Diluc watched in the mirror as Adelinde brushed his hair. It had been a while since he let her help him get ready. He closed his eyes, leaning into the caring touch. Each stroke was gentle, taking care to not pull at the strands, reminding him of his childhood days when Adelinde would scold the brothers for getting dirty before sending them off to wash. She would comb their hair, fix their clothes, and then take them by the hands to be seated at the table where their father was waiting for them with a steaming plate of food.

Diluc heard the door open, jolting him from his memories to see who came in. The mirror reflected his father dressed in a three-piece suit: a gray button-up, a white vest, and a black suit jacket. A red tie brought everything together. His father had his hair in his typical low-ponytail, tied with a black ribbon.

Diluc had been tempted to ask Adelinde to also tie his hair up, but he could tell Adelinde loved his hair loose, so he let it be.

“How are you feeling, son?” His father asked.

“I am not sure. It feels… the same.” Diluc responded.

His father laughed, walking further into the room. Adelinde ran the brush one more time before setting the comb down and moving to the side so that his father could stand behind him.

“You have grown so much. Your mother would have been proud if she saw you.”

Diluc could see his father’s eyes mist. He didn’t hear about his mother often, and knew not to broach on the subject too much, especially on such an emotionally charged day.

So Diluc just smiled in response.

“She would have been proud of you too, for being a great father and having raised me and Kaeya so well.” Diluc said meeting his father’s eyes through the mirror.

He heard his father take in a shaky breath. His father placed his hands on Diluc’s shoulders and gave a soft squeeze.

“Happy Birthday Diluc,” his father said softly.

Clearing his throat, his father said, “We had better get downstairs or Kaeya will start making people believe our Archon sent crystalflies to bless the Winery’s grapes again.”

Diluc chuckled, getting up from the chair. “We did see an increase in sales after that though.”

His father gave him a pointed look, lips tilted up. “We should not be using our Archon’s name like that.”

“Yes, Sir,” Diluc nodded.

His father patted him on his back as they walked out of the room with Adelinde coming behind them.

~*~

Diluc took a quick look at the message Ajax had sent in the morning to give him some energy.

Happy Birthday to the bestest and greatest Fated in the world!! May your day be full of happiness and love♡♡

Diluc pressed a kiss to the hearts before pulling his sleeve back down.

He continued to walk through the crowds of people, trying to find a sliver of the familiar blue hair.

“Captain Diluc!” He heard someone shout to his left. Diluc turned to see some of the knights he had previously trained with.

They all crowded around him, patting him on the back and shoulders, offering their congratulations.

“Thank you all for attending. I appreciate your help at the Knights Headquarters.” Diluc said.

“Oh you don’t have to be so formal, Diluc,” one of them said.

“Yeah! It’s your birthday! Lighten up and relax!” another said.

Diluc chuckled, “Sure. Are you all enjoying the party?”

“Of course! Everyone knows a Ragnvindr celebration is one to be remembered. I did have a question though,” the knight to his right said.

“Yes?” Diluc prompted.

“Is this a new blend that’s going to be released?” He held up a glass full of red wine.

Diluc nodded. “That is right. It is the Dawn Winery’s new spring blend. If you enjoy the taste, I can ask Elzer to make an order for you.”

“Really?” All the knights exclaimed.

“That would be amazing! This has got to be the best blend I’ve tasted yet,” the knight said.

“I will be sure to tell the Winery staff that.” Diluc’s heart swelled. His father was proud of this one since it was the blend being promoted in Snezhnaya where they can’t get as many berry flavors.

“Well we won’t keep you any longer since I’m sure you’ve got plenty of people to meet. Happy Birthday again Captain!”

“Thank you, and please enjoy your time,” Diluc said before walking away.

He said his greetings to a few others before finally spotting his brother. Kaeya was with Jean and Lisa. He walked up, feeling slightly fatigued from the social event.

“Well well, looks like the birthday boy has graced us with his presence,” Kaeya said teasingly.

Diluc sighed, accepting the glass of juice his brother handed him. He did not have the energy to snap back.

“Happy Birthday Diluc. I unfortunately was unable greet you earlier, do accept my apologies,” Lisa said smiling.

“Thank you for the well wishes. And no worries, I am sure you must busy preparing for your departure.” Diluc responded.

“You two are so stiff. Right, Jean?” Kaeya said.

“A bit, but it isn’t bad to keep decorum.” Jean said laughing.

Kaeya huffed. “Anyway, did you see Mr. Luther got Mrs. Muller a second glass of wine. They’ve been chatting together the whole time too. He barely left her side.”

“Kaeya…” Diluc warned.

“Oh come on, don’t tell me you didn’t see that too! You think he’s trying to be her third husband? She certainly has the money,” Kaeya went on.

“I think she is the one who lured him.” Lisa spoke up.

Diluc tried not to seem too invested as he drank his juice.

“Why so?” Jean asked.

“I heard she sponsored a venture that quickly fizzled out, leaving her pockets all but empty.” Lisa said, swirling her drink.

Kaeya gasped. “The merchant that promised to bring back the latest technology from Fontaine?”

“The one and only. He never returned so people are speculating he ran with the mora.”

“Archons.” Jean covered her mouth.

“So then, the now broke Mrs. Muller…” Kaeya started.

“Heard Mr. Luther closed a deal with a merchant from Liyue,” Lisa continued.

Kaeya whistled. “It seems I have underestimated your grasp on gossip, Ms. Minci. For that I do apologize,” Kaeya said bowing to Lisa.

Lisa giggled. “You’d do well to not make that mistake again.”

“Of course, milady,” Kaeya grinned.

“Oh yeah, Luc, did you have time to meet with the Snezhnaya officer?” Kaeya asked.

Diluc finished off his juice before answering. “No, Grand Master Varka had assigned the Cavalry to go through an audit, so we were busy getting everything ready for that. By the time the audit had been completed, the officer already left.”

“Maybe you could ask the Grand Master if there will be any other exchanges between the two countries?” Jean asked.

All of them already knew Diluc’s plan to one day go to Snezhnaya to meet Ajax. He had also told them Ajax joined the Fatui. That one had gotten mixed reactions, particularly from Kaeya.

“Maybe,” Diluc said quietly.

“Now now, it won't be good if the man of the hour is feeling low. How about we all play a little game?” Lisa smiled like a cat who got into cream.

That wasn’t a good sign.

“Now I don’t think-” Diluc started.

“Make it a bet and I’m in!” Kaeya laughed.

Diluc looked at Jean.

She shrugged, “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to play one round?”

Diluc sighed. “Alright, let’s hear it.”

The rest of the party went on for a few more hours, glasses flowing with wine and the breeze carrying laughter.

~*~

After saying goodbye to the last of the guests, the staff began cleaning up. Kaeya had gone back to his room, saying he needed to wash his face to sober up. So Diluc was sitting alone on the steps in front of the manor.

“No other plans for the day, son?”

Diluc looked up to see his father smiling down at him.

“Not really. I was going to look over a few documents I had brought back. Maybe go back to headquarters to sort through some other paperwork,” Diluc said.

His father sighed. “The Ragnvindr bloodline must be cursed to overwork themselves. It looks like you also became a workaholic.”

“I- I just do not want to waste any time.” Diluc felt his face heat up. He knew his father wasn’t scolding him, but he could not help the reaction at the tone.

“Adelinde will scold both you and me if I let you do work on your special day. Especially since you took the day off.”

Diluc hummed, looking down at the stray wildflowers growing by the steps.

“I know! Since you are free, why not help me deliver some goods to Angel’s Share? Be my guardian knight for the trip?” His father asked.

“Is that not also working?” Diluc asked, smiling up at his father.

“I will not tell if you do not.” His father extended a hand to Diluc.

Diluc laughed, grabbing it. “Deal.”

“Is Kaeya already inside?”

“Yes sir. He needed a break after all the partying apparently.”

His father chuckled. “It is nice to see him comfortable.”

“A little too much if you ask me,” Diluc said with no sting.

His father ruffled Diluc’s hair.

He knew what his father meant though. Kaeya still acted with reservations around them, especially when it was all three of the men together. It was like Kaeya was afraid to cross over the line to truly be a part of the family. So seeing Kaeya relax enough to get tipsy and not worry about what would happen after was reassuring. Maybe the three of them could go have dinner together like when Diluc was little, as a family.

Diluc breathed in, letting him feel all the warmth around and in him. Maybe being 18 was different after all.

“You know, he brings out the other side of you… the more childish side,” his father said.

“Oh.” Diluc looked down feeling slightly colder all of a sudden.

“I… I am glad for that,” his father said softly.

Diluc turned to meet his father’s eyes. The usual red burned like the soft embers of a starting fire.

He swallowed. Then laughed awkwardly. “I suppose it is the Kaeya effect.”

“Probably,” his father also laughed. “Shall we get going?”

Diluc nodded.

~*~

The staff, guards, and the two Ragnvindr men all worked together to haul all the items onto the wagons. Diluc steered their carriage while his father sat in the back. They chatted and laughed about random things as they traveled.

Once at the Angel’s Share, the goods were unloaded and brought into the tavern. Of course, as soon as Diluc stepped in, the rest of the staff and some customers shouted their well wishes. Three particularly drunk customers decided to host their own recital and sang happy birthday with all their strength.

Unfortunately, Diluc was not strong enough to hold in his laughter. But the three singers did not seem to mind. After thanking everyone, Diluc and his father walked out and helped load the refilled boxes back on the wagons. The other staff and guards started on their way once everything was loaded up.

Diluc followed the others, steering the horses out of the city and back to the winery. His father seemed lost in thought in the back, so Diluc kept quiet, enjoying the scent of the coming rain.

“I wanted to become a knight too, when I was your age.” His father spoke up.

Diluc didn’t respond. This wasn’t the first time his father had opened up to him about that. And it was one of the reasons he had been so motivated to become a knight.

“However, I was not fit for the job,” his father continued. “The Archons also had other plans for me…” His father trailed off.

After a few seconds, Diluc heard him speak up once more. “But you have succeeded where I have failed… The Knights of Favonius are lucky to count someone as brilliant as you among their ranks.”

The rush of emotions was overwhelming for Diluc. He gripped the reins tightly and took a deep breath to steady himself.

“Please do not belittle yourself, Father. You contribute to Mondstadt as much as the Knights but in a different way.” Diluc said.

“You are right,” his father chuckled.

“I know I am,” Diluc said.

“Well…” His father started. “Diluc… I am so proud of you, my son.”

Diluc smiled but didn’t say anything in response. He just soak in the feeling.

“I guess you will not be needing this anymore,” his father said so quietly, Diluc thought he misheard.

Curious about what his father was referring to, Diluc turned to see a wooden box open on his father's lap with a glove sitting in it. The giant red stone gleamed of a secret power. Diluc got an unsettling feeling from it. He was about to ask his father about it, but the horses began whining, calling his attention back to the front.

He held the reins trying to calm the horses and stop. The carriages ahead of him had also stopped.

Now Diluc was a bit worried. What made the horses come to a standstill on the same road they just came through earlier?

“What is going on?” His father appeared next to him, poking his head out to see the situation.

“The horses have all stopped. It looks like they have been spooked by something.” Diluc said, scanning the environment for any threats.

“Think it is a stray Hilichurl?”

“Hmm… could be but the camps are farther away.” Diluc still couldn’t see a single mask. Maybe the horses just saw a shadow from a cloud?

Diluc got down. “I will go check up ahead. Will you be all right on your own?”

“Please son, I am not a helpless child.”

Diluc smiled before heading to the other horses.

He stopped at the wagon in front of his carriage. The coachman was attempting to calm the horses by petting them and offering food.

“Any luck getting them to move?” Diluc asked.

“Young Master,” the man looked up. “I think if we give them a few more minutes they’ll be good to move again.”

Diluc nodded, “Alright, then. I will see how the ones at the front are.”

The coachman bowed before going back to appeasing the horses.

All of the staff were gathered around the first wagon. One was pulling at the reins, trying to urge the horses forward only to be met with more resistance, while the rest were arguing.

“This is why I told you to pack the sugar cubes!”

“Do you really think some sugar would get ‘em movin’?”

“Well I think we’d have a better chance of it,” the first man said, sighing.

“Did any of you see why the horses came to a stop?” Diluc asked, walking up to them.

“Captain!”

“Young Master!”

Both titles were shouted in surprise when the men saw Diluc.

“So?” Diluc asked again.

“No sir, they just slowed before stomping in place as if they were scared to move further.”

Diluc hummed in acknowledgment. He walked over to the horses. Raising a hand to one of the horses, he stroked the horse’s neck. The horse snorted, stepping in place and moving its head to the side.

Diluc continued to gently stroke the horse, murmuring soft assurances to it. He glanced at the other horse that was being calmed down by another staff member.

The sky rumbled and Diluc saw dark clouds begin to engulf the sun. It would soon rain making him even more eager to start moving again.

“Do any of you have lavender on you?” Diluc asked the staff.

“Lavender, Captain?”

“Yes, to calm the horses.” Diluc answered.

“I have a small vial I brought!” The coachman of the first carriage said.

Diluc had left his at the desk since the job was a spur of the moment decision.

“Let the horses get a whiff and that should be enough to get them moving. They seem to have calmed a bit. We should get a move on before the rain starts.” Diluc commanded.

“Once you are done with these two, take care of the others as well. As soon as the horses are ready, go on your way.”

“Yes sir!” the staff shouted.

Diluc nodded before heading back to his carriage.

His father was waiting by their horses, patting them and feeding one of them a carrot.

“Where did you get a carrot?” Diluc asked.

“Always make sure to have a snack for the road, whether it is for you or the horses. It is the first rule in the code of merchants.” His father responded.

Diluc’s brows furrowed. “How come I have never heard of this so-called code of merchants?”

“You are a Cavalry Captain, why would you?” His father let out a hearty chuckle.

Something in Diluc’s gut told him he was getting teased.

“So are we ready to move?”

“Yes, the coachmen are using lavender to calm the horses and then we will be on our way again.” Diluc responded.

“Good,” his father nodded.

The sound of wheels caused Diluc to turn and see the wagon up front start moving. He looked at the sky only to see more clouds gathering, his hair whipping around from the wind.

“You should get back in the carriage. We will be able to go in a few.” Diluc said to his father.

“Right.” His father gave the two horses one last pat before boarding the carriage.

Diluc got back in the front, taking the reins into his hands as the wagon in front started.

He urged the horses forward to follow and thankfully wasn’t met with any resistance. Thunder boomed across the land. Diluc snapped the reins to fasten their pace. Diluc never did like rain. It always made it difficult for him when he was training his Vision.

“I hope we get back before the rain comes down,” Diluc muttered.

“I doubt it. It looks like it will be quite the storm.” His father replied.

Diluc sighed. If that’s what his father said, then it was probably true. His father’s weather predictions were almost always correct, something about a merchant's instincts.

“I guess I could ask Adelinde to make some mulled grape juice when we get back,” Diluc said.

His father laughed and opened his mouth to respond, but Diluc never heard it.

Instead he heard a terrifying roar and the frightened whines of horses. Diluc squinted, trying to see where that noise had come from.

Thunder rolled out of the sky once more, quickly followed by a flash of lightning showcasing the shadow of a monster at least three horses tall.

Diluc tugged the reins calling the horses to a stop.

“What happened? What was that?” His father asked.

Diluc shook his head. Rain began to drizzle. “I do not know. Wait here, I will go and check.”

More sounds were heard, this time the screams of men were included. Diluc needed to hurry.

Diluc grabbed his sword, ready to hop off the seat when his arm was grabbed. He turned to meet his father’s eyes.

“Father?”

“Be careful” was all he said.

Diluc nodded, “I will be back.”

He jumped down and ran to the sounds.

Once he got to the scene, he could barely believe his eyes. The rain had increased, worsening his vision, yet he could clearly see the bodies of the staff he was just talking to scattered across the ground. Torsos torn, limbs bleeding and heads…

Diluc’s stomach twisted. He had never had to witness such a sight even as Cavalry Captain all these years. Mondstadt was safe, maybe even the safest nation in Teyvat. The worse they had to deal with was a Mitachurl or ruin guard.

A roar came from his left. Diluc turned and a flash of lightning gave him a clear view of the demon that attacked.

It stood as tall as a building with wings that could span an entire vineyard. The scales covering its body gleamed dark purple like a viper’s venom. Every step it took shook the ground and it’s roar could rival the thunder.

The horses that were left after the attack brayed and stomped wildly, wanting to shake off the restraints tying them to the carriage in hopes of escaping. The men weren’t faring any better.

“Captain!” Diluc blinked. He had to do something. He was a Captain of the Knights of Favonius.

He took a deep breath. “Fear not, we will stand strong and get through this!” Diluc shouted. He shouted like he believed in his words, but fear had already gripped his heart.

“Captain, that beast is far too strong, we should run.” One of the guards said.

“Do you think that monster will let us go?” Diluc yelled back. “The moment we turn our backs, we will die!”

“But-”

“Now, strengthen your resolve and fight!” Diluc screamed before charging.

Even if his feet felt like lead, he would still push forward. It is what he swore when he joined the Knights. As long as he stood, he would fight to protect Mondstadt and it’s people.

“Aghhh!” Diluc swung his sword at the beast. When he felt contact, his heart jumped. Maybe he could do this. He could bring down this demon and keep the peace of Mondstadt.

However, that hope was short-lasting. The sword bounced off the scales covering the leg and before Diluc could even reposition his feet, he felt a great weight on his abdomen.

He looked down to see purple scales and then the weight increased and swung him straight into one of the wagons. Wooden pieces flew off and a plank landed on Diluc’s head.

Diluc gasped. All the wind had been knocked out of him with that single blow. He coughed only to feel liquid come out of his mouth. He brought a hand up to wipe it and saw his hand covered in red.

Blood? He had been hit so hard that he coughed up blood?

Diluc struggled to gather air in his lungs. Screams filled the air alongside growls and roars. He looked and saw more of the men being tossed like ragdolls. How were they supposed to win against this demon? Where did it even come from?

“AHHHHH! Help!!”

Diluc jolted. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts, but it only made him dizzy. He opted to smacking his cheeks. He had to get it together. Now was not the time for self-doubt. He had to believe he was strong enough. That Barbatos would protect them and give him the strength he needed.

Diluc braced himself and stood up slowly. He coughed before spitting out the blood filling his mouth. He picked up his sword once more and assessed the monster. Its scales were harder than the strongest iron in Mond. He would need more firepower. Diluc took a deep breath, gripped the sword tightly before running back towards the monster.

“Those who are injured fall back and help the others who have fallen. The goal is to survive! If you live, then you win!” Diluc shouted.

He reached within and focused on the fire that burned in his heart. Slowly, the flames enveloped his sword. With the rain coming down hard and fast now, Diluc had to increase the output of the flames to keep them at their strongest.

“Hey! Demon! Your opponent is me! Come at me!” Diluc grabbed the monster’s attention so the others could get to safety.

The monster turned its yellow eyes to him. Diluc gulped.

Don’t chicken out, you are a proud Knight of the Order!

The beast swiped at him with it’s right claw. Diluc dodged and ran behind only to see the tail swing around.

Oh no, not this time, Diluc thought. He jumped over and continued running.

He stopped once he was at a blind spot. Diluc steadied himself and increased the firepower of his flames. He had to be quick otherwise the metal would start melting.

Diluc charged. The monster raised a claw to attack, but Diluc ducked and ran faster. He had a clear view of the beast’s belly and went in for the kill. His blade struck true and made contact with the monster.

His flames roared and burned such intensity the surrounding rain evaporated before it could touch the ground.

Diluc followed through on his attack and quickly jumped back to a safe distance. He heaved trying to catch his breath. The blow from earlier was starting to register causing pain to spread across his torso.

Diluc ignored the pain and focused on the beast. He tried to find the gash he had left only to see the scales gleaming as they were before he attacked.

“What?” Diluc couldn’t believe his eyes. He had put almost all of his strength into that attack, and it barely did anything?

The monster roared and ran to the left. His heart dropped to his stomach. The carriage Diluc rode in was that direction. His father was still in the carriage.

Ice crawled through his veins, freezing any pain. Diluc ran after the creature. He pushed and pushed until he caught the tail of the beast behind the carriage. His father was standing to the side.

No. NO!

Diluc called forth the flames, the very ones he had used to protect others before, and swept his sword horizontally releasing a wave of fire. The force of the attack caused the monster to stumble slightly, giving Diluc enough time to get in front of his father.

“Diluc! Are you okay?” His father asked, face scrunched in worry.

“I am fine, Father. Do not worry,” Diluc’s grip on the sword tightened. “I will protect you.” He had to.

Without giving them any more time to speak, the demon whipped its head around and let out a roar. It moved in close to attack, but Diluc stood guard and parried. However the force was too great causing him to be pushed back. Diluc moved his leg back to adjust his stance but slipped on the muddy soil. His balance was thrown off leaving him open to the next attack. The beast headbutted him, throwing him a few feet away, straight into the back of the carriage.

It hurt. It hurt so much. But the growl from the demon made Diluc forget about the pain.

Diluc pushed down on one knee, forcing himself back onto his feet. But then a hand rested on his shoulder. Diluc looked to see his father with the black glove he had seen in the box earlier.

“You have done enough, son. Rest. I will take care of the rest.” His father said.

What? What was his father saying? How would he defeat this monster when even Diluc’s flames couldn’t scorch a scale?

Just when Diluc was about to stand again to fight, a strange energy surrounded his father. Black flames that were sharper than Diluc’s rose out from the gloved hand and shaped into chains.

His father wielded the chains against the beast and began to wrap a chain around each limb. First the legs, then the front claws, and finally the neck. Each chain moved as if they were extensions of his father’s limbs.

It was like nothing Diluc had seen thus far. The chains pulled taut, tying the creature down at long last.

The demon, knowing it had been caught, bowed its head in submission. Diluc couldn’t believe his eyes. His father had been the one to subdue the demon. Not the other men, not Diluc, but Crepus Ragnvindr, owner of the Dawn Winery.

“Father?”

“Not yet, Diluc. We still need to get rid of it.”

Diluc tried to stand once more. The demon growled, forcing Diluc to look at it. He saw its yellow eyes glint red before it screeched with all its might. As if in a frenzied state, the demon lunged towards Diluc, breaking the chains holding it down.

The only thing Diluc could do was watch the demon open its jaws and pray to Barbatos.

However, instead of greeting the inside of the creature’s throat, hot wet blood splashed on his face.

The chains had re-manifested. This time they were bulkier and held the beast down tight by piercing through the neck and legs. The demon’s blood flowed from where the chains struck, mixing with the puddles from the rain. When Diluc turned to look at his father, blood dripped from his nose and mouth. The paleness of his skin seemed ghostly.

“Father!” Diluc shouted. He used the carriage to lift himself but could only lean against it.

His father coughed before using the chains around the beast to force it away. The demon knowing it would not win against the strange power, found an out and broke free before limping into the woods.

After catching his breath and making sure the demon was gone for good, Diluc looked at his father. “Good job. You managed to defeat it. Now we-”

His father dropped to the ground. The rain pounded against his still figure.

“Hey! Father?”

Diluc took a deep breath and pushed his weight off the wagon and onto his right foot. He saw a pool of blood gathered by his father, making his blood go cold. Kneeling by his side, Diluc turned him over and took his father’s head into his lap. He attempted to block the rain from falling on his father’s face by removing his coat and holding it over, but it was to no avail.

“Father?”

A weak cough came out. “Diluc…”

“I am here Father, I am here. You did it. You saved Mondstadt. You are a hero!” Diluc said, trying to rouse his father’s spirit.

If he could hold out for a bit longer, he was certain help would arrive.

His father only let out a wheeze in response. “Son… I am glad you are safe.”

“I am Father. You are the one who saved me. If anything, I am sorry for not being strong enough.”

“No,” another wheeze, “You have shown your strength already… many times.”

“Okay, that’s enough, you shouldn’t speak anymore. Keep your strength for when help arrives.” Diluc was worried. His father’s complexion was far too pale, and he still couldn’t find the wound that caused the pool of blood.

“So-” His father cried out in pain as he tried speaking.

“Father? Father! What’s wrong?” Diluc felt tears gather in his eyes.

After quickly blinking them away, Diluc saw black marks crawl up his father’s neck.

What was that?

The marks continued to grow. Diluc unfastened the buttons on his father’s shirt. Marks had spread all across his father’s chest. And with each mark that spread, his father yelled out in pain.

“What are these? Is it because of that glove?” Diluc asked, eyes switching between the marks and the glove. His father’s only response was another painful grunt. Diluc made up his mind and reached for the glove. He held his father’s wrist carefully in one hand and tugged the glove off with the other.

“There, it’s off. Father, are you-” When Diluc looked to check if the marks disappeared, he whimpered when he saw them still spreading.

“H-How do I stop it?” He asked helplessly.

His father cried out again, this time with more ferocity.

“Father! Father, I am so sorry. I should have protected you. It should have been me!” Diluc shut his eyes, unable to bear witness to his father’s pain any longer.

A cold hand pressed against Diluc’s cheek, startling his eyes open. His father gazed at him. He grunted, opening his mouth, “No, you- you must be safe. I promised your mother… that you would be-” his father tensed, bringing his hands to his chest, clenching them in fists.

“Does it hurt a lot? Is there anything I can do?” Diluc looked around. Where were the knights? A patrol team should have come around by now.

“Where does it hurt? Where is the wound? I will treat it.” Diluc said as he gently moved his father so he could find the wounded area.

His father continued to gasp in pain. It didn’t make sense. There were only superficial wounds on his father’s torso and arm. It must be an internal wound, Diluc surmised. Why wasn’t he graced with a healing vision? Diluc could have healed him by now.

Diluc felt his father grip him, nails pressing into Diluc’s forearm, almost drawing blood as he struggled to keep his screams silent. Diluc could barely see through his tears by now. The rain had already washed most of the blood off his father’s face. Diluc activated his Vision with some struggle to increase his body heat in hopes of keeping his father warm enough until the Knights got to them.

His father’s body spasmed in Diluc’s hold. His father continued to cry out in pain, and Diluc had no idea of what to do. What should he do? He’s a Knight, a Captain, damn it! He should know how to fix this!

It felt as if all of his senses were taking everything in with great intensity. The weight of every raindrop, the copper smell of blood, the gasps of pain, the taste of bile on his tongue, and the bright red eyes of his father slowly darkening. He couldn’t take it anymore.

“Diluc,” He heard his father call to him. So why couldn’t he see his lips move?

“Diluc, breathe.” Breathe? He was. How else could he hear his father?

“Breathe, Diluc. Breathe.”

Diluc gasped. Hands cupped his face. He heaved as he tried to catch his breath. Diluc’s lips quivered. He was too tired now and let his tears fall freely, blending into the rain.

“I am so,” Diluc hiccuped, “so sorry.”

“No… I should be sorry. For not being… strong enough to… protect you,” his father weakly said.

“Please do not talk any more, Father. Save your strength.” Diluc cried.

“Diluc,” his father wheezed, “my beloved son.”

Diluc choked, closing his eyes, feeling more lost then ever.

“It hurts,” his father said softly. So soft that Diluc almost missed it.

Diluc whimpered. “What should I do? What can I do to make it less painful?”

Diluc knows. He knows what he should do. Every knight knows. Rather than let them suffer in pain until the end…

“My son,” his father called.

“No. I can’t do it.” Diluc shut his eyes again.

His father wheezed.

“Please… please do not make me do this,” Diluc cried. His grip tightened slightly around his father and he bent lower, so that it looked like he was hugging him.

“Okay,” his father spoke quietly.

Diluc continued to hold his father while crying and waiting for the help that never came.

After a few moments of quiet, Diluc thought it was over. That everything was finished.

But when he opened his eyes, the marks on his father had spread everywhere and began glowing with a sinister light. His father, who had gone into a peaceful slumber, woke with renewed pain and roared out in pain.

Spasms occurred all over his father’s body to the point where Diluc had difficulty holding him down.

“Father! Father! Please come to your senses!” Diluc shouted.

His father paid no attention and continued to scream. All Diluc wanted to do was shut his eyes and put his hands over his ears. He wanted to sleep and wake up to find this was all a dream.

But Diluc could feel the pain in his limbs, the blood dripping from his wounds, and the shrieks from his father. He knew this was not a dream he would wake from.

Did he really want to let his father suffer till the very end?

No, Diluc couldn’t do that to him. He couldn’t let his father feel more pain than he had already gone through. This was Diluc’s mistake. He should have been stronger, strong enough to protect his father. It was his fault. So it was also his duty to shoulder the consequences.

Diluc reached to his side and grabbed the handle of his sword. The sword tumbled out of his grip. When he looked at his hand, it was shaking. Diluc swallowed and bit his lip. He grabbed the sword once more, putting force into each finger that wrapped around.

He lifted the sword to his father’s chest. The point quivered. Diluc took a deep breath. And then another.

“Father,” Diluc started shakily. “I am so thankful you were my father. That I had you to look up to. I had always hoped to make you proud. And-and I am sorry. I never meant-” Diluc choked on a sob, before gathering himself again. “But I promise to find the one responsible. I will hunt them down and avenge you.”

His throat was so raw, Diluc could barely swallow. He breathed in and exhaled, shakily.

“I love you so, so much. So let me free you from this pain,” Diluc said. He took another deep breath and steadied his hand right above the heart.

His father eyes were open, unfocused, and seemed to have exhausted himself. Diluc gritted his teeth. And then brought down the blade. It sliced so easily though the fabric and sinew. His father gasped one last time before closing his eyes.

Diluc withdrew the sword, its blade slick with the color red, and threw it down into the puddle next to him.

Diluc shouted to the sky in anger, in devastation, in confusion and in helplessness.

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed when Diluc finally heard the faint sound of shouts in the distance.

“We came to help! Are you alright?!”

Diluc’s head hung, all he could do was stare blankly at his father’s lifeless body with the blood on his hands.

There was no more rain to hide his dried tears. The clouds had passed showing a clear sky once more, painted dark red from the setting sun.