insurmountable | you know i'm the type / type to risk my life, not afraid to die

Ngh...

[The bonds that hold him further pull him downward, and he doesn't have the strength to fight it. Aether knew? Or was she bluffing? But he can see his comrade not sharing with him that he might of known that his sister was in charge of the Abyss Order. He kept some things close to his chest, which he could never blame him for- and this information would be incredibly personal, if not chaos inciting. And he's Fatui, he'll never be able to fully trust him. But at the same time, he wishes Aether would of at least asked him for help, for advice...

She's so cold, he thinks, as he pulls against the dark energy binding him. What was her deal anyway...]

Your Heralds here were messy, [he says, in defiance.] So I made short work of them. Even I didn't expect to be brought before their leader. But now that I'm here, don't you want to see what exactly brought down your elite soldiers? I'm more than willing to fight you too.

[An open challenge, even with his dwindling strength. But if he can get free of these bonds, he can get away- even if it would hurt his pride to do so. But he's not in a good situation here. Even he knows he wouldn't win right now.]

[ so he's not sent by his archon? what a strange boy, she thinks, to simply go through one of the portals to make a mess of her heralds. though she does wonder how much of that facetious challenge is candid. once more, lumine lifts a hand to silence the hushed twittering in the hall; he's agitating no one here with his presence and provocations but her servants. ]

You can barely stand on your two feet. It's not very enjoyable to bully the weak.

[ and she makes her point by jerking him down further. she'd smile, but this isn't very amusing for her, either.

a moment later, however, she deliberately slackens her grasp on his bonds, enough for him to get back up on his feet but not enough for him to get away. if he can, that is, get up on his feet and she's quite certain he'll try to prove her wrong. from what she's heard about him, he seems to be quite the pigheaded type, not much different from her twin. ]

Challenge me again when you've recovered your strength. And then, perhaps I might tell you a thing or two about your transformation.

[ she turns to one of the mages and gives it a set of instructions in the abyssal tongue. the mage bows and disappears into a flash of snow and ice. ]

After all, it takes a toll on your body when you use it, doesn't it?

Edited 2022-01-01 08:02 (UTC)

[So that bluff wasn't going to work...

It hurts, being yanked down again, gritting his teeth as he tries to keep himself silenced as to not give away how hurt he actually was. Sure, she might know that he isn't doing well, but if he can convince her otherwise to loosen his bonds, that would be the most ideal situation.

But it's when she mentions his transformation that gets his attention. He looks up at her, feeling the dark energy loosen, and he struggles to get to his feet. It takes a moment, but he does, standing up straight despite how heavy and tired his entire body felt. Why did she let him up?]

How do you know about that.

[He asks curtly, but he wants to know. He'd only learned it in such a short period of time in here- if there were more secrets, he'd love to hear them.]

[ oh, so he's interested. how curious.

perhaps the reports about him are true, of his thirst for blood and battle. after all, unlocking the secrets to his transformation, to further strength and power, is something he won't be able to resist, a delicious temptation dangling within his reach. ]

Your power comes from the Abyss, and the Abyss is my realm. Did you think that I would be unaware of the happenings in my own domain?

[ the mage returns, once more bowing at her in reverence, and lumine gets up from her seat and starts walking down the raised dais, pausing momentarily in front of him. even his eyes, she muses with a tilt of her head, have been stained by her realm, the light in those blue eyes extinguished.

without another word, she walks past him just as the bonds return around his wrists, tugging him after her like a leash. ]

Come.

[ not that he has a choice not to, anyway. ]

[As she stops in front of him, he only stares back, unwilling to show any kind of subservience to her. She studies his eyes, something he's noticed about himself as well. Guess it was no coincidence, and as they say, eyes are a window to one's soul, and his was twisted by this dark place long ago.

The bonds quickly tug him along, and he almost stumbles in surprise. He walks behind her, unable to do much more than wonder what she has to show him, or what she had her mage do. He's sure it's nothing good, and more than likely has everything to do with him.]

What, going to show me your awesome omnipotence in this realm of yours? Save it, [he spits at her.] Just because you know about the Foul Legacy Transformation doesn't mean I'm just going to bow down to you and beg for you to teach me.

[ she briefly glances at him over her shoulder as they walk down ruined hallways, bathed in white by the huge pale moon floating over the abyss. for a moment, she says nothing in response, her heels simply clicking against stone floors, and it's the cryo mage floating next to her that speaks in that strange enochian language. a moment later, she chuckles. ]

You come into my domain uninvited, fight my heralds and lose against them, and when you're captured, you're the one upset about it. How fascinating.

[ they have a name for that kind of person, but lumine dares not say it. not out of fear of retaliation, but out of allowing him to realise what she's pointing out. she assumes he's intelligent for that, at least. ]

Is that what your Archon asks her defeated foes to do? Bow down and implore for her forgiveness?

[Ugh, she's starting to sound like Signora. It's only helping to anger him further, and he ignores her shot at him. He can accept that it was his own fault for getting captured, and he's not going to take her bait.]

Her Majesty the Tsarista is pure, unlike your order that slinks here in the darkness. She, at least, does not seek to destroy the world. I'm just wondering why you decided to bring up my transformation in the first place, hanging it in front of me like that.

[He knows he doesn't have much of a ground to stand on there morality wise. But he won't stand for any ill-talk of his Tsarista.]

Besides, why not finish me off now, then? I'm a threat to your operations here. Wouldn't it be best?

[Fight him ojou-chan]

[ pure.

another laughter bubbles up her throat, a little less mirthful this time around, but she says nothing more about the topic. it's not his place to know and her time will only be wasted explaining to a zealot of an archon. instead, she allows the mage to leave her presence to take care of more things. ]

If you wish to crush the gods and their thrones under your heel and rule the world, then your current transformation will get you killed even before you reach Celestia.

[ and wouldn't that be a shame? not for her, but for him, who feeds off of the glory and thrill of fighting. ]

But hm, I suppose you're right. Perhaps I should finish you off.

[How much does she know about him?

Almost every word she's uttered reveals that she knows more about him than he realizes, and part of him starts to worry. He won't let that show on his face, but it's troubling when she's constantly rattling off his own deepest wishes. Granted, so far he's okay with someone knowing these things- but the way she's presenting them to him, one after another...what else does she know? How long has she been watching him?]

Come, try me then, [he says, to try to egg her on,] finish me off. But at least make it a fair fight. What pleasure is there in bullying the weak, right? Let me show you what a Harbinger can do.

[He'll push himself to the limit. He doesn't care. He's doomed if he doesn't.]

[ he's like a child, isn't he, teasing and provoking his playmates to fight him over a toy or a game. even when he knows he can't win, even when he's beaten and broken, he simply won't let up. skirk has injected far too much chaos into this one, the abyss having taken root firmly in him already.

she stops in front of a door where two heralds stand watch outside, pulling at his restraints. one of them gives her a momentary glance before they open the door, revealing a modest room. nothing opulent or grand and it looks like it hasn't been used for centuries, but it'll do for now.

there's a small wooden box sitting on the bed and she pushes him towards it just as the heralds close the door behind them. ]

Take off your shirt and then sit on the bed.

[He stumbles a few feet forward, noting the doors closing behind them. He's confused...what is she doing? He'd fully expected to fight for his life, and now he's finding himself in an ancient bedroom that looks as if it hasn't been used. He looks over to her, annoyed and giving her the most incredulous glare.]

What is this? Are you mocking me?

[He wants a battle. Not whatever....this is.]

And how am I supposed to do anything with these bonds on my wrists?

[Does she even know how much of a pain in the ass it is to put this jacket on every day?]

[ he gripes at everything, doesn't he? lumine idly wonders how her twin brother is able to deal with this kind of whining on a near-daily basis as she walks towards the bed and offhandedly waves a hand. the restraints around his wrists dissipate into thin air, releasing him.

that should be enough, shouldn't it? ]

You said you want me to make it a fair fight, didn't you? It's never going to be a fair fight in your current state.

[ she turns to him once more as she sits on the edge of the bed, the wooden box now on her lap. her lips tug at the corner as she keeps her gaze intent on him. ]

Now take off your shirt and sit.

[Finally.

He rubs his wrists as the bonds come off, grinning. Free, and now he'll make her regret it. He eyes the box in her lap, formulating a plan. He is weak, that's true. If he transforms now, he'll surely fall, and there's only one way out of here. Abyss Heralds on one side, their leader right here in front of them. If he kills her now, in the chaos he might be able to escape. He'd have to do it quick or else those bonds were going to come right back and restrain him again. He'll have to get close.

Was it worth it?

He'd have to figure out a way to apologize to Aether. This is a dire situation for him. But still...his curiosity is nagging at him. What's in the box, and why is she so intent on this?

So he walk towards her, a weary eye on her.]

That's quite a bit of confidence you have, releasing me like this. You know I have every chance to kill you now, right?

[He doesn't sit. Instead, he steps in front of her, looking down.]

And here I thought you were smarter than that.

[In a flash, a hydro blade appears in his hand as he swings it, aimed for her throat, with nothing held back. He's not as fast in his condition, but he's going to try anyway. At the very least, perhaps he can start the fight he wanted now if she survives.]

[ lumine can't say she was expecting this, even wondering when he would make his move. she supposes that attacking her in the throne room would've been suicidal with her court in attendance, so striking while they're alone like this would be most optimal for his survival. though she wonders if his mind is also affected by his previous fight with her heralds; clearly, he's not thinking this plan through.

he's fast, but she's quicker uninjured. her sword, silver and gold, flashes into existence before her in time to block his blade just inches from her neck. the box on her lap falls to the floor from the movement, spilling its contents. ]

Is this your idea of a fair fight? [ she murmurs quietly, her eyes not leaving his face at all. ] I expected more.

[ her other hand closes into a fist, sharply punching the side that he's been surreptitiously trying to hide from her. a broken rib, perhaps, or some kind of bad hit from earlier—who knows. what she does know is that he's clearly underestimating her. ]

And here I thought you were smarter than that.

[He's about to counterattack with his other hand, when her fist slams into his side. He can feel pain radiate through him, having hit a spot that he knows is already far too injured to take another blow like that and not stun him.]

Ngh-agh!!!!

[He stumbles away, holding his side as he gasps for breath, hacking up blood into his gloved hand. It serves as a reminder of how injured he was, and her words cut through him like a knife. He shouldn't be letting her get to him like this, but his mind races for more options to take here. If he even has more options.]

Guess you really are into bullying, huh...

[His mouth keeps running, but it only serves to make him cough some more. The effects were clear. He's in no condition to be fighting anyone right now.]

[ his cry causes the heralds to burst through the door, and lumine, in exasperation, sighs and lifts a hand once more to keep them from swooping on her errant guest. there's a long pregnant pause, one that she allows all of them to stew in, before they bow and reluctantly leave them yet again.

once more they're gone, she gets up from her seat and starts picking up the contents of the box from the floor: clean bandages, antiseptic and strong-smelling ointments, even a sewing kit, procured by the mages elsewhere. ]

Only when it comes to children who can't follow simple instructions, such as taking off their shirt and sitting down.

[ shots fired, etc.

once she's gathered the items and deposited them back into the box, lumine takes a seat again on the edge of the bed, looking at him expectantly. now, will he finally remove his clothes and sit down? she's honestly getting tired of this. ]

[Even doubled over, he sees now what was inside the box. Simple first aid. He's in too much pain to hide his shock, blinking a few times. She was going to bandage him up? What?]

I don't need you to talk down to me from that perch you're sitting on.

[He's mad, but more mad at his own incapability than at her in this moment. His mind is still boggled. But he needs a minute, to recuperate from that blow. Finally, he steps over, sitting on the bed as instructed, but not without a glare.]

Fine.

[He unclips his banner from his chest, slowly edging the jacket off of him. It's painful to do even that, but he manages, throwing it on the floor in front of them and doing the same with the red undershirt. Wounds cover his upper body, blood dripping down that's stained his shirt, revealing all sorts of scars from the many years of battle.]

[ well, it's not like she anticipates or wants him to be grateful. the look of surprise on his face when he realises what she's been holding onto and the fact that he finally, finally relents is enough for her to appreciate. after this, she's telling the mages not to disturb her rest unless the entire abyss goes up in flames.

her hands start busying themselves as he begins to undress, picking up a piece of cloth and soaking it in antiseptic. her gaze flickers at his jacket and shirt being tossed onto the floor, eyebrow arching.

just like a snake shedding his skin, she thinks, but she could also compare it to a child throwing a tantrum. either comparison works. ]

You seem to respond to me talking you down well enough.

[ lumine studies his injuries before she shifts closer and reaches out to start disinfecting the visible cuts, her hand much gentler now that it's no longer punching him. her heralds really did a number on him, though, which is to be expected of them. but to take down a few of them in his current state ... she'll have to sort that out too. ]

[Childe grimaces at the pain from the disinfectant, but it's necessary. He sits still, watching her work, and the only thing he can think of is why. There's a strange familiarity in this entire exchange too- had Aether found him in this condition, surely he would have scolded him and done the same. Forced him to sit, to dress his wounds, put his hands on his hips and glare.

There's a part of him that still wants to take advantage of this situation. But for now, he silently watches her, not really knowing how to respond for the moment.

His next movement is slow, non-threatening, as he reaches his hand up to grasp one of her wrists. His grip is loose, and she can easily pull away without much effort. He just wants to stop her for a second.]

Why are you doing this? You have servants you could order to dress my wounds, and yet you invite me into this room and treat me yourself.

[His head tilts slightly to the side with curiosity.]

Your brother would have done the same for me too, you know. I guess you both are pretty alike.

[ and here she thought he'd never ask her that question.

lumine lifts her eyes to meet his, her hand pausing from its occupation with her wrist imprisoned, and returns his questioning look with the same impassive expression as before. a moment later, she lowers her gaze once more with a sigh, her other hand rummaging through the box. ]

I didn't know that you preferred mages and heralds over people. Shall I call one of them and have them continue?

[ besides, he's agitated them well enough; who knows what how effective their treatment would be if she were to leave them in their hands. ]

I'll summon a lector as well to sing you songs while they treat and dress your wounds.

Heh.

[He releases her wrist, so she can continue to work freely. A part of him is surprised she didn't retaliate. It was a bold move of him, after the blow he'd received just minutes before.]

Truly a cruel and merciless leader you are, [he says, smirking.] But you didn't answer my other question. I should be the last person you'd want to waste efforts on to heal. I killed your Herald. Wounded countless others. Yet I receive treatment from the princess herself, and was offered information about my own power.

[He peers at her.]

Just tell me what you want from me. I know you aren't doing this just out of the kindness of your heart.

[ at least he's not the delusional type, and he's not entirely wrong; her actions are not necessarily charitable and do not stem from compassion.

but lumine deflects him anyway with more silence as she resumes her task and returns her focus back to his injuries. it's a good enough distraction from his barrage of questions, both asked and unasked, and it gives her an excuse to ignore him and pretend he doesn't exist. surely, it must work well for both of them, who openly despise each other.

when his wounds are all cleaned up, she moves on to dressing them, starting with the injury on his side, a huge bruise having already blossomed beneath his skin. there's no hesitation in the way she leans in closer, brushing a hand over his skin and gently pressing her fingers against the tender area. she then speaks in the abyssal language once more, summoning the cryo mage from earlier.

the mage has a few questions as well, similar in thought and context as the harbinger's, but she silences it with a cold, sharp look, her hand outstretched. it leaves a piece of cloth in her palm, chilled with cryo, and withdraws with a reverent bow. ]

I want you to hold this against your side.

[ see? she's answering his questions. lumine doesn't even wait for his response, taking his hand and passing on over the cold compress, before she goes back to his other wounds. ]

[Darn her. She won't answer his questions, leaving him totally in the dark about what the true meaning of all this was. But he's left with little choice, and he'll need the time to rest in order to plan a more successful escape from this darkness. He understands what this realm will do if he stays too long- he can already hear its whispers in his mind, seeking to latch onto where it had started all those years ago.

Childe draws in a sharp breath when she gently presses her fingers to his side, but doesn't cry out. What he does do is give the mage that appears the darkest, most frightening glare he can muster, as if just to remind it that he's here and he will make its day a bad one if given the chance. Let it spread that fear to the others, it'll only make life easier for him later, he thinks.

Sighing, he presses the compress onto his skin gingerly, a shudder running through his body from both the pain and the cold. This will help, but it would take time for that injury to heal. He'd really done a number on himself in that fight.]

Listen, if you're not going to answer my questions on the nature of my survival here, then at least tell me why you've left Aether to fight on the other side of this war the Abyss is waging on the world. Does it not bother you? He is, after all, your twin brother.

[It's an honest question. He doesn't know what Aether knows about this situation, but the last he knew his comrade didn't know what was going on.]

[ she's mindful to keep her gaze on his injuries, her lips pressed together as she continues her ministrations. they remain gentle and considerate, at least, fingers barely brushing against his skin even as she tends to the bigger, deeper wounds. after all, she's had enough experience tending to her twin's injuries a long time ago in the past.

and for one long moment, she doesn't indulge his questions, doesn't react to his mention of Aether. even her expression is carefully schooled, impassive eyes training on his body. it's only after she's done tending to the smaller wounds that she finally opens her mouth.

but of course, the answer she gives him isn't exactly an answer at all. ]

My twin brother is more resourceful than I am. He's already aware of what he needs to do.

[ perhaps not entirely, as she's left him with as little information as well. but she knows what her brother is capable of, knows how intelligent he is. lumine, despite their distance at the moment, trusts that he'll do his part. ]

[He sighs again. Another non-answer. Whatever. Guess he'll have to quell his curiosity, because it's clear he's not going to get an inch from her. He quietly continues to hold the compress to his side, thankful for the relief it gives, and shallows his breathing as to not irritate it further. He's finished trying to have a conversation with her.

Instead now, he just watches her work, clearly having experience in such matters. He wonders what worlds they visited, what they'd seen, the battles they fought, for her to be so deft and careful with every wound on his body. Even in this moment, he imagines how incredible those journeys must of been. And how it all stopped here.

He could fathom a guess. But it's not as if he'll get answers.]

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