Chapter Text
Lumine woke up feeling the touch of something soft and fluffy on her face. She struggled to open her eyes and carefully looked around. That was all she was strong enough to do. The slightest movement still hurt.
Nothing went according to the plan in her wanderings. Life kept throwing up unpleasant surprises. Each new day was another test of her physical and mental strength. In spite of all the difficulties, Lumine stubbornly kept moving forward toward her dream. She firmly believed that every completed task and every new mastered skill brought her one step closer to the long-awaited meeting with her brother. People have always admired her determination, passing down songs and tales of her incredible exploits by word of mouth.
But sooner or later, even the most resilient heroes reach their limits and fall into the abyss of despair. At one point, the “Pandora's box” broke down and all the worries, fears, resentment and pain, repressed for so long in the depths of her soul broke free, significantly affecting her physical and mental health.
Fortunately this happened when Lumine was visiting Mondstadt. Putting all his projects on hold and taking a few days off, Albedo surrounded the exhausted traveler with love and care. The elixirs he prepared helped her sleep soundly, and the healthy home-cooked food strengthened her body.
Lumine saw Klee standing beside her bed and lovingly tucking her faithful plush friend, Dodoco. The little girl laid him on the pillow close to the traveler, carefully adjusting the blanket so both were thoroughly covered.
- Come, - Albedo whispered, putting his palm on sister's shoulder. - Lumine has recently taken her medicine and needs to rest.
The girl nodded understandingly, and they headed for the door.
Klee and Albedo had barely crossed the threshold of the room when they heard a loud "achoo!" behind them. They turned around and saw Lumine, slightly raised in bed and scratching the tip of her nose. She inadvertently inhaled the fur of the plush toy placed too close to her face.
- You're awake! - happily exclaimed Klee, and she rushed to embrace the traveler.
Once in the girl's arms, Lumine shivered in pain but kept a warm smile on her face. She appreciated the little girl's concern and didn't want to upset her.
For a moment the girl froze, and looking directly into the traveler's eyes asked:
- Did I wake you up? - she looked puzzled and sad, and there was a note of concern in her voice.
-No, not at all, - Lumine reassured her. - Dodoco just tossed in his sleep and tickled me with his fur, - said Lumine with a smile. - Thank you for putting him to sleep with me.
Klee recovered her spirit, smiled beamingly and said in a serious tone:
- Please excuse him! I'll be sure to talk to him about it! - she promised. - When I was little and sick, my mommy always laid Dodoco beside me. She said he would help me get well quicker. I asked him to help you, too, - Klee announced proudly.
Albedo laughed involuntarily. Stroking the little girl's blond hair, he said with a wink to Lumine:
- We don't doubt it. Everyone knows about your friend's miraculous powers.
- Your mother is a very wise woman, - answered Lumine and smiled radiantly.
- How are you feeling, - asked Albedo, carefully sitting down on the edge of the bed.
His voice was calm and warm as always.
- Much better. Your elixir and Dodoco make wonders, - replied the traveler.
- I am glad, - the alchemist added with a gentle smile.
He felt relief in his heart as he noticed the striking improvements in Lumine's demeanor. Rest, plenty of sleep, and healthy food were doing her good. She looked more energetic and cheerful than when she suddenly appeared on the doorstep of his laboratory a couple of days ago. A healthy blush and smile returned to her face. Albedo would be around for as long as it’s needed.
Klee was already pestering the traveler with questions about her adventures. She couldn't wait to hear new stories and brag about her new bombs. Fortunately for Lumine, Albedo knew how to channel the explosive child's exuberant energy into peaceful activities.
- Lumine must be hungry, - he said, getting out of bed and heading for the room door. - Take Dodoco with you and let's go make dinner.
Klee nodded, grabbed her stuffed friend, and happily followed her brother. Before closing the door, Albedo blew a kiss to the traveler with a playful smile, making the girl involuntarily blush.