Diluc awoke with a start, the sterile scent of antiseptics flooding his senses. Blinking against the bright overhead lights, he found himself on a medical bed, tucked beneath crisp white sheets. The rhythmic beeping of a nearby monitor was the only sound in the otherwise quiet room. Confusion washed over him as he took in his surroundings—a small, sterile hospital room, with walls painted a muted green and a window that framed a breathtaking view of the night sky.
Outside, two moons hung in the heavens—one a radiant blue, the other a deep blood-red. The sight struck him with an odd sense of familiarity, yet he couldn't quite grasp why. Memories danced just out of reach, vague and hazy, like shadows in the corners of his mind. He struggled to recall how he had ended up here and what had led to this moment.
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. The door creaked open, and a nurse stepped in, her smile warm and reassuring. "Good morning, Mr. Diluc! It's nice to see you awake," she said, her voice soothing.
Diluc turned his head slightly, studying her. "Where am I?" he asked, his voice raspy and uncertain.
"You're in the recovery ward of the hospital. You've been unconscious for a while," she explained, glancing at the monitor. "You had quite an ordeal, but you're on the mend now."
He nodded slowly, trying to piece together the fragments of his memories. "What happened?"
The nurse hesitated, her smile faltering just a bit. "You were involved in an accident. But don't worry, you're safe now. Just take it easy. Would you like some refreshments? We have herbal tea and light snacks."
Diluc considered the offer but shook his head. "No, thank you. I just… need to think."
"Of course," she replied, a hint of concern crossing her features. "Just remember, you have people who care about you. The academy starts in five days, so you'll need to prepare for that."
"The academy?" he repeated, the word sparking a flicker of recognition. He felt a strange mix of excitement and dread at the thought of returning, but the specifics of his life before the accident remained shrouded in fog.
"Yes," she confirmed, her voice brightening. "You've worked so hard to get there. I'm sure everyone will be thrilled to see you back."
With a final glance back at him, she left the room, her footsteps fading into the corridor. Diluc leaned back against the pillows, staring at the dual moons outside. They felt like a symbol of something—perhaps a balance between his past and what lay ahead—but the meaning eluded him.
---
In the days that followed, Diluc struggled to regain his strength. He went through physical therapy, the nurse, whose name he learned was Elara, guiding him through the process. She was kind and patient, her encouragement a constant as he fought through the pain and weakness that plagued him.
"I can't remember much," he confessed one afternoon, frustration lacing his voice as he attempted to sit up. "It's all just… gone."
Elara offered him a sympathetic smile. "It's normal after such an ordeal. Sometimes the mind needs time to heal, just like the body."
"But what if it doesn't come back?" he pressed, the fear evident in his eyes.
"Then we'll make new memories," she replied gently. "You're starting fresh, and that can be a good thing."
Diluc wanted to believe her. Each day, he grew stronger, yet shadows of his past lingered. The dual moons outside continued to shine, their light a reminder of the unknown.
As the days slipped by, Elara often mentioned the academy, speaking of friends and events that seemed both familiar and foreign to him. Each mention pulled at the edges of his memory, igniting flashes of laughter and camaraderie, yet they remained just out of reach.
On the final night before his discharge, he stood by the window, gazing at the moons. The blue moon radiated a calm glow, while the blood-red moon cast a haunting light over everything. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he pondered the significance of both. "What do you want from me?" he murmured, half-expecting an answer.
"Diluc?" Elara's voice broke through his thoughts, her silhouette framed in the soft glow of the moonlight. "Are you alright?"
He turned to face her, heart racing. "I'm just trying to understand what all of this means," he admitted, gesturing to the moons. "Why do they feel so important?"
"They're beautiful, aren't they?" Elara stepped closer, her eyes reflecting the light of the moons. "Some say the blue moon represents hope and renewal, while the blood-red moon signifies change or danger. Perhaps they're a reminder that life is a balance of both."
He considered her words, a flicker of understanding igniting within him. "So, it's about embracing both the good and the bad?"
"Exactly," she replied, her smile warm. "You're starting a new chapter, Diluc. You have the chance to shape it however you want."
---
The next morning, Diluc awoke feeling surprisingly refreshed. As he prepared to leave the hospital, he felt a mix of anxiety and excitement churning within him. He would soon return to the academy, a place that felt both like home and an unknown frontier.
Elara helped him gather his belongings, her presence a comforting constant. "Are you ready?" she asked as they stood at the entrance of the hospital.
"I think so," he replied, trying to shake off the lingering doubts that gnawed at him. "It's just… the thought of starting over is daunting."
"It can be," she agreed, "but it's also an opportunity. You have a fresh start, and who knows what you'll discover about yourself?"
Diluc nodded, taking a deep breath. The morning air felt crisp and invigorating as they stepped outside. The dual moons hung overhead, slowly fading in the daylight, but their presence lingered in his mind.
As they walked towards the academy, Diluc reflected on the journey ahead. With each step, he felt the weight of his past lifting, replaced by a sense of determination. He didn't know what awaited him, but he was ready to face it.
"Whatever happens, I'm glad you'll be there," he said to Elara, gratitude spilling from his heart.
"I'll always be here to support you," she replied, her eyes bright with sincerity. "We're in this together."
The path ahead was uncertain, but Diluc felt a newfound resolve blossoming within him. As they approached the academy gates, the warmth of friendship and hope enveloped him. With Elara by his side, he was ready to embrace the challenges ahead, to uncover the memories waiting to be rediscovered.
And as the last traces of the dual moons faded into the morning light, Diluc stepped forward, ready to carve out his place in this new beginning.