Chapter Text
As much of a chaotic place of congealed knowledge the Akademiya was, many scholars found their noses buried in books either in their rooms or in the massive Hall of Daena, leaving the remains of the building near dormant. Lights flicker under various doors of teachers working late into the evening hour.
One having the unfortunate displeasure of having their evening interrupted by guests from Snezhnaya.
His eyes half lidded watched as the Fatui paged through books and records, one in particular moved about the office. A mask obscured half of the man's face. The scholar had to admit that with the rumors of the Fatui’s professions, he was thankful they carefully placed everything back where they were taken, almost as if they were never touched.
How long has it been since they entered his office? His mind drew a blank. Most likely from the blood loss at this point.
He hadn’t lost consciousness, so it must have been a slow process.
“Sir, we’ve gone through 60 percent of the records and so far no luck.” A Fatui member with a large black coat handed the masked individual a few papers, earning a frown from said man.
The masked man tossed them in the fire, a deep frown settled on his features, turning to him. The frown now replaced by a smile, one that probably was meant to radiate a calm and pleasant disposition but only sent a chill through his limbs.
“Master, you must see our current predicament. Tell us everything you know and the possibility of your survival in this encounter goes up at least 3 percent.” The man walked around the high backed chair, out of sight for a moment before returning on his left.
He sucked in a breath, it burned to breath. The dagger nestled into his rib shifted, “Unfortunately for you, Doctor, I have no means to…to help you achieve your blasphemous goals. Nature.. does not allow for the balance to tip in any favor, much less o-ours when it comes to divinity.”
A growl next to ear made his ears ring.
A harsh cough ripped through his throat as something warm dribbled down his chin. A gloved hand twisted the knife again the other way, ripping into the flesh.
“That isn’t quite the answer I wanted.”
He smiled proudly at the man, “Knowledge is not given freely.”
The Doctor scoffed, stepping away from the dying man, back to his men. He lowered his voice in an effort to make sure he was not heard. As much as he wished to know, he doubted if the Doctor spoke a normal volume he would be able to fully comprehend what they were planning.
While they were distracted, his eyes wandered lower to the draw to his right. He knew, if they found it then there wasn’t much that could be done to stop the project from taking off. He had to erase it, get rid of it before….
He glanced back at the Fatui, none luckily paid attention to him. Who would when the man was basically dead? His fingers slowly opened the drawer, numb to the sensations as he carefully slid the papers free. There weren’t many but it would set them back until they raided the archives or even if they learned it through the Akasha, it would take them much longer to gain this information. He thanked himself for having started a fire, the Sumeru night being rather chilly.
Should he throw them all in at once? That could lead to a possibility of them salvaging pieces that the flames didn’t consume.
One at a time could lead to his possible discovery, which resulted in the same manner.
All he knew was he couldn't wait, he needed to keep his students safe. His fingers shook as he tossed a few pages into the flames, the heat greedily consuming the paper and ink.
Luckily no one said anything, the Doctor started to ramble about something he couldn't quite hear. He let out a shaky breath, tossing a few more into the fire.
Just a couple more pages.
Unfortunately the addition to the fire gave his plan away, crackling as the paper sizzled in protest. The room fell silent.
He knew.
He knew the plan was ruined. He knew by the way heavy boots made their way to him. He knew when the pages were torn from his fingers.
The Doctor snarled, "What's this? Hiding knowledge, are we?" Another Fatui poked at the charred remains of the documents in the fireplace. Luckily, nothing remained.
He groaned in pain, body unresponsive. All he could do now was hope. The pages were few in the Doctor's hands. As long…as long as he didn't find…
If there was any spare blood left in his body, he would have paled at the wide grin that pulled across the Doctor's face.
Of course.
Why would his efforts and prayers be answered by a useless god?
The Doctor tucked the papers in his coat before gripping the top of the chair, leaning down so close that the tip of the mask brushed against his nose, "Your contributions to this project are appreciated, Master."
Rip
Pain flooded his body, gargled chokes claimed his airway as the pain started to become a numbing, burning sensation in his abdomen. The Fatui members began to leave as the Doctor cleaned off the dagger with a cloth.
"Clean him up nicely for the Akademiya, then we are leaving for Gandharva Ville in the forest."
The black coat Fatui bowed, the Doctor leaving with a wild look on his face.
I'm sorry…