Chapter 6: Revealed Hands and Rememberance
Hands pushed her face into the cold metal on the bed she was on, her body forcibly turned so she was on her back. She flailed and thrashed, doing everything she could to make them let go of her but they wouldn't relent, painfully grabbing her flailing limbs and pushing them to the table as well. Leather buckles bound her arms and legs before a shock collar was placed on her neck. She screamed in agonizing pain as the collar activated, shocking her body to make her stop but she wouldn't.
Even heaving for breath she still did her best to release herself, screaming and sobbing through each shock, trying to get away. A hand from the right hit her, her cheek stinging as she fell back against the table, sobbing still. The same hand grabbed her chin, forcing her to turn her head to stare into blood red eyes, the only truly discernable feature between the blur of other colors. "Behave dear and this won't be so bad!" Maniacal laughter followed his sentence as he grabbed something that glinted just the slightest through tears obscuring her vision.
"This won't hurt…too much…" He raised it, vision clearing just a bit to see it was a knife as it came down-
A gentle touch and lips to her cheek made her calm slightly, chasing away what she had seen. Blearily she opened her eyes and looked to her right, seeing Zhongli was leaning over her. "Are you okay?" He tilted her head toward him more, seeing her slightly red eyes and tear streaked cheeks. "Lumine." Zhongli pressed his lips to her temple, making it clear he wouldn't move. "It…it was another one…different." Her voice was dry and hoarse, whatever she had witnessed made her cry without realizing it.
Zhongli pulled her up, letting her lean against him as he grabbed a cup of water. He had gotten up to grab food and ate while she slept. She needed to drink something at least. She gratefully accepted the water, even as Zhongli rubbed her back, obviously his departure had caused some distress if she had a memory. Rather she was awake or asleep, she seemed to know if he was there or not. Quite a problem if she had planned to sleep alone. Of course…she could just keep sleeping with him.
'That would most likely not end well on either part.' Zhongli thought to himself after that previous thought crossed his mind. Of course, if she continued sleeping in his room, not only would he have a hard time controlling himself, the rumors that would start floating. Granted, he had no care for his image but he didn't want to subject Lumine to any kind of false rumors either. Ever since the incident she had changed and most of it was not in a good way. While together she was at ease, usually the moment he was out of sight Lumine would get restless and start panicking. Ganyu and Xiao barely kept her calm on days he worked at the parlor without her. Tomorrow was Tuesday, Lumine's day off but that worked for him. He needed to contact Tartaglia anyways about setting up Aether's transportation to the mansion should the worst come to pass.
Granted they hoped it didn't happen but it was better to be safe than sorry. Lumine would be with Ganyu and Xiao all day, not stepping outside the manion. Zhongli had actually restricted her access to outside the estate and he had told his children as much as well. She was to not leave the estate UNLESS it was with him for work. When he explained a few reasons why, they understood. He had the two pictures of the Harbingers to show to Ningguang and he'd also show the pictures to MC, CR and MS; all aliases but it was so no one knew their true names.
Only Zhongli, himself, knew their true names and he kept it to himself. Eventually he lulled Lumine back to sleep after she told him what she saw, sighing as she clutched the arm of his shirt. Thank goodness he already changed. Zhongli laid down, empty tray on the nightstand, he could take care of that in the morning.
**(Next Day, Tuesday-August 10th)**
Zhongli put a few papers away, having finished the paperwork before standing with a few files. Hu Tao had been a little upset Lumine wasn't there but the week was her two day week, Monday and Friday. Even still, he wasn't looking forward to her antics. She had been teasing him all day about soundproofing his office just in case he decided to get frisky with Lumine. Needless to say, the entire parlor found out about his attraction towards Lumine. To be honest, he had told Hu Tao he didn't see it happening anytime soon, not because she wasn't attractive, she definitely was…but the fact she didn't understand many emotions.
Hu Tao had looked a little shocked at that.
He eyed the files before scoffing as he sat back down again, he'd take them to her later…or when she decided to bug him. He grabbed a few more papers he needed to overlook, a ceremony for a wife, checking with a son about the funding for his mother's ceremony; stuff he normally dealt with. A knock came at his door, making him look up seeing Hu Tao. "You got visitors." She said as she walked in, Tartaglia and a cloaked figure with him. Zhongli narrowed his eyes, holding a file up for Hu Tao. "I see, thank you director." He said evenly and she nodded, eyeing the cloaked figure. "I'll flip your sign to consulting." Zhongli nodded his thanks to Hu Tao, at times she knew when to be serious despite her playful and mischievous nature.
Once Hu Tao took the file and was gone, the cloaked figure pulled the hood off, revealing Aether as he looked around. Zhongli was a little surprised, as far as he knew Aether didn't really leave his office or safe house much. "I need an answer Zhongli." Tartaglia said as he motioned Aether to sit down, in which the blonde did. Zhongli sighed, responding; "I was going to be sending you a letter later today. You saved me time by coming here." Tartaglia glanced at the door. "I can't wait, Zhongli, I'm still under suspicion by Number Two and Number Six." Zhongli nodded, he knew about those two trying to follow him. "We actually thought they were following us for a second when an unknown car showed up behind ours." Aether said as he leaned back.
"We ditched the car and walked here afterward." He responded, crossing his legs and interlacing his fingers on his lap. Zhongli hummed, rubbing his chin. "Did you sense anyone?" Tartaglia shook his head. "No, I don't think so. We might have lost them." Zhongli nodded. "Alright, as for your request," Tartaglia looked at him as he sat down, "of course I accept. I'll watch over Aether should something happen to you." Aether frowned. "Let's hope that never happens." The blonde muttered. Tartaglia smiled, leaning over, kissing Aether's temple. "Let's all hope but better to be safe, yeah?" Aether nodded with a blush coating his cheeks, making Zhongli smirk; it seems his observation was correct. Information may be Tartaglia's business, but it was also Zhongli's.
"Anyways," He wouldn't tease…for now. "I actually have an update on Lumine." Zhongli said, gaining their attention. "Is she okay?" Aether asked, that was his first concern. "She is fine," Zhongli quickly assured him, "though feeling lost and confused." The dark haired male interlaced his fingers on his desk, looking a little disturbed by what Lumine told him. "She still doesn't remember too much but she has had memories in the form of nightmares, so much she was crying." Zhongli explained softly, a bit upset that he couldn't help her. Aether's face tightened a little bit in sadness, hating knowing she was hurting but unable to do anything to soothe her. "What…" Aether cleared his throat, trying to keep his voice steady. "What…did she see?" He asked, willing himself to stay calm.
"Laying on a table, strapped down with a male with blood red eyes standing over her holding a knife." Tartaglia looked disgusted and Aether growled. "I know who she speaks of. It's the same person who always tried to 'fix' Lumine when she kept disobeying." Aether muttered, hands clenching tightly. "She couldn't make out other features but she could at least make out the eyes and knife." Zhongli explained, wondering if Aether could shed more light since Lumine couldn't. Aether tried to remember more about the man who often dragged Lumine off to 'fix' her. "He had medium length, light blue hair and red eyes, was pale and always had this…mad smile on his face." Aether explained, leaning back even as Tartaglia froze, eyes going wide. "That…sounds far too similar to Dottore." The ginger stated, making Aether raise a brow at him.
"You never showed me the two's faces." The blonde explained and Tartaglia perked. "You're right, I never did." Tartaglia grabbed his phone and flipped it open, showing Aether the picture of Scaramouche and then of Dottore. Aether was pale after seeing Dottore's. "That's him…the one who would drag Lumine off to 'fix' her." Aether was shaking, knowing Dottore was one of the Fatui meant things just got a lot more complicated. "We all have been wondering where he heads too when he takes his…vacations." It seemed Tartaglia was slowly connecting the dots himself. "Your position is too fragile Tartaglia." Zhongli said, grabbing their attention. "You try revealing him to officials now and you set yourself up for backlash and leave Aether vulnerable." Zhongli stated, crossing his hands.
"They'll want to know how you got the information and you will be forced to reveal Aether and Lumine." Tartaglia frowned, the last thing he wanted to do was have the twins vulnerable when anyone, at any time, could turn up and suddenly nab the twins again. They would be forced back into the human trafficking ring and Aether has been out of that ring for a little over six years, no way was he going back now! "I will see to it that we find a way to get Dottore under suspicion." Zhongli said as he leaned back in his seat, thinking a bit. "Do you believe Ningguang would be willing to help?" Tartaglia asked. Out of everyone in Liyue, Ningguang was trustworthy. She did not like the Fatui yet she tolerated Tartaglia. If she found out about the human trafficking ring underneath their city…at least she had the resources and people to start an investigation without raising suspicion. "I believe so, yes." Zhongli stated and Tartaglia nodded…when commotion sounded from the front.
"What in Archon's name?" The door opened, revealing Hu Tao. "Tartaglia, your friend needs to hide, now!" Hu Tao hissed and Tartaglia stood up, eyes wide. "Wait, we didn't lose them?" Aether's eyes went wide and he began to tremble just the slightest. Hu Tao's eyes landed on him and, even though her eyes went wide, she did her best to not react otherwise. "They call themselves Number Two and Number Six of the Harbingers." Tartaglia cursed under his breath and Zhongli stood.
"Take Aether down below to the basement." Hu Tao nodded and motioned Aether to follow her. The blonde looked at Tartaglia and the ginger nodded. "I meet with Zhongli often but you need to stay hidden." Aether nodded and quickly followed Hu Tao out and the two rushed off so he wouldn't be seen. "If it comes down to it," Tartaglia looked at Zhongli, "the basement leads to the estate." Tartaglia nodded, knowing it was a sudden escape plan should something happen. The basement wasn't visible and only those who worked there knew where it was, much less where the key was.
The commotion got louder. "Sir you can't go-!" "SHUT THE HELL UP!" That was Number Six. "We will do as we please. I implore you to stop wasting our time with nonsense." And that was Number Two. The door to Zhongli's office slammed open and Zhongli raised a brow, even as Tartaglia looked over his shoulder from his seat, having sat back down before they showed up. "Ah, hello comrade's." Tartaglia replied in a cheery tone, intending to keep up an innocent act. Number Six, the Balladeer, Scaramouche. Number Two, The Doctor, Dottore. Zhongli raised a brow, as if annoyed at their unwelcome intrusion and, while he truly was, he was trying to keep an air of indifference. "I was not aware you were bringing guests Tartaglia." Zhongli commented, also keeping an innocent act and Tartaglia chuckled.
"Ah, they go where they please." Tartaglia commented, when Scaramouche scoffed. "Oh quite being coy Number Eleven, who were you with earlier?" The indigo haired male hissed, dark eyes flashing with murder, when Dottore scoffed at him. "Calm yourself Number Six, it appears we were interrupting a meeting." The taller male stated more calmly and Scaramouche 'tch'ed at him. 'So impolite.' Dottore thought with a roll of his eyes. He turned blood red eyes to Tartaglia, then flicked his gaze to Zhongli...and Zhongli was not mistaken; those eyes hardened upon seeing him. 'He knows who I am.' Zhongli thought, seeing the males jaw tense the slightest upon seeing him. He wondered if this was the man who sent that trespasser to his estate and shattered the window.
Either way, the tension in the room instantly raised upon Zhongli and Dottore locking eyes.
"Anyways…" Tartaglia dragged the word out, glancing at Zhongli, before looking at his fellow Harbingers. "Did you two need something from my 'friend' here?" The two Harbingers were well aware Zhongli was Tartaglia's contact so it wasn't odd for the two to be meeting. Dottore scoffed and walked in, even as Scaramouche crossed his arms, watching from the doorway. "I merely have a request for your friend, as it's quite obvious we were mistaken that you were with someone earlier, as you are here…alone." Dottore did a quick scan, nothing seemed unusual in the room.
There were no closets or doors to the office except the doorway into the room. The floor didn't sound hollow, like there was something underneath, so any hidden rooms below were out of the question. There was still the possibility there was a hidden door but Dottore didn't see it. They could search the building but Dottore was quite certain that Ningguang was being alerted, at this very moment, of their movements so Dottore had to be quick. "My favor is this," Dottore leaned closer but Zhongli did not flinch and merely raised a brow, "if you see a blonde girl or blonde boy, each sporting gold eyes, please alert me." The Doctor's voice was smooth, as if trying to merely have a common chat but his eyes…they glinted dangerously.
"We had been requested by their parents to find them, they are quite worried for their children." Oh it took every ounce of restraint Zhongli had to not stand and punch this man. He may be a smooth talker but his lies were filled with deceit and venom; plus his eyes were far too gleeful. Dottore was merely worried for his underground secrets, not the safety of those whom Tartaglia and Zhongli held dear. Dottore backed up, a smirk on his face as he turned to leave, but he glanced over his shoulder at Zhongli, smirk turning dangerous. "You will be rewarded handsomely." Then he headed to the doorway, tugging on Scaramouche's arm and all but dragging the indigo haired boy with him to leave the establishment.
The two adults waited and Zhongli rolled back in his chair, pulling the curtain open just the slightest to watch as the two got in a limo and drove off…they had followed Tartaglia and Aether. "He knows I have Lumine." Zhongli stated and Tartaglia tensed. "What?" The ginger asked, eyes wide at what he heard. "Remember that incident I told you and Aether about?" Tartaglia nodded. "The way Dottore looked at me…he knows I have Lumine. That's why he asked for that 'favor'. He wants me to hand her over." Zhongli scoffed. "The reward, one of two things. Either a bullet in my head, or offering his underground services." The amber eyed male scoffed. "While having access to his underground services would help root out the problem, I don't plan on putting Lumine in danger." Zhongli stated and Tartaglia leaned back, frowning.
"I'm not sure how much longer I can stay around Aether. They are following me and they almost caught us." Zhongli hummed, thinking. "What safe house are you all at?" He asked. Tartaglia thought, thinking. "It is safe house Eighty-Five, Delta, Zero-Two-Four." The safe house titles and numbers were complex, but Zhongli smirked. "You chose the best one. You are close to where I am and, coincidentally enough, there is actually a tunnel from that specific safe house to just outside my estate." The man explained. Tartaglia raised a brow, before a flat expression crossed his face. "Do I even want to know?" Tartaglia asked and Zhongli hummed. "Past contacts."
Tartaglia scoffed, of course, he should have known. "Ningguang's guards have eyes on that place all the time, and so do some of my own men." Tartaglia perked, that meant they would be safe after all. "If needed, you and I can do weekly meetings and some of my men can bring items, groceries and stuff of the sort there. You can also use the tunnel from my estate to get to the safe house so no Fatui see you. They won't see anything suspicious with you meeting me." Tartaglia nodded, that did sound likely. "For now, however, you two are safe to return today. Should something happen, return straight to me." Zhongli said and Tartaglia nodded. "I will." Zhongli nodded and stood up, as did Tartaglia. "Thanks Zhongli, I mean it." The ginger stated and Zhongli nodded as they left the room.
Seconds later a blonde was latching onto Tartaglia's arm. Looking down, the blonde was staring at Hu Tao with wide eyes. "Keep her away from me." Aether muttered, clinging to Tartaglia, in which Tartaglia looked at Hu Tao, unamused. "What have you done to scare him?" Tartaglia felt his protective instincts kicking in as Hu Tao laughed. "Just asked if I needed to get a coffin ready, was also giving him a discount of two for the price of one!" Hu Tao gleefully explained and Zhongli groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I will deal with you later Ms. Hu Tao." The Director stuck her tongue out at Zhongli as the dark haired male turned towards his friends. "Go around back, my limo will return you to the safe house." Zhongli told the two.
Tartaglia nodded and had Aether follow him out, even as he recounted what happened to Aether as they left. Once Zhongli's chauffeur had driven off with them, he headed back to his office to go over the last few documents. He'd deal with Hu Tao AFTER he got everything done, he just needed to calm down first so he could handle her antics. He was going to have to make adjustments to security around the estate.
**(Two Weeks Later, Monday-August 23rd; 9:08PM)**
Lumine hummed as she finished cleaning the kitchen, looking at the clock on the wall, hoping the day would end soon. Ever since her little incidents of recurring nightmares and often flashes of memories, the blonde haired girl had looked forward to her 'comfort time' with Zhongli. Ganyu and Xiao were nice, don't get her wrong but neither of them brought such a warm feeling of comfort to her as Zhongli did. Lumine was slowly realizing what it was she was feeling too…some form of affection.
The books she had requested Ganyu bring to her had helped her realize what it was she was feeling and now, Lumine was trying to figure out if it was true. Plus, earlier today she had a flashback and it was so bad that Ganyu about panicked when it took almost an hour for Lumine to awaken after it hit. The fact the memories were hitting midday was a hindrance to her doing her job correctly and Lumine didn't like it one bit. Being with Zhongli made the pain these memories brought more bearable…but…they were also becoming clearer.
Her most recent one was of some indigo haired male forcing her to swallow some pill. While her mind screamed at her to stop, to not allow them to force it in her mouth, her body had felt too weak to obey. The last thing she had seen was purple eyes filled with dark glee and a smirk on their face before darkness had taken her. Lumine shook her head, not wanting to remember it at the moment and then, she heard the door in the foyer open. "I'm back!" Zhongli called out and Lumine smiled, hurrying to meet him. "Welcome back Zhongli." Lumine said as she walked to greet him and the dark haired male smiled. She was, once more, wearing her maid outfit so she must have been cleaning earlier. "Didn't I tell you to take today off?" Zhongli teased softly.
Lumine felt a flush crawl onto her cheeks, though she made no other expression. "But…the kitchen needed cleaning." Lumine muttered, looking to the kitchen and Zhongli chuckled. "I tease Lumine." Zhongli said as he walked over, cupping the back of her head and bringing her closer, kissing her forehead. "I take it everything was fine?" Zhongli asked…the way she gripped his jacket was already sign enough. She had a flashback. "Snacks and tea have been prepared." Lumine said and Zhongli nodded. "You go get changed, I will meet you in the living room in a moment." Zhongli whispered and Lumine nodded, separating from Zhongli and heading to her bedroom to change into different clothes. Moments later, they where in the living room with the tray full of tea and snacks on the table as they sat on the loveseat, Lumine cuddled against Zhongli.
The living room area was rather spacious with a natural Liyue aesthetic to it. The table was made of sandwood but had a darker tint to it, the tray sitting dead center of the rectangular table. Two couches, one to the right and one to the left of the table sat with three pillows each while the loveseat sat before the table. This setup was before a fireplace that was currently on to give a bit of warmth to the room. As Liyue was by an ocean, the air at night was colder. To the left of the room were two large bookshelves with a circular table, two cushioned chairs were on either side of the circular table. To the right of the room was a folding screen of some sort with an Inazuman cabinet that had all sorts of trinkets and knick-knacks. Gifts given to him by his friends. The cabinet was even a gift from his cousin, Ei, in Inazuma, she sent it as a gift a few years ago. Since then, it's been put to good use. A grandfather clock sat to the left corner on the side of the door.
"When you are ready, Lumine." Zhongli cooed to the blonde haired woman gently, feeling the slight tremble in her frame. While Zhongli greatly enjoyed the comfort and the press of her body against his own, he did not enjoy the reason they had begun. He did not like the fact that Lumine was suffering. Zhongli also wasn't happy that he had to pretty much force Lumine to agree to these little sessions. He had begged her to rely on him, to allow him to comfort her ever since her last incident a few weeks ago and now, she was finally comfortable telling him what she saw.
Ganyu had recounted previous stories to Zhongli. Cold metal tables. Bloody, dirty, cramped rooms. Bars and dim lighting. Cold and sweaty. Ragged clothes with blurry bodies around. Then, more detailed, nightmarish memories. A knife digging into her side and yanking up, even as Lumine struggled. A metal collar of some sort around her neck, before being forced to the ground. Zhongli even saw the scar where the knife once penetrated her body. It was on her left side below her ribs, seemingly calculated so that nothing serious was punctured, just enough to subdue her.
Zhongli vowed to make every person who ever harmed her burn excruciatingly slowly.
"I was in some dim room, the metal collar around my neck with some kind of leash attached to it. Everything was still blurry but a hand came to my mouth and it seemed to be some kind of pill. The person pushed it to my lips and I could feel my mind yelling at me to not take the pill but it was like my body disobeyed as I willingly opened my mouth, swallowing it." Zhongli's eyes tightened in pain, this must be closer to the time she started breaking. "I remember clearly seeing purple eyes, filled with dark amusement and a twisted smirk on their face. Their hair was like some kind of purple or blue color." Zhongi frowned. "Indigo." Lumine nodded, clutching Zhongli's jacket tighter. "They are becoming more clear." Lumine explained and Zhongli sighed, thinking back. He'd call Aether and Tartaglia tonight, see if it was time for a meeting.
"There was one more." Zhongli perked a bit, tilting his head to her but she was smiling. "It wasn't like the others, I was dressed in nice clothes and there was a boy, he looked similar but had longer hair." This got his interest. "Some woman was there as well, saying something about going with her to the store or something." Lumine tilted her head just the slightest. "Or, maybe it was some theater?" Lumine nuzzled against Zhongli more, even as he wrapped an arm around her waist, keeping her close. "It was so clear, the words at least and it wasn't as blurry as the others." She explained, snuggling closer.
"Me and the boy, we hugged and laughed, doing the same with the woman. She was nice and said how she wished she didn't have to let us leave her when our time was done. Me and the boy were dressed so nicely though, it seemed so surreal." Lumine closed her eyes, sighing softly. "I don't remember much but it was a happy one, amidst all the bad ones I've had. I know me and the boy were close, we looked identical aside from hairstyles." The woman cooed and Zhongli smiled, she remembered Aether, though faintly. Though she did not know his name, the way she spoke…it was clear she knew that boy was important to her.
Lumine sighed, tucking her head under his chin and he wrapped his arms around her more securely. "I'm so sleepy." Lumine muttered tiredly, exhausted and Zhongli nodded faintly, before repositioning his arms to carry her. "Do you wish to sleep in your room tonight?" Lumine shook her head, clutching his jacket tighter. When Lumine had her flashbacks, she didn't like being alone. Lumine preferred the company of Zhongli as he helped her feel safe. "I feel safer with you." Lumine muttered against his chest and Zhongli nodded, eyes soft toward the golden haired beauty. "And I shall keep you safe from harm, Lumine." Zhongli assured her softly and Lumine gave a tired smile, resting her head against his chest and closing her eyes.
Zhongli would keep her safe, he had so far.
Okay, so this is where things get interesting and yes, this was before Scaramouche became a playable character and yes, I was hoping in the Sumeru storyline that we would kill him but nah, the mfer goes and changes his fking past. -.- I was annoyed and then he was a lot of fun to play, so I was even more annoyed, lol. (Nah but Scara is fun to play.) Anyways, yes Dottore and Scaramouche are the bad guys in this story and yes, they are HIGHLY suspicious of Tartaglia because he's been SUPER busy lately. XD (Really its just him being careful as he digs up information about them but his hands are tied.)
As we can see though, Hu Tao was there JUST for the humor. XD I love the fact she's a business woman and POUNCES on a chance to promote her coffins, I adore that about her...though I feel like the very first time she tried promoting her business to the Traveler, they didn't know how to take it, so I kinda had it where Aether, himself, didn't know how to react with her. Also, the woman that Lumine remembered with Aether? She gets mentioned later on. ^^
Well, as usual I hope you're enjoying the story and see you in the next chapter.