Before I Go ~ A XiaoLumi Story

Chapter 20

"WAKE UP, LUMINE!" someone sobbed, shaking Lumine violently.

Her head pounded. Her body felt like an icicle. Everything ached. She sat up, spitting out cold seawater. Lumine's vision was blurry, but she could make out her surroundings well enough.

She was stranded on a small island. She sat on the shore, but could still see the other end of the island. Lumine could hear soft birdsong from a small grass patch.

She shifted her position before wincing, instantly regretting it from the soreness of her muscles.

"Don't move! Paimon's going to get the medicine."

"Paimon?" Lumine called, still trying to sit up and failing miserably.

The little fairy came over and gave Lumine's hand a few quick pats. "Paimon's here," she squeaked, trying to be comforting.

Lumine struggled just to say a few words, still trying to catch her breath. "Where are we?" she asked, looking around once more.

"After you toppled off the deck of the Alcor, Paimon half-dragged, half-forced-you-to-swim all the way to this island here." Paimon informed Lumine.

"How long has it been?" Lumine frowned.

"Paimon thinks it's been four days," the pixie mused. "Although Paimon couldn't really tell once we got here -- the storm clouds were too thick."

Lumine tried to stand but fell back down, wincing in pain as her sore muscles started aching again. Her arms felt like noodles, and she could hardly feel her limbs. "We have to get back," she mumbled, half to herself.

"No, no, no!" Paimon insisted. "You must rest. What would Qiqi say?"

Lumine groaned. "She would probably ask for coconut milk."

Paimon rolled her eyes. "No, you're staying here until you can walk again!"

Lumine sighed. She knew her little Teyvat guide was right. She could already feel exhaustion lulling her back into a deep sleep . . . .

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XIAO STOOD AT the railing overlooking Dihua Marsh. The wind ruffled his hair. He breathed in these few moments of peace, his heart longing to be wrapped up in one of Lumine's warm hugs.

Heavy footsteps sounded on the stairs behind Xiao. He turned around, preparing to summon his spear if need be. It was only Huai'an.

The man's face was red, beaded with sweat. "Xiao," he said. "Come downstairs. Now."

Xiao's tense expression turned to one of deep concern. "Is it Lumine?" he demanded.

Huai'an gave him a long look and nodded grimly.

Xiao teleported downstairs instantly to find that Beidou, Kazuha, and Verr Goldet were assembled together. Verr was sobbing, pressing a handkerchief to her face to wipe her tears.

"What-" Xiao began, but Beidou held up her hand.

"We hit a bad storm. She fell off the deck," she spat. "Paimon was with her."

Xiao felt as though his heart was being stabbed by a thousand demons. "So . . ." he mumbled. "Is she okay? Did you rescue her?"

Kazuha looked at the Adeptus and solemnly shook his head. "But she'll make it," the samurai said. "She's okay."

Xiao was baffled. No, he thought to himself. No, no, it couldn't be. Lumine isn't gone. Any second now she'll walk through the door and come to me.

"How can you be so sure?" Verr whimpered meekly.

"I gave her something," Kazuha explained gently. "If she knows how to use it, she'll be okay."

Xiao turned and walked to his room, feeling tears come to his eyes. If. Kazuha had said if she knew how to use . . . whatever his gift was. Lumine was one of the smartest people Xiao knew, but he couldn't just depend on if.

He leaned on the dresser, a sob overtaking him. "Lumine," he whispered. "Please come back to me. Just please be okay."

Xiao sank to his knees, feeling hot tears on his cheek. He had never felt so vulnerable, so weak. It had never really occurred to him that he could feel this way.

He got up shakily and moved to stand by the window. Feeling the cool breeze on his face made Xiao relax a little. Lumine, if you're out there, please send me a sign.

Published October 22, 2021