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Diluc remembers the day clearly. The rain failing harshly from the sky, the sound of it evaporating as it got near the fire that engulfed his claymore. The fearful look on his little brothers face as blood ran down from his wounds, washing away into the muddy ground. The anger Diluc felt as he attacked and his brother blocked, the desperate pleases Kaeya exclaimed as he begged Diluc to listen to him. To understand him. Yet, Diluc allowed anger to talk instead of rationality, he swung back his claymore and unleashed his fire phoenix when Kaeya was weaponless. The horror he felt when he realized what he done, and what he couldn’t do as the flaming bird attacked Kaeya. Yet, as the bird flew past and up into the air, steam rolling off behind it. What was left was not a charred body of a 16 year old, instead there was Kaeya, breathing and alive. An ice shield surrounding him as a Cryo vision formed and fell into his hands, the water on the ground slowly frosted over as Kaeya stared at the vision in horror and Diluc started at Kaeya in shock.
This was how his little brother gained his vision. The two would always talk about it, when Diluc got his they would theorize how Kaeya would get his. But this, this was not how Diluc wanted it to happen. His brother grasped the freezing vision as the shield cracked and shattered before looking up at him. Then Kaeya closed his eyes, looked down and relaxed.
He was giving up.
He was giving in.
He was letting Diluc finish him off.
To complete what he started.
But Diluc was more conscious now, anger no longer controlled him as he looked at the burns and wounds littering his brothers body. He took in what he done, his father would be disappointed. He promised to protect Kaeya, yet now he’s the one harming him. He does not deserve to be his brother, no, he doesn’t deserve it at all.
This all happened because of the Fatui and their attack on his father. If that didn’t happen, maybe Kaeya wouldn’t have told him this secret and maybe they wouldn’t have fought. Or maybe Kaeya did tell the secret either way, but instead Diluc listened instead of attacking, he understood instead of yelling.
Either way Diluc Ragnvindr did not deserve to be Kaeya’s older brother and he will not allow the Fatui to get away with what they have done.
So with one last look at Kaeya, who was now looking up at him in hurt and confusion, Diluc smiled but it felt more like a grimace.
“We no longer can be brothers.” He whispered, yet he was loud enough to be heard as Kaeya looked devastated at his words. With that he unclipped his vision and threw it on the ground before he turned and left, ignoring the pain calls as his brother yelled for him, for his forgiveness and for him to come back.
But Diluc refused. Not till he got revenge and not till he could look at Kaeya in the eyes without regret.
————————————
Kaeya stared as Diluc vanished into the Whinery, his body shook in shock and cold. The Cryo vision in his hands shimmered as it engulfed him in a cold feeling, he felt some wounds itch and heal. His vision was trying to heal him, bring him his energy back but that was the last thing Kaeya wished for. His older brother, someone he trusted and looked up to had disowned him. He felt like he couldn’t breathe, he shakily picked up the eye patch that fell from his hands during their battle and pocketed it. With a gasp and a shudder, he stood up. Kaeya stared at the bright red vision that laid on the ground before leaving it be, knowing Jean, she would come investigate and see it. As where he’ll be going, he would not be needing the vision. So he turned away from the last remaining light of his brother and began walking. He didn’t know where, but he walked as the rain fell. He walked as his body screamed at him to rest and as his vision shimmered as it healed him.
Then finally, after hours he found himself in front of Starfell Lake. He must have walked for hours, but to him it felt like seconds, his brain was on autopilot as his only thoughts were ones that would end his life. Yet as he stared at the deep waters of the lake, looking at his own reflection as the raindrops distorted it, he thought of an idea. So with one last breath Kaeya stepped into the water, grasping his vision tightly and when he was far enough in, he let himself sink.
He held his breath as his body fell deeper and deeper, and the dim light the sky gave despite its grey display faded till it was pitch black. And Kaeya held the Cryo vision tightly as to him, it was the last item his older brother had gifted him. Then, with a smile, he released his breath and closed his eyes, allowing the water to seep into his lungs.
But instead of the feeling of suffocation, he felt cold. His vision began to glow brightly as ice began to form around him. But Kaeya couldn’t have cared as to him, this was his death and nothing more.
Since that day, Starfell Lake has been permanently frozen over.
————————————
When Diluc returned years later from his trip in the Cryo Archons land, he couldn’t help but feel nervous. He has accomplished one of his two tasks, getting as much revenge as he could with the delusion. Now is the second task, facing his brother. Kaeya should be 19 now, barely an adult and possibly apart of the knights since he rid of the other from all legal terms connecting him to his father’s business. Something he deeply regrets. Still, after spending three years in the ice world of Snezhnaya he had a lot of time to think. He knew it was just poor timing and misunderstanding. (He just tells him that to ignore that fact he attempted to kill his 16 year old brother.)
He knows they were both in the wrong yet he’s still angry? He doesn’t really know how to feel but what he does know is that he wants his brother back in his life and as emotionally constipated he is, he hopes Kaeya wants him back too…even after all the damage and trauma he caused.
News of his arrival didn’t take long to spread, he didn’t go looking for Kaeya immediately as he knew the other probably heard of his return and was just as nervous as he was…he hopes. But he did know he had to get in contact with Jean, knowing her she probably wants to rip his hair out. He heard of her new position so he knew exactly where to look.
So now Diluc stands in-front of the Grandmasters office, the door closed. He was no chicken but Jean was a force to be reckoned with. Yet with a deep breath, he knocked and savoured the sound of his childhood friends voice as she spoke.
“Come in.”
Diluc opened the door slowly and stepped in, the office looked the same from what he last remembered, the only thing different was the tired blonde sitting at the desk at the front. Jean didn’t even look up when he entered, too focused on the work in front of her.
“Jean.” Diluc spoke, he winced at how fast the girls head snapped up. She stared at him like he was a ghost before standing up and dashing towards him, tackle hugging him. The force was enough to knock him back into the door with a grunt but either way, he hugged back. He was never much of a hugger but this was an exception.
“Y-You idiot!” Jean screeched after a while of hugging, she moved back, breaking the hug with tears in her eyes and a small smile.
“You just vanished!” She hissed and Diluc couldn’t help but smile.
“I apologize. But I had business to take care of.” He spoke. Jean frowned.
“For three years!? Bless Barbatos that you’re okay but you two just had to pull a disappearing act on us, huh? Didn’t even tell me where you went off too!” She hissed and stepped farther back so she could lean on her desk.
“Again. I apologize…so, how is everything here?” He asked, a bit awkward as it has been years since they last spoke.
“Fine, I guess. After you and Kaeya left, things have been hectic. Speaking of Kaeya, is he back at the winery? I know you sold the manor.” She spoke and moved to the back of her desk, opening the drawer to search for something. Diluc blanked at Jean’s words.
After you and Kaeya left.
Kaeya left?
“Here.”
Diluc looked up at Jean, the girl was now in front of him as she offered the younger something. His breath hitched as he took in what she was holding.
His vision.
The vision he gave to Kaeya before he left.
“H-How did you get that?” Diluc asked, failing to keep his voice steady as he took the Pyro vision back.
“It was left in the field in front of the winery. We were told a battle happened there and all we found was your vision. Adeline told us you left with Kaeya and left your vision behind.” She explained.
“Jean.” Diluc said seriously, gripping the vision tightly. He looked up into the girls eyes.
“I never left with Kaeya.”
Diluc was able to see multiple emotions swirl around within her eyes. Confusion, realization, shock, horror then fear.
“Then, where is he?”
“You’re saying he never came back after I left on my birthday?” Diluc asked. Jean nodded.
“Since he wasn’t anywhere, everyone just assumed he left with you. Since that day was harsh for both of you, we thought you left together.”
Diluc felt the blood in his veins freeze as he took in the information.
His little brother disappeared the same day he did. His 16 year- no 19 year old brother is gone, somewhere in the world, hurt, scared, possibly even de-.
No.
Not that.
He can’t be.
He had a vision now, he’s strong, he’s always been strong.
“Jean. Search party, now.”
Jean didn’t argue.
————————————
Diluc never wandered after he returned. He searched with the knights, despite his distain for them, but no one found any clues on his brother. The only strange thing was Starfell Lake but even then, no one saw or reported anything weird other than the seemingly unbreakable ice. Diluc looked as well, the ice was so thick you couldn’t even see the bottom and no matter how much to hit it or tried to melt it, nothing worked.
After the fail search, Diluc didn’t move around much. He patrolled the city at night, did some clearing out around the area but stayed near Mondstadt city and Dawn Winery itself.
Diluc was 22 when things got weird.
A traveller entered their city and gained the trust of the citizens quickly. A lot more things happened, such as meeting their archon, Barbatos, who was actually some stupid drunken bard. Dealing with Davlin then fighting him and lastly attempting to help with the search for their sibling. Diluc couldn’t ignore that, as someone who’s still secretly searching for his brother.
“So, I’ve asked my informants to see if they can find anything on your sibling. Hopefully the description you gave had no errors.” Diluc said as he walked along side the Traveller, Paimon, the little flying fairy thing spoke for him, she always did. They were currently headed back towards Mondstadt from the Winery.
“We’re sure it’s correct. That’s their sibling!” She chirped. The Traveller nodded with a grin.
“Oh speaking about siblings. We heard you also had a sibling who went missing.” Paimon said. Diluc winced as the outlander glared at the flying creature.
“Oops! Paimon didn’t mean to bring up a bad memory! Paimon just wanted to know more about them!” She spoke quickly.
“It is quite alright, Paimon. I don’t mind speaking about him.” Diluc mumbled softly, he had learned to grow more patient during his search for Kaeya which caused him to be more patient with others as well. The outlander gave him a certain look to which Diluc waved them off.
“Don’t worry I’m fine…now why don’t you ask me questions and I’ll answer them?” He asked, looking around to make sure no mobs jumped them.
“Oh! Paimon knows one! What’s their name? Oh and are they older or younger?” She asked, the other only nodded along.
“His name is Kaeya Ragnvindr. And he’s younger than me by two years.” He spoke, choosing to leave out the fact that he disowned the other but readded him when he returned a year ago.
“Oh so you’re an older brother. That must hit harder then! I heard most older siblings are mostly protective, yeah?” Paimon exclaimed.
“Yeah. We are. Any other questions?” Diluc asked, despite his attempts to stay patient, Paimon just knew what buttons to press.
“Oh! Is he a vision holder like you?” She asked.
“Yes. Cryo to be exact.”
The traveler signaled to Paimon and mumbled something softly into the fairies ear. He never knew why the outworlder didn’t speak directly to them.
“Traveller wants to know how your brother was like. Like how he acted and stuff!”
Diluc hummed, he knew how Kaeya was before the incident but would that still count?
Either way he answered.
“He was a shy kid. When he was younger he wouldn’t speak, just listen and usually allowed me to do the talking. I would remember the times where someone would ask him a question and he’d just look at me, expecting me to answer for him.”
“Did you?”
“I always did….as he grew older he gained more confidence but still preceded to stay silent and just observe. He was terrifying good at listening and reading people. He was also determined to become a knight like me and Jean and didn’t disappoint when he began his training. He was surprisingly good with a sword and he was already agile. He was a good person though, always looking out for others but never straying too far from my side. I think he relied on me a bit too much.” Diluc said with a chuckle and trailed off.
“But I don’t know if he still acts like that…wherever he is.” He mumbled. He felt someone grasp his hand gently and looked over to see the traveler giving him a sad smile. The other knew how he felt and Diluc couldn’t help but return a smile of his own.
They soon reached the gates of Mondstadt.
“Alright! We’ll be heading to the headquarters now. We need to complete a quest near Starfell Lake tomorrow.” Paimon spoke.
Diluc never understood the whole ‘quest’ thing but it seemed like a thing Paimon and outworlder called their missions or whatever so he never commented.
“Actually we need Pyro users for this so do you think you can help us?” Paimon asked, the outworlder eagerly nodded along.
“Oh…uh sure. When do you need me?” Diluc asked.
“Tomorrow morning! At Starfell Lake of course!” She chirped loudly. He did not understand how she was this energetic and loud all the time.
“Very well. I’ll meet you there in the morning.” Diluc agreed with a nod. The traveler gave a little bow to show thanks to which Diluc just awkwardly bowed back, unsure of what to do.
“See you tomorrow!” Paimon exclaimed as the two left into the city. Diluc stood outside the gates, the knights guarding the entrance nodded to him, he gave a nod back before turning and leaving back to the Winery. He wanted to see if any of his informants got information on Kaeya and his whereabouts.
They didn’t have anything.
————————————
Diluc stood beside the frozen lake, cold air surrounded the lake making the area a bit more cold then the rest. Standing with him was Amber and a kid named Bennett.
“Are these all the Pyro users?” He asked.
“All but Klee. Traveler didn’t want to risk anything with her.” Amber explained, that was reasonable. Diluc looked around again in search of the Traveler and their companion.
“Where did they go?” He asked.
“They spotted a boar and decided to chase after it as they were waiting for you.” Bennett chirped. That does seem like something they’d do, they have a short attention span. Anything from flowers to berries catches their attention enough for them to run off and try to gather it. Though yesterday, they were pretty good listening to him talk about Kaeya. Probably out of respect.
“Paimon is sorry we’re late!”
The three turned to see the Traveller and Paimon running towards them, actually more like skating as they glided across the ice. (Flying for Paimon)
“No worries!” Amber exclaimed brightly, was she always this chirpy?
“Great. You’re all here. Now you can help us with our mission!” Paimon said, hands on her hips.
“About that, what exactly are we helping with? Hopefully it’s nothing too delicate.” Bennett asked with a nervous chuckle.
Diluc hummed, now he remembers Bennett. He was the kid with the extremely bad luck. Looking at the scratches and bruises on the child, he couldn’t help but frown. He reminded him of Kaeya.
“Ah so we spotted this shimmer or glow! Yes glow under the light. So we want to discover what’s under there!” Paimon exclaimed.
“You were able to see through the thick ice?” Diluc asked, intrigued.
“Well Traveller saw it. They also sensed some aura so we gotta figure out what it is.”
The three Pyro allogene’s glanced at one another, it was no new news that no one has been able to see through the ice or break it. But since the Honorary Knight was asking, it was the least they could do.
“Alright, give it all you got!” Paimon encouraged from the back, staying a safe distance from where the four stood. The Traveller was going to help with their Windblade, using the others Pyro to cause swirl.
Amber charged her arrow as Bennett charged up his sword with Pyro. Diluc sighed and allowed Pyro to engulf his claymore.
“Go!” Paimon screeched, signalling the onslaught onto the ice. The four gave it everything they got, slamming Pyro attack after Pyro attack onto the cold unforgiving ice. After their tenth attack was when progress was seen, the ice began to melt and water began to form.
“It’s working!?” Amber exclaimed, shocked. Diluc was also quite shocked at the results, they have tried everything before yet the ice never melted or broke. His eyes drifted towards the Traveller as they charged another Pyro induced Windblade. Maybe it was due to the Traveller, they always seem to hold some power the others don’t. (Considering the fact they can use Anemo without a vision.)
Bennett was the first to show exhaustion, slowing down with his attacks and clearly getting drained from using so much elemental energy. Yet the second they were one Pyro attack less, the ice began to slowly refreeze the water.
“Ah! Don’t stop!” Amber screeched causing Bennett to run over and slam his ultimate down, being the first to use his ultimate. The warmth from the large Pyro zone caused the ice to felt faster and his ultimate also powered up Diluc, Amber’s and Traveller’s own attacks. Making them stronger against the ice.
Bennett gasped in exhaustion but continued either way. His own ultimate giving him more strength and energy, doing the same for the others. But even with the new boost, their energy was still running out. Amber even began to deploy her Baron Bunnies, shooting them to cause a heated explosion.
“We need more help!” Paimon screeched. The Traveller stopped their attacks, causing the ice to freeze back. Amber countered with her own ultimate.
“We will get Jean, Klee and Sucrose. Paimon didn’t think we’d need so much power!” She exclaimed.
Right, the Traveller can teleport with those wavepoint structures. Diluc grunted as he spun, attacking the ice with his own elemental attack.
“Go for it, but be quick!”
The Traveller nodded and warped out of space along with Paimon.
“W-Why do they want to find out what under again?” Amber asked as she exploded another bunny. Bennett slammed down his ultimate, giving everyone much needed energy.
“Doesn’t matter, they helped us so we help them.” Diluc hissed and unleashed his phoenix, his attack caused much of the ice to melt. Surprisingly it didn’t take long for the Traveller to appear with the three other allogene’s.
“Anemo Hypostasis Emulation!”
Soon a large burst of Anemo appeared on the ice, the wings flapped as it blasted wind upwards. Timed with Amber’s ultimate, the Anemo attack was fused with Pyro causing the ice to melt away in an exponential rate.
“The Traveller filled us in!” Jean exclaimed as she sent a Pyro infused Anemo attack towards the ice. Klee’s giggles were heard as she exploded the ice with her bombs.
“I always wondered what was under the ice.” Sucrose mumbled softly as she attacked with Bennett to infuse her own attacks. With the additional help, the ice began to melt away rapidly, Paimon floated above to signal them when to stop.
As they attacked, Bennett’s and Jean’s ultimate being the two giving everyone more energy, the time passed and soon Paimon was heard.
“Stop!” She screeched. Diluc almost fell over as he was ready to to a attack but steadied himself. Everyone froze as the Traveller ran over to see what it was before the ice began to freeze over again.
“T-To think we needed that much elemental power to melt the ice away.” Jean said with a slight pant, clearly tired but still ready to keep going if needed.
“I-It’s a vision?!” Paimon screeched causing everyone but Klee, to snap their head over to the two. The Traveller themselves had doven into the cold water, coming out with a glowing Cryo vision, placing it on the ice. They looked terrified as they dove back under.
“So a single Cyro vision was causing all of this…” Sucrose whispered in awe.
“Must be a strong one.” Jean said. Klee tugged at the older women’s shirt.
“Miss Jean! Did Klee do good?” She asked, despite all the energy she used she still looked energized. Jean patted Klee’s head softly.
“You did amazing.”
“I wonder what got the Traveller looking all spooked.” Bennett thought out loud.
“Maybe we should go help. The water must be freezing.” Amber suggested, worried. Diluc shook his head.
“I heard they explored Dragonspine, they should be good as long as we help them heat up afterwords. And the water isn’t freezing over anymore since the vision was removed.” He pointed out. Before anyone else could respond the Traveller broke the waters surface with a gasp. But what was concerning was the arm wrapped around their shoulder.
“Amber, Klee!” Jean exclaimed. They all knew what the Traveller was holding. The Outrider picked Klee up and faced away from the morbid scene.
“Wait! Klee wants to see!” The young knight whined.
“Why don’t we go fish blasting instead? You deserve it after your hard work.” Amber suggested. The happy squeal from the Spark Knight was enough for everyone to know she was distracted.
Diluc shielded Bennett from view, despite being older than Klee, he was still a child and didn’t deserve to see such a scene. Sucrose, despite her soft look, didn’t seem too affected by the current events.
“Bennett, go join Klee and Amber.” Diluc ordered.
“B-But-“
“Now.”
Bennett sighed and ran off, they heard the kid trip and fall before exclaiming he was fine and left after the other two. Jean was the one who ran over to help the Traveller.
“Wait, if that vision belonged to the body then…” Sucrose spoke as she looked at the discarded vision that sat on the ice, still glowing but now it was slowly dimming.
“That mean’s their alive…”
“Oh my god!” Jean screeched, causing Diluc to look away from the shorter girl and towards Jean. Finally, he could see who they pulled out of the water and Diluc felt his body freeze up at the sight.
Lying on the ice was his little brother, looking as young as ever, his skin pale and body soaked but his vision glowed. The Traveller quickly placed an ear to his chest before they began to do chest compressions.
“He’s still breathing but there’s water in his lungs!” Jean informed, that caused Diluc to snap out of whatever trance he was in and run over. He fell to his knees, ignoring the slight sting of landing on the hard ice.
“We need to slowly warm him up after the Traveller get’s the water out.” Jean instructed, Diluc nodded and decided to take in the state his brother was in now he was closer. He looked exactly how he did when he left him all those years ago. Most of his burns and wounds were healed but some still remained. His lips were a pale blue and his skin cold at the touch yet somehow, he was alive.
Jean was helping as well, flowing her healing magic into Kaeya to help him fight the battle of leaving the ice. Diluc kept glancing at the vision, watching it dim then glow a bit then dim.
Then, Kaeya coughed. The Traveller quickly turned him onto his side as the boy gagged out the water. After he was done, he went back into his unconscious state.
Now it was Diluc’s turn. He took his coat off and picked Kaeya up with it, wrapping the boy up to keep him warm before standing up.
“We can’t stay here. It’s too cold. The lake will probably melt since the source is gone but the area is still cold.” He said. Paimon swooped down and picked up the Cryo vision.
“Then let’s get somewhere we can warm him up.” Jean said seriously, but even then she seemed shaken to the core. So was Diluc but he was determined to make sure his brother survived.
“If I may ask, w-who is that?” Sucrose asked as they began to walk away from the lake.
“Kaeya, my little brother.” Diluc responded.
“You mean the one who disappeared four years ago?!” Paimon screeched out in shock. Jean nodded.
“Correct. Seems like he wasn’t far from us all this time.” She mumbled as she felt Kaeya’s forehead gently.
“So he’s been frozen for four years and he’s still alive…astonishing.” Sucrose whispered as they walked. Diluc couldn’t have agreed more.
————————————
Kaeya awoke to the feeling of cold, he didn’t really know what was happening other then the fact he felt cold, so cold. And his throat hurt like he just vomited for hours on end. But then, he began to feel warm. It wasn’t an onslaught of warmth but instead it was a gradual feeling. Something he welcomed. He still didnt know where he was or what was happening but he didn’t really care. He felt warm.
It reminded him of his brother. And with that thought, he drifted off again.
The next time Kaeya woke up, he knew he was laying on something soft and cozy. Probably a bed, yet his senses felt muted, he didn’t open his eyes but his hearing was muffled and smell was disoriented. Even his mouth felt too heavy to open up and speak. So he relied on the one sense he still had. Touch.
He already knew he was laying in a soft bedding but he felt really warm. Not an overwhelming amount but something that was just perfect. He cuddled into the warmth and allowed himself to doze off once again.
The third time Kaeya awoke, his senses were working. It was overwhelming, he refused to open his eyes, a bit afraid to see where he was. He instead depended on hearing. He didn’t pick too much up, just the soft breathing of another in the room, they seem to be asleep. So with a deep breath, Kaeya opened his eyes slowly, wincing a bit at the bright light. He looked around with squinting eyes and realized the light was coming from the window. It was day out and the sun was shinning through the glass. He allowed his eyes to adjust before looking around again, specifically for the source of the breathing. He sucked in a sharp breathe when he saw who was resting on the chair beside him.
His brother Diluc said on the chair, head leaned forward in a way that will surely hurt when he wakes up. He looked different, older. Even then, he couldn’t help how panicked his breathing got at the sight of the other. The memories of yesterday flooded back in.
The memories….
The…
How is he alive?
Kaeya stared down at his hands as he recalled the events of yesterday. The rain, the hatred, the yelling, the fighting, the fire, the burst of Cyro…then the disowning. But then he, he ended himself in the lake…did he not?
He clearly didn’t if he’s still breathing, sitting here in the…
He looked around again.
The Cathedral, that’s where he is.
Does that mean Diluc came back and saved him?
Maybe that means he doesn’t actually hate him, he didn’t mean what he said back then before he threw his vision and left him behind. Right?
Kaeya felt his eyes droop from all the panic he was going through, his memories were rushing back at him in waves but for some reason, his brain was telling him something was wrong.
He was missing something.
What was he missing?
He glanced at his older brother again, he had way more hair and seemed more tired.
He must have been up waiting for him to recover, that’s it.
Kaeya stared up at the ceiling. He still felt like he was missing something. With a whine he decided to close his eyes again and allow himself to rest. He didn’t know why but he felt exhausted.
He can figure out what was missing the next time he wakes up.
The fourth time Kaeya awakens, he woke up to talking. He made sure to stay still as he took in the voices, he quickly recognized two of them. One was Diluc though it sounded more low pitched then he remembered. The other was Jean, she also sounded more mature as well. The third was an unknown voice but from what she was speaking about, she seemed to be a healer of some sorts.
“He’s out of the danger zone. All we have to do is wait for him to awaken….its quiet the miracle he’s even alive. His vision was the main reason for that.”
Kaeya felt himself freeze up.
Now he remembered what he was missing. His newly acquired vision. He never wanted a vision, he knew he’d talk to Diluc about the idea of gaining one but he never wanted one. To him, it was a sign that Celestia acknowledged him and that was the last thing he wanted. Yet, here he laid with a Cryo vision.
From the Archon of Love.
What a joke.
He tuned back into the conversation just in time to hear the healer leave the room, leaving just him, Diluc and Jean.
“He looks so young.” Jean spoke first, breaking the silence.
What did she mean he looked young? He looks the same.
“The ice didn’t allow him to age. Preserving him.” Diluc mumbled.
What?
What do they mean by that?
“He looks the same as when I left on my eighteenth birthday…”
That was yesterday, and you never left, you came back.
“What are we going to tell him when he wakes up?” Jean asked.
Tell him what?
“The truth.” Diluc replied.
Kaeya didn’t like this. He didn’t like that he couldn’t understand what the two were talking about. He was always a step ahead. His biological father taught him to always have an advantage. He never broke that habit but now he felt vulnerable. Confused and vulnerable.
And the only way to stop this was to open his eyes and face reality. So silently, he opened his eyes. He realized that his right eye was covered by his eyepatch, he didn’t know how he didn’t feel that before. Though he remembered pocketing the item, not putting it on. Deciding he could think about that later, Kaeya looked around.
Diluc and Jean seemed to be immersed in whatever hush conversation they were having in the corner near the window, meaning they didn’t see him open his eyes. He stared at the two, taking them in, especially Diluc since he was standing now.
They were both taller than he remembered. And dressed differently. Jean held an aura around her of a leader, something she always held but now it felt more prominent. And Diluc looked tired. But both of them just seemed older, they didn’t look like how he used to remember them.
Why?
Right…his vision. Despite his hatred towards gaining the Celestial item, the fact that he’s been away from it was already taking a toll on him.
He found it scary.
He decided to give himself away and began to sit up, he didn’t realize how hard it would be. His arms felt like jelly, causing him to slam back into the soft bed under him with a tired groan, he shut his eyes in annoyance.
“Kaeya!” Jean exclaimed, he heard both of them walking over to him. One of each side of the bed.
“Let me help you up.” She offered. Kaeya opened his eyes again and looked up at Jean, her blue eyes stared back at him with the same warmth they always held. He gave her a small nod, that triggered Jean to move and help him sit up. He couldn’t help the wince as his body felt like it moved for the first time in years.
“You’re okay.” She whispered gently as he got comfortable where he sat. He heard some movement from his right and turned to see Diluc holding a glass of water.
“Here, you must be thirsty.” The older said, not looking him in the eyes. Now that he pointed that out, Kaeya was parched. He shakily went to grab the glass but Jean took it before he could.
“You’re still weak. I’ll help you.” She said. Kaeya couldn’t help the whine that escaped him but accepted her help either way, knowing she was right. The water was refreshing, it felt like Celestia itself. Slurping up the water greedily, he ignored the small chuckle from the two in the room as the water dripped down his chin.
“Slowly.” Diluc warned but he ignored it, drinking the rest within seconds. Jean put the glass down and grabbed a tissue, wiping his mouth.
“I-I’m not a kid.” He said, his voice sounded the same as always so he didn’t understand why the two reacted in shock. Jean was the first to come back from her shock and smiled softly.
“I know but like I said, you’re too weak to do some basic moves as of now.”
Kaeya nodded and looked at Diluc, his brother…is he still his brother?
Diluc winced at the eye contact and looked away. Kaeya couldn’t help curling up a bit at the reaction Diluc had. Diluc must have noticed as he rushed his next words out.
“I don’t hate you!” He exclaimed so loudly that it caused Kaeya to wince. He heard the hiss of Diluc’s name coming out from Jean, causing the other to apologize.
“I’m sorry Kaeya, I just…can I ask you something?” He asked, Kaeya looked up at Diluc and gave him a nod.
“What is the last thing you remember?”
Weird question but okay.
“Your eighteenth birthday.” He mumbled. He didn’t really feel like saying everything. He heard the sharp intakes from the two.
“And when was his eighteenth birthday?” Jean asked. Kaeya raised an eyebrow at the question, now he was getting confused.
“Yesterday?”
He saw Jean tense and heard Diluc let out a loud sigh.
“W-What? What’s wrong?” Kaeya asked, he was getting worried.
“Kaeya, I want you to calm down so we can explain this to you.” Jean spoke slowly and softly. The bluenette sucked in a deep breath but nodded either way, preparing himself for whatever he was about to hear.
“Diluc is not 18. He’s currently 22 and I am 23. It’s been four years since his birthday.” Jean said seriously. Kaeya stared at his friend, trying to find any source of lies or humor in her words only to find nothing. She was serious.
Everything that happened, happened four years ago. That’s why they were so shocked by his voice and called him young. That’s why they looked so different.
It’s been a while since Kaeya suffered from a panic attack but he still knows the symptoms. So as his breathing increased, his senses dulled and his shaking hands gripped at his hair. Kaeya knew he was going into a panic attack but he couldn’t stop it.
He doesn’t get it. How did he get four years in the future!? He swears he drowned himself, not time travelled. His felt himself get lightheaded from the lack of oxygen he was intaking. His breathes were short and thin.
But before he could truly spiral down an endless path of panic, a soft humming broke through his panic. A familiar tune he missed so much, his body immediately relaxed as someone guided his hands away from his hair, soon a bigger hand replaced it and ran through his hair gently, calming him more. It took a bit but soon Kaeya was calmed down, breathing fine and leaning against Jean, head rested on her chest as she hummed and ran her hand through his hair.
“You with us?” She asked softly, Kaeya hummed in response.
“If you have any questions, we’ll try our best to answer them.”
Kaeya stared blankly at the white sheets of the bed he rested in before speaking.
“How did I travel into the future?” He asked. Jean chuckled.
“You didn’t.”
Kaeya moved away from her and looked up at the older in confusion.
“You froze yourself in Starfell Lake.”
Kaeya looked to Diluc.
“I-I did?”
Diluc nodded.
“We don’t know how you ended up there but your vision was trying to save you and ended up freezing you alive, preserving your body and keeping you alive throughout the years.” He explained.
“How haven’t you found me then? Why did it take four years!” Kaeya exclaimed.
“I was gone for three.” Diluc admitted.
“And we assumed you left with Diluc since you two vanished on the same day. We did see the frozen lake but the ice was so thick, no one could see anything below it.” Jean explained. Kaeya clenched his hands tightly, allowing his nails to dig into his palms.
“And what did you do?” He asked Diluc. The red haired male looked at him in confusion.
“What do you mean?” He asked.
“You said you were gone for three of the four years. What were you doing?” Kaeya asked. Diluc tensed and looked away.
“I was killing Fatui in Sneznayha.” He said.
“What?! But that’s dangerous!” Kaeya exclaimed.
“I know but I’m back and I’m fine.”
“He’s also banned from the nation.” Jean added, ignoring the glare she got from Diluc. Kaeya let out a tired sigh but couldn’t help the small giggle that escaped his lips.
“Stupid…” he mumbled and laid back down on the bed.
“Anything else you wanna know?” Jean asked.
“My vision. Where is it?”
“Here.”
Kaeya looked to Diluc to see his holding his vision in his hands. The younger gently took the item and held it close.
“So this little shit saved me, huh?” He mumbled softly as he stared at the snowflakes that floated within the vision.
“Kaeya.”
Kaeya looked away from the Celestial item and up at Diluc.
“Yes?”
“Why were you in Starfell Lake?”
Kaeya froze, he looked at Jean but the other looked just as curious as to why he was where he was found. After some shuffling under the blankets, he gave in.
“I was trying to end it…after you left, I just. I didn’t really have an anchor anymore. Like there was Jean but you and Master Crepus was my main one. Then I fucked up and I just wanted to sleep. My body lead me to Starfell Lake and I just let myself drown. But my vision saved me instead so, yay?” Kaeya explained, not wanting to look up from where he stared at his vision.
He tensed when a pair of arms wrapped around him, hugging him tightly. He could tell it was Jean immediately, his eyes watered as he hesitatingly leaned into the embrace.
“We’re here for you.” she whispered softly, lovingly causing a choked sob to escape his mouth. He tensed again when a warm hand rested on his back, rubbing it softly.
“Kaeya. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for what happened on my eighteenth birthday. I was in the wrong, and I lashed out on you. I don’t hate you. I don’t think you’re a traitor and I…I want you to be my brother again. If you’ll allow me.” Diluc spoke softly, he didn’t even stutter. He sounded so serious and Kaeya knew he shouldn’t accept the apology immediately. It’s been four years but to him, to him, it was just yesterday.
He broke out of the hug and hugged Diluc instead, ignoring the pain in his muscles.
“I-It was my fault too. Bad timing, I deserved it…”
Diluc tightened his grip as he hugged him tighter.
“No. You never deserved that. You were just sixteen.”
“And you were eighteen.”
Silence washed over the two as they hugged, Jean staring at the two fondly. She didn’t know much about what happened that night but seeing the two make up was enough for her.
“D-Do you still want to be my baby brother?” Diluc asked. Kaeya moved back and looked up at Diluc, staring into the red eyes that held hatred only yesterday (for him) but now held care and nervousness.
“Yes. Please.” He responded and Diluc responded with a ruffle to his hair.
“Hey!”
As Kaeya fumbled to fix his hair, Jean and Diluc shared a look. Kaeya was a minor, someone who’s technically missing memories and needs people to guide him. The two gave each other a nod before Jean stood up.
“You hungry?” She asked.
“Yup!” Kaeya chirped.
“I’ll go get some soup.” Jean said and left the room, leaving the two brothers.
“You really mean it, right?”
Diluc felt a bit heartbroken at how his brother didn’t fully believe his words, but he understood why he wouldn’t.
“Yeah, I mean it.” He said. Kaeya smiled and shifted so he could lean against the head of the bed. Soon Jean returned with the soup, handing the bowl to Diluc who had to feed the younger. Despite the bluenette’s protest, he reluctantly agreed to be spoon fed.
Diluc and Jean shared another look.
Yeah. They’ll be there for Kaeya now, to guide him. No matter the missing years.