It all started around two years ago. My brother, Aether, and I, travelers of countless worlds, were summoned to a place called Khaenri'ah. Something must have gone wrong during the summoning, because Aether remained asleep. Alone in this unfamiliar world, I was surprised to be welcomed warmly. The people of Khaenri'ah, even the royal family, treated us kindly. Although they never fully explained why they brought us here, I eventually learned their summoning was part of a greater effort to study other worlds, part of a vast research project that crossed boundaries no human should have dared to.
There, I came to understand Teyvat, its history, culture, and natural landscape. Unlike other nations that thrived under the guidance of the gods, Khaenri'ah stood tall through human wisdom alone. I spent my days among its people, walking the streets lined with towering machines and technology far beyond anything I'd ever seen. The citizens were proud and content, enjoying the golden age their own hands had built.
Then it came, the Doom.
Perhaps it was the reckless pursuit of "Knowledge from beyond the Sky," what some called "Forbidden Knowledge." Whatever the reason, the Abyss found its way into this world.
I saw how the sky shattered, and swarms of Abyssal creatures descended upon the land. The once-thriving kingdom turned into a battlefield. The Abyss tore through the people, and those who managed to survive its assault were slowly twisted, their minds and bodies warped until they became monsters.
The knights and soldiers stood their ground, wielding their proud technology in defense but it wasn't enough. All they could do was buy a little time, knowing the end was creeping closer with every breath.
Soon, Celestia finally acted. As the Abyss continued to spread and corrupt the world, the gods of Teyvat were sent to confront it and destroy its supposed origin, Khaenri'ah.
That was when I rushed to Aether, waking him with desperation, telling him we needed to leave immediately. But just before we could escape, the Heavenly Principles appeared. We tried to fight back but in the end, I was captured, and Aether was sealed away. I still don't understand why I was the one taken. Maybe it was because I had seen too much. Maybe because I witnessed how the gods and Celestia struck down Khaenri'ah with their own hands.
About a year ago, I woke up alone. I wandered across Teyvat, looking for clues of what happened, information about my brother, about Khaenri'ah, and the aftermath we left behind. Eventually, I came across some of the former citizens. When they saw me, they were relieved. Happy, even, that I was alive. They told me what became of the nation... and its people. Some had turned into Hilichurls, the monsters stripped of their former selves while others were cursed with immortality.
At the time, I didn't realize what they truly wanted from me. They saw me as a symbol. A beacon. The one who could carry their grudge forward and become a weapon against Celestia and the Archons. When I finally understood their intentions… I ran. I couldn't bear it. I hid.
But even now, whenever I see Hilichurls or anything tied to the Abyss, those memories return. They keep coming back to me. Keep haunting me. In my dreams I see their faces. the friends I once walked beside with, slowly twisted into things I can't recognize. And that terrifies me, not because they turned to something else, but because I wasn't able to do anything but let them suffer.
It was meant to be just another visit like the many worlds before. But instead, it left behind pain, guilt, and a duty I didn't expect to carry. I lost more than just my strength that day. I lost my brother... and a part of myself.
But then that day, I saw you. The three of you, standing together like we once did. In that forest, when our paths crossed, something in me stirred. Maybe... maybe I found something I didn't know I was still looking for. A chance. A thread of hope. People who might understand... who might not let me fall.
So please… I have to ask… will you—
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Inside Lumine's room, Kiana and Elysia sat on either side of her, their heads resting gently on her shoulders, while Noah sat in front of her, listening quietly. Lumine spoke, her voice trembling as she shared her story. From her fear, her pain, and the feelings she had carried alone. None of them interrupted. Kiana's tears fell freely as Lumine continued, her words soaked with grief. Elysia bit her lip, trying to hold hers back, but in the end, she leaned forward and pulled Lumine into a soft embrace.
Noah didn't speak. He simply held her hand. There was a moment when his grip tightened only for a second before loosening again, careful not to hurt her.
"...Back then, when I met all of you and took those first steps with you, it honestly felt strange. But little by little, I came to trust you three. Somehow, it just felt right. Like maybe I was meant to be by your side even if I didn't fully understand why. Still, something in me said... don't let this chance slip away. So I gathered my courage and asked… if I could come along."
Lumine's teary eyes moved from Noah, to Kiana, then to Elysia. "...And now, I'm just... really glad I did."
She sniffled, her voice shaking. "I found a family I can lean on, people I can trust. So... thank you. Thank you for accepting me. For not giving up on me. For staying. For being here."
Kiana and Elysia leaned gently into Lumine, holding her close as if trying to take a little of her pain. Noah watched quietly, his gaze soft, the same one Lumine had come to trust. Always there, never demanding, simply offering presence.
"...I won't pretend to understand what you've been through," Noah said, exhaling slowly. "That would be disrespectful. We weren't there when it all happened. We didn't see the people you cared about lose themselves. We can't change your past."
He moved closer, kneeling before her while still holding her hand with care, like it might break if he wasn't gentle.
"But… when I first met you, and saw that pain in your eyes, I only had one thought." He paused, then added with his most serious expression, "I think I might have a thing for girls who carry heavy stories. Kiana, Elysia, had the same look when we first meet despite their cheerful selves."
Lumine blinked, stunned for a moment before Kiana and Elysia shouted in unison, "Hey! What kind of confession is that during such a heartfelt moment?!"
"Pfft—Pfftt... Ahahahahahaha!" Lumine burst out laughing. Real, unfiltered laughter that shook her shoulders and made her clutch her stomach. All the heaviness she'd carried finally spilled out in a wave of relief.
Noah grinned mischievously, watching the reactions play out as Kiana and Elysia stared at Lumine in disbelief.
"Ahaha... that was so out of nowhere... ahaha," Lumine managed to say through her laughter.
"Well, what can I say~ Maybe I've got a soft spot for girls like you three," Noah said with a shrug, earning twin looks of exasperation from the two beside her.
"Alright, jokes aside... or maybe not," Noah said with a small smile.
He waited until Lumine's laughter softened and her eyes met his. Then, gently, he took Kiana's and Elysia's hands and placed them on top of hers—the hand he'd been holding the entire time.
"Lumi, your past was full of pain, and your future might still feel unclear," he said quietly. "So, let us give you something else, the present. With us. Maybe our journey won't be easy either. There'll be rough days. But I promise there'll be plenty of moments like this too. Times you'll laugh. Times we'll drown you in cuddles. We might argue or stumble along the way… but no matter what happens, we'll be with you. From the beginning to whatever end awaits."
Lumine looked down at their joined hands, her heart heavy yet strangely light, surrounded by their warmth.
"Lumi, come with us. Not just across this world, but to all the ones beyond. We'll face it all together: joy, pain, laughter, arguments, everything that makes a journey real." Noah smiled gently, and Kiana and Elysia mirrored that warmth.
"So, what do you think? Want to be part of our slightly chaotic, overly affectionate family?"
Lumine bit her lip. The tears hadn't stopped, but they no longer hurt. Now, they carried hope.
"…Just so you know, I like being spoiled. I want more of that cookies. And cuddles. Lots of cuddles," she said.
"Ahahaha~ then we'll drown you in all of it," Elysia laughed, wiping her cheeks.
"Hmph! But just so you know it's first come, first serve when it comes to the Captain's spoiling! You'll have to fight for it!" Kiana grinned, tears still clinging to her smile.
".....Wait, we have a rule like that now?" Noah asked, puzzled.
"We do now!" Kiana shot back instantly, with Elysia chiming in just as fast.
Noah blinked, then gave in with a resigned shrug. "Alright... sure."
"Ehehe~ Then I'm claiming my turn." Lumine said as she hopped into Noah's arms.
"AHH—!" Kiana and Elysia gasped in sync.
"Guess I'm getting spoiled now... and for a while," Lumine smirked, tossing them a smug glance.
"Guh..." the other two groaned in theatrical defeat.
Noah chuckled, adjusting his arms to better support Lumine, drawing a soft and delighted giggle from her.
Yeah... this kind of life isn't so bad, Noah thought.
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The next morning, Noah and the girls headed to the Adventurers' Guild for an update on the situation. As they approached the counter, Ellyn's face lit up with relief the moment she saw them.
"Mr. Noah! Everyone, you're all alright!" Ellyn exclaimed, clasping her hands together. "Thank Lord Barbatos! We heard you were caught near the epicenter of the Abyss incursion!"
"Hey Ellyn. Yeah, we were in the thick of it," Noah replied with a tired but reassuring smile. "But we made it through in one piece."
"Truly, thank you Lord Barbatos for watching over them," Ellyn whispered a short prayer, visibly moved.
"Any updates on the current situation, Ellyn?" Noah asked, keeping his voice even.
"There is... and while it might seem grim, things are still under control for now," Ellyn replied. "The Knights are focusing their efforts on securing key areas across Mondstadt. They're doing their best to hold the line."
All four leaned in, listening closely.
"The Knights, along with the Adventurers, have managed to push back some of the Abyss forces," she continued. "But..."
Ellyn hesitated, her eyes flickering with unease.
"Something's bothering you?" Kiana asked gently.
"...It's not really an issue, but there was actually a request for your party directly from the Grand Master," Ellyn said, her tone unsure. "Though Sir Rostam and Deacon Ragna both vetoed it… so it wasn't formally approved."
At her words, Noah and the girls exchanged looks. An idea formed in their minds. It might have something to do with the Abyss.
"We understand, Ellyn. We'll go to the Knights and hear it from them directly," Noah said.
"…But…" Ellyn glanced toward Lumine, a worried expression shown.
"It's alright, Ellyn." Lumine offered a small smile, sensing her concern. "....I might not be completely over it. But I now have the best partners. They'll pull me through it."
"Miss Lumine…" Ellyn's eyes filled with emotion, but she managed to keep it together. "Understood. I'll send word to the Knights that you would like to meet the GrandMaster."
"Thank you, Ellyn." With a nod, they turned and left the Guild, making their way toward the Knight of Favonius Headquarters to meet GrandMaster Arundolyn.