i'm dragging a heart that weighs a ton / holding out for not just anyone

[monoceroscaeli]

[Fontaine: The technological hub of Teyvat.

For as long as anyone can remember, the country of Fontaine has always been the innovative center for the continent. High speed rail was originated here, and now spans across the entirety of Teyvat and beyond. High rises and skyscrapers pepper the skyline, modern Victorian buildings supporting a gear-like aesthetic from an era gone by. A thousand years ago, it was a much different place, but now it thrives with the bright lights and bustle of its people. One can hear the occasional street performer playing for cash, as businessmen and tourists alike walk down narrow cobblestone streets. People are buried in their phones, some take pictures as they gawk at the sights of the city, but one young man in particular walks languidly down the street, enjoying the life around him. He's in no hurry to get where he's going, as he has plenty of time to get there, noting a deli across the street from where he is now that he'll have to try.

Unfortunately, he is on business, so that'll have to wait.

Never being one to be dressed completely formal, he wears a comfortable pair of slacks and dress shoes, with a collared shirt that isn't buttoned up all the way under a grey vest. Various pieces of metal are woven into the vest, notably a crest on his right shoulder with a chain attached to it that hangs under his arm to the back. On his belt lies a Vision, glowing blue with hydro. The young man always seems friendly and easy going, but what lies underneath is something that not many are allowed to know- the heir to the family business of a company who develops tech for various products is also the right hand man of the mafia that runs the city.

And, their true business behind the scenes; creating Delusions to sell on the black market.

Today is a day where some investigating has to be done, and he's headed to see an old friend of his, from university. One that he's sure can help him with this problem he has. Entering the building, he swings in quietly to give a polite wave and a smile to the only person there.

Someone who looked exactly like their brother, whom he can only assume is the twin sister he'd yet to meet that he'd heard about.]

Hello, I was wondering if Aether was in today? I had a...business proposal for him, and I'm sure that he'd love to hear it. Unless of course, you might be of assistance instead.

Comments

[monoceroscaeli]

Yes, but...

[He stares down at the shining plates, the sun of Snezhnaya bearing down on them. Could there be more secrets that lie here, that only they can discover? Maybe even something that might help them, against this supposed ancient grudge? He can't miss this opportunity.]

If there's anything we can glean from this that might help us, it will be well worth the risk.

[He's determined, he won't take no for an answer. It is a bad idea. She's right. But they have to.]

They're right there. We saw what put them here...surely there's something their lives can tell us about this.

[He pulls lightly on her hand, as he double checks to make sure the tour guide wasn't looking, stepping over the chain. He's going.]

[traversal]

[ when she sees him step over the chain, lumine knows she's doomed. they're doomed. no other choice but to see this through. she can probably tug her hand out of his grasp and pretend she doesn't know him, but then she also wants to know what happened after everything.

who put the traveler and her brother there, anyway? is this something she wished for, to be buried with childe? ]

If we get arrested—If I get arrested, Aether's never going to forgive you.

[ she sighs under her breath, carefully stepping over the chain, and makes terrible peace with herself. she hopes aether doesn't find out about this. she hopes her brother won't be too nosy for one. ]

We'll touch it for a second, okay? Just one second. If nothing happens, we're leaving.

[monoceroscaeli]

Deal.

[If he gets Lumine arrested, he swears somehow he'd make it up to the both of them for this mess. Ajax takes a deep breath, and moves forward towards where their counterparts lie. It takes them a matter of seconds to get to the plaques, and Ajax kneels down to touch the one that belongs to Childe. Lumine's plaque is next to it, and the moment that she touches hers, the world around them seems to spin. The cemetery melts away, only to be replaced with a realm he doesn't recognize.

The landscape before them doesn't appear to sport much vegetation, the air having a coolness to it that wasn't as cold as Snezhnaya, but not hot like Liyue or Natlan. A gentle breeze makes the grass and flowers they stand upon sway back and forth, and when his vision focuses he realizes they're on an outcropping overlooking a vast ocean, the sun setting in the distance, giving the entire setting a warm, orange glow.

Two figures sit in front of them on the edge, enjoying the view, when they both turn their heads in unison to see who their visitors were. Ajax realizes that he's not inhabiting the Harbinger's body again this time- instead, they'd be spectators, like they had been at the bank.

But his jaw drops when the gears start turning in his head. They can see them.

Childe and Lumine both stand up, to walk over to their modern counterparts. Childe's eyes widen, before he breaks into a grin.

Hey. Didn't think anyone was ever going to show up. You kept us waiting a long time, you know.]

[traversal]

[ lumine closes her eyes when she crouches down to touch the plaque, wishing and praying to every deity that could hear her to let nothing happen. they really don't need to see a vision, don't need to something that would make them look like a freak to everyone watching. but clearly, no one's listening to her prayers when everything melts away again.

but it's different this time around, for once not inhabiting her counterpart's body. instead, she finds herself staring at the other lumine who seems rather pleased to see her, a smile tugging at her lips and a chuckle bubbling out of her throat.

well, your other self did take a while to find her. not too motivated to find me again, were you? i should've known.

when her counterpart reaches out to touch her, lumine flinches and takes a step back, uncertain as to what she'll do. i'm sorry, i didn't mean to frighten you. i'm just very glad to see you. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ajax's eyes dart between the two ancient warriors, bewildered that this was happening. This wasn't what he'd expected at all, and it's hard to get himself together enough to speak at first. Childe seems to sense this, clapping a hand on his shoulder. His hand felt real, with weight to it, but at the same time he knows there's no way that could be true.

Don't mind Lumine too much. Don't worry, she doesn't bite- she just likes to sass me every chance she gets. But, since you're both here, that means you've already started your journey, isn't it? To think that...hm, well, I shouldn't say too much. I guess you both have a lot of questions, haha.]

Yes, [Ajax replies tentatively,] I wanted to know who exactly has a supposed ancient grudge against us. We saw...ah.

[It's hard to say, but Childe finishes it for him.

Our deaths? We know. There's no need to be so hesitant about this.

Ajax looks at the ground, those words stinging somewhere deep inside him before taking a deep breath.]

Who was that god, exactly? And is there a way that they're still around?

[traversal]

[ the other lumine glances at childe at that question, letting out a sigh under her breath. her expression looks pensive, disconcerted. like this is not the life she'd imagined for her modern counterpart to be in. and truly, lumine can sense tendrils of feelings from her, her anguish buried deep but still there.

many of the gods perished during the war with the divine a thousand years ago, but as you both know, the power of gods will always remain, always linger.

this is what zhongli had told her as well, the tone of the man teaching but at the same time warning her. does he know something? it doesn't seem like he does, but everything he's told her so far holds water better than any history book she's ever read.

there are still forces who wish to restore the old ways, the rule of celestia over teyvat, and take vengeance on those involved in the past. so be careful. especially you.

lumine looks up at her counterpart, meeting her equally golden eyes. ]

I ... [ i realise you've been very reluctant to be involved in this since the beginning, and i wish i can spare you from this heartache. ] ... Thanks.

[monoceroscaeli]

[He hears her words, these are the same as when Lumine was yelling at him back at the firing range. His eyes soften with sadness, that his Lumine was truly in danger, even now, due to the actions of the past. He stares at her for a moment, thinking on what to do, how to protect her, how he can best be ready for any battle at any time. Was it his fault this all came crashing down on their heads? Or was it as he thought before, inevitable whether they explored this or not?

Childe sees the concern in Ajax's eyes, nudging him and bringing his gaze back to the Harbinger. Childe says softly, whispering into his ear:

You must be ready for any challenge with your blade. It's up to you now to protect her, as I once did. You know how to use the Foul Legacy Transformation as well, yes?]

I...do, [Ajax responds, keeping his voice low as well. He'd tried it out once before coming to Snezhnaya, after feeling and learning through the vision how to use it.] That power is nothing to sneeze at. My body felt like it was going to fall apart.

[Save it for critical moments. It was hard on my body as well. Don't wear yourself out too early in the battle, or you'll see your own demise sooner than you'd expect.]

I know, I know... [He sighs. But it's now that Childe turns to face the modern Lumine, a hand on his hip and ready to talk business.

Now, you two have been visiting the statues, yes? You might want to gain her full powers if you're to survive now that Celestia has its eye on you both.]

[traversal]

[ to be honest, lumine hasn't approached any of the statues in fontaine. despite the vision they've had of the pair's deaths, a part of her still feels terribly hesitant over all of this. yes, she wants to protect aether. yes, she wants to make sure that her brother remains safe and sound. but would pursuing this really protect him? would regaining her predecessor's powers be enough to pave a life for her and her twin?

or would they both have to make the necessary sacrifice in the end again? as their counterparts once did a thousand years ago. and ajax ...

let the boys do what they need to do, the other lumine tells her gently, a smile on her lips once more. i know childe and ajax seem very unreliable at times, but they'll pull through, don't worry. ]

He didn't exactly pull through last time ... [ no offence, seeing that he died and they even saw his plaque in the cemetery. her counterpart laughs softly, patting childe's arm.

i never said he's not an idiot. ]

... My brother doesn't know anything about this. [ she can see the expression on the other lumine's face. understands the kind of misery that settles inside of her when she recalls aether's death. ] I've never told him about what's going on.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Hey, I got a very vital blow in because of that! If it weren't for the abyssal energy I sent through that god to weaken it, who knows what the end result might of been.

Childe frowns at being called an idiot, but he's been called an idiot so many times before. Ajax only throws his hand behind his head, because he's got a feeling Lumine is going to call him an idiot a lot in the future too...

Anyway, it might be difficult for Aether to swallow, Childe offers, realizing how crazy it probably was for people experiencing visions and speaking with their past selves, despite the fact that they may not of realized that fact yet.

And, the more he knows, the more danger he might be in. Celestia getting more information on the two of you only benefits your enemy, so it may be for the best to keep him in the dark.]

Plus, you know he'd lose his mind if he knew. He's not even taking you being with me very well, let alone accepting the knowledge that an ancient god wants to exercise its wrath on us.

[They both fold their arms over their chest at the same time, not even realizing it.]

[traversal]

[ they're both so similar, lumine thinks as she watches their gestures. their expressions, the way they move—everything about them is just similar, almost identical. it's unnerving, really, watching them side by side like this. not even she and aether are this similar, even as nearly identical twins.

at ajax's remark, however, she turns to him, a look of disbelief once more dawning on her face. she realises that perhaps they're getting a little too comfortable with their counterparts around, but what. what. ]

I'm not with you, [ she can't help but say, the other lumine looking in surprise at her assertion. ] Just because you slept over for a night ...

[ her counterpart doesn't say anything for one long moment, her bright golden eyes flickering over at childe. there's a playful smile on her lips, almost amused by this sudden revelation. it seems like their modern selves aren't too different from them.

not a very good role model in bed for ajax? ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Both of their eyes widen, though for different reasons, and they both begin to protest at the same time, their voices overlapping-]

Wait a second, that's not what-

[What is that supposed to mean? Are-]

-I meant, what I meant to say was-

[-you trying to pick a fight with me, comrade? I'll-]

-that you were with me in Snezhnaya-

[-gladly fight you here and now, I've been itching for a fight-!]

-and that he made a fuss about it-!

[They both stop, their faces a little red, clearly a little flustered by the girls.]

[traversal]

[ both lumines roll their eyes, though only one is quite amused by this sudden turn in their conversation. it's also the same lumine that reaches out to childe, pressing a small hand against his cheek with a quiet chuckle the same way one would try to pet a ruffled, aggravated cat, the gesture an attempt to soothe him. she knows she'll have to pay for that later on.

now, now. i'll fight you later when we're alone again.

she turns back to lumine, just as she ignores ajax's whining. he can say whatever he wants; the mere fact he's stumbling over his words only means he's been caught redhanded with his freudian slip. what an idiot.

joking aside, you two should look after each other. that's the only way you'll overcome this. ]

I'll protect Aether too, don't worry. [ her counterpart gives her a grateful but sad smile, nodding slightly. ] I promise.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Childe presses his cheek into her palm, still looking mildly annoyed but accepting that she'd fight him later. It's mostly what he thinks about anyway, and he loves sparring with her any chance he can get. There's a part of Ajax that longs for his Lumine to do the same, but he has to shake those feelings off. He's still unsure about his own heart at the moment, though being with Lumine felt right, and he'd even kissed her goodbye on a whim before he'd left their apartment.]

Childe, I need to ask you something, about my weapons.

[It's a little specific to him, but it's always bothered him. He summons a blade, one that looks exactly the same as the Harbinger's.]

Usually our blades manifest in a way that is indicative of the weapons we've trained with- but I've never seen this design anywhere. And, it's always been this way as long as I remember, even before I ever truly learned swordplay. Do you know what it is?

[Childe looks down at the hydro blade, impressed how it's an exact copy of his own.

It was a design I worked with when I fell into an ancient world long ago. Those were the weapons they used. I tweaked it a little to fit my own preferences, once I received my vision. It's the same place where I learned the Foul Legacy Transformation. So, all of that power is yours to use.]

I see...I'd assumed that it might of been something that only Harbingers were allowed usage of, but it seems my theory was way off. Though, now that I think about it, that monument we saw had the woman using a catalyst, right?

[He looks over to Lumine, to verify. He's pretty sure he saw a 'floating' weapon near her on it.]

[traversal]

[ while the two boys are busy with their talk about weapons and powers, something that the old lumine has gotten tired of after years of traveling across teyvat, she turns to her modern self with another smile. the current lumine wishes to ask her so many things, wants to voice out so many complaints—not just about the events in the past, but also about childe.

despite her words earlier, she still can't push away the feeling that what happened to them a week ago was just ... normal. it was special, yes, but for a much different reason. it felt more like a reunion, like a moment when they're finally together once more.

the past lumine simply gives her a questioning look, as if prompting her to ask, before even before she could, ajax is addressing her. with an inward sigh, she tries her best to figure out what they're talking about. ]

... Oh, yeah. [ the monument. the lady standing next to him, along with the other, shorter guy. ] Your Harbinger friends, one of them had a catalyst next to her.

[ harbinger friends ... woman ... her counterpart glances at childe once more, letting out another laugh. you mean, signora? childe's best friend. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[UGH.

The sound of absolute disgust that comes out of his mouth is undeniable. His face crunches up, clearly offended by the fact that this woman's name was spoken aloud around him, and that she's had the audacity to call her his best friend.

That's a name I thought I never would have to hear again, even in death. Do not be mistaken. I can't stand the very sight of the other Harbingers. Always concerned with their clandestine operations, and look where that got Signora in the end.

He huffs again, and Ajax can only turn to him and wonder if he'd approve of what he does. Even though he doesn't like the dark operations they run, he still has to do it.]

Hey, we're getting a little off track here, [he interjects, before Childe really gets mad.] Anyway, Lumine, was there anything you needed to ask before we run out of time? These visions never have a set time limit, after all.

[traversal]

[ clandestine operations, he says.

the current lumine snorts, rolling her eyes. she's certain he's probably aware, but still, the current ajax is seemingly always involved in certain clandestine operations. not surprising given their family business and all, but so much for similarities. it sure stops right there.

oh, but she does have a question, and she thinks this should put to rest a lot of her speculations about them, about her and ajax. perhaps it might even allow her feelings to settle, to finally get some closure. ]

Are we ... [ she glances at ajax, uncertain how to ask, really. ] Since it's rather strange that everything about us is almost identical to you two, are Ajax and I ... related in any way?

[ because if they are, if this is what she's dreading, then there's no way anything between them can continue. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[That question seems to clear up Childe's previous anger, and he starts laughing.

Did you think you guys were fifteenth cousins three times removed or something? Hahahaha! Sorry, there's no relation. We never had children. Never got the chance.

It was sad that they hadn't gotten to start a family, but they'd died too early. But Childe has made his peace with it since then, and his demeanor shows it. He's had a thousand years to do so.]

That's a relief. That would have made things a bit awkward, wouldn't it?

[Ajax turns to smile at Lumine, guessing that she probably knew what he was referring to.]

But now I'm even more confused. If we're not your descendants, then what are we?

[traversal]

[ lumine's gaze flickers over to her counterpart, seeing a bit of melancholy crossing her face at the thought. but the other lumine quickly catches herself, another smile pulling at the corner of her lips. it's unfortunate, indeed, that they never got the chance, knowing childe's desire to have a family of his own, knowing his love for children.

our duties to our ideals and beliefs came first back then. i can't say we weren't happy, because i was and greatly so, but i'd say there were a lot of missed opportunities.

she takes a step towards the current lumine, her hand reaching out to tuck the pair of inteyvats in her hair. strange, how solid it feels against her ear.

this time, choose what you think is right. what feels right. ]

Wait, what do you ... mean ...

[ her past counterpart glances at her partner, giving him a slight nod. childe? ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Childe only smiles back, that was a good deflection her part. She'd always been good at it, and he's willing to bet this Lumine too, could do it just as well. He unclips his earring, and then takes the mask off of his head, pressing the earring into Ajax's hand and then gives him the mask.

Warriors would wear an earring in their left ear if they were always in battle situations where they could die, for good luck. I think these are better suited for you now. They don't do me much good anymore.]

Wait, you can't-

[Always look for new ways to sharpen your blade. If you do that, you'll be able to conquer any enemy that steps in your path.

Childe looks over to Lumine, ready now to end this brief conversation and finally join with their counterparts.

Don't worry. We'll always be with you, to help you parry any oncoming attack or slay any powerful foe.]

But what does that mean...?

[traversal]

[ lumine can tell that something is about to happen, something is about to take place, and this entire ritual feels like a goodbye of some sort. and her speculations are confirmed when her counterpart reaches out for childe once more, her fingers brushing against the curve of his cheek, the line of his jaw. there's clear affection in her eyes, love for the man she's fought side by side with against the gods. what she wouldn't give to find someone like that eventually.

she can only look away when teyvat's famed traveler leans in to press a gentle and brief kiss to the harbinger's lips, an almost inaudible murmur following in its wake.

i'll see you again soon, my love ...

her counterpart turns once more to her, this time around cupping her face. her hands feel warm against her skin, like a mother's caress. their foreheads press, and lumine finds herself closing her eyes. any other questions she has dissipate on her tongue, the words forgotten.

this isn't goodbye, don't worry. like what childe said, i'll always be with you, lumine.

when lumine comes to once more, she's standing in the middle of the twin's graves, blinking the snow that's settled on her eyelashes. her cheeks are also cold, her lips seemingly frozen. there's something heavy on her chest, seemingly wrapped around her heart. her hand still remains in ajax's grasp, and she's reluctant to tug it back to her.

uhm, miss? she looks around at the voice, blinking. you and your friend are not allowed beyond the chains. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[So, this was it for them then.

Ajax too, understands this is their goodbyes to each other. He can see how Childe's eyes soften as she brushes his cheek, leans in and kisses him. How he responds to it.

And how he softly says, I love you too, may we never truly part.

Childe also mirrors Lumine, cupping Ajax's face and pressing his forehead to his. Ajax finds a strange comfort in that, his vision going hazy before his eyes close. The next moment brings a strange sensation, a warmth that spreads throughout his entire body despite the cold Snezhnayan weather. Something changes within him, and though he knows what it is, he isn't allowed the time to reflect on it.

His eyes flutter open, hearing the tour guide calling to them to get out of the grave site. In his other hand, the earring still lies in his palm and the mask over it. He quickly attaches it to his head, pocketing the earring before turning to the tour guide as he tugs Lumine closer to him.

Did you two hear me? You're-

Her eyes go wide- she'd been working this tour for several years now, and the spitting image of Childe that Ajax strikes silences her for a moment.]

We'll be going now, [he replies quickly, leading Lumine over the chains and back onto the shoveled concrete, walking quickly back towards the welcome center.]

We should hurry, haha.

[traversal]

[ why did that woman suddenly stop talking? weird.

in any case, that gives them a chance to bail, lumine quickly trailing after ajax through the crowd towards where they first came from. she idly wonders if that tour guide is going to send someone after them—the police or security of this place, maybe? she doesn't know how things work in snezhnaya. but there's no one else pursuing them, even after they've exited the cemetery, so lumine assumes they didn't exactly break an actual law.

just ... rules on trespassing, probably. nothing new for the both of them since their stunt in liyue. ]

Ajax, [ she calls his attention as they finally slow down, now just briskly walking towards his car. her hand is still in his, fingers weakly grasping him. ] I think we're okay. Can we slow down?

[monoceroscaeli]

[After taking a quick look behind them, he does slow, his heart beating quicker than he'd imagined in the wake of being caught on top of the graves and leaving before they could suffer any consequences. Though, those certainly aren't the only reasons, and he finds himself catching his breath.]

Sorry. I wasn't sure what to expect, so I figured leaving before anyone had the chance to chase us was the best option.

[He can already see his car, taking his keys out of his coat pocket and unlocking it for them. He squeezes her hand once before he lets go of it, opening the door and sliding into the driver's seat, letting his head fall back against the head rest. He looks over to her, feeling the adrenaline finally starting to wane in his system, and smiles- what a ride.]

There's never a dull moment, is there, hahaha. I feel like I could sleep the rest of the day now.

[His hand comes up to rest on his chest. Is that where Childe was now, inside of him, right there?]

[traversal]

[ never a dull moment is the biggest understatement of the year. lumine has yet to catch any kind of break since meeting ajax some time ago, which is honestly terrible for her mental and emotional health. everything is in complete turmoil and nothing had calmed down since—at least not until after a moment ago when they've both personally met lumine and childe ... and things seem to just. settle.

right, settle. that's the best word she could describe it, she thinks as she slips into the passenger seat. as if the storm inside of her had finally left and she's left to pick up the pieces. either that, or it's just the eye and she's about to experience the worst afterward. ]

How about we grab something for lunch? And then, you can take a nap after.

[ lumine's exhausted too, for some reason. but as much as she wants to sleep, her mind is on overdrive on everything that's just been revealed to them. she doesn't if she'd even be able to fall asleep. ]

Any recommendations?

[monoceroscaeli]

Too many to list off.

[He takes his phone out of his pocket, tapping on it a few times to bring up a menu to some inazuman restaurant in the area. It has a variety of choices, and he's craving some ramen himself.]

Here. [He hands her his phone, so she can choose what she wants.] Let's just pick it up and go back to my residence here in the city. Usually, I'd love to sit in, but today...I think I want a little peace and quiet for at least a few hours instead of being out in the hustle and bustle of the Snezhnayan capitol.

[Ajax lets his eyes close for a second, still looking inward. Maybe talking about it at home would allow him to sort through his feelings, and this strange feeling of having this new cornerstone set into his foundation. They'd work through it.]

Plus, I might have to put that nap off. I think we have a lot to discuss, wouldn't you say?