Childe "I Can Make Her Worse" Tartaglia (
monoceroscaeli) wrote in
insurmountable2022-05-07 07:34 pm
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i'm dragging a heart that weighs a ton / holding out for not just anyone
[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.
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.
no subject
still, ajax is right about one thing: they need to find a place to stay in in the meantime. their apartment no longer works, not when it's been breached before.
i don't know if lumi will be able to get out of the hospital anytime soon, not with what happened.
his sister seemed to be thoroughly weakened by whatever those crystals are, which makes him wonder if it really just has something to do with her powers. especially when she's only acquired those powers recently. or is it affecting her in some other way?
aether says nothing about that, though, just keeping his eyes on the hallway leading to the operating room.
what ideas do you have about where we could stay? ]
no subject
My first thought would be to put the two of you deep into our own territory. A good section of downtown is ours, and the people living in it all have come around to support us whenever we ask them to. If anything suspicious is happening there, we'll know about it before they even get within a few miles of where I want to put the two of you.
[That's the most secure place he can think of, as he lets his body relax despite the constant intense soreness he feels from the battle he'd just fled from.]
Alternatively, we could find you somewhere else, a new apartment that would go under a different name- but you run the risk of infiltration without surveillance. It's obvious now that posting guys around isn't making a difference. And I don't think it would matter if you worked remotely, I'm relatively positive they'll still find you.
no subject
ajax, that place was your family's warehouse, wasn't it?
and that's what worries him the most. because if their enemies infiltrate and use the volkov's own territory, then doesn't that mean it might have infiltrated the family too? if so, wouldn't they be just as in danger if they stayed with them?
aether wonders if they can move to a different nation—change their names, appearances, everything. but then, that would mean that they'd always be on the run, always hiding, never living a normal life.
... anyway, he sighs deeply, squeezing his eyes shut as his head throbs painfully. now that he's sitting down, he can feel the concussion he has like a beating tattoo. shouldn't you get yourself checked? we're in a hospital, you know. ]
no subject
I'm not moving until I know if Lumine is alright. If I'm not there and there's a screw up of sorts, then I wouldn't be able to forgive myself. Once that's taken care of, I'll seek a doctor.
[Whatever pain he feels now would be nothing in comparison to if she died, if she weren't able to regain her strength, if anything left her debilitated and unable to fight back in case of another attack...
He takes a deep breath, trying not to think about it. She'll be fine, he just needs to wait until they're able to talk to the doctor about her condition, what was taken out of her stomach, and how he can retrieve it.]
Aether, would you do me a favor and see how long it will be until we can get some news? I'm getting a bit antsy now that I've lingered on that thought longer than I'd of liked.
no subject
instead, he just gets up and walks over to the nurse's station to get any word. anything news at all that would tell them lumine's condition. unfortunately, all the nurse could tell him is that his sister is still being treated, and that one of the doctors will speak to him once the procedure is over.
and that's the exact thing that he tells ajax, sitting back down next to him and folding his arms across his chest. look, he tried, okay? maybe he can do it the next round.
she might need to stay a few days here, depending on how stable her condition will be after the procedure.
aether doesn't mind if his sister has to stay in the hospital a little longer. but that's worrying in itself since that means her strength hadn't be recovered and her condition would thus be something that needs to be monitored.
i should prepare lumi's stuff just in case. ]
no subject
Her stuff? Do you mean like her laptop so she can work?
[Which is something he'd expect of her, closing his eyes. Will she even have the strength to do so?]
It might be a better idea to call her assistant to do it, even if I think she should rest, or even if it's just clothing that you need to get. That god is still out there. I lost her a ways back, but I had to make a tactical retreat or she would have ended me. I don't know where she is now.
[He opens an eye, to give a worried glance to Aether. He can't imagine him getting kidnapped again. Nor is Ajax in any condition to try to go after him if something does happen.]
Stay here, please. You need to be looked at too, you know.
no subject
still, ajax is right. getting out there right now, especially with him having retreated from the fight, is dangerous. the god could be looking for them and would most likely look in places it expects they would go to, like their apartment. still, if this is a thing that will loom over their head, how will they even leave this place? surely ajax has a plan, right?
i don't want to hear that from the guy who refuses to get himself treated. anyway, i need to make a phone call.
he gets up once more from his seat to approach the nurse's station. the nurse points him towards a payphone of sorts, unable to allow him to use their own phone.
... ajax, do you have change? ]
no subject
[Taking a breath deep enough to protest keeps him from arguing further, though he believes that's not true! He's going to get medical care...after Lumine is done with the procedure. Ajax huffs instead, staying still in the seat, watching Aether try to make a phone call.
The look on his face is of bewilderment that payphones still exist somewhere in the world, fumbling around in his pockets for some coin. He produces a few mora, holding it out to Aether to get from him. Ajax doesn't think he's ready to stand quite yet, saving his strength for when he can see Lumine.
Lumine. His mind goes to her for a moment, wondering if she's okay.]
Here, this is all I've got, though. I don't normally carry cash on me unless I need to.
[He's sure Aether understands exactly what he means by that.]
no subject
the next call aether makes is to their lawyer, wanting to know what happened during his kidnapping. surely, they didn't suspect lumine for it, did they?
it takes him several minutes to speak with both individuals, hanging up the phone just in time to find a doctor approaching him, gestured over by one of the nurses. a part of aether dreads what he's about to say.
she's out of the woods, for now, but she needs rest and we need to monitor her if her condition improves, so we recommend having her stay here for the next few days. you can sign on her behalf, as her brother.
aether glances at ajax before he nods at the doctor. the thing she swallowed, were you able to get it all out of her?
the doctor gives him a nod, explains to him that it's a poison they've never seen or encountered before. so they're hoping to get it investigated first. ]
no subject
Hey, doctor... [Ajax starts, wincing as he approaches the two, glancing down at the man's ID card.] Doctor Lavigne. How long will the lab take to let us know what kind of poison was in her? Are you guys sending it over right away? And can we see her yet?
[Ajax puts on the most worried face he can muster, and it's not like he has to act much- he really is worried, and he does want to see her. This entire experience has been beyond harrowing, and he just needs to know to put his mind at ease.]
no subject
he's my sister's ... something.
there's still a look of skepticism that crosses the man's face before he nods. explains that they're sending it over right away for testing, but they're not sure how long it will take, especially when it seems like a very unique poison. it's nothing they've seen before, the effects on the body included.
as for seeing lumine, they certainly can once aether's signed the paperwork. but she'll need to stay in the public ward for now until they have something at hand, which aether inwardly assumes is his card. surprise surprise.
can i give my card over later? my assistant is on his way with my wallet, and it may take a while before he arrives here. i can give my bank information instead. ]
no subject
He waves his hand dismissively to Aether, reaching into his pocket and producing his own wallet.]
Just tell me who I need to see to pay for this. I'd like her in the nicest room available, for her comfort. That's alright, right Aether?
[He glances over to him, giving him a sort of side eye. He's her what, again?]
no subject
which reminds him, in an attempt to get ajax out of his hair—
can we get him treated too? he asks with a point of the pen towards the ginger. he's had a bad fall while helping my sister out, and he was groaning in pain while we were sitting in the lobby.
see? finally get him fixed now that they know that lumine's doing okay. kind of. ]
no subject
[He appreciates the faux concern, Aether, but that's not how it works.
But he's back to being very serious about this entire thing, knowing that they were all hurt and needed attention.]
Aether, when you seek your own medical assistance, please let me know. I'll have it covered for you as well. We had a pretty bad experience, [he says, turning to the doctor.] I'm sure you've noticed. We just were the most concerned with his sister. I'm glad to hear she'll be fine.
no subject
look, i'll pay you back for the expenses here. but thanks for helping out.
aether, for one thing, doesn't want to be indebted to anyone, including him. even if he's doing this for his sister, lumine's quite certain that she shares a similar sentiment as him. and he really should get himself sorted out, too.
but it's not long before the nurse gives them the room number where lumine's been brought to, gesturing towards the direction of the elevators. aether, for one, is still concerned about his sister, his concerns growing more palpable when he sees her asleep surrounded by beeping machines, ivs stuck to her wrist and a nasal cannula helping her breathe.
he's, after all, never seen her like this before, pale and weak. very much unlike his sister. still, at the very least, there's finally a bit of colour in her skin, even if it's barely noticeable. ]
no subject
I don't really think of this as a debt to be repaid. We need to all stay alive here, because the fight isn't over yet.
[Ajax's stare is as serious as a heart attack, his tone of voice bolstered by his confidence that they weren't going to lose to the Dufonts and their gracious divine benefactors. They won't be easy to kill, not by a long shot.
But they both head up to Lumine's room, Ajax limping along the best he can, but he neither shows the pain on his face nor mentions it. He feels his heart drop at the sight of Lumine on all the machines, sleeping soundly it seems, with hardly any color to her. He closes the door of the private room behind them, immediately on the phone while he lets Aether tend to her.]
Hey. I need you to get a lab sample that's headed from the hospital downtown to their toxicology lab. Same old same old, you know the drill. It might be a little harder to get this time, since it's an unknown substance. ..... It's a bunch of small crystals, I can't tell you much more than that because I don't know. The subject was Lumine Viator. I'll contact you again with my location, bring them to me the second you get them. Thanks.
[He hangs up, limping over to the bedside to gaze over her, his expression changing from hard to determined to sorrow and back again. He wishes so much that he'd left the apartment earlier than he did, that she hadn't gone off on her own like that. If he had gotten there ten minutes earlier he could of kept her from this.
Ajax's hand grips the side rail of the bed, closing his eyes as he tries to fight down his anger that starts to rise. They'll pay for this.]
Aether. I'm going to go get my wounds looked at. There's no doubt that I've broken quite a few bones in that fight, and suffered other injuries due to the burden of the transformation and the fierce assault of that god. And to think, these are only the remnants of a thousand years ago.
[He looks to his friend, the weight of the responsibility to face off against their enemies showing in his eyes, and yet he still manages to keep a confidence about him that they would come out on top.]
Look after her. I'll be back when I have the crystals.
no subject
still, he gives ajax a slight nod. they all came out of this incident a complete wreck, but he's looking worse for wear so he wouldn't blame if the guy needed to excuse himself to get himself checked.
sure. i'll see you later, and don't get yourself killed.
once he's gone, he goes up to the nurse's station to see if he can get treatment inside the ward. the last thing he wants is to leave lumine even for a minute. when told otherwise, however, he simply asks for something for his aching head and takes a seat next to the bed.
lumine remains unconscious for the entire day, only finally stirring back to wakefulness late in the morning the next day. her entire body hurts, like it's been hit by a truck and backed up again by said truck, her throat seemingly burning and her gaze bleary. it takes her a long moment to realise where she is, blinking at the white ceiling above her and the smell of disinfectant.
she also realises the presence of a blond head next to her, asleep and snoring softly. she runs her fingers through her twin brother's now-short hair, her chest squeezing painfully at that. ]
Ae ... [ she croaks softly, hoping that he'd wake up and tell her he's okay. ] Aether ...
no subject
[Ajax gives his friend one last look, his eyes soft but still intense from the thought of this entire encounter. And then he turns to go, limping out of the room, debating whether he should just stay here or go see one of the family's doctors who could keep all of this under wraps.
It's a few days later when Ajax finally manages to secure the stones, his breath taken away by how they glow in his hand when he looks at them. Though, it's not by astonishment that his breath leaves him, but rather, that he feels as if he's holding Lumine's very life in his hands, and how frightening that is. He has to get them to her immediately, and thankfully he won't have to go far to get them to her. His penthouse downtown isn't far from the hospital, and he'd been ordered to rest as he recovers.
Ajax expects Aether to be there, knowing her brother would not leave her side unless forced to. He enters, looking much better, making sure that the bandages on his body are fully covered by his clothing. The only indication that he's still hurt is the walking stick he's using, smiling to Aether weakly. It was tiring getting up here.]
Lumine...
[He sees that she's woken, his eyes brightening as he walks up to the side of her bed.]
Haha, you had me worried sick...
[But there's no mistake in the smile he wears now, relieved and happy that she's still alive.]
no subject
a part of her wanted to apologise for what had happened to him. but then, aether had refused all kinds of apologies, telling her that she's not at fault and that she shouldn't beat herself up over it. a tough thing to tell her, really, when all she can see aether's hair, now messily short underneath the bandages.
the only distraction from those thoughts is ajax himself, arriving with a walking stick in hand. he too looks exhausted, like he's been through the wringer for the past few days despite the smile on his face—just like them, she supposes. still, it's a relief to see him. ]
Should you be up and about already?
[ he did walk around with broken ribs until he was sure you were okay, aether replies, pulling a chair towards him. look, he's not trying to rat him out, but he will rat him out anyway.
were you able to get what we need? ]
no subject
He gladly takes the chair offered to him, nodding appreciatively towards Aether and sitting heavily in it. He groans as he does, his body still sore beyond question as he takes a moment to settle into it. The walking stick it leaned up against a wall, as he takes a deep breath while he reaches into his jacket to produce a pouch that he shakes once. The sound of dozens of crystals inside indicate that it was indeed, what they needed.]
Got the goods right here. Lumine, you ready to feel better? Because we can finally return to you what's yours.
[He says it with great relief, feeling like there's a temporary light to the end of the tunnel. She can get out of the hospital and then they can figure out where to live so this doesn't happen again.]
no subject
are you sure it can be returned to her?
aether walks over to the door, the lock clicking quietly to ensure that no one comes inside while they're doing whatever they need to do. he turns to lumine's side quickly, squeezing her hand reassuringly; unfortunately, he'd prefer if she didn't get her powers back if that's what she wanted, but he knows too that it's for her own good. ]
... What if I don't want it back?
[ it's been nothing but trouble so far, not just for her but for aether, too. she leans against her twin, pressing her forehead against his shoulder and squeezing her eyes shut.
i know, lu. but we talked about this, didn't we? even without these powers, you'll still be in danger. ]
no subject
[Because all Ajax can see is how weak she still is. How weak she'd become the longer they sat inside of her body. He's positive it not only soaked up her power, but her life essence as well- and he's not going to sit back and let her be this weak the rest of her life.
He's sure she wouldn't want that either, even if she doesn't want her true power to be returned to her.]
Lumine. We're...not going to ever get to go back to having a normal life.
[He puts the pouch away, pushing himself up out of the chair with great effort, and stumbles over to grab a hold of the railing on the side of the bed to steady himself. He looks down at her softly, but his eyes reflect so much more. Care, determination, edges lined with blood lust. It's almost as if they've darkened, the light in them slowly starting to dim as time passes on.]
Not until we crush these gods that want to take our lives. I know you understand that just as well as I do. We're really all in this together now. So it's important that you're at a hundred percent.
no subject
is it still ajax? she doesn't know. if it is, then perhaps not all of him is still him. and isn't this what they were worried about? what she was worried about?
lu, aether's voice cuts through her thoughts and she glances up at her brother, his forehead pressing against hers. i'll try to find a way to get it out of you once this is all over. i promise.
she says nothing once more, simply closing her eyes and leaning against aether. does she have a choice in this?
how do we start, ajax? ]
no subject
Anything that kept her safe, anything that would get them through this. Though it seems that what she was afraid of was true, in a sense. Ajax doesn't feel as if he's losing himself, but rather simply taking on traits of someone else.
That's how he reasons it with himself.
He takes out the pouch, reaching inside to take out a single crystal. It pulses with a green light, his eyes narrowing at it. He hands it over to Lumine, first to test if maybe if she just held it, she'd reabsorb the power within it.]
Careful, now. Don't drop it, we wouldn't want to lose it. If you hold it, do you feel any better?
no subject
but even with it in her palm, she doesn't feel anything. she doesn't grow stronger or doesn't regain any kind of energy from it; if anything, she just feels terrible that it's anywhere near her.
after a few minutes of holding it, she sets it down on the hospital sheets away from her. all the while, avoiding ajax's questioning look. ]
There's no effect.
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