Diluc found Nat asleep on top of Starsnatch Cliff later that night. He knelt down next to her, as she leaned against the rocks that ordained the cliffside. She was shivering in her sleep, and tear stains marked her cheeks. He sighed, taking off his coat and gently laying it over Nat, trying to not wake her. Alas, Nat stirred and opened her eyes just enough to see the fire mane in front of her.

“Hi Luc,” she mumbled half asleep, closing her eyes again. Diluc sat next across from her, not sure what to say. He stared at the scrapes that scattered across her face from the incident in the city earlier, and he felt like their stories were now too similar. His father had died in a carriage, now Nat’s parents had died in a carriage. He had gotten slightly injured at the time of his father’s death, so had Nat. The only difference was that Nat had immediately been there for him. Even after Kaeya disclosed what had happened earlier today, he didn’t immediately look for Nat. He didn’t know what he was supposed to say or do. 

Nat, even when she was young, had always put others before herself. He would’ve never guessed how upset Nat was when Crepus passed, he only knew from stories by others, like Adelinde and Albedo. Even Kaeya had seen Nat cry over his father’s passing, but Diluc only remembered the smiling face, the eagerness to help, and how she had planned everything so he wouldn’t have to. Perhaps that’s all he remembers because he left shortly after, but that only made him feel more guilty. Had he left this young woman, who was like a sister to him, at a time that she possibly needed him? Had he been selfish in his departure from Mondstadt? Was it selfish for him to keep what he did in those years to himself? Perhaps it all was, and the guilt was starting to eat him alive. Nat stirred and she talked but Diluc missed what she said.

“Pardon?” He questioned.

“Why are you here? You never come to Starsnatch.” Nat repeated. 

“Kaeya stopped by after this morning’s incident. I stopped by your room with the knights, but you weren’t there. I happened to pass Lisa in the hall and she mentioned she hadn’t seen you since the fire. I knew you had to be here,” Diluc explained and Nat sat up, letting Diluc’s coat slide off, revealing the burns on her arms, which made Diluc angry. He thought of Kaeya, burned and scathed by his own hands.

“That’s sweet of you Diluc,” Nat smiled as she slowly started to wake up. Diluc stood up, and put his hand out to help Nat up.

“I’ll walk you home,” Diluc said and Nat took his hand. As she started to stand up, her legs felt like jello, and she tumbled into Diluc. “Are you okay?” He questioned and Nat nervously laughed to herself before answering.

“Yeah, I think the adrenaline has worn off and my body is just tired… Did I tell you I did a backflip into a wall?” She laughed again, but Diluc sighed, turning around and kneeling in front of her, signaling for her to get on his back.

“Come on, I’ll take you home.” Carefully, Nat climbed on and the two started their departure back to the city. Nat and Diluc had some quiet chit chat before Nat eventually started to doze off again. As they were about to approach the city gates, Nat started to mumble to Diluc.

“Remember when you trained me?” Nat asked, except she didn’t wait for him to answer. ”You taught me so much about controlling my emotions, so I want to tell you that I’m sad. But also happy?” Nat scrunched her nose into Diluc’s shoulder, trying to maintain her composure. “I’m happy because there’s a huge weight off my shoulder. I’m not afraid that my parents will find me, or bring me back to Dottore. I don’t have to create and mend my relationship with them either, which seems like a daunting process, but maybe that makes me a bad person. Happy to see them gone for my own selfish reasons.” Nat paused to think and continued, “But then again I am sad, I do have the traditional feelings about this all, my parents are dead for archons sake! Right as I was starting to talk with them too, but how can I be upset that the people who allowed me to be tortured are dead?”

“It all seems rather complicated, death,” Diluc responded. He heard Nat take a deep breath, and he knelt down to let her down since they had entered the city. Once nat was standing, still shaky on her feet, he linked arms with her to support her further. He continued, “they don’t teach us about death in school, or in Ordo Favonious. Death is something you’re expected to learn all about at the moment. There is no preparation, but if there’s anything I can tell you it’s that you will feel things you aren’t used to feeling. That’s okay.” They continued to climb up the steps in the city. “Just make sure to talk with someone, otherwise you may let your feelings encourage you to do things you may one day regret. You need to have someone around to keep you grounded amidst the swirl of feelings we can’t shake. I didn’t talk to anyone, as you remember I shut everyone out.”

“You regret that?” Nat questioned as they arrived at headquarters.

“Everyday.” Diluc replied, not making eye contact. They were quiet as they arrived at the front steps of headquarters. “I’m sorry about your parents Nat, I can’t imagine how hard it is for you. I know I haven’t been there in the past, but I’m here now.” Diluc looked at his toes as he talked, taken by surprise by the massive hug Nat gave him. 

“Thank you Diluc,” Nat whispered before they said goodbye and she returned inside. As Diluc walked away from a place he once adorned, he wondered what came next for Nat. For him. For Mondstadt. Maybe it was time for him to take another trip to Snezhnaya.

Nat woke up the next morning to the sun shining through the blinds she had never closed. She had the day off, as per instruction from the Knights for her injury and mourning.  She sat up in bed and sighed. Mourning. Again. She felt like everyone she cared about left her too soon, or just as things seem to be at a good point, but her parents she never expected to mourn. She rubbed her eyes, leaning back against the wall.

Her morning was otherwise normal as she made tea and got dressed, too tired to shower this morning. Her head didn’t feel like it was grounded in Teyvat, but far up in the sky with the moon and Celestia. After finding neither Albedo nor Kaeya in their room, Nat checked the lab to find a note from Albedo. Still dealing with the effects of the blizzard on the Dragonspine lab. Be back tonight. For anyone in need of assistance, please contact Timeous. Nat sighed, and walked to the library to look for Lisa.

When she entered the library, Lisa was pouting as she collected some of her things. When she saw Nat she smiled, and without a word walked over and gave her a hug.

“Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry about your parents, I can’t imagine where your head is at.” Lisa pulled away, holding Nat’s shoulders.

“Thank you Lisa. I know I’m not supposed to be working, but I’m looking for a distraction. Is there anything I can do to help?” Nat asked as Lisa moved her hands to her hips.

“Now now, your involvement in this investigation would be a conflict of interest, and Sir Kaeya would most certainly scold me if I let you do anything as well,” Lisa pondered, “However, I understand the need to get your mind off of things. There’s a young girl with green hair that wandered into town. She has been through it, and we’re in need of some herbs from Bubu Pharmacy. You know the path better than anyone, would you be a dear and pick up this list?” Lisa asked as she handed over a piece of paper with ingredients on it, but the last one was more of a question.

“Lisa, what is the last part about Deevs?” Nat questioned.

“Dr. Baizhu will know, just tell him it’s for me and flash your knight’s badge.”

“You know we don’t have badges, right?” Nat laughed.

“Well, whatever. And if you see a green haired girl, purple eyes, in need of a new dress, tell her Lisa is looking for her.” Nat saluted Lisa and headed out, running into Kaeya as she left headquarters. She saw him from behind, clearly waiting for someone. 

“What is the quartermaster waiting for? Wine to fall from the sky perhaps?” Nat called. Kaeya turned, surprised to see Nat out. He had heard from Wyratt that she returned late with Diluc last night. He had expected her to not leave her room today. When she approached he looked her over, at least she was in civilian clothes. 

“Well, well, I could say the same for you. Are you getting ready to join your beloved on Dragonspine? I expected you to be out for the count today.”

“No, from my understanding the situation at Dragonspine isn’t pretty and the last thing I want is to get in his or Sucrose’s way. I’m actually heading to Liyue,” Kaeya raised an eyebrow, “not for work reasons, but to pick up some stuff from Bubu that Lisa recommended for my wounds, and a few things she needs as well.” Nat smiled and Kaeya sighed.

“How are you feeling today?” He asked.

“Sore, I’ve never had burns so intensive before and it stings very much, I’m not a fan.”

“Burns also take a long time to heal, so remember to be patient. How are you feeling otherwise?” He asked, not wanting to be blunt, but Nat skillfully avoided the question.

“A little antsy since I need to get to Liyue and back today, so I’ll catch you later!” Nat called as she brushed past Kaeya. He was definitely worried for her. Again. He never seemed to not worry for that girl, but he knew if anyone could handle this, it was her. She had proven that over and over.

Nat hurried on her path to Liyue, making it there in record time. While Nat did have a quick deadline to meet for Lisa, she also didn’t want to be alone with her thoughts for too long. Instead, Nat made note of how many people she saw on her journey, how pretty the ruins looked so early in the morning, and counted how many crystal flies she saw on the way. 

When she arrived at Bubu, she was greeted by Gui. After a quick hello, Nat explained the purpose of her visit, showing Gui her wounds and the list from Lisa. He quickly called for Qiqi, who came out from behind the counter.

“Qiqi, please get Master Baizhu, we’ll need his assistance. After you call for him, start gathering the items on this list.” Qiqi accepted her mission and went to find Baizhu. 

“Why do we need Master Baizhu?” Nat asked, concerned if it was for her or for Lisa. 

“Well, the notes on the bottom aren’t really up my alley…” Gui trailed off, unsure of what words to use, but a small voice answered for him. 

“Archon residue can be a burden, Baizhu will be able to help you.” Changsheng, the white snake that usually adorned Baizhu’s shoulders, spoke, slithering up Gui’s arm. Nat was always startled by changsheng when she spoke, forgetting she could. Even after all these years of coming to Bubu Pharmacy, she still couldn’t get used to it.

“Archon residue? What’s that?” Nat questioned. 

“It’s what you’re lightly covered in, the smell of regrets and revenge cover your body like the haze in Wuwang Hill. What have you gotten yourself into Natayla?” Changsheng questioned, slithering off of Gui and toward Nat, who bent down to talk with Changsheng at face level. 

“I was involved with a fire yesterday, otherwise I haven’t really left my room. It was a long day.” 

“Baizhu will have to help you.” Changsheng responded, slithering around Nat’s hand and up her arm and it seemed like Changsheng was smelling Nat. She continued, “It’s not bad, but he can help cleanse you to be safe.”

“Who are we cleansing today my dear Changsheng?” Baizhu asked, entering the pharmacy lobby, Qiqi following behind him with a basket of herbs. Baizhu was slightly taken aback by the site of Changsheng slithering around Nat, and then he became concerned when he saw the burns on the backs of her hands. “What happened?” Baizhu inquired as he came closer. 

“There was a fire in the center of Mondstadt yesterday that caused an explosion and I was right there,” Nat replied as Baizhu gently took her hand in his to inspect her burns. Changsheng took the opportunity to move over to her normal position on Baizhu’s shoulders. “The burns extend up my arm…” Nat further explained. Baizhu instructed her to take off her sweater, down to a tank top she wore underneath, so he could better see her burns. The burns mostly went up the back sides of her forearms, where it had scorched through her shirt when she blocked her face from the fire.

“The flames were adorned with archon residue Baizhu,” Changsheng hissed. Baizhu nodded his head in understanding and invited Nat to his back room. 

“How are you feeling physically and mentally Natalya? I need to make a proper assumption on how badly you’ve been affected before I can start treatment.” Baizhu said as he sat Nat on a small bed, and turned to start putting ingredients together.

“Well, my burns sting to the high heavens. I’ve been feeling rather heavy, but I think that’s for other reasons…” Nat spoke softly, twiddling with her fingers. “My parents died in the fire yesterday, and it was really unnerving even though it was the first time I had seen them in some years, and we never had a great relationship to begin with.” Nat started to tear up, looking down at her feet, she continued, “And now everyone is trying to figure out who created the black flame fire so I’m kinda dealing with it alone right now.” Tears started to fall and Baizhu came over to Nat, kneeling down to face her and handing her a tissue for her tears.

“My dearest knight, I can not imagine the weight on your shoulders. I’ve heard you talk with Master Xingqiu about your parents, and I remember you being here for Master Crepus’ services as well. You have been through many tribulations the last few years. Celestia loves to test our faith, but Rex Lapis is always with you,” Baizhu encouraged as he tapped on Nat’s vision, which sat on her hip in her casual attire. “Rex Lapis has given you strength to persevere, just like he did during the floods, the archon war, and the Cataclysm. Your loved ones will be there for you, and we’ll get the archon residue off of your body, so you can properly heal as well.” Baizhu stood up, collecting his concoction. 

“Thank you Master Baizhu, I’m sorry for getting emotional.”

“Do not fret, we’ll blame it on the Deevs. But, nonetheless I am always a listening ear for those in need.” Baizhu said as he returned, ushering Nat to lay down as he placed a warm towel over her eyes.

“Master Baizhu, what are Deevs? And Archon Residue?” Nat asked. She could feel Baizhu putting some sort of ointment, or lotion, on her burns. The smell of incense also flooded the room as Baizhu explained.

“Deevs are mythical beasts that the people of Teyvat tend to blame for the unexplainable, like illnesses. It’s nothing to worry about, mostly an old wive’s tale if you ask me. Archon Residue, however, is very real. It’s the remnants of dead gods, archons, and non mythical beasts. It uses the bones of these dead entities and gathers their desperation, anguish, and rage to torture the living. Sometimes giving them true powers, some that truly take over their being.” Baizhu explained as he started some ritual, something Nat could not see but only feel. She felt the breeze of Baizhu’s movements, the sounds of metal clanking against one another, and a feeling she couldn’t explain in her core. “Whoever started this fire most certainly had powers bestowed upon them by some sort of experimentation or implementation of these remains. I fear for their life if they continue to use such mannerism and-” but from there things got hazy for Nat. 

The next thing she knew, she was sitting upright, the towel gone from her eyes, but feeling very flush. When she opened her eyes, she was still in the backroom, and Baizhu sat at his desk, hearing Nat stir, he turned and smiled.

“There you are, sometimes the healing process can make patients fall asleep.” Baizhu explained to her that she was cleansed of the residue and could head back to Mondstadt whenever she was ready. He had bandaged her burns while she slept, which hadn’t been long, and he had two baskets of herbs and other materials for Lisa. “The residue shouldn’t affect you again either,” Baizhu guaranteed as she waved goodbye and started her route home. 

Nat was exhausted, and could still feel the flush on her face. Baizhu told her she may run a fever that night, or feel flush or faint, he even suggested she spend the night in Liyue, but she insisted on heading home. She had to tell Lisa about Archon Residue and get her the materials she needed, like Nat had promised.

When Nat returned to Mondstadt, the sun had already set and Nat was stripped down to just her tank top. Her face flush, burning red, while her body felt drenched, her arms sore from carrying Lisa’s supplies. As she was about to cross the bridge into the city, she heard someone call her name. She turned back, to see Albedo running toward her. When he caught up to her he kissed her hello, feeling the burning of her skin on his lips.

“Are you okay?” Albedo questioned, as he took the baskets from Nat and placed the back of his hand to her forehead, “You’re burning up Nat,” Albedo fussed, taking her sweater as well so she didn’t have to carry much. “We should get you to bed.” 

“No, I need to talk to Lisa.” Nat said as she started to walk into Mondstadt. Albedo reached and grabbed her hand.

“Nat, I really think you need to rest.” 

“After I tell you and Lisa about my time with Baizhu.” Albedo wrinkled his brow, but knew Nat wasn’t backing down. Nat gripped Albedo’s hand, her palms sticky and warm, as she pulled him forward toward the alchemy lab.

When they arrived, Lisa was sitting at a table, papers and books scattered everywhere, a Cecilia flower in her hair and her hat hanging from her chair. A cup of cold tea sat abandoned for some time. When she heard the duo enter, she looked up, concern in her eyes for Nat.

“Cutie, you do not look well.” Lisa sighed, but continued, “I take it Master Baizhu was able to help you?” Nat nodded her head as she sat down across from Lisa and Albedo held the bags up, asking Lisa where she wanted things. “Bring them over here,” she requested.

“I had Archon Residue on me Lisa, it was from the fire. Master Baizhu said whoever started the fire probably has some powers related to Archon Residue.” Nat tried to explain, her head feeling foggy. Albedo finished unpacking the bags and leaned against the table behind Lisa, listening. Worried.

“Yes, we realized that as well. The marks left behind from the fire were also very similar to some left at the scene where Master Crepus passed. It seems Black fire from Archon Residue may have been used then too.”

“Could it be the same person?” Nat asked.

“Yes, but most likely not,” Lisa changed the topic, “Did Baizhu help you?” Lisa asked and Nat nodded her head. “Good, but I know that treatment can take a lot out of someone. You should rest. You’ve had a very long 24 hours.”

“Lisa, this is all just so much,” Nat said, looking down as her voice cracked. Albedo snapped his head up, realizing Nat was going to break down, something he knew would happen. His headstrong partner always pushed herself, no matter how hard it was. “I didn’t even know my parents anymore, and of course their death has something to do with the man who took me in. And I’m so warm, and my arms burn so badly.” A tear fell, and Lisa looked back to Albedo, who was already rushing to Nat’s side.

“Cutie, I know things are hard, I can’t even begin to know how you’re feeling. But the cleansing, and the burns, aren’t helping either. Please go rest, I can fill you in more tomorrow. You’ve done so much already today to help.” Albedo took Nat’s hands and whispered something to her and she nodded her head. They both bid their farewells to Lisa, and headed to Albedo’s room. 

Nat feverishly babbled on the way back, but Albedo understood what had happened and what she had been up to during the day. He felt less worried knowing these were expected side effects of a treatment, but discomfort in knowing Nat had been exposed to Archon Residue like that, and sadness in the fact that she was hurting so much.

When they returned Albedo suggested a bath and some tea to try and drop Nat’s temperature. He ran her a lukewarm bath, filled with calming elixirs from Ying’er. Albedo helped Nat in, sitting by her side as he helped wash her hair, clean her wounds, and rebandage the burns. He was gentle in his touch as he tilted her head to pour water on her hair, rinsing out the suds and murk from the day. When he was finished, he kissed Nat gently on the forehead, encouraging her to get up. He helped her out of the tub and handed her a towel before heading to the other room to make tea. 

She emerged from the bathroom in his clothes, and curled up on the couch next to the window. Albedo joined her with their tea, they sat in silence, sipping their tea. Eventually, Nat laid her head in Albedo’s lap, her breath getting heavy with sadness.

“I’m so sorry my love,” Albedo said softly as he ran his fingers through her hair. “Life has not been fair to you, no one should lose so many close to them in such a short number of years. I wish I could take the pain away, whether it be emotional or physical. You have so many scars, but they make you so beautiful.” Nat was silent, quietly crying as she listened. “I wish I could protect you more. From your family, yourself, the Black Fire. I should’ve been there, so you wouldn’t be exposed to Archon Residue, or get these terrible burns,” Albedo paused, feeling tears brim at the corners of his eyes. “Even when I remove the most troublesome matters from my schedule, I still can’t find enough time for everything, but I should’ve been there for you and I wasn’t.” Albedo stopped, wiping a tear from his face. Nat turned to look up at him, putting a hand on his cheek.

“Don’t cry Bedo.” She whispered and he laughed.

“I could say the same to you!” He chuckled before continuing. “I love you Natalya, and it hurts me so much to see you in this much pain. Pain I should be shielding you from.” Nat pulled Albedo’s head down and met him half way with a kiss. When they pulled apart, he put his forehead to hers. 

“I love you too, but none of this was your fault. You are the best thing to happen to me.” She smiled, and Albedo wiped the tears from her face.

“Look at us, we’re a mess,” he laughed, sitting back up. Nat took his hand in hers and smiled, drifting off into a feverish haze.