut short, maybe there's still a spark of life within him that's just waiting to be relit by something else. Either way, he's not entirely sure, and he's not going to think about it too much or too hard. It's not worth the effort, especially since he's already defeated as it is. So Childe simply directs Scaramouche in the direction towards the camp, walking past Corps of Thirty guards right through the front gate, with none of them any wiser to who exactly passes by them in the moment.

"It's not far from here- I'll give you a little brief on the camp before we arrive."

Standard for any sort of Fatui operation of course, as Tartaglia recounts the reports he'd gotten from his men stationed around Sumeru.

"It's not large, only housing a few mages. No other creatures of the Abyss have been spotted, but they've certainly done a good job in attracting more hilichurls to help them with whatever plan they've got brewing over there. Naturally, we're not entirely sure what they're after, all we know is that they've been sending some hilichurls under their influence over towards the cliff near Gandharva Ville.

They must not want to make it a big deal, or they'd of amassed more manpower...so I wonder if there's another set up on the other side of those portals they use. It would be more efficient to base operations right inside, since no one can easily get into the Abyss...or out of it."

And their plan, get inside of one of those portals so they can find the base, kill anything in it, and maybe even find out what the plans are of the Abyss Order. He doesn't feel as if he needs to explain it, he's sure Scaramouche already understands.

But Scaramouche definitely felt that. That spark, that little jolt of power surging through the parts of his body. While Childe leads the way towards a possible Abyss hideout, his focus is mainly on his hands and at times he touches his face.

"Hmm...it seems you are answering your own question, not? If it would have been an entrance to the Abyss itself they would have bring stronger monsters." Perhaps some of those wolves, or an Abyss Lector. "But lets find out. I am curious to see if you're still that weak."

He flashes Childe a sly smile.

"Heh, you do know your presence is quite unfortunate when it comes to the collective strength of the Fatui Harbingers, not?"

"You've got some nerve."

He shoots that back at Scaramouche, clearly unimpressed with his attempt at an insult. But Childe's ego isn't easily damaged, and he lets that grumble along with the disapproval of all the rest of the Harbingers roll off his back like water from a duck's feathers. All that matters to him is being able to serve the Tsaritsa, and the rest of them could go die off in an unknown corner of the world for all he cared.

"If I can beat a so-called god, then I can take on anything the Abyss throws at me. Don't forget who the merciful one was here."

It's not terribly far to the spot where the reports came from, walking along the path outside the city towards Gandharva Ville. The rainforest crops up around them the farther they wander, Childe focusing now more on their task, but still wary of Scaramouche and any possible traitorous actions he might take.

"So I'm not going to take that from you. My spot was well earned among the Harbingers, whether you like it or not. Perhaps it's better to look at it to see if you're the one who can hold up in there."

Well, of all the things he lost, he definitely didn't lose his foul mood or his sharp tongue. And he isn't bitter about the defeat itself, he is bitter about the fact that he is granted a second chance. A second chance at a life as some sort of living trophy, constantly reminded of how grateful he should be for Childe's wonderful mercy. Truly, it makes him gag. Such a human thing to do.

"You should have ended me. Not only are you weak, you're also quite a coward."

He walks next to the other now, looking at him again and there's still that eerie, purple glow in his eyes.

"But yes... I should make myself useful." After all, when it comes down to everything, all it comes down to being useful to others. "And prove my worth."

And after that Scaramouche doesn't open his mouth anymore and merely walks along with the other. At times he does look around himself, noticing that the nature that surrounds them isn't bad. He wouldn't mind living there, separated from whatever society, just by himself. But alas, fate has decided otherwise. The moment he does open his mouth again is when they spot two mages, chanting their spells, preparing something.

"Hmn. I don't think we're far. In fact, we're close now."

That purple glow doesn't go unnoticed. As Childe looks down at the former Harbinger again, he notices it, and it sets him on guard. Maybe it's the result of the repairs done to him that has reignited something inside of the puppet, maybe it's just the original power that he held that's showing itself anew after the horrific battle that they'd had that left them both terribly injured- he's not sure. But whatever it is, something in his gut tells him that he has to be careful around Scaramouche, even moreso than he'd already thought he had to before.

But he doesn't grace most of what he says with a response. The arrogant, uncaring part of him is glad that Scaramouche has decided that being useful is the best thing to do here, but there's also a part of him that aches to hear him say that, a part of him that he wishes he didn't have but somehow feels for the puppet. By all means, he shouldn't, he's clearly a traitor to the Tsaritsa, but it's that same feeling he's been struggling with ever since he took the puppet down and decided not to kill him.

Maybe he's right. Maybe he is just a coward...

"I see it. C'mon, quickly-"

It's the first acknowledgement of Scaramouche's presence that he's bothered with since they'd been walking towards Gandharva Ville. The Harbinger quickly moves, rounding around to flank them on one side, scrutinizing their movements.

"Gandharva Ville isn't too far from here. And if I didn't know any better, it looks like they're about to open a portal...perhaps to attack the Forest Rangers directly. But why would they do such a thing...?"

It doesn't make sense to him, but what it does do is provide an opportunity for them to get into the Abyss unnoticed while their abyssal troops are pouring out of it. Or, they could fight all the monsters directly, getting inside before they could pour out into Teyvat...

"Let's get inside the portal before anything else comes out. There'll be plenty of fighting to be had inside, and that's exactly what I want. Gandharva Ville can thank us later for our service, haha."

Scaramouche is quite sure that the other has seen it. It is some sort of spark, some sort of sensation that soars through his body at times. Oh, he is sure it belongs to him, that it is something he could use. After all, he is still angry. Angry at the world for abandoning him, angry at Childe for not finishing him off and forcing him to exist as his personal punchingbag instead.

Maybe, when his time comes, he will make Childe regret his choices. Scaramouche has a low tolerance for idiocy to begin with.

When the other tells him to move quick he just follows him as if there's all the time in the world. After all, these are just mages. They're annoying but easy to beat. He listens to Childe's assessment and shrugs afterwards.

"Your wish is my command."

Truly, he doesn't fear anything that could come from that portal. It could kill him, he could kill it, it could kill Childe instead. There really isn't anything to lose.

"Show me the way."

The tone of his voice is somewhat calm, yet anyone can see that the look on his face is off. And even though his eyes do not give off that eerie, purple glow this time, there is that sound again of things clicking into place. Scaramouche can't help uttering a soft, satsified sound. In a world formed by anger and betrayal it is truly a blessing that his strength seems to return.

Since it seems that Scaramouche is willing to follow, the Harbinger grins back as he quickly moves into position around the unsuspecting Abyss Mages who continue to chant their spell. He expects his companion to follow, but there's just something a little unnerving about him now. There's something up, and Childe has no idea what exactly it is, but he knows he needs to prepare himself for something- but bring it on, he thinks. He's sure he can handle any kind of trick that gets thrown at him, be it an abyss monster or the former Harbinger.

He quietly watches on as they finish, not sure of what just happened as nothing seems to of changed in the area. But they suddenly move to the side, allowing space for a portal to the abyss to suddenly open, and Childe sees their chance.

"Let's move."

As he springs forward, a herald emerges from the portal first, but the ginger man doesn't waste any time letting his blades form in his hands as he takes the first mage out with a clean sweep of hydro. Tartaglia only laughs in glee- that was too easy, as mages often are- and he's sure this herald won't be that much more difficult to take out, or take hostage so they have a way out of the abyss.

Well, Childe is the one who moves, he himself follows him slowly, as if he is taking a stroll instead of taking part in a battle. He registers the laughter coming from the other, yet he finds himself distracted with whatever is happening inside his own body.

"Its finishing up..." Scaramouche mutters to himself, staring at his hands as he's being very aware of these constant adjustments inside of him. When he looks up again he finds himself somewhat torn. He could finish that Herald off. They're tough but he's done that before and maybe now, he might be able to do it again. But what if he could just free himself from the idiot's presence by killing him instead?

"Ah...Childe." He moves to sit down on a log of wood. "I do not think I am able to defeat that thing. Why don't you show me how it's done?"

His blades sing in the light that shines down from the sun, tearing apart a minion that emerges from the portal with ease as he focuses mainly on the herald that's spit some kind of curse at him already. But he can see how Scaramouche just decides to sit this out, leaving him to fend off the Abyss alone. He should of expected this, and in fact it wouldn't surprise him if betrayal was on the horizon here. But he won't get all that tired from fighting the herald, moving expertly to block and counter his opponent.

He's fought plenty of heralds himself, and that was when he was a kid...

"Oh? I should have known you wouldn't be able to handle it."

He taunts the puppet, but he knows that those words would just bounce off of him as if they never existed at all. But it's fine by him, seemingly unbothered by his partner's lack of effort.

"Don't worry, I'll be done here in a few more moments."

Seemingly agitated by their banter, the herald charges in, but Childe is ready for it, easily parrying and coming in with his own counters until it finally receives the final blow, melting out of existence with a hydro blade stuck straight in its chest.

Indeed, Childe's words don't do anything.

"Blame it on your bad repairs." Scaramouche shrugs, yet there's a hint of a smile around his lips as he does. "I don't see any other reason why my body feels as weak and feeble as it does now."

And while Childe continues with doing what he does best, Scaramouche busies himself with gazing at tiny sparks that appear between his fingers. It doesn't feel solid yet, not as sure as his strength used to be. He figure it is part of who he is, of the part that still can be considered 'divine'.

"Hmm...when you are done..." Slowly he moves to stand. "...Should we spar a little?"

Any other enemies that emerge from the portal are easily dispatched by the Harbinger, very clearly enjoying himself among the chaos. Though, it catches him a little off-guard when Scaramouche suggests to spar, dismissing his blades as soon as the last of the Abyss emerges through the portal. He looks over to the puppet, raising an eyebrow.

"You didn't want to take part in the battle, and now you want to spar? What's up with that?"

Not that he'd ever turn down a fight, but this seems a little fishy. He doesn't feel worn out from the fight, so it doesn't feel as if this is exactly opportune for Scaramouche to take advantage of.

"You know I won't shy away from a battle, but why the sudden change of heart, Scaramouche?"

The questions annoy him.

"I don't care for those creatures." Really, Scaramouche has beat up a lot of them in the past. "I think it would be more interesting to spar with you instead."

He cocks his head a little to the right and a small and rather sly smile appears around his lips. "Isn't this what you wanted, Childe? A punching bag, for yourself to use?" The smile broadens a little as he approaches the taller man and this time the purple flicker in his eyes stay, clear for the other to see.

"Come at me."

"Heh."

The puppet approaches him boldly, and he doesn't back down, staring downward to see that flash of purple. Seems Scaramouche still has a bit of power left in him...and to think he was just accusing him of doing a bad job at repairing him. A wicked smile flashes across his features, glad to see that the other has retained some of his former power.

That makes things interesting for him. He won't complain.

"If you say so. Let's test out your newly repaired body now that our battlefield is now laid bare for us to use as we please."

Readying his blades in his hand, he doesn't waste time by striking at Scaramouche's chest to start- a blow that he feels should be easily dodged or parried. Every move he makes is effortless, yet tactical, not stopping just at that single swipe. He wants to see what his partner here is made of in his defeat.

"Let's see if you can still amuse me."

And here he was, thinking he had lost everything. His purpose, his strength, his divinity. But it seems that, for once, he has been lucky.

"Ah, you are so full of it." The laugh that comes from Scaramouche's mouth has a sinister ring to it. "Thinking you can own me as if I was some sort of toy."

Something inside of him seems to be buzzing, reviving everything inside of him he deemed lost. And the best thing of all is that he loves it, he absolutely basks in it. So the second Childe lunges himself at him he starts to cackle.

"I am not here for your amusement, worm!"

He dodges the blow easily. And the one that follows gets dodged as well. With every move Scaramouche makes there's the sound of electricity crackling, sparks emitting from his hands, his eyes glowing with a bright purple. Childe might be able to see how uncanny his speed is and eventually Scaramouche halts one of his waterblades by simply grabbing hold of it.

"I hope you are aware of the fact that water conducts electricity."

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

i'm gunna timeskip to waking our lil disaster puppet up lolol

DISASTER PUPPET :"D

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

RETURNS 2 MONTHS LATER, SHAMELESSLY

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject