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Lumine was fighting Osial she felt the power of the adepti flow through her, it would have been odd for her to feel this much power flow through her but she felt as if it was a familiar sense of home. If she hadn’t been so distracted trying to battle the many things that were going on she would have been ecstatic.
The battle was quite long one if she had not been powered up by the adepti she would have struggled in her usual state but in this one she was practically back to what that god had stolen from her. It wasn’t the same though, it could never be the same she knew that as much as she wished to be naïve. It wasn’t her power it was merely borrowed and at some point soon it will be gone again.
The time came quickly as the ground under her crumbled so did the power, her wings formed again for a mere second as she tried using them to save herself but vanished instantly. Physically it wasn’t painful it was more of an emotional stabbing in the heart. She felt what she lost then it vanished for a second time.
She masked her emotions well as she felt Xiao grab her from her inevitable death bringing her back up to the others to find out the next course of action. Lumine was surprised how he didn’t let go of her waist until they were back to fighting, it helped take her mind off other things. But before long they were back fighting the giant water beast.
Finally after what felt like days they had slain the beast watching as it crashed back into the ocean. While Lumine felt a big wave of relief wash over her she also felt the crawling feeling that she had been hiding come back. The longing for something she had lost.
It wasn’t like Lumine hadn’t felt it a million times before but this time it was stronger, more powerful. As if the adepti power had not only amplified her powers but her emotions. It was an overwhelming consuming feeling that was going to boil over in front of everyone if she doesn't escape.
Lumine starts hurrying her goodbyes to everyone while most are still talking about the events, many people eyed her suspiciously but didn’t say anything. Most people here had their own secrets and struggles it made them more understanding when you wished to keep quiet. Someone was more suspicious than most though, she could feel Xiao’s eyes on her as she sped away as fast as she could.
She was reaching her breaking point she could feel it in her chest the way it grew travelling further and further up her throat. When Lumine finally reached the point she couldn’t hold it back any more she was already up at the top of Mt. Tianheng.
Lumine felt herself take a deep breath before screaming at the top of her lungs as her knees buckled underneath her. Her arms wrapped around her stomach as she cried out in pain her emotions on override. Her mind felt separate from her body as she cried for the many things she lost five hundred years ago.
Her hand moved to her shoulder wishing she could reach out and feel her wings where they should be but alas nothing was there. The cries were raw and painful they were willed with such pure suffering.
When most people thought of Lumine they thought of a kind soul who was strong and powerful, how she never let anything get to her. A tough strong women who didn’t let the restrictions of this world get to her. But now Lumine felt like a fraud because she wasn’t that she was just as weak as any mortal who lived here.
Lumine was practically unresponsive to the things going on around her, she was usually alert and ready for battle at any second. But not this time. She didn’t notice Xiao arrive, she didn’t notice him walk over to her from behind. She did notice when he pulled her out of the ball she made herself into, she did notice when he pulled her into a backwards hug.
He shushed her crying softly, she felt as he brought his hand up to her hair pulling the pieces stuck to her face away. If she hadn’t been so out of it she would be questioning when he became so caring. Instead she turned to cry right into his chest as he just held her as if they had done it a million times before. It was what Lumine found she needed though as she finally started to calm down.
Her breathing slowly but surely evened out and the tears finally slowed to a stop. Lumine finally felt her self gain control back over her emotions the feeling in her chest had withered away and she felt a sense of calmness fall over her.
Xiao was still holding her close his arm making small circles on her arms. It was nice it had been a long time since someone had held her close without it being in a life or death situation. She found herself burying her head in the crook of his neck taking a moment to regain composure before she spoke.
It didn’t seem like Xiao cared particularly much, she had a feeling if she asked to stay like this for days he would oblige. Lumine always felt like he cared for her more than he was letting on, this was rather significant proof of it. She rememberers the time she told Zhongli of the promise and he looked at her rather surprised telling her a simple ‘you must be special to him’. It did make her question what he meant by that, she is guessing she got her answer from this.
Though she doesn't remember calling his name so how exactly did he find her. She pulled out of his embrace making him look up at her with a puzzled expression. He didn’t say anything just choosing to wipe more stray tears away from her face.
Lumine finally spoke, “How- how did you find me?” Her voice was croaky and rough from the screaming and rather sore.
“You were rather loud” He told her smirking slightly, Lumine looked like a dear in headlights though as she spun around to were Liyue harbour was begging that no one heard her, “Don’t worry no one can hear you down there” He told her tilting her head back to him.
“Then what do you mean I was loud” Xiao smiled softly at her, she was getting back to her usual self. The sadness that plagued her now replaced with her slight anger directed at him.
“I have good hearing” He shrugged before a cheeky smile crossed his face, “That and I followed you”
Lumine looked as if she was about to kill him but quickly changed into a sweet smile she closed the gap between them, throwing her arms around his shoulders pulling him close, “Thank you for looking after me”
Xiao tensed before relaxing into the hug, he wrapped his arms around her waist squeezing her slightly, “Always”