EN | An encounter she will never forget | ᴄʜɪʟᴜᴍɪ

38 - The descent into hell

The traitor and the Traveler were in their car, just outside Childe's house. They were both still and silent as they stared at the small cottage. At least, the young man was. As for Lumine, she was just observing the facial features of the one she loved and his posture.

He had risen like an impetuous hurricane in front of the one who had given him a purpose in life after having returned physically unharmed from the Abyss, in contrast to his spirit. And now that he had betrayed and was wanted, that meant he was a walking danger wherever he went, which included his family.

Just each of the experiences that made up his life individually would be enough to completely break a person, so to imagine Childe bearing the weight of all of that on his shoulders was to question his true nature as a human being. He was exceptional, strong, gifted and courageous, but he was still a sensitive person.

Without having to express it, Lumine felt that he was on the verge of implosion. His whole life had been shattered: he would certainly not be able to see his family, his country, his sovereign again, and all of this to end up setting foot in the Abyss that had traumatized him. In view of the situation, it was quite normal that his hands were shaking like a leaf blown by the wind and that he was spending an infinite amount of time deciding whether he should say goodbye to his family or not.

Lumine would have liked to say comforting words to him, to assure him that everything would be all right, or even just to give him time to sort out his mind, but they didn't have the time. If they lingered too long, their pursuers would catch up.

"Ajax..."

The latter turned his gaze filled with such pain that she wondered how he still had enough strength not to end up in tears.

"I wish I could give you more time, but we're sorely lacking... I'll be by your side."

At this semblance of comfort, Childe nodded slowly before opening the door. Once he stood like a stake in front of the front door of the house, the ex-Fatui member took a deep breath to put a cheerful facade back on his face, then put his hand on the handle.

Here we go.

"We're home!" Childe shouted throughout the house. The couple stopped in the hallway after closing the door behind them, not taking their shoes off or rushing further into the house since they had to leave in a very short time.

Immediately afterwards, his mother approached.

"Oh, you're back! Come in, don't stand there!"

"Mom, we have to go. An urgent matter has come up so we have to leave the house already."

Childe's voice was controlled and similar to what it usually was, but not enough for a mother not to notice. The latter frowned, but she didn't ask any question, simply calling out to the entire household to say goodbye.

"Whaaaaat?! Alreadyyyyy?! But you didn't even stay long!" Teucer whined as he approached the couple.

Childe put a hand on his head and knelt down to hug him. Teucer seemed slightly surprised by the gesture, but he returned the hug anyway. When he pulled away, Childe was smiling at him. But that smile was a shadow of its usual self.

Forced was the word.

He immediately stood up then took Tonia in his arms while Lumine said goodbye to his parents.

"Thank you for welcoming me here, and for... treating me like your daughter. I will never forget that."

"You're welcome anytime! Although I hope next time you get a ring on your finger..."

Natasha wore a wide, slightly playful smile, which grew more pronounced when she noticed Lumine blush at the remark, though she didn't distinguish the veil of sadness that passed into her eyes.