Archive of Our Own ^beta

She couldn’t breathe. Floral foliage was working its way up her throat. She couldn’t breathe! She choked and coughed and tried to get air into her lungs but nothing worked. 

He watched her with a disdainful glare through her blurry vision. The look he was expressing clearly was repulsion at the sight of her tear-streaked face and blood blooming on her lips. 

Lumine blinked through the mess, heaving for air. 

“Lumine.” 

“She won’t wake up! Paimon is worried.” 

“Shh. Be quiet for a moment, Paimon. Lumine.” 

Someone was saying her name. 

“Come on. Nice and easy. Take deep breaths. That’s it.” 

Deep breaths? She couldn’t breathe! 

“Lumine. Wake up. Open your eyes.” 

Wake up? Was she dreaming? 

Everything dissolved around her. Lumine gasped for air in the bed of her guest hut at Gandharva Ville. Her breathing was painful and she could tell her condition was worse. 

Tighnari was sitting at the edge of her bed. His face was filled with concern. That was the only reason that she did not flinch back when the dream version of him was so near to her memory. 

Paimon was floating in circles around the room. When she noticed Lumine was awake she flew straight at her and wrapped her small arms around Lumine’s chest. Paimon started crying. That was the third time since she met her that the fairy had been crying and both times were for her. 

“Paimon thought you were dying.” The fairy wailed. Sobs shook her small frame. 

Lumine set a hand on her back and rubbed softly. She was still a little groggy from her dream. 

“Paimon came and got me. She said you were gasping for breath and wouldn’t respond when she tried to get you up. She thought you were having a nightmare.” Tighnari’s tail swished against her leg. “I came here to wake you up and make sure you are okay.” 

Lumine’s mind drifted back to her dream. Choking on flowers, dying, and having Tighnari watch her with revulsion on his face. 

Lumine mustered up a hopefully sincere smile. “I’ll be fine. It was just a dream.” 

It wasn’t a total lie. She would be fine, despite the fact that her dream would soon become a reality. 

*****

It all started one day when she was playing with an Aranara. A mischievous one had gotten into a bit of trouble. After rescuing it, she agreed to a game of hide and seek. 

She was tromping through the forest, contemplating that if Tighnari were here, she would have found them so much easier. 

Tighnari was the best in the forest. She didn’t know if it was from his sensitive fluffy ears that could hear the slightest rustle in the underbrush. Or if it was his soft-looking plush tail that could help him balance easier than most humans. She had seen him do some pretty incredible stunts over logs and rocks while fighting. 

Nausea welled up in her stomach. Lumine bent over at the waist trying to breathe deeply. That was a mistake. Instantly, Lumine began choking. She gasped for air and tried to cough. What was wrong? She gagged so hard she felt her face hurt. Her head started spinning and Lumine coughed to clear her throat. Something was stuck. It took a few moments, but Lumine finally heaved and spat out a fat blue petal. 

“Lumine!” Paimon flew right for her. Small hands fluttered around her face nervously. Tiny fingers tapped her cheeks and forehead. 

“Nooooo!” The green Aranara came out from behind a rock. He ran right for her. “Nara Lumine can’t die! Aranishat still wants to play.” 

Lumine shakily stood up. She felt lightheaded and unsteady from lack of air. The slick with her spit blue petal stared back at her from the ground. “I don’t think I’m dying. I must have accidentally swallowed a petal.” 

Even then, that statement didn’t seem accurate. When would she have swallowed a petal from a flower? 

Lumine scanned her immediate surroundings quickly. There was no flower nearby that had the color or shape of this petal before her. 

“Nara Lumine needs help! Aranishat will go get help!” The Aranara ran off into the forest and disappeared quickly. 

“That was strange,” Lumine murmured softly. She didn’t understand why the Aranara was so upset at the fact a flower petal got stuck in her throat. 

“Paimon thinks we should head back. Gandharva Ville is close. Maybe Tighnari can check you out.” Paimon twisted her small hands in her dress. 

Lumine bent down and picked up the petal. She tucked it into her bag. It didn’t feel right leaving it here. Lumine nodded for Paimon to lead the way. She would get checked out by Tighnari. Just to make Paimon feel better. 

There was nothing wrong with her. The wind must have blown a petal her way and she accidentally swallowed it. A foreign substance in her system had to come out someway, right? Right. 

Why did that statement have a false tone to it? There was no other possible explanation. 

*****

“Are you sure you are okay?” Tighnari’s tail landed in her lap when he scooted closer. “You say you will be fine but Lumine? I know you are lying to me. Is there something I can do that will help you feel better?” 

Lumine flinched and dropped her hand away from petting Tighnari’s tail. “It’s nothing you can help with. No one can help me.” 

“Lumine? You only need to ask. I can help you research possible answers. I also have some people I can reach out to. You are not alone in this.” Tighnari moved to touch her but Lumine pulled away. 

“No. No one can help me. It’s impossible.” Lumine tried to get out of bed but Paimon clung to her and the blanket. 

“Paimon says to trust him!” Paimon’s face was streaked with tears. 

“You know what will happen if I am wrong. I’m not taking that risk!” Lumine forcibly removed Paimon’s hand from her dress. She jumped up and headed for the door. 

“Paimon never took you for a coward!” The small fairy shrieked loudly. “If you won’t do it, Paimon will!” 

Lumine paused in the doorway. She looked back into the room and met Paimon’s wet and furiously shining eyes. “Then it will be on your head.” 

Lumine turned and ran off into the night. 

“Lumine! Wait!” 

******

Lumine swung her legs back and forth from her spot on Tighnari’s patient bed. He pulled a device away from her chest. 

“I don’t hear anything wrong. Your breathing is more labored than I’d like but nothing else. You seem fit and healthy.” Tighnari stepped back. His tail brushed against her legs. The tip of it rested in her lap. “You said something happened?” 

“Yes. I must have accidentally swallowed a petal that the wind blew towards me. I just coughed it back up. Paimon thought I should be checked out to be on the safe side.” Lumine idly combed her fingers through the end of Tighnari’s tail. 

Tighnari’s ears twitched. “You are fine. Don’t go swallowing any more petals. It could be very dangerous. You have barely scratched the surface of the flora and fauna in these woods. There are a great many poisonous plants in the forest. Be more alert.” 

“Yes, sir.” Lumine snapped a playful forest watcher’s salute. 

Tighnari sighed and his tail slid off her legs. “Go on. Go reassure Paimon because I can hear her start to worry outside.” 

Lumine jumped down from the table. “Thank you, Tighnari.” 

“You are welcome. Be more careful. I’m not a trained medical doctor. I won’t be able to help you if something goes wrong.” Tighnari waved her out of the room. 

Lumine took a step outside and breathed in the fresh damp forest air. It was amazing. She cleared her throat when her breath caught in her lungs. That was weird. 

“Lumine! Are you okay? Paimon is so worried.” Paimon flew at her from a stack of crates. 

“I am perfectly okay. Or so Tighnari says. I told you. I only swallowed a petal by mistake.” Lumine reached out and hugged Paimon. “Stop worrying. I’m fine.” 

“If you say so. Paimon is still worried about the Aranara’s response.” Paimon pulled away. She flew back a few paces. “Maybe we should visit Vanarana and ask them.” 

“Tighnari said I was okay. I think the Aranara was just overreacting. Come on. I will make you some Sticky Honey Roast as an apology for worrying you.” Lumine headed over to the fire pit. 

“Make some Sweet Madame and some Fisherman’s Toast and consider your apology accepted.” Paimon flew behind her. 

“Is that all?” Lumine smiled at her companion. “I don’t know how you fly with all the food you eat. You might need to be on a diet.” 

Paimon let out a furious huff of air. “Paimon doesn’t need a diet! Flying is exhausting! For that, I would like some Almond Tofu and Miny Jelly as well.” 

Lumine just kept her mouth shut, smiled, and nodded. She started cooking a feast for the small fairy. Lumine wondered where she put it all. Was flying really as exhausting as she made it sound? 

******

Lumine had to stop running once she reached the end of Gandharva Ville. Her condition was not going to let her keep running. 

Lumine spotted a large tree and climbed up its branches. She sat high enough to see the stars. If these were her last few hours alive then she wanted to see the stars. 

Would Paimon really tell Tighnari? Would her dearest friend really betray her and essentially kill her when Tighnari revealed that he did not love her back? 

Lumine sighed and propped her chin in her hand. This is where her journey ends then. She only made it to four out of seven countries in this world that was not her own. Aether would be so disappointed in her. 

All she had to do now was wait for her inevitable death. Betrayed by her own friend. How pathetic. 

****

Tighnari looked back at the furious Paimon. Lumine had bolted from the hut with those concerning words. 

The fairy was grumbling and rubbing her fists over her face. 

“Paimon what is going on? I need to know so I can help. I’m worried about both of you. What did she mean? What would be on your head? Why is Lumine acting like she is sick worse than Collei?” Tighnari bit back the rest of the questions burning in his mind. He waited for the fairy to answer him. 

Paimon sank to the bed and refused to look at him. “Paimon can’t tell you everything. Despite Lumine’s meanness, Lumine is still Paimon’s friend and Paimon won’t betray her. But, Paimon does think you can help us.” 

Tighnari listened carefully to Paimon’s words trying to pick out the hidden meanings in them. His tail idly thumped against the bed in his worry. He missed Lumine’s hands running through the fur. He didn’t let just anyone touch his tail and help him take care of it. That was something only reserved for a special person in a Valuka Shuna’s life. He missed the touch of his… 

“Here it goes. Some special friends said Lumine is dying. Something about a dendro curse and how there is nothing they can do.” Paimon sniffled and began crying again. “Day after day Paimon has to watch Lumine suffer and Paimon can’t do anything to help. If only Lumine would stop acting like this and just… tell him how she feels!” 

“What dendro curse is this?” Tighnari’s mind was spinning. There were very few dendro curses in the world and none of them were good. 

Lumine is dying? Is there really nothing anyone can do? There has to be a cure somewhere. He couldn’t let her die! Not her! 

Paimon sniffled. “Hanahaki. At least that is what our friends say.” 

Tighnari’s heart shattered in his chest. “Hanahaki.” He repeated in shock. 

So Lumine loved someone enough that that love was killing her? Who was this person? If only it was him then it would be a simple fix. But that was impossible. Lumine was his best friend second only to Cyno. Surely he would know if she loved someone enough for Hanahaki to make itself known. 

“Who is the guy?” Tighnari took a deep breath to calm himself down. 

What he really wanted to say was ‘Who is the guy I have to beat sense into and convince them to love Lumine back?’ If it wasn’t him then all he wanted for her was to be happy with someone she truly loved. 

Paimon pressed her lips together and looked away. “That’s the part Paimon won’t tell you. That is Lumine’s to share with when the time is right. If it ever comes.” Paimon spoke quietly. 

Tighnari stood up from the bed. He headed for the doorway. “How much time does she have left? Has she been coughing up full flowers yet?” 

Paimon shook her head. “Not that Paimon knows. She keeps all that a secret. Something about not worrying Paimon. Clearly, that isn’t working.” 

“Do you know what kind of flower it is? That would help a lot in narrowing it down.” 

Tighnari’s ears swiveled to catch the boom of distant thunder. It was going to get noisy and wet soon. He hated storms. Lumine was out there though. 

Tighnari didn’t catch the first part of Paimon’s words but the fairy saying the last part made it clear Paimon didn’t know anything. 

“... Beyond that, Paimon doesn’t know.” 

Tighnari paced back and forth. He needed to go out there and find his… Lumine. Not his. She wasn’t his anything. Oh, but his tail was going to get ruined and his ears were going to be in for some pain. 

Tighnari hated storms! 

“I’m going out after her. She might be in danger. It’s going to storm in…” Tighnari caught another crack of thunder. He calculated the distance in his head. Close. It was awfully close. “About five minutes. Give or take a few. Stay here. I’ll keep Lumine safe. I will help her. She won’t die Paimon. Not on my watch.” 

Paimon seemed much happier at that. “Great. Lumine will be in great hands. Paimon knows it.” 

Tighnari headed out into the night. He now had four minutes to get as far into his search as he could before his progress will be greatly impeded. 

For Lumine. 

******

If once was a chance and twice was a coincidence, what was the third time? 

Lumine sat on the hot desert sand. This was the third time she coughed up a petal. It was starting to get gruesome. This new wide blue petal had specks of blood on it. Her throat was aching and she needed more than a moment to recover from the lack of air in her brain. 

Luckily Paimon was out eating with Candace. Lumine had taken a late evening walk. She was getting less able to go a whole fight without taking a break for a breather.  

It started with the bigger enemies like Mitachurls. Then she regressed to Eremites. It was getting to be a problem. What would happen if she came across something simple as a fungus and couldn’t fight it off? Archons forbid if she came across a Rishboland Tiger and became its lunch. 

Three times. Twice in the forest where her original theory was plausible and now here in the desert where no flowers grew. 

Lumine twirled the blue petal in her fingers carefully. It felt soft in her hands. Soft enough to be flimsy but when it had come up it felt razor sharp. 

Once is a chance, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a pattern. Maybe it’s time to make her way to the Aranara. They seem to be knowledgeable about this. 

Lumine just hoped it wasn’t serious. 

****

Paimon came back an hour later. She was sleepy. Paimon didn’t want to leave so late at night. Neither did Lumine but this was urgent. 

Lumine convinced her friend that they needed to head back to the forest. They said their goodbyes and parted ways from Candace and Aaru Village. 

Lumine walked across the desert all night. Paimon fell asleep on her back halfway through. When the sun rose, they were approaching the green hills of the forest region of Sumeru. 

“Where are we going?” Paimon yawned and got off her back. 

“To see the Aranara. These petals aren’t stopping. Something is very wrong.” Lumine turned to the northwest. “If we are lucky we might make it to Pardis Dhyai for a nice lunch in the gardens.” 

“You just want to see if Tighnari is there.” Paimon’s voice was lighthearted and teasing. 

Lumine hoped her cheeks were not as flushed as she felt they were. “No. I want a nice spot to eat lunch.” 

“Uh-huh. Don’t lie to Paimon. Paimon sees the way you look at him. All googly-eyed and awestruck. You love him.” Paimon flew ahead of Lumine’s swatting hand. “You love listening to him lecture. You love petting his tail. Don’t think Paimon isn’t watching you. Paimon sees everything. Paimon knows everything.” Paimon crossed her arms over her chest and raised her chin in the air haughtily. 

Lumine sighed and gave in to her friend's teasing. “Yes. I love him.” A lump welled up in her throat. “I love Tighnari of Avidya Forest. But the issue is…” Lumine stopped to catch her breath. That lump in her throat was getting worse. “He doesn’t…” Lumine gagged and held her hand over her mouth. She bolted off the side of the path into the woods. 

“Oh no. Not again.” Paimon flew after her. 

If once was a chance, twice was a coincidence, three times was a pattern, what were four times? 

*****

Lumine heard the thunder. She saw the clouds roll in. She felt the rain as it poured on her. Still, she waited for her death. 

After a while, Lumine frowned. Did Paimon not tell him? Was that just an empty threat or were her words damaging enough to keep Paimon quiet? 

“Lu-!” 

BOOM!!!

“-mine! Where are-” 

BOOM!!!! 

That was Tighnari. What was Tighnari doing out here? He hated storms. They always drenched and matted his tail. They also made him have a headache from the loud thunderclaps hurting his ears. Not to mention the fierce winds. On more than one occasion she has heard him complain that one of these days the wind was going to blow his ears inside out. 

Did… Did Paimon tell him? Was he out here to reject her? Was she going to die before she could see another sunrise? 

“Paimon never took you for a coward!” 

Lumine took as deep a breath as she could. Whatever Tighnari said she would face it with bravery. Lumine was not a coward. Whether she lived or died, it was time to meet her fate. 

Lumine stood up on the branch and started climbing down. 

*****

Tighnari’s head was starting to throb from the constant loud thunder. He was soaked to the bone and his tail looked like a rat’s tail. The fur was so wet it clumped together. That was going to be a nightmare to sort out. 

Tighnari’s senses told him that this storm was only just beginning. It was going to get so much worse. 

“Lumine!” Tighnari cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted as loud as he could. He lost her scent so he couldn’t track her that way. The rain washed it away. His ears were pretty much useless. Boom after boom of thunder shook the trees and rang in his ears. 

Tighnari looked up when a twig fell to the ground. He saw a ghostly figure in a white dress climbing down a tree. 

“Lumine.” Tighnari was so relieved and glad she was okay. He hurried over to her. She was breathing heavily from her climb. Most likely caused by the Hanahaki and the flowers blooming in her lungs. “Come with me. We need to get out of this storm.” Tighnari cupped his hands around his mouth and leaned close to Lumine. “My hut is closer. You can stay there for tonight.” 

Lumine’s golden eyes stared up at him with an unreadable look on her face. She turned without a word and led the way back to the village. 

Tighnari was confused but ran after her. Why was she acting like this? 

Tighnari entered his hut and had to resist the urge to shake himself dry. He was more than his animal instincts, thank you. Tighnari rooted around in his clean clothes for a towel and clothes for Lumine. He found a pair of lounge pants that he rarely wears and a clean-smelling shirt. 

“Here. You can use the screen first.” He motioned to the small closed-off area in the back of the hut. 

Lumine accepted the clothes and towel. “Tighnari? What are-?” 

“Later. We need to get dry first or you will catch a cold. We don’t need you to have a cold and Hanahaki. That will destroy your lungs worse than they already are.” Tighnari gave her a little push to her back towards the Liyue-style screen where he changed and kept his extra clothes. 

Lumine stared at him before heading to the changing corner. “Later.” She whispered quietly. 

Tighnari stared at his tail in dismay and frustration. It looked like a rat’s tail. Not the fluffy fox one he was supposed to have. 

Tighnari grumbled lowly and pulled out his grooming kit. First, he needed to change his clothes. He shot a look at the screen. “Stay there for a few minutes, okay? I’m going to change out here.” 

“Okay,” Lumine called back softly. 

Tighnari quickly stripped and changed into some soft pants and a single shirt. He left his gloves and other clothes drying by a pyro slime core. He pulled out his spare one for Lumine’s items. 

“You can come out now. Bring your wet clothes. I have a way to dry them pretty easily.” Tighnari motioned with one hand to the free pyro slime core. “Put them on that.” 

Tighnari grabbed a fresh towel and began rubbing the fur on his tail briskly. Soon the fur fluffed up a little. It was still wet but not as bad to look like a rat. 

“Tighnari.” Lumine sat on the chair at his desk. “What did Paimon tell you? You obviously know I have Hanahaki.” 

Tighnari looked up at her. He paused in combing his tail. “I know.” 

Lumine smiled at him hopefully. “So do you-?” 

“And I’m going to help you. I can help you find this guy you love and I will help you in any way I can because I am your friend.” 

Everything in him rioted against him saying that dreaded f-word. Lumine was more than his friend. She was his sun, his moon, his star. She was… his everything. It killed him that she loved another. But he would help her. He only wanted to see her happy. If it was with someone else then he would put on a smile and a brave face. She was worth it. 

Tighnari frowned when his comb caught on something. He pulled it when he got to a matted section of his tail. “This always happens. Every time it gets wet. Hmph.” 

There was the sound of something hitting the floor. 

Tighnari looked up, alarmed. “Lumine?” 

“I think I’m going to go to bed. Goodnight Tighnari.” Lumine went over to his bed and crawled in. She turned her back to him and went still. 

The next morning, Lumine coughed up her first full flower. 

******

Lumine huffed for breath. Finally. She was finally in Vanarana. The sky was the usual color for the Aranaras’ village. The air smelled the same, the trees were the same, and the huts were the same. It was the people that were different. 

Everywhere Lumine looked, the Aranara were lined up and watching her. They all stopped what they were doing whether that was working or playing and watched her pass. 

Lumine felt the mourning of the people. “Something happened.” Lumine murmured to Paimon. 

“Yeah. Paimon agrees. It’s like someone has died and they all are grieving.” Paimon flew so close to Lumine that the fairy bumped into her. “Paimon has a bad feeling. Maybe we should…” 

Paimon let out a shriek when someone cleared their throat. 

“Nara Lumine. Araja wants to speak with you. Please follow Aranabi.” An aranara she had never seen before led her through the village to their chief’s home. 

Lumine took a seat on the ground in front of the fire pit. Araja was sitting on a chair on the other side of the fire. 

“Nara Lumine. Aranishat told Araja that you have the dendro love curse.” Araja sipped from a cup made from tree bark. 

“Dendro love curse? What is that?” Paimon sat down next to Lumine. “Is it dangerous?” 

“When a Nara coughs up flowers because they love another so much but don’t think their love is returned, that is the curse. It starts small. A petal here, a petal there. Then it gets bigger. Full flowers come up. Last, death. Flowers grow from your lungs and you will die. This Nara Lumine has. Araja can see it.” The elder chief set his cup down. 

“Is there a cure?” Lumine was desperate. Surely there had to be something to save her. 

Araja shook his head. “No cure. Unless Nara Lumine’s love is returned there is nothing the Aranara can do.” 

“And who is it that Lumine loves that is… killing her?” Paimon began to sniffle. She rubbed her small hands across her face. 

“Nara Lumine knows. The Valuka Shuna Watcher. Flowers are a good message. Kalpatala Lotus is his favorite. Many of Aranara have seen him savor the flowers. Does Nara Lumine wish to tell him? Be warned, if Nara Lumine’s love is not returned, Nara Lumine will die quickly.” Araja motioned to the world around them. “If Nara Lumine should die, Aranara will take care of it. All become seeds one day.” 

Lumine knew her time with the Aranara chief was done. Lumine stood up and brushed off her dress. “Araja? What do the humans call this curse?” 

“Naras have called it many things in the past. Hanahaki. Nara Lumine has Hanahaki.” Araja picked up his cup and stared at the sky. “Araja has seen many beings live and die. Araja remembers them all. Nara Lumine will not be forgotten. Araja will remember.” 

Lumine left the aranara to his memories. Hanahaki. She needed to do some research. Luckily she was friends with the owner of the largest library in Teyvat. She needed to see Alhaitham. 

*****

The trek to the Akademiya was not an easy one. Many times, Lumine had to pause to catch her breath. It was as if now she knew they were there they became larger and took up more space. 

Naturally, Lumine knew that was most likely false. They were the same size as before but now that she was aware, she was aware of their presence. Each breath was harder and harder to take and then she needed to stop. After a few minutes of rest, she started it all over again. 

Lumine stuck to the main roads as best as she could. She didn’t think she would be able to handle a fight without some serious injuries. 

“Be more careful. I’m not a trained medical doctor. I won’t be able to help you if something goes wrong.” 

And then there were times like those when a stray thought of Tighnari would cross her mind. Nine times out of ten she would end up off to the side coughing up a petal. Each one was more blood coated than the last. 

Finally, they reached Sumeru City. Lumine stopped just outside the city gates to catch her breath and make herself presentable. 

“Lumine? What are we doing here? Shouldn’t we be going to Gandharva Ville and telling Tighnari how you feel? Then you will be cured and won’t be dying anymore.” Paimon hovered at her side. 

Lumine shook her head. “I’m not telling Tighnari. You heard what Araja said. I will die quickly if he doesn’t love me back. I’m not taking that risk.” 

“But…” Paimon paused as if she was unsure how to continue. “Lumine, Tighnari -” 

Lumine’s head snapped up to stare at her friend. “Promise me, Paimon, you will never tell anyone who I love. If our friendship means anything to you, promise me you won’t say anything about Tighnari to anyone, let alone Tighnari himself.” 

“What kind of request is that?” Paimon shrieked. “Lumine you can’t be serious.” 

“Paimon. Promise me.” Lumine softened her expression. “I can’t have him finding out before I’m ready. If he finds out from someone else and he doesn’t return it, then I will die.” 

“O-okay. Paimon promises. Paimon thinks you are being silly though. It’s obvious that-” Paimon was interrupted by a warm voice. 

“Well, when they said suspicious figures was hovering around the west gates, I didn’t think it would be you two, Traveler and Paimon.” 

****

Lumine woke up to a burning in her chest and her mind spinning from oxygen loss. Lumine sat up and coughed, trying to clear her throat. 

It didn’t work. 

Tears stung her eyes and rolled down her cheeks as she choked and tried desperately to bring up the hugest thing she had ever felt come up her throat. This wasn’t just one petal. This was something more. 

“Lumine!” Tighnari was at her side trying to get her to breathe. “Deep breaths. Come on Lumine. Breathe!” 

Lumine was close to blacking out. With her last remaining strength, she stuck her fingers in her mouth. She brushed against something solid. She caught her fingers around a petal and pulled. Out popped a blood-soaked Kalpalata Lotus. 

Lumine collapsed to the floor with sweet air flooding her lungs the best that it could. She was sweaty and hot and her head was spinning. The flower was in front of her face. 

“Lumine! Stay with me now. You can’t pass out on me.” Tighnari’s voice seemed like it came from far away. 

Everything went gray and Lumine did exactly what Tighnari didn’t want. She passed out in a heap on the floor. 

*****

Tighnari’s morning was by far the worst he ever had. Worse than the time his mother died. Worse than the time in the Akademiya when he had to wake up early to clean out the fertilizer boxes. (Imagine waking up only to have to clean out boxes with composing food and other materials first thing in the morning. If he was late he would have to forgo his morning tea.)

This morning was the worst. He woke up early with the knowledge that Lumine was dying. He was quiet and reading one of his books on dendro curses, trying to find the section on Hanahaki when he was startled by Lumine bolting upright and falling off the bed onto the floor. The whole time she was making the most awful coughing and choking noises. 

Tighnari felt helpless and never more frustrated with the fact he didn’t study medicine more than the usual minor courses. Finally, a blue flower came out of her mouth with a little help. 

Tighnari tried to keep her awake but Lumine’s beautiful sunshine eyes rolled back in her head and she slipped unconscious. 

Tighnari gathered her up and lifted her back into the bed. He tucked the blankets around her. He tore off his glove and pressed the back of his hand to Lumine’s forehead. She was a little warm. Maybe the blankets weren’t the best idea. But if she had a fever, sweating it out would be the best option. Tighnari would just take her to his favorite bathing spot later. 

Tighnari stood up to go back to his book. He had done all he could at the moment. Something caught his eye on the floor. 

A crimson-stained Kalpalata Lotus stared back at him from the floor. Tighnari bent down to pick it up. 

Was this… Kalpalata Lotuses. Who else did he know that love this flower? It was common knowledge that the flower choice in Hanahaki was based on the recipient’s favorite flower. 

It wasn’t him. Tighnari was 80% sure Lumine did not love him. While Tighnari had always been fond of the Kalpalata Lotuses that grew on cliffsides near Gandharva Ville, Lumine never showed the same signs back that he gave her. 

Granted, she didn’t have a tail or ears which was key in Valuka Shuna’s courtships, but surely she knew some things about it, right? 

She had to know that nobody touched a Valuka Shuna’s tail as casually as she did. And it was obvious when he was around her. His tail always tended to be in her lap or touching her in some way when they were close. 

Tighnari knew for sure it wasn’t Cyno. Cyno liked the Padisarahs that only grew in gardens at Pardis Dhyai or in boxes around Sumeru City. 

Her Sage friend maybe? What was his name? Alhaitham? 

Yeah. It had to be Alhaitham. Maybe Tighnari could write him a missive. A dusk bird would make for an easy way to set up a meeting spot. 

Yeah. He needed to meet with Alhaitham. He was the only other person he could think of. 

Tighnari paused in his reach across the desk. What if who she loved wasn’t even male? What if she loved a woman? That complicated things greatly. So many people. 

He would start with Alhaitham. Hopefully, he would have a better idea if it wasn’t him. 

Tighnari pulled a sheet of paper and his pen to him. Time to set up a meeting spot. 

******

Lumine turned around, a little shocked to be snuck up on. She sighed and smiled widely at the person in front of her. It was her. Of course, she could sneak up on Lumine. 

“Hi, Dehya.” Lumine waved at her. 

“You have blood on your dress. Are you hurt?” Dehya was by her side examining her for injuries. “No. You are fine. Someone else's, perhaps?” 

“I will be fine.” Lumine brushed off her worries. “I’m actually here to see the Library and wanted to look presentable.” 

“I’m sure no one will notice the blood on your dress then.” Dehya’s words were a little dry. 

Lumine looked down at her white dress, trying to find the spot Dehya had seen. It was just above the hemline, front, and center. It must have escaped her hold when she coughed up a petal. Lumine would have to be more careful in the future. 

“Come with me. I might know of something that can help you.” Dehya started for the city. “You have been awfully quiet Paimon. Is there something bothering you?” 

Paimon sighed deeply. “No. Paimon just has a lot to think about. Paimon will be fine.” 

Lumine kept pace with Dehya despite the slight burning in her lungs. She would need a rest soon. But how did she do it to make it look completely natural? 

Thankfully, Dehya didn’t go far. She led them to the Grand Baazar and stopped near a stand selling fabric. 

“Pick one you like. Any of these. Though, I would go with blue or gold to match your outfit.” Dehya motioned to hanging silks in various colors and patterns. 

Lumine noted the Liyuen design on a few of them. Lumine quickly picked out a shimmering light blue fabric. She handed over the right amount of mora for the piece. 

“Now, let me…” Dehya led her off to the side. She took the blue silk and draped it around Lumine’s waist in a way that was classy and artful. “Dunyarzad has been experimenting with different ways to wear silk. Something in the Steambird she read about. I had been her test subject a few times. There. That is the best I can do.” 

Lumine looked down to see that Dehya had taken the silk and wrapped it around her waist twice. She then tied it in a neat knot that looked like a rose. The ends fell down to just below her hemline, easily hiding the blood stain. 

“Just be careful when you walk. Don’t move too much and the ends will hide that perfectly.” Dehya smiled at her. “You should add this to your everyday attire. I think it looks good.” 

Lumine looked up from her dress. “Thanks, Dehya.” 

She was not to move too much. Looks like those lessons with Eula will come in handy. How did they go again? 

“I will escort you to the Akademiya. Well, as far as I can go at any rate. It won’t do to have suspicious characters alone in the city.” Dehya teased her. “Come on. I know a shortcut.” 

“Lead the way oh great Flame-Mane, so beautiful and strong.” Lumine smiled through the tightness in her chest. 

Dehya groaned. “So you have heard that song,” 

Paimon grunted and flew ahead. “Come on. Stop playing around. Paimon says we need to get to the Akademiya now before someone dies.” 

Lumine froze. Was Paimon seriously going to spill her secret? 

Dehay laughed loudly. “Paimon has jokes now?” 

“Paimon always has jokes.” Paimon sent Lumine a look saying that she wasn’t joking then. 

Lumine followed after Dehya and Paimon, hoping that Dehya’s shortcut was less vigorous than the usual way. 

***** 

Dehya dropped them off a few ramps away from the Akademiya. “This is as far as I go. Good luck with your research and stop by the Citadel of Regzar before you leave the city. I’ll be there for a couple of days to visit with old friends. We can go out for drinks at Lambad’s Tavern.” 

“Bye Dehya. Thanks for the help.” Paimon waved at Dehya and flew up the ramp. 

Dehya’s smile dropped. “I think something is wrong with Paimon. Something is bothering her.” 

Lumine shrugged. She knew what was bothering Paimon but she would prefer if no one else found out. “I will talk with her. Thanks for everything Dehya.” Lumine poured her sincerity into her words. 

“Hey now. Don’t make it sound like you are leaving permanently. I’ll see you around.” Dehya clapped her on the shoulder before heading off into the crowd. 

“Lumine! Are you coming? Paimon is waiting.” Paimon’s face appeared over the edge of the ramp above her. 

Lumine turned and started going up the ramp. She had to stop a few times but she finally made it to the doors of the Akademiya. She entered the halls and made her way to the library. 

Lumine came to a stop in the doorway. There were shelves upon shelves from the floor to the huge ceiling that felt like miles above her. Balconies separated the shelves into floors and there were stairs leading down to probably more rooms of books. 

“Hello, do you have your student ID?” A lady walked up to them. “I’m afraid without a student ID you can’t-” 

“It’s alright. She’s with me.” A voice was at her back. “This is the First Sage of Buer. She should have unrestricted access to anything she wishes to know.” 

“A-Alhaitham. I mean, Acting Grand Sage. I apologize. I was just…” The lady stammered before quickly bowing in Lumine’s direction. “I’m sorry First Sage of Buer. Please let me know if you need anything.” The lady hurried off. 

Alhaitham sighed. “We really need to get your image out there.” 

“No. I’m okay. I was actually wondering about my replacement.” Lumine probably should find that out. She was dying after all. For some reason, it still hadn’t sunk in. 

Now wasn’t the time to break down though. The Akademiya was not the place for an ugly crying pity session. 

“Your replacement.” Alhaitham looked amused. “Looking to forfeit your title already? Well, usually you take on an apprentice and train them for a year or so. Then if you wish, you can step down then. I would choose wisely though. You don’t want just anyone as your replacement or we might end up right back where we were before.” 

“Nahida won’t let that happen,” Lumine looked up at the faraway ceiling above her. 

Alhaitham didn’t answer her. “What are you doing in here? Are you looking for someone?” 

“Actually, I was…” Lumine was interrupted by Paimon flying over. 

“Hi, Alhaitham. We are looking for information.” Paimon crossed her arms over her chest. 

“Oh. You have come to the right place. Anything specific? We have over a thousand different subjects in this library.” Alhaitham gestured out at the shelves. 

Lumine caught onto the peculiar phrasing of his words. “This library? There are others?” 

“Do you honestly think the old sages would have all their… hmmm… restricted subject materials laying around for anyone to see? Since you are a Sage, you have access to the other library as well.” Alhaitham folded his arms and cupped his chin. “So, what subject are you after? The more restricted or common knowledge?” 

Lumine met Paimon’s gaze. The small fairy shrugged her shoulders to say that she didn’t know. 

“Wherever there is information on dendro curses.” Lumine turned to see Alhaitham blink and school his face into an impassive one. 

“Dendro curses? Interesting subject, but that is in this library. Follow me.” Alhaitham headed for the stairs leading up to the next balcony. 

Lumine eyed all the stairs. Her breathing hitched. Well, here she goes. 

******

Tighnari waited all morning for a reply from Alhaitham. 

In the meantime, he went over the various experiments that he kept in his home. He kept an eye on Lumine and constantly went back and forth from his table to her unconscious form lying in his bed. 

The Kalpalata Lotus sat innocently on the corner of his desk. Tighnari wanted to stomp on it, crush it and burn it. Never had he hated a flower so much in his entire career. 

His entire field of study was botany. He usually loved all the flora and fauna of the forest. This flower was the first he ever experienced that he wanted to destroy. And it used to be his favorite too. Why did the sight of it make him want to make sure all Kalpalata Lotuses were gone? 

Because they are taking her away from him. His star. 

Tighnari shook off the dark thoughts. He looked away from the cursed flower and out at the drenching rain that was still falling. Thankfully the thunder and lightning moved on but this rain was still there. A slow rainfall that soaked everything. 

He would have to go over their supplies and make sure that nothing was ruined. If there was water damage because the tarps were not properly secured he would have to scold a few rangers. Proper covering from the rain was essential. Carelessness was something he would not stand for. Carelessness cost mora and sometimes someone’s life might be at risk too. 

That brought Tighnari right back to Lumine, who was laying in his bed. Dying. She was dying. 

“I love the rain,” Lumine spoke up from behind him. 

Tighnari jumped and dropped the tool in his hand. Luckily it missed the mushroom sample he was examining. His heart was racing. Is this what it felt like for humans when people sneak up on them? 

“Did I actually manage to scare you?” Lumine’s smile was halfhearted. 

“No.” Tighnari quickly denied it. “I was just…” What word could he use? 

Lumine hummed in disbelief and moved over to the open doorway. Her expression was sad and glassy-eyed. “I love the rain. Especially ones like this where you can take a slow day indoors and relax with… family.” 

Tighnari stood up when he noticed the hitch in her voice. “Lumine? Are you-?” 

Lumine sobbed and dropped to the floor. Her arms wrapped around her body tightly as if she was trying to hold herself together. “It’s not fair.” She cried out. 

Every word she spoke broke Tighnari’s shattered heart further. 

“Does Nahida hate me that much? Why did she curse me? I was good. I was happy knowing I was a friend. Why do I need to suffer more?” Lumine hiccupped and wailed. “Now I’m dying. I might never see another rainfall like this. I will never see my brother again in this life. I will… I won’t…” 

Tighnari couldn’t watch this anymore. He dropped to his knees and pulled her shaking and heaving smaller body into his arms. His tail wrapped around them both. “Shhh. I’m sorry this has happened to you. I’m here.” 

Is this what his mom felt every day after his dad died? She did die after he reached maturity. Were the rumors about his people true? When you love someone so much and they die, does it feel like you are dying along with them? Was this what he was going to be faced with every day without her? 

Tighnari didn’t think he would survive. He made a soothing purr and stared out into the rain. He would find who she loved and he would convince them to love her back. If they didn’t, then he would exact his revenge. 

Tighnari hugged her tighter and vowed he would help her live or die trying. 

******

Alhaitham left her in a small corner of the library. For the biggest collection of knowledge in Teyvat, they had surprisingly little on dendro curses. 

It all amounted to ten books. Twenty books dedicated to the subject of dendro curses. There were a few different ones, but Lumine sorted the books out into different curses. That brought it down to only five books about Hanahaki. 

Lumine settled down in her corner to read. Paimon was taking a nap on the table so Lumine had to work around her. 

It took her three hours to read through all five books. What she found out was mostly the same in every book. 

• Hanahaki was caused by unrequited love. (Did that mean supposed or true unrequited love? If it was true, then what hope was there for her?)

• The flowers that the victim died from were the recipient’s favorite flowers. (Tighnari liked Kalpalata Lotuses?) 

• There were only two cures. One was surgery in which there were three possible results. One, the victim forgot everything about their love and who they loved. Two, the victim could never love anything ever again. Three both previous possibilities happened. (With her luck it was option three. That was not happening.) 

• The other cure was confessing and having the recipient return those affections. If they returned them, then the victim would be cured. If the recipient did not love her back, the curse would progress rapidly and she would die within a few days. (That was the most likely outcome for her.) 

Lumine sighed and snapped the final book shut. She dropped her head on the desk. So what the Aranara said was true. She was dying and nothing would be able to save her. Short of a miracle and Tighnari loving her back, nothing would cure her. 

“Did you find what you were looking for?” Alhaitham was walking towards her. He looked down at the books stacked on the table. 

Lumine gave him a half-hearted smile. “Sort of.” 

Paimon stirred right then. She sat up and stretched her arms over her head. She yawned. “Hi, Alhaitham. What are you doing here?” 

“I was reminded by a… friend to eat something before I waste away. I was wondering if you would like to join me. I was going to go to Puspa Cafe.” Alhaitham nodded to the books. “Are you done with your research for now?” 

Lumine stood up. She reached for the books to put them back. Alhaitham stopped her by touching her hand. 

“Don’t worry about them. There is someone who comes by the shelves regularly and puts the books back. The librarians have a particular system of what books go where and prefer for people to let them put the books away themselves.” Alhaitham tugged on her arm. 

“Paimon is hungry. Let’s go eat with Alhaitham one last time before…” Paimon trailed off. She looked to be tearing up. 

Alhaitham raised an eyebrow. “Before what? Why for the last time?” 

“Before I leave Sumeru.” Lumine chimed in. Hopefully, she distracted Alhaitham from what Paimon almost said. 

“Oh? Alright then. Let’s head out. I’m feeling like some baklava.” Alhaitham waited for Lumine to start walking before falling into step with her. 

Lumine could feel her breakdown approaching like a distant storm. If she was truly going to die in a few weeks then she wanted to spend the rest of her time left with Tighnari in the forest. She wanted to be around nature when she died. 

Also, a little selfishly, she wanted to spend as much time as she could with her love. Because if she couldn’t be with him, she would be happy seeing him thrive for as little time as she had left. 

*****

The reply came late afternoon. Alhaitham said he would be free tomorrow morning at the earliest. That was the best he could do. 

Tighnari sighed and folded the small piece of paper. Hopefully, Lumine would make it for a little while longer. She seemed to have taken a turn for the worst. 

In the past five hours, she had gotten quieter and quieter. At first, she walked around his hut pretending everything was normal. Like she didn’t have a well-deserved breakdown about her condition. Shortly after lunch, Lumine made her way to his bed and huddled under his blankets. She was pale and her breathing was more labored. 

Tighnari was trying his best. He was coming up with ways to save her. A dark part of him whispered about surgery and if she forgot her love would she come to love him instead? 

Tighnari sighed and pushed away from his desk. The rain seemed to be lighter. He needed to go out and check on a few things. He didn’t want to leave Lumine alone though. What if another flower decided to make an appearance and she was all alone? 

No, Tighnari decided. The checks would just have to wait. 

As if Lord Kusanali heard him, Paimon came flying through the rain toward his hut. Paimon ducked through the door and shivered. 

“Paimon came as soon as the rain got lighter. How’s Lumine? Is she better?” Paimon brushed her hands against her sleeves. 

Tighnari handed her a smaller towel he used for drying his hands and tail. “She’s sleeping.” 

Paimon took the towel and ran it over her body and hair. “Thank you. She’s recovering?” 

“No, Paimon. I think you are expecting something different. Lumine has gotten worse. She coughed up this. A full flower this morning.” Tighnari held the Kalpalata Lotus carefully. He still wanted to crush it. 

Paimon’s countenance did a complete downturn. The fairy sagged and almost touched the desktop. “What? Paimon thought… Oh no! Poor Lumine.” Paimon began crying. “Why don’t… Why? Paimon thought she would get better. Paimon thought you would take care of her. Why don’t…” 

Tighnari didn’t know how to handle Paimon’s tears. With Lumine it was easy. With Paimon, not so much. “I’m glad you are here, Paimon. I need to run out and do some routine checks on supplies and things. Can you take care of her until I get back?” 

Paimon sniffled and glared at Tighnari. She flew up into his face and propped her hands on her hips. “Paimon will take care of Lumine until the end! Paimon thought you cared about her! Now you are leaving? Maybe you should stay gone! All you do is bring Paimon’s friend sadness! Maybe Paimon should take Lumine and leave!” 

Tighnari didn’t pay any mind to Paimon’s words. Paimon was hurting and saying things that didn’t make sense. Tighnari should have heeded her words. When Tighnari came back from his checks, Lumine and Paimon were gone. 

*****

“Ready for one last trip?” Lumine stood at the east gates to Sumeru City. 

She was ready to go to Gandharva Ville and hang out with Tighnari until her time came. The fresh air from the forest called to her. She loved it there and considered it a second home. If she had to choose anywhere in Teyvat as her final resting place, Avidya Forest would be it. 

She wondered what the Aranara would do after she died. Didn’t Araja say they would take care of everything after? Did that mean her funeral or something more? 

“Don’t talk like that! Paimon isn’t ready for our last trip!” Paimon flew over and climbed on Lumine’s back. “Let’s go. Paimon doesn’t want to talk anymore.” 

Lumine began walking along the path to Gandharva Ville and Tighnari’s home. Lumine breathed in the fresh forest air. She immediately coughed twice when her lungs constricted. 

Okay. No more deep breaths while walking. Good to know. 

“Lumine?” Paimon’s voice was watery. “What’s going to happen to Paimon when you are gone? Paimon will be all alone.” 

Lumine thought about that. “You could hang out with Alhaitham? I think he would need a guide to remind him to live life.” 

Paimon shook her head. “He has Kaveh for that. He doesn’t need another babysitter.” 

“What about Tighnari? You could be his research assistant?” Lumine felt her throat tighten. Not again. 

Lumine stopped walking and stepped to the side of the path behind some trees. She choked and coughed up two red-stained blue petals this time. Her throat ached like it was scratched up on the inside. It probably was based on the amount of blood on the petals. 

Paimon handed her a canteen of water. “Are you okay?” 

Lumine took a drink, swished the water around, and spit it out onto the ground. It was tinted red. Lumine took a few swallows of the water before passing it to Paimon. 

“I’ll be okay.” Lumine wiped her mouth carefully. She eyed the shadows on the ground. “We only have a few hours before dark. Let’s keep moving. We will be there soon.” 

Lumine and Paimon set off for Gandharva Ville. Lumine’s final stop on her journey. 

*****

Lumine followed Paimon through the jungle. Paimon was furious and scowling and muttering things that didn’t make sense. 

Things like: “Paimon thought for sure.” and “Paimon saw what he was doing” the last one before she stopped was “That dirty rotten fox. Sending us mixed messages. Paimon is going to smack him good when Paimon sees him again.” 

Lumine stumbled over some roots. She coughed against the tightness in her lungs. “Paimon? Where are you taking me?” 

Paimon froze. “Uh… Paimon thought you were leading the way.” 

Lumine shook her head. “I was following you. Do you recognize any of this?” 

Paimon flew around the various trees around them. “No. Paimon’s sorry! Paimon didn’t mean to get us lost! Paimon just wanted to have some space.” 

Lumine sat down, winded, and accepted the fact that she and Paimon ran out on Tighnari without a word and was now lost in the forest. How long had they been walking? It had gotten dark a while ago. They must have walked far. She knew they were still in Sumeru so they didn’t go east or even northeast. That left five other possible directions they could have walked. 

Lumine didn’t pay attention to what direction they left the village in. She recognized none of this area. “Well, it’s pointless to keep going. It will just take that much longer for someone to find us. You are lucky I grabbed my backpack before we left. I have our camping supplies. Looks like we are roughing it until Tighnari finds us.” 

Paimon growled and screamed in frustration. “Why do you trust him so much?! Paimon doesn’t get it!”

Lumine paused in pulling out her tent pack. She set it down on a nearby rock. “I trust him because he has never let me down. If I can’t trust someone who has had my back through everything, even braving being struck by a high concentration of electro energy, then who can I trust? Tighnari will find us. Have a little faith, Paimon.” 

“Will he get to us in time, though? Paimon doesn’t want you to die out in the forest with no one around.” Paimon tucked her hands into her sleeves. 

“I won’t be alone. I have you, Paimon. My best friend and my best guide ever.” Lumine almost dropped the tent stakes when Paimon flung herself at her. Paimon buried her face in Lumine’s shoulder. 

“I’m glad I have you too, Lumine.” Paimon sniffled and wrapped her arms around Lumine. 

Lumine patted her back. “Come on. The tent won’t raise itself. We need to get some firewood too.” 

“Paimon will be right back.” Paimon flew off to the trees. 

Lumine opened the tent and tried to hide the trembling in her limbs and the wheezing in her lungs. She didn’t have much time left. Tighnari needed to hurry.  

*****

Tighnari was going out of his mind with worry. He looked all over the forest near Gandharva Ville and the whole village. No one saw where or in which direction the two went. 

Tighnari was pacing back and forth in his hut. Where could she have gone? He should have listened to Paimon’s threats. He should have stayed. 

There was a polite knock on the beam of his hut. A throat was cleared. “You didn’t show up to our meeting. I’ll admit I got a little curious and decided to come to see what you were up to.” 

Tighnari looked up from his place studying a map. “Alhaitham. Damn it. I forgot all about that. Sorry.” 

“What was so urgent that you demanded a meeting and then stood me up?” Alhaithem’s sharp eyes narrowed on Tighnari’s appearance. “What happened?” 

“Lumine is missing. I can’t find her anywhere.” Tighnari paced back and forth. 

Alhaitham didn’t look concerned. “She does that at times. She will show up somewhere soon enough.” 

Tighnari shook his head. “No. She won’t do this to me. Not now.” 

Alhaitham sighed and pushed off the door. “I don’t have time for-” 

“She has Hanahaki.” Tighnari blurted out. Tighnari picked up the Kalpalata Lotus and shoved it into Alhaitham’s chest. “Here. Is this your favorite flower?” 

“No. I’ve always been partial to the Sumeru Rose. Wait a moment. You don’t think…” Alhaitham began laughing. 

Tighnari growled and stalked over to Alhaitham. “This is not a laughing matter! Lumine is out there dying all by herself with a pixie that may have done something stupid! I won’t have you making fun of this when my star, my everything, is dying alone in the woods!” 

Alhaitham shook his head. “For as brilliant as everyone at the Akademiya claims you are and sings your praises, you really are a fool.” 

Tighnari stood still. Anger coursed through his body. “Excuse me? Do you want to say that again?” 

Alhaitham sighed. He crossed his arms over his chest and placed his hand on his chin. “Tell me something? Why are you so sure Lumine is not in love with you?” 

Tighnari’s tail lashed behind him in agitation. “She doesn’t return my feelings.” 

“Yes, but how do you know for sure.” Alhaitham pressed. “Come on Tighnari. Use that head of yours.” 

“Because she doesn’t accept the gestures. What does this have to do with anything?” Tighnari moved towards the door. He grabbed his prepared ranger pack on the way. “I don’t have time for this. Move!” 

Alhaitham stepped to the side. “You are forgetting one thing, Tighnari. Lumine is not of this world. Don’t you think misunderstandings are bound to happen? In fact, not many people in Teyvat know about the courting gestures of Valuka Shunas. Only in Sumeru would you possibly find someone who knows about it and understands it enough to return it.” 

Tighnari froze halfway down the bridge. A small seed of hope began to bloom in his chest. Was it really this simple? Could he be the one? Could it be all a misunderstanding and cultural mistake? 

“Who else do you know that loves Kalpalata Lotuses as much as you do? Who else does Lumine spend all her free time with? Since saving Nahida, I have maybe seen her three times and it has been three months. I know she comes here a lot. Do you really think it’s for the scenery? Use your head Tighnari.” Alhaitham started walking in the other direction towards Sumeru City. “And they call me oblivious.” 

Tighnari’s tail began swishing in his excitement. There was only one way to know for sure that Alhaitham’s words are true. He needed to find Lumine, and fast, before it was too late and he lost her because of his foolishness. 

****

It was nightfall when they finally came to Gandharva Ville. The lights had already been lit. Voices were coming from the ranger’s station up above. Paimon split off from her to go eat. 

Lumine told her she wanted to see Tighnari and get official permission to stay here. Paimon had seemed eager for something because she happily sent her off.

Lumine was confused but she left Paimon to her food. 

Lumine crossed the bridge and passed by Tighnari’s empty hut. He must be in his workshop then. 

Lumine went around the hut to the backside. Sure enough, there was a dim light glowing from behind the door. “Tighnari?” She knocked on the door. 

“Just a minute. I need to finish writing this down.” Tighnari’s voice came from inside. 

Everything in Lumine felt warm. That was her Tighnari. So careful with his experiments and tests. So studious and with a great love for plants. 

Lumine waited outside in the night air. She took in the atmosphere of the village after dark. People were walking along the wooden bridges. They were going to and from the main hall up higher in the trees. People laughed and were cheerful. 

Would that ever change over the years? 

“Lumine? You are back.” Tighnari came over and hugged her. “If you are asking if you can stay here you know the hut is always open to you. You don’t need to ask me every time.” 

Lumine’s chest squeezed at the sight of him. It hurt but it was a sort of good hurt. Seeing him this happy always made her happy. 

Tighnari pulled back and eyed her with concern. “You don’t look so good. Is something wrong? I am not a medical doctor but I can try my best if you don’t wish to see one.” 

“I’ll be fine. Paimon and I will be staying for a while. Is that okay?” Lumine idly combed her fingers through the tip of his tail. The tail had wrapped around Tighnari to tap against her hip. 

“It’s always okay as I have said before.” Tighnari motioned to his hut. “I have to tell you about this mushroom I found. It was growing in a cave and is blue. Not your average star shroom for sure. It has three points like a triangle and…” 

Lumine smiled and sat down to listen to Tighnari’s enthusiastic lecture. She tugged on the fabric of his pants and he sank down to the wooden bridge next to her. His tail immediately found its way to her lap. She began untangling the fur at the tip. She looked up at the sudden silence.

Tighnari had paused in his speech. “Are you sure you are okay, Lumine? You seem a little off.” 

“I will be okay,” Lumine assured him again. “Go on. You were saying that it had an unusual reaction to electro energy?” 

Tighnari eyed her carefully before describing the effect electro had on this unusual mushroom. 

Lumine watched him shine and listened to him talk. She asked her own questions here and there. Sometimes to clarify a term she was unfamiliar with. Sometimes it was to help his thinking process. 

The whole time Lumine hoped that he found someone to love after she was gone who would do this for him. This and everything else she wished she could do. 

When everyone went to bed and the lights at the Ranger Station went out, Lumine finally pulled herself away from Tighnari’s side. “I’m sure you have a lot to do tomorrow. You are not a machine. You need sleep. Don’t stay up too late working on this project.” 

Tighnari sighed. “That is true. Good night, Lumine. I’ll see you in the morning.” 

“Good night Tighnari.” Lumine turned to her hut. 

The next day was spent with as much time as she could with Tighnari. That night she had her nightmare. That was when this all truly began. 

*****

Lumine was not doing good. Her lungs were burning and she had coughed up three full flowers at three separate times since they made camp about six hours ago. That was roughly one flower for every two hours. 

At this point all Tighnari had to do was follow the scent of blood and Kalpalata Lotuses. 

Lumine was so hot but she shivered under her sleeping bag. Paimon had wrapped her smaller one around Lumine as best as she could and was cuddled close to her. Every so often Paimon was trying to hide her sobs. 

Lumine did her best to comfort her at first but soon gave up. All her attempts only made Paimon cry worse. 

Still, Lumine held out for Tighnari to get here. If she only saw him one more time. One last time. Then she could die and be at peace. 

Lumine slept fitfully in the tent. She would dream of people she heard of but knew were long gone. A woman with billowing sleeves and short gray hair. A young lady her age with wild red hair laughing with three others. Blue, purple and brown were the colors each of them wore. A tall purple hair and purple-eyed woman with a serious look on her face. A small green Aranara with a golden crown of flowers and a red scarf waved at her and called out to her. 

“Lumine! No!” A familiar voice called her back to wakefulness. All those people vanished. 

“T‘Nari?” Lumine slurred and blinked open her eyes. Tighnari’s face came into view from her blurred vision. “You came for me.” 

“Always, Lumine. I will always come for you.” Tighnari grabbed her hand. Something brushed across the surface of her palm. “Lumine? Who is it you love? Please tell me?” 

Lumine was so tired of keeping it a secret. It was exhausting. “You silly fox. It has always been you.” 

Tighnari let out a noise she had never heard before. “I love you too, Lumine. So you can’t die on me. Not yet. You are my star. My everything. Please don’t leave me this early. We still have so much to do and…” 

Lumine drifted off to a peaceful sleep with a smile on her face. Her lungs were light and free like they hadn’t been for weeks. The last thing she felt was a soft press of lips to her forehead. 

“Get some sleep, my star. I’ll be here when you wake up.” 

******

Every inch of Tighnari’s body was tight and achy. Lumine had been four hours away in a small glade in the forest. He was so happy she listened to some of his advice and made a camp when she realized she was lost. 

In total, she had been gone for eleven hours. From the time he left to when he found her was the most stressful and nerve-wracking hours, he had ever spent. Forget last-minute studying for exams in the Akademiya. This right here shaved a few years off his life. 

Lumine was now resting peacefully in his bed in his hut. Tighnari was sitting by her side, ignoring his duties as the head Forest Watcher, in favor of making sure she wouldn’t slip away in her sleep. 

He almost didn’t make it. It was the scent of looming death that had brought him to her. He never would have found their little camp without it. Tighnari and Paimon had dismantled the camp and Tighnari walked back the whole four hours to Gandharva Ville carrying Lumine in his arms. 

Now that he knew, he was worried to lose her again. He knew she still had a journey to complete. She had to find her brother. There had to be some way to keep in touch with her. To see her while she traveled. 

From the water of Fontaine to the fire of Natlan to the bracing biting cold of Snezhnaya, he would brave anything to be with her on her journey. But… he had responsibilities here. Collei should be back soon from her trip to Mondstadt. What would she say when she came back to discover her teacher was gone? 

Tighnari sighed and tapped his cheek with his hand. It seemed hopeless. What was he going to do? 

“You seem to be thinking too hard.” Lumine teased him. “I can see the smoke coming from your ears.” 

Tighnari looked over at the bed. Lumine was sitting up on the edge and staring at him with a wide smile on her face. 

“How are you feeling? No tightness or ache in your lungs at all? How about your throat? Any soreness or cuts?” Tighnari stood up and headed for her. He cupped her face between his gloveless hands and looked her over. “You seem to be okay.” 

Lumine’s hands came up to his bare wrists. She squeezed them gently. “Tighnari? I feel beyond perfect. So much better.” Lumine took a deep breath and exhaled smoothly. “See? No coughing, no soreness. You saved me.” 

Tighnari let out a soft laugh and pressed his forehead to hers. “I love you, my star.” 

“I love you too, Tighnari.” Lumine reached out a hesitant hand towards his head. “May I?” 

Tighnari shivered. Did she understand now? Was she going to really accept him? Tighnari lowered his head into her palm hesitantly. 

Her fingers rubbed the fur of his ears and carefully carded through the hair around them. After thorough grooming, she dropped her hands to his tail and ran it the whole length from tip to base. 

Tighnari melted. He got into the bed next to her and enjoyed how she took care of his tail. “How did you know?” The question was burning in his mind. 

Lumine took a few minutes to respond. “Before you found me, I saw… a lot of things. I saw people I knew were dead and some I had never met before. They all were talking, laughing, and eating. I could hear them, but it seemed like they were behind an ever-thinning wall. They got clearer and clearer. There were two people I have never seen before, I didn’t know them. They… looked familiar. One had dark hair but had lime green markings on his tail and in his hair. The woman had lighter brown hair but dark green markings. They told me.” 

Tighnari had to blink back tears. He wouldn’t cry. “Those were my parents. I’m glad they found each other again. When one dies, the other follows shortly after. That is the power of the love my people have. She only held out until I became of age.” 

Lumine was crying softly. “So if I had…” 

Tighnari nodded slowly. “Yes, my star.” 

Lumine was quiet for a long moment. 

Tighnari felt like he had to break the silence. “You asked me what I was thinking so hard about? I was thinking I would like to join you on your journey but I have a lot of things tying me here.” 

Lumine gasped and stared at him. “I would never ask you to shirk your responsibilities.” 

Tighnari pulled her to his chest. He tucked his chin over the top of her head. “You never would have to. If you need me, I will be by your side as soon as I could.” 

Lumine leaned back. “I have a better idea. Give me your hand.” 

Tighnari was confused but held out his hand. Lumine flipped it over so it was palm up. She placed a glowing amber-colored rectangle object in his hand. 

Tighnari studied it carefully. “What’s this?” 

“Hold onto it.” Lumine pulled a large teapot out of her bag. 

“Is that a teapot?” Tighnari was getting more and more intrigued. 

Lumine touched it and fog and golden streams of energy flooded his hut. Tighnari shut his eyes tightly. When he opened them, he saw a wide grassy floating island with a thin golden energy field leading to more in the distance. 

“What? Where are we?” Tighnari’s ears twitched at all the new sounds. It was quiet and peaceful. There was no loud chatter from other people. It was the normal sounds of nature and a babbling fish pond. 

“Welcome to the Serenitea Pot. My home away from home.” Lumine headed for a huge house in the distance. 

Tighnari jogged after her. He saw the tree saplings and rocks scattered here and there. He saw two cranes and two unusual glowing butterflies. 

When she approached the front door, he stopped in his tracks. Was that a… bird? 

A fat black and white bird was sitting in a teapot made of smoke. 

“This is Tubby. Tubby? Meet Tighnari. He’s going to be the co-owner. How do we give him access without him having to touch the teapot?” Lumine conversed with the bird for a while. 

Tighnari wandered over to a music box that was playing a soft tune on a piano. He looked out at the other floating islands in the distance. 

“How big is this place?” He asked Lumine when he heard her come up next to him. 

“There are four large islands including this one and several smaller ones that act as bridge connectors. These golden light bridges can only go so far.” Lumine pressed something into his hand. It glowed for a moment before vanishing. “When you want to see me, you will know when I’m in here. All you have to do is say: Tubby? I want to come in.” 

Tighnari murmured the words to himself. He looked back out at the fake sun. It was sinking low on the horizon. “This place is amazing, but I don’t think I want to live here permanently.” 

“We aren’t. This is our little getaway. No one else besides us and Paimon has free access to it. I need to finish my journey, but this place can be ours. When we need to see each other, we can come here and we have the whole place to ourselves. When I find my brother and beat some sense into him, I think my time amongst the stars is done with. I found you and wherever you are, that is my home. If that’s the forests of Sumeru then I will live there with you.” 

Tighnari pulled her into his arms. He pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “You are my home too, Lumine.” 

Lumine held tight to Tighnari as the fake ‘sun’ lowered past the horizon in her teapot. 

“Lumine! Paimon has been looking everywhere for you! Why did you run off? Paimon was so scared when she came to see you but found you gone. Luckily I saw the teapot was out so Paimon came here.” 

Lumine laughed and tugged Tighnari towards the house. “Let’s get back before she irritates Tubby again. The last time she did that, Tubby hid her room from her and she had to sleep in mine. I want that room to be Paimon-free.” 

“In a moment. I need to think for a minute.” Tighnari leaned down to let Lumine pet his ears. 

“I love you. Don’t take too long. I think I will make some things for Paimon in apology. Come find us when you are ready.” Lumine pressed a kiss to his cheek before turning and going into the big house. 

Tighnari stood there and thought about the past few weeks. “All this because of a Kalpalata Lotus?” Tighnari eyed the flower in his hand. He had carried it in his pocket. He walked to the edge of the floating island. He looked at the drop down into the depths below. “Thank you but it’s time for you to go.” 

Tighnari opened his hand and let the Kalpalata Lotus float down below. It was time for a new beginning with his everything.