Title: || The Day Diluc Laughed ||

Word count: 703

Warning(s): Death, yandere cult stuff, mention of blood, mindbreak/insanity

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There was nowhere left to hide. You knew it and he knew it. You could feel the intensity of the flames on his sword and the wounds it had left. Though they burned bright, licking the metal of the blade, the embers were still no match for his eyes. His eyes showed every emotion he felt, every thought he had; his determination to do his self-imposed job without anyone's help, his contempt for that impostor who dared to enter their God's world and his love for that same god. He was ready to lay down his life for them, willing to throw himself against the entire army of the Abyss Order, to join the Knights again - his god only needed to ask.

So the mere thought of someone wanting to pretend to be that god sent him into a rage. They were either beyond stupid, or had a death wish. And if it was the latter, Diluc would gladly be the one to fulfil it. He would become the sole judge, jury and executioner. He doubted that anyone would try to defend them, anyway.

"Any last words? Choose carefully." His words dripped like poison, burning you down to the core.

"Diluc, stop!" A voice called out before two swords clashed.

Beside you was an Abyss Mage, extending its elemental bubble to protect you from harm. Having been given the chance, you stood up and stumbled away from the fighting brothers.

"Kaeya?! What the hell are you doing?" Diluc yelled out. He knew that his so-called 'brother' was not trustworthy, but this was going too far. Now he was defending this impostor? With the help of the Abyss Order, no less.

"What am I doing? What are you doing?!"

Diluc was so close. If only he could get his idiotic traitor of a brother out of the way, he could end that impostor. The sight of his fleeing victim lit a fire in his eyes. There was no way he would let them get away.

Mustering every bit of strength in him, fueled by his devotion and love for his god and the hatred for those who opposed them and him, Diluc knocked Kaeya out of the way. With not a second to spare, Diluc lit his sword ablaze and swung it harder and faster than he ever had before. "Burn!"

Hit.

The phoenix that burned brighter than the sun melted through the protective shield with ease, taking care of the Abyss Mage and the impostor along with it. He let the satisfaction of his success get to him, while Kaeya ran to the impostor's side.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!" He screamed, cradling the body in his arms. "You just killed the creator!"

His words struck through Diluc when nothing else would and he finally began to see things outside his narrow line of sight.

Liquid gold - rich and plentiful. At his feet, on his blade, all coming from the 'impostor' he just dealt the final blow to.

"No-no it's not possible!"

He'd done it again. He'd killed someone he loved. First his father, now, it was the god he had idolised, loved, adored, for so long. Overcome with emotions, the confusion of the situation and the grief and guilt he felt, Diluc fell to the floor. He clutched his head as tears began to drop. "No- I- I didn't- AAAAAHHHHHH!"

"Shit." Kaeya muttered under his breath. "It might not be too late. Albedo could have something that can save them."

Breathing was hard. His entire world felt like it was shattering. Through his choked cries and tearful eyes, he saw Kaeya pick up the body and begin moving. "You're coming with me. And you will explain what you did." The final words, dripping with venom and hatred, sent Diluc over the edge.

From his throat, a chuckle emerged. It evolved into a laugh and then into a crazed cackle. This was his fault. He was driven by his determination, his hatred, all stemming from his love for his god whom he killed with his own hands. He truly was driven mad by love.

Never would Diluc have thought that he would one day side with the Abyss Order. Happily, laughing, all the while.

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