Shattered hearts

Life and Death

The duel didn't last long, as the Abyss herald seemed to be a bit stronger than Diluc himself. He lifted his sword, but before Diluc could process anything, everything went black. He couldn't move, and he felt completely paralysed, but it was okay. He was at peace for a while, before the room he seemed to be in went a brighter red colour.

In the distance, he saw a familiar figure, and he could finally move again. He quickly got up, and squinted his eyes while walking over. That redhead.. he stopped and widened his eyes. "Father?" His voice was shaky, and it seemed like the man in front of him was smiling. "Diluc, I'm so glad to see you again." Crepus hugged him tightly, and it seemed like they stood in that hug for what felt like a lifetime. "Where am I?" Diluc asked, and Crepus just chuckled. "I cant answer that, but you're not in Teyvat anymore.." He replied, and Diluc seemed shocked. "I'm dead..?" Diluc asked once more. "Well, you could say that, but listen, son." Crepus began. "It's not your time yet, you aren't fully dead, and you'll return again, but that is up to you. If you do choose to stay here, then that's okay, we'll be together, but think about Kaeya.. he wouldn't have a family, especially not without you. And Jean? She would be heartbroken, wouldn't she?" Crepus asked, and it seemed like Diluc's eyes were getting more and more watery the more he continued on. "I don't want to die yet.. as much as I miss you, father.. I have to keep going on.." Diluc replied, and just hugged him. "That's my son, I'm proud of you." Crepus whispered to him. "Go back to sleep, and you'll wake up surrounded by your loved ones.. we'll meet again.." was the last words he heard before he drifted away into a slumber.

When he finally gained consciousness again, he could hear muffled voices around him, but he was in a comfortable bed now. His bed. It was so comfortable and home. He was gonna make his dad proud, he just knew it. When he finally opened his eyes, he could see Kaeya, Rosaria, Lisa and Jean. A few maids were at the door, but the four were the closest to him. When they noticed he had opened his eyes, Kaeya quickly went in for a hug, and Diluc couldn't help but smile. When their huh finally came to an end, Diluc spoke. "What happened?" He asked. Jean was sitting beside him, holding his hand as tight as she could. "We were all fighting at the gate, but Rosaria noticed that you had chased after a Herald, so me and Kaeya went out to help you, but when we arrived, he had already stabbed your side. Luckily, it wasn't through your organs, yet it was quite strange, since it seemed that way, and you weren't breathing. We both thought you were gone for good.." Jean sighed, and continued. "So we fought off the Herald together before we carried you here. You seemed to be in a coma, since the war is already over." Jean finished, and Diluc seemed to have questions. "It's over? How long have I been passed out for?" He asked. "6 days and seven hours precisely.." Kaeya mumbled, as he looked over at him. "We're just glad you're okay.." Kaeya smiled. "Well, should we let him rest for a while? We still have duties to attend to, dont we?" Lisa finally said, and they all said their goodbyes before they left. Jean gave Diluc one last kiss on the forehead, before she exited the door. There was so much to process after this moment, and Diluc seemed to be as confused as ever. He still felt rusty, and he did feel the sting from his side as he got up. He walked over to a box he had near his window, and opened it to see a small keychain. He then went back to his bed and hugged it. The keychain his father gave him for his birthday.