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Human life perishes easily. They are weak, restrained by the concept of lifespan, strength will fade away no matter how strong they were and eventually death will descend upon all humans equally.
But aging is one of the many that Lumine wouldn't worry about. As a demi-god and a being from the outside world, her lifespan is said to be immortal.
Lumine and her brother could live for eternity———— but living forever isn't always the best, especially when you have to see your loved ones leave the world behind you.
She thought one day she could fly along with her brother like they used to do. But the reality was cruel enough to separate them after the brother sacrificed himself to protect her in that war. Now, the twin stars no longer exist as she was the only star that remained.
As if losing her only family was not enough, the world took away her first friend who she always jokingly treated as emergency food. Paimon would stay with her forever———— this was what Lumine thought in her mind. But when Paimon revealed herself as one of the demon gods, she knew that thought was only an illusion. She couldn't do anything except watching her friend's body disintegrate slowly.
There's no one who could stay with her forever, not even her brother. Her heart was shattered mercilessly and the world didn't stop.
"Hey Childe."
"Long time no see, comrade." Childe's eyes opened wide with surprise and couldn't contain his happiness when he saw Lumine come to his house in Snezhnaya without telling him.
"We just met last year."
"And a year is very long to me."
Both of them stared at each other for seconds before laughing in unison. Although Lumine wanted to argue with him, saying that one month is very short, she gave up that thought and sat beside his bed.
"How do you feel?"
"Better than ever! I think I can bring down Oceanid all by myself."
"Please don't… I still remember how your ass got beaten up when you tried it last time."
Lumine laughed when she thought back how miserable Childe was when he challenged Oceanid without any help.
She gently caressed his hand before holding it softly. His hand was always good to touch for her and it would let her feel secure when he gripped her hand tightly.
They enjoyed a brief silence between them, a scene where both of them couldn't imagine years ago. After all, they were an energetic duo that even Zhongli couldn't bear with their noisiness.
"Lumine." Childe broke the silence, calling Lumine's name in a deeper sound than he usually does.
"Hmm?"
"Can we have a fight?"
If Lumine wanted to be honest, she didn't really want to accept Childe's challenge. But what can she do when Childe asked her with determination and gentleness in his eyes. Her heart was softened in front of him but it doesn't mean she is not concerned about him.
"It's been a year since we fought."
"And I won last time like always."
"This time will be different. I will win in this final fight."
Lumine could feel her chest tightened when he said that. It's a word that she has been ignoring for this whole time. She never wanted it to be final but the reality hit her face like always.
Childe summoned his Hydro dual blades while standing there preparing for the battle like he always did. The only difference was that he is an old man now. Wrinkles were all over his face and his orange hair was turned to white. He knew his strength was much weaker than his prime, yet, he still challenged Lumine every time with a smile on his face.
"Lumine. You know this will come eventually."
Don't say something like that———— Lumine thought but it never left her mouth, the pain in her chest was growing when seeing his smile.
"Face me."
(I don't want to face you.)
"Fight me."
(I don't want to fight you.)
"So that I could leave this world without regret."
(I don't want you to leave me!)
Tears were blurring her eyes and the negative thoughts were filling her mind.
Of course, she had been telling herself to face reality when the time came. But how can she accept the fact that Childe is leaving like her brother and Paimon so easily? How can she remain sound when the only one who loves her leaves her?
"Lumine, come to me with all your might even if I am an old man now!"
"Urghhh!!!!!!!"
She bit her lips which caused some blood to leak out as she drew out her sword and the final fight between them started when they leaped towards each other.
The conclusion of the fight was obvious. It's a total victory for Lumine.
Childe was panting hard, lying on the snow with no strength left to move his body even an inch. He looked at Lumine who was approaching him with tears falling down from her eyes.
"Lumine, it's time…"
It's time for me to go———— Childe wanted to say that but was interrupted by Lumine who put her finger on his lips to shut his mouth.
"I know. You're going to turn into a star…"
"Hahahaha… yeah… and I will always watch you from the sky."
I want you to watch me by my side———— Lumine swallowed the words even though she truly wanted that.
"Childe, I will leave the world soon..."
Because the world without you is too painful for me to stay———— She swallowed the words again, not wanting to make him worry in his last moment.
"It's fine. Something will stay by your side in my place…"
The man flashed a gentle smile from his heart, taking out a homemade bracelet from his pocket and gave it to Lumine. It has a star and a whale on it which could say it represents both of them.
The girl wore the bracelet with care, thanking the man while looking at him which made the man feel relieved that she accepted.
Now that he had done the thing he wanted to do for years, he could feel he was about to reach his limit as his eyes started to get heavier. He gathered all of his remaining strength to lift up his hand so that he could wipe the tears off her face.
I have loved you since the beginning————
"Lumine… I love you…"
Before he realized, his mouth had moved by its own and made a confession that he wanted to make ever since he fell in love with her.
"It's too late, stupid…"
"Hahaha… sorry… I-i was a coward… I was scared you would reject me…"
It's the only thing he regretted not doing. If he was brave enough to say those unspoken words, would everything be different now? Would they get married? Would they have a child? Would… would Lumine won't be this sad? But no matter what, it's too late for him to think about these questions.
"Idiot… Why would I reject you? I have been dreaming to hear that since 80 years ago…"
Lumine spoke softly to the man who couldn't give any reaction to the girl anymore. She couldn't feel any warmth from him nor could she feel his heartbeat again. Nevertheless, she still gave the man her first and the last kiss on his lips.
"I love you too, Ajax." Tears ran down her cheeks as she carried the last person who loved her in this world in her arms.