Oikawa's Knee Brace

       Once back at the stronghold, Erminie got the burden of showing me around while the Grand Master went to finish his reports. Apparently, as soon as Ekbert told him I was here and on my own, he formed a hunting party and set out to find me. When we got back I barely had enough energy to shower and change into some clean clothes before passing out in the women’s barracks. So, I didn’t have all the facts. 

       It was so close to morning by the time I got in my hammock that I slept half the day away. Waking up in short spurts, unable to catch my breath, coated in sweat, it wasn't as restful as it needed to be. Dredging out of bed, I took another shower and found my original outfit had been washed while I was resting. Hooking my sword to my hip, I needed to buckle up for what was coming.

       “There you are.” Anslem, approached me. From what I remembered Ermine telling me the night before, him and her were all that made up the logistics company. Even at that, she mainly helped the eighth company with their weapons. “I’ll be frank, I’ve got a good handle on what needs done around here. We have plenty of members to fall back on.”

       “Oh.” I rubbed the new bandage on my cheek.

       “But I do need a gopher. Someone who can run invoices, handle mail, share intel, and scout out possible missions.” He sighed. “And any other odd jobs I might need. We know you might not stay for long, but we’ll keep you busy while you’re here.”

       “I can do that.” It wouldn’t be much different than running errands for Lisa. “Do you have a job for me today?”

       “Today I want you to get familiar with the landscapes and locations of key allies. While you can’t accomplish that in a day, you can at least get a feel for Wavechaser Plane. And if you get to Ashvile Peak, don’t go any farther than Cliffwatch Camp. The Lightkeeper’s should stop you, but just be careful. Better yet, visit the base and get acquainted with the Ratniki.” He handed me a map and compass.

       “I can do that.” I had emptied my backpack into my hammock and now just had a few essentials tucked away. Before this moment, there wouldn’t even be room to tuck away a map without it being crumpled to death. “I can set out now.”

       “Alright, be safe and be back before dark.” He pulled out a little notepad and walked away while scribbling a note.

       Part of me was relieved that I was leaving before Lohen and I crossed paths. Another part of me was hoping that I’d see him and he would be more receptive to my support. Kicking a rock down the path, I was able to read the map with some ease. While I knew Mondstadt like the back of my hand, I did know how to use a map.

        Looking at the landscapes, I spotted the tiny and neat red x marking base. From there I looked at what was close. I figured that since Anselm wanted me to meet with the Lightkeepers, I’d go there first.

       The Cliffwatch Camp wasn’t too far away, maybe a forty-minute walk. Now that I was paying attention to my surroundings, there were a number of things that surprised me. There were little white spirits floating all around, yellow gem plants and some kind of mountain goats. Even the birds were different here from Mondstadt. It was different enough to distract me, so much so I didn’t notice the Hilichurl with a flaming torch bounding for me down the hill.

       Shifting at the last second, it only grazed my arm with the flame. Pulling my sword in a fluid motion with one hand, using the other hand to grip the monster’s head and I shoved it back. It landed at my feet, torch lighting the grass on fire. The dry grass turned to flames quicker than I could dive my sword into the creature and get out of dodge.  As the monster returned its energy to the abyss, another one with a bow was aiming up its shot.

       Stomping the grass down to put out the fire, I avoided the arrows of the next monster. All I needed was for a wild fire to break out on my watch. Returning my focus to the Hilichurl, I took long painful strides up the incline. While it was reloading, I swung my sword and cut its head. It wasn’t enough to decapitate it fully, but it was dead none the less.  

       “Barbatos, why?” I flicked my sword, the blood slushing off.  Putting it back in the sheath, I looked at my feet. My boots were charred but in good shape, but my tights were burned up to my knees in a jagged line. My skin was blistered and red, fluid oozing out. “Damn it.”

       Taking a knee, black pulled at my vision. Letting out a deep breath, I got back up. I wouldn’t give up that easily. Back on the path, I was close to the Cliffwatch Camp. Being tough was expected in our family, Dad was a member of the Frontlines for so long. He wouldn’t let us grow up without being able to take a little pain and grit. Lohen was maybe more acclimated than me, going as far as to enjoy fighting.

       “Miss, what are you doing this far out?” A woman approached me, a thick hat on her long black hair. I was closer to help than I realized. 

       “I’m here to introduce myself, I’m a new member of the Knights of Favonius Logistics Company. The name’s (Y/n).” I gritted my teeth, my legs burning in the cold air. “I also got into a bit of a battle with two Hilichurls on the way here. Do you perhaps have some bandages or a healer on hand?”

       Her eyes went wide, looking at my legs she darted to my side and slid my arm over her shoulder. “Let’s get you inside.”

       “Thank you.” I let her take on more of my weight than I wanted to, but I was hurting.

       As we got closer, I could see it was a little metal city. There was a lighthouse at the highest point, and little buildings littered all around on different heights of platforms. The girl took me into one of the smaller buildings. The dark spots in my vision hadn’t gone away, but the fish bowl feeling from last night was back, my hearing going in and out.

       The other people in the room gave us a quizzical look as I was laid on a cot. It was clearly the med bay. Words were exchanged and I couldn’t make them out. Finally giving up, I gripped the sheet under me and closed my eyes.

OOOOOO

       Mumbling to myself, I wasn’t fully aware of my surroundings. The light in the room was too bright, but was quickly blocked out by a familiar face. “Illuga?” I scrunched my face, the tightness on my legs coupled with raging headache was enough to make me break any attempt at a façade. “Where am I?”

       “You’re safe. This is the med bay at the Cliffwatch Camp Lightkeeper’s base.” He eased back from hovering over me. Seemingly aware he was a little too close. “What do you remember?”

       “I had a run in with two Hilichurls and one lit the tall grass on fire. My legs cooked for a bit. I got the buggers though.” I was laying flat on my back, too tired to move. “How long have I been out?”

        One of the people I noticed when I first was dropped off, was writing on a clipboard. “It’s been a few hours. While typically a person who passes out recovers in a few minutes, you were out much longer.” She pushed her glasses up on her nose. “Illuga, I need to ask my patient a few questions.”

       “Of course. I’ll go get her some soup.” He gripped my hand, pulling my full attention. “You can trust Doc, I’ll be right back.”

       “Thank you.” He nodded and left. Now focusing on the Doctor, I wondered what she had to say.

       “(Y/n), let’s cut to the chase.” She pressed a stethoscope to my chest. “Have you been waking up restless?”

       “Yes, when I do sleep it’s not very good.”

       “Do you have trouble focusing?”

       “I don’t know.” I thought back to the Hilichurl that caught me off guard. How I got lost trying to go back to Nasha Town. The way that I let Lohen cut my cheek without so much as flinching when I typically would notice such rough injury. “Maybe.”

       “Have you been eating and drinking a normal amount?”

       “No.” Since getting here, I’d only had what Illuga had offered me.

       “You’re experiencing fatigue, likely due to a lack of nutrition and over exertion. How you fought off two hilichurls in your state is beyond concerning.” Her scolding sent a string of tension through my spine.

       “Oh, I think it’s warranted.” I flexed my foot, the skin on my legs aching. “I’ve experienced a great loss.”

       “You have to take care of yourself.  At the least, rely on your circle to help you through this.” Doc’s hard expression softened. “I want you to spend the night here. I’ve already sent word to the Knights. You may have to stay even longer, but we’ll start with the hope that you’ll be able to travel in the afternoon tomorrow.”

       “Is there not a healer nearby? In Mondstadt we have a few people gifted with healing visions.” I thought of Barbra, she would have me fixed up with a pretty song in no time.

       “Very few people are willing to travel here, unless they are a Ratniki or Knight. Even then, most Knights avoid the area too, unless they have business here.” Our heads turned towards the knock on the door. “Come in.”

       “I have some warm soup and a few other things.” Illuga had a canteen tucked in the crook of his arm, a bowl in his hand and the other propping open the door.

       “Good. My patient needs to get her strength up. Now, I am feeling hungry, myself. Illuga, will you stay with her?” Doc washed her hands in a nearby sink, her voice bouncing off the walls.

       “Of course.” Illuga carefully sat the soup on the table by my bed and handed me the canteen. “As long as it’s okay with Miss (Y/n).”

       “It is. Thank you.” I swirled the water around the walls of the canteen before taking a long swig. A little slid down the corner of my mouth and pooled under my chin.

       “I’ll be back.” Doc waved as she left.

       “She’s very direct.” I commented. “But I can tell she’s good at her job.”

       “She’s the best.” Illuga picked up the soup and switched me for my water. “Now try this. I helped make it, so it should be good.”

       “Confidence, that’s always a good thing when it comes to food.” My stomach ached as the first bite passed through my lips and down my gullet. “It’s nice. I’m not familiar with the spices though. Might take some time to get used to.”

       “I can make you something else?” He scooted to the edge of his seat. “What do you want? What do you like? I’m sure I can figure something out.”

       “This is perfect. I need something easy on the tummy.” I took another bite, the warmth spreading over my mouth and reminding me of my burnt legs. “Damn, hilichurls.” I looked at the bandages wrapped around my legs. They weren’t too tight, but the throbbing was annoying.     

       “Do you need more medicine? I can go grab Doc.” Illuga was barely clinging to his seat, ready to bounce up.

       “Hey, it’s average pain. And don’t look so eager to run away, you’ve tended to me plenty.” There was a silence that settled over the room. Illuga sat back in his seat and looked at his hands.

       “I was so worried when I heard you were in the med bay.” Illuga bunched his pants up between his fingers. “Word spread fast about the new Knight who collapsed. I came here as soon as I could.”

       “People like to talk.” I brushed it off. Why did he come to my side? Didn’t he have work to do? Surely, we wouldn’t be that close this fast. “I appreciate you looking after me. You really don’t have to worry about it. Duty or not.”

       “At this point I just like your company, and I’d be a wreck if anything happened to you.” He was torn up at the thought, lip shaking.

       “Hey, nothing bad is going to happen. I’m tough stuff. If I took better care of myself during the grief process, I probably wouldn’t be getting into these predicaments.” My head throbbed and it was hard to think straight.

       “Nothing is ever guaranteed. So, it’s important to be in good health. It gives you the best chance to survive.” Again, he looked like he wanted to say something else.

       “What’s on your mind?” I probed, downing the last of my soup.

       “Just, that if I was there…I could have made a difference today. Maybe you wouldn’t have been burned.” I clamped my hand on his shoulder. He finally met my eyes.

       “You can’t be everywhere at once. Don’t hold any remorse over something out of your control.” A cord struck within me; it was advice I could never accept for myself.

       “I want to be there, to protect as many people as I can.” He paused. “My family, I lost them to the wild hunt. Pops saved me from the same fate.” I didn’t know who Pops was, but I let him continue. “I want to be able to protect as I was protected that night.”

       “That’s an honorable goal.” So, we both were orphans, I was one twice over, but he knew my pain. Sliding my hand from his shoulder down his arm, I linked our fingers. Easing him out of a death grip, he let me thread our digits in a loose hold. “Thank you for sharing it with me”

       “As long as I’m close by, you can trust me to watch your back. I’ll protect you.” He was so sure, butterflies erupted in my stomach at such a fierce declaration. I had plenty of people who loved me, fought for me, even died for me. There was years of mutual trust in those relationships, this was different. 

       Taking a moment to gather myself, I smiled maybe for the first time since my parents died. He was so valiant. “You’re something else.”

         He grinned and clearly didn’t filter himself. “You’re pretty when you cry, but even more beautiful when you smile.”

       The inn attached to the Flagship was comfortable. The price per night was reasonable and the bed not too lumpy. I was able to clean up, and get rid of the scent that came with traveling great distances with nothing more than a water basin. One thing I couldn’t fix was  the swelling in my lower body. Thicker than usual ankles, toes bursting from my worn socks…I looked like a sausage. No matter, I had to get up and see if the Knights were waiting for me at the docks. Hopefully they didn’t take the booze and run. 

       Pulling on a clean outfit, I put on thicker tights this time. I had been warned it would be cold, but I’d never experienced this level of chill before. Dragging myself to the door, I realized the sleep I got the night before was actually semi restful. There were only a few nightmares mixed in with the blackness. Maybe a sign things might imporve.

       Packed back up, I found my way through the empty bar. Taking a moment to appreciate the smell of fried meats and coffee, I rested my hand on my plush stomach. There was no urge to eat. So, I kept going, making my way to the outside. Heavy, I wanted to lay back down.

       “(Y/n)!” Ekbert, his familiar blonde hair coming into view. He had more creases in his features since the last time I saw him. How much time has passed since they all took off? “There you are. The Ratniki said I’d find you here.” He stopped a few feet in front of me. “What are you doing in Nod Krai?”

       “I’m here to see my brother.” I kept it curt, pacing past him towards the port. “Why were you all late? It’s a shame the Lightkeepers had to watch wine all night, when there are more important things to attend too.” I didn’t mean to bite when I spoke, but irritation chewed its way up my neck.

       “So much for a happy reunion.” Ekbert crossed his arms. “What’s happened? I’ve never seen you snap at anyone.”

       “I need to tell Lohen first.” I held my breath and tongue. In the distance I could see a few other Knights pulling a wagon loaded with the wine. “We’re going back to your base first, right?”

       “Yes. We are going back to base to deliver the supplies.” He finally fell in line beside me. “And to answer your question, we were held up yesterday. There was a large outbreak on a neighboring island.”

       “The wild hunt?” I asked, barely remembering the name from last night.

       “Yes. It was an oversight that we didn't send someone down here for the shipment.” He held the back of his neck. “And you’re right, it’s not the Ratniki’s job to watch our wine. Though, they did it so you could go and rest. So, in reality they did it to help you.”

       “Can’t put this on me. I would have waited till morning, but there was a young man…he insisted.” We caught up to the other Knights. I didn’t know their names, or had forgotten them.

       “Well, I’m glad. You’ve travelled a long way and need some rest. We had no idea you’d be coming.” He once again hinted at the reason.

       “Well, I’m here now.” I adjusted the bag on my back. Heavy, straps carved into my shoulders. 

       It grew quiet. Well, the Knights chatted to themselves and I settled into keeping my head down. Perhaps I should have been memorizing the path, or looking for monsters, enjoying the sights I’d never seen before, but it took everything in me not to cry.

       We crossed a few different bridges connecting islands, I could see the path change from dirt to stone back to dirt. The ocean breeze drifting past on the bridges was the only thing grounding me to the moment. I was close. I’d be with my only remaining family soon.

       “It’s just up this hill. Go on ahead, it’s hard to haul this wine up the incline.” Ekbert motioned me to go on. Finally lifting my head, I noticed the path sharply turning up. 

       “Thank you.” I had no clue if Lohen would be at the top or away on a mission. There were so many possibilities, but I hoped for the best.The sooner I see him, the better I’ll feel.

       Reaching the top with labored breath, I flicked my eyes up and looked at the camp. There were tents spread everywhere, sturdy but worn. They had been here for such a long time, the expedition had been gone for several months at this point. Trees lined the outside of the camp and I wondered if they dug out their spot in the landscape.

       Stepping towards the group of Knights huddled around a fire pit, the floor flew from under me. I squealed, gripping at the edges of the hole to slow my descent.  I hit the bottom hard, and dust clouds tickled my nose. Clearing my throat I peered up, grass raining into my eyes.

       “Not who I was expecting.” There was a wicked smile on his lips, hand reaching down for me.

       Shaking over took my body, and I grabbed his cold hand. Heaved onto the earth above, I got to my feet and stood before him. “Lohen.” I couldn’t control my muscles, knees growing weak. On the verge of collapse, I reached for his elbow.

       Before I registered, Lohen pulled out his blade and sent a warning slash near my midsection. I jutted to the side. So this is how he was going to be?  Pulling out my own knife, I caught his’ just before it made contact with my hip. Bouncing back, we clashed blades a few more times before Lohen got bored. He put his own knife away to add spice and focused on dodging my attacks.

       “You’ve still got some fight.” Lohen laughed. “I thought you might have lost your touch with me being gone for so long.” He observed my movements. They were not calculated or free flowing, they were choppy and halfhearted. Weak.

       “I don’t want to fight.” I finally spoke up, missing the fist aimed at my head.

       “What’s wrong sis?” His grin faded, mind spinning with options. His offensive stance changed to a stiff one, knees locked and hands gripped into fists. “Why are you here?” His voice was small, unsure and unlike him. 

       “Lohen.” I rested my hand over my mouth, trying to come up with a way to tell him. “Mom and Dad… are gone.”

       “Gone where?” He shook his head, closing the gap between us and gripping my collar. “Where sis?”

       “I wanted to be the one to tell you.” Thick tears flowed from my eyes. “They died. It was raining, and they ran into a Ruin Guard…Dad’s fire just wasn’t enough in the tsunami.” I wrapped my arms around him. He let my dress collar go and pushed me away. Keeping myself up right, my knees were back to buckling. 

       “You shouldn’t be here.” He shook his head, turning his back on me. “This camp is only for the Knights of Favonius. You are not a Knight.”

       “Brother, please. We need each other right now.” A muscle in my chest twisted, as if a knife had been planted there. “Please?”

       “We will talk to the Grand Master when he returns tomorrow. You should return to Nasha Town until then.” He began to walk away. Not a glance spared. The walls were up, and I needed to get in.

       Reaching out, I grabbed his cape. “I know rules are rules, but I came all this way to be by your side. We’re both hurting, don’t push me away.”

       “You’re not even my real sister.” He barely whispered it, eyes straight forward. “A letter would have sufficed.”

       “You don’t mean that.” I let him go and dug my fingers into my chest. My buttons struggled to stay in place, the skin under the fabric rubbing and burning. 

       “Go.” Lohen flicked his wrist towards the way I had come from.

       “Please?”

       “Now.”

       “Fine.” I avoided the trap that I initially fell for, walking back down the hill. Going down was much faster, everything blurring around the edges.

       “(Y/n), where are you going? Why are you crying?” Ekbert’s brows knitted together as I passed. 

       “Back to Nasha Town.” My lips quivered, holding back a strangled cry.

       “You won’t make it back before dark.” Ekbert caught my elbow. “It’s too dangerous out there at night.”

       “I’ll be fine.” I assured him.

       “This isn’t Mondstadt.” He warned me, fingers tightening on me.

       “I have to go.” Breaking free, I took off down the unknown path.

OOOOO

       It had been hours circling the paths around the island. My body had long since given up, but I kept walking. Black circles clouded my vision, my head felt trapped in a fish bowl. At some point, I picked up a walking stick and was leaning heavily on it for support. Blurs, all of it. 

       Lohen was hurting. I had to be reasonable. They were his real parents; I should be more considerate. He was right, I shouldn’t have such a strong reaction. Still, tears wouldn’t stop cascading down my face. Be realistic. Be strong. 

       Tumbling to the ground, my stick snapped in half and I landed face first into the dirt. The moon was high in the sky, giving out just enough light so I could see my hands in front of my face. Maybe I would die too? Far from home they wouldn’t send my body back to Mondstadt, I’d be buried here. I’d never return to the city of Freedom.

For a split second, that thought felt like justice. There was no freedom for someone like me. No home.

       “Miss, what happened?” A voice, high, strong and almost familiar. Was it the man from last night? Wiping mud from my eyes, I saw his shorter form hustling to me. His lantern thumped against his hip, the light dancing against the trees. “Are you hurt?” He got to his knees, and examined me while keeping his hands to his side.

       “Not physically. Just worn out.” I rubbed my nose, my words not quite matching up to the predicament. My voice was hoarse, throat dry and zapped.

       “Can I touch you?” He caught me off guard, hands still firm at his side. He was considerate at least.

       “Yes.” He got me in a seated position against a tree, running his hands over my face, pushing at a sensitive spot. I had no reaction.

        Being this close, I could see the scars that littered his neck. The way they clawed up his throat and were visible as his coat slipped off his shoulder. He had been through something cold and harsh…and he still found a way to get moving.

       “You’ve got a cut on your cheek. It’s pretty deep, were you attacked?” He slid a backpack off his shoulders, pulling out a medical kit.

       “I had a spar session with my brother. He’s a Vice Captain with the Knights of Favonius.” I don’t know why I was telling him that. Maybe it was just the right time and a random person.

       “This could become infected, how long ago was the fight?” He poured a solution on a rag, pausing before pressing it to my wound. “It’s going to sting, is this, okay?”

       “I don’t know how long ago it was, maybe noon? And I’m used to a good sting. So go ahead.” The black spots were back, if he hadn’t propped me up, I would still be face down.

       “That’s not ideal.” He pressed the rag to my cheek and I seethed. “I’m sorry, just hang in there.” His eyes were boring into mine, jaw set and brows scrunched. I shut my own eyes and my stomach growled. “When did you eat and drink last?”

       “I don’t remember. There was the fruit you had last night.” I admitted, feeling him switch from the rag to a salve.

       “We need to fix that after we get you patched up.” His voice was so sure. His ministrations on my face were feather light but through. Something about him was warm. It was enough to pull me to the present.

       “If I don’t pass out first.” I lulled my head to the side after he applied the bandage.

       “Keep your eyes open.” He instructed and I forced them back open. He was rummaging in his bag and pulled out another fruit. “Here, have this for now. It should be easy on your stomach.” He kept digging through his bag, handing me a canteen next. “And drink up, I can always get us more.”

       “Why?” I took a chaste bite of the foreign fruit. “You’re doing so much for me. I know it’s part of your job to look after people, but I’m not in danger. I’m just stupid.” Venom dripped from my tongue with my last statement.  I had made an irrational choice in coming here. Of course no one would want my comfort, lest of all Lohen. 

       “I want to protect people. While the wild hunt hasn’t reared its head yet, it could. And I would be amiss if I left you alone in this condition.” He affirmed, pulling out a pot and some food from a preservation bag. “And you’re not stupid. I don’t know you very well, but it’s not hard to tell that something terrible has happened.”

       “A couple bad things actually.” I took a long swig from the canteen, and sat it beside me. “But none of that matters now, it will be a few weeks before there’s another shipment of wine. I won’t be able to go home until then.”

       “Aren’t you staying with the Knights?” He had a fire started quicker than someone with a pyro vision.  Nimble hands added twigs to the fire, slowly building it up until it could support the pot.

       “It’s undecided. The Grand Master gets the final say, so in caution, my brother sent me away for the night. I was trying to find my way back to Nasha town, but I didn’t have a map.” The fire warmed the biting air, chasing away the stiffness in my bones.

       “They didn’t escort you?” His jaw tensed, voice betraying his slight irritation.

       “Don’t be mad at them. I kind of stormed off.” The juice of the fruit was bringing me back to life. “Still believe I’m not stupid?”

       “What I’m piecing together, I stand by what I said.” He added spices into the pot and tossed in some potatoes and a hunk of meat. “I never caught your name?”

       “It’s not important.” I said it without thinking. That new feeling in my chest, a pang of a muscle I didn’t know existed, spasamed in me. Tears streaked down my face.

       “I disagree.” He stood, crossing the few feet between me and the fire. He crouched down, his calloused thumb swiping under my eyes. “I’m Illuga. Who do I have the pleasure of getting to know?”

       “(Y/n).” I sucked in my bottom lip, my tears drying up.

       “What a beautiful and important name.” His hand lingered against my jaw a second too long. His eyes landed on the bandage he placed on my cheek. 

       “Thank you. But the food may burn without your watchful eye.” I pointed at the pot, and he hurried back to check on the meal.

       “Right.” He hummed. “It’s still safe for now.”

       Minutes ticked by. The food didn’t take much longer to cook. He left it to cool off, busying himself with re-organizing the medical kid. Once that was done, he pulled out a cup and dipped himself out a small portion. He then passed me the pot with a clean fork. He warned me to be careful of how hot it was, and watched me take my first bite with bated breath.

       “It’s good. Really good.” I was still exhausted, but no longer on the verge of passing out. Instead of black dots dancing around my eyes, sleep was pulling at me instead.

       “Food is one of the ways I express my care for others.” He smiled, tipping a chunk of meat into his mouth.

       “Caring for others? I think showing up is how I do that.” I sucked the fork clean as I picked up a potato. “If I can be there in person, I feel like I can make a difference.”

       Kaeya and Diluc…when they had their big fight, I wasn’t able to go to both of them. I had chosen Kaeya. Diluc was too angry and Kaeya was just heart broken. Kaeya also was the first one I found after the incident. Shaking and wounded, shrouded in a layer of frost from his new vision. I tended to him, covering him in blankets and grounding him to Teyvat. He often said it was my care that got him through the incident.

        In my worst moments, my friends had been there for me. I kept pushing them away, but I always did give into their support in the end. Now, I was too far away for them to reach me. I thought my brother would be there, but I guess we both pushed people away.   

       “You look like you realized something?” Illuga stoked the fire, eyes flicking over his shoulder to me.

       “I’m just a lot more like my brother than I’d like to admit.” I touched the bandage on my cheek. “He’s upset, rightfully so.”

       “Only share what you’re comfortable sharing.” He encouraged me, setting his cup aside. “I’ll listen.”

       “Our parents. Well, I was adopted at a young age, so they aren’t really mine…but they raised me. The only family I ever knew. They were killed recently, so I decided to travel here, to tell my brother in person. It didn’t go so well.” I pushed my potatoes around in the pot.They were evenly cut, cooked tender and salted well. “I can’t stop crying. I’m sorry you’ve had to put up with my disaster.”

       “Don’t say that.” His eyes reflected the flames. “First, they are your parents just as much as they are his. Second, I don’t ‘put up with you’. I’m here because I want to be, it’s not a burden.”

       “I’ll try to believe you.” I took a sip of water and passed him the canteen. “Do you have a spare map? Thanks to your support, I might be able to make it back to Nasha Town before sunrise.” Just change the subject, find a way out of his hair.

       “Nasha Town would be too far away in your condition. There’s a Lightkeeper base close to here. I’m a member of the Investigation Squad, and we’re posted there for now. You can stay with us tonight.”

       “I can’t possibly stay with the Lightkeepers, that would put you all out.” Different possibilities tore through my mind: would it be safe, who would I be bunked with, what if it’s some sort of trap? “I have a tarp in my bag, I’ll just camp out.”

       “If that’s what you want to do, I’ll stay with you.” He didn’t push it about the base, but he wasn’t going to easily agree to leave me be. 

       “Don’t you have to report back?” I prodded, adjusting against the tree I was leaning on. The grooves of the bark were imprinting into my flesh.

       “I can report in the morning.” He assured me. “I’ll keep wat-”

       “(Y/n)!” My name was echoing between the trees, booming over the landscape. We were still close to the path, so I could see a familiar figure in the distance. As he got close enough to be sure of who it was, the tension in his shoulder relaxed. The man veered towards our campfire, and sighed in relief. “There you are. And Illuga, I’m so glad you’ve been looking after her.”

       “Grand Master, what are you doing here?” I tried to stand but tumbled back against the trees, my legs not quite recovered. How I thought I could make it to Nasha Town was hinged on a miracle. 

       “Careful.” Illuga positioned himself between me and the fire. Arms spread to make a barricade. 

       “Ekbert told me what happened, we’ve been looking for you since I got back.” Varka surveyed the situation. “But you were in good hands, that’s a relief. Being out alone and untrained this late at night, is not for the faint of heart.”

       “Lohen told me you had to make the decision on if I could stay.” I didn’t want to explain the fight. “Did, did he tell you about Mom and Dad?”

       “Lohen took the rest of the day off.” Varka frowned, looking at the sky. “Why don’t you tell me about it while we go back to base? We’ll get you cleaned up and tucked in bed before the sun comes up.”

       “I don’t want to put anyone out, or break any rules.” I shook my head, gripping my backpack beside me.

       “Miss (Y/n), the Grand Master wouldn’t offer if it wasn’t allowed.” Illuga pulled at his collar, seeming like he had something else to say.

       “While it’s true the grounds are only for Knights, I have the final say. If you really feel like you don’t belong, I know how to fix it.” Varka grabbed my backpack and clipped it to his hip, the bag looking much smaller on his tall frame.

       “What do you mean?” I lost my breath as Varka hauled me from the ground and tossed me over his shoulder. Stiffening before relaxing, I balanced against him.

       “I’ll make you a Knight.” Varka said it, like it was so simple.

       “But there’s tests and it takes time…I’ve failed the test multiple times in my youth; I’m not fit to join.” It hurt to breathe with my soft stomach cut in half with his shoulder.

       “We won’t worry about that. You’ve been working in the library with Lisa long enough.” I could barely hear him, my face planted in his back. “I’ll put you with the logistics team and it will be fine.”

       Illuga circled Varka to face me. I craned my neck up to look at him. “I’m sure our paths will cross again. Don’t be a stranger.” He offered me a smile.

       “Thank you for all you did for me.” I groaned as Varka pivoted back to the path.

       “Yes, thank you Illuga. We’ll be in touch.” Varka took long strides the way he had come.

       The steady thumps as Varka’s feet hit the earth settled into a familiar rhythm. The moon was high in the sky, and it had been dark for a long time. I knew what was about to happen, and I dreaded it. Varka had been friends with my father for a long time, since before I was adopted. In fact, my father was quite old, once being a part of a third company, he aged out of the frontlines and settled into the day-to-day operations in the first company.

       “I can sense the dread seeping out of you. Do you want to tell me what happened?” Varka didn’t slow his pace, taking long strides. “You wouldn’t be here on your own if your father was aware.”

       “He’s dead. Mom is too.” I closed my eyes. Thinking back, I should have let Jean write a few letters, being the informant was like ripping off a bandage.

       Varka stopped walking, his grip on my back tightening. “I’m sorry (Y/n).” He paused. “What happened?”

       The heat was blistering, the tent had been packed away, waiting for the next tragic loss, and I was still standing there. Most of the people had left, the three that remained were keeping their distance. I didn’t mean to push them back, to be inconsolable, and I really didn’t mean to be frozen under the blazing sun. My feet were swollen, the thick skin pushing against the straps of my shoes. I had been still for at least two hours. Enough time for most people to move along with their day. But how could I?

       One of them in the shadows came forward. Her familiar yet gentle touch made me jump, my skin sensitive from being in the sun so long. “(Y/n), you are not alone in this.” Jean’s voice was strong, speaking her truth. How could she be so sure she was right?

       “He should be here.” My knees buckled, Jean gripping my arms and easing me down to the grass. The other two rushed over, their combined shade offering some relief. 

       “I can send for him.” Diluc had been my shadow since it happened, watching over me while I was defenseless. Numbed out of my mind, words only echoed between my ears. “A letter can be there in a few days.”

       “No.” I shook my head, looking into the two deep holes in the cemetery behind the church. Dual caskets covered in cecilia flowers rest with my mother and father inside.

       “What can we do to help you?” Kaeya had activated his vision, a cold breeze floating around us. The action was just enough to pull back the black dots scattering over my eyes.

       “I needed him here, at home. But he’s half way across the world.” Jean’s grip on my arm tightened. My voice cracked and fell to a whisper. My fingers dug into the loose dirt. “I can’t just tell him in a letter.”

       “We don’t know how long the expedition will last.” Jean reasoned. Always so level headed. 

       “I can go, bring him home.” Diluc didn’t know my brother very well, having a distaste for Knights he didn’t hang around them very much.

       “That’s not needed.” I rubbed my eyes, tears flowing freely. “I know what I need to do.”

       “You’re not serious.” Kaeya’s only visible eye widened, his hands spreading out with his palm up. 

       “I can’t stay here, not alone anyways.” I gripped Kaeya’s outstretched hand, Jean stabilizing me on the other side. “The house we live in is too big for one person. Trying to sleep there alone last night, I couldn’t do it. I ended up in the garden. Waiting for the sky to swallow me whole.”

       “Why didn’t you come to the winery?” Diluc had offered to let me stay with him during the ordeal. He insisted his home was just as much mine at this point. “There’s no reason for you to suffer alone.”

       “Everywhere I look, I see them. My parents, no doubt, left their mark on this country in a way that’s going to be hard to overlook.” I shook off the hands holding me and wrapped my arms around myself. Looking into the holes in the ground. 

       My dad had been a Knight of Favonius and my mom had worked for the Dawn Winery. Everywhere I looked, I could imagine them waiting for me: in town, at the winery,inside the Knight’s Headquarters. Everyone knew my family, we weren’t from any big clan, but our name held power in the area. News had spread fast, so around every corner was a tough conversation waiting to happen. 

       “I’ll make it happen. We’re sending a shipment of wine to their base in Nod Krai soon. You can travel with the shipment.” Diluc knew better than anyone, that you had to follow your heart when it was being crushed by grief.

       “I’ll hold off on telling the Grand Master about their passing till you get there.” Jean looked at the sky, a bead of sweat sliding down her perfect skin.

       “And I’ll look after your home and affairs till you get back.” Kaeya rubbed a cold hand down my spine.

       “Thank you all. When does the shipment leave?” I was finding my voice. There was a plan…something I could accomplish to keep moving.  

“There’s no rush.” Jean slowly nudged us all closer to the shade at the back of the church.

       “Tomorrow morning. You have time to pack tonight, it’s cold in Nod Krai.” Diluc had his arms loose by his sides, glazing over what Jean said. “Where will you stay tonight? The winery?.”

       “I think I'll get the house ready to be unoccupied for a while.” I felt vile running up my throat, but I willed it back down. “I don’t know if I will be able to leave him there and return any time soon.”

       Jean sucked in a quick breath. While I had been closer with Diluc and Kaeya as a child, as adults Jean and I were on the same wave length. She worked herself to death, but the time we did spend together was meaningful. Jean, Lisa and I would have little book clubs, reading short works of fiction so Jean could participate. We’d stop and visit each other at work, me in the library and her in the offices. Once in a while, we’d grab a drink with Kaeya and pester Diluc behind the bar. With the Grandmaster gone, there was less and less time for fun.

       “There’s no time for a proper send off.” Kaeya flipped a coin around his nimble fingers. “But this isn’t good bye, it’s just so long.”

       “We could push it back.” Diluc ran his hands through the fluff of his coat.

       “No. I need to go as soon as I can.” I insisted, talking without much thought.

       “Isn’t this happening a little fast? You should do this with a clear head.” Jean was trying to be the voice of reason. Her eyes begging me to wait.

       “He needs to know sooner than later. And I need to be there. Where Father was a Knight, I’m sure the news will spread fast.” My shoulders rose up. “I can be strong.”

       “You are strong.” Kaeya affirmed. “Don’t forget it.”

       “I’d say stubborn.” Diluc actually tried to lighten the mood. He was telling the truth but his delivery was uncharacteristically humorous.  

       “(Y/n) is one of Mondstadt’s finest. There’s no doubt she will stay safe and strong, however…” Jean trailed off, noticing a Knight around the corner. The Knight waved her over, and I knew I had kept her long enough, the city needed her attention. 

       “She will miss you.” Kaeya finished for her. “Go on Jean, we’ll stay with her for now.”

       “I’m sorry, (Y/n).” Jean took off after giving my hand one more squeeze.

       “Come on, are you ready to go?” Kaeya nodded towards the steps.

       “I won’t be back here for a while.” I stepped into the sun, looking at the graves. “They are not here though, just their bodies.”

       “That’s right.” Kaeya looked at Diluc, the red head having grown silent.

       “I’m ready.”

OOOOOOOO

       The knapsack on my back was a small fraction of my life condensed into a singular bag. While it was heavy, it wasn’t heavy enough to justify the drag in my shoulders. Sitting atop a barrel on a boat in Dornman Port, I knew it would be a long journey.

       “…and don’t be afraid to come home with any of my workers. Anytime a shipment of wine arrives, you can come back with it. I’ve left clear instructions with the staff.” Diluc had been going over and over all the details of the trip and the safety nets he had put in place.

       “I got it Luc.” I hadn’t slept at all the night before. Sitting in my parent’s room, I looked at all the little things they had left out the morning they died.

       “You know, I can still go with you.” He was my oldest friend. Our mothers had gotten/had us at the same time. With my mom working at the winery I basically grew up there with him. We were close as kids, but when Crepus was killed and Diluc ran off, it took time for us to rekindle our closeness. I was one of the first people he let back in. There was a burning anger deep inside him, and there was more snark inside him than ever before, but I knew he was hurting. He had come a long way from that terrible day, and he knew better than anyone what I was feeling.

       And maybe that was unfair, Kaeya lost his adopted father that day too. He had borne the same burden as Diluc, but Kaeya didn’t run away from his friends and family. He stayed. He took care of what was left behind in the wake of death’s rampage.

I was running to my brother, so I wasn’t pulling a full Diluc. There was no need to seek revenge on a foreign land. No need to turn my back from support. 

       “You’re not okay.” Diluc gripped my chin, tilting my face up to meet his sharp eyes. “We can delay the shipment, I’ll pack a bag and we can go together."

       “Thanks for offering Luc, but I need to do this alone. I’ll be fine.” I tried to ease his worries. They were well placed concerns, but he didn’t need to know that. 

       His hand dropped to my shoulder. “I don’t want you wallowing all the way to Nod Krai alone. Promise you’ll be proactive to keep your mind occupied?”

       “I’ve brought a few books to read. It should do the trick.” The world’s smallest smile forced the edges of my lips up.      

        “Alright. I’ll stop fretting over you for now. Just, watch your back.” He eyed the sword on my hip, it was the one Kaeya got me for my last birthday. The blade was standard, but the hilt was encrusted with smooth gemstones. 

       “So long, Diluc. Tell the others I’ll be back before they know it.” It was time for the boat to depart.

       Diluc hovered, looking as the sun came up over the horizon. “So long.”

OOOOO

       “The expedition Knights are usually here waiting.” Horace had unloaded the barrels off the boat and wheeled them to the pickup area of the dock.

       “I can wait till they get here.” I offered, shifting my weight from foot to foot. Horace and I had talked a little during the journey. Really, he was the only one I talked with. The captain was either sleeping or commanding the vessel we were on. The other staff weren’t interested in idle chit chat. It was a small ship, but big enough to be safe in the open water. The workers took their job very seriously. 

       “You have to check in first. Diluc sent this over for you, said you wouldn’t accept it any other way.” Horace reached in his pocket and pulled out a huge stack of mora. “It’s been weighing me down the whole trip. Had to tighten my belt.”

       “Diluc does too much.” I frowned, taking the mora pouch and tucking it with my much smaller one. “Tell him thank you for me.”

       “Now, go get a permit and hopefully those Knights will be here before we leave.” Horace waved me forward and down the board leading to the dock. 

I had made it. My whole life up till this point had happened in Mondstadt. Over the course of a long journey, I’d seen many foreign lands from the bough of the ship. However, this city was perhaps the most…bleak. There weren't many pops of bright colors, and the dull colors that did show were covered in grime. Somehow, that made me feel better.   

OOOOOO

       It had been hours. The boat had long left, and the night grew cold and dark. It didn’t take me too long to get my travel papers settled and pay the fee. Diluc’s gift had come in handy, as the fee was higher than I thought it would be. Now, I was waiting around for someone from the Knights of Favonius to show up.

       Pulling my coat tighter around myself, I wished I had on thicker tights. Maybe the Knights got the day wrong or forgot about the shipment? Though with their love for drinking, the former seemed more likely. Looking at the barrels, there were too many for one person to haul on their own. And I wasn’t about to leave wine unguarded.

       “Are you okay, Miss?” I had been staring into the sea, the voice floating from behind me. Turning my head around, there was a young man. He was holding a lantern, pointing the light at the scene before him. He froze up, his eyes locking on my face. His silver hair and wide blue eyes were piercing, just barely visible in the dark. 

Did I have something stuck to my face? Hopefully my eyes weren’t still swollen. I had told Diluc I wouldn’t cry the whole boat ride, but I was in Nod Krai now so I had been letting a few tears slip. 

       “I’m dandy. Just waiting for the Knights to turn up and get their wares.” I didn’t know how much I should tell him.  

       “The wild hunt must have them held up.” He snapped out of his daze and swished his lantern around to size up the shipment. “They often order wine, but it’s rare they aren’t here to collect it. You don’t look like you work for the winery, but you must be here for a reason.”

       “I don’t. I’m here to…see someone.” I tried to swallow, my mouth running dry. “I am friends with the winery’s owner, and he secured me a path here from Mondstadt. Somehow, I talked the staff into leaving me here to wait. That was before sunset though.”

       “It’s a dangerous town to be left alone with such a valuable commodity.” He pushed his fringe back, and I could see a beauty dot by his eye.

       “I’m not the most capable, but I’m not helpless either.” I turned to face him fully, getting to my feet. My body popped and cracked, wavering as I tried to remember what standing on solid ground felt like. “What’s the wild hunt?”

       “You’ve never heard of it?” He balked.

       “Never.” My brother never mentioned it before.But he didn’t talk about work in letters much. If he sent a letter at all it was all about the numbers and outcomes of his battles.

       “The wild hunt is a phenomenon that occurs in Nod Krai. Pure abyss energy taints the dead and produces monsters that randomly appear in hoards. It starts as a dark fog and quickly over takes the area. It normally happens at night but can appear in the day.” He was giving me the abridged version, but from the sounds of it, that was plenty. 

       “That sounds horrifying.” I blinked a few times, looking around the area. “No one’s ever mentioned it back home. I’d wager most people don’t even know that’s a concern.”

       “There are people who stand against the wild hunt. I am one of them, we are the Lightkeepers.” He puffed his chest out, just slightly. It was definitely a line he had practiced in a mirror. 

       “Oh? That’s like the Knights then. Protecting the people is part of their duties.” I didn’t know why this fellow was talking with me if his job was to fend off the wild hunt. Besides me being a sitting duck, there was no reason to educate me. Maybe he was just a kind soul or educating new people was part of his duties?

       “Similar enough.” He looked at the night sky then back at me. “Let me get some of my fellow Lightkeepers to come over and we can try to get in touch with the Knights of Favonious. Maybe get you into a room at the Flagship for now.”

       “That’s too much trouble for you and your colleagues.” I tried to flick my wrist and send him away. “Go look for the wild hunt and don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

       “Please, be agreeable.” He held my gaze, solid as an oak tree. “It’s my duty to look after the people in Nod Krai.”

“Not just fight the wild hunt?”

“We perform many duties. One of them is ensuring travelers safety.”

       “I suppose that includes me now…”

       “Yes.”

       “Alright. Go find your comrades and I’ll be here waiting.”I tried to not sound so apathetic, but I was drained. He could see that, so I hoped he’d forgive me for being blunt. I waited for him t go but he reached in his pocket. He pulled out a fruit I’d never seen before and passed it to me.

       “I’ll be right back.” He didn’t walk away, he sprinted. Turning a corner so fast I was surprised he didn’t fall on his side. 

       “What an interesting man.” I rolled the yellow fruit around my palm. Was it safe to eat? Would I magically be allergic? Was it even good? Could I hold it down after such a long journey?

       Thoughts raced through my mind, one standing out. One that I couldn’t voice out loud. But…If it did kill me, would it be so bad?

Bonus One:

       Everyone was gathered around the dock. Lumine and Paimon had their things loaded on the boat. Varka would be traveling with them back to Mondstadt, but all his items were on his back. The air was biting with the cold breeze, but tucked under Flins’ arm, it wasn’t too bad being outside.

       “Be sure to come back often.” Jahoda was holding back tears, I could tell her inner monologue was going crazy as we went back and forth with good-byes.

       “Yeah, don’t be a stranger.” Aino had her arms crossed, and I couldn’t help but stare at her cute pout.

       “May the moonlight guide you on your journey.” Lauma offered up a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

       “You all are acting as if the Traveler is leaving forever.” Nefer shook her head, stepping to the front of the group.  “You three take care of yourselves.”

       “Of course.” Varka bellowed, holding his stomach as he bent over.

       “(Y/n).” Paimon flew up to me, her eyes darting between me and Flins. “You know, it’s not too late to come with us. You’d love Mondstadt.”

       “Maybe next time.” I didn’t dwell on it. I couldn’t. Part of me was desperate to see the world, but there was still so much healing I needed to do. 

       Varka caught our conversation and joined it. “When the time comes, feel free to join Al and Durin when they return. You and Flins would be our honored guests.” Varka hummed, looking at the boat. “It’s a long journey, but worth your while.”

       “We’ll be there.” Flins agreed for us. “Just in due time, friend.”

       “Bet on it.” I grinned.

       The time had come; the boat was about to take off. The three were leaning over the railing, waving as the boat came to life.

       “See you soon!” Lumine yelled. Soon they were just a spec in the night.

        A sadness settled in my stomach. Like a punch of doubt right to the gut, I wondered if I should have gone with Lumine. Then Flins pulled me a little tighter to his side and the worry vanished.

       “Let’s go home.” I hummed. We said our short term good byes and headed out.

Bonus Two:

       “I have an antigen you’ve never seen before? Mixed with one you’ve only seen in the fae and Columbina?” I dumbed down what Albedo had said, trying to wrap my brain around it.

       “Correct.” Albedo whirled a tube around, holding it to the dim light. We were in his lab that rested in the underground bunker we used during the Rerir incident.

       “So, how did Flins give her blood that one time?” Durin asked. He was nestled beside me, his tail trailing up my back and the tip resting on my head. I had come to love the dragon boy, maybe it was the fact we had to write our own fate in this world, or how endearing he could be, but I’d be sad when he left.

       “You can donate blood to people as long as the base matches and the antigens don’t conflict, right?” I asked Al.

       “Yes, that’s one way to look at it. Though it was a gamble at the time with Flins’ extra antigen, I knew it was your only chance.” He wrote something down, humming to himself. “I’m always surprised with your knowledge of biology.”

       “I know you meant that in a good way, but it’s almost like you’re saying you think I should be dumber than I am.” I knew he didn’t mean it that way, but it didn’t hurt to point it out and clarify.

       “Of course not. I don’t mean to come off so abrasive.” He chewed on his inner cheek. “You are more educated than most, and I am always surprised you found such solid formal education.”

       “Anyway, you also said something changed from the first sample you took to now?” I prodded him to keep going, Durin’s tail trying to glide over my ears.

       “Yes, peculiar. When I first checked your blood type, the unknown antigen was more abundant. However, the new sample is more balanced. Something changed between both samples.” Albedo knew most everything that went down, but he didn’t try to pry beyond what was shared. He was also vague in front of Durin, which was helpful. 

       “Interesting.” I twiddled my fingers around each other.

       “However.” Al frowned.

       “I don’t like that face.” Durin gripped me tighter.

       “My hypothesis is that the unknown antigen is fading. I’ve never witnessed a being's blood type evolve, or in this case devolve. We will be heading back to Mondstadt soon, but I want to keep monitoring the changes.” Al offered me a reassuring smile. “I’m sure it’s all going to work out.”

       “It’s not over till it’s good.” I repeated the saying from my old life. I couldn’t remember where I heard it, but the words flowed to me with ease.

       “That's a good way to look at it.” Durin let me go, sitting on a stool on the other side of the work bench. I didn’t know why he moved. 

       “Yes, a wonderful outlook.” Al paused. “I’ll let you know if I make any more noteworthy discoveries.”

       “Thank you for your hard work.” Albedo had worked hard trying to make sure I would be able to hold my connection to this world. “Well, it’s almost morning, I should head out.” I stretched and my bones popped into place.

       “I’ll walk you home!” Durin offered, standing up with a jump. The gloom that had ghosted over him was gone. 

       “Easy Druin, you should ask first.” Albedo offered his input and Durin thought it over.

       “Can I please walk you home?” He made me laugh, his big eyes pleading.

       “Alright, let’s go. Thank you Al.” I waved him off. Durin and I stepped out into the morning sun.There was a stretch of silence. 

      “(Y/n).”

      “Yes?”

      “Is there a reason you’re keeping secrets?” He fiddled with the hilt of his sword, taking steps to match mine. 

      “Oh.” I guess Al being vague was enough to raise suspension. “Well, I don’t want to worry you.”

      “I’m worried either way.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach past his lips.

     Lots of half truths came to mind, ways to give just enough to settle him or change the topic. Smoothing my ears against the top of my head, I cleared my throat. “What if I wasn’t fully from this world?”

    “Then, we’d have something in common.” He paused for me to continue. 

    “We have a few things in common.” I thought of the Moon Goddess’ and the rabbit’s love for me. How it transcended universes and time lines, giving me a gift most dream of. “In an act of divine love, I was transplanted into this world. When Al is talking about my antigens, we suppose it was a piece from my old world.”

    Durin grabbed my hand, squeezing it tight. “But it’s fading?”

    “Yes. I don’t know what will happen to me or my memories from the past, but I’ve craved my own fate here. I’ve made myself a place at the table.”

    “I understand that, maybe better than most.” He pulled me further towards the place I called home. “I’m glad we got to meet. And I'm even more so glad, you trust me with the truth.”

    “We have each other’s backs, right?” My shoulder relaxed.

     “Always.”

Bonus Three:

       I was on Hiisi island. Lauma had just finished up with family dinner, and we were sitting on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. In my hand, I nursed an untouched drink. Lauma had noticed my hesitation to sip what I would normally down, her brows knitting with worry. 

       “We haven’t had a moment alone in a long time.” Lauma started the conversation. She grabbed my free hand and brought it to her lap, wrapping both her hands around it. The heat settled into my stiff fingers, spreading through to my wrists.

       When I woke up in this world, I had pristine skin. Healing took time, that much I had figured out, but not enough time had passed for the grip marks on my forearms to vanish. Lauma had fought for me, risking the whole operation just to make sure I wasn’t killed. Maybe she didn’t trust my strength, or didn’t understand my position. She was aware, to some degree, that I knew more than most. She was the first to recognize I would sacrifice myself to make sure they made it. Long before Flins looked after me, there was Lauma paying my way and trying to get me on my feet.

       “You look conflicted.” Lauma’s eyes settled on mine. “Do you wish to have more company?”     

       “I’m glad we’re having this moment.” I snapped back to the present. “We have been pulled in so many directions. It didn’t give me much of a chance to catch up. Even in Silver Moon Hall, we were never alone.”

       “Yes. Columbina, worked tirelessly to stabilize you.” She recounted, kicking her leg forward and resting it back against the rock.

       “Apparently, the blood you’d been slipping in my drinks helped me stay connected to Teyvat.” Her eyes widened, jaw tightening before she sucked on her lower lip.

       “You are aware of my actions. I promise there was no ill intent, you just looked so sickly.” She let my hand go, holding her own up to the moon. “I’ve shed blood so many times in secret. Anything I can do to help, I don’t hesitate. I just…wanted to make sure you’d recover from the atrocities thrown at you. There should have been clear consent when I started the process. I’ve broken your trust.” She raked herself over the coals. 

       “I know you meant well.” Taking a long swig of the drink she gave me back at dinner, she gasped. “You did break my trust, but I know you’ve had to operate in secret for a long time. I have some of my own secrets.” I thought back to all the times I tried to heal without consent, how badly I wanted to make a difference. While this was gross in theory, it had worked out in the end and was all in good faith.  “Just, ask me before you do it. I don’t want you spilling any more blood over me.”

       “I will ask. I am sorry.” Her head hung low.

       “Hey, I’m not mad at you. I was just shocked. Please, don’t beat yourself up and make me sad.” I nudged her with my shoulder and pointed up at the sky. “Look how pretty the real moon is. Everything worked out and we’re going to be okay.”

       “I don’t deserve your grace.” Her lips curled up at the corners. “Thank you. We wouldn’t have gotten this far without you.”

       “I’m glad I was here to help.” I meant it. Maybe this world had to make a space for me, but I was settling in. “Come on. Let’s go to the library and write down some more history.”

       “I would like that.” She stood and eased me up, keeping a grip on me until we were away from the cliff’s edge.

       Lauma was the original support for the group. She could do a little healing, but not be dedicated to it. Because I was there, she was able to offer more back up. In some ways, I was stealing her thunder, but she was none the wiser.  

       I stood back and watched her walk a few feet in front of me, her skirt swishing at her hips. “Lauma. I forgot something.”

       “What was that?” She turned back, the moons reflecting in her eyes.

       “I owe you a ‘thank you’.” I ran my fingers over the grooves in my arms. “So, thank you for looking out for me.”

       “You’re welcome.” She grabbed my hand, and pulled us down the path.

Bonus Four:

       “You sure like flowers.” Aino watched me dance among the tall flowers in the field.

       “Affirmative, when presented with flower’s, (Y/n)’s mood typically increases by thirty percent.” Ineffa tucked a flower in my hair. “That number increases to forty when placed in her braid.”

       “Am I that easy to read?” I dipped my finger into my hair till I found the flower steam. Adjusting it to my liking, I could only hope it looked right.

       “You’re one of the harder ones.” Aino pulled out a game of pick up sticks from her pocket. “I still can’t tell if you like or hate playing games.”

       “The data suggests an apprehension when playing games she's not familiar with.” Ineffa pulled out a pack of cards. “Perhaps we play some old maid? It seems to be one we all know well.”

       “Well, look at who we found!” Jahoda was strolling to our side, Nefer just behind her. It was odd to see Nefer outside her office, in less there was a crisis.

       “How’s it going?” I greeted them, bouncing on my heels. “What brings you both out today?”

       “Just grabbing some fresh air.” Nefer was hiding something.  Jahoda was struggling to keep her lips sealed. The younger one’s eyes darted to the older ones. 

       “You’re coming from Hiisi island. Did you go see Lauma?” I asked, prying just a bit.

       “No. Better luck gathering intel next time.” Nefer smiled, playing with me. “Though, if you ever need a job, the Curatorium could use someone so easy to talk to. I bet you could pull out all kinds of information with the right target.”

       “What Boss means is, it’s a secret.” Jahoda was flailing around, eyes shut tight and her stress going off the charts. “She is also complimenting you for almost making her slip.”

        “Jahoda.” Nefer sent a shiver down the girl's spine. 

       “It’s not a big deal. And thank you for the compliment.” I glanced back at Ineffa, her eyes glowing.

       “They’ve been to the Kuuvaki Design Bureau." Ineffa paused for a second to finish her internal work. Her eyes were glued to Jahoda’s hip, a visitor pass peaking out of her pocket.   

       “Don’t tell me you’re working with the Fatui.” Aino took the cards from Ineffa and crudely mixed them.

       “Not quite.” Nefer’s eyes locked with mine, her lashes fluttering softly. “We just wanted to make sure a dear friend would no longer be a person of interest. Nothing is final, but we are reaching a deal.”

       A weight settled on my chest. Nefer and I didn’t get to interact much outside battle initially. But now that I had settled in, I always stopped by when I was in Nasha town. It always surprised her when I’d get her to open up or accept a little favor.  I wasn’t there in her chess set when Rerir was loose, so I had to get her to open on her own time to me.

       “Is that friend, (Y/n)?” Aino smiled, handing Ineffa back the cards to be shuffled more thoroughly.

       “It’s confidential.” Jahoda held the back of her head.

       “I’m so grateful.” I bowed at the waist. “ If I am that friend, I’m glad you were able to make changes diplomatically.”

       “I half expected Flins to have run them off by now.” Jahoda balked at the thought. “The man’s scary.”

        I laughed. “He can be scary to the wrong people.” I needed to change the subject. “How about you two join us for a game?”

       “Yeah! We’re playing old maid.” Aino raised her arm to the air with a cheer.

       “Boss?” Jahoda offered up some puppy dog eyes.

       “One round would be nice.” Nefer settled on the grass below us.

       “Alright!” Jahoda sat by her, and soon we had a tight knit circle.

       We played for a few hours, Nefer determined to win, despite the game mostly being luck based. There were some elements of prediction, but it was a children’s game for a reason.  I could tell everyone was having fun, playing in the sun and sharing a good laugh, this was worth fighting to protect.

Bonus Five:

       “Maybe a different shade of blue?” I pursed my lips, wishing Silver Moon Hall had better lighting.

       “Right. Perhaps this one?” Columbina pointed to the new color we made earlier in the night.

       The kuuhenki picked up the new color with its brush, dragging it along the night’s sky. I had been visiting Columbina more and more on nights when Flins had meetings. I didn’t center my life around Flins alone by any means, but there was something about time apart that made the heart fonder.

       “How have you been?” Columbina’s curious tone hinted at a desired deeper answer than a simple ‘good’.

       “Things have been going well. I keep overlooking little things from before…I’m trying to brace for the day things disappear forever. It’s better than forgetting all at once, but the slow fade is hard.” Finding the silver lining, I chewed my inner cheek.

       “Your goddess, she loved you very much.” Columbina took a shallow breath. “If that day comes where you forget, I will remind you.”

       “Thank you. I owe you for helping in the inner world, and I will continue to be appreciative of your support. I still can’t believe I’ve held the favor of two Moon Goddesses.” Her hand glowed, her blessing settling over my bones. Like jumping into a spring on a hot day, her essence filled me.

       “You are easy to love.” She flexed open her eyes. “Beautiful inside and out.”

       “I’m glad we can be friends. I’m happy we’re still here.” I dug my toes into the ground. “It was a close call.”

       “It was.” She glanced at the scene the kuuhenki was painting. It was coming together nicely, Columbina coming down from the sky to save Nod Krai. “Without your healing, I think there would have been a worse outcome.”

       “Don’t inflate my ego too much.” I eased myself back into a moon swing she had created for me earlier.

       “I won’t’.” She smiled, soft and contagious. “You could stand to be a little more confident.”

       “Progress takes time, and I have a lot of time to make up for.” I closed my eyes, and Columbina hummed. After picking up her pattern, I joined her humming and filled the cave with our voices.

Bonus Six:

       “You imported oranges.”  Flins and I were in Nasha town, walking to the docks to pick up the box. He finally let it slip why we were here. 

       “I ordered other things as well.” He flexed his bicep, the muscle rolling in my hand that was hooked around him. The subtle act,a ploy to distract me. He knew I loved his arms. 

       “It would be a lie to say I’m not excited.” I gave in, twirling the ring on my finger around a few times. Heat made its way up my throat and settled in my cheeks. 

       “That’s all I could wish for.” He kissed my temple, pausing by a fruit stand. His eyes combed over the selection. “Is there anything you desire, Starlight?”

       Someone bumped into us. Flins’ steady stance kept us up right. The person who bumped into us didn’t hit hard, but it was enough to knock us. Glancing at the culprit my heart dropped to the floor in a fraction of a second. One hand on Flins, the other latching to her wrist, I trembled. Even with just a hazy idea of her countenance, I knew. 

       “What’s come over you, Starlight?” Flins whispered in my ear, the other girl looking at me like I was crazy.

       The girl was a spitting image of my sister. From her head to her toes, the only difference was her outfit. She would never be caught dead in a dress. Her eyes glazed over me, pulling away with a familiar distaste for touch. My hand fell limp to my side, and I tried to mill over what was happening. 

       “I’m sorry. You just look like someone I knew.” I recovered smoothly, wishing to hold her tight. “I’m (Y/n). What’s your name?” Play it polite. 

       My sister’s name fell from her lips. There was no recognition on her part, no sign she had a clue of who I was.  Still, she stood there waiting for me to make my next move. Tapping her foot, she didn't understand my intense gaze. 

       Flins eased his hand across my back, fingers resting on my hip. My heart settled quickly, I needed to do this right. “I apologize for grabbing you just now. Are you new in town?”

       “Just got off the boat this morning. And just now got through the line.” She pointed to the ‘immigration’ line, cracking a smile and rolling her eyes. She was funny like my sister too.

       “Well, don’t be a stranger. The best spot for lodging is the Flagship; it’s also the best spot for a drink.” I knew the conversation wasn’t going to last long, no matter how much I willed it. Maybe if she took my recommendation, I could find her again. 

       “Right. Thanks.” She nodded, disappearing back into the crowd. I watched her as long as I could. Flins let me watch, his touch holding me down to Teyvat. 

       “Who was that?” Flins got us back on the path to the docks.

       “She is the spitting image of my sister.” I felt like I had seen a ghost, though I had been the one to die before her.

       “I see. Perhaps fate will pull you closer together.” He had heard my stories. While she wasn’t the most affectionate, we were close. Having grown up in a bad environment, we were each other's witness. Though, in this life, she clearly didn’t remember me.

       “If not, I can make peace. It was just nice to see her visage. She was getting blurry in my mind.” We got in line at the boat with our goods and waited our turn.

       “I will support you, always.” He assured me.

       It was quiet on the walk home. Flins carried the crate of goods, and I handled the bags from our local shopping. My thoughts were racing, but once we reached the Lighthouse, I had found solace inside myself. Whatever happened, was just how it was going to be. Even at this pace, I was fae and the girl, who looked my sister, was just human. I wouldn’t seek her out, but let her come to me. Time would turn against me one day. Maybe I would forget by then…

       Settling on the couch, Flins went to the kitchen and pulled out the juicer tool. He added sugar and additives I wasn’t familiar with, but I trusted him to make something amazing.

       “Kyryll.” Minutes ticked by in thought. I took the glass that was out stretched to me after he finished. “Do you think…that everything happens for a reason?”

       “Are you asking if I believe in a predetermined fate?” He sat by me, sniffing his wine.

       “Maybe? Do you think, all the good and bad eventually comes out to a happy life?” He was older than me, by a lot. I had spent at least one hundred years on the moon, but I didn’t remember my wisdom.

       “Happiness is what you make of life.” He spouted some fortune cookie bullshit.

       “I’m happy with you, with our friends, and with the idea that I get a third chance.” There were still days after the big fight for Nod Krai that I got lost in the lines that made me up. “I just miss some things dearly. To see one of them as my flesh and blood, made it so real.”

       “What can I do to help?” He prodded, sitting his glass aside.

       “You can hold me while I figure this out. If you feel up to it?”  We had been living together for months, but I still wanted to make sure he was up for the task.

       “It would be my pleasure.” He kissed me, the Fontaine wine’s flavor mixing with the orange notes in my mouth. While not the best, I convinced myself it was like a screw driver and let my eyes flutter open. “My Starlight, my love, my meaning.” He pressed his lips to my forehead for a few beats.

       “My favorite lamp.” I kissed his cheek.

       “It’s a lantern.” He corrected me.

       “Lamp.” I felt lighter, my worry melting away.

       “You’re teasing me.” He fended hurt, and pushed closer into my hold. If he could crawl into my skin, I think he would do it.

       “It’s my favorite.” I shrugged, pulling his head into my lap.

       “I love you.” He said it often, but it never lost meaning.

       “I love you.” I mirrored him, the words coming from my fluttering heart.  

       No matter what life in Nod Krai threw at me. No matter how many human friends I lost. No matter how small the earth became in my mind. None of it mattered more than this moment. Tangled up with Kyryll, I listened to his heart, settling into a relaxed state. I hadn’t felt such peace in a long time…

       With a poof, I could feel them. On either side of my skull rested human ears. I got so excited they switched right back. “At least we know it can happen.” Flins smiled into my skin.

       “You look better.” Albedo entered my room.

       “I feel better.” I cleared my throat, downing the water on the nightstand.

       “Hey, I brought flowers again.” Durin crashed into the room, his wings flared, and a handful of local flowers spewing from his hand.

       “Thank you, Durin.” I smiled at the dragon, and watched him switch out the flowers with the ones he collected yesterday. Aino and Ineffa had been taking him to nearby fields to gather flowers. It was the only way to get him to leave…speaking of getting someone to leave. 

       “Where is Sir Flins, did you finally convince him to leave?” Illuga pushed past the other two, and passed me a new book. He offered me a solemn smile. 

       “He’s catching dinner.” Albedo answered, ticking away at his clipboard. Flins was finally taking some time for himself, even if it was in the name of feeding Albedo and Durin. “(Y/n), I’ve noticed some interesting things, I will report back shortly. I just need to analyze the sample from Columbina.”

       “I’ll watch her while you do that.” Durin posted up on the other side of the bed, opposite of Illuga.

       “There hasn’t been a moment of peace since I woke up.” I laughed. It had been touch and go at first, similar to the first time I woke up in this world. “I’ve never seen so many visitors.”

       “If you would like peace, I could leave.” Illuga offered, his hand pointing at the door, eyebrows knitting together. 

       “No, I’m only thinking out loud. I’m so happy you’re here.” I grabbed his hand, and ran my fingers over his knuckles. “I was worried about leaving you.”

       “What happened? It’s been a week, and this is the first time I’ve got to see you awake since the incident.” He swallowed hard, lips sucked in. “After watching you crash into the side of that platform, I’ve just wanted to check in on you.”

       “It’s complicated.” Durin blurted out. He was trying to help, but talking about it wasn’t going to kill me. 

       “Not that complicated.” Heat spread over my face. “Just, um. A lot of forces came together to make sure I got to stay here. And this is my second day awake, give me some grace.” I tucked my head down. “Thank you for worrying over me, and for helping me.”

       “I’m glad we didn’t lose you.” He looked at the door, Lumine was hoovering. “I should go; you have more company.”

       “Please, swing back by when you can.” I let him go.

       “Durin, can you give us a minute?” Lumine asked, eyes downcast.  Lumine and I had still hadn’t officially made up from our fight. Her voice was soft, but still I worried she was going to blow up on me again.

       “Yes. I’ll be just outside.” His tail hit the bed post as he passed. Once gone, she sat at the foot of the bed.

       “Columbina told me about your inner world.” Lumine started with something I didn’t expect.

       “I thought I’d lose all my memories of this world and my last. I wasn’t prepared, but I was willing.” I picked at my cuticles. The truth was, I knew Flins would earn my affections again, and he’d take care of me. Really all of them would, as long as they didn’t forget me. “It’s foggy, but I remember most things.” The Earth’s Moon Goddess flashed behind my eyes. I couldn’t remember her face, but I could still hear her voice in my head singing to me, and still smell the rice cakes.

       “You couldn’t forget the fight we had, how lucky for me.” She was sucking in her breath, folding her hands in her lap. “When the Doctor had you by your ears, I was so worried. And when you were left behind, I didn’t know what to do. So, I asked myself, what would (Y/n) do in this situation?”

       “What did you come up with?” I gripped the bed sheet but looked at her, her gaze wouldn’t hold mine.

       “You would forgive me, and want me to keep going with the story. That the only way to get you back, was to keep moving forward.” She sucked in her lower lip. “It was hard. Knowing you were alone with that monster. I couldn’t relax. And Flins…he was hurting, and it made the guilt that much worse.”

       “We won. It’s over as far as I’m aware.” I had no clue if I knew more, or if this was it. If all my memories were tainted with what happened in the inner world, I could never be sure again. “Well, your story here in Nod Krai.”

       “I am sorry for how I acted.” She sighed. “It has to be hard, trying not to interfere. I’m glad it will be easier for you to continue on from here.Clueless as the rest of us.”

       “I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing.” I shrugged my shoulders. “I’m not as useful now, not that I did much besides fuck it up. Still, I was glad to be a part of it. And I forgive you, I hold no ill will.”

       “No, you were our dedicated healer, we needed you. You didn’t mess things up.” She stood with a quick push. “And thank you for your forgiveness.” She glanced at the door. “Paimon wants to see you, but I needed to make peace first.”

       “Lumine, I’m glad you found me when looking for the moon marrow.” The room grew quiet. She was wearing her new outfit, so she had been to the moon at this point.

       “Me too.” She went and opened the door.

       Paimon buzzed into the room, throwing her arms around my neck and squeezing tight. “(Y/n)! I was so worried.” She cried, digging her fingers into my shirt. “Paimon missed you.”

       “I missed you too. I missed everyone while I was with the Doctor. The man knows how to monologue.” I waited for them to laugh but they didn’t.

       “(Y/n), what happens now?” Lumine glanced around the room.  “Will you stay by our side, or forge your own path?”

We were in the Lighthouse; the familiar atmosphere was a nice change from Silver Moon Hall where I had been the first half of the week. Columbina had been pouring her blessing into me since before I came too. From what I understood, there was a transformation that took place. On a spiritual level, I had the blessing of two separate Moon Goddesses and my semi intact human soul. On the physical level I had my nod Krai bones and donated blood. But there was a third element, one that Columbina said represented the ties I made to my new life while referencing my old life. A combination of all the components, my bonds. 

       “I’m sure we will travel together again. But my heart is here, I don’t want to leave just yet. Not after I just got it back.” I flexed my feet under the covers, sliding them over the side. “I haven’t had a moment alone since coming back. Not alone with Flins anyway.”

       “Oh, you two haven’t had a chance to talk yet?” Paimon nodded with a simple understanding.

       “I’ve had guard dogs everywhere I turn.” I loved having Durin and Albedo by my side at the lighthouse, and I was thankful for Columbina’s blessing in the Hall and Lauma’s special drinks, but I needed to make sure of something.

       “The sun is about to set, now is the time.” Lumine’s features softened. “You know, that night we met. I didn’t know how close we would become. I’m grateful to have met you.”

       “This isn’t goodbye, right?” I noticed her bags were sitting outside the door.

       “I know it’s soon, but there’s more to learn.” She placed her hands on both of my shoulders. “Now go and have that talk. We’ll keep Durin busy.”

       “Will you be here when I get back, for a proper send off?” I didn’t want to ditch her. While I had been waiting a long time to see Flins alone, a little longer wouldn’t hurt.

       “We’ll have our moment by the docks in Nasha Town. We leave at midnight.” She hugged me, Paimon doing the same.

       “We’re going to miss you like crazy.” Paimon whispered.

       “I’ll miss you too. So, write often.” I pulled away, and they walked into the living room.

       “Durin, can you help us with our bags?” Paimon asked.

       After a few minutes the door leading outside opened and closed. I waited a bit longer and fretted over my hair in the mirror. The braid Flins had put in last night was falling out. I took it down, and smoothed the edges. Running my hands along my sides, I took quick steps outside.

       The ghosts were at peace today. While it took time to get used to sharing an island with the dead, it had its perks. I owed them a lot for the heads up that night the Fatui attacked.

       Crossing the island to the dock, I saw Flins. I assumed he would be fishing, but he was sitting at the end of the platform. He wasn’t in his usual uniform, instead he had on his loose button up and a pair of black trousers. His boots sat beside him, his toes being lapped by the water beneath him. The sun was sinking, orange, purple and pink danced across the horizon.

       “No fish biting today?” I asked. I knew, he knew that I was there, but I wanted to break the ice.

       “My Starlight.” He glanced back, his eyes finding mine with a practiced ease. “Are you feeling better?”

       “I am.” The breeze picked up the hem of my dress and it bellowed around my ankles. “We have something important to discuss.”

       “Indeed.” He tapped his bare hand on the spot beside him. A few long strides and a gentle plop, I rested beside him.

       We hadn’t touched much, not since I was awake. Well, we had our hands latched at any given moment, but nothing more than that. There had been too many people around. Still, I rested my head on his shoulder and placed my palm on his thigh.

       “So, the Fae keep their promises. You upheld yours, and you protected me throughout this whole ordeal. Now, I want to keep good on mine.” I plucked a loose thread on his pants. His hand rested under my chin, pushing me off and my head up to look at him.

       “It’s finally over?” His eyes were pleading for it to be true, a thin layer of gloss settling over his sullen yellow eyes.

       “It’s never over, just the point I was aware of.” I danced around the future. “But this is the point…this is the moment I knew we’d be okay. If you still want me, then I want you, Kyryll.”

       “I love you, with every ounce of strength in my body I will continue to uphold my promise. Only, from here on, we will do so as lovers.” It was the second time he had said it. The last time, I had stayed quiet in an attempt to make things easier, to keep him safe.

       Tears welled in my eyes, and I flung my arms around his neck, sending us both backwards on the dock. The orange sky illuminated Flins’ face, I cupped his cheek, the shadow of my hand hiding the light. “I love you, and I refuse to hold my tongue any longer.”

       He leaned up, and I bobbed down. Our lips melted together, a steady pace was set, and went on for a moment longer than decent. Not needing to breathe had more perks the longer I got used to it. His hand tangled in my hair, the other resting on my soft hip.

       “You can always speak your mind with me.” He rubbed his thumb over the curve of my lower lip.

       “And how thankful I am for that privilege.” I smiled, laying my head on his chest. His arms wrapped around me.

       “The privilege is all mine.” He kissed my temple. We stayed linked together till the sun was long gone and the sky was lit up with stars. The Frost moon was back in its rightful place. Everything had worked out, despite my worries, it was all okay. I’m sure there were ripples that my arrival would affect, but that didn’t matter now. The only thing that mattered was the family I had found.

The End

       When my eyes fluttered open, there was a familiar pink glittering light. The light danced around me in the pitch black, up then down like a ballerina on point. I took a deep breath, but my chest did not heave. Smoothing my hands over my hair, there were no bunny ears. Another swipe down my back, my cotton tail was gone as well.

       The light stopped inches from my face, a familiar woman appearing, slowly manifesting from her nose to her toes. She was floating, the pink light swirling around her bent knees. Her finger slowly poked my cheek and I didn’t flinch. There was something so normal in the action. 

       She laughed, swishing a few feet away from me. “(Y/n), do you remember me?”

       “Moon goddess.” The words fell from my lips before my brain could catch up. “How, why did I forget our time together? Is the rabbit here? Where are we?”

       “Shh.” She cupped my face, barely resting her fingers against my skin. “I am but a piece that I tucked inside you when I let you go. We all hoped you’d be able to find a suitable body, I just didn’t know how far away I had to look.” She swallowed hard, grasping a stand of my hair and twisting it around her finger. “I assume our dear friend rabbit showed you what you needed to see?”

       “He’s a rabbit of few words.” I laughed, finally noticing a pink glow all around my body. “So, once I died the first time, we watched over earth together?”

       “Yes. Every moon holds a goddess, but many are alone. I was fortunate to have you and rabbit by my side.” A strand of her black hair fell into her face. “But human souls don’t last on the moon. So, we searched and searched for a way to bring you back…in a way that you would live a longer life. Never would I imagine where I’d sent you.” Tears welled in her eyes. “Or to who.”

       “I at least knew what was happening in this world, from the game. I guess the theory that every story is real in one universe or another is true.” I held her hand, but I phased through her. “What is happening?”

       “We are in your inner world. A dimension in its own right.” She looked at the darkness. “I believe the only thing still holding you to this world, is the physical components you’ve consumed. Flins’ blood, Lauma’s blood, this world’s moon goddess’ blessing and the giant beast bones that make up your body.”

       “Wait, Lauma’s blood? How do you know all this?” I never had Lauma’s blood?

       “I’ve been watching over you. Your powers originated from my essence. Your spirit is uniquely yours. Our combined core means I’ve been able to watch from a different plain of existence. Just like your friend Columbina did.”

       “Oh. Did you help me along the way too?” She nodded. “Okay, so back to Lauma?” I shook my head, there were so many things to ask. “This is too much information.”

       “We don’t have much time.” Her cadence changed slightly, picking up the pace of her words. “But Lauma was sneaking her blood into your drinks. She hoped to heal you more effectively.”

       “Wow. That’s odd. But I guess if it’s holding me here…how do I get back?” I noticed the pink glowing around me was dwindling. Fast.

       “I am holding your consciences together.” She tightened her jaw. “With the Frost moon so close to your new world, Earth’s blessing is fading.”

       “So…I wasted my time. I’m going to vanish.” My worst fears were coming true. I was going to disappear. Gripping my throat I couldn’t find a grip. 

       “I won’t allow it.” She pointed up, there was a crescent moon hanging above us.  “I believe, if you embrace your new life, we can swap my blessing for Columbina’s, we can change your fate.”

       “What does that mean?” Her aura was calming, but sullen.

       “You would forget about Earth. Your old life. Your humanity.” She pointed to herself. “You’ve already given up your memories of the moon. It was selfish of rabbit and I to remind you, to put you through this. But one goodbye is hardly enough.”

“I can tell we were close.” There was some hint of what we did together, but it was a shallow pond in my mind. “Despite you feeling selfish,I am glad I can figure this all out.”I swallowed hard. “I just need to figure out the best choice.”

“Your grace always impresses me.” She manipulated a small sliver of water, and it turned in a cork screw shape. 

       “Will I remember my time in Nod Krai, if I give up my Earth memories? Will the others remember me?” I looked at myself more closely. I was in the outfit I died in on earth. The black slacks, floral dress shirt and orange sneakers were a choice. I didn’t recognize myself like I thought I would. “Will I even be the same person?"

       “I’m unsure.” Her eyes cast down. “This is the only way to go back to Teyvat.”

       “My life, my life before all this. I know it’s long gone, but I don’t want to forget my sister, my dog, my favorite stories, and songs. It’s so important to me.” I could feel the tug, my soul was trying to scatter, to be reborn in new people in far away places. “I don’t want to forget my friends; I don’t want to lose Flins.”

       “We truly don’t have much time.” She let out a breath that sounded like she might throw up. Reaching in her pocket she pulled out a rice cake for me. “You can’t eat it, but maybe the smell will calm you enough to clear your head.”

       I sniffed the cake; the grain was hard to describe. Maybe it smelled like starch. Spending a few seconds thinking about it, I stilled my resolve. The pink glow holding me together, reminded me of the ring Flins had got me. He had promised he would always find me. But he can’t find all of me if I am reborn anew.

Tightening my fist, I imagined my outfit changing, and it did. Slowly I was in my star dress that Jahoda had first picked out for me.  My hair was in a braid, my ring back on my finger. Bunny ears adorned my head and a tail rested under my dress.

       “You know, I could always try to get you back to the moon.” She chuckled, trying to play it off as a joke. “Maybe having a physical body here will buy you more time with us.”

       “Thank you, for everything you and rabbit did for me. I know what I need to do. I’m sorry I can’t go with you.” I turned and began to ascend up to the crescent moon above. The Earth Moon Goddess began to sing, the pink glow swirling around me aiding in lifting me higher.

       A second voice joined in. Blue flowers broke through the darkness, a light coming in from the opposite side of the crescent moon. It was so small at first, only a spec in the black. But slowly a new moon appeared, the Frost moon. Bathed in its light, I knew the second voice…Columbina. Blue and pink energies began to mingle, but not mix. Wrapping around me, I began to sing with them. Harmonizing, an indigo color weaved between the other two.  Stars began to sprinkle the darkness, like a galaxy being born there was a snap.  

       All my lives flashed before my eyes at once. The ones I remembered and the ones forgotten. The images were flying past me, but the singing continued. More voices had joined the fray, slow at first but picking up. I followed the sound, some of the voices scratchy and broken, others angelic and sure. My memories were getting fuzzy at the edges, but my body stayed whole with the three lights weaving around me.

       All the whirling and voices culminated in a pool at the end of the line. Looking at my reflection, I could see my body cradled in Flins’ arms. All my friends were around me, singing. There was also the reflection of a cosmos hanging above me, the Earth’s Moon Goddess and Rabbit just barely visible. I didn’t know what would happen when I crossed over, but I knew it was where I belonged. Flins leaned down and planted a kiss on my forehead, my heart ached for him.

       Time wasn’t real. Nothing was real. Dottore was spreading his claws all over the landscapes of Nod Krai, and I was back in the box. At least I was human again, though my box was still kept tight. My shoulders were squished together, knees bent and head down, I had gone long past the point of cramping up.

       At this moment in the story, they were evacuating the islands. Columbina would be going back in time and leaving hints as she went. The others would be working in collaboration to get lots of tasks done. I could only hope they were focused on the bigger picture and not another rescue mission. I was fortunate, Dottore needed me and wasn’t about to kill me on sight.

       The Doctor paced about his lab, tinkering on his trilune. He had his finger in a few pies. I guess he wasn’t actively looking for Lumine at the moment. I knew the energy field was spreading, but there wasn’t much that I could do in this state.  A few days had passed, simply from looking at the small skylight in the lab.

Dottore had kept me engaged in conversation, or at least tried too. “If only you were a goddess. You’d be fit to be more than a pet.” He focused on family a lot, I got the feeling that he was lonely at best and obsessed at the other end of the line. “You are beautiful.” He put down his work, stalking towards my prison. “I don’t think I’ll get bored looking at that pretty face. Good thing you will have a long lifespan.”

       “I assume you didn’t have a say in my better features?” I had learned he got mad when ignored for too long. I had been chipping away, getting little answers shrouded in science. But he was always more interested in other topics, like the parts of my mind that were blacked out.  

       “There’s a working theory I have.” He raised his lips, removing his mask and holding my gaze. He almost looked human, eyes sullen from burning the midnight oil. In the game he was canonically handsome, and I could see it. But he was a monster for a reason.

The box holding me let loose, Dottore kneeling by me on the ground. “Perhaps I summoned your essence. Searching all throughout the cosmos for the perfect light, and along with it brought your descender soul. While not as physically strong as the Frost Moon Fae, your power is a reflection of a far greater moon. One that stands the tests of time.”

       “How do you know so much? I haven’t been under your nose.” I propped myself up on my forearms and stretched my legs out.

       “Oh, I’ve been keeping tabs.” He smiled, closing his eyes, reaching out and petting my ears. “You were asleep for a very long time. Rotting away under the Design Bureau. It wasn’t until the Traveler came by that you woke up for longer than a few minutes.”

       “So, I have been here for a while.” I laid my ears flat, out of his reach.

       “Come now, don’t be this way.” He gripped my left ear, squeezing. “You have life because of me, you had a taste of romance, friends and of freedom. I didn’t have to let you go.”

       “You let me go because Lumine woke me up. You wanted to figure out why, right?” I scowled, laying flat to the floor.

       “Perhaps, however, it still benefited you.” He stood over me, hoovering. “I think it’s time I pay your friends a visit. Maybe they can help me convince you to spill what’s in your pretty little head.”

       “You aren’t taking me?” I was back in a tight box, grunting against the restraints.

       “I’ll summon you if needed. You shouldn’t be alone long.” He laughed, disappearing before my eyes.

       “Wait!” He was gone.

       The box was hot, my body heat radiating off the corners and walls. I was surprised with myself. While it hurt knowing my friends were taking a passive approach to my rescue, it was a relief at the same time. Maybe this universe made a place for me in the story, but I was just a pawn for the villain.

       Thinking over what he said, something made sense. Like how the Earth’s moonlight was weaker so I was also weak. Back on Hiisi island, when we finished off Rerir, Columbina shared some of the Frost Moon’s light with me, and Flins shared some of his blood which was born of the Frost Moon as well.  I healed faster, felt more power, and stopped thirsting for the most part. Something in me benefited from the Frost Moon, but like Albedo said, I was different and it had to be Earth’s Moon.

       Nicole. She had told me the story about the rabbit on the moon. Was there a mixture of science and magic used to create me in this universe? The pieces were coming together, but I needed to see the rabbit again. It came to me in the illusion Dottore made, so maybe…

       “Rabbit? Thank you for saving me back on Earth.” I started my plea. “Please, guide me along in this second chance.”

       Pink light emitted from my chest, breaking through the box’s hold, I floated into an upright position. Still weak from being in the same cramped pose for three days, I stood on my own. The white rabbit appeared in the light as it poured out. The room itself turned into a white sheet. The rabbit nodded for me to follow along, and I took slow steps behind him.

       Just like when Columbina takes Lumine to the moon at the end of the quest, images flash across the blank canvas. They were not pretty. I paused at the first image. It was a closed casket, surrounded by my friends and family. The image was really small compared to the rest of the screen, I could see craters around the edge of the funeral scene and a sea of specs in the darkness. The rabbit gave me a moment, before we kept walking.

The next image was dark, grooves under my feet and the rabbit and I were playing a game of tag. It was definitely not earth, there was no grass or blue sky.  “Is this the Earth’s Moon?”

       The rabbit nodded.

       “So, you and I spent time on the moon after my death?” The next image was of a Goddess, no doubt. She was sitting on a raised part of the moon, covering her giggles as she watched us chase each other.

       “We had each other.” I looked at the next image; it was me dissolving. “What’s happening?”

       The rabbit kept walking forward. I followed along, watching the images as they came together to show what happened. There was an energy pulling me away. But it wasn’t bad, the Goddess had been working on finding a way to save my soul. Sending her own powers into the cosmos to find me a chance at a second life. While the rabbit had saved me, I had not been granted godhood. The image of both of them glowing was enough to show that.

       “Oh. You couldn’t keep me on the moon forever?” The rabbit turned to face me, tears streaking down his fur. “We were happy together. And I don’t remember it.” I crouched by the rabbit, my fingers gliding through his form. “I am sorry for forgetting you, but not my original life.”

       The images sped up, now it was only the rabbit’s perspective. He and the moon goddess of earth watched over me. The Moon Goddess’ full power was imprisoned on the moon, but the rabbit’s soul was connected to mine. Appearing only for me now, as an illusion.

       “You both did so much for me, to keep me alive in one way or another. Dottore might have connected with Earth’s Moon Goddess and brought my soul here. But I’m not upset with how it’s all worked out. I just need…to beat him.” I sighed, standing back up. “Please, lend me your help one more time. How do I fix this?”

       If a rabbit could smile, this one was doing so. The light coming from me vanished. I was outside the Doctor’s lab, above me was the platform the Doctor had created to have the final fight on.  I looked at the rabbit, but he was gone.

       “(Y/n)!” I turned, pulled into a bone crushing hug. Almost knocked backwards, the other person held me up. “You’re safe.”

       “Illuga? You’re not supposed to be here?” He ran his hand over the cuts on my dress, while not touching my skin. His fingers found purchase on my face, gripping my cheeks and checking me over.

       “You think I would leave without you? Flins and I have been looking high and low.” He paused, looking at the sky. “That Doctor really is an evil witch. Praying on your good nature.” Telling him the story of Snow White had stuck with him. 

       “Thank you for looking for me.” I laid my hands on top of his. “I need to get up to the platform. Please tell me Flins is already there?” I brought our hands to our sides and stepped back. 

       “He is. He thought you’d be with the Doctor for sure. If you were still alive.” Illuga’s face paled at the thought, clutching his stomach.

       “Can’t kill me so easily.” I looked at the sky again. “How am I getting up there?”

       “It might be better if you’re not in the Doctor’s grasp.” Illuga didn’t move to pull me away from the fight. Instead, he waited for me to make up my mind.

       “Do you have a glider?” I raised my brow, and smiled.

       “Stubborn.” He mumbled, handing me the gilder but not letting go. “Why don’t you let me go up there, and you wait here. I can’t protect you if you go alone.”

“Listen, I know protection is really important to you, but I have to do this. And you’re supposed to be in Natlan or Snezhnaya right now.” Stress was settling over my tense shoulders. The rabbit had led me to Illuga, that means he will help me. 

“If I could at least support you from the ground, I’d feel better.” He sucked in a deep breath. “But Lord Flins is up there, I trust you both as a team.”

I wanted to tell him that he really only trusted Flins. He had never seen me fight, he’d only ever seen me vulnerable. “Hey, I got this. Now come help me.”

OOOOO

       The wind beneath my wings. Or more so, the ocean breeze coming off the sea. Illuga and I had gone to a high peak overlooking the lab. He held my hips as I stood on the edge. Catching a wind current, I jumped.  I used the few skills I had to glide higher.  There were ups and downs and almost nose dives, but I got the hang of it quickly. Once at the level of the platform, I crashed into the edge and hauled myself up. Sparing a glance back at the hill, I couldn’t see Illuga. 

       Eyes forced forward, I was directly behind Dottore. I wished he hadn’t taken my dagger. He left my catalyst alone so I could heal him, but I won’t be healing him this time.  Looking to the side, Sandrone was laying lifeless on the ground… she was going to make it later in the story. Glad I wasn’t here for that part.

       Suddenly, I felt a familiar heat, warm and all encompassing. Flins was close by, in the illusion world I assumed. I needed to focus on the task at hand. Polonia was laying on the ground, the timer for the device Sandrone made signaling it was at ninety percent.  Energies started to fly and the sky started to open wider and the moon was coming down.

       What should I do? I didn’t have a plan for this part. As Dottore started to blast his energy to close up the hole, I tossed a blob of water at the back of his head. The sky opened wider as he was caught off guard.Taking the chance, I sprinted and reached for one of the moon marrows. He teleported away at the last second.  Lumine circled to where I was, smiling ear to ear. The sky was almost opened wide enough.Only Dottore lost interest in our battle and closed the hole back up…but it was enough to get the Frost Moon closer.

       The Doctor was about to speak, and relish in the grim outcome, but I knew what was next. After that second ticked by, the sky burst with broken blocks. Lunnotar appeared beside us, flower petals began to rain from the sky. It worked. 

       “Columbina!” Lumine yelled, and she appeared, wings stretching out to the heavens.  She fluttered down, landing beside us.

       “It’s been too long, I’m back.” She smiled, eyes opening for the first time.

       “What a touching reunion, though I’m repulsed with weaklings huddling together. And my dearest creation has chosen to stand against me? How pathetic.” Lasers danced around us. I jumped and bobbed and weaved. “Now show me how long you struggle before you drown?”

       “The only one drowning is you!” I spat. Something in me made sense now. I couldn’t imagine being alone on the moon for as long as Columbina did. But when I was on the moon, I had my own moon goddess who loved me. I was highly favored and protected, in every life. And while my birth in this world was one shrouded in horrors. It got me to this point. If I could get past this fight, I could have what I want. I could walk freely and love without inhibitions.

       Bouncing around, healing where needed, striking when able I did my part. We danced for several minutes. Despite being tired, I had revitalized myself with my healing abilities, though something was off. Everyone was hanging on, fighting in this dimension and the other. I could only hope that Flins, Lauma and Nefer were doing okay. There was no time to question or worry about something so normal as being worn down. 

       Columbina flew back up into the sky, water spreading out all around. The Doctor was lining up a big move himself. Once Columbina had him down, Lumine was granted the moon’s blessing and began to strike the doctor. Time and space were being warped to bring back the Doctor’s health. So, I did what I do best.

I sang. My ears had gone deaf to the battle, so I belted out anything that came to mind. My ultimate was ready and I channeled into Lumine and Columbina. Pouring my energy out, there was a flex in Flins’ unseen connection. Perhaps my power could flow through both sides of this coin.  

       The blows kept going, and I was barely dodging them at this point. Columbina grabbed the iridescent moon from the trilune. Suddenly, everyone in the other space fighting were brought back to our reality.  The heat that came over me wasn’t just energy anymore. Flins had me wrapped in his embrace the moment he was back. I was let go just as fast. Reaching out, I laid my hand on the small of his back.

       “My Starlight. I’m so sorry.” He gripped his polearm, taking a protective stance in front of me. “I’m going to need you to turn into a rabbit.”

       “What?” My eyes bugged out of my head, pillars slamming down around us. It was enough of a scare for me to change, be scooped up and tucked in Flins’ shirt. “This tactic was a joke.” I poked my head out of his collar.  Jostling about as he moved. Instead of keeping one hand behind his back, he kept it wrapped over me.

Shaking all over, I inhaled Flins’ scent. Resting against his hard chest, he wasn’t playing any games. His heart was hammering, but it was coming back down. Our aura mixed, no longer searching for each other. There were so many words to say, but no time. Held firm to his body, I closed my eyes for just a moment to take it all in. We were back together. If anyone tried to tear us apart now, I’d wish them the best of luck.

       The battle raged on. Flins wasn’t holding back, no one was. I supposed I could have done just as well not being here, but I knew Flins was now at ease. His energy has calmed, focused purely on winning. His eyes were more sullen than usual, for a man that didn’t sleep, as a fae feature, he looked more worn than I had ever seen him. I was glad I made it up to the platform, I was boosting his morale. 

       With Flins’ hand on my back, I poured my magic into his body. Giving all that I had, I knew he was moving with more precision. My vision was blurring, lungs burning with each breath. Something was wrong with me but I couldn’t stop to assess what it was. It had to be normal fatigue. 

       “Hold on my Starlight.” Flins flexed his fingers over my ribcage. God I loved him. How badly I wanted this to end so we could be together.

       My time in Nod Krai all led up to this. And it was all going according to plan. Columbina got in position after we all did our part. She obliterated him, bringing back the true moon to full power. The light shone bright, seeping into my tired eyes.  Flins slouched just a bit, looking down at me, a blurry smile pulling at his lips. Everything was just slightly fuzzy around the edges, my breath slowly turning shallow. Sleep tugged at my mind. Sleep? I didn’t sleep anymore.But this feeling, I remember it? It wasn’t painful like passing out. This was…

       “Kyryll?” I mumbled, slipping from his collar to his belly.  It was dark inside the shirt, but an even darker blackness pulled at my vision.

       “Flins?” My eyes fluttered open, I was home. Home? Familiar glow in the dark stars stickers were scattered across the ceiling. My favorite candle was burning, the fragrance permeating the air. Even my bed was just right, hugging in the most familiar way.

       “(Y/n)! Oh my god, you’re okay?” My sister? She pounced me, squeezing tight. This is not right.  “You’ve been asleep for weeks. What happened?” She’s never been this touchy feely. Her embrace is too warm, and lasts far too long.

       “I- I need to find Flins.” I pushed her off me. The man was barely a flicker in my mind, but instinctively I remembered him.  

       “What are you talking about? Who’s Flins?” She would know, she plays the game. 

More things were becoming apparent. Like how easy it was to sit up, if I was out for weeks I wouldn’t have had this much strength. The medical equipment attached to me didn’t look like it belonged to Earth. While some things were eerie, more was askew. 

       I ripped the wires out of my arms. My skin was scarred, bruised and in some spots blistered. Standing up, I didn’t  stumble. Sure on my feet, I looked out my window, I saw the white rabbit. The one that I wrecked for. My heart was hammering in my chest, blood racing through my ears.  What was happening to me?

       Something licked my ankle, and I looked down and pet my little dog. How my heart ached.  “My baby.” I knelt down and let her settle in my arms. This part felt more accurate. 

       “See, you’re okay now.” My sister put a cup to my lips but I refused to drink. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy to be home, where you belong?”

        Belonging? Where did I fit in? How did all of this fit together? Glancing out the window, the white rabbit was still there just looking back at me. There was no clear answer, not anymore. I had built a new life for myself, one that scared the hell out of me. But the risks were worth the rewards. My new friend, new home, and almost lover, I couldn’t give that up. 

        My sister was waiting for me to answer. My chest ached, deep and throbbing. I loved her. I didn't love the life I had. There was a comfort in having a routine, waking up, going to work, praying for the weekend then wallowing in dread about work restarting on Monday. Make time for family and try to maintain friends longer than a few months. Pull away from everyone and no one bats an eye.

But my sister. She was worth the gray haze that was my life. Despite our spats, I didn’t want to leave her. Even if I knew the truth. This wasn’t real. Too many things were wrong for it to be reality. 

       I held my dog a little tighter, then set her down. Next, I pulled my sister in for a hug. She hugged back tight, making my stomach sick. She would never... “I’m sorry, Sis.” My arms clapped around nothing, falling forwards I caught myself.

       “Oh, so you’ve figured it out.” The Doctor appeared on my bed. One leg over the other, he perched. “Didn’t like the venue I chose for you. I will say, running through your memories was interesting. Some things were mysteriously blacked out. How would I know when I harnessed another moon’s essence, it would send your soul along with it. Interesting things are stored inside that little head of yours. I would like access to all of it.”

       “Let me go.” I watched as my dog vanished, then my room. “Or at least tell me why I’m important.” I shook my head to dispel the tightness building up from my chest to my throat. 

       “You’re an academic as well. A librarian, well trained and dedicated. While under challenged in your previous work place, I could sense the drive you had for research in your past.” He appeared behind me, and I didn’t turn to face him. He leaned up to my ear, “You would have made a perfect assistant.”

       “So, your plans for me have changed?” I swallowed, my eyes darting out the last specs of the window to the white rabbit. He was just looking at me. Dottore hadn’t noticed him yet.

       “Goodness no. I’m going to resonate with you when the time comes. You’re an important part of my plan, a piece that I simply can’t continue without.” He rubbed his hands on either side of my arms, the pretend wounds clearing up with his touch. “My creation.” He hummed in my ear. “While you lack power, you are the perfect mirror for a new moon’s power.”

       “Your creation?” I set my jaw, eyes focused on the fog around me, a familiar buzzing settling over my body…I was going to turn soon.

       “My greatest success. While I can’t say that it was all my work, I simply expanded what the Hyperborean’s started. I would go as far as to say I perfected it.” He laughed. “Years I slaved away in the lab, searching for the perfect moon’s light. Years I toyed with those giant beast bones, and looked over the dimensions for the perfect light, and suddenly, you appeared. Perfect and pristine. My own fae.”

       “I am not yours.” Poof. The Doctor caught me in his arms, tucking me to his hip. I dared not fight him. There was nothing I could do.

       “You are perhaps the only thing I’ve gotten right in a long time.” He paced around the fog till we were hovering over the mountains below. “If it were in me to feel fatherly, I’d lay claim to you. But alas, you have your role to play. You’re more like a pet.” He sat me in a box. “Now be a good girl and stay still while I talk to the real prize.”

       I stayed silent, flattened in the clear box. He kept it small, too small to go back into my human form. Answers. He gave me some answers. What do I do? How do I make sense of this? How am I going to fit into the story, clearly there was room made at the table that wasn’t there before. In the distance, Lumine emerged from her own Dottore created space, to stand before him and have their back and forth.

       Could Lumine even see me? Was I hidden from view? Were they still changing scenes? When Wanderer comes in, will he save me too? No. It was a tight rescue from the start. I was going to make things so much worse. There was no need for me to keep living. I could breathe in my rabbit form, could I hold my breath long enough to die? No, I’d just pass out.

       What was even happening in the story right now? He clearly had the artificial moon marrow in his moon shaped ornament, the trilune. There was a lot of monologuing at this point, back and forth. I was stuck in the moment, hidden in the illusions that Dottore was creating.

       The man had the gull to act like a father figure. How could he say such a thing? He was gross. Evil. Down right cruel in his methods. Yet, because of his actions, and the mysterious rabbit on the moon, I am in Nod Krai. I am in the middle of hell, and I’m on my own. It didn’t matter how much I tried; this was always going to be the outcome. There was only an illusion of choice. 

       “Damn it all.” I swallowed hard, unable to wipe my eyes with my little paws. Just as I spoke, my box jutted forward, dissipating as the Doctor grasped me by my ears.

       “You could join the both of us, in my new world. I will give you some time to think it over. Let us all revisit my lab in the North, your visit was so rushed last time.” Dottore was leisurely, but the way he was holding me was causing my ears to burn. 

       “Heroes don’t stab from the back.” Lumine’s eyes went wide, body tense. She knew I was with her now and she was making her move. “Let her go.” At least she wasn’t so mad she wouldn’t save me. 

       Dottore sent lasers towards Lumine. She jumped and weaved and bobbed. The Doctor was still holding me by my ears, jostling me around. Finally, he pinned Lumine with his energy alone. Thinking he had the upper hand he let his guard down, waves of anemo sliced through me, bruising my body and pushing the Doctor back. Dottore recovered quickly, tossing me to the earth. I changed back into a girl, almost relieved the dense hot air wasn’t coursing through me.

       Wanderer had Lumine in his grasp and he was gone before I could register what happened. Thinking back, Wanderer had a line about ‘no one else in there needing saving’. I wonder if he would still spit that out?

       “Well, we see where you fall in order of importance.” Dottore grimaced, wiping the blood from his body.

       “Low on the pole.” I agreed with him, a smile breaking out over my features despite the pain that bloomed over my ears and the spots the anemo hit. “I’m glad though, she’s important to me.”

       “Hmph.” Getting up, he strode to my side. He nudged my body with his foot, my ribs aching at the pressure. “Your outfit is ruined.”

       “Doesn’t matter.” I pushed myself off the ground, running my hand down my side that was hit. I guess if I get hurt as a rabbit, the injury transfers to my human body, clothes and all. “Wish I’d get hurt anywhere else though. My ribs are basically chalk at this point.”

       “Under my care you should be fine from here on out. This was just an oversight.” He puffed up his chest. “Now, use that pretty little voice of yours and heal us.”

       “Why would I do that?” I laid back on the earth. “I have no will to keep going.”

       “What if I make you a deal?” His white teeth flashed from under his mask.

       “What kind of deal?” I ran my fingers through the grass.

       “I’ll spare your boyfriend and bring him to our new world.” He bent down. “I know you know all the things I told Lumine. Come now, once we start over, you’ll want him by your side.”

       “You are so sure your plan will work.” I wiped my eyes. “But fine, I will heal you this one time.”

       “Ah, one deal per task? What a smart girl.” He picked me up by my coat lapels. Once on my feet, he squeezed my cheeks till my lips parted. “Now, sing.”

       “It’s a damn cold night, trying to figure out this life. Won’t you take me by the hand, take me somewhere new.” I mumbled, my usually pink water coming out a dark green. “Isn’t anyone trying to find me? Won’t someone come take me home?”      

       “What a beautiful language.” The Doctor stretched, clearly feeling better. “But you sound sad for someone so privileged. To be favored by a new god and still mourn, how foolish.” He shook his head. “Let us regroup.”

On the Other Side

Never again. 

Never again was not the truth. Fae were not permitted to lie, and yet, here he was. The moment her presence vanished, he knew he had made an unforgivable mistake. He had lied.The vow to protect her. To help her any way he could. It all had been hot air in her soft rabbit ears. 

His stomach lurched. For a man who avoided food at costs, he felt as if he had been stuffed with horrid rations that were on the cusp of coming back up. His throat was tight, quivering, and dry. It was a visceral reaction, his whole body shaking as he tore through any enemies in his way. 

The Doctor had escaped, not only with his Starlight, but Lumine as well. Flins could only pray they were together and able to survive the mad man until he could find them. Shredding through anyone who opposed him, there was an unusual edge to his normally calm expression. He was always in control of his emotions, and even in this moment, in his devastation and anger he was still in control. 

One hand behind his back, practiced and graceful steps, a sharp blade and deep desire to protect. He had cleared the lab, the girls behind him nestled in their own shock. They all three stood in the middle of the carnage. Flins stepped to leave, but a voice brought him back down. 

“Flins. We’ll find them, but we have to do that together.  Knowing (Y/n), she would want you to stick with the group. Take down the Doctor and make sure she has a home to come back to.” Nefer was rattled, but no one could really tell. Her intelligence won out against any other emotion that tried to take over the situation. Still, she kept her fist pressed to her side. 

“This is about my own desires.” Flins finally spoke, his voice cracked, brimming with a bite that didn’t suit him.

“This is all my fault.” Lauma stepped forward. “If I hadn’t made (Y/n) stay back, she could have helped us protect Lumine and they’d both be here.”

“This isn’t anyone’s fault but Dottore’s.” Nefer was firm, tone final. “There’s no time to blame each other.”

“We need to relay the information to the others and make a plan.” Lauma flexed her shoulders, glancing at Flins. 

The fae man tried to unset his jaw. He had to settle the barbaric drive to slash through those who stood in his way. That night his Starlight fled their home to Piramida, he had fallen into that trap. Illuga was there to pull him back at the time. This time, he had to listen to his companions and settle his rage. It was such a rare emotion to Flins, one he needed to learn to quiet down. 

       Lumine wouldn’t look at me. We were with the group at the Curatorium of Secrets deciding our next move. A Futai agent stopped by and I ducked behind Flins, who happily obscured me from view. The agent told us that Arlecchino and Sandrone were going to the Doctor’s personal lab up North.

       We all agreed to split up. Some of us would stay in Nasha Town and the rest go to the lab up North. “(Y/n), where do you want to go?” Nefer asked me, eyes already knowing the answer.

       “I’ll go up North. I know you all will benefit from some healing.” I was firm on my resolve.

       “You should stay.” Lumine didn’t sound angry anymore, more so concerned. Perhaps whatever had happened between last night and today had eased the tension.

       “And miss the action? Never.” I laid my hand over my heart. “Let’s go.”

       Of course, we all ran up North. It was a long walk from Nasha Town to the Lab, and we had ground to cover. I was thankful that while I had kept my soft body, my ability to run had greatly improved. None of us spoke as we ran, keeping our ‘breath’ under control. Eventually we boarded a boat and it took us past the other islands to the northern most part.

       As we entered the lab there were countless agents, robots and Fatui members sprawled about the area out of commission. Flins was beside me, behind me, generally around me the whole time. It was normal, but there was no denying he wasn’t focused on the mission alone. 

       “Stay close.” Flins whispered as the others chatted about how the downed enemies must be Sandrone and Arlecchino’s doing.

       “If you want me to turn into a rabbit and ride in your shirt, then you should have practiced that skill with me more.” I teased him but he seemed to mull the idea over.  “No, Flins.”

       “What a creative and ingenious plan. We shall work on that once this is over.” He held my hand, rubbing his gloved fingers over my knuckles. “Do not be afraid.”

       “I’m terrified, but it’s not going to stop me. Working through fear is something I’ve mastered.” I froze up as we ran into our first active enemy. Rift hounds. Great. “Look alive.”

       It was a quick take down, with Nefer leading the charge. She kicked the first one’s brains in.  Lauma got the next one with a charge of dendro, and finally Flins got the last with his spear alone. I tended to their drained vitality with a quick song while we ran into the next enemy, the wild hunt. Those foes were taken care of quickly and finally we got to the part I had been dreading.

       It was easy enough to ignore the passed out or dead people on the way into the lab, but the agent begging for his life as two reptilian creatures attacked and killed him was hard. Flins had quickly shoved me into his chest, covering my ears and eyes. But I could hear the muffled cries and the horrid sound of the monsters breaking bones.

       “Let’s go.” Lumine took charge, running into the side path that would lead to the monsters. Once in the main chamber, Flins and Lumine dealt with the beasts. I focused on the fight, stomach churning with acid alone. They were efficient, having worked together plenty of times at this point.  

       “May their poor soul find peace.” Lauma prayed as we passed by the body of the dead agent. Beside his body was a key a few feet away.

       “We should pick up this key.” I said, stealing Flins’ line as he caught his breath. Grasping the key, I tucked it in my pocket. 

       “We might need it at some point.” The fae man agreed, finding his strength.

       The double doors opened, and Nefer stopped us all before the ceiling collapsed. Flins doubled over me, pushing me towards the ground. “Flins, you have to focus on the fight ahead.” He was fulfilling his role well, but I wasn’t that fragile. He was extra clingy, not that it was different any other time, but there was more at stake. 

       “Never again.” He reminded me, pulling me along as Nefer led us a different way. A chill ran down my spine, that’s the reason. 

       My heart had been racing the whole mission. From running, to healing, to witnessing the horrors, I was wearing down before we even got to the big fight.  And Flins colliding me, while almost normal, was stressing me out more. I refused to believe the kiss we shared was a mistake,that even if we hadn’t he’d still be this way. If Flins was focused on me, then I was going to be focused on everyone else. If he didn’t play his role, I’d do it for him. 

       We were all silent as we climbed ladders, went through ducts, and jumped down vents . Hopping from a ceiling vent to the floor would have had me injuring myself, we established early on I was not a climber and heights were not my forte. But hanging from my fingers tips and falling into Flins made it doable. I didn’t have to ask, Flins just went before me and held his arms up to catch me. Everyone else could just jump and be fine, but I was not that kind of girl.

       A random agent appeared, trying to get out of the lab the way we had come. “Trespassers? What’s wrong with you people? And the Doctor’s experiment? Are you all crazy?” I adjusted the scarf covering my ears, I had been getting used to not covering my ears since the Moon Prayer Night Celebration. I clearly needed to be more aware and not let my covering slip back.

       “We’re looking for the Doctor. I see you’re fleeing the facility, but is he still here?” Lauma asked nicely. 

       “Looking to settle a score with the Doctor. I doubt you’ll have many chances left. Good luck.” The man crossed his arms, and sent me a glance. “And you, you’re lucky you got out when you did. I wouldn’t set foot in front of the Doctor if I was you.”

       “Perhaps we might not have many chances. But you might have a chance to live if you start talking.” Flins’ voice was even, but still scary. His aura was thick behind me, I was used to him being fierce, but the closer I got to him the stronger our unseen bond was. It was like a pulse ebbing through me. 

       “There are two other harbingers ahead, but the Doctor wouldn’t pull something like this without being prepared.” The man started talking.

       “What did you mean, you wouldn’t step foot in front of him if you were me?” I prodded him. Lumine looked at me, her eyes telling me to keep going, despite me going off script.  

       “From what I heard, the orders were to capture you, and run a few more tests.” The man grimaced. “It sounded extra cruel.”

       “Good to know.” I closed my eyes, rubbing my hands down my face.

       “But I’m done answering questions.” The man crossed his arms.

       “Sounds like you didn’t like working for the Doctor that much.” Nefer stated. “Also, I feel monsters nearby, you can have their company over ours if you prefer.”

       “We need to know what the Doctor is up to now. Please tell me.” Lumine pleaded. “This is bigger than just us v. the Doctor. There are real consequences for all of Nod Krai. Even your homeland.”

       “It feels like he’s built the big one. This one is ambitious and who knows how long he’s been planning it.” The man shivered. “A while back he said he’d return to the homeland. But he was back sooner than we expected.”

       He went on to explain he had two stones with him. And Lauma told him those belonged to Columbina. The man then described the conditions that made Columbina leave the Fatui. He said he was part of her group originally, from the three factions that were dispatched to Nod Krai in the beginning.  

       Apparently Columbina and the Doctor got along at first. But things changed and they separated. When she left, their units merged. He said the Doctor shifted to obtaining the three moons powers as his main goal.

       “He said if he could get his hands on two, he could create a third.” The man looked at me,biting his lip.

       “How could he create a third moon? Maybe he learned from the Hyperborean Phantoms.” Nefer thought about it.

       “Or maybe…he learned how to harness another moon’s power.”  I whispered. Chills settled all over my body. Was I part of his plan to make the third moon? Did what he learned in making me channel into his new plan?

       “Thank you for cooperating. We appreciate this level of detail.” Flins was sincere, but his eyes were cast off into the distance, his hand resting above my bunny tail through my outfit.

       The others talked with the man a little longer, but I tucked inside my own head. Was I part of this? Clearly I was, but what was the connection? How did I wake up in this place as a fae? Why was I blessed by the Earth’s moon in a foreign world? Was I really the moon’s rabbit in this world?

       I was pulled from my thoughts. “Bunny girl, I highly recommend you leave this place.” The agent nodded at the exit and took off running.

       “Thanks for the advice.” My hands shook, Lauma took one hand as Flins grabbed the other. It made me laugh, a sad cruel laugh.

       “What’s wrong?” Lauma brought my hand to her chest.

       “I’m going to die by his hands.” I swallowed looking at the ground. A dizzy spell flared up and I tried to keep my knees from shaking.

       “We won’t let that happen.” Nefer spoke up, cutting off Flins who was about to speak.

       “I’m starting to think…that I was created and not born here. He didn’t do anything when I was on the beach and Columbina went in the moon gate. Maybe he doesn’t need me after all.” I tried to rationalize it.   

       “Or he knows you’ll come to him for answers and there’s no reason to take you now.” Nefer shook her head. “If he can create an artificial moon, his technological capabilities are greater than I expected. And if he can create an artificial moon, then there’s no reason he couldn’t create you.” Nefer let the thought hang in the air.

       “I’m afraid it’s only going to get ugly from here. Everyone, prepare yourself.” Flins flexed his spear, a fire burning in his eyes. He was ready to take on the Doctor and put an end to this. We were wasting time theorizing. I didn’t have the heart to tell him, this wasn’t the last encounter. 

       “Wait.” Lauma stopped us. “Perhaps we should make (Y/n) go back. I can heal us what little I can.”

       “No, she has to be here.” Lumine spoke up. She chewed her bottom lip, still not meeting my gaze.Her turn had changed since we left the Curatorium. “I want her by my side.”

       “Alright, I’ll be there.” I felt tears prick at my eyes. I didn’t have time to warn her she’d be kidnapped. Surely, she’d be mad at me for not warning her…but what good would that do anyone? Her being kidnapped bought everyone else time to evacuate the islands. 

       “No.” Lauma shook her head. “(Y/n) needs to stay back. At least until the fight starts. If the Doctor is after her, the risk is too great.”

       “Why are we arguing?” I asked. “Lauma I’m tough, I can do this.”

       “I have a bad feeling. Please just stay here.” We didn’t have time to disagree…

       “Okay. I’ll stay back and support from the side.” I looked at Lumine, and she nodded it was okay.

       Flins was staring at me. He wanted to say something but was holding his tongue. We all seemed to be holding things back. I couldn’t let anything cloud my judgment, even if it meant stepping into danger. Out of everyone, Lauma had been the wild card so far. I needed to make her happy so things would progress.

       “Let’s go.” Nefer led us forward. I stayed a few feet back with Lauma. Just as Flins had done earlier, I was in arm’s reach of him. Just a few feet ahead, I kept my eyes glued to his back.

       My heart was uncontrollable; we were so close. We got to the wide-open lab, and I saw a good hiding spot. Flins and Luama confirmed it was a good spot before rushing in with the others. Only the moment they were out of reach, I was encased in a clear box.

       “Flins!” I screamed, banging my shoulder against the box’s wall but to no avail. “Lumine!” I cried out again, trying to get their attention, but none of them looked back. They couldn’t hear me. “Please!”

       “That should do it.” I finished singing a song I knew most of the words too. Lumine was awake and mostly alert. I didn’t know if my power would work as a rabbit, but it had been fine so far. “Are you okay?”

       “(Y/n)?” Lumine’s eyes bugged out of her head as she observed me.

       “Yes…” I was back on my hind legs, rubbing my little fuzzy arm over my ears. Flins was just behind me, surely making sure no one ran over me. In his arms were items I had left on the beach before transforming.

       “Why are you a rabbit?” Lumine got to her feet and stood from the couch. Durin and Albedo were sitting on the other couch, and they both sighed in relief. Arlecchino was standing in the corner opposite of Varka, and Lauma was waiting by Lumine’s head. We all were waiting for her. 

       “I’m relieved you’re up.” I finally relaxed, my body morphing back into a human.

       “Huh, Miss. (Y/n).” Durin was red in the face, looking away. My coat was quickly draped over my shoulders.

       “What? Oh snap.” I pulled my coat around me to close the gaps. Thank goodness Flins was thinking fast. “I’m sorry to flash you all. I just needed to get to Lumine as fast as possible. Couldn’t have clothes slowing me down.”

       “How long was she in the water? And why didn’t you freeze with us?” Varka asked, pushing off the side of the wall.

       “I have ideas, but it doesn’t matter.” I stood up, and Flins handed me the rest of my clothes. “Let me change, you all talk.” I needed them to forget about this topic for now, so I made myself sparse.

       “We have a lot to discuss.” Nefer was perched on her desk as I passed her to the bathroom.  She offered Lumine medicine, but Lumine declined. For some reason Lumine couldn’t look me in the eye.

       Durin went on to explain the call they got from Alice. The Doctor caused a fuss at the border and that’s what caused the Hexenzirkel to leave to attend to the mess. Which meant we were on our own for the moment.  Arlecchino said Dottore was gone for now, and he was upset he couldn’t control Columbina as he planned.

       Nefer then deduced that Columbina opened the moon gate and fell in to avoid capture. But that also meant she was in there with Rerir most likely. Everyone agreed it was a bad outcome. Albedo even suggested that the Doctor could have been behind all of this. From Rerir to what happened tonight.

       I quickly finished getting my clothes on and exited the bathroom to hear everyone more clearly. I stood by Flins in a corner, and listened as Hat Guy reappeared. Come to think of it, I hadn’t run into him yet. I was one of like three who knew who he was before. If I spilled that I’d really be getting him in trouble.

       Hat Guy explained that he went back to the mirages we had been working with earlier in the week. He said that somehow Dottore had added enough variables to change the past and create new memories for the people of Hyperborea. He had made promises to them and got the information he needed to use the power of the moons.

       Arlecchino was very upset, and said she wouldn’t wait for the Tsaritsa’s order to be lifted to fight against Dorotte. She said time was short and she would make the first move against the Doctor. Sauntering out the door, I wondered what she’d do since I couldn’t remember at this moment. Or maybe it didn’t show it. 

       “It looks bad, and Dottore has pulled some real dirty tricks up until now. Even the mages say he has changed destiny. We shouldn’t be distracted, because if he can change fate, then so can we.” Varka went on a little speech, hyping up Lumine. Paimon joined in on the pep talk.

       Everyone started to pass out assignments, ways they could help. Varka suggested that Flins and Illuga could go talk to the Starshyna about getting some extra help. Once again, I was left out of the equation. Flins grabbed my hand and threaded our fingers.  

       We all went to the door to split ways, but Albedo grabbed my free hand, pulling me back. “Miss. (Y/n), may I have a word?”

       “Sure. Flins, do you mind waiting?” I pulled our hands apart. He wasn’t rough or weird, his grasp was gentle, but there was no reason to stay connected. 

       “Of course.”  Flins b-lined to talk with Durin, who was waiting by the railing and looking over the people who were taking down all the Moon Prayer Night decorations.

       “What’s up?” I was nervous. Albedo was a nice guy, but he had been rubbing me the wrong way in some situations. He wasn’t careless, but his inquisitive and straight forward nature did not bode well with me. I liked him in the game, but in reality it was just not clicking. 

       “You’re not human.” He established.

       “Correct.” I looked at my feet.

       “And you’re not of this world?” He asked, whispering.

       “I’d say it's partly true. But I’m not like Lumine. I just woke up here, in a Fatui lab. The Doctor was involved.”  I waved my hands around, chewing my bottom lip.

       “I want to run my own experiment.” He leaned down to catch my eyes. I slowly looked up and met his gaze. “When I tested your blood with Mr. Flins’ that day, after the fight. I noticed both samples were not human…but yours was slightly different.”

       “How so?” I glanced at Flins and Durin. Durin was absorbing some wisdom from Flins no doubt. 

       “Are you familiar with blood types?” He asked, scooting back just a tad.

       “I am.”

       “Flins was mostly a match, which was good for you. However, your blood had an antigen I’ve never seen before. I have a theory, but I need more blood to reach a conclusion. I think it might help us better understand the Doctor’s goals.”

       I held out my hand. “Take what you need.” There was no hesitation, if I could help him uncover what I was, I was in.

       “You’re agreeing so easily. Are you sure you want to know more? There’s no guarantee it will help us defeat Dottore.” He pulled out a syringe from his bag.

       “I need to figure out what was done to me. And we need to win for Columbina.” My lashes fluttered as I looked at the false sky. “Just, try not to exposé Flins’ cover. He doesn’t want it to spread that he’s not human..”

       “Of course.” He used a wet cloth to swab my arm then added a tourniquet. I looked away while he felt for a vein and collected his sample.

       “I’m sorry, we keep misunderstanding each other.” I sighed, seeing him wrap a bandage around my arm. “I feel like I keep breaking into tears around you. I don’t mean too.”

       “It’s quite alright. I don’t intend to make you cry.” He capped off the sample and carefully put the needle in a geo box. “It will just take time for us to get better acquainted.” 

       “I think you’re right. Anyway, we should all get to our tasks.” I petted his shoulder. “Thank you for looking into this.”

       “You’re welcome.” He offered the slightest smile. Maybe it was where he was a creation, or maybe it was just my taste, but he was so handsome under the moon light. 

       “(Y/n).” I turned around. Lumine stood behind me, her jaw set.  “A word.” My spine tingled, I’d never heard her talk to me like that before. 

       “I’ll be on my way.” Albedo took off with a curt nod, joining Durin and Flins’ conversation. 

       “What’s wrong?” I reached for her hand, but she yanked it out of reach. “Did something happen?”

       “Let’s go somewhere more private. Maybe the Flagship.” Paimon grimaced, floating between us.

       “Yes. Let’s go.” Lumine looked through me, waltzing up to Flins. “We’re taking (Y/n) for a while. You can pick her up at the Flagship in thirty minutes.”

       “I don’t presume him to be my keeper.” I barked, what was so wrong she’d be so flippant with Flins.

       “(Y/n), just go please.” Paimon begged me, sweat pooling on her brow.

       “We may be tethered at the hip, but she will follow her own will.” Flins’ eyes filled with surprise. He didn’t know how to react either.

       “I’ll find you when I’m done. Just wait by the backdoor when you’re ready.” I steeled my nerves. Whatever was wrong with Lumine I’d fix. I’d done a good job of keeping the timeline in order, surely I could ease her off this cliff. 

       “Let’s go.” Lumine started walking and I jogged to catch up with her and Paimon. Normally they’d go at my pace, but not today. 

       The walk was quiet, spare for Lumine gritting her teeth. We went through the backdoor. The sky opened up for a thunderstorm right as we tucked inside.  Back in the familiar room, I noticed there was still a pillow and blanket on the sofa, folded where I had left them. Lumine tossed them to the floor and turned on me the minute the door was shut.

       “You knew!” She snapped, pushing her finger into my chest. “You knew she’d sacrifice herself and you did nothing to stop it.”

       “Lumine, I-“

       “No, don’t you Lumine me.” She chewed her bottom lip, blood bursting from the tender flesh. “We just got her back. And you let her go. She’s trapped in the moon gate, and we can’t get to her. This is your fault. Now if you had been frozen on the shore, I’d have more pity. But you didn’t even help me against Dottore. You just caught me, knowing I’d fall. How could you do so little? I know you’re not helpless. Your little stunt with Rerir in the cave was proof enough. What? Do you only step in when it comes to Flins?”

       Words hung in my dry throat. My body shaking, heart racing, and ears laying flat. She was right. I didn’t try. Against the Doctor, I just gave up. But that’s how it needed to happen. Everything I did or didn’t do, it was all for the plot. Or was that just what I wanted to believe?

       “Lumine, it’s not her fault.” Paimon came to my defense. “She can’t deviate.”

       “She should have tried harder. Maybe we could have nipped this in the bud and saved everyone all this pain and grief.” Lumine jerked her head back to me. “You’re a coward. Picking and choosing who to save.”

       “I’m sorry.” I looked at my feet, my lungs getting tight. “I don’t want to fuck things up for everyone.”

       “Too late.” She burst into tears. “Columbina is gone, again. And now the Doctor had two of the three moon marrows. You made things harder.”

       “You’re dealing with big emotions. We will get her back.” I choked my words out. “We will win.”

       “There is no ‘we’ here, not anymore. Go to hell.” She pointed to the door. “Get out.”

       “Lumine, don’t end it like this.” Paimon begged, her voice echoing through the room.

       “I understand.” I sucked in my lips, and shut my eyes tight as I stepped into the hall, bumping into a firm chest as the door slammed behind me.  

       “What’s happening in there?” Varka pushed me away, resting his hands on my shoulders. “The whole bar can hear an argument.”

       “It’s nothing I can change.” Flins was close, surely waiting by the back door, I could feel him. “I need to go.”

       “Remember, we’re a team. We need to rely on each other.” Varka let me go, and I dashed through the hall and out under the awning.

       “Kyryll?” I called out to him, knowing he was close but not able to see him.  Stepping out into the rain, my foot slipped on the slick metal floor.

       “Are you okay?” Flins caught me just in time. His arms were around my torso, face inches from mine. “I could hear the argument from here.”

       “Not the words though? Right?” I asked, sniffling the only sign I had begun crying. The rain masking the tears that flowed freely down my face.

       “No. Let’s go home tonight.” He righted me, then pulled my hood over my head. He wiped under my eyes and massaged my cheeks. “Whatever has transpired, we will get through it.”

       “I wanna go home.” I hiccupped. “I can’t stay here.” We traversed the slick ground through Nasha town and headed home. 

       If it had been any other situation, we’d get a room at the Flagship and head out in the morning. But I couldn’t be in Nasha Town right now. Lumine was mad at me, rightfully so. Even if I could have jumped as high as her, I stood no chance against Dottore. I was his creation; he had the power now to dispose of me with a flick of his wrist.

       “We’re going to catch colds.” Flins sighed, using his lantern to light the way for us to get home. It was late.

       “Can we get sick? You’re a lantern…” I had shifted from holding his hand, to having my arm wrapped at his elbow. Nestling into his warmth, I used his body as a shield. 

       “It has happened on occasion.” He admitted. “I’m more worried about you. Rabbits are not well suited to bad weather.”

       “I’ll be fine.” I couldn’t stop thinking I deserved to be rained on.

       “If not then I will care for you.” He said it like it was so simple.

       “Flins. I think I really fucked up.” Thunder clapped and lightning struck, I did not flinch.

       “What was said?” He adjusted my hood again, trying to keep my face covered. 

       I was quiet for a good while, letting the question hang in the air. We were close to being home, but I didn’t want to say anything too loud. He was waiting for me to speak, his patience more than enough.  I swallowed hard, my mouth still dry from the fight. “She said I should have done more to stop Columbina from sacrificing herself. And that I pick favorites."

       “You know more than you can say. I don’t believe you’re trying to allow anyone to slip through the cracks. We can’t fault you for trying your best…the Traveler is just upset.” We pushed through the lighthouse doors.  Flins quickly did a walk through to make sure no one was hiding to ambush us. Then he went to the fireplace to start the fire.

       “She’s very convinced it’s my fault.” I slipped my coat off and put it by the fire to dry out. Maybe she was right. 

       “Then she holds the wrong conviction.” Flins stripped off his coat and put it by mine. But he was soaked through his white undershirt. I was distracted by his body long enough to stop my crying. He noticed my wandering eyes. Long fingers fiddled with buttons, making slow work of undoing the shirt from the bottom up. “Does temptation quell your broken heart?”

       “Perhaps.” I crossed in front of the fireplace to stand before him. “You’re clearly struggling. Let me help.”

       “Struggling?” He chuckled. “My Starlight, I would not call this struggling.”

       “Still, I want…I want to help.” Tentatively, I reached my hand out to his sternum, waiting for his permission. “Will you let me?”

       “Whatever you wish.” He pushed a strand of wet hair behind my ear.

       “What I wish?” I looked at him through my lashes. My fingers undid a few buttons, working their way up. “Is it fair for me to get what I want? Look at the messes I’ve made. The people I couldn’t stop from hurting.”

       “I see no such disasters.” His voice hitched as I got to the last button at his throat. My hands went under each side of the shirt, and pushed it back and over his shoulders. It fell to the floor, my fingers ghosting over his shoulders and back down his chest. Up and down, his scared skin rippled beneath my ministrations.  

       “I might only bring even more calamity if I keep meddling." I rested my hands on his biceps, the muscles flexing under my hold.

       “Then I will quell it.” He said it so sure. Could he really ensure everything would end up, okay? I had put that on myself, as the lone variable it was up to me to make things go off without a hitch. He gripped my chin, bringing my eyes back to his. “You are not alone. So tell me, what do you wish for?”

I leaned up, my lips hovering over his ear. Maybe it was the fight that made me crave to crawl into his skin, or the building tension that had gone for so long. Perhaps it was what Jahoda said on the beach, but bravery or stupidity flooded my body.  “What I wish, is to be with you till the end of our time. I want everything I can get from you. Your troubles, your victories, your body and soul. I want all of you.”

       He shivered but not from the cold. “We made a deal. I will restrain myself, after such a confession you’ve made it very difficult.” This time he shifted so his lips were by ear, barely whispering. “However, what stops you from taking what is freely offered to you?” Kyryll hummed, his fists gripping the back of my wet dress, pulling me closer till our chests were flush.  

       “A friend made a good point. Things could change at any point.” I should have been pushing back, but he was so warm. “Can I really? Do I deserve to…have what I want?”

       “Yes.” He let out the most heavenly sound when tilted my head and I kissed along his jaw. Several little kisses before hovering over his lips.

       “Are you sure you have no regrets?” I put a little space between us, heart hammering in my chest. 

       “Zero.” His yellow eyes sparkled by the firelight. I kissed him. The first peck was soft and quick. The next one lasted a little longer, spot lips matching figuring out each other . Then the third time, we locked lips pressing into each other till there was almost no space between us. After the moment passed, his hands relaxed, and he let go of the fabric of my dress, instead running them through my wet hair. “I love you.” He said it with his full chest. 

       “Kyryll.” I gasped as we broke apart. How could he say it so easily? How could anyone love me?

       “You do not have to share the sentiment right now. But I can not hide this from you any longer.” His eyes were glued to mine, his flicking down to my lips and back up.

       “You want another kiss?” I asked, holding his face and rubbing my thumbs along his jaw. Was it changing the topic? Yes. Had I crossed a line I drew myself. Yes. Worry started to build in the pit of my stomach, but was quickly quelled. 

       “Another kiss? Only if you will allow it?” He rested his hand on my waist, rubbing right where the worry had started.

       “I would be lost without you.” I admitted, leaning in for another kiss. That was all I could muster in the moment, an honest confession. I was going to go on but, there was a knock at the door.

       Flins pulled me flush to his chest as I tried to jump out of my skin. “It’s Master Illuga.” He eased me back to arm’s length. “Go get changed and shower. I’m sure the young Master has heard word from Varka about tonight.”

       “Alright. I’ll toss you a shirt.” I scurried into our room and tossed him out a shirt.

       Stripping off, I hopped into the warm shower and rinsed off. There was hardly any cold lingering on my skin. So much was floating through my mind, but having Flins comfort me in that way…had made all the difference. I was glad to have waited for now; I needed the affection. And as Jahoda said, there was too much to lose. And with the Doctor on the loose, I couldn't put it off. 

       Still, from this point forward, I was going to help in more ways. I couldn’t do much about things needing to happen, but I would need to face the Doctor and aid my friends more than I did hours ago. Lumine had some truth to her outburst, but I can’t let myself get down about it. 

       Stepping out of the shower, I pulled on a fresh dress, warm stockings, and put my hair into a pony tail. Going into the living room, Illuga was stripped down to his shorts, his own coat drying by the fire like ours. Flins was in the kitchen making a pot of tea.

       “Cold huh?” I asked, walking to the sofa and sitting by Illuga. Without his shirt, I could see he was littered in more scars than I would have thought.

       “Frozen.” His eyes were glued to the ground.

       “Why are you averting your eyes?” I asked, looking at myself to make sure I was decent.

       “I didn’t want you to see me like this.” He whispered, hand flying to the scar running down his throat.

       “Oh. I’m sorry. I’ll go back to my room. I didn’t think about how embarrassing that would be” I tried to stand but he grasped my wrist, holding me in place.

       “Sorry.” He quickly let me go. “I just don't want you to leave either.”

       “I can sit with my back to you.” I offered, turning so I couldn’t see him. “And Flins can let you borrow a dry shirt.”

       “That would be great.” Illuga’s voice was meek, which wasn’t like him.

       “Is there something wrong?” It was hard not looking at him, but I could hear Flins going into the bedroom to grab a shirt.

       “I was on my way back to Piramida after picking up a letter from Sir Varka, and I got caught in the storm.” The couch shifted, Illuga reaching up and catching a shirt that Flins had tossed.

       “There you are Master Illuga.” Flins’ voice floated from back in the kitchen. “The tea is almost ready.”

       “That will warm us all up. We also got caught in the storm.” I swirled once Illuga tapped me. My face burned seeing Illuga in one of Flins’ deep v-neck shirts. “Ahm, it will be a miracle we don’t all get sick.” I added, looking at the fire as it raged in the fireplace.

       “Yes, it’s a good thing we’re all dry and warm now.” Illuga sucked in his lips, eyes scanning my body. “From the letter I received from Sir Varka, there seems to be a rather large threat before us.”

       “Indeed.” Flins sat a trey of tea in front of us. He was already applying my favorite accompaniments before handing me the steaming cup. “I’m sure you’re familiar with the Fatui Harbinger Dottore.”

       “I am.” Illuga definitely noticed the shiver that ran down my spine as Flins said the Doctor’s name.

       “Can you all discuss this when I go to bed?” I wrapped my arms around myself; ears pressed to my damp hair. “I know time is of the essence, but he’s gone for now. I don’t know how much you know of my background as a Fatui fugitive, but I was the Doctor’s experiment.” I swallowed hard, glancing at my reflection in my tea cup. “It’s been a rough night.”

       “The witch.” Illuga nodded to himself.

       “What?” I was curious why he said that.

       “The story you told, my love.” Flins said it so casually it didn’t register he had called me his love.

       “Snow white?” I asked.

       “He’s the Evil Queen, the witch.” Illuga sat his tea cup down, getting up and stepping over Flins’ long legs. “I promised I’d protect you from the witch and I will keep my promise.”

       “Illuga, you can’t.”

       “I can.” He fired back.

       “I don’t want you to get hurt.” This statement only fired the man up more.

       “Pain is something I can handle.” Illuga laid his hand over his heart. “Losing you to the likes of that scum? That’s unbearable.”

       “Do not underestimate Master Illuga.” Flins rested his hand on my thigh. “Us Lightkeepers are fiercely loyal.”

       “I know it does me no good to remind everyone how unimportant I am in the grand scheme of Nod Krai. But, I must make every attempt to ask you to put your energy elsewhere.” I grabbed Illuga’s hand, keeping my eyes locked with his. “I am not worth saving.”

       The hand on my thigh was squeezed tighter, not painful but enough to remind me who I was sitting beside. Illuga freed one of his hands, pressing it to my forehead.  “No fever. Sir Flins, what could cause her to say something so absurd.”

       “I am not sure, Master Illuga. Perhaps I’ve been too soft on her.” Flins’ eyes glinted indigo.

       “Soft?” I was surprised that’s what they thought. The men looked at each other and I suddenly felt like I was about to have my mind changed…

       “Yes, soft.” Illuga kneeled before me, hand resting over his heart. “I pledge to do everything in my power to protect you.”

       “Not Flins two-point o.” My pulse was racing, Flins’ hand going from my thigh to my lace our fingers together. He lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed my knuckles one at a time, paying attention to my ring.

       “You already know my devotion. But, if I must remind you…” Flins started to get on the floor to match Illuga.

       “Okay, okay. Enough.” I freed myself and jumped onto the couch to stand over them. “You’re both embarrassing me. I’m not a princess.”

       “You are to us.” Illuga spoke for both of them. Flins nodded along, smirking at how flustered I was. They were toying with me. 

       “This is not fair. We have major problems and I’m not going to let this slide. I’m going to bed.” I jumped over the back of the couch to get away.

       “That won’t work, Princess.” Illuga got up and chased after me, a smirk settling over his lips. “

       “Ahhh, it needs to work.” I yelped. This wasn’t a fantasy I would concoct, it was way too uncomfortable. Another fact that made this all the more real. 

       “We’ll let you be, if you promise to stop under valuing yourself.” Flins laid the terms on the table. However, he was definitely closing the gap between me and the bedroom door. 

       “Look, no promises. I’ll try, but if either of you get hurt because of me. I’ll-“

       “You’ll tend to us till we get well.” Flins finished the sentence for me.

“And you’ll tell us more stories.” Illuga added with all seriousness. 

       “Alright. Fair terms. Just stay out of trouble.” I warned them both. “That whole devotion thing was a bit much, don’t you think?” I prodded them.

       “It worked.” Illuga grinned. “And I was sincere.”

       “I know you were, but you can’t just go doing that for just anyone. People might take advantage.” I cautioned him.

       “You aren’t just anybody. You’re Princess (Y/n).” Illuga’s eyes were practically glowing.

       “Don’t call me Princess.” I whined, marching towards the bedroom. “You two have your serious conversation and I’ll be in here resting.”

       “Good night.” They both chimed.

       “No way! Oops.” I had gotten a little too loud, but none of the three chosen ones were distributed in their focus.

       “Don’t be a sore loser.” Varka whispered, taking the mora we had piled on the table. I hated to admit I had a gambling problem, but I played Genshin impact for a reason. At least in the game I was granted a character after a while.

       “He’s bested you three times. You should give it up bestie.” Jahoda had thrown in the towel early this round, keeping her mora in her pockets.

       “I, just, am learning.” I pouted, not fully understanding poker. It wasn’t something I had played in my past life.

       “Wanna play again?” Varka picked up the cards and began to shuffle them. His hands were quick, flicking the cards around and making them almost click together.

       “Paimon is too busy tending to our prayer people, with Aino and Ineffa, to notice I’m going broke. She’d put a stop to this.” I hung my head low, eyes glinting up. “But she’s not here, and I’m not a quitter.”

       “That’s a bold move.” Jahoda raised her brows high. “That last round was enough for me.”

       “We need another player. Nefer?” I engaged the women who kept glancing our way.

       “No thanks.” She smiled. “Though you’d be better off following Jahoda’s advice.”

       “I know.” I had around three hundred mora left. Maybe enough to buy a hot dog with no drink. “But at this point, I’ve lost it all. What’s one more chance to get some back?”

       “Let her try.” Varka hummed. “She needs to learn the hard way.”

       “Life is a cruel teacher.” Jahoda whined, petting her thinned wallet.  

       “I just need the right cards.” I swallowed hard.

       “We can play Heads Up. It’s for two people. You play the same way, but the stakes are higher.” Varka sipped from his flask, laying the cards out and dealing our hands. “You in?” He leaned against the barrel we had been using for a table.

       “Yes.”

       …

       “Noooo.” I handed over the last of my money, well now Varka’s money. “I never fold, and you just keep getting lucky.”

       “The winds of luck are with me.” He flexed his bicep, kissing the plump part, as if brawn had anything to do with it.   

       “Welp, I’m going to go out to find some chests. This is bullshit.” I fiddled with my wallet in my hands. 

       “We can play that game too.” Varka laughed.Good to know they played Bullshit in this world too.  We all kept our voices low. “No money. Maybe just favors.”

       “Favors?” Nefer perked up, her eyes flashing from Varka to me. “Those are the hardest to repay.”

       “I don’t know.” I got up, walking towards the cave entrance. “I’m going to go scrounge for mora.” Then I felt him…. he was back from getting supplies.  

       “Don’t go out, it’s too dark for you.” Jahoda grabbed my hand, her cold metal fingers making me shiver. 

       “I’ll just ask Flins to go with me.” I nodded at the entrance.

       “Wow, how’d you know he was back? He’s so quiet.” Jahoda balked, letting my hand go to cover her mouth as he walked in. 

       Flins stalked to the firewood pile and set down the branches. His eyes locked on Varka counting his winnings, then on me holding an empty purple velvet bag. “What has transpired since I left?”

       “Just a friendly and lucrative game of poker.” Varka answered. “Miss (Y/n) was about to consider offering favors up as currency.”

       Just like that, the heat in the cave was kicked up a notch. Flins’ calm expression didn’t change, but I knew he was a little upset with me. “Is that so?”

       “I may have a gambling problem.” I cast my eyes down; ears pressed to my head. Flins ran his hand down my braid, twirling the end.

       “Grand Master, how about a round with me?” Flins sat in the seat I was in previously.

       “No.” Varka slotted the cards back in the box. “Unlike Miss (Y/n), I know when to call it quits.”

       “But you were willing to play her for a favor?” Flins’ eyes held a little mischief.

       “Well yeah. Never know when you’ll need one.” Varka awkwardly chuckled.

       “Favors are handy.” Jahoda chimed in. She could feel the tension too. Nefer acted uninterested but was clearly engaged in the outcome.

       “I’m going to go look around. I’ll be back in time for my shift caring for our friends.” I needed to deescalate. “Good game Grand Master. You won fair and square. I just don’t know when to quit.” I held my thumb up. “I’ll get you next time though.”

       “She will never learn.” Jahoda stood from her chair. “I’ll help you out. Let’s go.”

       “Thank you.” I took long and calculated strides out of the cave. Once out of the way, I let out a breath I had been holding. “That was tense.”

       “Mr. Flins sure does get serious over you.” Jahoda nudged me with her mechanical arm, the cold metal touching my bare skin. Of course, I forgot my coat back in the cave. “Are you two dating?”

       “It’s umm. We both like each other, but we’re trying to wait for the right moment.” I waved my arms around, looking under rocks and around ledges on the cliffs for chests.

       “He was giving you a ring on the beach…I think the time is now.” She pointed to the ring on my finger. “This life is too short not to go for it. We could die at any minute. And we need to make the most of what time we have.” She rubbed her arm, circling her finger around a bolt. “Things can change quickly.”

       “You’re right. I’m the one holding us back.” I sucked in my bottom lip. “Damn, look alive.” I barked, a dark mist settling over the beach.

       “Run!” She grabbed my elbow, taking off at lightning speed. While I had developed a new sense of athleticism, I still wasn’t as swift as her.

       “Bestie please.” My heart was pounding in my chest. “Go grab Flins. I’ll hold them off.” I broke from her hold and turned on my heels. My voice was sure, but Jahoda had spent the last hour watching me bluff. 

       “You’re made of glass, no way.” She shot an arrow into the chest of one of the creatures. “We need to keep running.” I felt Flins fast approaching. My shoulder relaxed.

       “No need.” Varka appeared in the thick fog, his voice booming. I jumped out of my skin, clutching my chest.

       “Wha.” I was gripped around the waist and hauled on his shoulder.

       “Eek.” He nabbed Jahoda in the other arm, keeping her hanging low.  Varka jumped to higher ground as the hunt snuck up on us from behind.

       “I came to apologize. But I see we have bigger problems. Sir Flins, do you mind?” Varka hollered down at Flins, who was bobbing through the miasma.

       Flins didn’t answer him, his form dancing around the dark fog. There were points where he totally disappeared and I could only catch the electricity he produced.

       “Let me help.” I wriggled on Varka’s shoulder till he slid me down.

       “Be careful.” Jahoda said as she was also put down, drawing her bow.

       “I got this.” I fired back with more sass then needed. No one needed healing so I just tossed water into the mist, looking for pockets to know I was hitting monsters.

       “Stay up here.” Varka pointed at us, jumping back into the mist.

       “Why couldn’t I be stronger?” I growled, tossing water with more force.

       “I’m tough, but not up close.” Jahoda sighed, shooting a few shots when her line of sight was clear. “I understand you.”

       “I’m just glad we caught this before they rolled up on the cave.” I reasoned seeing there were only two beasts left. Flins got one and Varka the other.

       “Good work you two.” Jahoda called down to them. She jumped off the cliff, and engaged her glider…. I didn’t have mine on me.

       “Come on (Y/n), let's go back.” Varka waved his arm for me to jump.

       “I’ll just walk up here. I don’t have my glider.” I sputtered, Flins reaching up his arms. “You don’t have to catch me! I can walk.”

       “Let the man dote on you.” Varka laughed, watching our next moves intently.

       “Jump and I’ll catch you.” Flins was so casual about it.

       “How about I attempt to climb down and you catch me if I fall.” I sat on the lip of the cliff. A scream ripping through me as the ground gave up from under me the second my legs were over the side. 

       Everything in my mind slowed down. Jahoda was right, things could happen so fast. I grasped at the air, praying Flins caught me and I didn’t break my legs. It was just a split second. But Flins jumped up, the momentum breaking my fall slightly. He wrapped one arm around my back and the other at my knees, landing with grace.

       “Are you alright?” Flins whispered in my ear, his face red.

       “Thanks to your quick thinking.” I had my arms around his neck. “You can set me down.”

       “Take it easy.” He slowly let me go, making sure I could hold my own weight.

       “I can’t catch a break.” I kicked up some sand, my toes catching on the lip of a chest. “Ouch.” I balanced on one foot.

       “That’s a break…” Jahoda pointed out. “You found what we were looking for.”

       “Let’s open it up.” I growled. My mood had tanked, but I still got to my knees and dug out the sand. I popped it open; it was full of rotten fruit and a few iron chunks. “Ewww.”

       “Luck isn’t on your side.” Varka recoiled from the smell.

       I slammed the chest back shut. “I guess I’ve used all my luck up.”

       “Let’s hurry back, it will be our turn soon.” Jahoda bounced on the ball of her heel.

       “We’ll catch up shortly.” Flins motioned for them to go on.His aura was serious, the other two giving me concerned glances. 

       “Yeah. If I don’t return, know that I know it was worth it.” I joked, but the blondes before me didn’t find it very funny. While Flins had been sweet to rescue me earlier, he still was laced with some kind of anger.

       “Just hustle when you’re done working it out.” Varka offered a grin before heading back with Jahoda, who was half way down the beach.

       I turned to face Flins, he was frowning a tiny bit, his sullen yellow eyes checking me up and down. Crossing my arms over my chest, I turned my head away from him. He broke his frown and chuckled.

       “What am I going to do with you?” He held out his hand.

       I raised my brow, uncrossing my arms and cocking my head to the side. “What?”

       “Hand me your purse.” He flexed his fingers in a ‘hand it over’ motion.

       “It’s really your purse.” I handed him the purple velvet bag.

       “Now it is yours.” He assured me. “We will need to work on your card game skills. What would you do if every chest you found was empty?”

       “Lumine always gets the best chests. I finally found my own and it's humiliating.” My eyes widened, even though I knew what he would do. He took out his own coin bag, and split it in half, putting money in mine.

       “You’ve been humiliated enough today. I won’t add salt to your wounds.” He handed me my pouch, and I tucked it back in my bag.  A chill went down my spine, and soon Flins was hauling off his coat.

       “Flins. I won’t die.” I reasoned. He draped the coat over my shoulders.

       “You could catch a cold.” He took my hand, and guided me back towards our cave.

       “That’s my own damn fault.” I gripped his hand tighter, my voice growing smaller. “But you always take care of me…no matter how bad I fuck up.”

       “That won’t change, my Starlight.” He assured me, rubbing his thumb over my hand.

       “I just hope I provide that level of attention back to you.” I laid my head on his shoulder for a moment, and we paused walking. The dark fog was gone, and we were seeing the stars in the sky.

       “You do.” He looked at the sky, then down to my ring. “It really does sparkle like the night sky.”

       “I love it.” I wiggled my fingers.

       “That makes me very happy.” Flins kissed my forehead. “It’s almost our shift to care for our friends.”

       “Yeah, we better hurry back.” We took quick strides back to the cave.

       Back with the others, we relieved those who had been awake while we had goofed off. It was a simple job: look for any signs of them needing medical attention and hope they didn’t give up. It had almost been three days. The card game was a way to pass the time, but still it was rather boring. It’s not like I needed sleep, but laying by myself and pretending, for the sake of those who didn’t know, was hard. Especially because I didn’t want to look like I was always up Flins’ rear.

       A few more hours ticked by. I could smell Ineffa cooking up a storm. She was preparing for the moment the gate opened and everyone could eat and drink again. Soon Nicole was spouting her incantation to open the gate.

       Everyone relaxed as the gate appeared. Arlecchino was trying to get everyone to go in right away, but Ineffa reminded them they needed their strength. The three ladies were drooling at the spread before them, and I dared not get in their way.

       “Lauma, how do you feel?” I approached her, she was chowing down on a salad, sitting off to herself.

       “That was quite the challenge.” She pointed to her feet. “My legs are numb.”

       “You’re tougher than me.” I sat beside her. “I guess you’re going inside?”

       “Yes. Are you?” She posed a good question.

       “I don’t know.” My glance went to the traveler. “Maybe I should wait out here.” If I remembered right, the inside was mostly puzzles. I wasn’t a fan of puzzles and tricks.

       “Alright.” She laid her hand on my thigh. “Are you okay?”

       “Why wouldn’t I be?” Maybe I said too fast or too loud, but Lauma was good at seeing through me.

       “Your being feels turbulent. Maybe it’s where you’re close to animals, but I feel a special bond with you.” She squeezed my plush thigh. I wouldn’t say I was close to the animals in this world, so she must mean my ears and tail. 

       “I’m okay. Just afraid for Columbina, and what the future holds. Domains make me uneasy. I’m afraid they’ll close and lock you inside.” I admitted, glancing at the other’s chatting and deciding who all would go in. 

       “Then you’ll have to keep watch over the door to make sure we make it back.” She was soothing, her essence was like a warm hug.

       “You got it. Nothing bad will happen, and I’ll make sure of it.” I nodded, standing up and offering her a hand. “Looks like you’re going in.”

       “I’ll be extra careful.” She hugged me.  For some reason I wanted to cry, but I didn’t let myself. The next bit would be a break, before all out chaos. 

       “Alright, we’ll be back soon.” Nicole said in our heads, the group going on in.

       “You look rough.” Aino prodded me.

       “There’s a lot at stake.” I reasoned.

       “Analysis, Miss. (Y/n) is worried. Solution, offer up electrolyte juice.” Ineffa offered me a canteen of juice she produced from inside her body. 

       “Thank you Ineffa.” I took a long swig and passed it back to her. “Alright, let’s look after the door and wait for them to get back.”

       We waited around an hour, before they all tumbled out of the gateway. Lumine and Paimon took off at a sprint and didn’t look back. Lauma looked at me then turned into her deer form and dashed out. Arlecchino was gone before I could say boo to a cat.

       “What’s going on?” Jahoda was looking around frantically.

       “We need to use her chosen name, Columbina, or she could fade away. We need to call out to her in the places she could be.” Nicole said in all our heads.

       “So split up, and look for her.” I got to my feet and took off at a sprint. This was part of the game I didn’t know about. I knew Lumine found her in Silver Moon Hall, but I guess everyone would split up and look for her.

       “Yes. Hurry.” Nicole waved us off.

       “Let’s go Ineffa.” Aino hurried off with Ineffa on her heels.

       “Flins?” I called out to him. He had been yapping with Varka before everyone took off.

       “Let’s go.” He nodded for me to follow him, and we headed out running. 

       “Where should we look. I know who finds her, but we should still call out to her just in case I fucked up.” I reasoned.

       “Let’s check the area close to her statue on Hiisi island.” He changed our path quickly. 

       “Good call.” I followed after him, thinking of the few interactions I had with Columbina. How many times she saved me and my friends. How much she mattered to the world we were in. “Columbina!” I called out to her as we got to the island. “That’s your name! Please come back.”

       “Columbina!” Flins called out too. Not as loud as me, but he was still trying to help.

       We went on looking around Hiisi island for thirty minutes, when a small bird came chirping. “She’s back.” I sighed, relaxing my shoulders.

       “I’m glad.” Flins hugged me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder and applying some of his weight. “It should be Moon Prayer night. We need to hurry to Nasha town.”

       “Right. We’ll all meet up there.” I nodded, wrapping my arm around his. “You’re making sugar sculptures right? As a lamp.”

       “Lantern, my Starlight.” He kissed my cheek, letting me go and walking towards town.

       “Should I be your adorable bunny assistant?” I asked, keeping in step with him.

       “Are you able to shift to a bunny at will?” He asked, genuinely curious.

       “No.” I laughed. “But I can be your bunny girl assistant.”

       “I’m sure that will go over well. We’ll be the most popular booth at the festival.”

       “Damn straight.” I walked with a little pep in my step. This was the fun part before the downfall.

OOOOOOOOOO

       “How many bunnies are you going to make tonight?” I laughed, sucking on a piece of candy until it melted in my mouth.

       “The children love them.” His flame flickered as he used his energy to make another sugar sculpture. “And I would argue a lot of people want a bunny after seeing you.”

       “That’s true. I fear my influence is going to cloud the story though.” I pulled my collar away from my neck to let some cold air in.

       “It’s a nice feeling getting to be in my true form.” Flins’ voice was a mere whisper but I could hear him just fine over the loud festival.

       “I wish I felt that way.” I rubbed one of my ears. Lots of people were donning animal ears, so I blended right in. I hated to admit I had gotten used to wearing a scarf, but it was nice to not have my ears pressed flat.

       “Flins?” Paimon asked as she came up to the booth. “And (Y/n)!”

       “Hey.” I greeted them, seeing the card tucked in Paimon’s hand.

       “Hello Traveler and Paimon.” Flins’ flame flickered in a greeting. “What do we have here?” He motioned to the card.

       “We’re making a card for Columbina. Varka decided to draw something for you on your behalf.” Paimon’s mouth was watering looking at the candy sculptures.

       “I will draw something for Mr. Albedo then.” Flins decided, shushing the group as Columbina arrived.

       I nodded for Lumine to slip to the back. I let Flins have his fun with Columbina, assigning her an animal to resonate with. “Here, I’ll draw mine really quick.” I whispered.

       “What will you draw?” Lumine asked, watching me work with the pencil she gave me.

       “I have an idea.” I grinned, drawing a bunny rabbit with a scarf on. Then I added a few details that matched my own complexion.

       “So cute!” Paimon took the card back and tucked it in Lumine’s bag. “You’re really talented.”

       “Don’t lie, I can see some of the other’s work. Mine’s just got the cute factor.” I covered my mouth and almost swallowed my candy.

       Paimon beat my back till the candy slid back up my throat. “You okay?”

       “Yeah, I just realized the night is almost over.” I looked at the false sky. “I think I’m going to make a wish at the Frost Moon Scions booth.”

       “Oooo, you should.” Paimon motioned me to go towards the wishing stall. “We’ll let Flins know where you’ve run off too.”

       “Thanks.” I bid them farewell and went to the wish section.

       Once at the table, I grabbed a slip of paper and a pencil. I went to a corner to think of what to wish for. In my past life, I always wished to be happy. It was simple but so unattainable. How many wishes I had wasted asking for something that would never be a constant?

       “You look lost?” Arlecchino. “What is wrong?”

       I hadn’t spoken a word to her the whole time we’d been together. “Just a lot on my mind. What good is wishing for something unattainable?” I forced myself to let out a small laugh. “I’ve wasted many wishes.”

       “Hmm. Then I suppose you should think of something more concrete.” She said it, like wishing was so simple.

       “Good call.” She hovered near me and I took my opportunity. “Do you know who I am?” I asked, swallowing hard.

       “Dottore’s experiment.” She sounded disguised with the man's name.

       “Yeah. I’ve been in hiding for months.” I made a fist and placed it next to my heart. “Do you know anything I might not?”

       “I do not. He was very secretive about you. It was only after your escape that the project was announced to those outside the inner circle.” She took a piece of paper and wrote down her wish carefully.

       “Thank you, for not turning me in.” I bowed my head. To be fair I didn’t know much about her. She was in Fountaine and I had skipped right through it.

       “I don’t agree with his research practices.” She hummed, hanging her wish. “You should be free of his hunt soon. He has left Nod Krai.”

       “That’s wonderful news.” I answered. Knowing he would show his hand soon.

       “I will see you at the gate.” Arlecchino waved and glanced back at me as she left. She was interesting. I doubted I’d ever be close to her, but there was something about her I couldn’t put my hand on. 

       Scrolling out my wish, I asked for all my friends to live another eighty years at least. It was concrete, some of them would be very old humans, but I would care for them. I just wanted everyone to be okay at the end of the mission.

       “Most of the stalls are closing up.” Flins had snuck up on me. I was in my own head and didn’t feel the warm thump of his energy.  “I thought we could try the ride in the middle of the town.”

       “I would like that.” I glanced back at my wish, then back at Flins. Maybe eighty years wouldn’t be enough.

       We boarded the ride, there was a lack of safety equipment, but I knew it was a simple design, up and down round and round.  I held Flins’ hand, and the ride sputtered to life.  We didn’t speak, the wind fluttering around us. In the cheesiest way, I kept stealing glances at him, but he was always looking at me. He squeezed my hand tighter, and I felt the familiar pang of fear in my chest. I pushed the pang down, and made sure to enjoy the moment.

       Once we hopped off the ride, we noticed the group gathering to say goodbye to Columbina. Flins mentioned that farewells are important to the Ratnik, so we had better come to peace with it. Then I said, “It’s not good bye, just farewell.” Everyone else shared their sentiments.  

       “We made something for you.” Paimon announced.

       “What is it?” Columbina was surprised, good.

       “It’s a Moon Prayer Night Card, so you can look at us anytime.” Paimon cheered.

       “I also did your portrait, since you had never had one done.” Albedo smiled.

       Everyone told who they drew in the card. Columbina was speechless. After a minute, she then announced after some thought, she would use moonlight to write messages to us in the future, so we could stay in touch. We all were excited at the prospect.  

       Soon we were saying our goodbyes. I hadn’t interacted with Columbina much, but she was still important to me. Her story had moved me to tears when I played through it. While I wasn’t privy to her much in this world, I still cared for her deeply.

       “Hey, why won’t we go get a stiff drink.” Varka could see the sadness all over my face. He had clamped his hand on my shoulder and rested his other hand on Flins’ back. He didn’t know why I truly looked so sad. 

       “I could use one.” I didn’t say it was to steel my nerves. I kept looking at the sky, waiting for him to show up.

       “Don’t be so blue. We’ll see her again.” Flins looked at me, Varka’s chest obscuring his view.

       “I know.” I looked at my feet. “I’m just nervous.”

       “Come on, we need to be happy she’s going home.” Varka got us three cups of ale. I didn’t want to be drunk for the next moment, so I only sipped mine.

       “A toast to the Moon Goddess.” Flins held up his glass.

       “To the Moon Goddess.” Varka agreed.

       “To our friend.” I saw it on the horizon, the blue circle in the sky, the doctor’s voice resonating over the land. I took off a sprint, Flins and Varka on my heels.

       “Columbina!” I screamed, seeing her in a box in the sky. It was this moment everyone else froze, but I didn’t. Lumine darted to the sky, fighting with the doctor.  I started to strip off my clothes, and swim out into the water. Trying to make it to where they were. It was moving so fast in real time, I had to hurry and watch. 

       Columbina created a portal and threw herself through it. My heart shattered. Lumine screamed and grunted and the floor holding her up broke. I was in the perfect position to break her fall with my power and cradle her body. Pushing up pink cork screws, her body was sucked down and into my arms.  

       My lungs were making themselves known again. Panic setting in as the Doctor disappeared with the two moon’s powers. Everyone on the beach was unfrozen, some of them jumping into the water to come help me.

       I looped one arm around Lumine, and used the other with my legs to back stroke to shore. I was getting dizzy from the panic, but I started to count in my head. I had survived my first encounter with the Doctor unnoticed. Still, I was lightheaded and trying not to throw up the liquid in my stomach. At least the water was cold enough to ground me. 

       “What happened?” Paimon was the first to us, floating above the water. Her face scrunched in worry. 

       “No. Time.” I gasped, bobbing us both under a wave as we got closer to shore.

       “Hurry up, (Y/n) is going to drown too.” Paimon yelled, and I was way more embarrassed than I should have been.

       “I. Can. Still. Swim.” I pushed Lumine up and dunked myself under as a tame wave went overhead. Lumine was taken from me, and I was pulled up right away before I could kick back up. My hands were forced around someone’s throat. My eyes were still shut tight, shame pulling at me. 

       “Are you two, okay?” Varka was now holding Lumine, and I spotted him past indigo hair.

       I was holding lightly to Flins, my heart still racing. The reality I had just seen the Doctor caught up to me. Feeling my body shake, it happened. I was transformed into a bunny. Losing my grip on Flins, he flipped over and grabbed me. He switched to floating on his back, putting me on his chest and pressing me flat. 

       “(Y/n)!” Paimon gulped, having never seen me like this.

       “I’m taking that as a no.” Varka looked at Lumine then me. “Back to shore.”

The waves were rough, but I didn’t have to worry about it. Flins and Varka were built like tanks, so they were able to power through the surf. Paimon kept high enough the water didn’t touch her, but close enough to watch over us. 

       Once on shore, Flins was offered a towel that Jahoda had. “Always getting into trouble.” She commented, tossing another towel to Paimon, who started to dry Lumine in Varka’s hold.

       “What happened?” Lauma was by Lumine, trying to shake her awake. “One minute we were all running, the next second time had froze.”

       “It’s better suited for us to regroup. Right now, I need to heal her.” I said, Flins wrapping me in the towel. He dried my ears, and held me close to his chest. Still in my rabbit form, I was shaking, from the cold and the horrors. Trying to focus on anything else, I laid my head on Flins’ chest, his wild beating heart echoed from his ribcage.

       “Darling, you need a moment to compose yourself.” Flins smoothed his hand over me. The action soothing my erratic heart.

       “That had to be scary.” Lauma looked at me, eyes glancing back at Lumine. She was torn on who to comfort. “You are the Doctor’s creation.”

       It took a full day, but we managed to get everything back in order. Thankfully the Fatui only looked in areas where someone could hide, like behind curtains or under desks and beds. Most things were just flipped or tore down. It didn’t take much to mend and rearrange what was broken.

       “Kyryll, I’m not sure they won’t ransack your home again while we’re away.” I finished sewing up a curtain and handed it to Flins for him to hang up. He faltered, brain short circuiting for a moment. I had been slipping in a Kyryll here and there and he was acutely aware of it.

       “I believe they will think twice before stepping foot on this sacred ground.” He hung up the purple curtain, turning back to me. I was sitting on his sofa, starting my last sewing project, which was a sheet for the bed.

       “As much blood as I scrubbed out of your hair, I think I believe you.” A chill ran down my spine, and I flinched as I poked myself with my needle. “Ouch.”

       “Allow me.” He kneeled before me, and took my finger into his mouth, his tongue running over the droplet of blood. His eyes were locked on mine, gazing up from the floor.

       “I, um.” I swallowed hard, licking my lips and looking to the side. He released my finger, placing a chaste kiss to my palm before relinquishing his hold on me.  “Thank you.” His fingers rested under my chin and pulled my gaze back to him.

       “You have the most beautiful expressions. I do wish you wouldn’t hide them from me.” He was toying with me.

       “Are you playing with your food?” I asked, a confident burst spreading over my chest. “Is this payback for using your first name so casually?”

       “You have no idea the power you hold over me, my Starlight.” He was so close, so I went ahead and nuzzled our noses.

       “I’ll remember to use that power for good.” I picked up my sewing project and began to mend again, more focused this time. “We should go to town soon. Meet with the others, and see how things are going. What happens here soon will be important. I will have the chance to ask a mage about my situation.”

       “Are they trustworthy?” He inquired, sitting by me on the couch.

       “I sure hope so.” I sighed. “Maybe it doesn’t matter how I got here, but I would like to know. Surely, she would have a clue.”

       “There are more questions than answers." He tentatively rubbed my ears. “We’ll get to the bottom of this.”

       There was a knock at the door. My blood ran cold, and I got up to scurry into the bedroom. We had come up with a plan. Until we got the Fatui off our back, I would hide when people knocked at the door. And when Flins headed out, so did I and vice versa.

       “It’s Miss Paimon and Miss Lumine.” Flins announced, and I came out of the bedroom.

       “A little birdie told me that you were in some trouble last night.” Paimon said, coming up to me and hugging my neck. “Paimon is glad you’re okay.”

       “Yes, you were thinking on your feet.” Lumine praised me, nodding. “You’ve grown.”

       “You think?” I asked, sitting on the couch and petting the spots next to me. I made sure to take the middle so I’d have Lumine on one side and Flins on the other.

       “Of course. You don’t have your wing glider license and were still able to operate one. Just like me when I first got here. That’s pretty tough.” Lumine smiled.

       “Yeah, you’re a lot stronger physically. Running all the way to Piramida. I’m impressed.” Paimon nodded along.

       “She’s adapting well.” Flins agreed, resting his hand on my thigh. I wasn’t about to be flustered.

       “Well, I’m glad you all think so highly of me.” I rested my hand on Flins’, rubbing his knuckles. “Anyways, how was Columbina?”

       “She wasn’t there yesterday; we’re going to try again in the morning.” Paimon explained.

       “I see.” So we were at that point in the story. Good. I still had time to run into Alice or Nicole. “Well, I better go make you some tea. I’m sure you’re both parched.”

       “Are you sure it's not because you’re thirsty?” Paimon laughed floating around me as I headed to the kitchen.

       “I’m always thirsty.” I laughed, knowing in this world ‘thirsty’ did not mean you were lusting after someone. If only they knew how funny it was, then we’d all be laughing.

       “Your laugh is so pretty.” Lumine perched over the back of the couch to watch me work the stove. “You’re accent too; it’s unlike anything I’ve ever heard.”

       “Thank you. I didn’t realize I had much of an accent.” I added some tea leaves to a little basket and tossed it in the water.

       “Yeah, it’s super cute.” Paimon added, pulling milk out of the fridge.

       “Like a beautiful song bird in the morning.” Flins added. He was up and getting cups down from the cupboard. I noticed he got himself a wine glass, and I went to the wine cabinet and pulled down a bottle. I still wasn’t sure what his favorite was, but he happily drank whatever I’d grab for him.

       “Y’all don’t need to hype me up. It will go to my head.” I smirked, pulling the cork out of the wine and pouring some into Flins’ glass.

       “Teas done.” Paimon declared. I pulled it off the stove and poured Lumine, Paimon and myself a cup. We all retook our positions on the sofa.

       “So, I guess we’ve lost custody.” Lumine chided, sipping her tea.

       “Indeed, we have.” Paimon added. “We should see you in court Mr. Flins.”

       “Woah now. I know you’re not talking about me.” I sat my tea down and crossed my arms.

       “We miss you.” Paimon concluded.

       “We should have visited sooner. It’s just been super busy.” Lumine frowned, finishing off her tea in a long swig. “Are you content?”

       I looked at Flins, who seemed just as curious to my answer. “I am. I was happy with you two. And I hope we can adventure together again. But I feel like I’m less likely to interfere with the story here. And other things.”

       “Other things?” Paimon parroted me. “You just like Flins.”

       “Paimon!” I tried to shh her, my ears flying straight up. But Flins was laughing now. He was bent at the waist, his glass on the coffee table, and his eyes closed.

       “If it’s a secret then I will pretend I don’t already know.” He sat back up, wiping the tears from his eyes.

       “She’s not subtle.” Paimon said pointing at me.

       “Neither is Flins.” Lumine countered. “As long as both of you are happy, we are happy.”

       “There's still things to do.” I looked at myself in the reflection of the tea. My ears were laid flat. “I’m afraid.”

       “Don’t be, you have all of us to keep you safe.” Paimon nodded, fluttering to my side, petting my shoulder.

       “That’s not. That’s the problem. I’m a variable. Something that wasn’t originally counted for.  I know I’ve been helpful to this point, but at what moment do I change things beyond repair. What we’re about to experience…it will be very precise actions that lead to a good outcome.” I had been repeating the same concern over and over. At what point did I start to manifest a bad outcome?

       “We will cross the bridge when we get there.” Lumine stood. “We’re going to head out. It’s getting late.”

       “Right.” I had brought the mood down, great.

       “Good night you two.” Paimon went to the door.

       “You’re leaving so soon.” Flins pulled us both up and off the couch. He rested his hand on my lower back and we went to the front door to bid them farewell.

       “We have a lead to follow up on around here.” Paimon frowned. “I guess it does look bad we leave on that note.”

       “It’s all going to work out.” Lumine assured me. “It’s just getting late.”

       “Okay, be safe.” I waved them off.

       “Farewell friends.” Flins shut the door behind them. He turned, resting his hands on my face. “That wasn’t a pleasant ending. Are you alright?”

       “I’ll be okay. I just have to keep my stupid mouth shut.” His grip flexed on my face.

       “I don’t like when you speak so unkind to yourself.” He softened his eyes, rubbing my cheek.

       “I’m just frustrated.” I pulled away walking over to the music box. “And one thing that makes me feel better is a good dance.”

       “The art of distraction.” He went to the open space in the living room. “Would you like a partner?” The music started; it was one of his albums full of classical music.

       “If you would give me the honor?” I curtsied.

       “It would be my pleasure.” He slightly smirked, but bowed none the less.   

       “To be fair, I’ve only danced with a boy once in college. It was super awkward…and neither of us knew what we were doing. And I still don’t know what I’m doing. From what I understand there was a lot of jumping back in the royal court days in my world.” I stalled for time, the glint in his eyes let me know he was enjoying my rambles.

       “How about you take the lead? How would you dance to this particular melody.” He held his hands out, waiting for me to grab him how I saw fit.

       “Alright.” I nodded and tapped my foot to the beat for a moment.  I took one of his outstretched hands and encouraged him to wrap himself in my arms. Once in my arms I dipped him slightly then I spun him back out.

       “I’m surprised. That is quite the technical move.” He complimented, before spinning me into his hold.  “Though I think the courts would say it’s scandalous to have our hips together.”

       “Good thing we don’t have to worry about what other people think.” He dipped me, much lower than I dipped him. And he kept me in that position for a moment. His hair cascading down and ticking my throat.  Once back up, I spun and was brought back to him. He grabbed my free hand, and slid the other to my waist. I grabbed his shoulder, and we did some off beat foot work.

       “Are you enjoying yourself?”

       “Very much. Though I miss my music.” I sighed. “You’d probably hate techno.” I laughed at the thought.  “Or maybe you’d love rock music. You’re very macabre so maybe Ghost?”

       “I wish I could hear them.” He shuffled us around his house.

       “If I could play an instrument, I’d be able to get some of the melody out.” I pouted. “It’s getting dark. I assume the Wild Hunt is kicking up.”

       “I fear so.” He let me go. “We should prepare.”

       “Let me grab my boots.”

OOOOOOOOOOO

       “I’m killed. How do you have so much stamina?” I kicked my shoes off at the door. The lighthouse had been left in one piece while we were gone.

       “Years of dedication.” He took off his boots and coat.

       “I know I’m still coming into my own, but I’m ready to lay down after a shower.” The house was warm, and after fighting all night in the cold, it was a welcome comfort.

       “Do you wish to go first?” He nodded towards the bathroom.

       “I think so.” Heat crept up my neck and ran to my ears. It would be faster if we showered together, but I wasn’t that bold. The thought had crossed my mind a few times, but I stomped it down.

       Gathering up one of my nightgowns from a drawer, I stepped into the bathroom and shut the door. Stripping down I tossed my dirty outfit in the laundry pile. Nothing was nicer than having spare clothes in this world. Not having to wash my outfit every five seconds was a welcome change.

       The hot water washed over me. I didn’t ask about how Kuuvahki were used to generate power, but I was thankful for a hot shower nonetheless. Scrubbing my hair, I tried to be quick to allow Flins to have hot water too.

       Hopping out, I dried off and changed quickly. Stepping out, I felt revitalized. Flins was waiting on the bed, resting his hands on his knees, clean clothes in a neat pile by his thigh.  “All yours. I’ll try to do laundry tomorrow.”

       “All mine?” He looked me up and down, a grin tugging at his lips. He stood from the bed, stepping towards me. I backed up till I was against the bathroom door. His hands on either side of my head.

       “You’re a dog.” I pressed my hand to his chest, firm under my touch. “I’m not prey.”

       “So, I’m a dog? What does that make you, my Starlight?” He leaned down to whisper in my ear. Warmth bloomed over my body, and I couldn’t still my heart.

       “I’d hate to be the rabbit between your teeth.” I slipped from under his arm. “You know how to get my heart pumping.”

       “As long as it continues to beat, I will be happy. I’d like to think I’m more of a guard dog.” He grabbed his pile of clothes off the bed.

       “Oh yeah big dog? Woof for me.” I laughed, my heart simmering down.

       “Woof?” He chuckled. “I’m going to clean up. I’ll be to bed shortly.”

       “I’ll hold you to it.” I slid under the covers on my side, settling into the soft mattress.

       Minutes ticked by. The sun would be up soon and we’d be going to town. I just wanted a little cuddle time. Sure, I was dodging his every advance, but he wasn’t pushing the matter. Just toying with me. Still, I always wanted to lay with him. He could probably sit and read a good book or whittle and recover, but no. I wanted us to lay side by side and just exist.

Would I have regrets if I disappeared? Would this be my one chance for love and I’ve wasted it being afraid? I needed to make up my mind. Before I pushed him too far away.

       “You look deep in thought.” He emerged from the bathroom, his nightshirt and shorts hanging on his body.

       “I am.” I sighed.

       “Hopefully I haven’t caused you any grief.” He sat on the edge of the bed, looking away from me.

       “No. I’m causing my own issues.” I scooted closer to his side, and tugged on the back of his shirt. “Lay down. If you want to.” I encouraged him, scooting back to my position. “Maybe toss a weary arm over me, and pet me while you’re at it.”

       “So considerate.” He hummed, crawling under the cover, sliding his arm around my waist. “Is there anything else you might suggest?”

       “I have ideas for a later date. Maybe, just, I don’t know, make sure I don’t vanish.” I found his hand and held it. “I’m a little stressed about it.” I rubbed his knuckles with my thumb.

       “I’ll be right here. You may rest easy.” He moved his legs to tangle with mine, and soon we were a pretzel.

       Time passed as I closed my eyes, and I felt my energy coming back to me. Flins’ hold was enough to ground me to the world I occupied and I soon found the sun was high in the sky.  I was thirsty.

       “Flins. I need something to drink.” I sighed, slowly undoing our limbs.

       “What would you like?” He slowly got up and stretched.

       “Juice.”

OOOOOO

       Once we made it to town, we ended up at a jewelry shop. Flins was clearly a regular, looking through the jewels with a discerning eye. I was lost. Sure, I’d been in jewelry shops before, and I liked rings. I just didn't wear jewelry much…at least not real stuff.

       “What do you think of the star sapphire?” Flins leaned over my shoulder to eye the ring I had my eyes on.

       “I had one like this in my…uh past life.” I whispered so only he could hear. “It was a graduation gift from my family.”

       “Would you like it? It might not hold the same sentimental value, but it could be a good reminder of home.” He was too sweet.

       “I do love star gems, but I don’t know. Would it make me sad?” I asked, more to myself than him.  “It would probably get blasted to pieces on the battlefield since it’s a large stone. It’s too pretty to be busted like that.”

       “You need something simpler.” He hummed, looking around at the other cases.

       “Just shop to your tastes. I’m here for moral support.” I perked back up, knowing this was his forte.

       “I shall surprise you if you don’t give me input. How will I learn your likes without your approval?” He swallowed hard, this was important to him.

       “Okay. I can tell this means something to you.” I nodded, looking at the next case with him.

       The clerk was giving us space to look. It wasn’t hard to guess that they knew Flins only needed their help to pull things out and put them back. We discussed a few options. We both agreed a necklace was most likely a death sentence. Ear rings were a good option, but I didn’t have pierced ears in this world and now was not the time.

       “Does this suit your tastes?” Flins pointed to a simple ring with a pink opal. It reminded me of my ultimate healing move. The pink sparkled like the water under the moonlight.     

       “That’s beautiful.” The gem was smaller than the star sapphire, so it would be harder to smash.   

       We called over the clerk, and he pulled out the ring. Flins inspected it carefully, yellow eyes roaming over the stone to gauge the quality. He hummed in approval, passing me the ring. I slid it on my right ring finger, and it fit like a perfect glove.

       “How much?” I asked, handing the ring back to the clerk.  He named the price, and I about dropped my jaw to the floor. “We’ll think about it.”

       “You like it?” Flins asked me, ignoring my push off.

       “Yes.” I twisted my foot on the floor, keeping my eyes locked on anything but him.

       “Then we will take it.” Flins already had his mora pouch. I was too stunned to stop him. Opal was a budget stone in my world, but from what I understood about mora, and the price that was named, he spent way too much.

       We exited the store, my blood racing around my body. In some ways it was Flins’ blood too, coursing through me. He had given me so much.

       “So,” I left a pregnant pause. He waited for me to speak, as I led us through the streets towards the ocean.

       “Yes?” He finally prodded me.

       “I feel guilty. Unless you plan to just display it at the house for both of us to enjoy?” I walked quickly, Flins following me as I rambled.

       “There’s no need for guilt.” He assured me. “And it will not be part of the collection in terms of display. This will be far more…useful.”

       “Oh?” I stopped once we hit the sand. The ocean was behind us, the sun high in the sky, waves crashing on the shore. The wind picked up the stray hairs from my braids and they tickled against my face.

       “I know it is far too early, and we have made arrangements for later but.” He kneeled down on one knee. He took the ring from the velvet box. “This is a symbol of promise.”

       My heart was hammering, blood rushing, world spinning. I held out my shaky hand. “This is overwhelming in the best way.” I admitted, letting him slide the ring on my left ring finger.

       “I will always cherish you.” He stood up, and I hugged him. Wrapping my arms around his back, the comforting smell of charcoal and the flowers on the cemetery hit my nose.  I kissed his cheek.

       “You fall hard and fast.” I rested my head on his shoulder. “I really hope I’m not squandering the time we have together.” I glanced at my ring from behind Flins’ back. It shined in the sun; the pink sparkles were so dazzling. “I’ve waited my whole life to feel something like this.”

       “I can imagine I’ve waited far longer.” He teased me.     

       “Six or Seven hundred years is a long time. Perhaps I should reward you?” I cupped his face, swiping my thumb over his lips. Leaning up, I pulled him down. Inches apart, I heard them.

       “(Y/n)! Flins! I thought I saw you go this way.” We pulled apart. Jahoda was jogging full force to our side.

       “What’s wrong?” I had no clue what part we were at in the story.

       “It’s Columbina. She’s disappeared. We need to find her real name to help bring her back, and to do that we need to perform a ritual. We need volunteers. So, I came to grab you two. Did I interrupt anything?” She looked between us and I laughed.

       “We’ll go with you.” I ignored her question.

       “Let us make haste.” Flins tucked the velvet box in his coat pocket.

       “Right. I’ll lead the way; boss is already heading that way with Aino and Ineffa.”

       “We’re getting the gang back together.” I looped my finger through Flins’ belt loop and pulled him closer. His lantern flicked faster. He wrapped an arm around my back and he pushed me forward to make walking easier. I had toughened up a lot since waking up in a new world, but it didn’t hurt to have a little push.

OOOOOOOOOO

       “So, we have to infuse our bodies with kuuvahki and trick the door into opening.” Aino recapped what Nicole had told us.

       Nicole was even more beautiful in person. Her long blonde hair, little white hat and stunning eyes, I couldn’t help but wish I had that much style and grace. But I needed to focus, because she could help me answer some questions about my existence.

       “Yes. Everyone, be ready to step up.” Nicole’s voice revibrated in my head. It wasn’t as strange as I thought it would be. It wasn’t painful, but it did tingle.

       It had been decided that Lumine and Lauma would be two of the three needed to make the connection to the door. I wondered where my soul was presumed to be human, if I could hold the gate open…

       Nicole went through Nefer, Jahoda, refused Aino, and disqualified Ineffa for not being human. Everyone’s eyes fell on me.

       “I’m not all human.” I reminded everyone.

       “You’re quite peculiar though.” Nicole buzzed in my head. “Just give it a try.”

       “I’m not sure about that.” Flins spoke up.

       “Yeah, she’s the girl we were telling you about.” Paimon flew to me and pulled my scarf back. “See, she’s part bunny.”

       “Hey, I might not wish to share with the class.” I balked, ears laying flat to my head. “I’ll figure out how to ditch these ears and I won’t hear another peep about it.”

       “Don’t be too upset, Miss (Y/n).” Varka caught my attention. “It’s a very cute look. There are lots of people in Teyvat with different features.”

       “Yes, but not everyone has a Fatui bounty on their ears and tail.” I sighed. “But I will see if I will work.”

       “I can ask the lightkeepers. Illuga comes to mind.” Flins offered, clearly not happy with having me put through the possibly sickening test.

       “I can ask the Knights. Shame Lohan already left, he’s tougher than me.” Varka added.

       “I could make a tester. So, we could just go up to people in town and see if they are compatible.” Aino chirped.

       “No.” Nicole said.

       “That’s the simplest answer we’ve gotten.” Paimon pointed out.

       They then went on about how well liked Columbina was, and how she could lose her connection to the world. It was true, there were so many people who loved her and wanted her to be here. The need to find her name was growing. I knew how this ended, so I focused on my finger nails.

       Arlecchino appeared and offered her services. She was a good candidate and everyone agreed to start the preparations. In the game. The three days of waiting was over quickly. But living through it was going to be a challenge.

       “Nicole.” I caught her attention as she went to our provisions stash for some water. The three candidates were being infused with kuuvahki and were standing strong so far. Nicole was watching them closely so this was the first opportunity to talk with her. “I have a question for you.”

       “Oh, the traveler and Paimon mentioned you woke up here from another world.” She spoke just in my head and I nodded. “I see. Have you ever heard of the fable about the rabbit on the moon?”

       “I have. The rabbit sacrifices his body to be eaten to feed a beggar. The beggar, who is a god, recognizes the rabbit’s willingness to care for others and puts him on the moon. On the moon the rabbit helps the moon goddess mix up rice cakes. There are many cultures who have a version of the story.” I noticed Flins was close by and listening to me prattle. 

       “Then I will spare you the explanation.” Nicole smiled. “Tell me, is it true you were brought here after helping a peculiar rabbit.”

       “Yes, there were no wild white rabbits where I lived.” I hummed. “It was also my birthday.”

       “So, a special occasion.” She thought for a few moments. “I believe you were saved by the spirit of the moon rabbit.”

       “What?” I balked.

       “It explains why you have the moonwheel.  I’m not sure how you ended up in the care of the Fatui but I believe you were transported here as a gift for your sacrifice.” She rested her hand on her hip. “There’s usually some truth to fables and stories.”

       “I’ll mull this over. Thank you.” I chewed my lower lip. Walking to Flins, I sat beside him and rested my head on his shoulder.

       “Do you want to share?” He asked, only knowing part of the story. “I can infer some of what was said.”

       “I think I sacrificed my life for the moon rabbit.” I found comfort in holding his hand. “So…I’m dead in my old world.” I sucked in my quivering chewed lip. Hiding my face in Flins’ shoulder, I tried to calm my heart.

       “Hey, what’s wrong?” Paimon floated by.

       Flins reached his free arm across himself to rub my back. I sniffled, and sucked it up. “I’m most likely dead in my old life…which means my sister had to bury me.” I choked trying to get the words out.

       “Oh (Y/n). I’m sorry.” Paimon petted my ears. “I’m thankful you get a second chance here, but I’m sorry there’s no going back.”

       “I don’t want to go back.” I admitted. “I just. I don’t want them to be sad.”

       “Paimon doesn’t know what to say.” She handed me a hankie from her pocket. I took it and blew my nose. Most of the other folk were on the other side of the cave watching after our three anchors.

       “It’s okay Paimon.” I sucked it up. “I’m going for a walk.”

       “Do you want me to escort you?” Flins asked, his eyes flicking to the darkening sky.

       “Paimon will go with her.” Paimon pulled me to my feet.

       “Flins, will you do what you usually do?” I asked, knowing I meant for him to follow behind at a distance.

       “Of course.” He stood up and dusted off the grit from his coat.

       “Headed out so soon?” Nefer’s knowing eyes were locked on mine.

       “Just a little walk.” Paimon said, waving her hands around.

       “Be careful out there. I trust that Mr. Flins will be looking after you.”

       “Why does everyone act like I’m a child?”  I sighed, pulling my scarf back up and over my still flat ears.

       “We’re friends. We’re going to worry about each other.” Nefer forced herself to smile, crossing her arms. “Just don’t be gone too long. And grab some fire wood while you’re out.”

       “Sounds like a plan.” I swallowed hard, and took long strides to the entrance.

       Paimon and I walked, or well I walked and she floated for about a mile. We discussed the fable in greater detail. How I had to be the representative of the rabbit in this world.  Perhaps I had traded places with the rabbit, and my soul was transported to this world and found a fae body to inhabit.  I knew Flins was listening from a distance, but I didn’t mind.  I just didn’t want to look so codependent. We didn’t have to always be holding on to each other.

       “Looks like we have enough sticks.” Paimon announced, handing the last stack we gathered to Flins, whose arms were filled with wood.

       “I feel better after hashing it out. Might take time to digest the dead thing, but I’m glad I’m still here with my memories intact.” I summed up the thoughts we had been picking through. Paimon was good at picking out the good parts and helping put them together to make the situation feel better.

       “Let’s head back.” Paimon was taking the lead, so I walked by Flins, and slapped my hand against his ass.

       “What was that for my lady?” He raised his brow.

       “Because I can…and your reaction has given me something else to dwell on.” I let myself smile just a little bit.

       “Your courting rituals lack the needed decorum.” He was tinged red.

       “I could have copped a feel, but that would be really uncouth.” I wiggled my brows.

       “Enough, just kiss already.” Paimon sighed in frustration.

       “The minute that happens it’s over for me.” I crossed my arms. “Paimon, it will only get worse from there.”

       “Careful what you wish for Miss Paimon.” Flins warned her.

       “Anything would be better than the pining.” Paimon laughed, bobbing in the air as she held her stomach. “You’re so in love it’s pitiful.”

       “Anyways. Let’s get this wood back to base.” Heat was crawling up my neck and settling in my ears.

       “Indeed, the others might be getting cold.” Flins adjusted the bundle of wood in his arms.