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The knight tossed around the bed. Sweat crept down his face— his jaw tightened— quivering like it was the middle of winter. His eyes ached from squinting, for it was a failed attempt to locate the source of the noise keeping him from resting peacefully.
Once his eyes opened, Lohen found himself in front of the lab— Dottore’s lab beside the waterfall. The gushing of the pouring water roared against the mountain. Around lay countless corpses— mutilated and unrecognizable.
Lohen blinked.
He was beneath the sky; a large hole appeared uncharacteristically, exposing twinkling balls of light. The small lights flew through the gaping hole, crashing down onto Teyvat. The temperature rose exponentially— a blazing inferno that peeled off layers upon layers of skin.
The knight’s breath shuddered.
Now, the surrounding landmass was nothing. Not like he moved— it was evident that the endless void in front led to absolute nil. Lohen felt light— his lack of weapons hidden beneath his clothes was uncomfortable. The quiet hums of a being capture his attention. Scanning the nothingness only to find…
… Himself…
Embrace the madness that lingers within you~
Control... Why do you desire such a frivolous notion?
Relax... this desire for power lusts from within and cannot be overwritten.
Be rid of me and what? Return to your pathetic excuse for living?
"SHUT UP!" Lohen commanded the voice.
He quickly shot out of bed— he clutched his nails into his chest. The movement awoke him back to reality; his breathing labored. The young knight frantically turned— casing his environment— it was dark, yet he noticed furniture tucked away. Looking down, he stood on solid ground, not floating around.
It was his cozy abode.
Unlike back in Mondstadt or Dornman Port— a place that thrives at night due to the dispensary of alcoholic indulgence— his beloved's home was what it was. A place of rest, to be rid of the worries that pose a threat to his ego. Lohen breaths in slowly, his hand falling from his chest.
He couldn't get rid of it.
The obnoxious voice was quiet, a ticking reminder of what he did. A fitting punishment, one he wasn't discouraged by. If and when a certain divine being stops pestering him.
Earlier in the day, he and Illuga were on patrol on the outskirts of Cliffside Camp. Hadn't it been for his precious lightkeeper's insistence on returning, Lohen would've kept slaughtering the Wild Hunt. Not just because of the desire to grow stronger, but because that thing will not keep quiet.
Lohen found Illuga sleeping soundly on the bed he had abandoned. Combing through the knots in his luscious silver threads— the complexion of the lightkeeper rivaled that of a snowland fae. Though he was baffled at the fact that Illuga remained asleep.
Or did he not shout his frustrations?
Rather than disturb the much-needed sleep of the ratnik, Lohen ventured outside. The nightingale perched up from his own slumber once detecting Lohen. Having once discussed, Aedon sensed lingering tension from within the knight.
Not Wild Hunt nor Abyssal.
Yet it was eating away at him.
Knowing Aedon, he wanted to help in any way he could. The nightingale flew over to Lohen, landing on his shoulder and caressing his cheek. The knight grinned— how the little bird tried to cure his pain— like his owner.
Stepping out into the chilly night, the sight of various night patrols was a welcome visual. A controlled space he knew by heart— some of the ratnik returned from a grueling fight against the dark. Some are enjoying a late-night drink or two. Amicably laughing amongst each other.
The Favonius Camp was somewhat the same, minus the responsible ratnik who knew to tone down on their wine. Lohen wandered around, daring not to leave the camp. If he did, how could he imagine the anger that built up from his birdie, oh... it suited him, but best to avoid, Lohen thought to himself.
Aedon watched carefully. His attention was diverted mostly to the knight. His breathing grew uneasy the closer he reached the Statue of the Moon Goddess. He starts in the open landscape. The Favonius Camp lay across the rocky hills.
His hand found his chest once more. The rapid beating of his heart alerted that he was alive. Whistles of the creatures of the night filled the absent mind. Better the howling of wolves than having to listen to the constant monologue.
Be still and listen as I present an offer you cannot refuse.
Divine envoy, blessings from beyond the heavens.
Relax, why don't you?
Simply accept my answer, and a priceless reward awaits you~
His hand moved from his chest to his arms. His sleeves were rolled up to expose his vulnerable skin. Tainted and scarred--- he first rubbed.
I'm patient, I'm kind enough to let you decide...
Within a single thought, I could've engulfed you...
Yet I hadn't~
Aren't I so kind, so beloved...
He scratched. Hard. Tearing through layers of skin, a river of crimson painted his pale complexion, yet it didn't feel warm.
Do not be afraid...
Do not stand before me and quiver...
Gentle now, why ruin this body more than it is~
Hush now~
Aedon chirps increased--- flying rapidly away. Lohen didn't listen, couldn't care. He remained still; the passerby hadn't noticed.
Allow me to embrace your pain...
Let me in~
Come and let it out...
It's alright, it's over now~
Lohen felt someone tackle him from behind, instinctively closing his eyes. Had he fallen so low to someone so high up? For the lingering threat was now mimicking more than his own voice. His breath hitched, his fingers piercing like blades.
"... can you hear me? Bunny..."
The knight dragged his fingers on the arms around his waist. It was tainted and scarred, yet it illustrated a fierce warrior. He turned slightly.
"Illuga..." The tears flowed. He hadn't been one to cry yet...
He and his beloved fell to the ground. Lohen leaned into Illuga's body heat; the quiet sounds of torment melted onto the fluffy top of the ratnik. The lightkeeper brought his coat, hanging between his arms as he hurried out the door. He pulled it from underneath and encircled it with the knight. His breathing quivered, equal to the tears that rolled down.
"Shh... It's ok. I'm here now." Illuga caressed his head, peppering kisses onto the knight's forehead. Aedon circled like a nightlight. Finding a quiet spot between the two men.
“It… it won’t shut up…” Lohen replied weakly, gripping the coat, fearing it might vanish to dust. Illuga cuffed his palms around his lover’s face, wiping the flowing tears.
“I know it hurts.” Illuga kissed his cheek, “Come home, let me care for you.” The young knight obliged, yet in an attempt to stand up, he felt no connection from his brain to his legs.
“Oh, haha… just give me a second, birdie.”
Try as he might, his legs wouldn’t cooperate. Illuga sighed, standing up to better position himself. His arms embraced the knight, weighing almost nothing compared to other people he’s carried out of battle. Or perhaps the lightkeeper was used to it.
Lohen wanted to hug him— wrap his arms around Illuga’s neck, yet the blood stained more than his own clothes. The knight watched as the nightingale flew right beside his owner. Like a bird on patrol against the evil forces of the night.
Having arrived back home, Illuga gently laid his beloved down on the bed. Bloodstains could be washed away, yet not the probable infections that can occur within moments. Illuga momentarily vanished toward a small closet to dig up a med kit.
One filled with more than essential supplies— no surprises for the squad captain. Lohen merely chuckled, leaving unwarranted comments to a minimum as Illuga began to clean the open scars. He had quickly noticed that the color of the wound appeared different.
Illuga’s brows furrowed in concentration— light purple marks, almost like veins— glowed faintly below the knight’s skin. Small flashes, almost acting as a signal.
“How much…” he didn’t finish his thought. Lohen turned away, sheepishly laughing like a kid getting called out by his parents.
“Mere side effects. Some of the medics said it will take time for it to leave my system.” Illuga looked up; his face was a mix of worry and frustration.
“Honestly, perhaps the knights should’ve kept you on a lease so you don’t harm yourself with unlawful experiments.”
“If I were on a lease, birdie, how would this unlawful person come and visit you?” Lohen purred, his eyes glowing amidst the dark. Besides Aedon, this was the only light source. The lightkeeper studied those velvet eyes— his eyes were shot red and puffy.
“Does it hurt?”
“Just the memories.” Illuga had finished wrapping Lohen’s arm. Quickly cleaning up and jumping back into bed. He snuggled beside Lohen— the ratnik’s arms widening in embrace— to which the knight reciprocated— burrowing within the cozy nest of blankets and the warm skin of his lover.
He nuzzles his face into Illuga’s chest. The latter picks at Lohen’s locks of hair— their breathing slowly matches with each other. For a moment, he surrendered his faith to the ratnik.
Oh, what a lovely reunion~
Allow me to influence you a little…
Having a worthy opponent caress you…
Why not allow me to feel what you feel…
The knight shivered. Illuga loosens his grip, facing down toward Lohen, who has gone ghost white. His shoulder stiffened, unable to relax further.
“What is it saying?” The ratnik ponders, grabbing Lohen’s fidgeting hand.
“It… it wants you…” His voice cracks into whispers— his body leans in, the quiet whimpers of sorrow echo between Illuga’s chest. The ratnik lifts the knight's chin; their eyes lock onto each other. It was a rarity to see the bombastic knight in a vulnerable state— it was painful.
“I’m only yours, bunny.” The two connect their lips in a somber embrace. It was tender; the rush of blood rose from both their cheeks. For a moment, nothing mattered. The voice didn’t matter despite the constant head throbbing.
It would end shortly. For when the ratnik and knight share a glance, all their worries vanish to dust. Illuga positions them both to lie flat on the bed. His arm acts as a pillow for Lohen. His eyes begin to flutter as he rolls over to face his beloved. His hand finds the beauty mark and circles around it.