.

.

.

Both you and Thoma noticed the bright gleam of the sword shine through the cracks in the broken furniture. You attempted to dodge the incoming sword, but your movements were sluggish and uncoordinated. 

Your head was still foggy from the heated argument and intense conversation with Thoma, and your reflexes weren't quick enough. 

The sword's blade sliced through the air, and you felt a sharp pain as it impaled you dead center, the impact jolting you back into the harsh reality of the situation.

You

*Cough*

Thoma

"Y/N!"

Blood splattered out of your mouth, the metallic taste filling your senses as you collapsed to the ground. The pain was immediate and overwhelming, radiating through your body as you crumpled, the world around you blurring into a haze. 

Thoma's horrified gasp echoed in your ears, but it felt distant as if muffled by the throbbing agony and the rush of blood pounding in your head.

Thoma

"No, no- Lumine, stop!"

Thoma's yell pierced the tense air just as Lumine was about to deliver the final blow. You lay there, helpless and in a pool of your own blood, the world fading in and out of focus around you. 

Thoma's voice carried a mix of fear and desperation, cutting through the impending doom with a last-minute plea for mercy or intervention. The scene was surreal, the gravity of the moment hanging heavy as everything seemed to slow down to a painful crawl.

Lumine

"What?..."

Lumine asked quietly, her voice tinged with a cold edge, one of her heels pressing against your skull as you lay. The weight of her foot bore down on you, adding a grim finality to the situation as you struggled to comprehend the dire circumstances. 

Her words, though soft, carried a chilling undertone that sent a shiver down your spine, the pressure of her heel a stark reminder of the danger you were in.

Thoma

"Just... Just stop."

Lumine

"Why?"

Thoma

"We were having an important conversation!

Lumine

"Pfft, Y/N just seemed like they were yapping about how they were going to kill you and all. You call that an important conversation? Please."

Thoma

"No-"

*Sigh*

"That must've been the only part you heard..."

Lumine

"From what I've heard, you're immortal. Is that correct, Y/N?"

.

.

.

No response.

Lumine

"... Knocked out that easily?..."

"I expected more from the Y/N."

Thoma

"..."

Lumine

"Well... That was easier than expected. Upsie-daisy Y/N, I'm taking you back to your cell."

As Lumine pulled her sword out and bent down to pick up your unconscious body, Thoma swooped in with a burst of desperate energy. In one swift, fluid motion, he snatched you away from her grasp, cradling you protectively in his arms. 

He retreated to the other side of the room, his breathing heavy with exertion and fear. Thoma held you close, his heart pounding as he tried to shield you from further harm, his eyes darting between Lumine and the door, calculating his next move.

Thoma

"No... You're not taking them back to their cell."

Lumine

"... Why's that, Thoma?"

"They were just about to kill you. Why are you doing this for them?"

Thoma

"Because... They weren't about to kill me. They wouldn't. I know it."

Lumine

*Sigh*

"Stop acting like you know everything, Thoma."

"That's the five-hundred-million mora bounty you're holding right there."

Thoma

"I've already collected their bounty. That no longer exists."

Lumine

"Hmph."

Thoma looked down at your face, taking in your serene expression, a stark contrast to the chaos that surrounded you. Your eyes were closed, and in your unconscious state, you appeared more peaceful than ever, almost as if you were merely sleeping. 

Thoma's heart ached at the sight, a fear for your safety while he felt your blood leak among his hands. He held you closer, his protective instincts surging as he prepared to do whatever it took to keep you safe.

Thoma

"I'm not letting you take them."

"I won't leave them again."

Lumine

*Scoff*

"What are you talking about, Thoma? What can't you see here?!"

Thoma

"You wouldn't understand!"

"Nobody would understand!"

Lumine

"I don't care, Thoma... I'm taking them back. The entirety of Teyvat depends on me to do that task."

Thoma

"Lumine... Haven't you noticed?"

Lumine

"Huh?... Noticed what?"

Thoma

"They've been missing from their cell for weeks. During that time, Y/N didn't cause chaos upon anything or anyone."

.

"They aren't who you think they are."

Lumine

"They're a fucking monster."

Thoma

"Hey- Don't you call them that!"

Lumine

*Sigh*

"I've been told about all of their history. The shit they've done to Teyvat, specifically to Inazuma."

"All of those actions are deemed monstrous and vile."

"If only they weren't immortal, then they'd be executed-"

Thoma

"Stop saying such things!"

"You can do whatever you fucking want, but..."

.

.

.

"I'm not leaving their side again."

.

.

.

Lumine

"Fine. You asked for this."

Lumine drew her sword and charged at Thoma with fierce determination, her blade flashing in the dim light. Thoma, unable to draw his own weapon while holding you, dodged as many of her slashes as he could, his movements frantic and desperate. Each dodge brought him closer to the exit, and with a final burst of energy, he barreled through the destroyed furniture, the impact so powerful that the rocks around them began to rumble and topple.

As Thoma made a run for the exit, the collapsing debris created a barrier, the rocks forming a mound that blocked the entrance and trapped Lumine inside. She attempted to pursue you both, but the newly formed wall of rubble stood in her way, sealing her off from escape. Thoma continued his desperate flight, holding you tightly, his heart pounding with a mix of adrenaline and fear as he sought a safe haven for both of you.

.

.

.

Scaramouche

*Cough* *Cough*

"Ugh... Y/N?!"

"Y/N, where are you?!"

Scaramouche yelled your name through the thick dust, his voice hoarse and strained. The cloud of debris made him cough, each breath ragged as he struggled to navigate through the chaos. The commotion had drawn him back to the area, only to find the entrance blocked off by a formidable mound of rubble. His eyes widened in frustration and desperation as he realized that the path was completely obstructed, trapping him on the wrong side of the debris and preventing him from reaching you.

Scaramouche

"Shit!"

Did Thoma do this?!

Scaramouche began to break down the barrier of rocks. He heaved and shoved at the debris, the sound of stones shifting and falling echoing around him. Finally, he managed to create a gap wide enough to squeeze through. As he stepped into the cleared area, he saw Lumine lying on the ground, her body partially buried under a few more boulders. Her figure looked frail and battered, a stark contrast to her usual strength, and Scaramouche's eyes widened with shock.

Scaramouche

"You?!"

"What the fuck have you done with them?!"