Chapter Text
Despite all the medical and psychological complications you had, you had never figured it was rooted deep enough to be considered a “Rare, high potential subject” for one of the most infamous scholars of Sumeru.
Between the difficulty you had processing even the most basic conversation, and the way your body would suffer muscle pain that denied you sleep just from the apparent burden of holding itself together… how did he even learn about you? You didn't figure bodies were scarce for him, and yours certainly wasn't particularly useful.
And yet, in the blur that was your memories, the most recent ones rang just a tad clearer, given their intensity: You had been called aside by an unfamiliar scholar when you were looking at material on ruin guard schematics. You didn't have a particular interest in the creations of the past, you just wanted to compare what was known of them to an idea you had for a new energy cell.
You discussed… something. You could only remember small talk, and they said they had a few other resources of a shared interest. They seemed normal enough, while you weren't exactly great at picking up flags in social interactions, they seemed to be interested whenever you talked about the ideas you had. They actually felt… easier to understand. In a world where there were so many unspoken rules and unknowns about interacting, their interactions felt as simple as receiving an input and giving a set output.
…Though, that makes sense, now that you thought about it. They weren't looking at who you were as a person, but rather what responses you gave. How you processed certain things like data near instantly, and were oblivious to signs that would set off screaming alarms in the heads of others. They said they wanted you to meet a friend who had shared interest, and… somewhere along the way as you walked, that's where the memories stopped.
And now, your consciousness was slowly fading into reality again. The cold of the tile floor beneath you was the first sensation dragging you into the waking realm; followed by the usual muscle pain, which is what made it set in that this was indeed real and happening. Slowly, you awoke in what looked like a mix of a workshop and an operating room.
Various tools and syringes were kept in shelves and countertops across a decently large room. Your eyes focused and then recognized the glass in front of you; you were currently in a large container of sorts, not much different from a large dog's kennel; aside from the lack of metal bars, instead having clear plastic on all sides and a glass pane in front, with a small metal lock on its frame. You assumed this glass was not the kind that would break under any force you could muster.
It seems this… cell? Was constructed rather haphazardly in a hurry; while the materials were definitely strong, some of the points where the framework holding the glass had met the plastic were notably sloppy. They weren't fitted correctly, and while you'd be unable to break the glass… perhaps you could create enough tension on those points to break the plastic. Only issue was, you'd need a tool of some kind- your hands alone would not create enough leverage.
As you continued analyzing your cell, you heard footsteps approaching, and two voices. One of them was indeed the person who you thought you had befriended.
“Almost a blank slate; they have no understanding of socializing, like it's a completely different realm they can't even sense. All numbers and logic, even when talking about their interests.”
“You said they didn't even stay awake for a few seconds after exposure? I must admit, that's a first.”
The second voice resonated with a frightening conviction that only made your shivering worse. The first continued,
“Yes, my lord; they claim to know little to nothing about ruin technology, and yet they're able to pick up any module and disassemble it, understand it, and reassemble it without destroying anything . I don't think they were lying about their inexperience, either. A true natural, I knew they would pique your interest!”
A quiet scoff from the second. “I don't see what your point is. I am not in need of an apprentice, and if they can barely function…”
The footsteps stopped. “...Why are they being kept in one of the labs?” The second voice seemed annoyed, yet with a threatening undertone to it.
“Ah!” The first was becoming slightly more anxious; it seemed their excitement was quickly turning to fear. “I-I admittedly got a bit excited to be able to serve a Lord Harbinger such as yourself, and jumped the gun on bringing them here; I simply thought they could be a good resource-”
They were cut off by the second voice. “Your task was to maintain equipment and bring relevant materials. That did not include something as bothersome to contain as a living subject; are they just loose in the lab?!”
Their fear got worse, as their voice shook. “N-No, sir! I have used excess materials to create a containment unit! P-Please, see for yourself!”
The footsteps continued for a bit, stopping right outside the door. “...I’ll deal with you later. Gather any belongings you may have brought, as you will no longer have a place here if another position is open.”
Their voice was in disbelief, but fearful acceptance nonetheless. “Y-Yes, sir. I apologize, my lo-”
“Enough with the formalities, leave. ”
A second later, the door opened, and you already recognized who you were presented to; Il Dottore, Second of the Fatui Harbingers.
At first, you considered faking sleep to avoid a direct confrontation. But… you knew even if there would be a point to that, he'd likely see through it.
He walked over to you in long strides, stopping right in front of what was basically your cage. He remained standing, simply looking down at you with an expression you couldn't decipher from under his mask. A slight frown, but less in anger, more in thought it seemed.
“I take it you must have heard the context of your arrival from across the hall?”
…No point in lying. Afraid as you were, it almost felt so surreal that you were able to maintain some of your composure. Not in defiance by any stretch, but rather you knew being a shaky mess wouldn't help, and since you were able to compose yourself…
“...The gist of it, somewhat.” You dared not look up at him, but you faced forward and spoke as clearly as you could. “I don't have full understanding, other than I was kidnapped because of my technical skill.”
He almost seemed… impressed? It certainly wasn't a negative reaction, given what you witnessed between him and what you assumed was a… now ex-subordinate. “No fear in your reply… interesting. Are you unaware of your company, or have you already come to terms with your fate?”
You continued to just be straightforward, if that's what worked here. “I understand I've been given to The Doctor, exiled Akademiya scholar and Second of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers. I am extremely afraid, but… I also understand that I'm at every disadvantage, with zero knowledge of my surroundings or physical ability to fight or run; so cooperation is likely in my best interest. I'm actively making an effort to speak clearly and concisely to avoid any miscommunication or otherwise avoidable issues.”
That was it, pretty much… you were hoping that because this was so half assed, you'd be moved and you'd be able to scope out a bit of info on where you were, or a potential escape. Cooperation really was your best bet here.
A small chuckle was heard from him. “Is that all? I must commend you, you're already leaps and bounds above many others who have been submitted to me; granted, they were already designated to be used as test subjects.” He paused, continuing in a quieter tone, bordering on confusion. “Quite honestly… I don't know why the fool decided to bring you to me like this either- especially with such…. Tactless means.”
He held out what you'd assume was the key to your cage. “Stand.” You did so; he used the key, and the pane swung open like a door. You remained still as his gloved fingers prodded at different areas of your body, lingering extra on your neck and shoulders; even Il Dottore seemed to be mildly surprised at how damn tense and twisted your muscles were, just by default.
“Your physical constitution is pitiful. I doubt you'd survive any trial I'd find useful right now…” He trailed off into thought for a bit. “Perhaps that could change, though. You're here regardless, may as well use what's given to me.”
He backed out of the cell, holding the door open. “Come with me.” His voice held a certain level of tired annoyance; more at the situation than you personally, it seemed. You followed, as he let the door swing shut, locking itself. You heard a small clattering sound, like a single piece of gravel had hit the floor; you looked, and a tiny piece of glass seemed to have chipped off the door upon slamming shut. It actually was about the size of a piece of gravel, maybe a little bigger, and a bit longer with a sharp point…
Unlikely that you'd be able to use it, yes, but who knew. As you got closer to it following Dottore, you flicked it towards the cell discreetly with your foot.
He led you a short distance through a couple hallways, and you were looking around to try to mentally map where you were; you were awful at directions, but hopefully overtime you'd be able to figure out enough to have an escape. This wasn't something you'd be capable of accomplishing overnight, of course, but all the more reason to start early.
You arrived in another room that was eerily similar to the one you were in; there were more syringes here, and less large tools but more machines. It felt less like a workshop and more like a hospital room, almost. It didn't help when you realized an area that was a large countertop in the other room, was more akin to an examination table here.
Dottore noticed you glancing at it apprehensively, and wasted no time for letting your imagination run wild. “On the table, shirt off. That applies to any undergarments. Focus is your back.”
…Right out the gate, huh. The thing was, while you knew it would be natural to feel fear as a man you were kidnapped for just told you to remove your clothing… you honestly didn't consider that to be a concern among everything else- then again, it all felt a bit surreal still, that could be a part of it?
You glanced over at Dottore, who was intently mixing a few solutions and running some numbers on a machine. He paid zero mind to you, and you had a feeling that said fear really was irrelevant here.
And so, you did just as instructed, sitting up on the table and removing your clothing, placing it beside you. You waited in silence for a few minutes, watching Dottore work. His movements were indeed practiced; what looked like precise measurements were done with the lack of care that you'd have for pouring a glass of water for yourself late at night. It was strangely intriguing to watch, really.
A stern, but not necessarily upset voice pierced your thoughts. “With the intensity you're observing me, anyone would be surprised you're a captive and not an apprentice of some sort.” It was very matter of fact, that same level of ‘almost slightly impressed’ as when you first spoke to him.
…There wasn't much else to do regardless, but if it piqued his interest, so be it.
He stood after a while, a small syringe and an alcohol wipe in hand. “Lay down, stomach on the table.” You did so, and felt the cold alcohol being rubbed on the center of your upper back, before a slight prick. It was over after a second, damn near painless honestly. You were genuinely surprised, not at the skill level in and of itself but the fact that pain was even a considered factor.
“Other way now.” You flipped over, staring up at the ceiling intently; you didn't want to stare at him with yourself already so exposed like this, but… you ended up giving yourself a quick glance. His mask was off, surprisingly; his ruby eyes remained fixed on your right upper shoulder, as he wiped it and the base of your neck with more alcohol. You quickly looked away again, and felt a similar prick right in between the two areas; he walked to the other side of the table and repeated the process.
“Tell me when you feel any different than you do now.” And from there, he went back to cleaning and returning tools to their places. It took a few minutes, but as he was finishing up, you realized your pain wasn't as bad as usual, and your head was clearer. It was almost like the static you felt in your mind was transferred to your muscles- the pain was numbed, and while it did feel a bit prickly, it was definitely preferable over the usual.
“I… feel less pain. It doesn't feel like it's gone, but rather that it feels numb.”
Dottore finished putting away his tools, walking back over to you and starting to feel across your neck again. “Do you feel you'll be able to get sufficient rest with this?” You blinked a bit, not knowing why it was important, but answering regardless. “...I feel I'd be able to sleep better than usual. I don't feel I can define ‘sufficient rest’ correctly, though.”
Dottore nodded slightly, more to himself seemingly than you. “I do appreciate a compliant lab rat. That'll be all for today, then.”
He motioned for you to stand, and you followed him in silence. As you neared the room's exit, you noticed a discarded xacto blade on the floor by the trash can, among some papers and other trash that has either fallen from it in the past, or missed completely. That would definitely have a chance to be useful.
As you walked by, you shifted your shoe against it in hopes it would catch underneath; as you walked away and heard a very slight snap of the razor hitting tile floor with each step, you felt a mix of both relief and anxiety wash over you; You tried to shift your weight so it was quieter as you walked back to the first room.
He unlocked the cell door, and you already understood you were to wait here until he needed you again. As you entered, he glanced up at you. “No complaints about a need for sustenance or comfort?”
At first your anxiety spiked in fear of him noticing the blade on your shoe; but you quickly tried to hide that. “I would assume that whatever food or water you'd let me have would be figured out, given that you've kept others captive- I didn't feel complaining would have any use.”
Instead of closing the door, he held it for a bit, thinking- before moving away and gesturing for you to exit again. You complied, confused. “I believe you're capable of being trusted with a larger area. Good behavior does make things easier for me, and as such, positive reinforcement is in order.”
You awkwardly sat on a nearby stool as he closed the door to the cell. “Besides,” He pronounced this rather deliberately compared to usual when he spoke, as he bent down and picked up the glass shard you kicked over earlier- which would have been just within reach had you stayed there for the night. “This… creation of theirs is rather crude. I doubt it could contain you for long.”
…You had a feeling there was double meaning behind that. But… there were a few visible signs of damage on the glass by the lock, maybe he just noticed that? Besides, he didn't seem to be aware of the second item you had smuggled, it seems…
He walked towards the exit, but turned and pointed to the other doors in the room. “You are not to open any of these doors, except the two on the right; the one farthest is the washroom, and the one beside it is storage for sheets and the like. Help yourself. I'll likely send someone to deliver a meal to you before the day is over.”
Without another word, he left. You… weren't quite sure what to do now. Though, resting without the usual pain did sound pleasant… while you were unconscious, the time before you arrived here couldn't exactly be considered rest. You went into the storage room, and sure enough it was simple things like sheets, pillows, and toiletries; it really did feel like a hospital in some ways… though, why was this in the workshop room, you wondered?
Regardless… you took a couple pillows and some sheets, and shuffled over to a corner of the room, next to the impromptu cell. You didn't figure the counter was an option, and honestly, this was already a lot better than you expected, even for being compliant.
As you set up the pillows and sheets, you took the xacto blade wedged in your shoe and slid it between the baseboard of the wall beside you, and the floor. You tried to hide the motion under the sheet, in case he were to suddenly return for any reason.
After getting your little bed together, you looked out at the room one more time. As much as you did want to rest, curiosity got the better of you when it came to the tools and materials within the room... You decided to just look at them for a bit, you didn't dare touch anything but there was so much you were fascinated by.
While the other room felt more focused on medical procedures, this one definitely felt more familiar- things like welding stations, screwdriver sets, and electro measuring devices were some of the things that first caught your eye. There were also different drawers labeled with terms you would use in your own work- resistors, capacitors, different wires separated by gauge… the syringes you saw were actually tubes of different kinds of flux, and cooling compounds upon closer inspection. While you had dedicated yourself to this research as your career, it felt like child's play in comparison to what he had established- there were even terms you didn't recognize mixed in, such as “transistors” and “vacuum tubes”. Some of the measurements you saw on these components felt intimidating to think about installing in a device using so much power.
As you kept looking through whatever you could without physically touching or moving anything, you found yourself becoming almost… fond of the place. Weird to think about, but you just didn't get to discuss it with people very often. Finding people you could effectively talk to was already hard enough, and to find someone with a mutual interest like the creation of devices like this… which is why you were a bit overly eager with this one ‘colleague’ in the first place.
You mulled over that for a while, finishing out the last shelf you could see; there was a box of heat shrink wrap for wires. You noticed most of the bright colors between the same sizes went unused; the black, red, and blue being the hardest to find in the set, a few more being present in the smaller sizes. It was honestly kind of cute to think about, for lack of a better term…??
…God damn it. You shouldn't feel adoration for that man of all people.