coordinating the chapter update w the ver 2.5 update ;) gl to everyone wishing for yae miko!

"Hey," Thoma nudged my head resting on his shoulder, and I jolted awake. "You're not sleeping, are you?"

"No."

"You're drooling."

Was I? I quickly wiped at the corner of my mouth only to find it was dry. "I was not."

"Ah, so you did fall asleep," he chuckled.

I rolled my eyes. "If you don't want me falling asleep so bad, then maybe you should make your shoulder less comfy."

"Looks like your clothes are finally dry," Thoma observed, dispelling his shield.

The warmth surrounding us fell away, and a wash of cool air settled over me. He was right, I thumbed my shirt fabric to find it was bone dry. My previously damp hair had also fluffed out, and I was no longer akin to a wet sock.

"Does that feel better?"

I cracked a smile and stretched my limbs. "Much. Thanks, Thoma."

"Of course," he returned the smile. "Now, let me take a look at those scrapes. A few have already begun to scab over, but I want to make sure all that dirt is cleared out of the way. We don't want to slow the healing process."

I watched as Thoma wet the cloth he brought. "Does it really matter? I'm sure a bit of grime won't affect Barbara's healing energy."

Thoma sighed. "You should know that Barbara and the rest of the infirmary's healers aren't available to fix just any wound. Using their skill takes up energy, just as with any Vision. Minor scrapes are best left to heal naturally on their own so they can focus more on major injuries."

"That makes sense. Especially if people engaged in battle are hurt badly. You're right. I don't want to waste their time on a few cuts. Barbara would be better off healing something that can't just be ignored."

"Like a concussion."

"I know, I know. I already said I'd be getting my head checked out."

"It wouldn't be the first time you prolonged a needed visit to the infirmary," he reminded. "And a potential head injury is far more serious than a twisted ankle or burned wrist."

I scowled. "It's not like you to scold me."

"You think?" he looked at me expectantly. "What am I like, then?"

What was Thoma like? I inhaled a deep breath as I thought about the question. From our very first Vision Studies class together, Thoma has been nothing but kind and supportive. He lent me his notes, spent extra time helping me study, and constantly motivated me to do my best. Despite the times when Childe would try intimidation tactics, Thoma didn't back down. Without his guidance and affirmations, I didn't know if I would have been able to make as much progress in both my academics and confidence. He was resilient and loyal. Sweet and understanding. I couldn't think of anyone better to rely on.

"Someone who I want to keep by my side." The lingering energy from Thoma's shield must have been present, for I felt warm once more.

"Do you really mean that?"

"I'm glad Professor Minci paired us together on that first day. What a disaster my life would have been if I ended up with one of the Twin Mages."

"Me too." He angled his body to face me properly as we shared the single seat. "I'm glad it was you, Lumine. To be honest, I was a little nervous when it was announced that second-years would serve as mentors. However, after seeing you and your devotion to class and helping others, genuinely…I wouldn't dream of being with anyone else."

Now, I realized the warmth wasn't coming from the remnants of Thoma's shield at all. Nor was it just our shared body heat in a close space. My body tingled with the warmth of Thoma's sincerity. While I could feel the light thudding of my heartbeat grow louder in my ears, a heavy weight also settled over my chest. Thoma was someone I wanted to keep close, yet I felt ashamed.

I wasn't being fully honest with him. Not once has Thoma given me a reason to not trust him. Not once has his unwavering support faltered, so why did I hesitate to tell him about my Anemo power that day? Why did I continue to keep it a secret? All this time, I've been struggling to figure out how to improve my Anemo skill alone, but it doesn't have to be this way. Thoma was here for me. It was time, I decided.

"Thoma, I have to tell you something important."

"Wait," he reached out to take my hand in his. "So do I. Let me be selfish just this once, please? I want to speak first."

Silently, I nodded for him to continue.

"Lumine," he held my hand tighter, eyes looking down into mine. "I—"

A loud bang interrupted what Thoma was about to say, and we both jolted in surprise. The sound came from the direction where the auditorium's foyer was, where Professor Baizhu watched the main entrance. Everyone in the auditorium stopped what they were doing to see what the disruption was.

"We can't find her," a bold voice declared. Diluc. "We've searched the whole damn campus, Professor. Inside and out. The monsters are all gone, so where is she?"

"Be more gentle with the weaponry, Mr. Raginvindr," I heard Professor Baizhu tut. "Why don't you go further inside and take a seat, hm? Maybe you'll calm down after—"

Diluc all but yelled. "How can you expect me to be calm?"

"We found these two, at least," a feminine voice echoed. Jean. "They were holed up in the apothecary. It seems the monsters wanted nothing to do with Professor Kreideprinz's work. Razor seems to be doing fine, but Bennett will need to go to the infirmary as soon as possible."

It came as no surprise to me that Bennett was one of the unlucky students unable to properly make it to this sanctuary. While I hoped he was doing alright, I couldn't help but marvel at the auditorium's efficient design. Even from the audience rows, I could clearly make sense of the conversation being had in the foyer. It helped that I was familiar with their voices, but the acoustics were stellar in projecting even their emotions.

Diluc asserted loudly once more. "There. We've done our report. Now, I'm going back out there to find her."

"Mr. Ragnvindr," Professor Baizhu spoke with an even tone. "I can assure you, you will have no luck in finding Lumine out there."

It was me they were looking for? I blinked in surprise, forgetting that the team of upperclassmen sent out to locate missing students would not have gotten the update that I was already here. I thought to announce my presence, but then I heard Kaeya speak. They were together after all.

"He's right, you know," his smooth voice rang out. "We've been operating on high alert for an extended period of time. It would be best to rest now and continue our search later."

"I don't want to hear that from you," Diluc snapped. "After you let Childe go off on his own, slaying monsters with no regard for our mission. Do you even care that she might be gravely wounded? That she could be—"

"Of course, I care," Kaeya cut in. "I'm worried about Lumine. Archons, I didn't bother stopping Childe's rampage because he was getting those monsters out of our way. Though technically a second-year, he insisted on joining the group. He's…I know he wants to find her, too."

Diluc grunted. "He can't possibly have the capacity to do so. All that man knows is battle and bloodshed. There's no getting through to him the severity of any situation, let alone Lumine's safety. He would risk her life if it meant getting his way."

"You don't know that, brother."

"I know enough," Diluc seethed. "Do not call me that. I am an only child."

An uncomfortable silence.

"We will rest here a moment," a newcomer cleared her throat. "I am well aware that our spent energy will do no good in assisting our search for the last student. I myself do not know Lumine on a personal level, but as a fellow peer and member of the student council, I swear to enact proper vengeance on the Abyss Order if she is mortally wounded."

"Thank you, Miss Lawrence," Professor Baizhu sighed. Eula, then. "Though, I must urge all of you to just enter the main hall already. It would relieve a great deal of…stress."

The sound of shuffling feet grew louder as the group entered the auditorium. Diluc was first to enter, head down with a deep frown creased onto his face. He snatched a bottle of water from one of the stage tables and merely clutched it in his clenched fist. Kaeya followed in after him with a placid expression, not at all affected by Diluc's harsh words. Then, Bennett and Razor filed in alongside Eula and Jean. Thoma and I were in the audience where light from the illuminated stage did not fully reach the shadows, so I didn't think they noticed me sitting there.

Razor had scratches all over his body, blending in with the majority of his scars. Bennett was leaning on Eula with a noticeable limp. From here, I couldn't clearly see what ailed him, and I wanted to ask how he was doing as well as let the group know that I was, in fact, alive. I stood up from the cushioned seat, giving Thoma's hand a light squeeze before letting go and walking down the side aisle towards the stage.

Kaeya was the first to notice. He had unscrewed the cap of his own water bottle and was about to take a sip. It never made it to his lips. "Lumine," he breathed, eye widening.

I waved. "Hi, sorry for worrying you guys. I know you must have spent a lot of energy searching, but I made it here not too long ago and—"

Kaeya had swiftly crossed and hopped down from the stage to where I stood, crushing me into a hug. "You're alive."

My bruised body screamed at the sudden pressure, and I wheezed. "Kaeya…ow."

He quickly let go only to rest both hands on my shoulders, scanning me from head to toe. "You're really here," he whispered. "Albeit, a bit banged up."

"Lumine?" Diluc appeared at Kaeya's side. "Where have you been?"

"Here and there. The forest, initially."

Diluc frowned. "We searched the forest. At least, the portion in close proximity to Academy grounds. I would have searched this whole damn island if I could."

"I ended up at the infirmary to make sure Qiqi was safe, she's the—"

"I know who she is." He crossed his arms, suddenly stern. "Why didn't you immediately go to the auditorium? Better yet, why didn't you just stay at the infirmary?"

"Qiqi insisted I go where assigned," I explained. "I ran into a few other students who needed my help and—"

"You should have come directly here."

"I'm here now."

"You're hurt."

"I'm not the only one," I countered, casting a glance at Bennett.

"You should focus on yourself, on your own safety." Diluc pressed his lips together as if he wanted to say more.

Kaeya interjected. "Normally, I would say Lumine can do as she likes."

"I didn't ask—"

"But I have to agree with you, Diluc," Kaeya finished. "You promised me, Lumine. You promised me you wouldn't put yourself in unnecessary danger."

I shook my head. "I promised I would try to not get hurt. When I saw others that needed my help, I helped them. You would do the same."

Ellin showed up, then. She was huddled under a load of blankets with Huffman beside her. She was astutely ignoring him, and while his eyes clearly lingered on her, he also turned to face me. Ellin stepped up to Kaeya, looking the fiercest I'd seen her all day. After an impromptu battle with hilichurls and escaping the stonehide lawachurl, that was really saying something.

"Be mad at me," she demanded. "Not Lumine."

"If it weren't for her, I'd probably be half dead by now," Huffman confessed. "Lumine saved my life."

"And she showed me strength," Ellin continued. "In that way, she saved me too. I know that you…you Vision holders think you're all that. I know that you probably think we can't handle ourselves, but Lumine is proof that we can do it. On our own, we are capable."

I smiled at her and she gave me an aggressive thumbs up.

"I know." Kaeya looked from her to me, and his shoulders deflated. "Trust me, I know. That won't stop me from worrying."

"I made a promise to you, Lumine." Diluc pushed past Kaeya and lowered his voice so only I could hear. "I don't believe in broken promises, but I failed you today. And for that, I apologize."

I widened my eyes. "Diluc, don't be sorry. Me getting stranded out there had nothing to do with you. And, if I'm being honest," I took a breath. "I don't remember what your promise was."

"You…don't?"

Whatever he had promised me, it was at a time when my mind was beyond retaining any valuable information. I'd spent days after the Pinkity Drinkity incident trying to recall the promise Diluc briefly mentioned, but nothing came to mind. I had hoped it was something minor, and that it would be fine if I didn't know the details, but it must have been important to him for it to be brought up at a time like this.

"Lumine hit her head." Thoma appeared behind me, resting a hand for comfort on my shoulder. I leaned into the familiar warmth. "It could be that her memory loss stems from that."

It most certainly did not.

I noticed Diluc's eyes flick to my shoulder, and his eyes narrowed. "She should go to the infirmary. Memory loss inducing head trauma is more severe than a concussion."

Thoma stepped closer to me. "I know. We were waiting for the raid to be over with."

"They're all gone."

I gasped. "Really?"

"Really," Diluc's hard expression softened at my hopeful tone. "Campus is once again secure."

I wondered for how long.