Home is Where my Brother Lays

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/29267517.

Rating: Not Rated

Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death
Category: Gen
Fandom: 原神 | Genshin Impact (Video Game)
Relationship: Diluc & Kaeya (Genshin Impact), Crepus & Kaeya (Genshin Impact),
Crepus & Diluc (Genshin Impact), Crepus & Diluc & Kaeya (Genshin
Impact), Diluc/Consequences (Genshin Impact)
Character: Kaeya (Genshin Impact), Kaeya Alberich, Diluc (Genshin Impact),
Diluc's Father | Crepus (Genshin Impact), Diluc Ragnvindr, Crepus
(Genshin Impact), Jean (Genshin Impact), Zhongli (Genshin Impact),
Eroch (Genshin Impact)
Additional Tags: Diluc and Kaeya are Siblings (Genshin Impact), Kaeya-centric (Genshin
Impact), Kaeya Angst (Genshin Impact), Evryone needs a hug,
Implied/Referenced Character Death, Temporary Character Death,
Brotherly Affection, Overprotective Diluc, both Kaeya pov and Diluc pov,
self indulgent fic, Angst, Hurt, Graphic Description of Corpses, Kaeya
"dies", AU but only partly, Family Feels, Soft Diluc (Genshin Impact),
Diluc Angst (Genshin Impact), Older Sibling Diluc (Genshin Impact),
Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Implied/Referenced
Suicide, A bit of Zhongli too because I love him, Cults(?), Implied
Sexual Content, Angst with a Happy Ending, Diluc and Kaeya are
Adopted Siblings (Genshin Impact)
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2021-02-07 Completed: 2021-07-04 Words: 76,348
Chapters: 23/23

Home is Where my Brother Lays

by Trashbin2020

Summary

Cavalry Captain Kaeya was informed of a recent series of strange murders across Teyvat,
orchestrated by a suspicious cult. His sources say their next target was in Mondstadt. Eager
to spice up his quiet life, he tails them to the Angel's Share.

Not even Diluc could've foreseen the chain of events that followed.

---------------

In another time, Cavalry Captain Diluc's dear brother who died years ago by protecting him
and their father from Ursa the Drake, miraculously crawls out of the grave, well and truly
alive - somehow older, but as long as he was back nothing else mattered.

(Thank you for the new summary dear reader Kry_Chi !)

Notes

See the end of the work for notes

 The Two Sides

Kaeya was having a good day today. Because something interesting might finially happen.

Angel's Share was especially lively. Meaning the red-haired man behind the bar was too busy
serving his patrons and he didn't have time to say something snide in the Cavalry Captain's face.

That didn't mean Kaeya couldn't monologue for the both of them.

"The flavor of this wine is exquisite, brother dearest. Did Connor brew it?" Said the blue-haired
man in a teasing voice while lifting a wine glass to his lips.

Chances like these to get the high out of Diluc while in public did not come often so Kaeya
absolutely lived for them.

The redhead, that the whole Mondstandt knew as Diluc Ragnvindr, a wine tycoon and the richest
man around, sighed. "You know very well that It's brewed by Connor." His voice was laced with
annoyance. "And I'm not your brother." He's added the last part as if it was a simple reminder. Like
the words were a fact that Kaeya should know.

"Oh, you wound me Master Diluc." Said the Cavalry Captain with humor in his voice and an ever-
present smile on his face. If there was any hurt from the red head's statement the knight was
excellent at hiding it.

Some comments were thrown around mostly ignored. Some, the redhead only answered with a
glare.

The night was coming to an end, and the tavern was soon to be closed. Yet there were still many
customers including the Captain and some, from the looks of it travelers in strange clothes and
cloaks. They were the object of Kaeya's interest and wouldn't it be more fun if they caused some
trouble.

But as far as Diluc was concerned, all Mora is good Mora as long as the travelers caused no
trouble.

If they did, Diluc would be sure to show them the exit, not just from the tavern, but from the gates
of Mondstandt as well.

Kaeya too was keeping an eye on them. The captain, loving to mingle with both the side of justice
and the side of outlaws had heard some rumors.

The whispers from the outlaws told him that there was a group of travelers that left a single death
in their wake wherever they went. No wounds, no sickness, just one death. Stories vary from whom
you ask, but the descriptions, bits, and pieces of information fits this particular group of travelers
quite nicely. For Kaeya this was exciting, Mondstadt was way too dull sometimes. Not that he
wanted the city to be in danger, but a little rush of an investigation and keeping watch on the
suspects hurt nobody.

Well unless they decided to leave their curse of a single death on Mond. Then, Cavalry Captain
Kaeya of the Knights of Favonius would hurt somebody.

Because for him Mondstadt, even if he was not born here, was his city after all.
Yet, the night was almost over and the bunch seemed peaceful enough. They were in a hard to see
spot but Kaeya had observed, they drank three glasses each, regular red wine, ate nothing, spoke of
nothing. The only time they uttered words was to order the said red wine. Unsettling, but peaceful
enough.

Also boring.

Well seeing as the tavern might have just a couple of minutes left on the clock, Kaeya decided to
take matters in his own hands.

He slides quite a large sum of Mora over at his estranged half-brother's direction and orders "Give
me a bottle of whatever they are drinking." He points with his thumb to the table of the strange
travelers who seem unaware of the loud words spoken by the captain.

The half brother in question looks at the pile of Mora in front of him as if it's offending him on a
personal level. "Haven't you had enough for one night, Sir Kaeya? If you die of alcohol poisoning
it will give Angels Share a bad reputation." Still, Diluc handed Kaeya the bottle and took the Mora.

"Once again big brother, your words wound me!" Kaeya said in a theatrical manner as he put his
hand on his heart. He walked away and gave Diluc a huge grin, to which the other rolled his eyes.
Kaeya picked up the bottle with his other hand and headed over to the table of travelers.

Behind him, he heard the words "We are not brothers." Said once again by Diluc. It stung. It
always did, but it at least counted as talking, did it not?

"Haven't seen you around before." Said the captain as he approached the table. The group looked
up at him. They looked like regular people, nothing special. Except for their getup of black cloaks
covering them from head to toe. But their faces? Just your everyday men.

"Might I join you for a chat?" He flashed them his most charming smile that made most people
weak in the knees for the Captain. And he knew it.

The group looked at each other before one of them nodded.

Kaeya drew up a chair and poured himself a glass of red wine. He held it out to offer and one of the
strange travelers took it to refill his own glass.

"Where are my manners? Let me introduce myself first; Kaeya Alberich Captain of the Knights of
Favonius." He held his glass to toast. "And who would you be and what are you doing in this little
piece of paradise called Mondstadt?" He asked no one in particular of the group as he took a sip
from his glass.

One of the men spoke up "We are travelers, just passing through, we search for no one but if we
find someone who needs to be found we'll give them what they want." Oh great they liked to be
cryptic, mentally sighed the captain.

"Oh? Are you merchants?" The knight asked now facing the one speaking

"We are not." Spoke another man from across the table.

"Then what is it that you give to those who 'need to be found'?" This was getting interesting for
Kaeya, he thought as he leaned back in his chair. These people could be a strange cult, the captain
had concluded that these must be the same travelers the rumors spoke of. They fit all too well.

"We have discussed and we have all agreed..." started another man across from Kaeya "...that we'll
give you what you want." As the last word left the strangers lips something snapped in the Captain.
It felt like he was submerged in freezing cold water. Just cold, very cold water but there was no
pain .

The glass of red wine fell to the floor, cracking in the impact and spilling wine everywhere.

Kaeya slumped lifeless in his chair.

The men simultaneously all got up, ready to leave. One of them dropped their payment of Mora on
the bar-top and spoke to Diluc. "Bar-keep, one of your patrons. He has passed."

And the men left.

Diluc had observed Kaeya going over to the table with the strange men. Harassing them for
information probably, that was one of the Cavalry Captains hobbies whenever he encountered
someone of interest.

Diluc felt actually grateful to them for telling him that his incapable drunk of a disowned family
member had finally passed out from drinking way too much.

The tavern had cleared out shortly after the men left so Diluc went to collect Kaeya. Well actually
to wake him up and then throw him out.

Well, he'll throw him near Huffman who was patrolling the streets at least. The patrolling knight
would be wise to take his Captain back to the barracks to sleep it off.

And then Diluc is banning the Captain from Angels Share for a month.

As Diluc approached the table he first noticed the cracked glass and wine all over the floor. Great,
property damages, he'll send for compensations from The Acting Grand Master Jean later.

The second thing he saw was Kaeya, probably passed out, slumped against his chair, facing the
other side of the tavern away from where Diluc was.

Diluc approached the man and shook his shoulder. "Get up and get out!" He was fuming mad at
the spilled wine. That amount of wine will stain the floors, he'll need to repaint them.

The captain did not stir, as a matter of fact, not even his head lolled.

Kaeya felt unnaturally stiff to the touch. Diluc suddenly felt dread creep up at him. "Stop messing
around!" He shook the stiff body of his adopted sibling once more but more frantically.

No response.

Diluc moved in front of Kaeya and he hated what he was about to do as if this was really just a sick
joke and Kaeya would suddenly jump at him and laugh about his concern for him.

Diluc looked for a pulse. There was none.

Kaeya's body was cold, colder than usual despite being a Cryo Vision user.

Finally, Diluc took Kaeya's slumped head in his hands and turned his brother to face him. His
mouth was slack and his eye was open half-lidded, the diamond pupil dilated and lifeless.
Diluc was no healer, but he knew a dead body when he saw one. Kaeya was dead, he had died right
here in Angels Share while Diluc had wiped the glasses just around the corner. The dread in
Diluc's chest turned into pain, pain into anguish and that turned into anger.
Diluc screamed into the silent night, probably alerting the patrolling knights nearby. He had no one
now. Diluc was completely alone and it was all his fault.

************

Kaeya awoke laying down. He was gasping for air only there was no air or light or space to move.
His senses told him: you're in danger, get out now or you'll die!

So Kaeya did just that. He summoned as much of his Cryo power as he could muster and shoot it
upwards. Where he hoped he could get air.

A huge ice pillar shoots upwards in the graveyard behind the Cathedral of Mondstandt. And
another, and another, and between those pillars a man crawls out. Gasping for air and dressed in
the ceremonial clothes of the Knights of Favonius that were a bit too small around the shoulders.
The man crawled out of the grave marked as the grave of the heroic Knight Kaeya Ragnvindr who
defeated Ursa the Drake at only 17 years of age sacrificing his life for others.

But the man crawling out was Kaeya Alberich.

These pillars, of course, were visible from the Headquarters of Knights of Favonius. The huge
pillars in question caused quite a scene and knights quickly swarmed to the location of the possible
attack to the city.

Their Cavalry Captain leading the way with a flaming claymore in hand.

The scene made him absolutely furious. Not only his little brother's grave had been targeted and
completely destroyed. Adding insult to injury it was done with Cryo. The Vision his brother got in
the fight with Ursa right before he died.

He'll make quick work of the pillars with his Pyro Vision later on but first, he will slash the one
who dared to do this in pieces.

Captain Diluc's plans of vengeance were cut short as he closed in on the gravesite. He saw a man
gasping for air between the pillars. The resemblance was unmistakable. Only one person had all
the features that Diluc recognized as soon as he laid his eyes on the man.

It was Kaeya but bigger? No, not bigger, broader, and older? But this version of his brother was
gasping for air, breathing. Alive.

This must be a trick. Was the redhead's initial thoughts.

There is no way this is Kaeya. Kaeya died five years ago, he died because Diluc was too weak,
because big brother couldn’t protect his little brother.

Yet the gasping man seemed to be finally taking control of his breathing and becoming aware of
his surroundings.

"Diluc?" The man said with recognition, but also panic in his voice.

"Diluc, what the hell is going on?" Said the man in question. In his voice emotions that Diluc
could recognize as being filled with genuine confusion.

Diluc was smarter than this, to trust his eyes so blindly. But it was Kaeya. It was his brother.

He did not know how he knew it was him, not an illusion or a trick, but it couldn’t be anyone else.
He'll take any explanation he doesn't care about how ridiculous.

He lowered his sword, the flames extinguishing as he did so and sent it away. Diluc walked
towards his, alive, breathing brother with every step taken closer he believed his eyes more and
more.

Until finally he was face to face with Kaeya. Diluc couldn’t help himself; he threw himself at his
brother, wrapping his hands around the man.

Warm. Despite his Kaeya being Buried with his Cryo Vision that was still attached to his side and
the ice surrounding him Kaeya was warm.

And he had a heartbeat, and he was breathing.

Kaeya was taken aback by the hug. This was very unusual behavior from the red-haired man. Had
he died or something and Diluc suddenly started caring for him? This was not the Diluc Kaeya had
learned to live with in the past year.

Still holding his brother close, Diluc whispered into Kaeya's hair "You're alive! Thank you
Barbatos, you're here and alive!"

"Diluc," Kaeya started as he tried to wiggle out of the bone-crushing hug. "What happened to me?"
He finished as he managed to pry Diluc off him and at an arm's length.

"You don't remember?" The redhead asked. His voice more cautious.

"Remember what?" The blue-haired man genuinely doesn't know what his estranged yet unusually
overly affectionate brother was talking about.

"After Ursa attacked fathers carriage we were all but beaten but then…

Diluc swallowed and took a breath, he hated to recall what had happened, how weak he was back
then, how he couldn’t protect his family.

...you arrived and as Ursa was about to strike me and father the gods granted you a Vision."

Kaeya visibly tensed, this was not how he got his vision.

"You struck a large pillar of ice through Ursa's skull and as it flailed around in death it struck you.
It was fatal. You died in father's arms." Diluc was struggling to get the words out.

The memory of the events of that day was constantly in his nightmares so no matter how hard he'd
tried he couldn’t forget.

"It was my fault Kaeya I wasn't strong enough…" Diluc started he needed to apologize, he had not
protected his baby brother, he was at fault for his death. Yet Kaeya was here before him.

But Diluc was interrupted by Kaeya.

"Diluc, what are you talking about I didn't die, I… I didn't die that day, I arrived too late and…
and... ."

But wait, did Diluc say that Kaeya had died in Cerpus arms? Does that mean that Master Crepus
lived?
Kaeya gripped Dilucs shoulders "Is master Ragnvindr here, is he alive?"

The red-haired Cavalry Captain was struck by his brother's sudden question. Why wouldn't father
be alive? Regardless, Diluc answered, "He's working at the tavern tonight."

Kaeya couldn’t believe this. Whatever this was.

Was Kaeya in a dream? Had he died and went to Celestia? In this world Crepus was alive and
Diluc appears not to hate him.

"Can we go see him?" If this was truly Kaeya's personal paradise Diluc would not deny him.

"We can, but first I need to take you to a healer." Diluc ran a worried gaze over his brother. Kaeya
had somehow aged, the redhead observed, had he been alive all this time? Perhaps the Gods were
to thank for this, perhaps it took five years for his brother to come back to life because his injuries
were too severe.

Diluc tried to think of any logical or illogical reason. But it did not matter now. All that mattered
was that he had his family back.

*************

The funeral was filled with people, some Diluc knew, some he didn't. Since Kaeya was Captain of
the Knights of Favonius the service was open for everyone. So many people came to say their
goodbye.

Kaeya was, after all, beloved among the people of Mondstadt.

There were the knights dressed in their ceremonial armor saluting the casket. There was Albedo
with Klee, who was looking confused while holding his hand. She did not understand. Jean was
putting on a strong act as she gave her speech about Kaeya. The Traveler and Paimon for once not
causing any trouble and just sitting there and quietly observing.

And there was Diluc with not grief, not anger but a blank stare on his face. The blank stare was
directed at the open casket where his brother lay, dressed in the same ceremonial clothes that the
knights present wore, holding his sword that was placed in his hands above his chest. Besides his
blue earring and his eyepatch, Kaeya looked nothing like himself. Too pale, too blue in the lips.

He had died only a day ago, but because of the warm weather, it was safer to bury his body as fast
as possible.

People would say the funeral was beautiful and heartfelt. What a bunch of lies. There was nothing
beautiful about this.

It was over in no time, and the wine tycoon barely got time to process it all. Kaeya was gone,
buried in a grave behind the Cathedral.

The day was beautiful, warm, and sunny, but the city and Its people were glum.

Diluc was making his way back to the tavern deep in thoughts.

He had seen Kaeya's dead body. He had touched it, he'd been to his funeral service and seen him
lying there in an open casket. And he had seen his brother being lowered to the ground.

Diluc refused to accept any of this.

No one could tell how he had died. Healers saw no sights of injuries, and as a knight, his medical
history showed nothing life-threatening. Even when Albedo himself examined Kaeya's body he
had found nothing. Kaeya just simply died.

At first, Diluc thought that his words had come true and Kaeya had died from alcohol poisoning.
But the tests Albedo made disproved that theory.

There was also the case with the curious travelers with the black hoods. The last people to see
Kaeya alive.

And for Diluc they were the most possible suspects in what in his opinion was his half-brother's
murder case.

Ever since that night, they have not been seen anywhere in Mondstadt. Diluc had used his influence
and a lot of Mora to gain any information regarding the whereabouts of people with their
description.

He had not found a location, but a fresh rumor. A rumor of travelers who took a single life in every
city they arrived in. The death was never gruesome. Just death.

Just like how Kaeya had died.

Diluc would find them and make them pay for what they had done.

It was time for retribution.

 The Wine Tycoon, The Pyro Cavalry Captain, The Heroic Knight and The
Liar.
Chapter Notes

Thank you for the positive feedback and all the comments! It really helps me not give
up on my writing since I can maybe write 1K words a day at best

If you find grammer mistakes you can tell me and I'll try to fix them! English is not
my native language so do be gentle with me

Enjoy!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The Pyro Cavalry Captain Diluc only provided the best treatment for his brother. And that meant
taking him straight into the cathedral and demanding the Deaconess.

Despite Kaeya's protests he was now being examined by the said Deaconess herself who with her
Hydro Vision excelled at healing.

When Kaeya had died the Deaconess Barbara had only been 13 and did not know him, yet Diluc
trusted her judgment on his baby brother's health.

"He has some splinters in his hands from what I assume come from breaking out of the casket but
other than that he is in good health." Said the young woman. She did have a frown on her face.

This was all so very bizarre.

Everyone in Mondstadt knew the story of Knight Kaeya who defeated Ursa. But the story ended
with him dying a hero and his gravesite never lacking fresh Calla Lilies since.

She had even brought said flowers to his gravesite once, when she was young, many did and still
do, because the people believed if he had not slain the Drake a sage would have been laid upon the
city by the beast.

Had Barbados decided to grant him a second chance? If so Barbara never doubted the Archon. If
this was not an act of God then Barbados was testing her fate.

"I do wonder how this is possible, there is no way someone could survive being buried for five
years." She said out aloud shooting a questioning gaze towards the darkblue haired man in front of
her.

Diluc who was also present for the examination too looked interested in what his brother had to
say. He did not ask him the questions right away. The Captain was too concerned that if they didn't
get him to a healer instantly who could confirm Kaeya was at least human and not just an illusion
in his head, he would lose it.

"I have no idea." Kaeya put his hands up in defense.

"One moment I was at Angel's Share, the next I woke up in a casket and there was no air so I
panicked." Kaeya was not about to reveal the whole story. No matter how much he liked this
version of Diluc, he was not sure if these people were to be trusted.

Lies had protected him in the past, to reveal the truth might end up in another falling out.

Diluc frowned at Kaeya's answer. Shouldn't his last memory be Ursa. Kaeya had confirmed that he
knew of that day, but he insists he did not die.

Perhaps after his death he had been sent to his personal Celestia? Which was him at Angel's Share.

To Diluc this was a comforting thought. Kaeya's reward for saving everyone was to eternally be
able to drink and feast to his heart's content in his family's tavern.

Kaeya, noticing the redhead expression added "I truly don't remember."

The blue haired man tried to put on his best 'I'm so lost' face he could muster combined with a look
of complete and utter confusion. He looked like a lost child, and he was well aware of it. If he
understood this world correctly so far, Diluc would give in and not push any further. And Kaeya
had been right.

Diluc's face instantly softened, a sight Kaeya had not seen his brother's face do in years.

"It's alright, don't push yourself." Said the now concerned looking man putting his hand firmly on
Kaeya's shoulder. Kaeya had to admit It was nice to have these little touches of comfort again. Just
like when they were young and his brother didn't hate him. Kaeya had concluded that this Dulic
was very similar to the one he remembers from his youth, caring and loving older brother. Not a
man fooled for years into housing a spy in his household. Also known as the bitter, revenge
yearning and cynical man Diluc was today.

But the Dulic that was in front of him was none of those things. In fact Diluc's heart might give out
from joy. He once more felt his brother's pulse under his fingertips where he had put his hand to
rest on his brother's shoulder. A heartbeat. Alive.

Their ordeal was interrupted by the door opening without a knock or announcement.

Master Crepus Ragnvindr, the wealthiest man in the whole Mondstandt stepped through.

As soon as Barbara saw who it was she decided it was time to give the family some privacy and
she silently left.

The man in question was gasping, his ponytailed hair sticking out in places, had he been rushing
here? He absolutely had.

He had left the tavern in a hurry as one of the Knights of Favonius, with instructions from Diluc,
had barged in and given Crepus the abridged version of the events. But seeing was believing and
what a sight the older man had been blessed with.

Kaeya, his Kaeya was in front of his eyes with Diluc right next to him. His family was finally
whole again.

With a soft expression and a warm smile Crepus reached out to touch Kaeya's cheek, on the side
without the eyepatch just to feel for himself if his adopted son was real. He touched solid warm
skin. He was really here.
His youngest boy was back.

The eldar redhead couldn’t hold back his tears as they spilled out and down his cheeks. They were
tears of happiness, the kind he never thought he would get to shed for his youngest son.

Kaeya couldn’t stop nor did he want to and he leaned into his adoptive father's touch. He was not a
little boy anymore, but the touch felt the same as it had years ago; gentle and safe.

The blue haired man didn’t even notice he had started crying himself. Crepus still holding his
adoptive son's face wiped the stray tear away with his thumb.

"Master Crepus, you're… here?" Kaeya said, keeping his voice quiet just so he didn't sob the words
out.

"I'm here Kaeya," Said the man. He gently pulled his son into a one-armed hug with the other hand
pulling his oldest son along, Diluc went into his fathers arms willingly. The younger redhead had
started openly, yet gracefully, crying somewhere along his father's and brother's interaction.
Crepus was now holding both of his sons in his embrace. "I'm here now son."

The family of the Wine Tycoon, the Pyro Cavalry Captain and the Heroic Knight all silently cried
in each other's warmth.

Perhaps Kaeya had actually died and went to Celestia, because this was bliss.

********
Another day, another dead end.

Even all the Mora in the world couldn’t help Diluc locate the strange group of travelers. It's like
they disappeared off the face of the earth.

So he tried his only other lead. Diluc used his Darknight Hero persona to break into Kaeya's house.
Kaeya had been living in the barracks when Diluc had left Mondstadt and thrown him out years
ago.

But since the paycheck of a Cavalry Captain is quite high, he had bought, or rented Diluc does not
know which, a house not far from Cat's Tail.

Diluc had never been near the house or inside of it. He only knew the location because Kaeya had
monologued about it one night while drunk on Death After Noon.

Breaking in shouldn't be hard, but then again it was Kaeya's house knowing the Cavalry Captain
there would be some kind of security system.

The windows of course wouldn't budge and knocking them out would alert the neighbors. Well
maybe it was time to pick the lock. Kaeya's door was facing the street but if Diluc hurried up no
one would catch him in the act.

There was no time to be nonchalant so he just went for the door digging some tools he carried
around out of his coat pocket. Diluc was not wearing his signature coat. His current outfit was still
dark and had a hood, which he used to hide his hair. Of course he had his mask, which to his
surprise actually helped him hide his identity.

The dark claid figure got to work quickly, but found that this particular lock was not so easy to
open. Frustration was getting to Diluc, maybe he should just smash the door in, quickly sweep the
house and leave. Diluc did not know the outlay of the house so that was a horrible plan.
"You horrible, horrible thief, have you no respect for the dead?" Came an elderly woman's voice
from behind Diluc.

Damn, he was discovered, then wacked over the head with a walking cane. It hurt a little bit but the
hits were way too weak to even leave bruises.

The rapid wacking made Diluc's hood slip off in the process revealing his fiery-red head of hair.

The abuse stopped and he could hear the old woman exclaim. "Oh, deary! Oh, no!"

He was not facing the woman so she had not seen his masked face yet. Diluc knew he had been
recognised the moment his hood was no longer on.

He took his mask off as if he was just wiping his face. It was a skill he learned during near secret
identity discoveries while patrolling the streets as Darknight Hero.

"Oh young master Ragnvindr don't you cry, son. I did not realize it was you." Said the old woman
now putting an old but gentle hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him.

Diluc wanted to snap at the lady that he's not crying, but perhaps she could be of use.

He turned around, put one of his hands over his eyes and managed to put on his best sad face, he
faced the old woman, who he now saw fully. She was as expected old and frail, dressed in the
traditional Mondstadtian dress her cane supporting her frail body. She now had a worried look on
her face. Perfect.

"I apologize ma'am, I just… my adoptive brother used to live here and, and you have probably
already heard the news." Diluc said in a shaky voice. It sounded over the top for Diluc but it was
visibly working on the old woman. Diluc was not as great at acting as Kaeya had been, but his act
seemed to be working.

It's not like he wasn't sad, he was but he'll mourn when the one responsible has been taken care of.
Chopped into pieces and burnt to crisps. Mourning would make him distracted, he had revenge to
take care of, his grief will have to wait.

"Oh deary, no, no you don't have to explain anything to me I understand." The old woman was
trying to smoothe Diluc, "If you want to get in and… just be at Sir Kaeya's house for a bit I have a
key." She stroked his arm. "How does that sound?"

Diluc was confused about how did the old woman had a key to Kaeya house, but she beat him to it
before he could ask.

"Sir Kaeya was always kind to me, would bring me my groceries and help me around my humble
little home. In return I would often help him get inside his house after he came back from a night of
excessive drinking." She sighed at the the last part.

So she was a part of Kaeyas life Diluc had no idea about. It wasn't surprising, not like Diluc had
been keeping tabs on his half sibling, but for some reason it still hurt. But Diluc couldn’t afford to
feel hurt, he had a mission he had to look hurt not feel it.

The woman searched her pockets until she retrieved a key. She took Diluc's hand and carefully put
the Key in his palm.

"I suppose this place belongs to you now anyway, seeing as you're his brother."
Diluc wanted to correct her and say 'half-brother', but he held his tongue.

"I'll miss him," the old woman said as her gaze still lingered on the key in Dilucs palm

"Never have I thought a young man like him would leave this world before me, such a shame, who
will listen to this old woman ramble on about nothing now." She shook her head and slowly walked
away. Diluc could still hear her talk to herself " I hoped to give him some of the Moon Pie I
made… ."

Kaeya was beloved by many in Mondstadt. Diluc knew this. It shouldn't come as a surprise to him.
Of course Kaeya would make fast friends with a neighbour.

Shifting his thoughts to more pressing matters at hand Diluc unlocked the door and entered.

The house was plain. There was all of the standard furniture you could imagine in a simple
household. It was so unfitting Kaeya. Diluc expected something more extravagant, something
more similar to his half-brothers wardrobe, but there was nothing like that.

Perhaps his bedroom would hold more answers. Entering it he observed that it was a separate
medium sized room, big enough for a single bed that was unmade, a wardrobe that was left ajar
with a white shirt peeking out. And a work desk that was pushed against the wall. The desk was
covered with notes, documents and some books, the wall that the desk was pushed against was no
better.

There were pictures and notes, some of the notes were written half Khaenri'ahn and half
Mondstadtian. Diluc couldn’t make sense of them. He never learned Khaenri'ahn never asked
Kaeya about the language and the symbols. Maybe he should have. No matter it was too late for
that now. The pictures on the wall seemed to have nothing to do with what he was looking for
anyway. The pictures were mostly of different kinds of Abyss Mages and Hilichurls. Probably
research for work. What Diluc was looking for was information he knew the Cavalry Captain
gathered from all of his drinking pals and informants.

Kaeya must have known about the hooded group of travelers, that's why he had approached them.
That must be it, so the information must be here somewhere.

There were a lot of pieces of paper and notes to go through.

Diluc lit a lantern that was by the bed. He better start reading.

It took who knows how many hours but Diluc had finally gone through everything he could read.
There was disappointingly nothing that he didn't already know.

It was late, and Diluc should go. But maybe just for tonight he would stay here. He was already in
a bedroom so he might as well make the bed and sleep in it.

in the end Diluc couldn’t bring himself to it. The moment he touched the sheets and wanted to
straighten them out a thought hit him 'This was left by Kaeya.' His hands hovered above the bed
but he dropped them back to his sides.

The floor looks clean enough.

Diluc found an extra blanket and used his own coat as a pillow. He laid down and faced his half-
brother's unmade bed. He stared at it in silence, he was tired, so very tired, yet sleep didn't come so
he just stared.
 As he stared and minutes turned into hours his coat was starting to get wet. Oh, it appears he was
crying.

And it was not quiet, graceful crying that the redhead would have preferred. His breathing was
uneven and Diluc found himself holding back sobs.

It was just an unmade bed. Some light blue sheets and a sleep-dent-in-pillow.

Why was he crying so openly, humiliating himself like this? This was about honor, Kaeya was
killed right under his nose and Diluc could not allow someone to have that power over him. That
was it, that's what this was about, honor. Why cry over something so unimportant as an unmade
bed?

Because it was the last place his brother had laid alive.

He had not even bothered to tidy up, because it was much easier to fall back in a bed that was
already ready for him. Kaeya had expected to pick-up where he had left off. To return home after a
few drinks at Angel's Share. And if he was too out of it to open his own door a granny who bakes
him Moon Pies would help him get inside, away from the night chill.

Useless. Diluc was useless. He was making himself even more useless letting his emotions
consume him.

There was no time for crying, for mourning, for grief. It was distracting and Diluc had to avenge
Kaeya, take back his control over his emotions; he had to make someone pay. It was all for his
honor, nothing else.

Diluc knew that was all a lie. It was all for Kaeya.

Chapter End Notes

Someone is in denial? Hmmm?

Leave a kudo and comment! I really enjoy reading all of your thoughts ❤
 Accusations
Chapter Notes

It's been like what 4 days since the last chapter? I hope it's not too long of a wait

See the end of the chapter for more notes

After Kaeya's mysterious passing, Acting Grand Master Jean had put her forces to a full on
investigation. It was both her duty to find the one responsible for the Cavalry Captain's death and a
personal matter. Even if they were a superior and a subordinate, Kaeya had also been a trusted
friend she had known for years.

After questioning the people present that day in the tavern and paying some informants. Suspects
so far were narrowed down to two parties; A group of strange travelers that according to Vile, after
a large donation of Mora, had revealed, were also being investigated by Kaeya.

The Cavalry Captain being himself wouldn't tell Jean until he was certain they were a treat. Or till
they were already taken care off and Kaeya would just drop off his report on her desk. Jean did not
approve of that. But it didn't matter now, she would let him do that a thousand times over if it
could bring her friend back.

The second party, she didn't want to consider but the evidence was pointing at Diluc Ragnvindr,
Kaeya's adoptive brother and also one of Jean's close friends from the past. Jean did not want to
believe he could have done it, but the circumstances were pointing at the wine industry's tycoon
being a more likely killer than some travelers shrouded in mystery.

Diluc and Kaeya did not get along, and that night, according to reports, Kaeya was attempting to
talk to Diluc. Without getting much response from the other. Diluc had looked pissed. Maybe in
anger, he had acted without thinking… Diluc could be resourceful; he knows how to mix drinks
and brew alcohol, who knows if he's capable of making something more deadly than some fine
wine.

What was also curious for Jean was the fact that Diluc had demanded Albedo to check if Kaeya
had been poisoned. Albedo had found nothing and the last thing Kaeya had in his system was wine
from Angels Share, served by Diluc's hand.

Could asking Albedo to check for untraceable poison be an attempt at an alibi?

Jean was stuck. On the one hand, she wanted to believe it was the travelers because it would just
make things easier. But on the other hand, Diluc was the prime suspect. This was her job and she
had to do it right.

The Acting Grand Master had sent out two troops of men and her most skilled and only Outrider in
search of The head of the wine industry of Mondstandt last night to bring him in for questioning.
One to the winery, one to the tavern. He had not been to either of those the whole day and the
servants were none the wiser.

Of course, they were loyal to their master, they would cover for him.
This was doing the man no favors. Only making him more suspicious. Jean did not like any of this.

As for the travelers, they resembled a new local legend that was apparently going around all of
Teyvat. To Jean it seemed like too much of a fairy tale, rumors that got out of hand, and now it was
attached to some merchants or pilgrims traveling in strange clothes. But still, she had her
investigative team researching these rumors. Lisa had volunteered to assist the team for which Jean
had been grateful for.

There was always the third option. There was no murder. Just a death. Perhaps Kaeya had a
disease, an illness he had not disclosed. His medical history was clean, but if Kaeya so wished he
could probably forge his own medical documents. She knew Kaeya, it wouldn't be hard for him to
do.

And he had died peacefully doing what he liked. Drinking good wine and bothering his half
brother. Had he succumbed to illness or taken his own life? No, Kaeya wouldn’t.

He was always so cheerful, he took on the world with a smile on his face. Or was it a grimace, a
mask?

Also not to mention the excessive drinking. Jean and pretty much everyone else the captain ever
worked for long periods of time knew that the man could hold his liquor. And that would lead to
excessive use of it.

But then again dying men usually leave a will or a letter of some kind. Nothing as such was
dropped off at Jean's office. She would send someone to search his residence later just to confirm
her doubts.

The Blonde decided it was time to stop. Too many theories would lead to nowhere. She would
have to investigate them one by one.

And first up was Diluc, that is if they could locate him. For the man's own sake Jean hoped he
wasn't running, that would only make him look more guiltily.

Diluc had not left Mondstadt that night the knights were looking for him. He had fallen asleep in
Kaeya's house on his bedroom floor.

Diluc had heard that sleeping on the floor can be very good for one's back but he felt like that had
been a lie. He presumed he looked like he felt; absolutely terrible. That could be because of the
hard floor or because he had fallen asleep after exhausting himself from crying.

At least there was no one around to see him like this he'll hurry back to the tavern where he keeps a
pair of extra clothes and-

"Master Ragnvindr, is that you?" Came a young female's voice from the doorway. He knew that
voice. It was the Outrider Amber, Diluc didn't know her but he knew of her. She worked together
with Kaeya quite often especially when he needed a reliable lookout or someone to track down the
next Hilichurl camp.

The question was, what was she doing here.

Diluc didn't get a chance to ask as Amber spoke again "Could you please follow me to the
headquarters of the Knights of Favonius to talk to Grand Master Jean? " She said as she reached
behind her, to retrieve something. It was a pair of handcuffs. "And if you would be so kind to put
these on." She extended the open cuffs towards him.

Diluc got into a sitting position from where he had slept on the floor in an instant.

"What's the meaning of this!" He was outraged. How did she even get in here and without even
Diluc noticing? And how did she know he had been here?

"I was keeping surveillance on the rooftops and I noticed there was a light in one of the windows of
Captain Kaeya's home. So I watched and waited, but no one ever came out so I went in." She said
sternly while casting Diluc a dirty look and sporting a frown.

"Were you trying to get rid of evidence? Did you think you could get away with this?" Her grip on
the handcuffs tightened. She was shaking a little bit, clearly upset.

Had Diluc done something to offend the girl? "Outrider, I have no Idea what you're talking about,
what evidence?" He was genuinely lost and angry. Did he not have the rights to be here?

Even if Diluc often publicly denied it, Kaeya was his half-brother and this had been his home.
Knights of Favonius be damned he had the right to be here.

"I have the right to be here, he was adopted by my father making us…" Diluc stopped himself
there for a moment. He wanted to say 'family', but to say it out loud? He had denied their family
bond in Kaeya's face only to hurt his half-sibling. But now there was no one left to hurt for Diluc
so he might as well. "...half brother's."

Kaeya wasn't here anymore to hear it so he could call them that. Now the title that would have
made the other happy will hurt Diluc for the rest of his life.

Amber's face twisted "How can you call him your brother now? Were you not the one who would
always tell him that you were not brothers." She stepped forward with the handcuffs still gripped
tight in her hands. "Is this some kind of an attempt to try to act like a loving brother now? How
could you do that to Sir Kaeya." Amber's twisted face broke into one of sadness. "You need to face
justice. Give yourself over willingly master Diluc, so you can stand trial."

Diluc put his hands up in surrender and slowly got up from where he was still sitting on the floor
"May I know what I'm being accused of?" He tried to approach this calmly, his anger would get
him nowhere here. The last thing he needed now was the knights ruining his investigation. Did
they really think he was tampering with the evidence? It was absurd! If anything he would put his
Mora on the table to aid the knights in the investigation.

"Do you really think I hate Kaeya that much, that I would keep the knights from finding his killer?
If you need help I'm willing to aid you."
Even if he found the knights to be ineffective they were still the officials of the city. He would
have to work with them whether he liked it or not.

"Master Diluc I really suggest you stop talking. Put these on now!" Amber was getting angry. How
dare he try to act innocent. Did not understand he was found out. The nerves of the wealthy, always
seeing everyone but themselves as the fool.

"I ask again, Outrider! What I'm accused of, this is really no way to speak to a Citizen of
Mondstadt, do you knights have no honor left?" And there went the redheads’ plan to stay calm in
this situation. He was angry and staring down the other Pyro Vision user.
Amber did not back down "Oh you want me to say it? Fine!" She was staring down Diluc as well.
If looks could kill this would be a massacre.

"Diluc Ragnvindr! You are arrested as one of the main suspects in the death of the Cavalry Captain
Kaeya Alberich of the Knights of Favonius! You are to remain in our custody till you can stand
trial!"

"If you resist I will be forced to use force! Not to mention it would only further prove your guilt!"

Diluc has always been pale, but regardless all color drained out of his skin.

"I didn't… I..." He stuttered, yet Amber's look only hardened.

They didn't think he was tampering with the evidence, no. They thought he was the killer. The
damn knights of Favonius actually thought he had killed his own… brother. Everyone thought he
killed him. The knights, the always bright and positive Outrider, though he was the one who killed
Kaeya. That meant Jean… had given the order to capture Diluc.

There was no one on his side.

No. He was innocent and he will not have this.

Diluc paid Amber no mind and brushed past her as fast as he could leaving his coat still on the
floor.

Amber is fast herself but mostly only while in her element gliding in the air. Before she could even
turn around Diluc was nowhere to be seen.

Damn it! She cursed to herself. She had him, and she let him get away. She'll report back to Jean.
Diluc Ragnvindr was on the run.

Only he wasn't. The redhead was heading straight to the heart of the problem. According to the
Outrider, he had a visit with the Acting Grand Master, it would be rude to make her wait.

***********

Kaeya didn't think he deserved any of this.

After the reunion, the biological father and son had duo had taken him back to the Ragnvindr
Manor. Both excusing themselves from their duties. Father's legacy was still in his possession, not
sold off to God knows who. Diluc was still the Cavalry Captain and a knight. Even though the
younger redhead did not have the confident posture and smile he had before his 18 birthday, he was
in fact actually smiling now a real and bright smile. And it was aimed at Kaeya.

They had taken Kaeya home to get him out of the ceremonial armor he had been buried in. It was
way too small around his shoulders and made moving awkward.

They had kept all of Kaeya's old clothes, all of his books, and everything he had ever owned. His
room was spotless. No question still kept clean by the maids.

Speaking of which he was now left in the mercy of Adelinde, the head maid, she was fussing over
him. Turning the whole manor upside down trying to find something that would fit him. No luck.

He could borrow his brother's shirts for now but the claymore user was a lot broader. And Kaeya's
long legs? Oh, Adelinde took measurements right away to send to the tailor, and the same went for
shoes. Knowing Adelinde and her way with people Kaeya would have clothing that would fit him
properly by tomorrow.

For now, he will make do with Diluc's black trousers that were tucked in, his not really well-fitting
boots, and a white shirt that he left about two buttons open from the top. He would leave three, but
his family had not seen him dress this way so he'll start off small. He should probably inform
Adelinde that he was not one for turtlenecks anymore.

In his opinion, he looked decent enough. He thanked Adelinde for her help and told her what kind
of clothes he would prefer. She blushed but bowed and left.

Oh come on now, if it was approved by Jean it would be fine anywhere. But it's not like Jean could
make Kaeya stop wearing whatever he wanted.

There was a knock on the door "Son, may I come in?" Came the voice of the older Ragnvindr.

"Of course master Crepus."

Kaeya had already spent a good amount of time with Crepus and Diluc but it still felt dreamlike.

He had aged. Which meant he was alive. But it also meant he now sported some gray hair on the
sides of his temples but not much. After all, 5 years had gone by and no one was safe from the
tooth of time.

Master Crepus looked as strong yet poised as ever. And his voice held authority, but also comfort
"If you're all dressed now come downstairs, you must be starving."

Crepus gave Kaeya an once over glance. The older man sighed with a smile and walked towards
him.

To Kaeya's surprise, the older redhead approached the younger man and did up his shirt buttons
covering him up.
"Are you having a hard time with using your hands? You should have told the Deaconess, it's been
years since you used them after all."

Crepus went over to Kaeya's old dresser and took out a black thin bow. He tied it under the blue-
haired man's collar.

"We need to find you a proper vest… " The older man trailed off browsing Kaeya's old closet, it
was all obviously too small for Kaeya but it was nice having his adoptive father fussing over him.
Kaeya would never admit it though.

After all, he was a traitor.

He had put on a never-ending performance before, he could do it again. Kaeya knew this wasn't his
world, he had realized that some time ago. He was taking the place of this man's and his son's
deceased family member.

He didn't really deserve any of this. The attention, the care. A protective older brother and a doting
father, a loving family.

But he would not betray their trust this time, even if it meant lying his whole life. He would just
have to become Kaeya Ragnvindr the young heroic Knight who slew Ursa the Drake. It was a nice
title even if it was undeserved.
"...hmmm it seems nothing fits you anymore." Crepus sighed "I guess it cannot be helped, you'll
have to make do with a coat only." Crepus held up one of Kaeya's larger coats that he owned when
he was a 17 years old. It had been loose then, at least it would fit around his shoulders.

It was snug but it fit. Kaeya would have really preferred to just wear the shirt. The tie he could
tolerate, for now. But the done up buttons made him feel a bit stuffy. Maybe he should have started
off with just leaving one open.

"The maids have prepared dinner, shall we go?" Crepus held the door open for them.

"Yes, master Crepus." Kaeya gave him a smile and was about to follow his adoptive father.

"You know Kaeya, you don't have to do it if you don't want to, but you can call me…" The older
man lost a bit of his poised demeanor he trailed off at the last part and instead just said "... no,
never mind, I've taken my liberties with you when we buried you, I never did get your consent in
changing your last name on the gravestone."

The man looked downcast and said, "I apologize Kaeya." He was being sincere, and there was guilt
on the older man's face. Kaeya does not remember ever seeing his adoptive father make that face.

"There is nothing to apologize for father."

There really wasn't, this man had given Kaeya everything. To take his last name was an honor.

Crepus' expression of guilt turned into one of fondness. The man put a firm hand on his son's
shoulder. All he said was "Thank you." Kaeya thought he should be the one saying it, not Crepus.

"We should really get going," piped up Kaeya "we're not frozen in time after all."

"Hahaha, you're right," Crepus smiled

"Diluc is helping in the kitchen, expect to eat Pile' em-ups." He patted Kaeya on the back as they
walked.

"Oh? Maybe I'll need Adelinde to remeasure me after such a feast" Diluc could make some good
steak, he had not cooked for Kaeya since he was 17. He could never find food as good anywhere in
Mondstadt as Diluc could make.

The older man laughed at Kaeya's comments like they were the funniest things in the whole world.

He was just happy to have both of his sons back. And Crepus did mean both. His eldest had
become obsessed with work after witnessing his brother's death. Mondstadt had become one of the
safest places to be with the Acting Grand Master and her Cavalry Captain both being workaholics.

Crepus rarely saw his son anymore; he was usually out on the field eliminating any threat that even
dared to come close to Mondstadt and any other populated areas around it. It was even said that
Hillichurls no longer lit fires, because the flames reminded them of the Cavalry Captain.

Diluc would not allow anyone else to lose a family member to a monster. He knew the grief all too
well.

Who knows what Diluc would have done if Crepus had brought his delusion out and fought Ursa
the Drake himself. The Delusion could kill its wearer. Sometimes Crepus wishes he had been the
one to sacrifice himself that day.

Diluc and Kaeya were close, they would get by just fine with each other's support. Because clearly
 Diluc having only Crepus was not enough.

But Kaeya had died and left a hole in Diluc's heart, it was his first loss since Diluc had no way to
remember his mother's passing. For Crepus the loss of Kaeya was one of many, but that did not
lessen the pain. The pain Crepus had felt as he held his dying adoptive son's in his hands was
immeasurable, but he had stayed as strong as a father should be, to comfort his remaining child. He
did feel like he had failed them both. No child should die before their parents, no older brother
should bury their younger.

But there was no use to think of what could have been, the past cannot be changed.

'And the present?' Crepus started a thought.

He watched as Diluc helped the maids bring out the huge plates of food. Kaeya ran up to help
because the maids were struggling. He threw a humorous snide remark about Diluc making enough
food for the whole of Mondstandt. It was domestic. It felt like a home again.

'The present is looking bright.'Crepus finished his thought as he too joined in to help.

Chapter End Notes

Don't hate Amber, she was also grieving and she the same as Jean, saw Diluc as the
most likely suspect. In my head Kaeya is the big brother figure for Amber and Klee.
That's just how I see it, after all Amber is just a teenager teens have problems with
controlling their emotions. I would know I was one.

I had a lot of trouble with putting this chapter together because of university work +
my bachelors. I'll still try to get the chapters out as fast as I can, please be patient with
me and yes every single comment does help me continue, it means people actually
like reading it and it just makes me all warm and mushy inside! Thanks to all of the
readers!
 The Sleepless and The Bloodthirsty
Chapter Notes

I hope you enjoy this chapter! It somehow feels shorter for me than the rest but it
could be just my tired brain not functio properly. Leave a comment of your thought if
you want I try to reply to all❤

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The meal, as expected of Diluc and the maids, was delicious, and the atmosphere at the table had
been lively. Especially with Diluc and Kaeya bickering back and forth about childhood memories
and shenanigans. Crepus couldn't imagine that this has not been a part of his life for five years.

The plates were cleared off the table, yet the three men remained seated. Now with an open bottle
of wine in the middle between them.

Diluc's glass was untouched, Crepus had taken only two sips, but Kaeya was now swirling his
almost empty glass, while laughing at something he had said himself about Diluc.

With another swing his glass was empty.

Diluc raised an eyebrow at his baby brother,

"You've never drunk like this before, are you all right?" Last time Diluc had seen him was when
Kaeya was seventeen and allowed no more than two glasses of wine per event.

"I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?" Kaeya smiled at Diluc, with his most charming smile as he poured
himself another glass. Diluc's frown only deepened.

"That's the second glass Kaeya, drink slower, you haven't had this much wine at such a fast pace
before." The redhead was looking concerned at his brother who took another swing as Diluc was
speaking "You're still seventeen you know that right?" No matter how big Kaeya had grown, the
last he had been alive was when he had not even reached adulthood. For Diluc this grown man was
still his baby brother. Even if Kaeya looked to be the taller one, for Diluc this was irrelevant since
he himself was broader and older which obviously outweighs his brother's height.

"Diluc don't be such a spoilsport, it's been years since I've drunk any wine at all, let me indulge
myself a little." That was a lie, but it was a white lie amongst all of the other lies Kaeya will have
to keep up.

Kaeya had, as per habit, used his more teasing almost sultry kind of voice. The one he had picked
up while being a captain who needed to get information using his charms before coming to blows.
He didn't speak like this when he was young, he knew it but faking his personality entirely was not
something Kaeya wanted to do.

He'll ease Crepus and Diluc into this new Kaeya slowly. Speaking like this only when drinking,
which Kaeya also planned to do at his usual pace and dressing like he wanted to was the two things
he would keep. The wine was too sweet of a thing to give up and he hated being caged up in overly
modest clothing.
"Boys, boys today is a day of celebration a bit more wine is nothing to quarrel over." Smiled
Crepus as he took another graceful sip. "How about we make a toast?" The older man lifted his
glass "To my sons," he looked first at Diluc, his voice full of pride as he spoke.

"Diluc, you make me proud every day. I could not ask for a better heir and a better son, I just hope
this old man has given you everything he could to make you happy."

Diluc lifted his glass meeting his father's gaze "I never needed of nothing because of you, I
couldn't ask for a better father." Diluc said.

Cerpus gave his son a small nod and turned to Kaeya.

"That day all those years ago, I cannot imagine what would have happened if I had not found you
during that storm. I'm glad I did. Yet…" Crepus' smile wavered, he promised himself he wouldn't
be emotional, Kaeya had returned, their family had a second chance. He continued. " Yet, as I took
you in, you slipped through my fingers half a decade ago. I should have been stronger to protect
you, you had become my son and as a father I failed you." The room suddenly became very quiet.
Crepus did not mean for this to happen. He was supposed to tell his sons how much he loved them,
how proud he was of both of them. But looking at Kaeya brought about only guilt.

"Father, you have never failed me." Said Kaeya bringing Crepus out of his self-pitying train of
thought. "I would give my life for you in an instant, but that could not repay the kindness you've
shown me." Kaeya said the truth. If he had been in the same situation as the Kaeya that lived in this
world, he would have thrown himself in front of Ursa or the Archons themselves to protect both
Diluc and Crepus.

"I believe this was a toast, was it not father? " Kaeya lifted his glass. "I would like to toast to … a
new beginning." Ambiguous enough, thought Kaeya.

The family raised their glasses and brought them down. Diluc taking a small sip and Kaeya
downing his in one gulp not even wincing at the burn.

Crepus thought over his son's words and with a smile he took another polite sip. That would be
enough for tonight.

Crepus knew his limits, one glass was enough to ensure he'll sleep well tonight. Although the
Ragnvindrs were known for making wine their alcohol tolerance was not the highest. It varied
from generation to generation. Crepus was fine. Diluc insisted he simply did not like the taste, but a
father knows. His eldest had drawn the short end of the stick and couldn't take more than a few
sips.

"Will you both excuse me? The day has been eventful, but in the morning duty calls. I need to get
back to the tavern to oversee things." Crepus got up.

"Dulic, take Kaeya to see Acting Grand Master Jean in the morning, I'm sure she wants to issue a
statement regarding Kaeya's return." The people of Mondstadt were quick to spread rumors,
especially with so many witnesses to the ice pillars. As well as the scene of the Cavalry Captain
dragging the man who slayed Ursa and died in the process, through the streets of Mondstandt to
get him to a healer.

"Yes father." Replied the younger redhead. Diluc had already prepared a report for Jean. She
trusted his word more than any rumors.

They bid their good night's and headed to their rooms.

Diluc more often stayed in the Favonius Order barracks than in the Ragnvindr Manor, since he
could get more work done sleeping closer to said work. But he didn't want to leave Kaeya's side.
He had been back only for a little bit.

A horrible thought crossed his mind. What if when his brother falls asleep he'll never wake up
again.

What if Kaeya was granted only a short amount of time back in the land of the living. What if the
moment he falls asleep he'll be hauled back to Celestia where he'll once again sit in Angels Share
for eternity.

Of course it was all just a theory, but Diluc truly believed Kaeya belonged there. He was the savior
of Mondstandt after all.

So Diluc waited till the night truly settled and the manor became dead silent. He quietly left his
room and headed across the hall in the direction of Kaeya's room. Once there he first listened at the
door. Silence, and if he listened carefully enough the sound of his brother's even breathing.

Of course the gods wouldn't play such a cruel trick. Kaeya was here to stay, Diluc just needed to
admit to himself that he was paranoid. Or more likely scared.

Listening at the door didn't suffice, so the redhead decided to peek in just to check on the other.
This was perfectly normal, just an older brother checking if his baby brother was still alive, no big
deal.

The manor might be old but the door, luckily, didn't creak so Diluc could silently open it. Peeking
in he saw the tuft of blue haired peeking from under the covers.

Good he's still here.

Diluc walked in. He knew it was unnecessary to approach his brother since it was obvious he was
alive and well but Diluc needed to make sure just one more time.

He reached out to touch Kaeya's blanketed shoulder. Just as his fingers made contact with it there
was a flash of ice blue light and a sharp icicle like blade pressed against his neck.

After a second or two the blade left Diluc's neck as Kaeya's purple-blue eye could focus on his
assailant in the dark.

"Diluc, what the hell are you doing?" Obviously, shaken from the rude awakening exclaimed the
Cryo Vision user.

What was he doing? Checking if Kaeya was alive. But he couldn't say that out loud.

"Keeping guard." Diluc replied. That wasn't really a lie, he should be keeping guard on Kaeya for
tonight, why didn't Diluc think of this before. He would have a legitimate reason to stay near his
brother for his own safety if course.

"Couldn’t you tell me you were going to do that before I fell asleep?" Asked Kaeya his voice now
just tired and a bit annoyed.

"I-..." Diluc should come clean. He was paranoid.

"Oh? Hahaha, were you worried I'd disappear?" Kaeya teased his brother. And oh, even in the dark
it was obvious that the pale redhead was blushing from embarrassment. Because, yes, he was
afraid of just that.

"I was." Admitted Diluc. Was there a point in lying? This was Kaeya, his most trusted person.

Kaeya's teasing smile dropped from his lips and his eyebrows knitted in a worrying expression.
This time Kaeya's face was graced with a reassuring expression.

"I promise I won't leave, okay?"

"Okay." Responded Diluc "I'll just go back to my own room now." He turned to leave. He could
just silently stand guard. Just in case.

"I know you won't, you'll probably fall asleep by my door." Sighed Kaeya.

"Oh, what to do with you hmmm?" Kaeya threw himself out of his bed and went over to his
dresser. He took out extra sheets and a pillow.

"I'd let you sleep in my bed like we did when we were twelve but," Kaeya looked back at his single
bed that he had slept in as a teen. It was a bit too small for Kaeya alone now. "I don't think we'll
fit." He handed Diluc the makeshift bed materials. Diluc, still red in the face, took them. Not like
the beds in barracks were any more comfortable than the floor of the manor.

"Thanks." Said Diluc clutching the sheets and a pillow in his hands.

Kaeya waved him off and laid back down in his bed. His back turned on the redhead. He did this to
save Diluc from any further embarrassment. After all, for Diluc honor was everything. And
sleeping on the floor was not a very honorable thing to do for someone like Diluc. He didn't need
Kaeya looking at him at such a low point. Yet, Kaeya also knew this was better than to let Diluc
lurk around his door all night and not get a blink of sleep.

Diluc quickly laid down the sheets and made himself, in his opinion, a good enough place to sleep
for tonight. As he laid down he faced Kaeya's turned back.

He was comforted with the view that his brother lay in in front of him alive.

Useless. Diluc was useless. He had not been able to protect Kaeya in the past. Nothing will ever
hurt his brother as long as Diluc could help it.

It was a promise.

***********

After escaping the Outrider, Diluc took to the rooftops. This way he wouldn't encounter any other
knights on his way to The headquarters of the Knights of Favonius. He knew which window was
Jean's office so that was not a problem. He only needed to catch Jean when she was alone.

So she could explain what kind of ridiculous orders she had given the knights.

Arriving at his destination he peered in the window.

Damn, he didn't get here first.

Amber had beat him to it. She was in a heated discussion with the Acting Grand Master. No doubt
telling Jean that Diluc had run from the scene further proving his guilt.

What a load of bull.

Diluc would never, could never kill Kaeya. The thought itself was a ridiculous one. Sure they
didn't get along and Diluc did not hide it from the public. But Diluc had his reasons for being that
way with the captain. His reasons were his own. Using them to help his case would hurt Kaeya's
reputation. Telling The Acting Grand Master that Kaeya was a spy, seny from Khaenri'ah to
Mondstadt for god knows what would provide Diluc with an alibi. It was also the truth. But that
would only free him of accusations of why he had killed Kaeya.

He had no not.

And while this circus was going on the one responsible was getting further and further away from
Diluc's grasp. No, he couldn't tell the whole truth, Kaeya did not deserve it.

Even if the man was no longer among the living, Diluc would uphold his honor as knight and
would not let anything stain his reputation as the beloved Captain of the people of Mondstadt.

Ever since that rainy day when all the lies broke loose and Kaeya got his vision, they have not
come to physical blows. Opting to just hurt each other with words. Like petty children.

How ridiculous and unless had been all this pondering. It wouldn't help him in convincing Jean.

Regardless, Diluc wanted to wait till Amber leaves so he can finally face Jean.

After a few more minutes she finally left. Diluc could see the Outrider stomping away, like a
naughty child who had been just told off.

This was it! Jean was alone. As Diluc was about to advance, the Acting Grand Master turned
around and faced him. Diluc tried to hide away as quickly as possible, but the woman was already
by the window unlatching it.

"Sorry to keep you waiting Master Diluc." She didn't sound apologetic as she opened the window
wide enough for Diluc to enter.

He did so keeping his eyes on Jean for any signs of danger.

"Amber told me about your meeting. She clearly handled the situation from the wrong approach.
Forgive her, she's still young." Jean started "She also believes you're tampering with evidence to
keep people off your track."

"And what do you believe?" Diluc asked in a low tone, keeping his voice as emotionless as
possible.

"I believe in justice and that in the end it will prevail. '' Sternly replied Jean. ''I also want to believe
in you Diluc." Her voice did not soften but her eyes did even if just for a split second. Jean has
always been a friend, but for her duty to her people was above all.

"Then believe me Jean, I had nothing to do with Kaeya's death." What else could Diluc say? He
just needed Jean to finally see reason.

"The evidence is against you Diluc. Ever since you've come back to Mondstadt you don't even talk
to Kaeya, and if you do it's just to spit something back in his face."

"Not to mention the way he died. You were serving him drinks that night. Slipping him something
wouldn't have been too hard for you. Also requesting Albedo to do a thorough examination that
found nothing was suspicious, finding you in Kaeya's house was suspicious. Diluc you are the
prime suspect and I'm sorry but people don't just die like this from nothing." As Jean was telling
Diluc all of this his anger grew. This was all just coincidental. Ridiculous.

"The reason I was serving him drinks is because it's my tavern Grand Master, I work there. The
reason for the examination was simple; I also expected poisoning." Diluc was getting into Jean's
face as he walked forward with each clarification. "And the reason I was in his house was to look
for said evidence of poisoning, not tamper with anything. It's been a full day and yet how far have
the knights progressed with the case? How many other suspects do you have besides me?" Diluc
was almost spitting in her face by how close he was yelling at her. Someone might hear. He needs
to calm down.

"How pathetic it is when your only lead is me. How far are you even into investigating the strange
group of travelers that Kaeya had his last drinks with." He said it quietly but with a snarl to his
voice.

"We have no eyewitness of this." Jean tried to defend her stance.

"Of course you don't." Diluc wanted to roll his eyes. "it was minutes before closing if there was
anyone left they were too drunk to notice anything." The redhead knew Jean was not anyone tavern
person and probably didn't realise how forgetful alcohol could make anyone who had too much.

"But I was there Jean. And sober. The last group of people who left the bar were those cloaked
travelers from the rumors you probably don't believe in." Diluc knew that Jean was a skeptic about
these kinds of stories.

Diluc continued.

"One of them told me this: "...one of your patrons. He has passed.", at first I thought Kaeya had
'passed out', but I found it to not be what he meant."

"They have to be the ones that did this Jean."

Diluc's voice grew darker. "The way the bastard said it, like Kaeya was just some spilled wine in
need of being moped up." There was actual pain behind the redheads expression, that only
someone who knows him as long as Jean could read.

Jean wanted to believe what Diluc told her. It would be so much easier if it was. Seeing his face
was starting to convince her. The tired eyes, that were red, lack of sleep or perhaps overbearing get
emotions getting the better of him. Diluc looked angry, sad and desperate all in one.

She was about to make one of the most irresponsible decisions of her career.

"You are not off the hook, but-..." She swallowed, was this even allowed. " you are to be
surveillanced under the knights of Favonius. That said, to me. And also since you're resourceful
you'll be joining me in this case."

Diluc looked at her hopeful "You believe me?"

"I believe you'll do anything it takes to find the ones who did this, but if we find out it was you
after all who killed Kaeya." Jean stared down the wine tycoon, she was not a hundred percent
convinced just yet. "Then you'll receive a just punishment. If you resist the punishment and try to
fight your way out of this I'll be the one to personally cut you down. Are we clear?" Jean hoped it
wouldn't come to that. But if Diluc had killed his own half-brother, she couldn't let a criminal like
him walk free.

"Crystal." Replied Diluc.

 This was perfect, even if Jean didn't fully trust him, he trusted her. Together they would bring the
ones who did this to Kaeya on their knees and Diluc would chop them in pieces one by one.

Diluc could already feel his blood lust surge through him. He would have his revenge for both his
honor that these bastards had taken from him and Kaeya.

Once Diluc has his hands on them, no one else will have to suffer because of that hooded group of
death heralds.

And Kaeya will be avenged.

"When do we start Acting Grand Master?"

Chapter End Notes

I've been way to tired with uni so I gotta write from my phone after midnight. I just
whipped this chapter up in two days and didn't really checking grammer. Whoops. I do
love almost of your comments they really light up my day ❤
 Speak not Ill of The Dead
Chapter Notes

TW mentions of suicide and mental health. Please be aware. Tags added accordingly.

Also I want to thank people who bookmarked. 50 bookmarks is so much! Ithe means
so much to me that 50 people at least want to know what happens next. Thanks to all
the comments to they inspire me so much ❤

ALSO new summary for the story. Hopefully a more compelling one, because I suck
at summaries.

Anyways enjoy the story ❤

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Diluc and Jean had exchanged information and they were now working together with Lisa in the
research department. Amber still avoided Diluc. She didn't trust him, she refused to even look at
him while he was in the room. She was not necessary to Diluc so it didn't bother him all that much.
The Outrider still followed Jean's orders and it was all that mattered.

It turns out Jean had scolded Amber for overreacting and not following proper protocol with a
suspect.

But knowing the situation and what the young girl had thought Diluc had done, he couldn't blame
her. He did feel angry, who wouldn't being acussed of murder. But once this all is solved he knows
he will not hold any grudges. He actually is happy with her reaction. It means Kaeya meant a lot to
someone, so much so that their loyalty to him made them act out. The knights were still pretty
useless but Diluc believed Amber, in time, will be among the few good ones.

Because she cared, this was not just a paycheck for her.

The research itself was not going too smoothly. There are no records of such happenings in the
whole library. And Mondstandt's library is no joke, it gets new books and scrolls almost weekly
and Lisa keeps it neatly organised so finding what you need is not too hard. Only it is. Because
there is nothing.

Other knights of the research team, to Diluc's displeasure, had gone to Kaeya's house to retrieve the
Cavalry Captain's own research in this matter. The research was in the form of notes and Diluc had
already gone through them.

It was all just rumors. Recent rumors at that, no older than a year old.

Diluc couldn’t give up, because without finding the real murderers he's left as the only suspect.
And he absolutely refuses to suffer anymore than he already has because the knights can't pull
themselves together and get the real culprit.

"I don't understand why we can't find any more leads! All we have is Kaeya's own research and
even that is incomplete." Diluc exclaimed with both anger and a pinch of annoyance to his voice.
One of the Knights of the research team muttered under his breath. "...perhaps, the captain really
was sick." Diluc did not care to learn his name so he just gave the other man a glare "What did you
say knight? Kaeya wasn't sick, his medical records were spotless, even as a child he… he almost
never caught anything." Remembering Kaeya as a child brought up painful memories for Diluc.
They were proper brother's back then, keeping each other safe and growing up side by side.
Nothing like they had been before Kaeya died. "...He only ever got sick once, when he was ten,"
Diluc continued, not like the knight deserved to know this personal details about Kaeya. Diluc was
retelling the story more to himself than the other man. "After he was abandoned by his biological
father there was a storm… Nevermind it doesn't matter." Diluc shook his head before he could say
anything else. There was no need to tell anyone anything about those days. They were not crucial to
their task at hand.

"Master Ragnvindr, I meant different kind of sick." The knight said sheepishly, "We all were aware
of his alcohol abuse, it got so serious at one point statistics showed that when his favorite drink
was in season… the crime rates went up."

Diluc's eyes fixated dangerously on the knight "You're telling me he drank himself to death?
Albedo already disproved that." This knight was getting on Diluc's nerves. How dare he. Kaeya
had been the Cavalry Captain and a Quartermaster of the Knights of Favonius, yet to be insulted
like this by one of his subordinates. It was sickening. It was absolutely disrespectful and Diluc
would not stand for this.

But before Diluc could have an outburst Jean spoke up. "I always thought that there could be the
possibility of Kaeya forging his medical history, knowing him it wouldn't be too hard. In the last
year Kaeya did appear more... sad. He tried to hide it with his usual charades and masks, but I saw
through it, and I know I'm not the only one. Not to meantion he also started drinking more, if I
needed to find him the first option would always be Angel's Share, the second option Cat's Tail."

"So what are you saying Kaeya was a sad drunk who was so depressed… he just died?" Diluc
thought Jean had lost it. Being part of the Knights had completely scrambled her ability to think.

Sure Kaeya drank, but mostly because he wanted to be able to drive Diluc nuts with his presence.
And Cat's Tail? He always came to Angel's Share first just to announce to Diluc that he was going
to a place that was more "welcoming". It was just regular Kaeya trying to egg Diluc up.

What could be a reason for Kaeya being more down in the last year. Perhaps the fact that a year
has passed since Diluc's return to Mondstadt. Was he the cause for Kaeya's change of behavior?

Had Diluc driven his brother to drink more? And did that lead Kaeya to…? Diluc couldn’t finish
the thought. It was ridiculous Kaeya was just a lazy drunk knight like the lot of them.

Right?

Seeing the redhead stop in his tracks Jean continued. "The way he died. I still believe that it's an
untraceable poison, but perhaps instead of being poisoned by someone, he... took it himself." Jean
saw Diluc's face. It showed pure horror.

She needed to say this, what if Diluc always knew it to be true just didn't want to admit it. He knew
Kaeya the best, even after working together with her Cavalry Captain for years Kaeya was still an
enigma for Jean, but not for Diluc, Diluc would know.

"You honestly believe he committed suicide!" Diluc's tone was dangerous, angry, but his eyes were
afraid, brows knitted. Kaeya wouldn't, he was not like that, he wouldn't leave this world so simply,
so quietly, without a fight. Because of…
"It's just a speculation on an observation I've made for the past year.. or better said," Jean paused
"Since you're back." There blonde confirmed what Diluc himself was thinking. But he couldn't
admit it, it's unlike Kaeya, this was absurd.

"Kaeya wouldn’t kill himself for something so ridiculous as… as me being back." Perhaps Diluc
had finally said out loud what Jean had been wanting him to admit. Kaeya had died because of
Diluc but not by his hand, but rather by his cold attitude towards the other.

Was this the reason the Outrider was so mad, had she come to this conclusion too?

His return made Kaeya drink more, to visit him more where Diluc did nothing but insult and
offend his brother. Had that made Kaeya simply give up? Had Diluc been too harsh for the past
year.

Diluc's mind was racing. He could see it now, all the ways this could be true all the reasons why.

What if? What if it all truly had been too much. The only person who knew Kaeya's secrets had
returned. Had he broken under the pressure of it all, had Diluc's cold reception made Kaeya snap?

Living on the edge not knowing when his city, his Mondstadt will turn on him, because of Diluc.

The Wine tycoon did not like how much sense this nonsense was making to him.

The redhead felt like hyperventilating, like panic would soon settle in, replacing his sanity.

Jean seeing the growing horror on her friend's face wanted to reach out to him, to comfort him.
Perhaps she shouldn't have brought this theory up, but If Diluc was reacting this way, perhaps this
theory was closer to the truth than a mysterious murder. That did not put Jean's mind at ease at all.

But before she could as much as get up and go to Diluc's side, two knights barged in the library.

"ACTING GRAND MASTER PERMISSION TO SPEAK!" One of the two knights exclaimed as
both of them saluted.

Getting over her surprise of them barging in Jean nodded at him and said "Granted."

"We have news from our emissaries in Liyue, a group of mysterious hooded travelers have passed
through Qingce Village, one death has been reported."

Diluc's head snapped up. All horror draining from his face was replaced with a determined look.
Not wasting any time he asked the knight "How did this person die?"

"It was an elderly man, by the name of Jiangcheng. The report gave some background details that
his wife and daughter passed away tragically years ago. He has not been all there ever since. He
was last seen speaking to the strange hooded group of men, he collapsed speaking. The source
suspects a heart attack, but it's unclear. We are getting an update when there are more details
available." The knight finished..

Diluc had no time to waste. This was it. Kaeya had not killed himself. It was them, he knew it, he
could feel it. he'll beat the truth out of them if he has too.

Diluc did not hesitate and neither did Jean. They simultaneously rushed out of the library, Jean
barking orders as she passed "Lisa you're in charge, send Amber and at least four knights to Liyue
once I send for you, got it?"
Jean was already out of earshot. She didn't need to wait for Lisa's confirmation, the librarian was
more than capable. Mondstadt was left in capable hands.

It was time for a manhunt, Jean never enjoyed this. If Kaeya would still be here he would gleefully
take on a job like this just to quench his boredom.

She'll do it this one time in his honor.

*************

Diluc woke up on the floor of his brother's room. He had heard about the benefits of sleeping on
the floor or with a harder mattress, but he could feel it in his bones that had been a lie.

But seeing his brother's sleeping form in the bed next to his own makeshift one brought ease to
Diluc. The early morning confirmation of Kaeya being still here, outweighs any aches and pains
Diluc might have from sleeping on the cold hard floor.

Kaeya shifts in the bed and turns to Diluc head still on the pillow. "So how was your sleep,
comfortable?" Asks the younger man in a still sleeping filled voice "because I couldn't be any more
uncomfortable, had I really been this short? I didn't even realize that beds can be this small." he
yawned, still not getting up from his 'uncomfortable' bed.

Diluc rolled his eyes and threw his pillow in Kaeya's face. Hard. The pillows in the manor were
way too soft to do any real damage but Kaeya still acted fake hurt. "An assassination attempt?
Diluc can you please make an attempt on my life in like five more minutes? It's probably way too
early to get up anyway." Kaeya lazly took the pillow from where it had fallen when it bounced off
his face and threw it back at Diluc. Diluc had already gotten up and he was now folding the sheets
he had used the previous night. The redhead caught the pillow with one hand, not really paying
attention to it, fluffed it up and put it on top of his neatly folded sheet pile

"No can do. It's already five in the morning, go get washed up, we have a meeting with The Acting
Grand Master."

Kaeya groaned but slowly did get up "What time do we leave?"

"20 minutes, be quick about it Adelinde has probably already gotten you some clothes that fit. Go
get prepared, I'll go and ask her about them." Diluc quickly picked up the pile of sheets and put
them where he got them from.
He turned to leave but before he did he threw one last remark "18 minutes!" And just like that
Diluc was already out of the door.

What happened to Diluc not wanting to leave his side? Thought the blue-haired man. As he too
approached the door to leave just to open it and have Diluc already standing there with a few
parcels in his hands. "Got your clothes." Said the redhead as he showed the parcels in Kaeya's
hands.

"Oh, okay thanks." Kaeya was glad to finally have clothes that would fit him. Especially shoes.
Never underestimate a good pair of shoes, especially after a day of walking in Ill fitted ones.

Diluc didn't leave thought.

"Emmm? Diluc, is there something else?"

"No, that's all." Diluc turned his back on Kaeya and stood besides his doorway like Lawrence and
Swan stood besides the main gates of Mondstandt. "I'll wait right outside your door, call for me if
you need anything." Diluc was keeping guard? For what? In case Kaeya got tangled in his shirt?

In any case Kaeya closed his bedroom door for privacy and went into the connected bathroom to
quickly wash up and change.

Since he finally had comfortable clothes that he felt more like himself in, they didn't take long to
put on. He was out in no time.

"You got 10 minutes left." Diluc said as he turned around. The redhead was greeted with quite a
scandalous sight. His baby brother was dressed decently enough, for a call-boy, that is.

He was wearing dark slacks that were in Diluc's opinion too tight, and a white undershirt that was
tailored to leave his chest a bit too exposed for Diluc's liking. The rest of the outfit was tame
enough. Just knee high boots, a tight vest that did little to help with the exposed chest situation and
a dark jacket. At least the jacket fit.

"Did Adelinde get your measurements wrong?" Their head maid, was too professional to do
anything wrong. But perhaps from seeing Kaeya again the maid had mixed up some numbers. But
that didn't explain the, once again in Diluc's personal opinion, indecent display.

Kaeya looked down on his outfit and fixed the cuffs on his jacket. "No, it fits perfectly. Why?"
Kaeya knew he would never dress this daringly in his youth. But he was dressed, in his humble
opinion, much more modestly than he did usually. It was just a little bit of skin. The women in the
Knights of Favonius showed skin around the same area and no one even batted an eye. Mostly
because the female Knights of Favonius couldn rip those eyes out with ease.

But in truth Kaeya liked to look good. Was that a crime now? Last when he'd been the upholder of
laws in Mondstadt, the city of FREEDOM, there was no such law about not feeling comfortable in
one's own skin.

"Is there something wrong with my outfit, Diluc? Kaeya might be getting a tiny bit of enjoyment in
seeing Diluc frown and stare at his shirt as if the shirt had personally offended the redhead.

Diluc gave him a glare. It was obvious that they both knew what was 'wrong' with the outfit.

Diluc wanted to reach out and button his brother's shirts up all the way, but there were no buttons
for that. So he opted for reaching out and buttoning his jacked closed. It did nothing but at least
Diluc could button something up.

Kaeya can't lie. He liked to be cared about again, even if it caused his adoptive brother displeasure.
Diluc would just have to deal with it. In the city of freedom Kaeya will take this one small liberty
of attracting attention to himself. He personally loved when attention was on him. It made him feel
wanted.

Kaeya has never been in denial about his mental state. He accepted it, but didn't really do anything
to change it. He knew enough about people that he could determine that he himself had
abandonment issues, caused by well, being abandoned.

He also did just like to look good. In his job that was one of his triumph cards. Everyone liked
good looking people, and everyone trusted good looking people more. He often found himself
dripping honey in his suspects eyes and ears to get the information that he needed.

Ah, but enough about that.

"We better hurry," Smiled Kaeya sweetly "aren't we supposed to leave in 8 minutes now? He
opened his jacket once more. It was too stuffy.

"5 minutes now. Keep that closed and I'll make it 8 minutes." Diluc did not want people gawking
at his brother so bargaining it was.

"We can make it in 5." Kaeya patted Diluc on the shoulder as he walked past him towards the end
if the hall.

Kaeya had always been sly and cunning and he liked to tease Diluc a bit. But going out like this
wasn't it a bit much. The redhead really wanted to put his long Captain's coat on Kaeya to cover
him up. He might just have to when they enter the Headquarters.

Diluc was thankful for the early morning, it meant less people on the streets. There were some
occasional early birds that did gawk at Diluc and Kaeya walking down to the Headquarters.

Was it because they were gawking at Kaeya and what he had put on display? Or because they saw
the Knight who killed Ursa the Drake and died, casually strolling down the street.

Diluc preferred the second option.

Luckily most of the knights were already informed of what had happened, either through rumors or
official reports.

They did not dare act anything less but professional when Diluc was there. They did not even spare
a glance at Kaeya. And one knight whose eyes did wander, had received a death glare from the
Pyro Cavalry Captain. The poor man stiffened up immediately.

Kaeya of course was enjoying this. The attention and the protective gestures from Diluc. It felt
nice. It felt similar to when they were young and Diluc would protect Kaeya from dangers like
baby slimes and bees. Not really real treats but being protected was nice, since the last few years
Kaeya was the one that protected others.

So far nothing had gone wrong and they were already at Jean's office. Kaeya did miss Jean. She
was a good friend and knowing that she was an Acting Grand Master in this world too made Kaeya
proud of her. It's what she deserved, she has worked too hard her whole life to be anything less.

Diluc was about to knock on her door but it opened almost right in his nose. The man who walked
out shouldn't be here. He should be rotting somewhere far away from Mondstadts.

"Captain Diluc, so nice to run into you and oh, It appears that the rumors are true. I guess even
heroes like yourself" The man eyed Kaeya. "get to climb down from Celestia and grace us with
their presence." Inspection Eroch saluted both of them.

"I'd love to stay and chat, inspector, but we are running late for our meeting with The Acting
Grand Masters ." Diluc saluted back. His voice was colder than it usually was while speaking with
the Inspector, but Diluc did not like the way the man was looking at his brother. Diluc had to
remind himself that it was probably the crawling out of the grave thing nothing more. People
would be curious and stare, but still Diluc did not have to like this.

"Of course I'll be on my way then Captain." Eroch saluted once more before turning to Kaeya and
saluting him as well.

Kaeya couldn’t show his displeasure towards the man. Not Yet. He'll take Eroch down again but
not now, he couldn't make the man suspicious that Kaeya knew Eroch was a traitor.
 So Kaeya smiled and saluted in return.

The man left the brothers alone in front of the door. "Kaeya, is something wrong?" Diluc could
always tell when Kaeya was being fake towards other people

"I just never liked the man, that's all." Kaeya would have to figure out how to investigate Eroch if
this world. Even if this wasn't his Mondstadt it was still Mondstadt and if Kaeya can help it nothing
will hurt his city.

"You wouldn't be the only one." Came a soft female's voice from the other side of the door.
Of course Jean could hear everything that was going on outside her office but no one could
eavesdrop on her. It was a charm Lisa had put on the door and long time ago If Kaeya remembers
correctly.

The duo took that as an invite to enter so they did.

Seeing Jean was comforting. She looked as professional as always, but a soft hopeful smile was
gracing her face. Besides Diluc, Jean was the only other person Kaeya had been friends with since
childhood. The three of them had entered and finished knight training together as fresh knights
Kaeya and Jean had gone on many missions together under Diluc as the captain.

But this Jean had not seen him for years. Would she still care for him?

Kaeya's doubts were answered when the Acting Grand Master took a few fast paced strides to
stand in front of them both. Diluc nodded at her.

The blonde drew Kaeya into a hug, her head resting against the side of his chest. Away from the
open window of skin, she wanted none of that. Just to feel a heartbeat. Seeing Jean closer Kaeya
could see her eyes had gotten a bit watery.

"You're back." Jean stated the obvious, probably to convince herself, that this was real.

Oh, it appears she did still care for him. How nice.

Kaeya hugged her back.

"I am." He cleared her doubts.

Chapter End Notes

Kaeya knows he is hot okay? Also let me speculate on his mental state just let me.

Comments always replied to and Kudos greatly appreciated ❤❤❤

 Broken Contract
Chapter Notes

I might only update once a week now, University catching up to me. If you have any
questions don't be shy to ask them in the comments ❤

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Diluc and Jean had arrived at the village too late. There were no signs of the hooded men. That
much was to be expected, the journey had been way too long, not to mention the time it took for
the message to arrive in Mondstadt.

Least they could do was to ask around the village folk what they knew about the victim and the
hooded men.

The reports had been accurate. Jiangcheng was a man who had gone through a lot. Lost his wife
and daughter to a storm. When people came over to help him out around the house, to clean or give
him supper, he always thought that it was his wife.
According to the village community center leader, a nice woman named Granny Rouxin for the
last few years the man had not been all there.

Mrs. Bai, the woman who was the owner of the village mill, expressed that at least now
Jiangcheng will be with his family. "Perhaps for some people there is nothing left in this world
anymore. In the world beyond he will have his family back."

The people were sad but accepting about the man's passing.

When asked about the men in cloaks no one could tell them more than "They looked like an
average group of men, strangely clothed, but other than that they could be just travelers from far
lands."

That was what Diluc had thought of them too when he first saw them so he couldn’t blame the
villagers for not being too suspicious. After all, all the people here seemed too nice to ever suspect
anything malicious of anyone.

The only lead they had left was inspecting Jiangchengs body which had been transported to Liyue
harbor by now to be prepared for a proper send off.

The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor usually took care of the departed.

So that's where they headed to next.

Diluc and Jean arranged a cart to take them to the harbour where Jean would send a message back
to Mondstadt informing that Amber and the knights were no longer necessary. They had missed the
group of men and so far lost their lead. Jean knew this would be the most likely outcome but it was
still some hope.

"This doesn't make sense, why kill an old man, what do they have to gain from all of this anyway?"
Diluc said as they both sat in the cart usually meant for transporting goods, not people. "I might get
Kaeya, he was someone, he was…"
Loved? Respected? Missed by people so much that two of his closest friends were now out in
another country trying to hunt down his possible murderers. Diluc did not finish, he didn't know
what would be a more accurate way to describe what Kaeya had been to everyone who knew him.

"Kaeya's investigation had some known victims." Jean began to speak "One we know of was a man
in Fontaine whose wife died from sickness. He had collapsed after one of the cloaked men spoke to
him. He was young too, under 30 and he had no history of any illnesses." Jean laughed a little even
if this was not laughing matter. How could she not? It was absolutely ridiculous. "People thought
that he had died of a broken heart. People of Fontaine are a bit too much into romanticising things,
there was probably a more logical explanation."

Diluc knew this. He had read the intel Kaeya had gathered. One victim died of a broken heart,
another died to be reunited with his family on the other side, and Kaeya? If Diluc really had to be
truthful with himself Kaeya had so many reasons to leave this world. He was beloved, yes but he
was different. He was not of Mondstandt and the moment his secrets would be revealed many
people's respect and admiration would turn into betrayal, fear and anger.

Living a life like that was not living at all.

There were other reasons that involved Diluc directly, but to think of them would be a waste of
time now. He knows. He knows that somehow he is at fault for the death of his brother.

"Jean… could they be killing people with nothing left in this world? I mean as a mercy kill? I know
the man in Fontaine and the other victim from Inazuma had been another young man who had
recently lost both of his parents in a boating accident. Also Jiangcheng's family died years ago
leaving him with no one." This made sense to Diluc the targets were people who had lost someone
or people with no relatives, people who had been hurt both recently and in the past and now were
all alone in the world.

Supposedly Kaeya had Diluc. But Diluc had made it perfectly clear to Kaeya in front of the hooded
men even, that they were not brothers.

Even if he was not the one to kill him, he is responsible. There is not a single doubt now. Kaeya
had nothing to live for because his life as it was, was in Diluc's hands. And those hands had turned
to hurt Kaeya before, even if that had been out of momentary blind rage.

"But Kaeya…" Jean stopped herself from saying the rest. Did Kaeya really fit with the rest of the
murders. But Kaeya had her and Klee. Sometimes even Diluc even if the man often acted like he
didn't care for Kaeya this whole wild goose chase proved the opposite.

"Kaeya fits the profile Jean." Diluc broke her out of her thought. "I can't explain too much without
tarnishing his name and his honor but, he fits the profile… because of me."

Because Diluc had destroyed what home Kaeya had left in Mondstadt. He was the home Kaeya
couldn’t return to.

Jean just nodded. Diluc might be right, but he might be still trying to find himself an alibi, trying to
work around the case to turn it in his favor. Jean decided not to question what Diluc had said. She'll
leave the questioning to when they capture the suspects.

The road to Liyue was long but eventually they reached their destination. The city was grand and
busy. Nothing like the idle and familiar Mondstadt that was hidden in the city walls.

There was really no time to admire any of it as soon as the Mondstandts duo set foot in the city of
contracts they set off for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. They got in the gates just fine thanks to
people knowing who Jean was. It appears the dandelion knight was known in the ranks of Liyue's
millelith.

In the Funeral Parlor, already waiting for them was a sharp dressed man with the most piercing
yellow eyes. Vision users could recognise other Vision users instantly and it was clear this man
was blessed with the power of Geo.

The man made a curt bow and introduced himself "Hello, and welcome to Liyue, my name is
Zhongli and I'm a consultant here at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor." His voice was soothing to the
ears and his demeanor calming.

"It's a pleasure to meet you mister Zhongli, I'm Jean Gunnhildr The Acting Grand Master of the
Knights of Favonius of Mondstandt this is-" Jean gestured to Diluc who in turn introduced himself

"Diluc Ragnvindr. I sell wine." Said the redhead. He did not have a title like Jean did, so this would
suffice.

Zhongli politely nodded at both of them. "I've been informed that Mondstadt's officials would be
visiting today to take a look at a man who was brought in from Quince Village." He guided Diluc
and Jean with a gesture of his hand to the door on the side of the room. "Please follow me."

The man placed one hand behind his very straight back as he led the duo through a corridor that
lead to a door locked by a key.

He let them in and there they were greeted with a sight of a man laying on a table of sorts. A man
they presumed was Jiangcheng.

"If I may," started Zhongli, putting his hand over his heart "There is really no need to search this
man, now that we are in a more private area I am able to speak more freely. I was informed my an
old friend in Mondstadt of what had happened to your brother master Ragnvindr."

Diluc and Jean were taken by surprise by the man's revelation. Instincts made them both have their
hands hover above the hilts of their swords.

"I assure you there is no need for violence, at least not yet." Zhongli put his hands up in defence
but his calm demeanor remained intact.

"Let me clarify, this friend goes by the name of Venti these days, but in our youth I would call him
Barbados and he would call me Rex Lapis. You might have heard of my recent death." The blank
expression in Zhonglis face did not help him much. "I had to fake it, it was simply the time for me
to pass the harbour to its people."

"Jean, I think this man is a nut-job… " Diluc whispered to Jean. She in turn just nodded her hand
getting closer and closer to the hilt of her sword.

"People these days, they only believe what they see. How very curious." Zhongli closed his eyes
and exhaled. "I must apologize for I cannot reveal my true form, I simply no longer have the power
within me to wear it, I've given it away."

"What do you know mister Zhongli?" Jean asked sternly with a polite undertone. Diluc was
watching the other man like a hawk.

"I know who has been taking away people's souls using their vessels without a proper contract.
They once did this properly with contracts that had my approval, they never took lives at this pace
before. The contract states: "One decade, one life, one place to never be returned to again. Search
for no one but if found someone who needs to be found, give them what they want in return for a
vessel of one's own." The man calmly recited the words.

"What does that even mean?" Diluc snapped at the man. He really had no time for riddles.

Zhongli exhaled as if he was tired. "Perhaps it is better to show you." His head snapped up and he
now wore an expression of determination. "Come with me, I know where their next vessel is. Then
all will be clear."

Zhongli extended his hand. "I should still be able to transport three people with the power that's
left in me."

Neither Jean nor Diluc moved.

Zhongli once again looked very tired. He turned his attention to Diluc "What if I told you that you
can see his, Kaeya's, vessel again. That much I can promise."

Diluc was struck by how the man knew Kaeya's name. Perhaps Venti had told him somehow, but
would that really mean the man in front of them was the Archon Rex Lapis. "What if I want to
make a contract with you? You can't break those can't you?"

"What kind of contact would you like to make with me."

"Just what you said before. That you can bring me to where Kaeya is." There was no way this was
possible, but even if there was a little hope of seeing Kaeya Diluc would take it.

"A contract of my previously stated promise? That's fine, then." Zhongli extended his hand once
more towards Diluc. "I believe in Mondstadt it is a custom to shake one's hand when a contract is
made."

Diluc extended his own hand and as soon as they made contact a blinding bright light surrounded
the three of them.

When his eyes recovered he, Jean and Zhongli were no longer in the funeral parlor, but somewhere
near a run down house with two gravestones on the edge of the property near a cliff ledge.

Zhongli spoke bringing Diluc out of the daze this whole situation had caused him. "Less than an
hour now and our contract will be full filled, in the meantime we should find the next vessel."

"And who is that?" Asked Jean, trying to stay calm in a situation. She was glad she wasn't left in
the funeral parlor. She couldn't lose sight of Diluc.

"This young man is known by the locals as "Childish Jiang', but please call him simply by his
name." Zhongli looked around "he usually plays hide and seek around the house."

"Ah, there he is." Diluc followed the other man's gaze till it fell on a grown man who was more on
the heavy side, hiding behind a tree that badly covered his form.

"Mister Zhongli!" The man named Jiang exclaimed "have you come to play with today." The
manner in which the man spoke was very childlike and the look that Jiang gave Zhongli was one a
child would give when attempting to persuade an adult to play with them. Puppy dog eyes and all.

"Today, my young Jiang, we are playing a very special game." Zhongli put a hand on his shoulder
to which the man responded with looking more excited. "Some men will come for you, you will
have to play a special type of tag with them."

"What kind of game of tag mister Zhongli?" Jiang asked with even more excitement in his voice,
the thought of having more people come here and play with him was too great to pass up.

"In this game the men in dark hoods will try to tag you, if they do the game will be over instantly."

"They won't play another round with me?" Jiang asked sadly.

"I'm afraid not, but don't worry me and our two friends here," Zhongli gestured at Diluc and Jean
"Will keep them away from you."

Jiang nodded. This game would really be fun with so many people playing.

Zhongli turned to Diluc "If our guests who should be here anytime now, tags Jiang here, then I'm
afraid master Ragnvindr, he might just end up like your brother."

"So you're telling me they kill with a single touch?" Asked Diluc.

"They take master Ragnvindr. They take those who have no one left in this world. But their
contract states that they are not allowed to seek people out. They are breaking this part of the
contract as well as others. They are targeting whoever they please to increase their own numbers."
Zhongli explains. He can see questions rising in Diluc but would his words be believed. It is better
to show humans than to tell them.

"All will be revealed and then our contract master Ragnvindr will be fulfilled." Zhongli closed his
eyes, crossed his arms and spoke "But now we wait, prepare yourselves Acting Grand Master Jean
and Master Diluc."

So they just stood there waiting, listening to the wind howl. Jiang had directed his attention to
picking up grass and braiding it into bracelets. He had given one to Jean already who accepted it
with a kind 'thank you'. While he was busy making one for probably Diluc, there were steps
approaching. It sounded like a large group of people. Diluc wanted to run ahead and just burn them
down before they got any closer but Zhongli put his hand in front of him and shook his head. Diluc
stopped in his tracks and backed down.

"Don't, we don't want to hurt them." Zhongli said.

"And why not? Aren't they here to kill that kid?" Diluc snapped back referring to Jiang who was
out of earshot still braiding grass.

"Be patient and you will understand."

Diluc snorted at Zhongli. Fine he'll do what the so-called Archon wants, for now. But if they get
too close to Jiang he's cutting of hands, so no one can touch him.

The men were finally within the visibility range. They were walking in unison towards where
Jiang now stood besides Jean who in turn now had her sword drawn while taking a protective
stance in front of Jiang.

The men stopped in front of where Diluc and Zhongli stood.

Zhongli took a step forward and spoke "I, Rex Lapis deem you the ones who break their contracts
to suffer the Wrath of the Rock." He extended his hand and sharp pillars shot out from the ground
trapping some of the men in those pillars like in cages. One man escaped and went for Jiang. Jiang,
thinking this was a game, laughed and ran. Jean followed him to ensure his safety. She could still
see Diluc from where Jiang hid so she stayed by the boy's side.

Diluc was prepared and using his claymore he knocked the man back, the hooded figure stumbled
and fell to the ground, the force knocking their hood off.

Diluc couldn’t believe his eyes. Once the hood was off Kaeya stared back at him.

But it was not with his eyes, the eyes were a dull muddy brown colour and he did not have his
signature eyepatch.

Diluc almost dropped his claymore, his eyes went wide and his mouth opened to say something but
his words failed him.

The hooded figure, who looked like his brother in every way except for eyes, took his chance to try
and run past Diluc to get to Jiang. Diluc was too shocked to react in time and he failed to stop him.

Jean saw what Diluc saw from the sidelines. There was no way this was Kaeya; they had buried
him. They both know that who they buried was Kaeya. There was no doubt about it.

Then who was this?

The man who looked like Kaeya or who was Kaeya didn't get far. Zhongli used the same method
he had used for the rest of the hooded men and trapped him. The man's hand was outstretched in
the direction of Jiang and he struggled to no avail to reach the boy who was unaware of the danger
he was in.

"Congratulations Jiang you've won the game." Said Zhongli.

"Awww, it was over too quickly mister Zhongli." Pouted Jiang.

"Next time we play I'll make sure to make it up to you Jiang." Zhongli said as he made his way
over to Jiang and he put his hand on his shoulder "I promise you."

"What is this Zhongli, is this…?" Diluc couldn’t decide on an emotion so he settled on just staring
at the struggling man who looked like Kaeya.

"It's the end of our contract master Ragnvindr, I have fulfilled my promise. Here it is, this is
Kaeya's vessel."

**************

"You're back." Jean stated the obvious, probably to convince herself, that this was real.

Oh, it appears she did still care for him. How nice.

Kaeya hugged her back.

"I am." He confirmed her doubts.

Jean withdrew from her hug and wiped her eyes "I'm glad, you have no idea how glad I am." She
straightened out her outfit and fixed her hair.

"To the matters at hand." She tried to look professional but she had a small smile on her lips.
"Diluc had sent me a report about what happened. I also read the reports of my knights. It appears
 the Archons and Celestia has allowed you to return to us Kaeya." Jean was after all not only a
Gunnhildr but also a Page. Celestia, according to her father, was able to do the impossible
especially to the grand heroes of Teyvat which Kaeya was regarded as in Mondstadt.

"I…" Kaeya hesitated "...guess." Kaeya was better than this at lying but all the praise he was
getting was undeserved. It was not his glory to take. Would telling the truth and hurting their
Kaeya's family and friends be fair to the great hero that their Kaeya was?

He was doing everyone a favor. This is his second chance and he couldn’t afford to let it all
crumble like his previous world had.

He cleared his throat "I mean yes, I suppose I was in Celestia before I awoke back in Mondstadt,
but for me it looked like Angel's Share, hahaha." He scratched the back of his head as he said that.

"He was given his own personal Celestia, his own corner in it, that looked like Angel's Share,
Jean." Diluc spoke up, spreading his theory even further.

The Diluc Kaeya knew would be more skeptical, but then again perhaps this Diluc had become
more God obeying in the five years there was no Kaeya in his life. It was better than the
alternative, when Diluc had returned bitter.

Kaeya just shrugged.

Their reunion was interrupted by a knight Kaeya didn’t recognise bursting through the door with
alarm in his voice "Grand Master there are Mitachurls and Hilichurls accompanied by an Abyss
Mage seen near Springvale, we just received a pigeon message."

"By Barbados, what would an Abyss Mage be doing this close to the city." Said Jean.

"I'll handle this." Said Diluc hid expression going from calm and happy to serious in an instant.
Jean nodded, she knew he could handle it. As he started heading for the door Kaeya spoke up.

"I'm going with you."

Diluc turned around instantly "No." He said sternly. "Handling Abyss Mages is way too dangerous
for any knight and you've had your vision for such a short amount of time, not to mention the last
few times you used it was out of pure instinct and heat of the moment." he tried to finalize this by
walking away.

Kaeya quickly caught up to him ignoring Jean calling his name in the background. "You know I'm
good with a sword and knowing you, you will keep me safe. Not to mention hands on practice is
the best." He tapped his Vision as he walked side by side with Diluc.
"Come on, eventually I want to return to the knights and fight beside you. And this would be a
good starting point, please Luc? Diluc signed. The childhood nickname made his resolve weak.
"You stay by my side at all times and if I tell you to run you run."

Kaeya would do no such thing, as leaving Diluc in a fight. This is going to be interesting. He
needed to test out how strong were the Abyss Orders in this world anyway, and why not have a bit
of fun while at it.

The brothers hastily headed out in the direction of Springvale.

Chapter End Notes

Next part will focus more on Kaeya and AU Diluc just like this part focused on OG
Diluc and the cult.

Also I adore Zhongli and in my headcon. he knows of Childish Jiang and he tells him
his endless stories and generally spends time with him.

Please leave a comment if you want and I really appreciate all the comments( I
reply) and bookmarks.
 How Cruel It Truly Is
Chapter Notes

Exams start soon! So updates might slow down by a few days! This chapter is more
from the AU world's perspective! Enjoy! ❤

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Diluc could not notice that Kaeya had been weaponless. While Diluc had allowed his brother to
accompany him, it would take too much time for them both to swing by the in-city Ragnvindr
Manor, and buying a sword from Wagner was also at least five extra minutes of wasted time. Also
unless ordered specifically, his weapons were more for fresh faced adventurers not knights.
Approaching the gate Diluc knew where he could get a sword that was familiar enough for Kaeya
to use. A Standard issue weapon of the knights was carried by every knight after all.

When at the gate Diluc ordered Lawrence to hand over his sword to him. Lawrence being the Pyro
Cavalry Captain fearing knight obliged and handed it over with no question. It was more of an
honor really.

But then his Captain handed the sword to the man behind him, Lawrence gawked. He recognised
those features, the eyepatch, the blue hair and the tan skin that was an unusual feature to have for
native Mondstadtians. The rumours had been true. The knight who slayed Ursa the Drake five
years ago had returned. Could it be a blessing from Celestia? Lawrence did not know another
possible explanation, but he did know that his faith in the Archons would not waver. Not after
seeing a man he had once known come to life as if he had never left it.

Lawrence wanted to know, he wanted to ask his, once upon a time fellow knight just how he had
returned, but right after handing his sword to Diluc, the Pyro Cavalry Captain and his adopted
brother were quick to leave.

Lawrence exchanged a look with Swan who was across from him at the gates of the city. They
would have an interesting story to tell tonight at the tavern.

Diluc and Kaeya were fast on their feet, considering they both have been or were at a moment a
horseless cavalry captain with no cavalry.

Getting to the stables and getting someone to prepare a horse would be too much of a hassle
anyway.

Both of them were fast enough, but as Diluc found out Kaeya as a fully grown adult had a little
more stamina than him. Not that Diluc would ever show it, he just slowed down a bit and let
Kaeya take the lead until he would catch up again.

Diluc blamed the fact that his build was more for heavy lifting and claymore welding and Kaeya
was a little taller and more lean than bulky. Perfect for running fast and far. So if an emergency
arose Kaeya could get away, which was reassuring to Diluc. Although he knew Kaeya and Kaeya
would not leave Diluc alone in a fight.

Still the extra stamina would be good for dodging and avoiding getting hit, which under Diluc's
watch wouldn't happen anyway, there is no way he'll all allow a single blow to land in his brother.

If it was Hillichurls they would flee at the first sight of his flames, like they have done many times
in the past. Diluc knows he has made the creatures more afraid of fire because of him. And he can't
help but take pride in it. The fear of fire, has saved many people from Hilichurl attack when
traveling the roads of Mondstandt.

Still Mitachurls were a bit more brave, and Abyss Mage were still the same nuisances they have
always been.

Today they would have to deal with those nuisances. He hoped they weren't Pyro Abyss Mages,
the Hilichurls feared them as much as they feared Diluc's flames, and it was because of Diluc's
flames.

There is no good without some evil. Pyro Abyss Mages were a bit of a problem, but only because
of their shields. After the shields were off, the mage's were always at Diluc's mercy and Diluc
never had any mercy for godless scum like the Abyss Mages.

It didn't take long for the duo to spot the Hilichurls along with one shield bearing Mitachurl and
two abyss mages. A Pyro one and a Hydro one. They knew Diluc would come; it was rare to see
Cryo Abyss Mages around anymore.

They were setting up roadblocks to block the road to Springvale.

Troublesome, but not something Diluc couldn’t handle, and Kaeya being here might be a good
thing. Cryo was very effective against Hydro Abyss Mages.

Diluc stood in front of his brother and drew his claymore.

"Be careful," Diluc stated as he looked back at Kaeya who nodded.

"You too, Luc." Said Kaeya, giving him an one-eyed wink.

Diluc rolled his eyes at him.

Fighting side by side with Kaeya was another thing Diluc missed. Kaeya understood Diluc during
a fight better than anyone, even after five years Diluc had no doubts Kaeya and him would work
together flawlessly.

As the two approached it didn't take long for the Hilichurls to notice the familiar fiery red haired
man.

The man of their nightmares, who has burned down multiple camps in a single day. Yet they
couldn't run or back away in the presence of the Pyro Abyss Mage. They feared both, but had
sworn loyalty to the abyss.

With an unison of "Ya!" Five Hilichurls came running forward towards Diluc, completely ignoring
Kaeya just like they usually ignored other knights when they accompanied their Pyro Cavalry
Captain.

Kaeya had a sly smile on his face, they didn't know who he was, that he had a vision. Luckily for
him his vision was hidden under his jacket in his vest's pocket.

And who was he to ruin their illusion of safety.

Diluc activated his flames as soon as the Hilichurls came close enough and striked them head on,
burning through two of them instantly.

Kaeya on the other hand didn't rush to use his vision. Opting for the ceremonial bladework he
learned years ago as a knight, that he perfected as a captain.

Kaeya was swift and graceful. Almost dancing around the Hilichurls giving them a few slashes
before reappearing, as if from thin air, behind them and sending them flying in Diluc's direction
where the redhead finished them off.

The fast disposal of the Hilichurls in the hands of the two of them angered the Mitachurl. He came
running full speed with his shield drawn at Kaeya as he was backstabbing a Hilichurl, the man's
own back to the large creature.

Kaeya noticed the shield bearing Mitachurl in time and was about to dodge, but before he could as
much as move Diluc was in front of him.

Face twisted in anger Diluc cast a fiery bird upon the creature. There is not a chance he'll let Kaeya
face off with a Mitachurl. It is too dangerous for a sword user, no matter how skilled.

So far Diluc was impressed. He knew Kaeya was skilled with a sword, but he had adjusted to
welding it with his now adult body with ease. Perhaps in Celestia he could spare to his heart's
content. That must be the reason, Diluc rationalized.

Kaeya was making his way to the Hydro Abyss Mage. It was time for a show. Time for the knight
to become a real treat for the Abyss Mages.

Diluc was dealing with the Mitachurl, he couldn't get his shield aflame. The damned Hydro Abyss
Mage probably doused it with water before their arrival, those wretched creatures were becoming
smarter. No matter, he used brute strength alone so he could join Kaeya with facing off the Mages.

The Mages's in question were snickering among themselves. "A mare knight coming here trying to
break our shields?" Laughed the Pyro Abyss Mage, "Hi hi hi how pathetic, you're being used as a
distraction. A sacrifice. your Pyro Captain won't get here in time before you're going to be a
charred pulp of a man hi hi hi." he continued in a sing-song voice.

The Hydro Mage didn't talk much, just laughed along to the others taunts. It summoned a large
water bubble to strap and drown the man.

"Perfect." Though Kaeya. And the Mages were even standing almost side by side. No matter how
smart the Abyss Mages thought themselves to be, they were still just senseless monsters.

Once close enough to the Mages Kaeya let himself get trapped, to the delight of the Mages who
were going absolutely ham with laughter. He had done this before it was not the most pleasant
thing but it was a strategy he had developed himself.

He struggled a bit for a show, then dragged one of his hands out of the bubble.

Kaeya sent out a burst of ice, his frostgawn, to propel himself in the direction of the laughing Pyro
Mage.

Before the Mage could react his shield was vaporised and a sword was lodged into his middle.
With a loud shriek the Abyss Mage tried to pull the sword out of his body but his attempts were
futile, the creature's weak arms were no match for a trained knight's strength.
Kaeya twisted the sword making the creature screech one last time, then he pulled it out. The Mage
fell to the ground and vanished.

The look in the blue haired man's face was that of excitement, a small smile playing on his lips.
This was fun, so very fun.

The Abyss Mages of this world have no idea who he is and what he can do. There is of course
Diluc as a Cavalry Captain of the Knights and he is scary strong and clever. But no one can
scheme like Kaeya can, no one enjoys the game of creative ways to win the fight like Kaeya does.

With an easygoing smile on his face he turns to the other Abyss Mage. The Hydro Abyss Mage has
realized that who he is up against is no mare knight but an experienced Cryo Vision user.

The Mage starts frantically waving his staff in the air trying to summon another large water bubble.
But the Hydro creature's efforts end up being in vain.

"Don't get frostbite!"

The Mage is frozen mid movement as four floating ice projectiles swing around the Cryo Vision
user. The man stands still, admiring his sword with a smile on his face as he let's the projectiles do
the work for him.

The shield is broken within seconds, but the Abyss Mage is still frozen. It can't say anything, it
can't even move, all it can do is watch as the man takes a swing that is followed by a shattering
sound.

The Abyss Mage shatters like an ice sculpture and disappears just like the previous one.

Kaeya does not remember the last time he had so much fun dealings with Abyss Mages.

Diluc on the other hand had been furious. He had seen Kaeya get trapped in a water bubble and all
he saw was red, he needed to get to his brother now.

Distracted, by looking at Kaeya more than his opponent, Diluc got knocked to the ground by the
Mitachurl. He got up quickly and started to furiously slash at the Mitachurl. The beast was no
match for an eldar brother who just saw his younger brother getting drowned. His shield crumbled
away and the creature too succumbed to the furious slashed and vanished.

When Diluc looked up he heard blood churning screeching. He recognised the screams of the
Abyss Mages, he has made many scream just like that.

The cause of the screaming was Kaeya's sword being lodged into the creature's stomach. The blue
haired man twisted the sword and the creature died at his feet.

Kaeya was smiling all the way through this, and it looked like his expression grew even more
happy as he summoned ice projectiles to freeze the Hydro Mage.

"Don't get frostbite!"

Kaeya just stood there letting his Cryo Vision kill for him. He admired Lawrence's sword as the
projectiles within seconds broke the Hydro shield leaving the Mage frozen. Kaeya nonchalantly
took a swing and the Mage shattered.

It was all done with obvious glee on Kaeya's face.

It's not that Diluc himself does not feel a sense of satisfaction when he successfully eliminates a
target, but seeing Kaeya being so merciless brings a nagging unese to Diluc. Kaeya often smiled so
brightly during similar situations, but only after a fight to reassure that he was well and not hurt.
Not to gloat in others, even if it was an Abyss Mages, demise.

"Perhaps in Celestia... he was allowed to fight alongside many heroes who taught him to face a foe
with a smile." Diluc once more tried to rationalise the situation. That must be it. That was the
reason for Kaeya being a bit different upon his return. He had lived in Celestia where he had
learned many new things. Diluc trusted the Archons and the Archons had brought Kaeya back so
there was to be no doubts, this was still his brother, just matured. Just molded by Celestia itself for
five years.

Kaeya turned to look at Diluc an easy smile playing on his lips. Seeing his brother was unharmed
after the ordeal, Diluc returned it.

"We should report back to Jean, maybe after today, she'll let me come back and be a knight."
Kaeya laughed as he lowered his sword and headed towards Diluc.

"She better, you'll need at least a year to catch up to me." Said Diluc.

"I'll do it in half, if not you owe me a Death After Noon." Kaeya teased back at him.

The road back to Mondstadt was filled with light conversation and a bit of friendly bickering. The
mission was finished, Jean was informed and since Kaeya already had a Vision and knight
training, she allowed him to join their ranks as a direct recruit to work under Diluc as part of his
cavalry. The only thing was Diluc rarely made use of his Cavalry, preferring to work alone. But
now that his own brother was a part of his cavalry, he knew that they would take his solo missions
on together. After all Kaeya needed to work hard to reach a Captain's position in half a year, like he
said he would. Diluc wanted to be there every step of the way.

Such great news called for celebration.

Crepus had decided to work behind the bar in the evening and now he was glad he did. His boys
had walked in during the busiest of the evening hours. Kaeya was wearing a knights issued jacket
once more.

Life was beginning to look similar like it did five years ago. Kaeya and Diluc were once again
always side by side and his eldest was smiling again. Not just a polite smile he gave around
occasionally, but a genuine smile that reached his eyes.

Crepus waved his sons over to get a better look at Kaeya's jacket. "First day back and already a
knight of the Favonius, this old man couldn’t be more proud. Come sit! I'll pour you both a drink."
Crepus took out two glasses and gestured to his sons to sit down.

"Better open a tab for me, master Crepus-" Kaeya caught himself, as he noticed the man freeze a
bit because of the title Kaeya used. He was allowed to call the man his father now, it still felt
strange, yet it was a good kind of strange. Exciting.

"Sorry, I meant father," The older man relaxed a bit and said smiling at the young man "It's alright
Kaeya, take your time with the titles. I'm not going to force you, you know that."

"I know," Kaeya returned the smile, with one of his own rare true ones. "I know father, now about
that tab you should open, because the order won't pay me until I've done some more work." He
openly laughed.
"I'll pay for you-"
"It's on the house-" Simultaneously said both Ragnvindr redheads.

"Well then if it's both on the house and paid for by the captain, I'll have the strongest you have."

"One Death After Noon, coming right up! And I presume apple cider for our captain here?" Crepus
winked at his eldest son, who gave him a glare.

In the corner of the loud tavern hidden from sight, sat the Inspector of the Knights of Favonius.

Eroch was nursing his own glass of dandelion wine and observing the scene between the
Ragnvindr's and the Khaenri'ahn.

"The dead don't come back to life," He took a swing from his glass "But you and me, we were
given a second chance eh, Kaeya?"

**********

"What is this Zhongli, is this…?" Diluc couldn’t decide on an emotion so he settled on just staring
at the struggling man who looked like Kaeya.

"It's the end of our contract master Ragnvindr, I have fulfilled my promise. Here it is, this is
Kaeya's vessel."

The man wearing his brother's face blinked and his muddy brown eyes turned into purple ones. Not
quite Kaeya's purple-blue eyes with a star pupil, but a poor imitation of it.

"Brother free me! Please, it hurts!" Said the man in Kaeya's voice, but once again not exactly in his
voice, Kaeya never sounded so desperate or called Diluc 'brother' unless to annoy him. Never in a
situation like this.

Diluc turned to Zhongli. "Is this what you meant by his Vessel? They… they took his body?"

"I'm afraid so Master Ragnvindr. This is once again a breach of our contract. They can only do this
with the consent of the departed." Said Zhongli "They probably would have taken Jiangcheng's
vessel soon too, had we not caught them."

"What are they?" Said Jean as she too approached the scene yet remaining at a safe distance with
Jiang curiously looking around behind her.

"We are giving humans what they want. A life to live." Zhongli didn't get a chance to speak when
the captive man's or Kaeya's voice spoke again, this time it was flat and monotonous void of all
emotion unlike previously when it tried to beg Diluc for help.

"Rex Lapis. Your contract, it was lacking. So when we heard you had perished we wanted to honor
you. We increased our workload we did more in a month than we have ever, so why…" Kaeya's
face twisted into confusion. "Why are you cross with us?"

"Do not play ignorance with me spirit! You know very well what you have done! There are
countless of you now... How many vessels taken without proper contracts, lives taken without
consent? This is not what your purpose is, this is murder!" Zhongli was not one to lose composure,
his face remained as rigid as stone but his voice was raised and laced with anger.
 "The lives were wasted in this world, pointless, lonely, unloved, unwanted by themselves and the
others around them… why Rex Lapis? Why can't we give humans,... every single human you love
so dearly regardless of contracts a chance to finally be happy?"

"Because you're wrong!" Diluc yelled. "Kaeya wrong as loved by many people he… he."

"He was loved? No. He was needed? Yes. But was that not just his job? To be needed?" Said the
spirit "He was alone, you were his only family correct? The last thing keeping him here? That
night at the bar he was perfect, he was desperate for you to say one good thing to him, one kind
gesture. None came. And a young vessel like him? What a reward for giving him what he truly
wants."

Zhongli closed his eyes.

Oh, that's why, such a shallow reasoning. The spirits' true colors started showing. It was not the
need to honor Rex Lapis, it was not the want to help desperate humans find their departure. It was
greed for a perfect vessel.

The spirit ran his hand along Kaeya's face in an almost loving manner "This reward has kept us fed
and sheltered, shallow humans let him into their homes when he's cold. Give him food when he
asks and all this vessel has to do is, is… to be young and attractive." The spirit lets out something
similar to all breath and all laugh. "And to think we used to let perfect vessels like this rot away, all
because of a flawed contract."

Diluc looked at the spirit in horror. He did not want to know what the spirit was implying.

"Enough!" Seeing Diluc face exclaimed Zhongli.

The spirit did stop. Like it actually still followed the orders of the Geo Archon.

Jean on the other hand was going over all the things the spirit had said. She didn't let her emotions
cloud her thoughts. "...giving him what he truly wants." Jean repeated loud enough for everyone to
hear. "What does it mean?"

"Answer her." Commanded Zhongli.

"It means, we gave him what he always had wanted, what he had lost, because he wanted there to
be no more deception between himself and his brother." The spirit looked into Diluc's eyes before
finishing "A brother and a father to love him as one of their own again."

Diluc looked into the spirit's eyes that after every blink resembled Kaeya's own even more.

"We sent him to a place where there was a brother and a father who lost a son and a little brother.
A world where a different life was taken by Ursa."

Chapter End Notes

Please leave your thoughts in the comments! They are the biggest motivator in these
dark times when writing and playing GI is the only thingood keeping me sane

Thank you to everyone who comments and leaves a kudo ❤❤❤ I absolutely love
reading your thoughts and I also reply ❤
 Self Sacrifice
Chapter Notes

Phew managed to finish a chapter on time! If I miss a weekend im just overwhelmed

with my Bachelor's but the story will be finished so don't worry!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

We sent him to a place where there was a brother and a father who lost a son and a little brother. A
world where a different life was taken by Ursa."

Jean was processing what the spirit had said meanwhile Diluc just stared at the spirit with a look of
absolute despair. Jean would have time to pity him later for now she got a suspect interrogation to
take care of.

Sent him? Does that mean…

"Where is Kaeya?" Jean asked sternly, getting the spirits attention whose expression was
mimicking one Kaeya's easy going smirks. It made a shudder go down Jean's spine.

"I'm here Grand Master Jean, right in front of you." The spirit replied tilting his head to the side
like a confused puppy, a little smirk on its face.

"You said you sent him somewhere, does that mean you can bring him back?" Diluc's head
snapped at Jean and then back at the spirit, there was a small glimmer of home behind his
expression.

Jean didn't want to give Diluc false hope and no matter how uncomfortable Jean felt questioning
this… thing, she needed to ask him the right questions, she needed answers.

Jean looked at Zhongli for assistance, he nodded, crossing his arms. The rock formation that was
trapping the spirit tightened around its body and Zhongli narrowed his eyes as he spoke "Answer
all of her questions or I will make you cease to exist." The rock formation was emitting a glow of
sorts that seemed to cause the spirit some pain. The other hooded men, who were no doubt also
wearing stolen faces, squirmed even more from seeing the light.

Diluc started to move towards Zhongli to make him stop, it was still Kaeya in a way, but Jean
moved quickly to be by his side and stopped him. "Trust me." She said in a hushed tone. Diluc
stopped, he trusted Jean, so he stopped, but this was heresy! Even if Kaeya was dead and a spirit
was now using his body, it was still his adopted brother's body that was subjected to this.

The spirit looked like it was struggling to breathe, Kaeya's face worn by it twisting into a snarl.

Diluc looked away, he couldn't look at Kaeya suffering even if it wasn't really Kaeya in there
anymore.

"Rex Lapis you wouldn't dare! The soul needs a body! Stop this, let my kin go!" One of the other
trapped bodysnatchers spoke up.

"And tell me why I wouldn't erase him or you?" Zhongli spoke, stopping not to damage Kaeyas
body, not that he actually had any intent to do so, turning to the spirit who was speaking now.

Recognition sparked in Zhonglis eyes seeing the body of the man speaking.

He recognised the sailor, he remembers the contract that was made with him and the spirits. To
Zhonglis recollection this vessel was the last properly claimed soul, a soul that was so broken it
gave up everything just to be able to see his child again. Back when Zhongli was truly still Rex
Lapis and he kept his underlings from causing so much death, and chaos in their wake.

"Ah," Said the Archon "It's you. Perhaps you can make a sense of all of this."

"I have obliged your contracts Rex Lapis, my vessels soul has moved on and lived a different,
happier life and no longer has a need for a body, I have not deceived you! But how can you leave
us and then show up again and expect my kin to know what human deserves this and who doesn't!
The way we see it we are saviors-"

"Enough! Tell me where is Kaeya Alberich's soul!" Zhongli demanded.

"With a loving father and a brother, just like my kin explained. You know the process my Archon,
you know we make them happier, we let them live a life that could have been, we let them have a
second chance."

Another spirit that was quite a large round man spoke up one that Zhongli did not recognise "We
ourselves are a family, why do you try to chastate us for wanting to have another brother, another
father, sister or daughter?"

A spirit in an edarly man's vessel next to the previous spoke "Perhaps a contract my Archon, my
Rex Lapis?" The elderly man looked around his kin who all nodded.

"We go free, we recognise our mistake and we do not take anyone like we have for the time we
thought you had left us?"

"You are trying to mend a broken contract with another contract? Zhongli raised an eyebrow.

"We realise we must make amends, we have time to start over, rebuild our family according to
your set rules once more. We will leave our vessels, our physical forms to you and if their spirits
want to return they can." Continued the man "You know very well that no one will return my
Archon, we have given them all that they want."

Zhongli sighed "Very well, this contract will be supervised closely by me and you all must leave
your vessels immediately!"

"I refuse,"

Said the spirit inhabiting Kaeya's body "of course you all are willing to start over," the spirit
laughed "look at yourselves, old, ugly, disfigured, but me? I've found what I've always wanted, a
vessel that has power, a vessel that's beautiful, a vessel I can enjoy all human pleasures in life."

The spirit once again turned to Diluc "We dug your brother out in time before he would rot in the
heat of the warm earth, if I leave my vessel it will be a matter of very little time under the sun
before he decomposes!"

Diluc felt sick. They had dug… Kaeya out, without anyone noticing even. How long have they
been doing this that they were able to do it so seamlessly.
"Is that what you want? His rotten flesh to sit in the ground so you can put plucked weeds on top of
the worm-feed?" I can make use of him, I can make him walk the earth forever frozen in time,
forever young!" Kaeya's face was smiling, but the smile was not his.

"Let's make a deal! A contract of our own?" Chimed the spirit sounding gleeful at his 'brilliant'
idea.
"Let me keep the vessel and I'll come visit you once a year, I'll even call you 'brother', if that's what
it takes!"

Diluc felt rage "It's not what I want, I want you to leave my brother's body you parasite!" Diluc
didn't think, he brushed past Jean who was still by his side, she couldn't stop him in time so she just
called out his name. Diluc grabbed the spirit by the collar of his hood.

The contact with the spirit felt warm, like it had been heated up with body heat, he could even feel
it through his gloves. There was a pulse under his balled up fists where his hands were grabbing
the collar. It was not his own pulse that he felt, his was fast and angry, this one was Kaeya's.

Kaeya's body was still alive under Diluc's hands.

The spirit was reaching out its hand attempting to cup Diluc's cheek in a gesture that looked almost
sentimental. Diluc wanted to lean in, to feel if Kaeya's palm would also be warm, the last time he
had touched his brother's hand was when he had found him lifeless in the tavern. It had been stiff
then, cold even.

The red-head was yanked back by his collar before he could make contact.

It was Zhongli "Don't touch it," he said "any skin to skin contact will allow the spirit to take your
soul from your body, even without a proper contract."

Diluc was too shocked to struggle, he came back to his senses quickly.

The spirit made an unamused frown on Kaeya's face and dropped it's hand limply.
"I could have sent you to a world where all of your family is alive you know."

"Master Ragnvindr don't not listen to him," Zhongli spoke "he is cross with us, he'll send you to
your own personal hell."

Diluc shook himself out of it, damn he let his guard down. "Don't worry, I still have a lot to do in
this world. I have no desire to leave it."

Diluc faced the spirit "I want to make a contract of my own with you."

The spirit looked interested "Oh and what kind of contract would you like to make, dearest
brother." The spirit dragged the last word for emphasis.

The red-head hated being addressed as a "brother' by this parasite yet he did not show it in his face.
"Sign the contract with Zhongli, and if Kaeya does not return within four days, you can have me as
your new vessel."

Zhonglis head snapped in Diluc's direction.

Jean gasped "Diluc, no!"

Kaeya's face worn by the spirit morphed into a wide grin.

"I'm listening."

***************

Kaeya was back on the job, and to tell the truth he had missed it a bit. Sure, he wasn't a captain
anymore, but this time he was on patrol with Diluc and the others' presence made all the difference
to Kaeya.

During the day they were both greeted warmly and treated to a nice meal by Sara at The Good
Hunter. Even Diona seemed to be less aggressive towards the both of them and brought out some
drinks on the house. After all in this world they were The Pyro Cavalry Captain who never drinks
on the job and The Heroic Knight who died before he could become a regular in the taverns.

It was a bit freaky to see Diona acting so kind towards Diluc and himself. Unusual but welcome.

It seemed that everyone wanted to greet them, and shake Kaeya's hand or pet him on the back.

"The hero of Mondstandt has been returned to us, Barbados is truly all powerful."

"Celestia has given us another guardian to the city of Mondstadt! It will forever be our safe haven."

"Son if you had not stopped Ursa,... my wife she was outside of city walls picking dandelion seeds,
I cannot imagine what would have happened if you weren't there… thank you, thank you so
much..."

Hearing all of the praises and all of the thanks, made Kaeya feel like a fraud. Which he was.

He is still after all a spy from Khaenri'ah, although an inactive one. If the people of Mondstadt
knew, would they forgive him?
Would the selfless act that 'him' from this world had done for the city outweighs the truth of why
Kaeya was in Mondstadt in the first place?

Probably not. People after all are cruel and unforgiving especially when deceived. That much he
knew and that is why in this world he'll guard his secret till his last breath.

Seeing Diluc happy, seeing Master Crepus alive was all that Kaeya needed. Even if it felt wrong,
he had not felt so wanted and loved in years.

He'll be greedy, this time, he'll keep his secrets.

But if he is replacing someone who died does that mean, the dead is replacing him? Has he simply
disappeared?

It's not like he is going to be missed much. People have probably moved on, elected a new cavalry
Captain and the life of the city of Mondstandt is still moving forward.

Maybe Jean and Klee are a bit sad, or his nice Neighbor lady to whose stories he listens to. Perhaps
Amber is annoyed that she has to take some of his work on now, perhaps Diluc… his Diluc, is
finally relieved that Mondstadt has one less knight to be insufficient at his job.

Kaeya is brought out of his thoughts by the Diluc of this world, one that is kind to him, shaking his
shoulder "Kaeya? Are you alright? You've been staring at nothing for a good minute now." There
was a bit of concern in Diluc's voice. Kaeya had not heard it directed at him in years. It felt nice to
hear it from his adopted brother so much now. For someone to care for him so much again.
"I'm fine, just thinking how good the food still tastes here even after so many years, hahaha."
Kaeya offered Diluc a smirk to show he was alright.

Diluc returned the smile and said in an amused voice "Alright, I know you, something is bothering
you, come on fess up."

Kaeya's look was downcast, he stared at the plate in front of him. "Don't you find it strange,"
Kaeya decided to test the waters a little "How do you explain me being here?"

Diluc averted his gaze away from Kaeya and turned his face to the sky closing his eyes and putting
his hands together as if in a prayer "Celestia of course, what else could it be."

It has to be. Thought Diluc. It's what Kaeya deserves and his brother himself is a gift to
Mondstandt. Celestia was blessing them all.

Kaeya followed his gaze. He was not a believer like most of Mondstandt, he didn't have faith, but
Teyvat's Archon power was undeniable. He did not have a better answer himself.

But he was a sinner, a Khaenri'ahn. Why would Celestia do such a thing for someone like him? His
Cryo Vision was already a surprise to him, but now this.

"Kaeya could you do me a favor?" Diluc turned back to his brother "please don't question this, just
accept it. I have, father has and the city has never looked livelier and it's all because of your
return." The red-head's expression looked completely at peace.

Diluc gave him another smile "Can you please do that? I know you don't know yourself what
happened but sometimes we just need to accept gifts from a higher power."

Kaeya didn't get to respond when both of them were interrupted by an uninvited and unwelcome
guest.
"Captain Diluc and Master Kaeya? Is that the proper title to address you now? How nice seeing
you both here, taking a break I presume?" Smiled inspector Eroch.

Kaeya put on his best charming smile for the man he absolutely despised "I must address you as a
higher up now inspector" Kaeya got up and mock saluted the man "Grand Master Jean has assigned
me under Diluc as a part of his cavalry."

Erochs smile dropped for a split second but it returned twice as wide and bright "My, my you sure
are advancing fast through the ranks Heroic Knight, I guess soon enough we'll have to change your
title to Heroic Captain knowing your contacts within the Order."

That comment earned the inspector the full attention of the elder brother. "What are you implying
inspector? Diluc also got up and stood one shoulder in front of Kaeya sizing up Eroch."SIR Kaeya
is simply back at his previous position where he left off five years ago. And I was in need of a
trusty partner for missions, If you are to say something about MY choice of MY cavalry address it
to ME!" Any other man would be cowering in fear when the Pyro Cavalry Captain was staring
them down but Eroch has long gotten used to receiving hateful looks from the young Ragnvindr.

Kaeya put his hand on Dilucs shoulder. "I'm sure inspector Eroch meant no harm Captain." Kaeya's
smile didn't leave his face nor did his expression gave away his dislike for the inspector. "I'll do
my utmost to prove myself inspector Eroch."

"I'm sure you will, as a matter of fact I wanted to speak to… Sir Kaeya privately, just to give him
some friendly advice." The man smiled at the two.
Diluc did not look pleased, but Eroch ignored it and continued "If you'd be so kind Captain would
you give the two of us some privacy?"

Kaeya turned to Diluc "It's fine, I'll meet up with you as soon as we're done."

Diluc gave Eroch one last stare but nodded "I'll continue the patrol, you know the route."
He of course trusted his brother and it's not like Eroch was actually a treat.

Diluc hesitated but eventually left, leaving Kaeya alone with the Inspector.

"Please sit inspector." Kaeya gestured at the now free chair. Eroch sat down and Kaeya sat across
from him.The two men had strained smiles on their faces mixed with their fake pleasant
expressions. "So Inspector what do I owe the pleasure to be graced with your undivided attention?"

Eroch put his hands together and puts the bottom of his chin on top of them. "So tell me sir Kaeya,
how are you liking your new life?" Eroch leaned his head to the side.

"Whatever do you mean Inspector Eroch? Do you mean my miraculous return to life? I have no
idea how it came to be." Said Kaeya.

Eroch sighed "Cut the crap kid, I know you know you signed a contract with the spirits and
somehow ended up here in MY world." He stressed and emphasized on it being His world.
Interesting.

Kaeya was surprised. So Eroch knew what had happened, and what does he mean by saying this is
his world.The inspector certainly knew more than Kaeya knew himself.

He could play along.

"It's our world now Eroch, no need to get angry about it. I didn't exactly choose it."

Eroch snorted "Knowing you I wouldn't be surprised thay you came here just to chase after me.
Can't a dead man have some peace? I've suffered through exile and humiliation-"

"Because you betrayed Mondstandt." Kaeya cut him off midway. Kaeya was becoming more and
more sure this Eroch was the one he and Jean had gotten arrested all those years ago. Somehow
Kaeya had the misfortune of meeting him in his 'own personal Celestia'. So much for that theory.

Eroch adopted a hushed tone, not to alarm anyone if his following words "Don't pretend to be better
than me Khaenri'ahn I know what you are and what you were sent here to do. You are as much of a
traitor to Mondstadt as I am."

"I'm nothing like you, I will never betray Mondstadt or my family." Kaeya was still keeping a
pleasant but now a strained smile on his face fallowing Erochs lead not to alarm bystanders who
can't hear what they are talking about wouldn't be tempted to eavesdrop.

"You only have family here because they don't know what you are. Do you really think that Diluc,
the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius would ever forgive a Khaenri'ah spy? Do you
really believe that old man Ragnvindr wouldn't demand your head once he finds out you were
planted in his household to gain his family's founds and power?"

Kaeya said nothing. Diluc cut ties with him once he found out before he would do it again.

"And do you really believe that Mondstadt would still think of you as their savior once they find
out?"
 "Kaeya, Kaeya, Kaeya" Eroch tutted "remember you have more to lose than me. For my crimes, I'd
most likely be exiled again, only this time I'm more prepared, but you?" Eroch slid his pointer
finger across his own neck "It's a death sentence."

How did Eroch know all of this? The only other person who knew was Diluc… the Diluc who
hated him and could easily have manipulated Kaeya just like Eroch is doing right now.

Kaeya knew Eroch was right. Kaeya is at his mercy. He wasn't even a Teyvatian who knows what
punishment he'll have to face once his secret is out. He also does not want to hurt Diluc and
Crepus, he is given a second chance, he was a fool to think this would be easy.

Yet the smiling mask on his face did not waver. "What do you want Eroch?"

"Your silence for now. You see son I'm in a very comfortable position right now in the Order. I
have power here that you and Gunnhildr took away from me in the previous world. All I ask for
now is for you to stay out of my way, or better yet aid me and become my accomplice." Eroch eyes
widened in wonder as if he just thought of it. Which he probably did.

Kaeya almost broke his perfect mask, but Eroch was starting to reveal things. Things that could be
useful to Kaeya. He needed to know more.

"An accomplice in what Inspector?" He asked genuine curiosity in his voice.

"For now let's just say, for gaining more power over Mondstadt, what do you say son? Interested?
This could really be both of our paradises you know."

Eroch what a tool you are.

"Power you say?" Kaeya widened his eye to show interest. "Might I know more before agreeing to
your very generous offer?" Kaeya leaned a little closer like he was truly interested and about to
accept the offer.

"Let's just say Gunnhildr's title will soon land in more deserving hands, as soon as a few days I'd
say. I know you are her friend but what is friendship when you can rule the whole city by my side
as an advisor with military power?" Eroch also leaned in to almost whisper the plans in Kaeya's
ear.

For Kaeya the urge to headbutt someone has never been so strong.

"Inspector I'd say you got yourself a deal."

Kaeya extended his arm which Eroch took and they shook on it. The urge to break fingers was also
rising.

Jean might be in danger.

There goes Kaeya's plan of staying greedy, and living this life for himself only. No matter what
happens to him he has to tell someone, he can't do this alone.

Kaeya will need to confront Diluc with the truth once again.

Chapter End Notes

Please leave a kudo and a comment if you enjoyed! They are always a good power
booster for writing ❤

Also thanks for reading, it really means a lot!

 Truths and Bodies
Chapter Notes

Sorry I was too busy to update on the weekend! The new schedule for updates is going
to be about two weeks per chapter, not a week. I'm just very busy lately with
university! I hope you all understand and still look forward to the chapters! Thank you
if you do! If you have any questions don't be afraid to comment I answer as fast as I
can!

Enjoy Chapter 9!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

After the meeting with Eroch, Kaeya came to some conclusions that might or might not be true.

He was dead and given a chance to start over by what Kaeya assumed were the mysterious hooded
men he was observing.

He had somehow died that night at the tavern. Just like the people before him.

Diluc, his Diluc, had probably found him… besides the hooded men, there was no one else left at
the tavern.

A mysterious death yet there was no outside cause or signs of violence. Kaeya didn't expect to fall
victim to the mystery he was investigating, yet here he was.

The second thing he came to realize was this Eroch knew him. Not just knew him he was exiled
because of the evidence Kaeya had gathered together with Jean.

Even if Kaeya and Jean of this world had not done that to Eroch, he was still out for revenge. He
especially hated Jean who had gained even more favor in Varkas eyes after uncovering the traitor.

Eroch had not told him his exact plan after their partners-in-crime handshake, just some ramblings
of a fool how he will take Jean down from her position as the Acting Grand Master.
~
"The Grand Master needs to be overthrown, don't you think? I have a plan." Said the man sounding
more deluded than Kaeya remembers him being while still alive in their world. "Meet me at the
office of the Grand Master in four days at midday then I will make Gunnhildr pay." Eroch pointed
his finger at Kaeya "And with your help, we can both rule Mondstadt! An exile and Khaenri'ahn
side by side! It's about time Mondstadt had a more progressive leader at least in the military."

Kaeya smiled back at him "How interesting! Mind telling me more about your plan? What exactly
do I have to do?" Eroch was telling him nothing!

"All I ask of you is to trust me, son, then all will unravel itself before you." Kaeya was getting
annoyed. Extremely annoyed by how Eroch was addressing him and by how the Inspector was
concealing information, Kaeya could use to exile him again or better yet execute him and be done
with the pest of a man.

"And I want you to trust me and tell me what exactly we are doing?" Kaeya tried to press on but
Eroch tutted.

"Now, now you know very well you are at my mercy here. Consider me keeping the details as a
safety precaution in case you decide to double-cross me." Kaeya would double-cross him
regardless.

"Of course Inspector." Kaeya put his hand up in defense.

~
First, he'll inform Diluc, and then Jean, he can play the double agent. It's not a problem if it ensures
Jean's safety, but he'll have to tell Diluc about who he really is.

Kaeya has been toying with the thought of telling Diluc that Eroch is just deluded and a liar. But
Erochs story, or what Kaeya assumes is the truth of what really happened to him, could make more
sense to Diluc than his own version that Kaeya is sent back to them because Celestia wills it. That
could make Diluc suspicious of Kaeya, distrusting and angry that he's been lied to. Perhaps if
Diluc hears it from Kaeya himself first things will turn out different this time.

Kaeya prays to gods, he does not believe in that since Diluc still has Crepus he'll react more
calmly.

Perhaps won't try to attack him with Pyro like he did that day.

He did not spend that long with Eroch; it was just half an hour, so Kaeya was sure Diluc was still
patrolling the streets.

Kaeya knew just where he had to wait for him.

Diluc was as precise as a clock turning the corner while marching down the streets of Mondstandt.
The redhead's face had visible worry in it, but that disappeared and was replaced with relief as soon
as the Captain’s eyes landed on the other.

Kaeya nonchalantly waved at him as he approached "Sorry to keep you waiting Captain."

"What took you so long and more importantly what did the inspector say to you?" Diluc's eyes
scanned Kaeya from head to toe, checking if everything was in order. Aside from the offensive
display of skin Kaeya was sporting with his three-buttons-down opened shirt he looked fine.

"Actually I'd like to discuss something with you and… father." It would be easier if Crepus was
present. It's better if Kaeya tells him himself too.

In case Crepus wants to disown him personally.

Diluc eyed Kaeya, his brother looked like he had something on his mind. “Father is at home today,
he drank too much with us-, well you, last night.” Diluc rolled his eyes at the memory. Their father
wanted to keep up with Kaeya but after the second glass, the man had clearly had more than
enough. Kaeya had downed four glasses and is still fully functional today like it was mare water he
had drank that night and not some of the strongest alcohol Angels Share had to offer. Where Kaeya
had suddenly got all that tolerance, Diluc had no clue. Perhaps the stories of Celestia are true and
wine runs like water there. Seemed rational enough for Diluc. It’s best not to question it.

“Earliest we’ll see him is for supper later tonight.” Diluc was still eyeing Kaeya weirdly, he
couldn’t explain it but something was off with the other.

Kaeya noticing this spoke up “Don’t worry just talking to Eroch is never pleasant. And as for what
he said, let’s wait for supper to come around, it's better discussed in the privacy of the manor.”
Diluc nodded “All right, but if he said anything insulting to you, tell me now and I’ll make sure
you two won’t ever have to interact again.” Diluc would have a word with Jean if he had to. And if
that didn’t work he would have to have a word with Eroch himself. Diluc was good at striking fear
into his enemies, he knew that. Even if Eroch was not an enemy if he hurt Keaya in any way he
was going to become his enemy.

Kaeya gave Diluc a small smile "Thank you, but I'm alright. We better keep on patrolling can't
slack off now, can we? It's my second day as a knight and I'm already a slacker."

The day had been uneventful and supper rolled around faster than Kaeya liked. He was worried.
And scared.

He liked this life, he liked having a family again.

But Eroch could destroy it all plus possibly hurt Jean and that's something Kaeya can not let
happen.

They all sitting around the dining table in the Ragnvindr Manor. Diluc retelling Crepus some kind
of news about the economy of the rice wine industry in Liyue that he had overheard some time ago.
It doesn't interest Kaeya one bit.

Kaeya looks tense, he knows it but he can't help it. He has a sense of impending doom growing in
the pit of his stomach right now. He's faced off with a lot of terrifying creatures in his life, been in
his fair share of life-threatening situations too.

He'd gladly be in one of those life-threatening situations right now instead of being here and doing
what he has to do.

The plates are being taken away by the maids. Both redheads have cleared their own, but Kaeya's
has been barely touched.

Both Crepus and Diluc notice this, but it appears none of them want to comment.

Kaeya gets up from where he's sitting, at the table and announces "Diluc…, Father… I..."
Kaeya is known for his silver tongue yet he cannot find the words right now, right when he needs
them the most.

Diluc speaks up "Oh right you wanted to talk to father and me about something Eroch said?"

"Oh, what did the inspector want from you son?" Asked Crepus turning his full attention to Kaeya.
Crepus eyes his youngest, Kaeya looks distressed and he bearly ate today.

"Did the inspector say something to upset you? Crepus asked in a softer voice. If the inspector had
insulted Kaeya, Crepus as the owner of the wine industry of Mondstandt as a huge donator to the
organization that is The Knights of Favonius Order and most importantly as a father, he'll have a
word with the Inspector personally. No matter what rank, Crepus is well aware that his power that
is Mora, can make anyone who is visionless in the ranks of the Knights his bitc-

"Im not your Kaeya…"

Crepus' train of thought was interrupted.

"I'm not your Kaeya!" The blue-haired man repeated "I'm… I'm from another world… I think."
That wasn't very smooth mentally sighed Kaeya.

"What are you talking about, you're sent from Celestia here because of your heroic deeds." Diluc
gave a small humorless laugh. Wasn't that already established? Had Diluc not already found out
the reason why Kaeya was here? In his heart Diluc knew something was wrong, but to admit that
would mean a loss of faith in his Archon, in Celestia. Surely this is a bad attempt of a joke. Kaeya
came from Celestia. Period.

"I never actually confirmed it," Replied Kaeya further crushing Diluc's theory "I'm sorry that I
lied… but what I told you, in the beginning, was the truth. One moment I was in the Tavern, the
next I woke up in a coffin."

Diluc eyes were wide, his expression unreadable now. No, that means… Kaeya, his little brother
never came back? He was never rewarded for saving Mondstadt?
"If you're not him, where is he? Where is my brother's body?" He sounded hurt but not really
angry, just hurt and lost.

"I don't know. I'm sorry." Replied Kaeya. Diluc's whole face fell, his eyes didn't know where to
land, they shifted from Kaeya to his father then back to Kaeya.

Crepus turned his head back to face Diluc and gave his biological son an expression Kaeya
couldn’t see. But Diluc just nodded and closed his eyes. It looked like he needed a moment to
compose himself and to accept the truth he had known, yet had refused to believe.

Crepus turned back to face forward and the older man approached Kaeya. Kaeya looked down, he
couldn't face the man, but he didn't back away. Maybe Crepus would strike him for causing Diluc
pain. For deceiving the both of them.

Crepus outstretched his hand and put his palm on Kaeya's cheek bringing his face back up to look
at him. Kaeya flinched at the contact but no pain came just the warmth of a father's hand "I didn't
want to believe it but I suppose I knew it all along." Said Crepus.

Kaeya's eye widened. Crepus gave Kaeya a smile and he continued, his voice was becoming
emotional "I meant what I said Kaeya, you can call me father, no matter where you are from,
you're still Kaeya. You're still my son."

Kaeya pulled away from Crepus and shook his head looking down once more. "No, you don't
understand, I've lied… a lot, not just about this, but about everything!"

This was it. There is no going back after this. His perfect world would shatter, but it was too late to
back out now. Kaeya took a deep breath.
"When I was ten I was purposely abandoned by my biological father. I'm a- I was a Khaenri'ah
spy."

Before their anger erupted before they could yell at him, before they could tell him to leave and
never return Kaeya blurted out more. "I have never and will never hurt Mondstadt, in my world I'm
a Cavalry Captain of the Order… Diluc owns the wine industry and that day that your Kaeya died,
Master Crepus-" Kaeya stopped himself and dared to look Crepus in the eyes. He didn't want to say
it out loud, but there was no need.

Realization bloomed on both of the Ragnvindr faces. First Crepus who just nodded, accepting it.
Then Diluc who shook his head in disbelief.

Kaeya continued "The evening of that day when Ursa attacked I revealed the same thing to Diluc,
we fought and when he was about to strike me with his Pyro I was given my Cryo Vision… the
fight was over and so were my ties to your family, Diluc told me to get lost. So I did. He left
Mondstadt for four years. We don't speak anymore since he has returned." Even if Kaeya tries to,
Diluc rarely gives him a replay or a glance. Kaeya didn’t get a chance to say anything else because
a loud "What?!" Was exclaimed the younger redhead.

Kaeya's attention shifted to Diluc who now looked pissed off. This was it, this was retribution,
Kaeya would have to face off with Diluc once again. He should have brought a sword to at least try
to hold Diluc back from striking him down instantly.

"I'm a Moron…" groaned Diluc dragging his hand across his face "You were ten it wasn't your
choice, I'm sorry."

A quiet "What?" escaped Kaeya's lips. Diluc wasn't angry? When he had every right to be?

Diluc was apologizing?

"You're sorry?" Kaeya repeated just to make sure what he heard was right. "But I lied to you, both
of you! My whole childhood with you was a lie!"

Crepus, who still stood near Kaeya spoke up trying to console him "I raised you for almost eight
years, tried my best to make you feel equal to Diluc. Is that a lie? Did you not feel like we were a
family?"

"But I lied," Kaeya repeated quietly, he looked at the faces of both Diluc and Crepus. There was no
anger, no rage and no flames charging at him, just understanding and ...love? Did they not care
that he was impersonating their dead family member, did they not care that he was sent here to
infiltrate Mondstadt?

"You're telling the truth now. Even if you say you're not our Kaeya, you are a son to a different
Crepus and a brother to a different Diluc and I believe they love you all the same." Crepus
approached Kaeya again and put his hands on the other's shoulders "Son we love you all the same
too."

Crepus pulled Kaeya in a gentle hug, resting his son's head in the crook of his neck. Shocked,
Kaeya let him.

The hug lasted a while and there was silence between the three. Kaeya didn't even notice that his
shoulders started to shake and the silent tears that were running down his cheek leaving Crepus
with a wet collar. Crepus put one of his hands on Kaeya's back rubbing comforting circles. It was
hard since Kaeya was the tallest among the three of them, but that wouldn’t stop Crepus.

The servants dared not to disturb them.

After a while they had to pull away, Kaeya still had things to discuss with Diluc. Once they all had
calmed down there was a strange, but comforting warmth Kaeya felt in his chest. Maybe this truly
was his personal Celestia.

And no one resented Kaeya for what he had revealed himself to be.

The trio sat down back at the dining table, discussing small things. Comparing the two worlds, all
that Kaeya knew of how he got here and what Eroch had threatened him with.

"...and that's all Eroch told me. I believe he suspects I would tell you anyway. I couldn't risk him
doing something to Jean, so I had to tell you. I need your help Diluc." Kaeya had retold Diluc all
that he knew of Eroch's plan, there wasn't much, but in case Eroch would double-cross Kaeya like
Kaeya just double-crossed Eroch, at least Diluc knew what the inspector was planning. And if
Diluc knew he would keep Jean safe in case something happened to Kaeya.

Diluc nodded determinedly. He would always help his brother. He won't allow Kaeya to face this
situation alone.

*****************

"Sign the contract with Zhongli, and if Kaeya does not return within four days, you can have me as
your new vessel."

Zhongli's head snapped in Diluc's direction.

Jean gasped "Diluc, no!"

Kaeya's face worn by the spirit morphed into a wide grin.

"I'm listening."

Diluc ignored the look from Zhongli and Jean's protests. He couldn’t let that thing use Kaeya's
body any second longer. Kaeya doesn't deserve this.
It was repulsive.
Especially if what the spirit implied he had been doing with the body to be true. Diluc will do
everything, and he does mean EVERYTHING in his power to finally take his brother's body home
to be properly laid to rest.

As for giving up his own body Diluc would do no such thing. But it was the only appealing
bargaining chip he had under his belt.

The first step was to remove the spirit. The rest Diluc will figure out eventually.

Somehow.

"Brother dearest I'd say you got yourself a deal!" The spirit didn't try to outstretch his hand because
it already knew Dulic wouldn't take it. The spirit shifted its attention to Zhongli "My Archon, I
accept your contract and will leave this body. But don't miss me too much" The spirit side-eyed
Diluc "I'll be back in four days to take the most powerful vessel I could only dream of before."

The spirit closed Kaeya's eyes and whispered. "All that influence, all that power soon to be mine..."
Kaeya's body went limp in Zhonglis restraints and so did the bodies of the other cloaked figures.

Zhongli waved his hand and the restraints sank back into the ground laying the many bodies down
gently.

The spirits leaving the bodies made no grand show, it was like they just disappeared with the snap
of the fingers.

Diluc's and Jean rushed to the body of their friend and family. Sure enough there was no pulse,
even if the body was still warm to the touch.

"Do you realize what you've done Master Ragnvindr? There is no way out of this contract unless
you want to suffer punishment from me or unless sir Alberich returns to his Vessel." Said Zhongli
in a stern voice. He thought this was the actions of an absolute desperate fool. What he knew of the
wine tycoon was the fact that he was smart, a lot smarter than this. But Barbados did warn him that
the man was brash and often acted selflessly. There is no saving some mortals.

"Whatever punishment you have in store for me I'll gladly take it, because like I said, I have no
intentions of dying." Said the redhead while still kneeling down next to his brother's body. He
looked at Kaeya, who finally looked peaceful, with no unnatural grin on his face, just peace. "You
heard what the spirit was doing. I couldn't bear it any longer. I'll take Kaeya home to rebury him,
then you may punish me to your liking." Diluc swept a strand of hair out of Kaeya's face. "I owe
him that much for how I've been treating him for the past few years."

"...but what if Kaeya comes back?" Said Jean in all but a whisper.

Were they not enough for him? Would he really rather stay in his perfect world? Sure his life
wasn't ideal here, but that's life. Jean is a perfectionist but even she knows nothing in life can ever
be ideal, it's just not how things work.

"He won't come back, Jean. I've made sure of it." Said Diluc "I've made his life here harder than it
needs to be, wherever he is, he's no doubt happier." Even if Diluc could somehow ask Kaeya to
come back, why would he? Even if Diluc would try to be more civil towards his adoptive brother
there is too much hurt between them. It's not like it matters now.

Diluc just wants to bury the last of his family and be done with it. He wants to let Kaeya rest.

Jean still doesn't know what exactly happened between the two brothers so she just nods. Since this
whole event has cleared Diluc of all of the suspicion it's not her place to ask him anymore.

Now what matters to Jean is to keep her friend and citizen of Mondstadt safe and alive. She'll help
Diluc to the best of her abilities.

Zhongli looks down on the two. He crosses his arms and sighs. "Very well," Zhongli turns to look
at the many bodies laying on the grass near Jiang's house. "I'll inform my boss that we'll need some
assistance transporting these, she'll be happy to oblige. I believe you're familiar with the Traveler,
they are in Liyue harbor at the moment, they have the power to travel from city to city in a
heartbeat. I'll inform them of your situation. I'm sure they will help you, transport sir, Alberich's
body and keep discreet about it."

Diluc nodded, not looking at anything but Kaeya.

"Thank you, Mister Zhongli, we know them but we would be thankful if you'd fetch them fur us."
Jean turned to Zhongli and seeing one of the bodies made her blood freeze in her veins.

The hood had fallen revealing a face Jean remembers all too well.

"...Eroch?!"

She breathes out the man's name. How did Eroch get involved with the spirits, did they not care
what kind of man he was? She gets up and draws her sword walking swiftly in the body's direction.

Zhongli steps in front of Jean not letting her pass.

"Mister Zhongli, step aside that man doesn't deserve to come back. I made the mistake of exiling
him, what he deserves is an execution. As the Acting Grand Master Of the Knights of Favonius I
have the right to decide his fate!" Diluc turned to Jean to see what the commotion was about. His
eyes landed on Eroch. He knew the man had been exiled but he never learned for what.

Jean and Zhongli were having a staredown.

 "I'll say it in a way you understand Mister Zhongli. This man broke a contract." Zhongli raised his
eyebrow urging Jean to continue "He had sworn to protect Mondstadt but he betrayed it and its
people, please let me make sure he'll never return to harm my people ever again." Jean did not
plead but stated it. She's not taking no for an answer.

"I see." Said Zhongli stepping aside and letting Jean pass. This after all was his fault. No one like
that was allowed to sign contracts with the spirits. He should not have blindly trusted them to do
his bidding without supervision.

Jean passed him and swung back her sword striking Eroch with a blow that would be lethal if he
was alive.

Good.

He won't return ever again.

Chapter End Notes

Please leave a Kudo and a comment! I think I say this every chapter but they really
help me write more. All feedback is appreciated! Also sorry if there are any grammar
mistakes is not a native speaker, but I'm trying my best and I do reread my chapters to
see if indeed to fix mistakes later on!

Thank you all for bookmarks and comments (especially those whose comments I see
for almost every chapter you guys rock!)

Have a great exam time everyone!

 Gunnhildr, The Acting Grand Master
Chapter Notes

I feel like the chapter is a bit short, but sometimes life be like that.

If I don't upload for a week I'm too busy with university, but don't worry the story wI'll
not be abandoned. It's my baby and I'll see it trough.

Also thank you for 10k hits, when I saw it I was speechless. This is only my second fic
ever and it means a lot. ❤

See the end of the chapter for more notes

All of the bodies were taken care of and stored away by the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. An
eccentric young woman arrived with the Traveler and Paimon in tow.

How Zhongli could get the message so fast to them was a mystery. He was an Archon after all, he
had his ways.

Upon arrival it was clear that the woman, Hu Tao was well informed of what had happened and
had prepared for wagons to arrive later on to transport the bodies. The Traveler however knew
nothing, only tagged along because Hu Tao had asked. They were not prepared for what they saw.

Dead human bodies were nothing new. Countless treasure hoarders had fallen to their sword
before, but seeing a friend lay among them was unexpected. Since the said friend had a funeral just
a couple days ago.

Yet here Kaeya was cradled in the arms of esteemed master Diluc who was on the ground gently
holding the remains of the last of his family. Kaeya looked different than he had looked that day of
the funeral in his casket. No longer blue in the lips but more alive, like he was sleeping. But the
lack of rise and fall of his chest and general micromovements in him proved that he was very much
still dead.

The Traveler was about to ask what was going on, but was beat to it by Jean.

"Honorary Knight, we need your help."

~
Hearing the events that had occurred, the Traveler helped to transport Kaeya's body back to
Mondstadt. They had sworn to secrecy and said that they would beat up the spirit that had done
this. If only it was that simple.

They had teleported to the tower near the knights headquarters, not to alarm any citizens with Diluc
carrying an obvious body in his arms covered with the redhead's own coat. It was still clear as day
that it was a body in his arms, but it kept the body from being recognised. It was not easy to carry
the remains since Kaeya was taller than Diluc, but you'll never catch Diluc complaining.

Zhongli had stayed behind. He needed to take care of the bodies and ensure Jiang would be safe.
He gave Diluc and Jean his word that he would come to Mondstandt as fast as possible and
together with Barbados he'll help them figure out what to do next. Before they could depart
Zhongli pinned a sigil to Kaeya's chest. "It will keep the vessel from deteriorating but it's effects
usually wear off within a day or a half, it should help with transportation."

Diluc was thankful for it, he truly was but all he could think about was to finally put his brother's
body to rest in the soil of Mondstandt's holy ground.

Jean seems to disagree with Diluc's wishes.

"I'm informing Albedo, he knows how to preserve bodies of the deceased." Jean announced as she
made a beeline for not her office but the basement of the Order, where Albedo would often conduct
his various experiments.

"I want him reburied." Diluc simply stated not moving from his spot clutching the body in his arms
and little tighter. "I already told you he's not coming back Jean, please let me lay him to rest."
The Acting Grand Master stopped in her tracks and gave Diluc a stern response "It's not your
decision to make alone," Jean turned around, she had her no messing around face on "Officially he
has no known family in Mondstadt so as his military superior I have the rights to do with his
remains as I please."

"He was taken in by my father!" Stated Diluc defenselessly. Using his father as the middle man
was easier than saying that they were family. Not by blood. Jean knew it, she was just holding into
hope.

Jean turned back around and stood her ground. "Give Kaeya four days, if he doesn't return then
we'll make a private funeral for him."

"Jean-" Started Diluc.

"Carry him over to Albedo's laboratory or I'll take him from you, both physically and legally." Jean
knew that using her authority over Diluc like this was wrong. It felt very amoral to her, but if there
is even a slight chance that Kaeya would come back to them, she'll take it.

She understands why Diluc just wants to bury Kaeya, but Kaeya is not only his. The Captain had
many people who cared for him, even if he didn't see it himself.

"Well?" Said Jean. It was a treat, Diluc knew it. He knew what Jean was doing. Putting on a strong
front while grasping for straws, that her Captain, her advisor and her friend would return to them.
He would have to play along since he found himself unable to let go of Kaeya right now. And if
Jean would try to take him by force now, it would turn ugly real quick.

Diluc didn't respond, just followed Jean. Hearing his footsteps Jean visibly relaxed and kept her
pace down to the basement level of the headquarters.

Luckily, Albedo was present, the 'Do not Disturb' sign on his door indicating it.

The sign was meant for Klee not for Jean so she knocked and entered without any further ado.

"Albedo we got an emergency!" Jean announced to the blond alchemist who was in the middle of
weighting some kind of powder grain by grain. The disruption made him lose focus and drop an
unknown number of grains in.

A sad and quiet 'ah' escaped his lips.

Seemingly unfazed Albedo looked up from his failed experiment to give Jean his full attention.
The Acting Grand Master wouldn't disturb him if it wasn't a real emergency. His eyes shifted to
Master Diluc? Who was standing by his superior with something large in his arms. Albedo could
make out the shape of it.

"...a corpse?" He muttered under his breath.

"Albedo this is to stay confidential, but we need you to make a place that can preserve a body."
Said Jean. She let Diluc walk past her towards the alchemist.

Once faced with the wine tycoon Albedo reached out towards the body in Diluc's arms. It didn't go
unnoticed that the man had covered the body with his own coat, that Diluc rarely was seen
without. Perhaps someone familiar was under that coat. Even not knowing Diluc that well Albedo
was at loss, not knowing who could be under there.

The alchemist stopped mid reach "May I?" He waited for Diluc to give him his permission. Diluc
hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.

Albedo was gentle, using both hands to remove the coat from the form resting in Diluc's arms. The
moment familiar blue hair peaked out from under it Albedos eyes widened and his mind quickly
wandered into a dark place.

Had a grief stricken Diluc… dug out Kaeya?

Albedo looked up to meet the amber eyes of the man he was accusing in his mind. They looked
sad, not crazy or glossed over and Jean wouldn't be so calm if that was the case. The blonde
Alchemist knew he was wrong but there is nothing wrong in considering all possibilities.

He continued to peel off the coat.

It really was Kaeya. But it was all wrong? There were not the slightest signs of decomposition, no
smell or anything. With the weather being so warm and him being buried days ago there should
have been something.

"How?" Asked Albedo, now shifting his gaze at Jean.

The Acting Grand Master sighed. "First, let's put Kaeya somewhere cool."

Luckily Albedo had a cool room where he kept ingredients that required such conditions. There
were countless mist flowers grown under an artificial light, that Albedo noted were still
experiential. The room was big enough for all of them and for a table to be brought in so Kaeya
could be laid down.

Albedo was told the events that had occurred and the situation Diluc had put himself into to
retrieve Kaeya's body.

"I see," Said Albedo "How very interesting. If I understand correctly this talisman, " The alchemist
pointed at the talisman Zhongli had put on Kaeya "will keep the body well preserved for a few
more hours up to the next day. Good, there shouldn't be issues that I and some bedrest under
supervision can't fix when Kaeya comes back." Said the Alchemist. To Albedo's surprise he was
met with the displeased growl of the Mondstandts most influential man.

"He won't come back! Stop..." Diluc faced both Jean and the head Alchemist ".. the both of you,
stop planning his return, he's gone!"

"Just let me bury him, please." Diluc spoke to Jean directly "Jean please."
"Four days Diluc. We'll get you out of your contract first." Said the Acting Grand Master. If she
was being cruel at first now her voice was soft and pleading. Diluc was her friend and her citizen.
Keeping him safe was her duty.

"In four days I'll be gone too Jean, I was a fool to make a contract with the spirit, but… " Diluc
looked at Kaeya, his body now out of the clutches of that damned spirit "...I can't say I regret it."

"So please let me bury him, so I know he's finally laid to rest." Diluc put his hand in his heart
"He's… he's my brother, please let me do it, he's the only family I have- I had left." There were
tears pricking Diluc's eyes but he won't let them fall, so instead he clenched his jaw and painfully
exhaled his plea "Please."

Jean's gaze softened. Diluc had a hard time calling Kaeya his family out of loud. And seeing the
honorable man on the verge of a breakdown almost made Jean's soft heart reconsider her decision.
Almost.

Albedo had left them alone in the room. It was not his place to decide anything. He just did what
he was asked to do by Jean, but if it was up to him to decide he didn't know whose side he would
take.

"We'll fix this Diluc, together. " Jean put a comforting hand on Diluc's shoulder.

Diluc gave up. His shoulders slumping in defeat. He won't sway Jean, she's determined to save
them both no matter how impossible. Diluc should be thankful, but all he felt was the tears stinging
his eyes and the pain of grief. Yet, he did not cry. There was no time for tears so much needed to be
done and Diluc has no idea where to start.

But then again neither does Jean. She's all bark but no bite, nevertheless she knows who to ask,
who to beg if she must.

***********************

Kaeya had Diluc on his side with no more lies between the two of them. Of course Diluc had been
saddened that this wasn't his Kaeya, but eventually it didn't matter. It's still Kaeya. Father had
reassured him that he loved him still the same and Diluc cannot disagree.

He still felt the need to protect and care for him. So in his heart Kaeya was still Kaeya. Still his
family.

And hearing the way the other him had reacted made Diluc angry. He would never do that to
Kaeya especially since they had only each other left. Although Kaeya said it wasn't his Dilucs
fault, that he himself was to blame for deceiving them for revealing who he was at a bad time.
Diluc calls it bullshit.

But It doesn't matter, Kaeya is where he is wanted now. Life has been balanced. The other Diluc
that Kaeya has spoken of, does not deserve a brother.

Once Eroch has been eliminated they can carry on being a family and be happy. For now this is
Diluc's goal. To keep his family safe.

Kaeya is making it hard.

"We can't just go up to Eroch and arrest him, Diluc. Besides my testimony we have no proof."
Kaeya sighed. His testimony would do him no good since for it to actually be viable he'll have to
reveal a lot about himself. And once he does things will most likely won't be going his way. People
hate traitors and according to everything he fits the description of a planted traitor. Even if it
doesn't bother Diluc the average Mondstadtian would probably disagree.

"We can't just do nothing till the four days are up, what if he lied and this is all just some crazy
man's plan to take revenge on you?"

Diluc was angry, not at Kaeya, no not at him. He was not like THAT other Diluc, he was angry at
the situation itself.

"Best you can do is warn Jean, I can't risk going with you, who knows who else is working for
Eroch. He could have eyes and ears everywhere. In my world he had corrupted a handful of knights
already, but it appears some of them are not knights in this world." Kaeya knew Eroch wasn't dumb
he wouldn't use the same knights, he used back when Jean and Kaeya had busted him.

"I can't let you out of my sight Kaeya."

"You'll have to. For Eroch to approach me again and to possibly share more information I have to
be alone." Kaeya smiled, " What you don't trust me?"

Diluc breathed out "Of course I trust you, It's Eroch whom I don't trust." Diluc wanted to trust
Kaeya, he did but this plan was foolish Eroch was a mare inspector, taking him down shouldn't be
hard.

"Then do as I'd say, we'll get him Diluc, Eroch won't get away from the both of us."

Diluc nodded.
He won't. Dead men can't run.

Kaeya's plan was simple in theory. Convince Jean Eroch us up to no good and in four days when
Eroch contacts Kaeya catch him in the act with the Acting Grand Master witnessing his betrayal.
Get him hanged or imprisoned for life.

Diluc's plans is simple in execution. Find Eroch when he is alone. Cut him down. Blame the Abyss
Order and live happily ever after.

Both plans involve Eroch's death, so why not go with Diluc's plan? Eroch doesn't deserve a trail!
He's betraying Mondstadt twice now and threatening both Kaeya and Jean. If Diluc was in charge
here, Eroch would be headless by now.

But Kaeya has a point. It would do them no good if people find out Diluc killed Eroch. And
without solid evidence it could be Diluc who gets to suffer punishment that could go from exile up
to execution.

Kaeya went on duty today without Diluc. Since he is still to earn his ranks he can't afford to sit at
home with father where it would be safe. It would also raise suspicion if Eroch is somehow
watching.

So convincing Jean it is.

Diluc arrived at her door and knocked. "Grand Master, it's me." Jean recognises Diluc from his
voice so there is no point in announcing his name.

"Come in captain." Came Jean's voice from the other side of the door. Captain not Diluc. She
wasn't alone.

Diluc entered her office just to be greeted with the most unpleasant sight.

Eroch.

The man wore a facade of worry and Jean's was no different, only honest where Eroch's was fake.

"Captain you're here, good." Eroch put his hand on his heart "I'm so sorry to be the one to tell you
this but… it's your brother. Kaeya, he's a Khaenri'ah spy."

Diluc's heart sank.

Eroch is double crossing Kaeya just like Kaeya crossed him. Diluc should have counted on this.
Damn, damn what he's supposed to do now.

"What?" Diluc faked shock. He couldn’t let Eroch know he knew, it would put him at a
disadvantage now. He needs to stay in a position of power if he is to get Kaeya out of trouble.

"I'm sorry Captain," Said Jean, "But under inspectors suspicions we have placed Kaeya under
arrest." Jean looked sad and worried. Good, if it wasn't anger and betrayal Kaeya is not confirmed
to be a traitor just suspected.

Diluc could turn this around. He could get Kaeya out. He needs to get Jean alone. She'll listen.

"Inspector Eroch, with all due respect, may I ask where is your proof?" Diluc said through gritted
teeth. He can't afford to lose his composure.

"I've spent years gathering evidence against him, I was about to all but forget about it since he died
protecting our beloved city, but his return confirmed my suspicion," Eroch took a deep breath "his
death captain, it was planned. No Khaenri'ah sinners would ever be given a Vision, unless they
would make the ultimate sacrifice that is."

"That sounds like nonsense." How did Eroch even convince Jean with this, it was crazy.

"Does it captain? Think about it. How could a dead boy return a man? It's Kemia, Khaenri'ah's
craft! They brought him back and brainwashed him for these five years for him to integrate back
into Mondstadt as a Vision welder. A hero of the people, as someone with the ties of one of the
richest families in Mondstadt. He has so much power already in the form of a Vision and the love
of people. We must be vary of him, captain."

Diluc looked at Jean "Grand Master?" She couldn't be buying this nonsense.

"Two other Captains have voiced their concerns and they vouch for Eroch, I must consider all
possibilities. I'm sorry Diluc Kaeya will stand trial in a few days." Said Jean. It was obvious she
was unwilling to do this, but it was her duty.

"I apologize to Acting Grand Master, Captain Ragnvindr I have duties to attend to now." Eroch
gave a slight bow.

As he passed him, Diluc swore he saw the inspectors face twist into a toothy grin.

But no matter. Diluc was finally alone with Jean. He needed her to know.

"Jean-" Diluc fell silent immediately seeing Jean put her finger to her lips.
 She took her sword and faced it as if she was summoning her healing circle. A gentle burst of wind
passed through Diluc. All other sounds outside the door and the windows stopped. It was deadly
quiet in the office. Diluc could almost hear his heart beating as if it was alone and Diluc hammer
against an anvil.

"No one can eavesdrop on us now." Said Jean "Please tell me what Eroch is planning and how we
can help Kaeya. With so many corrupt captains and now an inspector I'm afraid to close my eyes at
night. " Jean said as she massaged her temples.

Diluc relaxed. He should have never doubted her. They are taking Eroch down.

"It's like this…"

Chapter End Notes

Jean ❤

Please leave a kudo and a comment if you enjoyed I reply to all and apriciate all

Please also tell me if I make any mistakes so I can fix them since Grammerly doest
work that well for my phone and I'm also not a native speaker
 The Three of Them
Chapter Notes

It's actually kinda relaxing to relaxing to write between exams.

If you find any spelling errors don't be afraid to tell me! I'll fix it asap! I'm still just
learning English! ❤

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Eroch was feeling giddy. Happy. Elated. It went wonderfully. Gunnhildr and that Ragnvindr brat
are probably feeling betrayed. So very betrayed.

Eroch knew he would need to get the Khaenri'ahn dog behind bars as fast as possible. No doubt
Kaeya was already planning something against him. The boy was cunning after all, but Eroch beat
him to it.

Turning the corner the inspector hummed a merry tune. He was heading for the cells that were
currently empty except for the one with the Khaenri'ahn boy that is.

He needs to make his moves before Gunnhildr and her Pyro Captain no doubt pay Kaeya a visit.
His treat still stands. The Ragnvindrs and the whole Mondstandt will know who Kaeya is if he still
thinks of sabotaging Eroch.

Alright sure, he told them he was a Khaenri'ah spy. It was done in hopes this Diluc would also
disown his brother like the one in his world had, but instead he had tried to defend that Khaenri'ahn
Dog. How very… disappointing.

Matured Cavalry Captain Diluc was no fun.

Maybe Eroch should send someone to kill old man Crepus just to repeat the past and really drive
the Pyro Cavalry Captain insane. A dead father and a traitorous brother? It's a recipe for a sweet
disaster. And who would Eroch be if he wouldn't throw in the finishing jab.

"This is not your brother, but an impostor. "

Eroch tested the words on his tongue, trying to sound sincere. These words tasted good, they tasted
like control. These were the words to take down one of the strongest of Gunnhildr's men, to make
her vulnerable. Alone.

Other captains were of little concern for Eroch. The sabotageable one were sabotaged and fed
sweet words of power Eroch could grant them and the ones with sense of justice were left alone.
Better not to involve them, they were not Jean's lapdogs like Diluc was.

Finally the inspector had arrived at the cells. What a sweet sight was his 'accomplice'. Hands
chained together, an angry looking bruise had formed on his cheek along with some scratches and
his Cryo Vision gone from his belt.

"Kaeya, you look good! How have you've been since our last meeting? I see my most trusted
knights have given you a bit of grief." Eroch mocked pointing at his own cheek. Oh how he loved
to see the man behind bars. The same place Eroch was before ultimately being exiled for his
crimes. Who could blame the inspector of getting even.

"Inspector, is this any way to treat your partner in crime?" Painfully smiled Kaeya. The bruise on
his face aching along with his head. He was brought here by some knights Kaeya had never seen
before. Now there was no doubt they were Eroch's goons.

They had greeted him in a friendly manner but then out of nowhere one of them had decked Keaya
in the back of the head with the hilt of his sword, while the rest held him down. Keaya hit the
ground hard hence the bruise on his cheek. It was his own fault for letting his guard down. They
told him he was under arrest for treason under the orders of The Acting Grand Master, then they
chained his hands up, took his vision and threw him in a cell.

His head is now still full of questions.

Had Jean found out? Was it Eroch? Or did Diluc fail to convince her? If so, why was Eroch
walking around freely? Surely he should at least be detained unless Jean didn't believe a word
Diluc said. No, that couldn’t be it Jean was smarter than this, she probably didn't know yet or…
she was powerless? There could be many reasons, Diluc would eventually find a way to get to him.
Kaeya will get his answers then.

Seeing behind Kaeya's smile the inspector spoke "Oh don't worry you are still my partner in crime,
only you won't be the one committing the crime," Eroch winked "but you'll be the one taking the
blame."

"Taking the blame for what Inspector? Was your whole play not accusing me of being an impostor
and and a traitor?"

Eroch sighed "Kaeya, Kaeya, Kaeya that's just the precaution." The man tutted. "The grand event is
still happening in 3 days now. And if you play your cards right you and Ragnvindr junior might
come out of this unscathed and under my protection."

"What about Jean." Asked Keaya.

Eroch smiled. "Sacrifices must be made." He turned his back on Kaeya "I hope for Captain Diluc's
and his father's safety that you have kept your mouth shut about our partnership."

Kaeya narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Of course, but I must admit even if I had told them I suspect
I would have ended up behind bars anyway." It was a lie. Diluc and Crepus had accepted him for
who he was. Kaeya only hoped Diluc had not already somehow given it away that Kaeya had told
his family everything.

"That's why we all must play our parts Kaeya."

"Are you still not letting me in on your plan Inspector?"

"Don't take me for a fool, spilling everything would be both dangerous and unproductive on my
part. Trust me I have the situation under control." Eroch reached for the door and turned his head
to the side "Gunnhildr will soon be hated by all of Mondstandt and we will be celebrated, just trust
me."

Kaeya didn't bother to ask more, the inspector would only reveal as much as he saw fit anyway.
Eroch lazly waved as he walked out of the door leaving Kaeya alone behind bars.

Kaeya exhaled, slumped down on the cell cot and put his head in his hands. He was in deep now.
Diluc's plan of killing Eroch looked more appealing than ever now. But it was a bit too late for it
now, and too suspicious.

On top of everything his head was killing him. And he felt nauseous. Could he have gotten a
concussion from the blow? Probably.

There was commotion behind the door Eroch had left from. Kaeya had a hard time focusing but it
was unmistakably Jean's voice. And she sounded angry.

She was probably here to yell at him for being a traitor. Kaeya would gladly take it if not for his
headache.

He got up from his cot and staggered a little. Kaeya felt a little dizy. Not good. He stood next to the
bars holding into them for balance while trying to hear what was happening behind the door.

The door opened. And from what he could tell the two guards stationed at his door looked a little
familiar. If Kaeya is not mistaken one of them was there when he got arrested, the other one could
also have been there. Not remembering faces was not good, and especially unusual for Kaeya. He
really did get a concussion.

Damn.

The guards looked sheepish as Jean and Diluc walked in.

"Grand Master the inspector has prohibited-" Before the guard could continue Diluc slammed the
door behind him shutting the guard up.

Jean looked at Kaeya and her expression got angrier. Shit. She was probably not on his side. Kaeya
shifted his eye in Diluc's direction as the captain was turning back from slamming the door. The
moment Diluc saw Kaeya he dangerously whispered under his breath "Who did this to you?"

Jean's head quickly snapped in Diluc's direction and he fell silent. Jean took out her sword and at
that Kaeya flinched, which caused Jean's expression to soften a bit.

And this single expression revealed to Kaeya all he needed to know. Jean is on his side.

She took her sword and faced it as if she was summoning her healing circle. Kaeya knew what she
was doing. She was soundproofing the room. This meant she was in trouble, no one could be
trusted.

Once done Diluc waited for Jean's go ahead, which was delivered in a form of a nod.

Diluc quickly walked forward, his expression no longer rage filled, but full of worry. Kaeya didn't
flinch when Diluc approached. The captain instantly put his hands inside the cell and between the
bars and took his brothers head in his hands as gently as he could, so he could get a better look at
Kaeya's injuries. Kaeya hissed in pain with the contact but didn't pull away.

"I got hit in the back of the head with a sword hilt, the bruise on my cheek is from the impact my
face made with the ground. I also think I have a concussion." Kaeya quickly explained. He saw
Diluc's breathing pick up, he was trying not to get angry.

Diluc turned his head in Jeans direction "Jean, heal him!"

"Don't." Said Kaeya "Send someone from the church if you have to. If you heal me Eroch will
think you're showing me pity, he needs to think you're at least neutral in this."
Jean nodded. She knew Kaeya was right, this even was a risk, but they needed to make sure that
Kaeya was alright. "Diluc told me everything." She said "About why you and our Kaeya were left
at Mondstadt and where you're actually from."

"And what do you make of it?" Kaeya tensed, but Jean's face held a warm smile.

"From my point of view you're a child of Mondstadt and so was our Kaeya. You and him never
wished ill upon it and it's people quite the opposite you've been our guardian. Therefore as the
Acting Grand Master I'll do my best to protect you and the honor of my late friend.

"Eroch won't get away with this, we'll make sure of it." Said Diluc.
Now having Jean on board made Kaeya feel like they could actually do this. The three of them
together fighting for the same cause was a force to reckon with.

***************

The three of them were together in the cold room. Diluc, his shoulders slumped looking down at
his brother's remains and Jean having her hand on Diluc's shoulder trying to comfort him.

She had no time to be there for Diluc, Jean had to get going. The clock was ticking.
"Diluc, I have to go now."

The redhead nodded.

Jean took her hand back and quietly left the cold room leaving the brothers alone. Diluc obviously
needed some time alone, knowing him he has not allowed himself to grieve. Similar to when his
father had died instead of grieving Diluc instead decided to hunt down his father's killers. The same
with Kaeya, only difference the hunt for the ones who did this were found. Now Diluc was allowed
to let his grief take over.

Jean wanted to let him have this. She left and headed for the tavern where a certain Archon often
played songs and drank the night away.

Diluc had registered that Jean had left, but that was about it. The talisman still had not worn out
since Kaeya looked like he was still very much alive only sleeping. That is until you notice that
Kaeya is not breathing. Diluc put his hand on Kaeya's chest just where the heart was. There was no
beating and no more body heat. Just the body, empty.

Diluc's chest felt extremely tight and with his other hand he grabbed his own aching heart. He
couldn’t hold back any longer and a single burning hot tear escaped and fell on his gloved hand
above Kaeya's unbeating heart.
Then another, and another. Diluc finally let himself cry for his brother. His silent tears turned into
sobs. "Kaeya,... Im sorry, I was right there, I let it happen… I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry I'm so
useless… " If anyone would see Diluc right now they wouldn't be able to recognise the well
composed and strong man. Right now he was just a weeping boy asking his little brother for
forgiveness because he could not protect him.

The cold room turned his tear stricken face painful and it stung, but it mattered very little. Diluc
does not know how long he's been crying over Kaeya's body but his throat now feels raw and he
can no longer feel his fingers. He had stopped sobbing and begging for a while now yet his hand
still remained on Keaya's heart. It remained still. No amount of begging would help.

The door opened and Albedo stepped in. "Master Diluc? I believe it's best if you come out and
warm up a bit." Diluc didn't look at the alchemist and just nodded. The redhead took his arm off
Kaeya. He did feel cold but he didn't realize just how cold he was. Diluc stepped out of the cold
room and a wave of warm air hit him.

Albedo pulled back a chair next to a table where a plate of fisherman's toast was apparently placed
for Diluc.

"Klee likes them a lot so I learned how to make them, I hope it's to your liking." Said the
Alchemist.

Diluc went forward and sat down, he wasn't particularly hungry, but declining the hospitality
would be rude. "Thank you." He said as he sat down and just stared at the plate.

Albedo looked at the toast and then at Diluc expectedly. Diluc signed, he removed his gloves,
picked up the piece of toast and took a bite. It was some good fisherman's toast. Diluc didn't even
realize how hungry he was until he was already taking another bite.

Satisfied that the food he had prepared was being eaten Albedo took his notepad and headed for
the cold room. Diluc immediately turned his attention from the toast to the Alchemist. "What are
you doing?" He said in between swallowing his toast.

"Checking on Captain Kaeya," Said Albedo nonchalantly "before leaving the Acting Grand Master
asked me to check what state his body was after his previous host used him."

Previous host. Used him.

Diluc hated the way it sounded. But Albedo had said nothing wrong. Diluc should be grateful, but
all of this would be unnecessary if he would just be allowed to bury his brother.

"Where's Jean?" Asked Diluc.

"She didn't say. She just instructed me to check on captain Kaeya and to keep you from freezing to
death." Said Albedo picking up his winter coat that was hanging off another chair in his laboratory.
"I'll be right back, please finish eating and try to warm up. You were in the cold room for hours."
Says Albedo entering the cold room.

For hours, huh? No wonder Diluc was this hungry. He actually does not recall when he last ate.
Could be while on the road to Liyue.

Albedo had tightly closed the door behind himself. Probably to keep the cold room cold. Diluc
found himself alone in the room with a half eaten piece of fisherman's toast. His thoughts shifted to
what Albedo could find and his appetite was gone.

"...a vessel it could enjoy all human pleasures in life" That's what the spirit had said. Diluc only
hoped what was implied didn't really happen. It made him physically sick to think about it. Jean
had heard the spirit too, was that the reason she asked her head alchemist to check on Kaeya? To
make sure her captain returned to a healthy body.

Diluc sat there for the longest time. staring at his piece of now cold toast. He was exhausted, he
felt sick from his own thoughts and mentally tired. His eyes were, he assumed still red rimmed and
he probably was in need of a shower.

There is nothing he can do now. He can't bury his last family and he can't bring them back.
Because people just don't come back from the dead. It just doesn't happen. Yet Zhongli had made a
contract with the spirits who promised him that the people that were snatched from their bodies
could return. No one had bothered to explain the mortals, also known as Diluc and Jean, how. The
spirits did say that the people wouldn't come back. And Diluc did understand that. If he was sent to
a world where his father was alive, maybe even his mother. And if in this world Kaeya had
confessed about who he was earlier to a more sane Diluc. The chances of Diluc, if in that situation,
wanting to come back would be next to nonexistent.

Did Jean not understand it? What made her so sure Kaeya would return. For the Knights? For
Mondstadt? Both would want him exiled or dead once his secrets are revealed. For Klee? She was
still young, and she had other people in her life once she reached her teens Kaeya will be just a half
forgotten memory. Maybe Jean thinks he would return for her, for their friendship? But would she
still hold faith in him once all truths are revealed?

Diluc had said he had no intentions of dying, yet if the spirit that had taken Kaeya before could
take Diluc to a world where he could have his family…

NO!

His job was not done yet! His father's murderers were still on the loose, therefore Diluc will live! If
not for himself then to honor his father's and brother's memory, to keep the Ragnvindr name and
legacy alive! He has too much work to do and death is not an option. Not before he is done with his
duties!

A sound of a door opening had Diluc's attention. He got up and his gaze shifted to the cold room's
door. Albedo finally came out. His face was unreadable, it just looked blank, from what Diluc
understood, that was just the alchemist's resting face. What captured Diluc's attention was what the
alchemist was holding in his hands. It was Albedo's notepad.

"Is…?" Diluc began, he didn't know how to ask the alchemist the question. But luckily Albedo
shook his head "We have tests for any… intrusive diseases. All I needed was a blood sample, he's
clean. Don't worry master Ragnvindr, Kaeya won't have any complications when he returns."

Diluc wanted to say the usual 'he won't return', but instead he just nodded and signed in releaf.

"Master Diluc?" Asked Albedo.

"Yes?"
"You look happy."
"Shouldn't I be?" Diluc looked at the alchemist trying to read him. He was not as good as Kaeya
had been at reading people, but Albedo really just looked nonchalant.
"And you've been running across two countries for Captain Kaeya? And now trading your life so
his body could be brought home, correct?"

Albedo finally showed an emotion on his face. It was a small smile. "I see."

"Why are you asking me all this?" Diluc was lost, what was the Alchemist trying to do here. Make
notes about him?

"Not many people have someone like you, someone who loves so much they are willing to
sacrifice themselves. Captain Kaeya is lucky to have you."

Diluc shook his head. "I'm the reason he's gone."

"Then perhaps you'll be the reason, he'll come back."

Diluc let out a small chuckle. "Me? He hates me and he died thinking I hated him." His chuckle
turned into a full laugh now "He'll be smart not to come back, I'm a horrible brother! Did you
know I've tried to,...to…" Diluc wanted to say he tried to kill Kaeya before, but stopped himself.
 He has told Albedo too much, showed too much of the ugly side of the highly thought of wine
industry tycoon of Mondstandt.

Albedo opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by the door to the laboratory
bursting open. People that weren't Jean usually knocked before entering.

So there she was with two Archons behind her.

Chapter End Notes

Albedo is a little nosey in this, but he is just interested in human nature.

I feel like nothing much happened this chapter, but it was nessecary to set things in
motion.

I'd appreciate comments and a kudo if you enjoyed it ❤

I reply ❤
 Nettle Knight
Chapter Notes

Please tell me in the comments if you find any spelling or Grammer mistakes. I'm
writing this on a 6 year old phone with a very bad texting lag

I'll fix them asap!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Zhongli had arrived almost a full day after Diluc and Jean left Liyue. From the vessels that were
left behind by the spirits none of the original hosts came back. Zhongli did present them with the
choice, taking his time talking to the people one by one, but all refused. Not a single one even
wanted time to think about it.

They had all been given what they want. Their families reunited, their loved ones safe and alive
and a second chance at life.

Zhongli had left Hu Tao to deal with the remains of these people. He still had to aid captain Kaeya
of Mondstandt like he had promised Barbatos and the captain's friend and brother. A promise is a
lesser contract, that can get lost in forgetfulness, but for Zhongli a contract is still a contract.

Getting to Mondstadt is no trouble for him; it takes him no longer than it takes the Traveler to run
around all of Teyvat. One blink of the eye Zhongli is at Liyue Harbor the next, he's at the back
door at a Tavern in Mondstadt. A location that was given to him by Barbados for this specific
meeting.

He could already feel the presence of the other Archon, so without any hesitation Zhongli opened
the door. Entering he saw quite a large crowd of people, some very intoxicated, some still nursing
their one and only glass for the night. They were gathered around a familiar figure.

Venti the bard stood in the middle of the crowd. Zhongli knew him as the Archon Barbados, but
for the people of Mondstadt he was an entertainer and not rarely; a drunk. Just like the common
folk of Mondstandt Barbados indulged in song and freedom, of alcohol use and abuse.

Perhaps Morax had decided to become Zhongli, because he envied that Barbados is Venti. Perhaps
the Geo Archon wanted to know how it feels like to be one of the people.

Venti finishes his song and bows to the people who adore and clap for him both as their Archon
and entertainment for the night. Venti's eyes quickly find Zhongli. The bard gestures to a nearby
empty table and Zhongli takes a seat. It doesn't take long for Venti to excuse himself from the
crowd with an announcement that his performance for tonight is over.

Venti takes a seat across from Zhongli with two glasses in hand. "I earned just enough tonight to
treat an old friend of mine," he sets one of the glass in front of Zhongli "Dandelion wine, made by
Mond's own Dawn Winery, one of the biggest treasures in all of Mondstandt if you ask me!"
Announces the bard cheerfully taking a swing from his glass.

"You know why I've come Barbados." Luckily no one is around the two Archons who can process
their conversation.

"Morax, enjoy the wine, relax and let the wind guide the one in need of you to us." Vent shifts his
eyes at the front entrance of the tavern. He sighs "Oh she's very close quick now let's finish our
drinks before-"

The door bursts open, but no one really pays it any mind. Jean walks in and when spotting a
familiar green bards cap she advances towards it.

"I suppose the wind guided her too quickly." Says Venti trying to chug his drink in one go. In a
matter of seconds that it takes for Jean to get to their table he succeeds in emptying the glass.

Zhongli gets up from where he is sitting to greet the distressed Acting Grand Master. "Jean
Gunnhildr." he greets, "Is his vessel safe?" Jean is stunned to find Zhongli right where Venti is, but
this just makes things easier, doesn't it? Two Archons are better than one. Two Archons could save
both Kaeya and Diluc.

"Mister Zhongli, you're here quicker than I expected." It takes more than a day to travel from
Mondstadt to Liyue and if Jean can trust her own eyes she saw the Traveler near the market square,
so they couldn't have brought the Archon here. Then again she was talking about Archons here,
they have their ways.

"I apologize I couldn't come quicker, the rest of the original hosts needed to be told they could
return and I wanted to see to it personally."

"I see," Said Jean. This was it. This is how this whole mess gets sorted out. This is how we get
Kaeya back. "How many returned?" She asked. Naturally curious.

"No one wanted to come back." Stated Zhongli, he sees no use in hiding the truth, even if it might
discourage Jean from her hopes of getting her Captain back.

Something hardens in her face "I see," she says "but those people had nothing to return to," Jean
says more to herself than to the Archon "Kaeya has many people here waiting for him. And the
way Diluc has been acting since Kaeya's… death. I feel if Kaeya comes back they could be a
family again."

"It is not up to us to decide, if Kaeya wants to come back he can. If not, I will not force him." Said
Zhongli. This caught Jean's attention. Does this mean Zhongli can force Kaeya to return? She
wanted to ask him but shook the thought out of her head. Of course Kaeya will come back, he will.
He must.

"Mister Zhongli, Venti the Bard," Jean adressed them by their human names to get both of their
full attention "Let us make haste for the Headquarters of the Knights of Favonius, the sooner we
get Kaeya back into his body the better."

Zhongli already on his feet nodded and followed the Acting Grand Master with went trailing
behind them.

~
When the three of them were approaching the laboratory there was the unmistakable sound of
Diluc's voice behind closed doors.

"...He'll be smart not to come back, I'm a horrible brother! Did you know I've tried to,...to…" Jean
sped up her already brisk step. She doesn't know what had really happened between Diluc and
Kaeya, but she knew she needed to stop Diluc from saying anything more. Not allowing Diluc to
finish that sentence she burst into the laboratory with the two Archons behind her .

"Diluc, Albedo! What's all this shouting about?" asked Jean even if she had a pretty good idea
already. Albedo asked Diluc some too personal questions and Diluc being in an unfit mental state
had an outburst. From what she heard it was probably about Kaeya.

"Acting Grand Master" greeted Albedo "... And guests?" He observed the two men by Jean's side
one was no doubt a bard the other was a sharply dressed Liyue citizen.
"I was asking Master Ragnvindr some questions. I believe I was making some progress even."

So one of Albedo's little experiments about human nature, thought Jean. Albedo really doesn't have
Ill intend, he is just curious about everything. A mental state and thoughts of a grieving brother,
would be labeled as most curious for him. Even though Albedo was an alchemist not a healer of the
mind he was still a researcher. And the research never stops for Albedo. Understanding human
nature is one of the many truths of this world Albedo seeks.

"Albedo," Jean sighed more tired than angry "did you at least do what I asked you to do?" Jean
knows he did. Albedo never slacked off with a task he was given.

"Yes, the body is in a good condition. The previous, if I may say 'parasitic' host has done no
damage to Captain Kaeya. It appears this previous host had intended to use his body for a long
time; he is in top shape." Apart from being dead, went unsaid by the Alchemist. In his studies of
human nature, he learned that some things are better that way. Perhaps it would have been better if
he had not asked the brother of the dead captain that lay behind a door, if he loved him. It was
obvious that Master Diluc loved Kaeya very much. This is one of the things that is obvious and
better left unsaid. It appears that admitting to caring for captain Kaeya upsets master Diluc.

Albedo will not apologize for a well made observation. But he could apologize for his lack of
tactfulness. Someday.

Jean was relieved. Things were going very smoothly so far. "Thank you Albedo." She said "Now
could you please leave the laboratory for a few hours, I'll call for you if you're needed."

Albedo nodded. He wasn't happy about getting kicked out of his own laboratory, but Jean probably
had her reasons. He supposes this is where they bring the captain back, it is a private affair so he
won't invade. Asking Kaeya about where he was after all of this is over and done with interests
Albedo a lot more. The alchemist left.

Jean turned to Diluc and gave him an apologetic look, "I'm sorry about that, Albedo sometimes has
no tact, but he means no harm."

Diluc shook his head, "It's fine, I shouldn't have responded like that. I lost my composure." All
Albedo did was make assumptions, they weren’t even malicious.

"Then perhaps you'll be the reason, he'll come back." The alchemist had said this. It hurt Diluc
because he was afraid of the opposite. That Kaeya will stay where he was is because of him. In a
place where he has a father and a brother who love him. There is no way Kaeya will choose him.
That's why it's better to just bury him now so Diluc gets the chance to say his goodbyes. Diluc is
well aware that means his contract with the spirit will be complete and he might lose his body.

He doesn't want that. He wants to live, he needs to. He still has time, he'll figure it out.

Diluc acknowledges the two Archons "So how is this going to happen?"

It's Zhongli who speaks "I'll simply go and ask the captain in his world, showing up as an
apparition is not that hard of a task, even without a gnosis ." Zhongli says "It will be a contract I'll
be forming so getting verbal consent is the best. You may observe If you wish." He says while
looking at Diluc. The redhead nodded, he wanted to to be in the same room when ultimately Kaeya
would reject Zhonglis proposal. Seeing is believing, maybe then Jean will finially let him bury
Kaeya.

"Now would you be so kind and take me to Kaeya Alberich's vessel, I need to be in close
proximity."

Jean nods and leads the way to the cold room where Kaeya is. Zhongli looks over the body, the
talisman luckily is still up and working even if the vessel is now becoming paler, as per the effect
of the cold room. Perhaps Hu Tao would be interested in a room like this in case they were
overwhelmed with too much work.

Zhongli waits till everyone is in the room before speaking "It, will only take a second Acting
Grand Master." Zhongli turns his attention to Venti and the bard nods and grabs a slightly startled
Diluc by the forearm. And just like in a blink of an eye the three men disappear leaving Jean alone
with Kaeya's body.

"What in the name of the seven-" she exclaims.

********************

"Eroch won't get away with this, we'll make sure of it." Said Diluc.

Kaeya just nodded. Scheming right now was hurting his head. It was not just a headache, he
couldn’t explain it but he couldn't think straight. Least he could do now while Jean's soundproof
shield was still active was to retell what Eroch had told him.

"Sounds to me like Eroch is trying to frame you, or will be framing you. And making everyone
hate Jean in the process of it all." Said Diluc. "I don't get how he's going to pull that off, he's
crazy."

"There is nothing happening that we know of in 3 days, so Eroch must be setting something up.
But what I really want to know is how he is going to make Mondstadt hate me. I've done nothing
incriminating and I always do what is the best for Mondstadt." Jean sighed, "He already has so
much power in the Order, I don't know who to turn to, maybe the knights on his side will set me
up?"

Kaeya shook his head, the motion making him wince. He felt like throwing up. It gets him a
worried look from both Jean and Diluc "Public image." He says in an exhale once he gathers
himself. He can't let them worry about him now, he is not a priority here Jean is. "I have a hunch
he is going after your public image. It's true that you've never done anything incriminating, and you
probably never will do anything to harm Mondstadt. You need to find intel. Rumors. Talk to Vile,
find out what the general public thinks of you since my arrest. That's all we can do for now, unless
something new comes up we gotta wait out the 3 days." Talking, he found out, was painful. His
own voice tember was hurting him.

Jean nods. It's a start, Vile always knows the most current events. After all they have 3 days, it's
not much but it's still a set time frame. "I'm going to release the sound barrier now Kaeya, I'll send
Barbara to heal you as fast as possible."
"Thank you Jean." Says Kaeya stepping away from the bars. He almost staggers. Almost, but he
catches himself before either Jean or Diluc notice.

"You won't be here long. I promise." says Diluc before Jean lowers the barrier.

Kaeya just gives him a smile. "Yeah." He needs to get out as fast as possible, but breaking out is
not the answer here, he needs to be released otherwise he won't be able to help Jean any longer not
to mention it would corrupt Diluc's and Crepus lives as well.

Maybe he should just disappear. Cease to exist. Die. It would make the situation much more easier
for his family and Jean. Eroch would lose his leverage and Jean already knows he is up to no good,
and his death would surely slow down Eroch's plan whatever that is. But unfortunately for his
loved ones Kaeya wants to live.

"I know you will Luc."

Diluc and Jean split responsibilities. Diluc is to go seek out Vile and Jean instantly rushes to get
her little sister. There is always a risk with head trauma. If left untreated Keaya might have to suffer
the coincidences. This is another proof that her knights are corrupted, even injured murderers
receive medical attention, Eroch probably wanted to have Keaya out of commission. Kaeya was
after all sort of brilliant in finding clues and his deduction skills combined with his brain were a
force to reckon with. And that was just the Kaeya she remembers from their days as new knights. If
Diluc can be trusted, and he can, this Keaya took down Eroch in his world, with no violence only a
well crafted web of evidence.

Barbara is surprised to see Jean and not because of the usual reasons. The reasons being her big
sister serving Mondstadt with both her body and soul not having time for much family bonding.
No, she is surprised to both see her out and about and at her request to immediately go the the
headquarters because sir Kaeya is in a dire need for healing.

"But Jean… I've heard the knights around the cathedral talking. They are saying that it was under
your orders that Kaeya is to be brought into custody and if necessary excess force is to be used…
the knights said you refused to allow any nun to approach him and give medical aid," Said Barbara
in a small voice "I didn't want to believe it but there are rumors going around that sir Kaeya is a
traitor."

Jean's heart skipped a beat. "I've never issued such an order. Barbara I wouldn't… You trust me
right?" It has only been a few hours and rumors were already spreading, even in such a place like
this. A holy ground. Kaeya was right, Eroch had already started to sully her name.

Barbara didn't meet her gaze but did nod. Jean took a breath and regained her composure. "Please
trust me and only me Barbara, something is going on and I don't know what exactly yet but I need
you to be on my side." Jean reached out to Barbara wanting to touch her shoulder in a reassuring
way, but retracted her hand. "Please, for now just come with me to the cells. Kaeya is in a lot of
pain and he needs a good healer."

"But you're a good healer yourself, why do you need me?" Barbara was conflicted. Jean is not this
cruel, especially to someone she used to call a friend. But the things the knights were saying. And
the way people in the last few hours have been calling her. The things they all have been saying.

"...'That Nettle Knight', she probably fears for her position in Varkas good graces now that a hero
brought back my Celestia could be challenging her for her rank!"
"Not even that man who killed his own daughter was denied medical attention, she must want our
Heroic Knight to die!"

"Would Celestia bring back a traitor? I say the 'Nettle Knight' is threatened, is she even fit to be in
charge?"

"This is sacrilege! Celestia wills it for us to have the Drake slayer as our protector! Who is she to
intervene?"

"You're a good healer Barbara, the best even. Please." Barbara sees it in her big sister's face.
Genuine worry for her friend. Thats when she knows. The rumors were all a lie. Barbara thanks
Lord Barbados for giving her mind clarity and guiding her back to the right path besides her sister,
not rumors of unknown origins.

"I will go. Please escort me." Said Barbara. If Jean is in trouble it's Barbara's duty as a sister of the
Church and the sister of the Acting Grand Master to help her in her path.

"...The 'Nettle Knight' that's what they have been calling her, the market district is buzzing with all
kinds of rumors since sir Kaeya's arrest. If you want to hear more visit your father at the tavern. A
lot of rumors can be heard there if you're sober enough to listen." Said Vile "If you ask me it all
sounds wrong, I mean it's Jean. But what do I know I'm an informant, people need my information
not opinion." She shrugged.

Diluc thanked her with Mora, and did as she suggested. He headed for the tavern right away.

Behind the bar Charles was serving the patrons not his father. Which was weird wasn't he supposed
to work today? Just mare minutes after entering made Diluc's ears perk up. Whispers of 'Nettle
Knight', 'Can't be a traitor' and 'he's innocent' flooded his ears all at once. Kaeya was right. Eroch
was attacking Jean's public image. And this 'Nettle Knight' persona was making people's
imaginations run wild with out-of-nowhere accusations.
Diluc approached Charles who upon noticing his presence exclaimed "Sir Diluc, thank Barbados
you're here! It's your father he heard what happened to Kaeya. He suddenly became unwell."

Diluc felt his already pale skin drain of all blood, dread settled in his entire body. "Where is he?"

"Upstairs resting for now, he didn't want to see a healer."

Diluc quickly thanked Charles and made his way upstairs to the room. His father sometimes rented
it out to travel worn adventurers or patrons from Springvale. His father would never allow visiting
Springvale citizens to make their way back to the village after a night of drinking in his tavern.

Diluc, not wanting to startle his father, gently knocked on the door before entering, "Father it's
me." Upon entering he saw Crepus looking a bit discolored, but he was at least resting on a bed and
conscious. Crepus was not an edarly man just yet, but the news of what happened to Keaya had
given him a panic attack.
"Diluc," Crepus' face went from relieved from seeing one of his sons to worried "Is it true what
they are saying? Was Kaeya found out? Did-, Did they hurt him?" Crepus tried to get out of the
bed but Diluc stopped him, by placing a stern hand on his shoulder.

"Please rest." Said the younger redhead" Kaeya is accused, the evidence is poor but Eroch has his
hands on some of the higher ups in the order so there is nothing Jean can do for now." Or Diluc
himself for that matter. Not until Kaeya is out of there and safe.
Crepus face twisted "The Acting Grand Master was the one who issued the arrest was she not? I
heard the knights talk about it, she made them use force against Kaeya..."

Diluc, exhaled those damn rumors. Even someone like his father believed them. And how could he
not, they were whispered among the ranks of the Knights of Favonius, people trusted their word.

"Jean did not issue the arrest father, she's being framed by inspector Eroch." Crepus relaxed at
hearing it. He didn't want to believe Jean would act so cruel.
Diluc continued "Jean is in danger, Eroch is planning to take her down. Keaya thinks he is trying to
tarnish her reputation, and it's working."

Ignoring all of the other information regarding the Acting Grand Master, Crepus perked up when
hearing that Kaeya and Diluc were able to talk.

"You talked to Keaya? Is he alright?" Crepus had heard that his youngest charge had been injured
and refused medical treatment. All courtesy of the Acting Grand Master, which he knew now was a
lie. He should have known it from the start. Jean wouldn't do this, especially to Kaeya no matter
what he was.

"He will be, Jean is bringing Barbara to him personally." Says Diluc.

Crepus' eyebrows knit in a worried expression surpassing the previous one. Barbara is very skilled,
more so than other sisters does this mean... "Was he injured badly?" Diluc didn't respond for a few
seconds but for Crepus it seemed like eternity.

"Diluc?" Said the older man, prompting his son to continue.

Diluc gave in and went over what he knew. "He got hit in the back of the head with the hilt of a
sword, he has a concussion and a visible bruise on his face. He is probably in more pain than he let
us see. It's a head trauma father, and he was not even given any medical attention, they just threw
him in the cell."

Crepus eyes wandered looking around the room, not knowing where to land. "How hard was the hit
to his head?" He asked.

"Hard enough to make Kaeya pass out and give him a visible bruise on his face from hitting the
ground." Replied Diluc. Crepus nodded, he understood the severity of the situation. Head injuries
can lead to complications and if repeated while the current one is not healed, that can lead to death.
At least that's what Crepus has heard. He had heard, in his youth, that a knight who got hit hard on
his head was returning home on a horse from a mission when he fell from his steed. Nothing was
broken but the second blow to the head made his death quick and unpredictable. Many of the
healers of Mondstandt at the time were perplexed and it made many wary of any head trauma for a
while. It was just a fad at the time and people stopped being afraid ever since then, but sometimes
the elderly still told their grandkids "Once for bedrest, twice for seeing Anemo Archon dearest."

Diluc was worried too. Of course he was. Kaeya was thinner and leaner than him but he was not
easy to be taken down with a hit like that, even as a teen. The one that did this to him probably
spiked in adrenaline when doing the hit, resulting in an instant knockout. That is bad, these things
are hard enough to be treated by healers, but now Kaeya is in the enemy's territory with only Diluc
and Jean on his side. Jean is deemed powerless in a political sense and unless they decide to break
Kaeya out by force and become public enemies there is nothing they can do. Unless Eroch slips up
and loses his advantage. His advantage is Kaeya, his bargaining chip is Kaeya and according to
Eroch himself Kaeya is the whole reason Jean will fall from her position.
 The pieces are slowly all falling into place, but still Diluc can make very little sense of them.

"Diluc please, don't-, don't let us lose him again." Crepus is not a weak man, but the thought of
losing one of his sons again is tormenting him. He hates how pitiful he sounds in front of his eldest
son, but everyone has these moments of weakness. And Cerpus is just a man, not a knight, not a
vision berer. Just a father and a salesman. He wasn't even strong enough that day years ago to pull
out his delusion and protect his family and the result was the death of his son, his boy. Kaeya
wasn't even a man yet, just a 17 year old boy who never got to grow up. "Diluc, promise me
please, I don't want to lose him again." Cerpus was almost begging now. It's not like Diluc was a
miracle worker and his promise would suddenly make everything alright. But Cerpus needed to be
reassured, even if somehow Diluc couldn’t keep his word Crepus just needed to hear it.

Diluc hated to see his father look so helpless. Why couldn't his family just finally enjoy their
happiness?
"I promise you father, just like I promised Kaeya. I will get him out of there." Diluc promised
earnestly. He knew not if it was a promise he could keep, but seeing his family in so much pain
and distress awoke something primal in Diluc. Something he felt a lot when his Kaeya had died as
a teen. The urge to kill everyone and everything that could have been the ones responsible. Be it
hilichurls, treasure hunters or the occasional fatui skirmishers, every last one of them fell by Diluc's
hand. And now Diluc had a concrete target. Politics be damned, the evil needed to be weeded out
and fire is a perfect tool of purging. It was his initial plan from the start anyway, carrying out acts
of violence was after all Diluc's speciality.

And when he gets his brother out and back home, he'll make Eroch disappear off the face of
Teyvat and impale the knight who struck Kaeya, this he promised to myself.

Chapter End Notes

Diluc is very violent when he wants to protect people, what else is new? What will
Jean even think of Diluc going 'fuck it! I'm killing him!' Hmmm?

If you enjoyed or have any questions please leave a comment I try to answer every
single one! ❤
 Charred Bones
Chapter Notes

1K kudos? Seriously, I could honestly cry! Thank you so much, all of your support
means so much. It really does! ❤

This chapter will be entirely the AU world. TW graphic description of corpses and TW
Death.

Enjoy!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Kaeya was left alone. He assumed the next person he would get to see would be Barbara. That is if
Jean succeeds in getting her through Eroch's men stationed by his door. Jean was still the Acting
Grand Master and bringing a healer to an injured detainee wasn't too suspicious. She was known
for her kindness by the people of Mondstadt and if Kaeya was right about Eroch going after Jean's
public image, one gossip of her doing good deeds like this could shake up people's negative
perspective of her. That is if Kaeya was right about Eroch's plan. He wasn't really sure, or thinking
straight, but at the time he said it, it felt logical.

The pain had not subdued whatsoever since the moment he came to in the cell, right before Eroch
had first visited him. Even with the silence in his cell, his head was hurting. Bad.

Kaeya was slumped down on his cot, his head lay on his crossed arms that were resting on his
knees. He must look pathetic. But no one was here to see him be pathetic so he allowed himself
such a display. Kaeya could tolerate most pain, he had learned to do so on the duty, since not all
missions went smoothly. But concussions were never pretty.

It was unbelievable that this one was only his second concussion in his life. The first was when he
and Diluc were children and they were learning how to ride horses. Well Kaeya was learning how
to ride a horse. Diluc had been taught by the best instructors in all of Mondstandt from the moment
he could sit up on his own. Kaeya on the other hand, back then, had only sat on a horse if an adult
was right behind him holding the reins and would catch him if Kaeya were to fall. But from a
young age Diluc already knew he wanted to be a Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius and
he also knew he wanted Kaeya to join his cavalry. Who was Kaeya to say no to Diluc. He couldn’t
afford to refuse the Ragnvindrs anything, he felt like he owed them. Both for their hospitality and
for lying to them about who he really was.

Back then he didn't know what had happened. Why the horse had thrown him off. She probably
felt his fear and inexperience and decided he would be a horrible match for her. The next moment
he came to his senses was when a blur of red hair and blushed cheeks were over him, calling his
name and slightly crying. He also saw, or thought he saw, the mare approach him and bow her
head in apology. As if she thought, he could hold on, as if she was feeling remorse for him. There
was of course the pain, it wasn't immediate, but when he tried to get up it made itself known.

He was bedridden for months, not allowed to sleep much at first too. A healer was even placed in a
guest bedroom across from him. And Diluc, whenever he was free from his duties and training,
stayed by his side until he was chased away from the room by the healer. After he was able to
partake in physical activities again he had to almost beg Master Crepus to let him ride the mare
again. He wanted the same horse, it was not the fault of the animal. He just needed to hold on.

Eventually Crepus gave gave in but stayed by Kaeya's side from getting on the horse to getting
down. Kaeya expected to be afraid of riding again, but he enjoyed it. Eventually mastered it.

He even became the Cavalry Captain after Diluc left Mondstadt… Kaeya had taken his brother's
place in the Knights. It was out of necessity since after Diluc no one was as fast and capable on a
horse as him. Having acquired a Vision right as a captain's position was free was also a bonus.
Everything Kaeya was and is, is only thanks to one or the other Ragnvindr. Either given to him or
taken by him when a chance came knocking.

This headache was really driving him mad. Thinking about the past and the now. Kaeya didn't
even know where he stood anymore. Here, wherever here was, he finally felt happy again. Diluc
never left, Crepus never died and he had no more secrets to keep. Then why did it all feel so
wrong. He was accepted, was that not all he ever wanted? The ability to live with no lies clouding
his future.

Could it be because he was once again an impostor. Pretending to be someone he was not. His
family knows now, Jean also knows, but still. Here he is Kaeya Ragnvindr not Alberich. Here he is
a hero, not a shady drunkard of a Captain. It's just not him.

And he was so damn happy here.

Sure this world was not the one he was born in, but it was given to him as a gift. It was perfect!
Aside from the current minor inconveniences. Those being; him sitting in a cell in the Favonius
headquarters, having a horrible headache from a head injury that could have lasting effects, and
having Inspector Eroch threaten both him and Jean with something. He wasn't even sure what his
threat was!

These were all truly minor inconveniences. They were a lot easier to deal with than having Diluc
hate him. He just had wanted for Diluc to know the truth back then. He knew the timing was
horrible, he knew he might have been killed, but he would have rather taken a fatal blow that rainy
night, than lived the way he had since that day. The years Diluc was gone were bearable. Keaya
had access to Diluc's Vision, he knew the other was alive. It was sufficient.

But when Diluc returned Kaeya had lived everyday in fear. He was good with masks, he was good
with hiding his fear. When would the man, he so desperately wanted to call his brother again,
reveal the truth about him to the knights and to the city of Mondstandt.

Kaeya feared for his own life from the only person he still cared about in that damn world he had
involuntarily left behind. It ate him from the inside. All of this mess, he was in right now was
nothing but minor inconveniences. He has been through worse alone. He wasn't alone in this world.
The Diluc here wouldn't leave him, Diluc accepted him and would do anything to help him even if
he was just someone impersonating the other's dead baby brother.

"Kaeya?..."

Came a familiar voice laced with worry and… sadness? What was Diluc doing here? He just left.
Was Kaeya's sense of time faltering now too, along with his ability to think properly?

Kaeya, being tired from his own thoughts, didn't want to lift his head to look at Diluc. Who
apparently had learned how to enter a room without Kaeya even hearing the door open. Had his
long monologue in his own head combined with the head injury dulled his senses so much?
Possibly. That was worrying. Kaeya needed his mind to function just as he needed his hands and
legs to fight. He couldn’t afford being useless.

After a second or two Kaeya did decide to move just to assure his brother that he was still alive and
breathing. Why had Diluc returned anyway? This could cause suspicion that they were working
together, if Eroch were to find out. That thought made Kaeya actually lift his head up from where it
was resting on his hands.

Diluc had brought company?

There were three people; Venti the Bard who was often at Angel's Share doing what drunkards do
best. A man Kaeya didn't recognise, but from his attire the man looked to be from the neighboring
Liyue. And Diluc. He looked terrible. The bags under his eyes made him look older, more worn
out and his hair looked to have lost it's shine, but gained a bit of greasiness from being unwashed.
Kaeya had never seen Diluc with a beard but it was evident he could grow one if he so pleased,
because there was quite a lot of stubble on his chin, cheeks and above his lip. He was clad in black
just like the Diluc Kaeya both loved and feared.

But that was impossible!

Kaeya had seen Diluc just a few hours ago, at least Keaya thinks it was a few hours. And he, as
always, had looked well put together. Not like this, never like this. Not even after father's death.

This distressed version of his brother looked like he was on the verge of tears. His eyes were wide,
mouth agape with words he couldn't get out. The redhead's face couldn't decide between anger and
sadness.

"Kaeya?" Diluc repeated his name once more "Kaeya, you're… you're hurt?" The distressed
version of Diluc turned to the Liyue man. "What the hell Zhongli? I thought the spirits said Kaeya
was in a place where he was…," 'happier' is what Diluc wanted to say, but he didn't, he couldn't. It
was admitting that he cared for Kaeya in front of the man itself.
"...why is he beat up and in a cell?" Diluc said instead.

The Liyue man; Zhongli put his hand to his chin in thought. "It is true that the people the spirit's
take are given a second chance at life, but all lives can be ruined, all things can lead to disaster.
Perhaps Captain Kaeya would like to explain himself how he ended up in a cell with injuries."

'... Captain Kaeya?' Thought Kaeya. He wasn't a captain here. Who was this man? And why is he
and Vent here? Kaeya could understand Diluc. This Diluc could simply be a manifestation of his
mind. His brother, his real brother from his real world, looked distressed, worried and sad because
Kaeya was gone. That would be something a very selfish part of Kaeya would want Diluc to be. To
maybe grieve the loss, to cry for him, to show in any way that Diluc, his Diluc still cared. Just a
little bit, any small gesture would do. Anything.

When in reality the Diluc he left behind is most likely relieved that Kaeya was no longer a thorn in
his side. It was sickening how much Kaeya both loved and feared his Diluc. Yet his mind
manifested not the caring brother Kaeya was given in this world, but the brother whose affection he
actually craved.

Then perhaps Venti represented his carefree lifestyle in taverns? Kaeya knew he wasn't the most
sober of all knights, but to have someone with the drinking calibre of the bard be a representative of
Kaeya's dependency on alcohol. That was somewhat eye opening. In truth Kaeya used to drink,
yes, but he really became a regular at the taverns just so he could see Diluc more often. He mostly
went to other taverns so Diluc wouldn't get too suspicious. And things spiraled from there. The
wine drowned out the fear he felt every day from being exposed as a spy. The pleasant buzz made
him forget that he should be afraid of the blurry redheaded serving him drinks. Instead that blurred
figure brought comfort, similar to the light of the Pyro Vision that Kaeya found comfort in Diluc's
absence.

Then what did the Liyue man represent? Perhaps nothing. Perhaps Kaeya had seen him somewhere
and now his brain was just reminding him of the interesting looking man. The man was handsome,
he'll give his mind that.

The least he could do is answer his imagination's own questions. "Oh, my injuries? I was detained
by the Knights of Favonius," Answered Keaya to what he thought was himself "and they really
didn't hold back when beating up a traitor while being corrupt themselves. Talk about irony am I
right?" said Kaeya with a light laugh, facing Diluc. His imaginary brother's face, finally setting on
anger. Anger that was not directed at him for once, but at the ones who had hurt him. As if his
Diluc would care if anything were to happen to him. This illusion of the mind was both comforting
and a painful reminder of his and Diluc's real relationship.

"I probably deserve it in a way." Said Kaeya looking away from Diluc, he couldn't bear to look at
him. Even if it was his own imagination that had made this image of the redhead in front of him.
"Who was I to think I could just waltz right in this world and live without consequences, that just
isn't possible for me it seems."

There was a loud bang on on the other side of the room, where the door to the cell rooms was.

"Quiet in there!" Came the booming voice of the guard who had caused all these headaches and
illusions in the first place. He was still guarding the door, probably because Eroch only trusted a
limited number of knights to betray their Order. That was good to know.

If it wouldn't hurt him so much to do so, he'd yell something clever back at the knight but instead
he opted for an audible snide mutter "I'd be quiet if you wouldn't have given me a damn
hallucinative concussion." The knight appears to have heard it because he yelled once again "What
did you just say you pretty boy? You want to speak up so I got a reason to knock you out again?"

Diluc's attention shifted at the door. There he was! He did this to Kaeya and was apparently given
free reign to hurt him again!

Not on Diluc's watch. No one will hurt Keaya. Not while he is here. If this world, or wherever here
was, had found out that Keaya was a spy he would surely be either exiled or executed. Diluc was
just glad Jean wasn't brought here as well, since Kaeya had just confessed in front of the Archons
and him that here was a traitor. Jean was the law after all. No matter how close her friendship was
with Kaeya, for Mondstadt she would show no mercy.

Diluc was already moving towards the door where he would find the bastard and showed him how
it felt like to get knocked out. He pulled himself away from Venti's lazy grip on his arm to which
Venti pretended to gasp. It got the Anemo Archon a sideways glance from Zhongli. At that Venti
just shrugged.

Diluc paid the two Archons no mind, instead he focused fully on getting to the knight who had
been the one to hurt Kaeya. Even without a weapon Diluc was someone who was highly
dangerous, he still had his vision and he was pissed. Diluc simply put his hand on the lock of the
cell and it melted right off, allowing him to close in on the door behind which the knight stood.

"What's all that noise about! Do I need to knock your teeth out? '' Said the same knight as he
opened the door to be greeted with a flash of angry red eyes and a flaming fist to the face. The
impact of the enraged redhead's fist colliding with the face of the Knight sent him flying to the
opposite wall where he landed and crumbled to the floor. The man's neck was bent at an unnatural
angle. The air smelled like charred skin and hair. The knights hair and under armor linen had
caught a slight amber of a flame and it was spreading. Knocked out cold he just laid there unaware
that Diluc had no intention to put it out. Let the bastards burn and sizzle to a crisp.

Diluc took the opportunity and grabbed the knights sword from the scabbard. It was not a standard
issue Favonius sword, but for now Diluc paid it no mind. He turned back to look at the cell where
Kaeya and the Archons were only to find that only Kaeya remained. The blue haired man looked
around to the damage Diluc, the very-physically-real Diluc had caused. He then stared back at the
redhead from where he was sitting and said "You're actually here?"

Diluc was going to murder Eroch. His father's breakdown had convinced him that there is no other
way. He will not lose his baby brother again especially not to this sick game the inspector was
playing. If there would be consequences he would plead self defense, head blame a Hilichurl, he
would say the man slipped on his claymore. It doesn't matter, it ends here.

He was greeted by a group of Knights running full speed at him. He knew these knights. They
were good men. They were guards not fighters, Diluc hoped for their own sake they were not on
the same hand with Eroch, because if they were Diluc is ready to burn them down along with the
Inspector.

"CAPTAIN!" The knight completely ignored the hostility Diluc was absolutely leaking at this
point. "THE HEADQUARTERS ARE ON FIRE... THE CELLS WE CAN'T EVACUATE ALL
THE PRISONERS, WE NEED CONTROL FIRE!" The knight was out of breath yet he still added
"SIR KAEYA WAS IN THERE, PLEASE SIR!"

Panic replaced bloodlust as Diluc ran as fast as he could in the direction of now visible rising
smoke. A mantra of "No, no, no, please no." Was replayed in his head as he got closer.

There was smoke rising from the bottom of the door for the Knights headquarters. The cells were
at the very bottom.

Diluc ran, inside he saw Jean already getting some prisoners out of the door, as they ran for the exit
each and every one of them passed through Jean's healing circle. And to think people dared to call
her the 'Nettle Knight' behind her back. Next to Jean the Deaconess Barbara was trying to get
through the flames with her Hydro Vision, but her attempts just caused hot vapour and she couldn't
keep putting the flames out in fear the vapour would injure the already burnt people. Instead she
helped Jean with the healing, treating the seriously wounded as fast as she could.

They needed to fight fire with fire and the only other Pyro knight was an, hopefully already
evacuated, eight year old. Diluc couldn't send out his Dawn, it would injure everyone running out
so he went in. Diluc caused more fire as he went, making it burn itself out and the turn to cinder.
He had to be fast, this much smoke… the unbearable heat… Kaeya already being heavily injured,
Diluc prayed to the Anemo Archon, to all of The Seven that at worst it was just some burnt hair
and minor burns. Something Barbara could heal.

Barbara was an amazing healer she would fix Kaeya and then they would go stab Eroch together. It
will be okay, Keaya will be fine. It will be okay.

Diluc promised father that they would not lose him the second time. He'll save him this time, he
won't fail his family again, not when they were given a second chance.
 All the world seemed to stop. In the rush Diluc finally realised where he was. At whose horribly
blackened cell his eyes had stopped. And there in the middle of Kaeya's cell was a charred corpse,
bones looking like nothing more than coal. Unrecognizable.

Diluc felt hot tears suddenly sting his eyes. He wanted to scream, to get help, to get a healer but no
sound came out. No amount of healing could fix this. He had failed his family again. He had
broken his promise to his father, he had failed to be strong enough to save Kaeya once again.
Useless, useless, useless! he was so damn useless once more.

Chapter End Notes

All the comments will be answered and all the kudos appreciated ❤

See you in 1-2 weeks for the next chapter!

 Red Eyes
Chapter Notes

I lost the second part of the chapter due to my phone shutting itself down for no
reason. I tried to rewrite it as fast as I could from memory and notes but it is what it is.

I'm sick, my sink broke and its hard to do dishes and I'm stuck in a chapter in my
bachelors. Hoping for a better week next week.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The fire had been put out. Barbara had to leave and aid the injured at the church. And eventually
Jean had to go down to the cells to look for Diluc. She suspected what she might find when she got
there since among the rescued prisoners there were no signs of Kaeya. She wished for the first time
in her life that a prisoner would have escaped their cell and ran away.

Once she arrived at the badly burned halls of the cells she quickly noticed who she was looking
for. Jean entered the burned open cell, no doubt Diluc's work to get in, and stood beside him. Diluc
was kneeling down next to a pile of charred bones silently muttering a mantra of words over and
over again, he had his hands together up to his chin in a prayer.

"...Lord Barbatos please, bring him back again! Please bring him back, please, please…"

It took no great detective to figure out whose bones those could be, and whose cell this had been
was further proof. In this fire there had been many injured, none had sustained life threatening
burns. And there was only one casualty. The one whose burned carcass was now in front of Jean.

"Please bring Kaeya back, please…just one more time, please..."

Her captain's voice was raspy and from what she could see he was covered in soot from the fire.
The soot made his tears running down his cheeks more visible. There were many streaks and his
eyes were red. Was it from crying or from the smoke Jean did not know. It could be both.

Seeing Diluc cry so openly was a rare sight. The only other time she's seen him shed tears was
when Kaeya had been killed. And now it seems the past had repeated itself. She wanted to comfort
him but if she spoke now she was afraid of breaking down herself. She couldn't be weak in front of
her subordinate or before her childhood friend.

"Diluc..." She rasped out his name, her voice betraying her. Diluc either didn't hear her or ignored
her. Jean cleared her throat and took a shaky breath to collect herself. "Diluc!" She said more
sternly. The praying stopped and Diluc slowly let his hands down.

"Jean," Diluc took a breath that was followed by a painful sounding slow exhale.

"Kaeya… burned." He stated with something akin to a sob to his words.

"He burned Jean! Celestia, he must have been in so much pain...I… I wish the smoke,...I wish the
smoke got to him before the fire, but I know fire and…" Diluc stopped and took another ragged
breath "The source of the fire was most likely… here." Diluc painfully swallowed, talking was
hurting his throat and the painful feeling in his chest didn't help either.
"Jean, why didn't he escape? The lock was burned open? I... don't understand!" As if something
clicked in Diluc's mind he quickly looked up to Jean "A Pyro user… Eroch must have hired a Pyro
user to do this!" Diluc's tone darkened as the grief made his mind jump to accusations

Jean's eyes widened in realization, it was possible. But why would Eroch assassinate Kaeya now
and so brutally, what does Eroch gains from such a display of brutality "But who would have Pyro
Vision so powerful to burn through the lock?" Only person she knew who could use their Pyro
Vision in such a pure manner was Diluc himself. Others like Klee preferred to use bombs similar to
how Amber used her explosive plush and arrows; as a catalyst. Only other she knew of was the
Adventurer Guild's Bennett, but he was a good kid and for his own safety he rarely burned his
sword to such a scorching degree. Then an outsider? There should've been rumors out already.
Mondstadt was good at gossiping about suspicious figures and newcomers. Vile would have
reported it instantly.

"I don't know." Said Diluc "But It's Eroch one way or another it has to be and I won't stand by any
longer and let him play this sick game." With a last sad red eyed lingering glance at the burned
bones Diluc got up. "I don't care what the consequences are, I'll kill him Jean! I'll kill him today!"

Jean's gaze was downcast. Diluc was right Eroch had to be stopped, but outright killing him would
ruin Diluc and his fsters good name. Evidence. They needed evidence against the man. Looking
down She had her attention on the pile of burned bones, now that Diluc was not kneeling next to
them she could see small details more clearly. The skull was cracked from the front, the overall
height felt wrong and the width of the ribs. Kaeya, even as an adult, was more slender than this.

Something is wrong.

Is this really... Kaeya?

Her eyes widened in realization. "Diluc wait!" Jean called out to her most trusted knight who was
already in motion heading out to find his target.

"Don't try to stop me Jean! Look what he has done, I can't let him walk away from this I can't."
Said Diluc not turning around to face Jean. She didn't understand. Eroch killed Keaya. If Kaeya's
story from the other world was right Jean would be next on his revenge list. Then why not Diluc
himself and his father? Eroch probably already suspects that both or at least one of the Ragnvindrs
know of what he really is. "I'm sorry, Jean, but Eroch is one monster I am able to kill to avenge my
brother." He's started to move to leave. He would not be stopped by Jean.

"It's not Kaeya." blurted out Jean. Perhaps she shouldn't have. She wasn't sure if this really wasn't
Kaeya, the body was burned beyond all recognition. Not to mention giving Diluc false hope like
this would be cruel. But also believing this was Kaeya only because of the location the body was
found in was not solid enough evidence.

"What I meant to say was, this might not be Kaeya." Jean tried to correct herself quickly but the
damage was already done. But Diluc had already spun around eyes wild and brow knit in confusion
"What?"

"I think we need to call Sucrose, she's well versed in...bones." Jean tried to address this carefully.
Since bones were all that was left of the person who might not even be Kaeya. 'What ifs' and
'maybes' would leave her restless. Diluc nodded. He seemed to understand, or maybe he hoped
Jean was a right. Jean herself hoped she was too. Otherwise Diluc might just go on an arson spree
to find Eroch.

~
Jean and Diluc, one more patently than the other, stood next to the young alchemist's apprentice as
she examined the bones very carefully and scribbled away in her notepad.

After several minutes that seemed like an eternity, Sucrose finally spoke "Grand...grand Master
Jean, Captain. The… the physical description of Kaeya Ragnvindr you gave me does not match the
corpse. Ah,... well the bones." Sucrose stammered a bit nervously. This would have been much
easier for her if she could have just given a written report. But the Grand Master insisted on
urgency.

Jean could feel a huge breath she didn't know she was holding in leave her. She could see Diluc
was having a similar reaction. It was a relief. He stayed silent and just stared at the bones more
carefully now, his mind was now clearer, sharper. No longer clouded by pain and grief.

"Are you absolutely sure Sucrose?" Asked Jean.

"Yes, completely sure. Sir Kaeya was in his early twenties and, from your description, slimmer
than Captain Diluc and a little taller, but these bones belong to someone in their late thirties, the
man was quite wide and looks to be shorter than Captain. There is also one golden tooth that was
blackened from the soot and the injury to the front of the skull could be what killed this man not
the fire." Sucrose said as she fidgeted through her notes. "There is no possible way this is Kaeya
Ragnvindr." Finalized Sucrose confidently adjusting her glasses.

"May… I go now?" All the momentary confidence left her as she shyly asked Jean for permission
to return to her other research. She really was just waiting time now.

Jean dismissed the girl and made her swear to keep this to herself. Sucrose of course agreed, and
when she left Diluc finally said something. "Kaeya never had a golden tooth… last time I saw him
smile he had nothing of the sort." A single tear rolled down the redhead's cheek "It's not him. He is
somewhere out there. Alive."

Jean just nodded with a small soft smile. "Of course." This wasn't proof that Kaeya was alive. But
if this kept Diluc from lashing out at Eroch and possibly ruining his own life in the process, Diluc
thinking Kaeya just needed to be found was good enough for now. "Maybe Kaeya ran away and he
did all this?" Suggested Jean, it was unlikely his head would have been killing him the whole time.
Someone would've been bound to see him. Kaeya didn't exactly look like your average
Mondstadtian, it was clear he was a foreigner and everyone knew of him, not to mention loved him
as a hero.

"No, not in his state." Said Diluc "I've got two possible theories" the redhead held up two fingers
"First, Eroch loves spreading rumors, so making it appear Kaeya died in fire could imply that
someone with a Pyro Vision had assassinated him. And he has already made the people believe the
lies about you, and now he wants to get the people to go against your right hand man."

"You? He wants to frame you?" With realization Jean stated more than asked.

Diluc nodded and held up his second finger "And there is a second theory. People love Kaeya. A
lot. More than they would ever love any other public figure from the knights, he is their hero but
also one of them in a way."

Since Jean and Diluc were from respectable clans of Mondstandt. They came from the aristocrats,
and even if their clans were nothing like the likes of the Lawrence clan that used to rule over the
common folk and worse of all enslaved people. Jean and Diluc even without their titles in the
knights were still in a way in a higher social status than the majority of Mondstandt. Kaeya was
not, he didn't have the Ragnvindr blood in him, just their favor. In the eyes of Mondstandt he was a
lucky abandoned child who was adopted by a wealthy family, a child who fell in love with the city
and finally gave up his life for it. A true fairytale hero.

Jean seemed to understand, she knew how the people talked of Kaeya. Like he was the reason they
still had their beautiful city. Which, actually, could be true. "So, he is like an idol to them, like my
sister?"

"Not exactly like the Deaconess, more like a hero than an idol. My point is, he probably has a
following. Not really fans like Barbara, but more like followers I'd say." Said Diluc.

"You think these followers broke Kaeya out and placed a decoy in his cell? That's a bit excessive
don't you think?" Jean had a really hard time believing the people of Mondstadt would do such a
thing.

Diluc gave his superior an unamused look "Look at what Barbara's fan club has done in the past, I
think you need to give the obsessed people of Mondstadt a little more credit."

Jean stopped and thought for a second, a shudder went down her spine thinking about what those
people have shown themselves to be capable of. "Fair point."

"But don't get me wrong, I'm leaning more on Eroch being behind this all, he probably has Kaeya
hidden away somewhere." Diluc seemed to be back to himself. Jean was relieved, unhinged Pyro
Captain could be dangerous not only for his enemies but for himself too. Being a Pyro Vision
welder did not stop fire from hurting the one causing it and Diluc liked to burn a lot.

"So what do we do now?" Asked Jean.

"We can't really go after Eroch right now." Muttered Diluc in an annoyed voice, there was nothing
more that he wanted more right now than to smash the man's face in regardless if he was the one
that took Kaeya or not "He probably took Keaya as a precaution, but he might not be involved at all
and everything I've said could be wrong, but he is the only one that makes sense, and the only one
that dislikes Kaeya enough to fake his death." Diluc was now completely immersed in his knight
role. He might be a better battle strategist but when it's about his brother he can become an
investigator, since the knights current investigator was corrupt to the core.

"We can go to the cathedral to investigate. Some of the injured must have seen something strange
before the fire broke out." It was pulling at straws but it's the best shot at information they had.

"Captain wait," Said Jean with urgency in her voice "I'll go if Eroch was really trying to frame you,
you won't be a welcomed sight in the church right now."

"You're not so loved yourself right now Grand Master, you're sure you want to go alone?" The
rumors of 'Nettle Knight' weren't pretty, and the rumors were still fresh on peoples tongues.

"I might not be well liked among some people, but since Barbara is my sister and she's a
Deaconess there I'll be safe. A few insults thrown my way won't stop me from doing what needs to
be done." Said Jean with the air of authority, the people have been deceived and that was a crime
against them. Against Mondstadt. Jean would see it through that she can bring justice to everyone
wronged in the process.

"Besides, you probably need to talk to your father. You know the speed of which the rumors travel
in Mondstadt. It's probably best if he stays away from the city centre for a while, take him to the
Dawn Winery where it's safe." Diluc looked like he wanted to disagree, probably not wanting Jean
to go alone "That's an order Captain!" She said with a warning in her voice.
Diluc exhaled giving up "Yes, Acting Grand Master." Jean was right, but it didn't make it any
easier letting her walk right into the belly of the beast that were many injured detainees and
knights.

Diluc had found his father almost close to hysteria pacing back and forth in the upper room of the
tavern where he had last left him. Crepus had made the mistake of opening the window and
hearing the townsfolk talking.

"Haven't you heard? There's a fire in the cells of the Knights Order, they say that Pyro Cavalry
Captain got angry and killed His own brother there, burned him to nothing but ash!"

"You mean Sir Kaeya … our most heroic Knight was killed by his own brother? How did Celestia
allow this was he not brought back by the gods themselves?"

"I heard he was ordered by the Nettle Knight, he did not want to do it but she forced him!"

"You're a fool, the Pyro Captain and the Nettle Knight are on the same page, they didn't want our
Heroic Knight to rank higher than them!"

"The children of aristocrats have no shame, to kill a friend? A brother? A fellow Knight? Because
of power, no shame at all."

First thing Diluc did was slam the window shut, second calm his father. "They are just fools
fathers, they don't know what they are saying. It wasn't Kaeya, it wasn't and I would never hurt
him!"

It took a while but finally Crepus was calm. He hanged to every word Diluc said. "Is Adelinde at
the winery today doing clean up?"

Crepus nodded, still a little shaky. "Yes, she should be there right now."

"Good, you're going to stay there till me and Jean have cleared up the situation, alright father?"
Diluc put a blanket on his father's shoulders and guided him downstairs. Ideally he would have a
carriage prepared, but there was no time. Diluc had brought two horses along, his father was a
good horse rider and so there was no concern about him not keeping up.

The ride to the winery was longer than it needed to be. But Diluc could not bring himself to push
his father to go any faster. It would be fine, Eroch wouldn't hurt Keaya. Diluc hoped he wouldn't at
least.

By the time they arrived at the winery it was already dark out. The winery was suspiciously well lit
in the upper floors, there was a dim light in the guest bedroom and a somewhat familiar figure
moving around the source of the lights. Probably just another maid who was helping Adelinde
today. No need to be paranoid. Diluc told himself that at least. He was on edge and it was clear.

Tunner was still out and about and when he saw Diluc and his father on horses he stared at Diluc a
little too long. Tunner being a good helping hand as always offered to bring the horses to the stable
while muttering "Guess I'm old...heh.. no way… I could've sworn the young master was here
already…" Diluc did raise his eyebrow at Tunner but he had more pressing matters at hand. The
matters were putting his father to bed and instructing Adelinde to not leave his side. Diluc put his
hands around Crepus shoulders and guided him to the entrance of the winery.

Diluc didn't bother to knock, it was his father's winery after all, he'll apologize for startling the
 maids later. The sight that greeted him there almost made his eyes bulge out of his head.

Andelide's back was turned away from the door and in the middle of the winery she was talking to
a very familiar face that was also covered in soot, the wild red hair was pulled in a similar ponytail
as his own and his own eyes stared at him in shock. That was until the red eyes shifted their gaze to
Crepus.

The wine tycoon Diluc Ragnvindr took a step forward past Adelinde his face bearing pain as did
his voice "Father?..." The red head, clad in black, took another step forward "Father, you're alive?"

Pyro Cavalry Captain Diluc Ragnvindr drew his claymore.

Chapter End Notes

Next chapter Diluc vs. Diluc? And where is Kaeya? Who was the corpse? And where
the Hell is Eroch?

This chapter was shorter than usual sorry about that. Life be like that sometimes

So how was your week? Mine sucked. See you in 1-2 weeks!
 A Splash of Water to the Face
Chapter Notes

Early update because I'm getting very busy for the next 2 weeks!

Enjoy!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Pyro Cavalry Captain Diluc Ragnvindr drew his claymore. "Who?!" He pointed this weapon at the
man who looked almost identical to him "The hell are you?"

The other man in black ignored him and stared straight at Crepus. Crepus stared back at the man
who looked just like his eldest son. Only more tired in a way, rugged. "Diluc?" Said Crepus. Both
of the younger redheads reacted. The one standing in front of him, wearing his captain's uniform,
gave his father a sideways glance, but the other. He looked like he wanted to reach out, his mouth
and was left agape like he wanted to say something but no sound was coming out, besides his initial
words upon seeing Crepus.

'Father?' The man before him had called him that. He looked just like Diluc, but the eyes, there
was something different with the eyes that looked at him.

No, the man didn’t look like Diluc, he was Diluc, Crepus was sure of it. Not his Diluc, just like the
Kaeya who was brought back to them was not really their Kaeya. But this was his son, just not of
this world. "Diluc." Crepus said again but this time looking at his son standing in front of him with
his claymore drawn. "Son, put down your weapon. It's fine."

Captain Diluc Ragnvindr ignored his father and spoke to Adelinde not looking away from the other
'him' "Adelinde please take Father upstairs to rest, he had a long day." It was not fine, it was not
fine at all. Diluc knew who this was.

Adelinde looked torn for a second but the other 'Diluc' also nodded at her.
"Understood, young master." She answered one of the two, which? No one was sure. Adelinde
took Crepus by his forearm and regardless of his protests managed to make him follow her.

"...it will be alright, Master Crepus, please I have something to show you…" What she whispered
in his ear made Crepus more pliant and he followed her willingly, even hurried a bit. That got him
a sideways glance from the redheaded captain, who quickly turned back to the only other person
left in the middle of the winery.

"I'll ask again." Said the captain. "Who are you?

"The name is Diluc Ragnvindr," Said the man clad in black looking back at the Pyro Captain with
the same red eyes "Put down your weapon, I don't want to fight you, we shouldn't be making a lot
of noise right now." The doppelganger said with a tired sigh.

"You're here for Kaeya aren't you?" The captain said with a sneer for his voice.

The doppelganger didn't move, just stood his ground. "And what if I am?"
The captain slowly advanced forward dragging the claymore behind him "You disowned him,
threw him out, left him all alone YOU TRIED TO KILL HIM AND NOW YOU WANT TO
TAKE HIM AWAY FROM US?" He grabbed the others collar and sneered in his face "Do you
have any idea what I would give to have my brother back? To have my family be whole again?"
The captain released his grip from the other's collar and made the wine tycoon stumble back a bit.

The man clad in black was looking down the whole time frowning. He was angry, ashamed and
hurt. He thought he knew how the captain felt. He had lost Kaeya as well and his father, shouldn't
he be the one angry, the one yelling at the other? Yet he felt shame and pain as the words stung
him. But he would have never done to Kaeya what the captain had done to him. Diluc would never
lock Kaeya up and beat him. Kaeya wasn't a traitor.

The captain looked down at the other "You've lost your right to claim him as family the night he
told you who he really was and you decided to burn him!"

The words hit a nerve "I…" The other tries to defend himself, but what is there to defend, he had
made Kaeya face his flames. "Father had died… and Kaeya revealed who he was. I-I was so angry,
I only saw red, I only wanted to see red."

"I really don't care about your excuses!" Said the captain raising his claymore "Go back to where
you came from, this is your one and final warning!"

"No." Said the wine tycoon, looking up at the captain "I won't leave Kaeya in a world like this!
Where he is treated like a prisoner."

With a low growl the captain swung his sword down on the other, who in turn knowing his own
moves dodged. It was him, he burned down the cells, of course who else besides Diluc himself
could commit such arson "YOU! YOU WERE THE ONE WHO CAUSED THE FIRE WEREN'T
YOU? WHERE IS HE?"

"Wouldn't you like to know? Do you want to beat him up and lock him up for justice again?" Diluc
had heard the rumors about how this Pyro Captain and a "Nettle Knight" had run this city during
his escape from the knights cells to the winery.

"What in the name of Barbatos are you talking about?!" The Pyro Cavalry Captain tries to take
another swing at the other man, who skillfully dodges again trying to minimize the damage to the
winery.

"I've never hurt him!" The captain swings again, and again, "Unlike you!" He frantically swung
the claymore trying to get to the other. Finally he backs the man in black into the corner of the
wall. "Now," he sets the claymore aflame and closes in on the other "Where is Kaeya?!"

"Cut me up if you want, I have two days left at best anyway, but you're not getting to him!" Said
the man in the corner. The captain raised his weapon at the invite for violence.

Suddenly a large splash of water from above drenches them both extinguishing the claymore's
flame with a hiss. "Please young Masters, be silent!" Adelinde says from the top of the stairwell
with a large, now empty water jug in hand.

"I couldn't help but to overhear your conversation young masters, I believe a more civilized
discussion would be more fruitful. And of course keep it low volume for the young master resting
upstairs!" She said sternly yet courtly like a professional maid would.

The cavalry captain recovered quickly from the water splash "Young master? Kaeya is here?" He
looked from Adelinde who gave him a nod to the other 'him' who looked to be ready to fight again.
"You brought Kaeya here? I thought you wanted to keep him away from me for some reason."
Questioned the captain.

"Regardless where I am, I trust Adelinde." Said the weaponless Diluc. "While I was in the city I
heard rumors about 'Pyro Cavalry Captain' and a 'Nettle Knight'. It sounded to me like you two
were out to get Kaeya. If I'm wrong I do apologise, but looking at the state Kaeya was in I was
convinced the rumors to be true." Diluc made himself calm down so he took a breath and took off
his now soaked coat and went over to the still lit fireplace to place it above the flame turning his
back on the captain.

"I was actually discussing it with Adelinde the moment you walked in, and the rest escalated from
there."

"But you're here to take him back?" Questioned the captain, he meant what he said. He won't allow
it, there was no one for Kaeya there, here he had a family.

The man next to the fireplace sighed "Initially no. But the state he was in when I found him made
me rethink it. He was supposed to be happier here, but I found him beaten and delusional sitting in
a cell. Where he is from, our world, he is too respected to be treated that way. There is also no way
he'll ever be found out." Diluc would never allow it. It's better if they both take Kaeya's secret to
the grave. And if Kaeya stays here it might just be the case.

"You know I won't allow it." Said the captain, Adelinde passed him and went to stand beside the
other Diluc to take his coat from him. The other man thanked her as he handed over the wet coat.
He turned back to the captain, seeing the Knights of Favonius clothes on the spitting image of
himself still hurt, but he still faced the other man "It's not our choice, it's Kaeya's."

"So he is staying?" The captain lifted his chin to make the statement, this was not a question, there
was no way Kaeya would choose the other.

"Most likely." Was the blunt reply.

"Why are you still here then?" The captain approached the other man but went for the warmth of
the fireplace instead, he didn't look at the wine industry's tycoon, but at the flames as he too tried to
get dry.

The man clad in black sighed, more annoyed than anything "The ones who brought me here bailed
on me, and I wanted to make sure Kaeya would be safe. Don't worry my days are numbered."
There was something somber about the last part of what the man had said. Acceptance but with
finality, like this was it for him.

Red eyes side eyed the other "What do you mean 'your days are numbered'? It doesn't sound like
you're simply going back to your world." The captain wasn't worried, this other world version of
him could drop dead for all he cared, he wanted the other man gone, but he was curious.

"Let's just say I made a deal with someone, to get what I want back. I can't back out of the deal that
I made without thinking so It might cost me my life." Said the more rugged looking red head.

"You must really want that something back if you're giving up your life so easily for it."

"I owed him that much. I don't know if telling you the details would achieve much, but I'll say this,
I just wanted to have his remains to be buried in a place he called home, that's all." Diluc warmed
his hands over the fire, he didn't face the captain while speaking.
"Yet now you want Kaeya to go back to your world? What changed? Seemed like you already had
this all figured out in the first place." The captain turned to the wine tycoon and put his hand on his
heart and gave the other his most earnest tone"Leave Kaeya here with me and father, you know it's
better for him."

The rugged redhead snorted "I want him to return for his own sake not mine, initially I did want
him to stay here, but from what I'm seeing he is going to get himself killed here!" There was a
sneer to Diluc's voice.

"I won't let any harm come to him!" Not anymore at least, too much was done to Kaeya while
Diluc wasn't there to keep a close eye on him.

The wine tycoon gave the captain a humorless laugh. "Am I supposed to believe that? Have you
seen what was done to him? He had a serious head injury and a guard was on his way to give him
another one, in the state that he already was, it could've been fatal! You damn Knight of the
Favonius, you're all insufficient!"

The captain stayed silent for a while. He had almost lost Kaeya again, and he was none the wiser.
How foolish of him to leave Kaeya's side in the first place when Eroch was after him. He
swallowed and said the next words like they physically hurt him, "Thank you… for saving him.
But that doesn't mean I am at peace with what you've done to my brother in the past."

The man in black twitched. Hearing his own voice even say the word 'brother' felt like a hot
burning lash on Diluc's heart. The last time he had referred to Kaeya in such a manner, perhaps
only in his mind, had been when he had finally broken down and cried over Kaeya's remains in the
cold room."Believe me no one hates me for what I've done more than myself," he sighed "well
maybe except Kaeya."

"He doesn't hate you, you know. But he is afraid of you." Said the captain "he doesn't fear your
flames, he fears you will give him up to the knights, ruin all that he has built for himself. Make
Mondstadt, his home, hate him."

"I Wouldn't… I wouldn't do that...'' The wine tycoon stuttered a bit. He knew he had leverage over
Kaeya. If he wanted he would have sent Kaeya to be imprisoned the very day he had returned to
Mondstadt. But he didn't. Wouldn't. Kaeya was loyal to the knights, to Jean, to Mondstadt. "He
knows I wouldn't."

"No, he doesn't, because you don't talk to him. You act as if he is an eyesore and you'd gladly see
him gone don't you? I know you, I know us, I know how we act when we're petty." Said the
captain "Look I don't want him to go back with you and I'm sure he wouldn’t choose you anyway,"
the captain looked at his doppelganger up and down with clear distaste, "but I don't want him to
live thinking that you- we any version of us, hate him."

"I don't hate him..."

"I know, he doesn't. Tell him."

Their stare off and exchange of strong yet finally sensible words, was cut off by Adelinde, who
had left unnoticed and arrived in the same manner. "Young masters," she announced, staring in the
space between them as she said it, not to address one before the other "Young master Kaeya is
awake."

~
Last thing Kaeya remembers was Diluc. He had stared back at the redhead from where he was
sitting and had said "You're actually here?"

What Kaeya felt with those words wasn't relief. He was afraid.

Why would Diluc, his, Diluc be here? He was sure at first that his head injury had just made him
see things.
Was Diluc here to make sure Kaeya never comes back to his world? No hallucination could do
what he did burn and kill… so Kaeya concluded that Diluc was actually here. The guard, no doubt
had his neck broken if not snapped by Diluc, probably to get rid of the only other witness.

Was this Kaeya's retribution that he knew would someday come.

Fear raced through his entire body, he wanted to believe he wasn't afraid to die, but he couldn't do
this to Jean, he couldn't leave her to face off Eroch without him. To father, he couldn't make him
go through the loss of another son… and Diluc. The Diluc who loved him, he simply did not want
to hurt Diluc.

Yet here he was, the judge and executioner Diluc Ragnvindr, the man who held Kaeya's secrets,
therefore his life. And he had tried to take Kaeya's life before with his searing flames. Nothing
stopping his estranged brother now.

Diluc came closer to Kaeya, the guard he had punched had caught fire. It was starting to smell like
burnt hair in the cell. Diluc turned to him, face still twisted in rage, his glove searing and sizzling
the blood being evaporated on it. Diluc was approaching him fast and bending down to Kaeya's
level.

Kaeya closed his eye, he didn't want to see it happen, he didn't want to see if Diluc would use Pyro
or his, just now acquired, sword to end him. He hoped for the sword, that way he could imagine it
wasn't Diluc, but some treasure hunter or someone else killing him.

He felt a touch to the side of his face where the bruise was. The touch wasn't one to hurt him, yet
Kaeya flinched. It was comforting, gentle.

Kaeya opened his eye to look at Diluc. His gaze wasn't soft and loving like the Cavalry Captain
Diluc of this world often gave him, but the gaze did hold something Kaeya had not seen in his
estranged brother's eyes for years.

It was worry. And some fondness. Just a little of it but surely it was there.

He was worried about Kaeya?

"Does it hurt?" Asked Diluc, no doubt thinking Kaeya flinched from pain not fear. No, not Diluc.
Probably still an illusion of the mind. His Diluc hated his guts and wouldn't care, he wouldn't come
for Kaeya, he wouldn't look like he hasn't slept because of Kaeya. Diluc Ragnvindr, the real Diluc
hated him, so why? Why was he here asking if Kaeya was hurt?

Instead of replying to the redhead's question Kaeya once again repeated "You're actually here?"

"I'm here Kaeya." The redhead assured and Kaeya's pulse and breathing sped up. He was staring
far away and gasped for air as if his lungs suddenly didn't know how to work. It looked like a
panic attack. It was a panic attack.

'Shit' thought Diluc, was he having some kind of an episode? Why now, why here?! They needed
to escape and quick, there was a burning corpse that would soon, no doubt, be noticed by patrolling
guards.

"Kaeya? Are you alright? Can you stand up we gotta get out of here- KAEYA!" Kaeya's one eye
rolled back into his skull as he went limp, but luckily was caught by Diluc. Just in time too, right
before almost hitting his head against a hard surface also known as the floor. Diluc checked on
him, there was a pulse, and his breathing was normal.

Shit, shit, shit, shit!

Kaeya just had to make this harder than it already was. Typical.

Diluc was no master schemer, but he figured out a quick plan that would involve one thing he
knew the best in the world. Fire.

Diluc carried Kaeya out as far as he could in the hall. There was no one there now but if Diluc
wanted to escape through the knight infested Favonius headquarters with a passed out grown ass
man in his arms he needed a diversion. He laid Kaeya gently down on the floor and covered him
with his coat. To hide his identity if some walked by. It wasn't ideal, but there is no time.

Diluc dragged the already burning knight's corpse by its feet in the centre of Kaeya's cell. Then all
that was left was to make the body unrecognizable. Making him into charred bones it is then.

Diluc let his flames loose.

Hr made sure to set fire to everything that would burn in the cell. The Cot, the wooden bits in the
architecture, whatever could catch flames. It wasn't long before someone noticed the smoke. Other
prisoners were in more far away cells for some reason, like Kaeya was being kept away from the
rest. Isolated.

Less casualties then, good.

Not like Diluc cared much for the lives of criminals, but some of them were petty thieves and that
does not mean they should die. The prisoners started screaming and calling for help in no time.

Knights started to rush in and Diluc took Kaeya and hid in the cell the furthest back, it was
thankfully empty.

He waited till full panic ensued. The flames wouldn't hurt him, he was still in control of them, he
was keeping them alive, regardless of the attempts the knights made to put them out.

Once the knights realized evacuation was the only option, that's when the real chaos started. That's
when Diluc could escape with Kaeya unannounced.

Many knights were helping people get out of the cells so Diluc pretended to be one of them.

Kaeya was still covered with his coat so no one could see that it was him. It looked like Diluc was
just trying to carry off a poor passed out person and was using the coat to keep the smoke from
getting to them. Which was perfect. The smoke did get to Diluc and on his way out he could help
but to have his face covered in a bit of sod.

Which once again worked in his favor. It made people not recognise him.

He managed to carry him all the way outside of the Knights of Favonius headquarters. A crowd of
observers had formed. Even more perfect. He could blend in so he did. The crowd cared only for
the fire not the injured being carried out. They let him pass without a second glance. He was just
 one of the many helping people out of the fire.

Slowly pushing through the crowds his eyes caught a familiar blonde ponytail and two pigtails
following.

Jean and Barbara had arrived at the site.

Diluc ducked his head lower. And with the arrival of the Acting Grand Master whispers started to
reach Diluc's ears.

"Nettle Knight… "

"Now a fire… Her Pyro Captain?"
"… their plan to kill… his own brother?"
"I knew it all… all along!"
"Sir Kaeya… his cell?"
"Monsters...both… murderers!"
"But Celestia?...a sin... no shame!"

Diluc did not know how legitimate these whispers were. But even rumors had some basis. Kaeya
was not safe with the knights that is sure. If these whispers were right Kaeya wasn't safe in this
world at all.

Where was Zhongli and Venti when you need them? Damn the Archons! Damn them all! Diluc
will make sure that Venti's bar tab will become non-existent if they could just help him get Kaeya
to safety and away from the city.

As if the Archons actually had heard Diluc's curse or how they probably had perceived it; prayer,
the redhead spotted an abandoned cart that was ready to leave, horse and all.

Diluc wasted no time and went for it. He put Kaeya in the back, trying to place him down as
comfortably as possible, but there was no time. Kaeya is passed out anyway, he'll deal. Not like he
can be snarky and complain about it anyway while unconscious.

Diluc took the reins and didn't look back as he headed to the only place he could consider close to
being safe. He just hoped Adelinde had not changed her schedule from when the Ragnvindrs still
had a manor and a winery.

In the far and dark corner among all the chaos Inspector Eroch watched, as one very familiar
redhead drove away while an identical one rushed back into the burning knights of Favonius
headquarters.

The man sneered. He was boiling with rage.

Eroch did not like this one bit. His paradise was being invested by parasites of his past.

Chapter End Notes

I know I usually say see you in 1-2 weeks, but this time really see you in 2 weeks not
5-6 days like I actually upload! I got a deadline for my bachelors so it can't be helped!
(Don't worry ch 16 is already in the works)

So see you in 2 weeks dear readers! I still will respond to comments as per usual!
❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
 Tea Time
Chapter Notes

"I won't update for two weeks!" I said like a liar.

So yeah, I can't stop finishing chapters on weekly bases. Oops!

Bachelor is 90% finished!

I'll just say I'll update at my own pace now!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Kaeya awoke in a very comfortable bed. It was not his little bed from the Ragnvindr Manor nor his
regular one in his house back in his original world. It felt to be just the right size and softness. His
comfort was only interrupted by the pain he felt behind his skull. It was pulsating yet sharp and
overall unpleasant.

He slowly opened his one uncovered eye and took in his surroundings.

Ah, the guest bedroom in the winery. He has been in here as a child while playing hide-and-seek
with Diluc.

Last thing Kaeya remembers seeing was Diluc. He wants to tell himself that Diluc was all just a
dream or an illusion of the mind, but Kaeya had felt his touch on his cheek. It was real. Diluc was
here. But right now the injured man woke up alone with no one by his side.

Kaeya got startled a bit when the door opened, but the people entering set his mind at ease. Crepus
and Adelinde. His adoptive father looks horrible. But then again who is Kaeya to judge him by
appearance when he looks all beat and exhausted himself.

"Kaeya…" Crepus sighs his son's name in relief while being wary of the volume of his voice.
Kaeya can feel he should be grateful to Adelinde for instructing Crepus to keep his voice down.

The older man is at his bedside in a heartbeat, gently cupping his cheek the way Diluc had back in
the cell. With worry and affection. The resemblance between father and son was uncanny.

If this look on Crepus' face meant worry, fondness… and love? Then surely the look on Diluc's
face back then… could it have been laced with the same sentiments? Kaeya knew he saw worry in
the same red eyes that are staring at him now.

But love? Maybe Kaeya was seeing things back then after all, even if he admits Diluc, his Diluc is,
or was, actually here.

"Father?" The title rolls off Kaeya's tongue like it has always just naturally belonged there "Diluc?"
The blue haired man asks unable to form full questions at the moment due to his own voice
making him flinch with pain. Raspy morning voice sounds like pain inside one's head during a
concussion.

It's Adelinde who answers his question "I'll inform the young masters that you've awakened." She
gives a court bow of her head and on her way out grabs a water jug on a table near the door "This
must be stale, I'll bring you some fresh water young master." She says with a glint in her eye and a
small smile. And with that she leaves Crepus and Kaeya alone.

Crepus is of course all over his adopted son with questions, while the older man's hand is still on
the other's cheek "Who hurt you? Was it that snake Eroch?" The man's words were quiet but there
was an edge to them.

Kaeya managed to rasp out a couple words. "Not exactly...Eroch, the one who did this is dead.
Diluc… killed them." Before Cerpus could ask any follow up questions Kaeya spoke once more. "It
was not… it was my Diluc." Kaeya searched the eldar man's face for something. Surprise or shock
but Crepus just nodded. "He'll be here soon." The older man tried to reassure Kaeya but the words
were not comforting, quite the opposite Kaeya felt dread. But for Crepus' sake Kaeya just nodded
and let himself sink back into the comfort of the bed.

Kaeya's attention shifted to the various background sounds. There were some muffled words, the
sound of something crashing and the unmistakable swooshing sound of a weapon being swung
around. Then the sound of a splash followed by a female's voice. Then more muffled words this
time there was no sound of much movement.

Kaeya was curious what all the racket was about. But since Crepus was here and also heard it but
still looked calm Kaeya just gave him a questioning gaze.

"Adelinde won't let them kill each other don't worry." Replied Crepus.

Kaeya's eye widened. "He is here? Now?" Seeing his son's distressed face made Crepus instantly
worry. "Adelinde told me he was the one who brought you in… I thought you knew he was here."
Said Crepus.
Kaeya shook his head from side to side "I didn't know… I thought (hoped) he left."
"Kaeya, did he do something to you? You look terrified." Cerpus reached down and stroked his
son's head, he found Kaeya to be trembling just a little.

"He hasn't!" Kaeya quickly clarifies. "He hasn't, (not since that rainy night) I'm just afraid of him…
I never show it. Usually, I try to put up a front when I'm near him, but I think I'm afraid of him."
Kaeya takes in a small breath.

"Father do you think Mondstandt would hate me if they were to find out who I am?"

The question takes Crepus by surprise. Mondstadt to hate their brave young heroic knight? Their
saviour? The slayer of Ursa? "No, I don't think anyone could hate you." He tries to sound as
reassuring as he possibly can.

"But what if I wasn't their hero, just a captain in the knights, would people hate me then?" The
question is but a small whisper from the blue haired man-, no boy, Kaeya looks more like the
young boy Crepus remembers and it makes the older man frown.

"Kaeya you are here now, the people love you, me and Diluc love you. Why are you asking these
things?" Crepus avoids the question because he does not want to lie to Kaeya. In truth he thinks an
exile would be a mercy in Kaeya's situation.

"I just think Diluc, my Diluc, hates me."

"Kaeya…" Crepus starts.

"I'm afraid of him exposing who I am, that is why I think I fear him." Kaeya's voice picks up
despite the pain it causes him. "I love him father I really do love him he was the only person I had
left, but I'm so afraid of losing everything because of him"

Crepus sighs "Son, no matter what, Diluc would never hate you. He might get mad at you, but he
loves you, he would never do that to you."

"The Diluc you know wouldn't, but the man that Diluc had become in my world, he wouldn't even
hesitate if he even suspected that I
was planning something against his city."
Kaeya gave his father a pained look.
"The Diluc I know hates me for who I am."

Before Crepus could find comforting words a familiar voice spoke up from the unnoticed now
open door.

"I don't...!" Started Diluc. The one and only master Diluc that Kaeya had grown up with. Captain
Diluc pushed past him ignoring the grunt that came out of the other identical redhead as the captain
moved towards HIS brother.

"Kaeya!" The cavalry captain was by Kaeya's bed side and engulfing him in a breathtaking
embrace as fast as humanly possible. "I thought I lost you in the fire." The captain breathed into the
crook of Kaeya's neck "Thank the Archons, you're safe." The captain let his adopted brother go
when he felt the other was struggling to breathe in his tight grip.

"Sorry…" The captain trailed off when he looked at Kaeya and saw that his adopted brother's
attention wasn't on him but on the other 'Diluc' and the other 'Diluc' stared back at him.

There was something unsettling about the way Kaeya stared at him. Diluc knew what had
happened between the two of them. He had brought the other 'Diluc' here to fix it but the look on
Kaeya's face made him reconsider.

It felt like the cavalry captain was interrupting something even though he was the one who was
hugging Kaeya. A pang of jealousy hit him and a sudden urge to have Kaeya's attention all to
himself made captain Diluc physically take Kaeya's head in his hands and almost forcefully turn
his gaze towards him. "Are you feeling better now?" He asked when Kaeya's eyes finally moved to
turn their attention on him.

Kaeya gently removed the captain's hands from the sides of his face and gave him a small yet
charming smile. "I'm fine, Luc." The nickname drew a sharp intake of breath from the redhead in
the doorway. It brought some kind of twisted joy to the captain.

So Kaeya doesn't call him that anymore? Well, that's just too bad isn't it. "Kae…" Diluc began and
Kaeya's eye moved, oh so slightly, to catch a quick glance of the other redhead. The captain hoped
that the other was squirming and feeling horrible because he should. He had been a horrible
brother to Kaeya, so 'Luc' will show him what he has been missing.

"Father and strange yet respectable... guest," The captain addressed Diluc in accordance with the
knight code "could you both step outside for a moment there is something I want to discuss with
my brother." The word 'brother' was emphasized and this time Diluc saw just the tiniest twitch in
the other 'Diluc's' eye. It felt oh so sweet.

The other Diluc's eyes moved from Kaeya to the captain then to Crepus. Crepus seeing the red eyes
that landed on him and fixate returned the gaze with a smile "I believe we could sit down with a
cup of tea, what do you say Diluc?"
"Y-yes, of course." He stuttered out, which was uncharacteristic of him. Diluc never thought he
would see his father again yet here he was being clapped on the shoulder by Crepus Ragnvindr,
who looked to be older than in his memories, and now being lead out of the room.

As the door closed, the cavalry captain Diluc got a weaker than usual hit on his shoulder. "Stop
being a brat!" Said Kaeya as he lowered his fist, and slumped back down on his bed as if it took all
the energy out of him.

"How am I being a brat?" Said Diluc with a smug smile, yet he still shot a worried glance at
Kaeya, who probably needs to rest.

"You know very well what you're doing."

"He deserves it." He deserves a fist in his face.

"Luc…" Kaeya exhaled, he was tired "What did you want to talk about?"

"Nothing actually," Diluc shrugged," just wanted to make him leave, you didn't seem comfortable."

"Told you, you're a brat. I'm fine." Kaeya rolled his eye at him.

"Sure you are. Sleep, I'll watch over you for a bit." And make the other 'Diluc' agonize about what
we are talking about.

The cavalry captain made himself comfortable on the chair next to Kaeya's bed and put his hands
behind his head. Now that things were calm might as well nap a bit while he still can.

"Mmmhm…" And Kaeya did that as welm. Even as he drifted off he had to admit having Diluc…
this Diluc, here, made him feel just a little bit more safe.

He wished so desperately to feel the same way with his Diluc.

"Thank you Adelinde." Said Crepus as the maid put cups of hot tea in front of him and Diluc who
was sitting at the opposite side of the table. This man was not his son, but looking at him being
visibly distressed and just staring at Cerpus made the older man feel protective over him. Similar
to how he felt towards Kaeya even if Crepus was well aware that his Kaeya is still dead.

"So," Cerpus began looking at the state Diluc was in "I see you haven't slept much." He tried to
start the conversation.

Diluc just shook his head. "I've been... occupied, I did manage to sleep a bit here and there." Last
time he had some 'decent' sleep was on the floor of Kaeya's bedroom.

Crepus nodded "good, good lack of sleep will kill you faster than a Hilichurl with a flaming stick"
Cerpus tried to joke but Diluc just nodded no smile on his face, no humour in his eyes. He was just
blank. Tired.

Crepus stirred his tea as he asked Diluc the following "I've heard from Kaeya that you two don't
get along anymore, what happened? You two are inseparable." Of course Crepus knew what
happened but hearing the story from both sides is always important. Not that he thinks Kaeya lied
to him, not at all, it's just a matter of perspective.

"We were inseparable, but then… you- father died and we had a fight." Diluc looked away from
Crepus and into his cup of tea. His reflection looked pathetic, unkept and filthy. He looked like
shit.

Diluc frowned "You already know the story don't you?" He shot an accusative glance at Crepus
from across the table.

Crepus was not used to being talked to like this especially from Diluc. Then again Kaeya had said
that Diluc had changed. No longer the gentlemen, eh? Yet Cerpus kept his own tone calm, "Kaeya
asked me something today, he asked me if Mondstadt found out who he was, would they hate him.
What do you think, Diluc?" He tried to catch Diluc's eyes but he had gone back into staring at his
tea.

"Mondstadt would never find out who he was unless he stood on top of a wine crate in the middle
of the city and announced it himself. Only him and I know." Said Diluc not looking up from his
own reflection in the teacup. He knew why Crepus was asking him this.

"Kaeya thinks I hate him, doesn't he? A smile that didn't reach his eyes crept into Diluc's face, the
smile turned into a frown. "He thinks I hate him so much I'd sign his death sentence with my own
hands? Diluc's voice was loud enough to shake his reflection in the teacup.

Crepus sighs and thinks to himself. These two had all this time, yet they haven't talked about it,
have they?

"I wouldn't! Father I-" Diluc caught himself before he said anything else. He noticed his vision
was blurry, his image in the teacup had an ugly grimace of someone trying to hold back tears. He
showed the cup away from his sights, spilling the tea on the table. He must be too tired. This is an
over-reaction, this can be all explained calmly, politely. But then again? What the hell! Why not
weep in his father's arms like a little boy.

He really wanted to punch himself. Maybe he should ask the cavalry captain version of himself. He
looked to be willing earlier.

A wretched sob escaped him. He hated the sound that came out of him, but he couldn't stop. "I- I
don't hate him, father I don't."

Diluc buries his hands in his hair, his head hanging low. The tears drip on their own, no need to try
to stop them now. "I would still, after everything, give my life up for him… I have given up my life
for him." Diluc hears the man on the opposite side of the table shift and in a few seconds he feels
that he is being pulled in an embrace.

Crepus rests his chin on top of Diluc's head his arms holding Diluc's head close to himself. The
younger redhead lets him, and why wouldn't he. He has missed his father so much, had allowed
himself to grieve so little. Just one night, and then all he ever thought about was revenge and
nothing else. Diluc clings to Crepus like a little kid as he cries like one.

All Crepus can do is shush him and tell him it's all right. Even though it really isn't, nothing is
alright.

Diluc let's himself talk. Even if his words are sometimes hard to understand because of his crying.
Diluc talks about the day Ursa killed him or rather his father. He tells Crepus of the rainy night he
and Kaeya fought. How much he regrets it. Why he left the knights. How he almost died trying to
find the ones who killed him. That he goes out at night to protect Mondstadt. And how he found
Kaeya, dead, in his tavern. How Jean and others thought he was the one who killed Kaeya. And
finally how he foolishly traded in his own body in the heat of the moment just so he could bury his
brother's remains, so he could let Kaeya finally rest.

Crepus' heart broke hearing how his son had struggled. It hurt even more hearing that he could've
protected his family with his delusion, his own life was a small price to pay if both Kaeya and
Diluc were alive. How they might have been at odds, but Crepus knew, he just knew, and now
Diluc had confirmed it, his sons loved each other and would never wish the other harm.

Crepus doesn't know how long he has been holding Diluc. He doesn't really mind, but when he
sees that Diluc has calmed himself down, he let's go.

On the other end of the table a pitcher of water and two glasses have been placed. Adelinde had
somehow managed to bring them without the two men noticing.

Diluc is no longer crying but his voice is hoarse "... I don't regret it, but I don't want to die either."
He runs his hand over his messy hair.

Crepus doesn't know what to do. He wants to help Diluc, but this is not something that can be
solved by fatherly advice, by a delusion, or by Mora. "How much time do you have left?"

Diluc shakes his head. "I don't even know anymore, two days? Maybe less. I've lost track of time
with everything that's going on." Diluc wipes his eyes and tries to collect himself so he doesn't look
like he just cried in his father's arms just a moment ago.

"You said you were brought here by Archons? How?" Asked Crepus. Divine intervention seemed
to be the lesser surprising thing as of late for Crepus.

"One of them is a regular at Angel's Share." Diluc sighed. Why did Venti and Zhongli leave him
here. Wasn't Zhongli supposed to ask Kaeya if he wanted to return to his original world. All of this
was very strange.

"...Nimrod?" Cerpus couldn’t imagine a more unarchon like person. Perhaps Cyrus was built more
like an Archon.

"What? No, not him! The bard!"

"Which one?" There are many bards at the Angel's Share. Maybe two regular ones.

"Short guy, looks just like the statue of Barbatos, drinks ten times his body weight."

"Ah, Venti?" Realization hit the older Ragnvindr and his eyes widened "Venti? He is our Anemo
Archon?" …he has an unpaid tab at the tavern… " Crepus thinks he needs to sit down for a bit. His
God is… a drunk and owes him money.

"That's the one, don't worry he is not that bad, and actually he is the very embodiment of what
Mondstadt stands for."

"Wine and debt?" Crepus says voice still holds some shock.

Diluc gives his father the first smile, and small one but still a smile, since he arrived.

"Freedom."

"Not paying your debt is not freedom, that is just irresponsible." Crepus sighs.

The short moment of jesting is cut short by frantic knocking on the front door of the manor.
Adelinde got to the door as fast as she can while Diluc and Crepus watch from the table.
 "Deaconess?" Adelinde looks surprised as she ushers the distressed young woman inside away
from the nights cold.

"Please, where is sir Diluc, my sister… they are going to do something bad to Jean!"

Barbara's eyes fall on Diluc "Captain!" She exclaims her eyes begging.

"Jean was arrested, please you have to help her!"

Chapter End Notes

I love your comments just saying! If you see grammar mistakes I'm sorry I wrote this
from 11pm - almost 5am... it's my active time!
 Confession
Chapter Notes

Written in one evening because I'm stressed and I needed an outlet to let my stress out.
Tomorrow "today it's 4am" I gotta present my bachelor's part one!

I wanna Kermit! !!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

"My sister! Captain Diluc you have to help her!" Begged Barbara trying to drag Diluc (not the
captain) by his sleeve towards the door.

Diluc and Crepus exchanged glances and then both simultaneously looked in Adelinde's direction.
It seemed she was expecting this so she was already on the move to fetch the real captain.

"Barbara," Diluc stopped the Deaconess and freed himself from her surprisingly strong grip. "Help
is coming, but please calm yourself and tell me what's going on. "

"Jean came to the church and started asking the survivors of the fire about sir Kaeya…" Barbara's
eyes widened in horror and she made a tiny gasp as she covered her mouth.
"Oh no, so inconsiderate of me! I'm so sorry Captain Ragnvindr, Master Ragnvindr, I didn't mean
to interrupt your grieving, you have my condolences." She stammered a bit "But please… Jean…"
She was interrupted by a familiar voice that shouldn't be coming from the stairwell but from the
man in front of her who's mouth was not moving?

"What is all the racket about? Kaeya just fell asleep!" There he was captain Diluc. The real one.

Barbara looked at captain Diluc and then back at the identical redhead next to her then back at the
captain. Her mouth opened and closed again just to open again.

Crepus came forward and took the Deaconess by her hand and her shoulder leading her to a nearby
chair to sit down. "Easy there, it's alright ms Page, things will be explained shortly." Adelinde was
already pouring her some water.

Captain Diluc came down quickly and stood next to his doppelganger. "Barbara? Is Jean alright?"
He asked.

"Why are there," she pointed at the one not wearing a captain's uniform "two?" She pointed at the
one who was wearing a captain's uniform.

Oh lord Barbatos, you are testing me once more! She thought.

A Diluc exhaled and a Diluc (the other) pinched the bridge of his nose.

Barbara was Jean's sister so she was someone who could be trusted.

Everything that could be shared was told to the Deaconess. Naturally, nothing too incriminating
about Kaeya was revealed. After hearing the story Barbara stared at the ground the whole time as
she took all of the information in.
"I see. '' She said, now calmed down a bit "Then Masters Ragnvindrs." She looked upon the three
men "Please take me to see sir Kaeya, I believe he is the key to getting Jean's freedom back."
Barbara was determined to set her sister free and to do what she does best - heal people.

There was a soft knock on the guest bedroom's door that Kaeya was occupying. No one answered
so captain Diluc lead the Deaconess in, they were followed by Crepus and Diluc, who stayed by
the door while the rest approached the bed. Kaeya was still sleeping even with all the yelling that
was going on.

Barbara frowned a bit "He had a head injury, am I correct?" Jean had convinced Barbara to come to
the knights of Favonius cells to heal him before and that was the brief description she was given.
The captain nodded. "Were his pupils dilated? What about his speech was it slurred?"

Taken aback by her questions and sudden un-Barbara like demeanor the captain spoke up "I talked
to him before he fell asleep, he could keep a conversation going and his eye looked normal." Said
the captain. Barbara exhaled and nodded.

"That's good, otherwise letting him sleep could have caused more harm than good." Barbara's
smile was back. Sir Kaeya could've died in his sleep because of this, but luckily this wasn't the
case so Barbara doesn't see the point of bringing it up. She'll educate them after Kaeya is out of the
woods. Stress is something she doesn't want to subjugate someone like Diluc and Crepus to. Just
thinking of stress makes Barbara's mind shift to the most stressful person she knows. Jean.

Just wait big sister, your little sister Barbara is coming, and she is bringing help!

Barbara summons her ring of Hydro and starts humming a cheery tone as she focuses on healing.
There is a soft glow surrounding the sleeping man.

Kaeya stirs and opens his one eye.

"Sir Kaeya?" Barbara asks in a sweet voice. "How are you feeling?"

"Deaconess?" Kaeya croaks out with his still sleep laced voice. "Did Jean send you?"

The question made Barbara frown "No, sir Keaya, Captain Ragnvindr! It's awful! Jean was
arrested by Eroch and the knights!"

"Arrested" all sleep suddenly left Kaeya's body "Why?!" He asked almost climbing out of his bed
but was stopped by captain Diluc "Easy now, even after healing you might not be ready to leave
the bed." Kaeya nodded but saw in the corner of his eye his Diluc who had most definitely taken a
quick step forward as well and was retracting his hand. Had he also tried to reach his bedside?

"I'm sorry sir Kaeya but I must ask you to come with me and Captain Ragnvindr too!" Said Barbara
"The reason she was arrested… was conspiring and murder." Barbara looked at Kaeya "Your
murder Sir Kaeya."

"What?" Kaeya said in shock "But I'm alive!"

"That's not what the city thinks, they think that my big sister and captain Diluc, conspired to kill
you." Said Barbara clasping her hands together. "I tried to pledge for her, that she would never do
this but no one was listening to me."

"That's… " Kaeya started.

"...RIDICULOUS!" exclaimed captain Diluc, "I would never hurt my brother! And Jean conspiring
to have someone killed? Have the people gone mad?"
"Not all… but a large group of people were throwing insults at my sister as she was led away."
Barbara looked up at Kaeya "I came here to ask Captain for help, but now that I see with my own
eyes that Sir Kaeya is alive Jean will most certainly be freed!"

She grabbed Kaeya's hand "I know you're not entirely well yet, but I fear for my sister! I know
Jean is strong… but right now she has no one in Mondstadt that she can call a friend. Please come
to the city with me and show the people you're alive." Her eyes were pleading.

Kaeya put his other hand on top of Barbara's "For Jean, of course."

"Thank you Sir Kaeya." Barbara looked slightly more relieved.

"This is most likely a trap, you know that right?" Said Master Diluc, still lingering behind the rest
by the door "There is no way Eroch didn't foresee you coming to Jean's rescue like that. He has
something planned."

Kaeya sighed "I can't leave her Lu-... master Diluc." This was very unlikely for him to slip up like
this with his words. His mind was still probably recovering. Getting it's sharpness back.

But the damage had been done. Master Diluc's jaw clenched and he suddenly found the opposing
wall much more interesting than the scene before him.

"Sorry." Said Kaeya. He didn't know what he was apologizing for exactly, but he felt guilty just
looking at Diluc.

"Don't be." Replied master Diluc,"Get dressed, it would be embarrassing if Eroch recaptured you
while you're in this sorry state." he averted his gaze and was about to turn around and leave when a
strong arm grabbed him by the bicep.

The voice of Crepus Ragnvindr came out stern "Don't just walk away from this son." Diluc tried to
weakly pull away but he put no strength behind it.

"Father it's fine, let him go." Said Kaeya from the bed.

"Yes father do let him go" Said the captain in a light tone, like he was telling the funniest joke
"The man clearly is an expert at leaving, wouldn't want to stop him from doing what he does best."

"~Luc!" whispered Kaeya in a warning tone.

"What? Im not wrong am I?" Sneered the captain.

"All right now, that's enough!" Exclaimed Crepus "You!" He pointed at captain Diluc "Get out!
Get Kaeya something clean to wear." At that captain Diluc looked displeased, but he could tell
where Crepus was going with this so he replied simply with a nod. If this brings Kaeya at least
some peace is happy to comply.
"And you," Crepus pulled master Diluc in the center of the room so he was facing Kaeya "Stay and
tell him what you told me!" Kaeya raised an eyebrow at that. What had Diluc told Crepus?

"And Deaconess" Crepus' tone was a softer "Let's go devise a plan before we rush into things
alright?" Barbara nodded seeing that there was no arguing with the older man.

Kaeya and Diluc were left alone in the room. More like trapped. Since Diluc was pretty sure he
heard the click of a lock being locked in place behind the door. It was a bit too much, it's not like
Diluc would run.

He could still use the window though.

"Master Diluc," Said Kaeya, and Diluc hated the sound of that. He didn't want to be addressed so
formally by Kaeya. Then again had Diluc not been calling Kaeya 'Sir Kaeya' and 'Captain Kaeya'.

"You know you can just call me Diluc, you can drop the 'Master'."

"It's just… work ethics." Replied Kaeya with a pause.

"You're not at work now, or a captain for that matter."

"Alright then, Diluc."

There was a long pause of neither of the two saying a word.

Why is this awkward. Thought Diluc. It wasn't awkward when they would exchange a few words
here and there while in the tavern. And Kaeya and the other 'Diluc' seemed to communicate just
fine.

So why can't he do that with Kaeya. Why is it so hard. Why are there any hundred things Diluc
wants to say to Kaeya but when an opportunity like this comes along he is speechless.

"Kae-"
"Why are you here Diluc?"

Diluc starts but is cut off by Kaeya.

"I came with the Archons." Diluc replied, which earned him a questioning look from Kaeya.
"The way you got here…" Diluc took in a breath, the image of finding Kaeya lifeless in his bar still
hurt.
"... you died." Breathed out the redhead.

"Oh." Said Kaeya "I figured it was a possibility." He said nonchalantly, like it was what it was.

"Was my funeral at least nice?" Kaeya tried to crack a joke, "that is assuming you attended."

That felt like a punch in the face to Diluc. "I was there. Everyone was." He could tell his tone was
turning bitter. Kaeya really things that low of him.

"It's a costum when a captain dies for his subordinates and colleagues to attend." Kaeya shrugged.
He had probably inconvenienced Jean's work, but hopefully given a free afternoon to the new
recruits at least. Something good has to come out of his death after all.

"People were crying for you, the entire city felt like it was grieving that day." Said Diluc.

"Was Good Hunter at least putting my favorite skewers on sale that day?" The blue haired man
laughed.

"Kaeya… " Diluc stared at the other in disbelief "What is wrong with you? Do you know how
much it affected everyone?" How much it affected me, thought the redhead.

"Probably some lucky knight got promoted to a captain status? And you have one less client. It's
nothing world changing Diluc. I was just one man." Kaeya waved him off "People die all the time,
how was I special?"

"The way you died, it wasn't natural. At first I thought you… drank yourself to death, but Albedo
disproved it alongside poisoning."
"So much hassle." Muttered Kaeya, but Diluc ignored him and continued.

"Jean was investigating your death, we thought you had been killed! Amber thought I did it… so
did Jean-" Kaeya's mind froze for a bit 'we'. Was… Diluc also investigating his death alongside the
knights. But no, it wasn't for him it was for Mondstadt. Diluc couldn’t have a possible killer on the
loose in the city now could he. That's more rational.

"No wonder they suspected you… the way I died and the location, I would've also suspected you."
Said Kaeya with his annoying smirk on his face.

"I don't want to kill you Kaeya." Said Diluc in a somber tone. Kaeya snorted
"Of course you don't, better to have me imprisoned or exiled. It's better for your image, huh?"

"What are you talking about…"

"Oh come now Diluc, we both know you have my life in your hands and I put it there willingly like
a fool!" Kaeya sighed "you must've been relieved, when the bane of your existence finally dropped
dead." Kaeya's smirk hid pain behind it but Diluc was too mad to see it.

"Relived?" Diluc finally took a step forward to where Keaya was resting. "Do you have any idea
how… how.. how much I wanted to kill whoever did this to you?"

Diluc took another step forward.

"No, Kaeya I wasn't relieved to find my brother died right under my nose while I was busy
polishing glasses!"

And another step forward was taken.

"And I was even less 'relived' when I was accused of being the one who killed you!"

Diluc was now almost in Kaeya's face.

"And trust me, I felt nothing akin to 'relief' when we finially tracked down your murderer and I
couldn't even kill him because he was wearing your face. Some kind of bodysnatcher spirit thing
had taken you! Does that sound relaxing to you?"

Diluc faced was mixed with anger, sadness and desperation. Kaeya really… honestly thought
Diluc hated him.

"And you know what Kaeya? The only time I felt any kind of sense of 'relief' was when I traded
your body back so I could take you home and have you buried!"

Kaeya was silent, his smirk had disappeared from his face.

"That is not the end, oh no! After I had you back I couldn't even reburry you! Apparently I was not
your family so I was not allowed." Said the redhead bitterly "Jean had this crazy idea that you
would come back to us...Because THE DAMN GEO ARCHON SAID IT WAS A POSSIBILITY!"
Diluc yelled at the celling. Maybe he should yell at the ground since Geo… earth. Maybe he'll go
yell at a rock later or some ore.

"The man said he would ask you… YET HE DISAPPEARED THE MOMENT WE ARRIVED!"
Diluc yelled at the ground now. He has angry tears in his eyes.

"I'm so damn tired Kae." Diluc who was now by Kaeya's bedside fell to his knees see he would be
 eye level with the other man. "This might be the last time I get to see you alive so please don't think
I'm relieved that you're gone. I'm…" Diluc took a shaky breath "I'm happy that you have a family
here, even if the other me is an arse. I'm happy that you can live here peacefully after we get rid of
Eroch's mess."

Kaeya finally spoke up "You don't hate me? For lying? For who I am?"

"I have never hated you… I was angry and stubborn, but I never wanted to hurt you and I will
never reveal your secret."

"It dies with me."

Diluc cast his gaze down and added. He was not going to reveal to Kaeya that it would die with
him within two days. If Kaeya is to stay here, to live a happy life, he didn't need to live with the
burden of what became of Diluc.

"Kaeya I love you, you are the only family I have left, so please forgive me for being…"

A hand on Diluc's shoulder stopped him, it did feel a little shaky but the redhead wouldn't
comment on it.

"Thank you." Said Kaeya. "Thank you for… everything."

For the first time in many years Kaeya felt like he could breathe. Diluc didn't hate him. He
wouldn't give him up to the knights. His big brother still loved him.

"Do you forgive me then?" Diluc knew he didn't deserve it, but if he could just hear Kaeya say it.

"Yeah, I forgive you Luc." The hand on his shoulder lightly squeezed.

Chapter End Notes

Omg just noticed 20K hits! You guys! Ily ❤ ❤ ❤

Thanks to all for reading I wish you all a very Kaeya and Diluc constellations! Oh, and
BTW finially put the 3rd crown on Kae, my baby is finially triple crowned!
Who are you crowning?
 Planning
Chapter Notes

A shorter chapter! Unusually short too, but I sadly have a lot on my plate this week :( I
injured my thumb quite badly with a potato peeler, and since I write with my phone
and it was my dominant hand... yeah not a fun time! Don'tworry my thumb is still
intact (kinda) Also finished my bachelors and I got a fever from stress? I didn't know it
was possible but I did lol

BUT there are good news Rueniss, also a writer here (Here) Drew art for this fic! The
ART
Give it a like/RT on her Twitter it's honestly funny! It's from the previous chapter,
where Diluc considered yelling at ore! :D

See the end of the chapter for more notes

"Son, step away from the door. Let them have their privacy." Said Crepus as he observed his son
pressing his ear on the backend of a glass that was pressed against a door.

Crepus had started doubting his decision of locking Kaeya and Diluc alone in the room, especially
when he heard Diluc's raised voice, but eventually, Crepus had been right to do so. They have
made up. At least the captain said that. Since he had been eavesdropping on the other two. Diluc
had told him that he heard them… talk. Not yell. At least not anymore. Just talk.

"It is 'me' I'm listening in on." Defended captain Diluc, "And it's not like I'm going to allow 'him' to
just talk to Kae." Diluc had been a bit bitter hearing his brother referring to the other as 'Luc', but
he supposed it's all right since he could manage to hear from the conversation that Kaeya had
forgiven 'him' and Kaeya was staying with him and father. Life couldn't get better than this. Now
all that needed to be done was to kill Eroch.

Crepus sighs "You're being paranoid. He is a good kid, he was just lost for a long time." Crepus
drags Diluc by the arm away from the door. "He loves Kaeya just as much as you and me. Besides,
he is Kaeya's actual family."

"Doesn't matter. He was his family now we are." The captain crossed his arms "Can't wait for 'him'
to finally leave and disappear from our lives!"

That made Crepus drop his grip on Diluc. 'Disappear'. Yes, that would happen to the man, wouldn't
it? All because he wanted to have Kaeya buried in a place they both called home.

Unless…

Unless the contract with the spirit could be broken. And for that to happen...

Crepus and captain Diluc would have to lose Kaeya. But then again Keaya could lose his Diluc if
he stays. Crepus doubts Diluc would tell his brother about that. No, he is sure Diluc wouldn't want
to put that burden on Kaeya. Here Keaya would be happy, Crepus himself wouldn't have it any
other way. But… does Kaeya actually want to stay? What if...
"...Father?" Crepus comes back from his thoughts when he heard his eldest son's worried voice.

"Father, did you hear what I said? You seemed lost in thoughts." Diluc was eyeing him with
concern.

"Oh, sorry no… I was just thinking." Replied Crepus while massaging his temples "We'll discuss it
later, what were you saying son?"

"Barbara has a plan on how to get Jean free and raise her popularity a little while doing so!" Said
Diluc as he turned to the Deaconess. "Could you repeat yourself Barbara?"

Barbara nodded and cleared her throat "I believe Kaeya is the answer to all of this. He simply
needs to show everyone he is alive and well. As well as tell people the truth about Eroch."

Crepus sighs "Ms Page, inspector Eroch would probably expect this, also the inspector has some…
unfavourable information about Kaeya, that was used as blackmail."

"You haven't heard the people of Mondstadt have you master Ragnvindr. They are… like my fans.
But only their adoration is targeted at Kaeya. His past heroic deeds and his coming back to life was
more than enough to give him a large following." Barbara explained.

"I mean a very large following." She emphasized "I would say in the few days that he is back his
fans have doubled in size rivalling the" Barbara took an exhausted breath "Barbara fanclub." The
look in her eyes was that of discomfort saying the words 'Barbara fanclub'. Crepus felt sorry for the
young girl.

Crepus looks at Diluc who shrugs "I've noticed the people being very kind to him and coming up
to him to randomly shake his hand or to have a word with him." Says the younger redhead "I had
my theories that people favour him, but ms Page just confirmed it."

"So you think… the people will simply ignore what Eroch has to say about Kaeya?" Asks Crepus.

Barbara nods "Even if what Eroch tells them is the truth-"

"It's not, the man is insane!" Diluc cuts her off "Eroch made it all up so Kaeya wouldn't expose
him for being corrupt!" The captain surprises himself with his sudden outburst "I'm sorry ms Page,
just… it's been a stressful few days."

Barbara is taken aback by the random outburst from the younger Ragnvindr but she just holds her
hands up in defence. "Of course, Eroch is not to be trusted." She clarifies her stance against the
inspector. She can understand the captain's outburst, there has been a lot happening with his family,
more like Kaeya. A lot has been happening to Kaeya.

"As I was saying…" Barbara continues "Whatever Eroch says about him will be swept under the
rug by his followers or excused by them. It's rare for the fans to turn against their idol." She gives
out a sad and exhausted breath. "I'm their eyes, you never do anything wrong. Ever."

"So," Captain Diluc says, "We are going to get Kaeya to make a public announcement?"

"Yes." Cheerfully replies Barbara "It's perfect! Jean's name should get somewhat cleared in the
process too because she has done nothing to him and Kaeya can prove it!"

"Eroch will have no choice but to release her since the reason for her arrest is… well the death of
the person who is very much alive in the next room!"
"That won't be as easy as you think Ms Page." Came Diluc's voice. But once again the voice didn't
match the captain's lips as they were not moving.

Captain Diluc turned his head to be faced with Master Diluc staring back at him and Kaeya coming
up behind him. He looked a little better than he did in the guest room, but he was still bruised,
which Diluc noticed just now. Barbara probably focused more on the serious injuries than the
cosmetics, even so sometimes healing doesn't mean you won't be left without scars or bruises. It
just helps you not to die.

"How did you get out? Asked Crepus surprised "You didn't break the door down did you?" It's not
like Crepus couldn't pay property damages… but really they could've just asked to be let out.

"Ice key." Simply replied Kaeya with his signature smile as he snapped his fingers and an ice spark
lit up. To that Crepus sighs in relief.

Truth be told Kaeya did not feel well enough yet to be out and about, but it was nice to be able to
think straight after having his headaches and muddled thoughts while in captivity.

"And Diluc is right, Eroch would probably be prepared for anything. As far as we know the only
advantage we have is him thinking I'm dead." Said Kaeya.

"Also," Master Diluc continued, where Kaeya left or right on the beat "His 'knights' are not
actually knights at all." Diluc drew the sword he had acquired while he fought and killed the knight
who hurt Kaeya. "This is not a standard-issue Knight of Favonius sword or a sword made by
Wagner, it's a cheap mercenary one. Seen lots of these while I was travelling." By travelling Diluc
actually meant while he was out massacring everyone and everything that stood in his way of
finding his father's murderers. But Crepus didn't need to be told that exact detail.

"Which means that Eroch doesn't have the knights on his side, well he probably has corrupted
some, but not as many as we thought." Kaeya continued where Diluc left off "He could've hired
someone to put on the knight's armour and do his bidding. Quite clever actually, it's much safer
than risking being reported by the knights who wouldn't want to join his cause."

"Eroch might even be acting alone entirely and just paying mercenaries to pose as knights." Diluc
once again took over from Kaeya and continued his thoughts as if they were one "He's might have
wanted to scare Jean into not trusting her own knights, am I right captain?" Diluc looked at the
cavalry captain who was looking at him and Kaeya with obvious displeasure on his face. Seems
like the captain was not so happy to see Keaya and master Diluc so in sync.

"Yes, she and I thought that it was best to not get other knights involved since we didn't know who
to trust." The captain said in a cold voice that didn't go unnoticed by master Diluc who in turn
slightly raised an eyebrow as in saying 'what's your problem'.

"How does it change the public announcement plan?" Barbara's enthusiasm had now been dropped
completely. "Jean's trial is tomorrow, I thought it would be perfect especially since the trial is
public."

"And… What if my sister is found guilty? She's accused of killing you, the people won't let her get
away with this!" Barbara said in distress. "You're going to help her? Right?" She had her hands
together and her eyes pleading.

"Of course," quickly said Kaeya "Jean would do the same for me, or any of us! But we have to be
smart about this, Jean is basically a captive in the enemy territory. If we go out and reveal I'm
alive, under normal circumstances Jean should be freed, but the knights holding her captive are
 most likely hired by Eroch and I believe he has something planned."

Barbara looks at him with expectations in her eyes.

"...I don't know what he has planned, sorry."

Barbara's face drops instantly. "So what are we going to do?"

"Well, Dilucs can't show their faces in the city, they..." Kaeya pointed with both of his hands to the
two redheads "...are probably in the same boat as Jean. And if I showed up alive in Mondstadt
Eroch would be instantly alerted, we don't know what he would do though."

Keaya crossed his arms and put his thumb and pointer finger to his chin in thought for a good
minute while everyone around him just looked at him expectantly"Ah! Got it!" He exclaimed.

"I couldn't help but to overhear you talking about some fans ms Page, what do you think they
would be willing to do for me?" There was a mischievous glint in Kaeya's eye "And do you
suppose I have some of those devoted fans near Springvale as well?"

Chapter End Notes

Once again! Art from Rueniss made for chapter 17! THE ART

Next chapter as soon as I can, but as usual expect to wait no longer than a week or so!
 The People
Chapter Notes

My finger healed nicely so have a chapter right on time!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The plan was as follows: Crepus stays in the winery in case some knights come to question him
about Diluc's whereabouts. Meanwhile Barbara, Kaeya and the two Dilucs would make their way
to Springvale. Where they, according to Barbara's intel, they could find some of Kaeya's …
fans?...followers?...maybe worshippers even?

Next part would all depend on Kaeya and how much the people trust him.

But there was still phase one of the plan. Getting from the winery to Springvale undetected.
Luckily since Kaeya has somewhat recovered he comes up with a plan for that as well. And just in
time too.

His plan was simple: make Connor take some barrels of wine to the small tavern in Springvale
where most of the good people of the village usually spent their evenings, drinking the night away.
And hide in the barrels.

And just as expected Eroch had sent out a knight to check on Crepus, but instead the knight had
caught sight of the carriage that was carrying the barrels containing the duo of Dilucs and Kaeya.
Barbara was sitting next to Connor and tried to defuse the situation.
"...First the likes of you arrest my sister and now you're questioning me?" Barbara is almost never
angry, it's just not in her nature, but today she was furious. "I was simply making a home visit to
Master Crepus, since I heard that Sir Diluc was accused as well!" she gave the knight whose name
she didn't learn and was not bothering to learn, a dirty look. "All things considered, don't you think
Master Crepus needs health check ups? Sir Kaeya… burned to death in his cell, the news along
with what his Eldest son has been accused of would bring anyone down on their health!" She
scolded the man.

"Listen young lady-" The knight began, but he was cut short by Barbara exclaiming "It's Deaconess
to you, knight of Favonius!" The knight was taken aback from the outburst from the tiny woman.
Barbara knew this man was no knight. All the knights have always addressed her with respect.

No, this man was one of Eroch's hired men, wearing the uniform her sister and so many other
honest men and women had earned.

"Right, Deaconess, I was simply doing my duty and inspecting the cargo." The man did not sound
like a knight either. The tone in which he spoke with Barbara. It was rather rude.

Connor sighed "All right, all right, just please be gentle with Master Ragnvindr when you go on to
harass him as well, the man just lost a son." The brew master got off the carriage leaving an angry
looking Barbara alone. She still glared at the fake knight with annoyance. Connor took the other
man to the back where the cargo was and cracked open one barrel.

The strong smell of vinegar made the knight choke and take a step back. "What kind of poison are
you travelling with?" He exclaimed.

Connor was unfazed. The smell of vinegar didn't bother him one bit. After all, Mondstadt was well
known for its wine, and vinegar was occasionally the side product of the wine making process. No
one from Mondstadt would react that way to the familiar smell of a product that was in every
household. This man holding his nose was definitely not Knight of Favonius or of Mondstandt.

"Why, good sir it's just a bit of vinegar," Connor politely smiled "Draff, wanted to marinate a lot of
meat so I'm dropping off three barrels there and Ms Barbara needed to check on the elderly at the
village so I thought I would give her a lift."

The definitely-not-a-knight held his nose and waved the man off. "Yes, of course, you're free to
leave." The man backed away towards the winery while Connor grinned after him and knocked
twice on one of the barrels once he was sure he was out of the earshot of the man.

"Young master the problem has been taken care of, we're heading out again."

The barrel replied in a hushed tone "Great, let's just keep moving. I'm getting claustrophobic in
here." It was captain Diluc.

The barrel with Kaeya just chuckled and quietly said "That's what you get for beefing your arms up
so much."

"Young sirs, please keep it down, there are bound to be more knights up ahead in Springvale." Said
Connor, shushing them.

The road to Springvale apart from the previous encounter was blissfully uneventful and they got to
the small tavern without a hitch. Connor was permitted to enter from the back without supervision
since everyone in Springvale knew who he was and just assumed he was here to drop off some
wine.

Since the back of the tavern was more secluded the duo of the redheads and Kaeya could finally
climb out of the barrels. But as fate would have it just as master Diluc was getting out a familiar
voice called out "Captain Diluc! Halt!" It was one of the gate guards, Swan with his weapon
drawn. It was unusual for him to be doing anything else but guard the gates. Even with training the
man has not done any actual patrolling or field work in years.

Unluckily Kaeya was getting out of his barrel the moment Swan had noticed them. His back was to
the knight but Swan recognised the midnight blue hair everywhere. "Impossible…" Swan gasped
his eyes going wide. "Sir Kaeya? You're alive… Celestia has brought you back once more!" Swan
sheathed his sword immediately as if pointing it at Kaeya was a great offence.

Kaeya swore under his breath the moment he heard the knight but then… could Swan be a part of
his 'followers' as well?

Kaeya composed himself and tried to climb out of the barrel as gracefully as he could. When he
turned around to face the knight it was obvious from Swan's body language that he wanted to reach
out and help but held himself back. "Captain Diluc has done nothing to harm me," Said Kaeya
while gesturing for Master Diluc to play along with his one eye.

The best Diluc could do for now was to hold up his hands to show he was unarmed and nod. He
could see the captain still in his barrel almost holding his breath not to be discovered by the other
knight.

Trying to explain why there are two of them would be too much of a hassle.
"But what about the fire? There was a body found burned to nothing but bone… and Inspector
Eroch is saying it was captain Diluc who killed you after Acting Grand Master Jean arrested you!"

"It's not-" Kaeya's tried to explain but Barbara cut in appearing by Diluc's side. "JEAN DIDN'T
DO IT!"

She instantly covered her mouth because she didn't want to draw too much attention to the scene.
"Jean was framed sir Swan, it's all Eroch, now he is after sir Diluc and who knows what he will do
to my sister." Said Barbara in her sweetest and saddest voice she could muster. "Please sir Swan,
don't alert others all we want is justice."

Swan looked from Barbara to Kaeya and asked him "Is this true sir Kaeya?"

"Every last word. Eroch wants to… we don't know exactly what he wants, but it includes getting
rid of me, Jean and Diluc." Kaeya clarifies.

"Then let me help you sir Kaeya." Swan gives him the Knight of Favonius salute and there is a
glimmer in his eyes. He is definitely one of the followers. "I'd do anything to aid you! Anything!
This injustice against you will not be tolerated!"

Kaeya smiles and thinks to himself "Perfect!"

"Are there any other knights near the area?" He asks.

"No just me. Eroch has assigned new jobs to most of us as soon as Acting Grand Master Jean was
arrested." Swan laughs a bit "You won't belive it sir but Lawrence has been sent to Dragonspine
and Guy along with Otto are out patrolling around Stormterror's lair. Guy was excited about it at
first… but he has never been out in the field. All we can do is hope the two of them are still alive!"
Swan swears he could hear the words "inefficient" whispered in his captain's voice somewhere in
the wind but his attention is fully on sir Kaeya at the moment.

"I see." Said Kaeya deep in thought "It appears Eroch is trying to scatter knights loyal to Jean and
the order away from Mondstadt."

Swan hits his fist in his open palm in realization "So that's what is going on. Not to mention the
amount of new recruits is quite big. The two of them took mine and Lawrence's job at the gates!"

Kaeya turns to Diluc "He is replacing the guards, those knights who arrested me were no knights at
all. That goes for the one who was guarding my cell as well." Diluc understands Kaeya's sentiment.
He is trying to tell him that Diluc did not kill a knight just doing his job. But from the state Kaeya
was in and the way the 'not knight' was threatening him, Diluc doesn't care anymore. The man
would have had to suffer regardless if he was an actual knight or not.

So Diluc just gives Kaeya a curt nod. He does appreciate the fact that his brother cares for him as
much as trying to make Diluc feel less guilty. The thing is though, Diluc would not hesitate to kill
that many again if he had to. He hurt Keaya. He was going to hurt Kaeya again. After thinking
Kaeya was dead for so long… and then seeing his brother in the sorry state that he was in. Oh, yes!
Diluc would like to kill that man once again just for the heck of it!

"Then sir Swan," Says Kaeya "Please make sure we are not disturbed while in the tavern with the
good people of Springvale, could you please do that for me?"

Swan perks up "Yes sir, of course sir!" He salutes once more and marches up to the main entrance
to the tavern. And as soon as he is gone captain Diluc gets out of his barrel and stretches his sore
muscles.
"Couldn't you get rid of him faster?" He complains to Kaeya who just shrugs "Not my fault you're
so buff!" He grins.

Kaeya turns to Barbara "Ms. Page would you do the honors and find out if the people you think are
my followers are present at the tavern?"

Barbara nods "I'll call for you when I'm sure." She disappears through the back entrance of the
tavern. Leaving all four of the men alone for what doesn't feel more than a minute until she
emerges again. "Sir Kaeya! It's perfect!" She smiles and tugs at his arm."

"Captain Diluc please come as well but wait till it's safe for you to be seen!" She instructs and then
her eyes fall on master Diluc who saves her the trouble "I'll stay here and guard the back with
Connor, we never know who might be passing through here."

Barbara shyly nods. She feels bad for excluding him, but there are more pressing matters at hand
here.

The trio of them enter the tavern and as soon as Barbara is back in sight the majority of the people
cheer from just seeing her. "Thank you everyone!" She smiles. "I'm visiting today to bring you
great news!" She pushes Kaeya forward "Celestia has blessed Kaeya Ragnvindr once more!"
Kaeya gives her a look of "Celestia did what now?" But he can see in her eyes that she knows what
she is doing, so he follows her lead.

"Everyone!" Says Kaeya and as he speaks the room falls silent and the people stare at him in awe.
"Jean Gunnhildr and my brother Diluc Ragnvindr have been framed by no other than inspector
Eroch!" The room fills with gasps and some insults thrown at the inspector's name "We have the
information from… above" Kaeya side eyes Barbara who gives him a reassuring look so he
continues "..that Eroch has seized power over the knights of Favonius and is replacing the true
knights with his own lackeys in his plot to dispose of me, my brother and dear friend Jean
Gunnhildr!

More gasps and murmurs are heard among the people.

"There have been a lot of new knights lately."

"Went to the gates this morning, the new guards sneered at me! Swan and Lawrence would never!"

"I never liked Eroch! The Gunnhildr girl would never betray Mondstadt!"

"If ms Barbara and sir Kaeya say it, it must be true!"

"Celestia chose him, we must follow him!"

"Kaeya! Kaeya! Kaeya! Kaeya!"

Kaeya nods to Diluc that it's alright now to come out. He does. The people react with more
murmurs that Diluc ignores and he gets straight to the point. "Eroch must be stopped, Jean's trial
tomorrow must be stopped, he is taking Mondstadt away from us and he almost took my brother
away from me the second time!" Diluc looks over the people making eye contact with the few of
them as he does so. "We must retaliate, but we must be smart about this. Eroch must be taken by
surprise, otherwise he might use Jean as a hostage as well as other citizens of Mondstandt."

Diluc takes a few steps forward and walks among the crowd of people "You must have friends and
family in Mondstadt right now who also believe in Kaeya and why Celestia brought him back!"
Diluc stops next to Draff and speaks to him "You believe in him don't you?"
 Draff who has had one too many looks like he is on the verge of tears "My sweet daughter
Diona… received her own Cryo Vision a few months after our young heroic knights death." He
inhales shakily "I believed it was the act of Celestia, that she was given a gift like that because the
Gods had planned for a Cryo protector to bless these lands. Sadly fate had taken Kaeya away from
us." Draff gets up and raises his glass "So yes sir Ragnvindr! I'll do my best to aid you!" Draff
looks around the tavern and points a finger in a random direction pointing at no one in particular.
"And so should all of you!" He takes a swing from his mug and wipes his mouth. "I'll fight for my
sweet Diona and for our young heroic knight! Are you with me?"

The tavern erupts in cheers and sounds of approval.

Diluc puts a hand on Draff's shoulder "I'll need your message pigeons ready as fast as possible."
The man nods and wobbles towards the door; his hunting mates, who are less drunk, help him
move.

Diluc turns to Kaeya who looks impressed at his speech.

Diluc walks back to his side and shrugs "I've been a captain for a long time now, pep talks are kind
of my speciality."

************

There are an unusual number of pigeons flying around the walls of Mondstandt this evening.

Some fly to the Angel's Share where a bard gets a hold of one of the birds and smiles at his fellow
Archons who are by his side. The bard shows a Liyue man and another Archon, who looks quite a
lot like him, the contents of the note. "Well things have certainly escalated, haven't they?" He
comments.

Some of the pigeons fly to the Cat's Tail and even Good Hunter. Many fly by the cathedral and one
lands right on the shoulder of Cyrus in front of Adventurers guild. The man instantly notices that
there is a note attached to the pigeon's feet.

He unrolls the tiny piece of paper and his brow furrows. He needs to rally the Adventurers to be
prepared. There is a traitorous roach on the loose in the city and they need to be ready.

Chapter End Notes

Stress peaking once more I got 2 exams in the next two weeks. This time they are
really the finial ones!

I'll still write don't worry! It will just be slower!

Have a good weekend!

 The Secrets Revealed
Chapter Notes

Hi guys! I've been having some relaxing time for the past 3 days, finally! I'm trying to
build physical dmg Kaeya now, farming for Pale flame is a pain T.T

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Captain Diluc's speech had pierced the hearts of many that evening, but if it was not for Barbara
and Kaeya, and their devoted fans and followers cheering the rest of the people on, Diluc doubts
the outcome would have been so grand. The night was still young and the messenger pigeons had
been sent out only for about two hours or so, yet many had already sent a reply. Most importantly
Cyrus of the Adventurers Guild had been alerted and he, right now, has the most trustworthy armed
men and women in the city. Nothing came back from captains like Eula or Albedo or even Outrider
Amber, Lisa and Noelle. The best guess is that, much like the other knights, they have been
scattered away from the city under the pretences of expeditions and missions.

So what Swan had said is true most of the knights loyal to Jean had been scattered across all of
Mondstandt. Eroch might be absolutely crazy, but he is smart, Diluc will give him that.

Jean has probably noticed that she is being guarded by unfamiliar men. Right now it is important
to get Jean away from Eroch, so he loses his hostage and handicap. All Diluc can think right now is
about how good it will feel to finally rid this world of Eroch. And hopefully, once that pest is
eliminated the other 'him' will finally leave Kaeya alone and go back to his own world. Then
Kaeya will finally be free of anything tying him to the other world. His brother will be only his
brother, no one else's.

Speaking of which, Diluc scans the tavern and his heart races. Where is Kaeya? Diluc swears he
saw him sitting with the hunters, discussing how they are going to sneak him into Mondstadt. Not
like Diluc was eavesdropping, it was an important part of their plan that the captain didn't want to
wait to be told later. Not that he wouldn't listen to Kaeya if his brother wanted to retell him the plan
anyway.

"Excuse me, Ms Barbara?" Diluc approaches the Deaconess and taps her on the shoulder, which in
turn makes the people Barbara was talking to, send Diluc a death glare. These were probably her
fans then.

Barbara turns around to face him, her face although spilling looks tense "Oh, Captain! Right we
had to check on the thing! How clumsy of me to forget!" She exclaims in an overly animated way
"I'm so sorry sirs," she turns back to the people she was talking you and slightly bows her head.
"But I am needed elsewhere! Duty calls!" She quickly clings to Diluc's arms with so much force it
almost hurts. What's more she has the strength to drag him physically away.

Once a safe distance away from Barbara's fans Diluc gives her a look. She sighs "I needed a break,
they have been asking me way too many personal questions for an hour now." She whispers so
only Diluc can hear.

"What is it you wanted, captain?" She asks.

"It's Kaeya, have you seen him, he was here one moment the next he was gone!" There was
urgency in Diluc's voice that Barbara understood.

"Don't worry captain, sir Kaeya just stepped outside through the back for a moment," Barbara said
calmly but Diluc's eyes almost popped out of his skull. "What? Alone?" Diluc looked at her in
disbelief before he stormed towards the back door.

"Captain Diluc, wait!" Barbara tried to call out but Diluc was already gone. "He just went out to
check on his brother…" She said to herself, maybe she should have started with that.

Kaeya and the hunters couldn't find a way to infiltrate Mondstadt without being discovered. The
Springvale hunters were right, the new security at the gates was too strong and who knows what
they would do if they found out the common people were trying to sneak in the Dilucs and Kaeya.
Because first of all Kaeya himself is officially dead and the captain is a wanted man. Not to
mention the wine tycoon would raise some unnecessary questions. Kaeya supposes he could
always just say "Celestia did it" and hope the people would believe him like they have before.

There is one man, the myth and the legend, who Kaeya knows is an expert at sneaking in and out
of the city of Mondstandt. The Darknight Hero himself who is just loitering outside with Connor.

Kaeya quietly excuses himself not to cause suspicion of where he is going. He slips outside of the
back door, waving at Barbara as she uncomfortably tries to engage in a conversation with some of
her fans. Poor girl, Kaeya hopes she can return to the sanctuary of the cathedral soon.

Once outside he is greeted by only Diluc by the cart in which they arrived in, Connor must have
left for a bit.

"Hey there." Kaeya lets his presence be known as he approaches the redhead. Diluc looks a little
startled which is usual for him since the Diluc Kaeya knows is always on his guard.

"Kaeya." Says Diluc regaining his composure "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in there
convincing your followers to rally against the knights of Favonius?"

"The hired mercenaries are not knights Diluc, and can't I just come to check on you?"

Diluc raises an eyebrow at that.

Kaeya exhales and laughs "Fine, yeah I kinda need your expertise o-great Darknight hero on how
to go about sneaking into Mondstadt." Kaeya gives him a mock curt nod.

Oh yeah, their relationship has improved all right. Thinks Diluc. Kaeya is back at being irritating.

"Well since your kind is so insufficient, I guess I can reveal some of my secrets." Diluc gestures for
Kaeya to come closer as if he is revealing the biggest secret of them all. Kaeya decides to humour
him and goes to Diluc leaning in and animatedly putting his hand to his ear.

"I'm rich and powerful," Whispers Diluc "and your knights fear me."

Kaeya pulls back his face unamused while a little rare smile plays on Diluc's face. Kaeya won't
admit right now how he missed seeing it being directed at him."Hilarious Diluc, truly but really?
How do you go unnoticed?"

"I simply remove my mask and hood and become Diluc Ragnvindr, rarely anyone questions me
because we'll, it's me." Except Huffman that one time, but that problem has been since solved and
now the knight has dropped all suspicion due to lack of evidence.

"That doesn't really help with our situation. Your face right now is the face of a wanted man. And
I'm supposed to be dead." Kaeya smiles as if it's funny.

Diluc's smile suddenly drops. He doesn't like to think about Kaeya being dead. Still laying in the
cold room, hopefully, Jean will rebury him when Diluc's own body gets claimed by the spirit.

After meeting Crepus and the other 'him', Diluc doesn't even dare to bring up the contract he made
with the spirit to Kaeya. How could he ask him to leave all of this behind for him? Diluc does not
want to die, but he really has no choice in the matter. He is comforted with the fact that he and
Kaeya have made at least some progress in their relationship. At least Kaeya will be left here to
live a happy life while knowing that Diluc has never hated him.

Kaeya, noticing Diluc's smile drop, shoots him a sheepish apologetic look "Sorry, I guess my death
in our world was kinda harsh on you."

"It's fine." It really is. "This will all be over soon anyway." Diluc tries to smile again. He has one
day left, till the evening of tomorrow. If they can rescue Jean and bring Eroch down, Diluc can go
be at peace knowing that Kaeya will live a happy, secure life here. With people he loves and who
love him in return. With people who are not Diluc. It hurts and weighs heavy on the redhead but he
won't ask Kaeya to come back to their world. For all the pain he caused his little brother he will
now let him have happiness at the cost of everything.

Diluc still holds a small hope that perhaps the spirit who will come claim his body will send him to
a place similar to this. Where Crepus lives, Kaeya is still by his side and everything is alright in the
world. But he most likely will fade into obscurity. Perhaps it will hurt, maybe not. Maybe he will
become something like a Seelie? Maybe he will get to see his real father again, maybe even his
mother. That would be nice, yet Diluc does not want to die. But he is trying to accept that he will.

"It will be Luc, we will get Jean out of this. Don't worry!" Kaeya cheerily claps him on the
shoulder. "Then we probably need to figure out where the Archons who brought you here went.
Two identical Diluc Ragnvindrs is more than one city can handle."

Diluc says nothing, just half-heartedly nods.

"Where did Connor go off to anyway?" Asks Kaeya looking around. They have been talking for a
good few minutes but still, there is no sight of the man. "Oh well you know the staff of the
Ragnvinds is very sufficient and able to carry out every task they are asked to do." Diluc crosses
his arms in satisfaction. "So I thought ahead and sent him off to retrieve some disguises."

Kaeya raises an eyebrow "Disguises? So where was all this when I asked you about how to get into
the city, huh?"

Diluc with his arms still crossed shrugs smugly. Another rare sight since their fallout but also
another welcome one for Kaeya "I did tell you though, I simply remove my mask and hood. And
who walks around Mondstadt with masks on their faces freely with coats with very convenient
hoods on them just to, oh I don't know, hide one's very recognisable red and dark blue hair?"

Kaeya's face blossoms into a wide grin "No way? Master Ragnvindr? Wearing the Fatui uniform?"

Diluc rolls his eyes. "For the sake of getting this over with, I really have no choice."

Speaking of the devil, Connor is seen approaching the tavern. He is driving another cart that looks
more like a chariot. Obviously a fancier one than the one they arrived in, also it's meant to transport
people not cargo. Good, sitting in barrels was unpleasant.

He stops right next to his cargo cart they arrived in and unexpectedly a man decked out in Fatui
clothes steps out. It does take both Diluc and Kaeya a good 5 seconds to notice who it is.

"Father, why are you not at the winery? And why are you wearing this?" Diluc gives Connor a
look but the winemaker just sighs "He is my boss, young master."

"Just wanted to see how long it will take you two to recognise me." The older Ragnvindr laughs
"Maybe it will work better on these new guards I've been hearing about, not to mention the knight
that came to visit me seemed not to really know who I was. I was outside taking a stroll when a
knight, I've never seen before, approached me and asked to see the owner." Crepus sighs with a
certain air of satisfaction. "The look on his face when, after I invited him in and sat across from
him myself, was priceless."

"You are having way too much fun with this all Father." Laughs Kaeya approaching him to inspect
the costume further. It looked exactly like the ones the Fatui wear. Has Diluc always had these if
he knew that Connor had them? Or maybe they were Crepus'.

Crepus answered Kaeya's question without him asking the man "The first set was actually a gift
from the delegate of Snezhnaya who really liked our wine, and few more were bought because
Diluc insisted he might need to go undercover one day. He wasn't wrong huh?"

"Father you're taking that off right?" Sighed Diluc while running a hand across his face.

"Yes, yes don't worry, I plan to take the cargo cart and go to Angel's Share in case you boys need a
quick safe haven that's close to the back gates of the city. Hopefully, it won't be necessary but
better safe than sorry.

"Actually that's a great plan," piped up Kaeya "It's not far from the Favonius headquarters either.
But you'll have to stay there father, in case our Fatui personas need an alibi." Kaeya really just
wants to have Crepus out of harm's way. Although the winery would be safer, Crepus is known to
be a little stubborn. So making it sound like it was a part of a very important plan would keep the
older man sedated. "Don't worry I won't be in your way, I have full faith in you boys." Says Crepus
as he puts a hand on Kaeya's shoulder.

And just as he does so the back door of the tavern bursts open slightly hitting master Diluc in the
back of his head.

"Kaeya!" The captain exclaims, then he registers the scene in front of him. A Fatui has Kaeya by
his shoulder and the other Diluc is hunched over with one hand clutching the back of his head
groaning. Meanwhile, Connor stands further back from the scene. This is clearly an ambush from
the Fatui. The other Diluc probably got stunned and Kaeya tried to defend him. And Connor... man
has never fought in his life.

Captain Diluc quickly summons his claymore. "Let him go, you scum!" The Fatui opens his mouth
and actually looks kind of offended at Diluc's words.

"I take your pardon young man?" Says the Fatui in Crepus' voice and the captain quickly puts two
and two together, lowering his weapon. "Father? You… why?" He looks at master Diluc who is
giving him a death stare with his own red eyes. Ah, that was the bump he felt when he opened the
door. Oh well, he'll live.
"What is going on here?" He looks over all four men." Captain Diluc is not sure to be embarrassed
or outraged by the circus he is witnessing in front of his eyes.

Kaeya snorts "Oh! Captain just in time!" Kaeya gives Crepus who has now removed his mask to
give captain Diluc a look at who is under it. "Well, apparently this costume works well enough to
fool your own flesh and blood." Kaeya turns back to captain Diluc "How do you feel about
wearing a long dark coat and a mask as an undercover costume?"

"That sounds ridiculous. A simple mask over the eyes and a coat will hardly hide anyone's
identity."

Master Diluc was frowning even more than usual at the captain after his words.

The morning arrives and everyone prepares.

The Dilucs try to hide their signature flaming red hair as best as they can. The captain simply puts
it in a tight ponytail doing his best not to let any stray red hair appear. And Master Diluc braids his
just like the Traveler once taught him only this time also trying to minimise stray hairs escaping.
Kaeya simply puts his lovelock behind his shoulder under the coat and his bangs more in front of
his eyepatch. Not that it will matter much because the mask will conceal it. They put on their
masks and coats and they are all set to go.

"So how do I look Diluc?" Kaeya asks who he hopes is Captain Diluc.

"Punchable and burnable." Coldly replies master Diluc.

Ah yes, dry humour must be my Diluc. Kaeya at least now recognises who is who. Since there are
little details with slight differences in their outfits, not much just the fur trimming in some spots
and the shade of the masks. If anyone who isn't Kaeya observed this they wouldn't even bat an eye.
But they are not Kaeya.

The other Diluc giving him a glare under his mask is the captain. Overprotective as always.

The Springvale hunters and citizens are all informed of the plan. Some have already departed for
Mondstadt, some will do so when it comes closer to Jean's trial. Under the pretence of going to see
the trail of the killer of their beloved city hero.

Barbara will accompany Draff since they are taking a carriage. In case things turn out ugly a healer
will be necessary and she will be there.

The fake Fatui group, which consists of Kaeya, the Dilucs, and somehow dragged into this Connor
who is the driver of the chariot. They will arrive quite early to regroup with everyone at Angel's
Share.

Kaeya's plan is simple in theory but hard in execution: mutiny of the people against the knights.
Make it messy, make it seem like Eroch has lost all control and when the opportunity strikes kill
him. No hesitation, no mercy. Jean's safety is taken into consideration but she is tough. She can
take a flesh wound and still be ready to fight.

The guards at the gates are easy to get through. They see the Fatui uniforms and just let them pass
through. Mercenaries don't really care apparently, they are told to be wary of the citizens of
Mondstandt, not Szhneznayans. They don't even question why Kaeya is very hunched over trying
to hide his face as much as possible. He even had a whole scenario where he pretends to be
extremely hungover. That's why he doesn't want to see the sun or look at anything other than his
shoes. A pity, but at least they are safely inside at last.

The city looks as it usually does. Busy. But not a single familiar face is patrolling the streets in the
Knight uniforms.

They reach the Angel's Share without a hitch and go up to the third floor where all involved are
meeting. Most importantly the Adventurers Guild representatives. Even Bennett and Fischl are
informed, but Bennett decides to not cause misfortune for everyone so he stays as a backup in case
he is necessary. Fischl stays with him trying to see with Oz anything of importance through the
windows of the Favonius headquarters. So far no luck, Eroch has everything under tight security
and has hidden away in the walls of the headquarters.

They have less than three hours before Jean's trial. It's enough time. People are not allowed to
gather around the setup podium for the event. Setting all of this up is unusual and having a public
trial also is a rare occurrence. Eroch is most likely doing this to let everyone hear of the crimes
Jean has done, to make the people hate her and her name even more.

The air in the third floor of the tavern is stressful. Something can always go wrong. The people will
be up against mercenaries who do not have the people's well being as their main priority. Kaeya
hopes there will be no serious injuries or worse casualties. The only casualty he'll allow today will
be Eroch. This is why it's important to have the Adventurers Guild involved, they are somewhat
experienced with weapons and fighting, same goes with the Springvale hunters. Although the
hunters have never pointed their bows at humans. But for the sake of their young heroic knight,
they are willing to do anything.

The hunters disperse and so do most Adventurers. Cyrus stays behind because he wants to discuss
with captain Diluc the best way to place his men and women in the crowd before the attack. Master
Diluc hangs back because he is not really allowed to be seen, and Crepus has been giving him sad
looks all day. Kaeya can tell the two of them are hiding something. And he has caught some weird
patterns of finality to Diluc's words.

The blue-haired man has been wondering for the longest time what exactly did Diluc trade-in with
the spirit in exchange for Kaeya's body. What do spirits even want? Kaeya has no time to do proper
research into the topic. Maybe once this all is over and Eroch is finally dead.

They have time to just lounge around for now. Kaeya is still recovering from his injuries so he
decides to make use of the bed that's unused. He isn't going to sleep, just take a very deep sleep
looking nap. This is actually a very useful skill to learn if you're undercover. Kaeya keeps his
breathing even and feels a blanket being put over him. Someone has taken the bait.

"He must still be tired, even the best healing can't take away the fatigue from your own body trying
to heal." It's Diluc. Kaeya is sure it's his Diluc since he can still hear Cyrus and the captain
speaking strategies on the other side of the room. "I'll wake him before we are departing."

"Diluc…" It's Crepus "Don't you think you should tell him."

"I can't father. He is happy here with you and… the better me." Diluc’s voice is sounding small,
his words bitter in his own mouth "At least your son hasn't tried to kill his own brother and here
Kaeya is regarded as a hero. If all goes according to plan once Eroch is taken care of I'll have a
little time left before I'm going to disappear I guess."

Kaeya really tries to keep his breathing in order. What does Diluc mean by disappear? Go back
home to his own world? Right?
"Aren't you afraid?" asks Crepus.

"I'm terrified." Replies Diluc "But it was my own choice, and I know that even if you pity me now
you are glad I'm not taking Kaeya away from you."

The older man doesn't respond for a while but eventually shakily sighs "Am I a bad person? For
wanting Kaeya to stay with us? I don't want you to suffer Diluc, I really don't, but we, my Diluc
and I, could give Kaeya so much here..."

"I understand that..." Quickly says Diluc but is cut off by Crepus.

"...But It's unfair to Kaeya. I don't want him to resent us for not telling him what happens to you if
he decides to stay here. And it's also unfair to you, he is your brother and your father's son. He isn't
ours. I love him like he is mine but… I know he isn't. I know my boy has been dead for years."
Crepus' voice is shaky. "Tell him, let him choose himself."

Kaeya hears Diluc shift. "...I can't tell him. He'll choose me out of guilt."

"Then I'll tell him." it was Crepus.

"Don't!… father I'll tell him, but after Jean is safe." Kaeya could hear the emergency in Dilucs
voice, and maybe even guilt.

"That won't leave him with a lot of time to think this through." Said Crepus.

"I'll tell him he can either come with me back home or stay here. But if he chooses you, which I'm
sure he will, please don't tell him what happened to me." Kaeya could feel his hear his heart
beating fast.

What has Diluc done? Did he...trade in...no… not for him, no way.

"Diluc…" said Crepus with a sad exhale.

"It's for the best,” Diluc gave Crepus a look “You know it is."

Crepus couldn’t respond, Diluc… wasn’t wrong. But still, Crepus wanted to somehow save him,
and protect him. But to do that would be at the expense of his own and his Diluc’s happiness.

Kaeya decides he has heard enough. He opens his eye and slowly gets up from the bed into a
sitting position. Startling the two men who were talking near him. Diluc looks horrified even with
his mask still on and Crepus looks guilty.

Kaeya looks up and faces them his face has a hard look on it "Diluc please tell me that you traded
in something else… Please tell me you didn't trade in your life for my dead body." He says quietly.
He had figured it out, hasn’t he? Looking at Dilucs reaction Kaeya was sure of it.

Diluc turns his head away. He can't look at Kaeya right now. "It doesn't matter, we have to save
Jean first, we'll talk about this later."

"So that's a yes?"

"I did it because… I thought you were really dead alright? I didn't know you were living it up here
with a new family."

Kaeya's face twists and he knits his eyebrows together, Diluc can’t look at Kaeya, the look on his
brothers face is killing him. Kaeya tries to face him getting up, but Diluc does his best to dodge
him. "But Diluc why… I was dead, it was just my body. I’m not worth it… why?"

"What's going on here?" Captain Diluc had sent Cyrus away as soon as he heard raised voices. He
looks between the three men. And notices the look on Kaeya's face. The captain shoots an
accusatory look at the other younger redhead "What did you say to him? I thought you two finally
made up?"

"I…" Master Diluc starts.

"He traded in his life for me… to be able to bury my dead body." Whispers Kaeya. He looks at his
Diluc "You're an absolute moron! I can’t believe you would throw your life away like this!" Kaeya
sounded both hurt and angry.

"I already told you. A spirit was wearing your face… I couldn't let him have you so I traded in the
only thing I could think of at that moment." Says Diluc his own anger at himself showing.

"Yourself?" Asks Kaeya his voice quiet, but with an edge to it.

"My body in exchange for yours,” Diluc admits. “I have maybe ten hours left, maybe less, I don't
really remember. And it doesn't matter now. My world will manage without me, there is the
Traveller to protect Mond, but this one needs you Kae."

"But I can save you?" Kaeya remembers the conversation Diluc and Crepus had. Crepus made it
sound like there was a way.

Diluc sighed "I was told you could but the Archons ditched me and I suppose I need them to get
back."

"So there is a way? I got to go back home with you. Is that correct?" Kaeya pressed on.

"Don't throw this all away Kaeya." Master Diluc begged, "Just think this through. For now Jean
comes first."

"Your life's on the line Diluc!"

"And so is hers, but I got a couple more hours than her right now so please… let's just focus on
taking down Eroch for now."

Kaeya shakes his head in disbelief and walks away from his Diluc and Crepus.

The tension in the room was high. Captain Diluc went by Kaeya's side but Kaeya didn't say much.
He was deep in thought. Why would Diluc do this, he was not worth Diluc's life, he is not even
worth the life of everyone's heroic young knight. He is a fraud. Leeching off everyone's love and or
devotion.

Crepus and Diluc went to the other side of the room sitting silently waiting for the time to leave for
the trial. The room was sombre and no one spoke to one another much. Crepus felt like he had
betrayed Kaeya's trust by keeping what he knew about Diluc's contract. Diluc hoped he would be
stabbed by a mercenary, pretending to be a knight, in the following fight so he could spare Kaeya
the guilt of not choosing him.

Captain Diluc did not know how to feel about the other him anymore. He thinks that he despises
the other a little bit less. But at the same time a little bit more. If captain Diluc was sure his brother
would stay with him and his father before, now his thoughts are all over the place. Would Kaeya
really leave them? No, that’s ridiculous, Kaeya can’t stand the other him. They are barely having
 normal conversations. The captain is not worried. Kaeya would choose him and Crepus, he is sure
of it.

Connor's arrival draws them all back to reality and the task at hand. "It's time, the people are
starting to gather!"

For now, Kaeya will have to push his turmoil aside and focus on ridding the world of the pest that
is Eroch.

He hopes all goes well because he has realized that after, he will have a major decision to make.

Chapter End Notes

I always love to reply to your comments and just seeing them in general! Thank you
for all the comment leavers and readers and people who just come read and enjoy!
 Showdown
Chapter Notes

Sorry I didn't upload last week I was lazy. I don't have an excuse I was just really lazy
:*

Enjoy the chapter!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The spot for the trial was an unusual one. The trials, even public ones, usually take place within
the walls of the Favonius headquarters. It was obvious Eroch wanted to parade Jean around as the
villain of the story by putting on a whole stage in the Plaza behind the statue of Barbatos.

People had gathered around it, the crowd making it easy for the two Dilucs and Kaeya to blend in
with the crowd. Their Fatui disguises being few of the many other Fatui style clothes in the crowd.

Eroch himself had not yet shown himself, but a lot of 'knights' were swarming the set-up stage and
were obviously on the lookout for someone. Probably Captain Diluc, since Eroch did not know
that Kaeya had not died in the fire. At least that is what the three young men in Fatui clothes
thought.

Captain Diluc scanned the crowd and eventually made eye contact with Cyrus. Who made a
sneering face of distaste towards the captain. Good. That was the signal that all of the adventurers
were in place. No citizen of Mondstadt would greet a Fatui any differently after all.

Now all that was left was the arrival of Jean and Eroch. The crowd was uneasy with whispers all
around the two Dilucs and Kaeya.

"I hope they burn the witch, like she made him burn!" Said one angry whisper.

"Shut your mouth! A Gunnhildr would never scoop that low, and were they not friends? This
almost feels like a setup." Another voice spoke up.

"The Pyro Captain then? He probably burned the brother he cried after for years! Insanity most
likely!" Said an old man making no sense.

"Old man, do you need your ears and eyes checked? The captain would rather let himself be slowly
stoned to death by Hilichurls than let even a single injury reach sir Kaeya!" Replied a younger
sounding man.

"Like I said insanity!" The old man pressed on.

Kaeya tried to block out all of the unnecessary whispers he heard all around himself. They were
just accusing Diluc and Jean. The two people who he trusted with his life. They were calling them
"bastards", "a witch", "Nettle Knight" and "The damn aristocrats".

If all goes well Kaeya will make them eat their words. If all goes well Eroch will be lynched and
then Diluc and Jean can be the heroes of the city once more. And if all goes well Kaeya will find a
way to get his Diluc out of the deal with the spirits.
There is no time to think about Diluc right now but then again Diluc has no time left as well. So
the faster this will be taken care of the better.

Kaeya sees that Cyrus has given captain Diluc the signal. Everyone is in place. Eroch has no
escape rutes. The hunters of Springvale and the adventurers of the guild have made sure of it. And
who knows who the message has been passed along as well. How many people are informed that
Eroch is the threat and that Kaeya is alive.

Kaeya is about to test the devotion of the people who believe in him.

He couldn't hear any whispers calling Eroch a traitor and a bastard. It was worrying, but then again
perhaps it was better if those who were on his side to be silent and not give away the advantage
and the element of surprise of Kaeya being alive.

There was a large group of the fake knights arriving with Eroch almost hidden amidst them and
being led by her forearm was Jean.

Keaya could almost feel both of his brothers still where they stood. No matter how different
Captain and Master Diluc were, they were both fighting for one thing. Justice. And this was
injustice at its finest.

While Captain Diluc was almost sneering with anger, Kaeya's Diluc was wearing a scowl but other
than that he was calm and collected.

The inspector and Jean finally arrived at the stage. Jean was held in place by two strong looking
men with their swords drawn and pointed at her back while Eroch himself was surrounded by
knights as if they were human shields.

Eroch was prepared. He has been expecting something, most likely captain Diluc to strike him
down with his Dawn from somewhere hence the human shields.

No matter, the stage was set. The moment Eroch would relax his defenses even a little bit, the
hunters will take aim. If he looks untouchable the Adventurers will start a riot with the informed
people who are devoted to Kaeya. Then no plan can predict what will happen next so all present
have been given one simple task. Kill Eroch. Don't let him escape.

The political fallout will be dealt with later, right now removing the problem, that was inspector
Eroch, takes priority.

But Kaeya's plan falls short when he sees the man scan the crowd and his eyes almost landing on
him. The man is searching for something or someone. Then Eroch speaks in a loud voice "Kaeya
Alberich," the inspector pauses and scans the crowd once more "Son, you don't have to hide, the
machinations of the Gunnhildr girl are over! The people will accept you, step up here with me!"
He keeps scanning the crowd.

He knows. Eroch knows Kaeya is alive. There goes their advantage of surprise.

Kaeya sees the guards pushing their swords against Jean's back. She isn't wearing her coat so they
must have pierced the skin now yet she doesn't look bothered. She stands her ground with as much
pose as she can.

The swords at her back are a treat. This isn't a trial, this is a trap set for Kaeya and he and both
Dilucs walked right into it. Eroch isn't asking for Kaeya to step on the stage, he is demanding it
otherwise Jean will get hurt or worse.
Kaeya starts to move sideways, away from his brothers not to give away their location. Captain
Diluc tries to reach out and grab his hand but the other redhead stops him.

Kaeya is glad his Diluc trusts him now but he himself has no idea where this is going. Once he is a
safe distance away from the two he takes off his mask and hood, dropping them to the ground.

A gasp of "Sir Kaeya!" Is heard from the crowd and Eroch immediately reacts and invitingly opens
his arms for Kaeya to come up to the stage.

The swords pointed at Jean's back move. Jean just so slightly winces in pain. It's not an invite but a
demand.

Kaeya walks slowly through the crowd towards the stage, he hears people whisper about him.
How it's another one of Celestia's miracles. About his bruised face, about Diluc being a bastard,
about the Nettle Knight being brought to justice.

And he can't do anything about those unjust whispers because Eroch has Jean at the sword point.

Once up on the stage Eroch's outstretched arm grabs Kaeya and pulls him into a mock side hug.
"Today is the day I promised you Kaeya'' Eroch whispers in Kaeya's ear "It's not as I planned it to
be, but it's fine. We can both be the most powerful men in Mondstadt, we can rule the city, just
follow my lead!" Kaeya tries to push him away but Eroch pulls the struggling man closer and utters
a low whisper in Kaeya's ear "Ah ah ah, not so fast or Gunnhildr will get impaled, you don't want
that do you son?" Eroch let's go of Kaeya and pretends to look him up and down with concern.
Making a show of it for the people down below the stage watching.

What kind of a sick and twisted game is Eroch playing.

Eroch puts both of his hands on Kaeya's shoulders, turns him around to face the crowd and puts the
blue-haired man in front of himself. Another human shield.

"Kaeya Alberich came to me just out of Celestia scared for his life," Eroch started, with a lie "He
was brought back because of his love and devotion to Mondstadt, but the people he thought he
could trust the most felt threatened by the favor the gods and the good citizens of Mondstandt
showed him." Eroch squeezed Kaeya's shoulders once again as a treat to keep silent and went on
"So they devised a plan to kill him, their own adopted brother and friend." Eroch allowed a
dramatic pause letting the people whisper amongst themselves. "But as luck would have it I was
told by Celestia itself that Kaeya Alberich escaped the flames and schemes of the Pyro Captain and
the Nettle Knight so I took Jean Gunnhildr in custody and the Pyro Captain will serve justice soon
as well!" Eroch brought Kaeya closer to the edge of the stage showing him off to the people. "Even
battered and bruised sir Kaeya Alberich has been brought back to us to end the tyranny of the
remaining aristocrats in the knights of Favonius!"

A fake knight brought over a blue Captain's jacket to present it to Eroch. Eroch took his hands off
Kaeya's shoulders and draped the jacket over the same shoulders his hands were resting on a
second ago.

"Here he is, Mondstadt! Grand Master Kaeya Alberich of the Knights of Favonius!"

Kaeya had wondered how many people were loyal to him. The cheers that erupted through the
crowd proved that it was the majority, if not all of the city.

The jacket felt heavy and wrong. It was not like his own captain's jacket, but heavy and long. Not
his style and undeserved. Heavy and put on him by force. This was not how this was supposed to
go at all, why aren't the Springvale hunters taking aim. Kaeya can take an arrow or two right now.
It would beat the feeling of the jacket resting on his shoulders.

Kaeya turned around slowly to face Eroch who was grinning from ear to ear.

Eroch really thought he had won. That this move of giving Kaeya the ultimate title is what had
won Kaeya over and together they would rule Mondstadt. Keaya thought of headbutting the man
right now.

That is until Kaeya caught Jean's gaze.

She gave him a look, that only a few understood.

He knew that look. It was the look of his Acting Grand Master Jean right before she charged into
battle with her knights, with him. With a battle cry of "Go as one!" Even if this was not the same
Jean he had fought alongside with for years, it was still Jean and her conviction was the same. For
Mondstadt. Anything for Mondstadt. And Eroch was threatening her city and Kaeya, her knight.

Jean gave him a small nod. It was fearful, it would hurt but she was ready.

The blonde woman threw herself on the swords pointed at her back with full force knocking the
knights behind her to the ground. One sword had gone through her side, the other had been
somehow luckily knocked to the ground.

Kaeya took the opportunity of distraction to grab Eroch by the collar of his shirt and throw him into
the crowd below the stage, hitting a patch heavily surrounded by the members of Adventurers
guild. The civilians dispersed or were pushed aside by the armed Adventurers.

Eroch tried to get up and pointed an outstretched finger and a sneer at Kaeya "You filthy, dog I
gave you an opportunity to be above everyone! How dare you deny me! You parasite! You
traitorous Khaenr-" But he was cut off by a flaming claymore literally severing his outstretched
arm from his body.

"His name Is KAEYA RAGNVINDR!" Captain Diluc tore off his hood and his mask "and how
dare YOU threaten my brother!" Captain Diluc took another swing at the inspector, slashing him
across the tight hitting bone. Eroch screeched and tried to crawl away as Diluc was drawing back
his claymore for another swing, the inspector's back hit someone. Adventurers and his mercenaries
were fighting all around so thinking it was one of his mercenaries trying to save him, Eroch looked
up, hopeful only to be met with the pair of another pair of crimson eyes just like the captains.

The other one. Eroch's tried to crawl away quickly but was grabbed by his collar dandelion thrown
down on his chest facing the ground. Master Diluc's foot found itself on Eroch's back and he held
his own claymore high and made it burst aflame.

"You were given a second chance, you should have stayed away from my family!" Master Diluc let
his claymore fall in the man who was struggling on his belly. "Now burn for your crimes!"

After that all Eroch saw was flames of amber surround him and the ground. There was pain and
then inspector Eroch was no more. His body was engulfed in flames and burned to nothing.

Perhaps there is no such thing as a personal Celestia for someone like him.

Back on the stage, Kaeya had to deal with the mercenaries. His Cryo slowed them down
significantly but there were too many of them, the hunters were shooting them from the walls but
they had to take caution not to hit Kaeya or Jean. There were occasional Cryo arrows meaning
Diona was near and honestly she was doing most of the bullseyeing.

Kaeya had managed to get to Jean's side. He knew how to do minor healing with his vision but he
only knew how to apply it to himself yet he still leaned down grabbed her by the hand and tried his
best to keep Jean from dying every time he used Frostgnaw against a mercenaries. Jean was
bleeding out and gasping heavily for air, the wound needed a real healer. The sword had pierced
through her completely and had been pulled out. The Mercenaries who held her had multiple
arrows sticking out of their bodies courtesy of the Springvale hunters.

Kaeya was getting surrounded regardless of the shower of arrows raining down on his enemies.
There were many points where the hunter's arrow couldn't reach. Keaya was doing his best to slow
the oncoming attacks down with his Cryo when all of a sudden with a splash of Hydro every
mercenary who was affected by his Cryo was frozen in place.

Barbara rushed through the now frozen men and ran to Jean's side "Sister!" She exclaimed.
Barbara had seen what had happened and rushed to the stage immediately. Stupid big sister! Why?
Why did she have to use herself as a distraction!

"Barbara no, it's dangerous…" Jean gasped out but Barbara hushed her and took over from Kaeya.
"I'll help her, sir Kaeya please keep the enemies away while I work!" Barbara was told by Jean she
was the best healer. So she will prove her sister's words to be true. "Hold on Jean, we can do it!"
Barbara took the same hand Kaeya had held and focused on a soft song to stitch back the injury.

Kaeya would hold off the men as long as Barbara needed. But the first thing he did was smash the
frozen men in front of him. It's more merciful this way than letting them experience Diluc's searing
flames. And speaking of the devil or devils, the Dilucs were making fireworks with their flames
against the mercenaries. Just how many men had Eroch hired? Had he emptied the Knight
treasury?

The battle was going in their favor. It was just a matter of time before the mercenaries noticed their
employer had died and would no longer pay them for their services.

In a matter of minutes the mercenaries were retreating. Some dropping their armor to make their
escape more seamless.

Exhumation was starting to hit. But the last if mercenaries were being more passive than
aggressive. Kaeya was fine with letting them escape. The escapees could inform the rest to retreat.

Dilucs didn't let any escape from them.

That was fine by Kaeya too.

The battle was won. The Mondstandt citizens were safely hiding in taverns and their homes only
letting The Ragnvindrs, Adventurers, Kaeya and the two blond sisters remain on the stage and on
the now empty grounds of the Plaza.

Barbara had Jean rest her head on the Deaconess lap with the Grand Masters Jacket that Kaeya had
discarded on the ground as a pillow. Jean would need to rest but she would be fine. Barbara was
exhausted but all that mattered to her was Jean's safety. Diona was nearby, she could heal the
injured Adventurers for now Barbara would just soothe her sister.

Kaeya scanned the Plaza and among the Adventurers he spotted the now unmasked Captain Diluc
among and still masked Master Diluc. They looked uninjured, maybe fatigued, but overall fine.

Kaeya give them a smile and and wave over, but the blue-haired man's smile dropped when his
 Diluc staggered a bit and then fell to his knees and right after was completely on the ground.

Kaeya quickly got off the stage to be by Diluc's side. Was it an injury? Was he hurt?

Captain's eyes followed Kaeya's gaze and also saw the man on the ground.

"Diluc!" Kaeya was kneeling next to the masked redhead. He shook him gently. No reaction. But
his eyes were open. Empty.

No.

Was this the deal that Diluc had made? "DILUC!" Kaeya shook his brother's unmoving body a
little rougher. He grabbed Diluc by his shoulders and held his brother tight. "Idiot, you idiot,"
Kaeya whispered in Diluc's shoulder.

Then the limp body took a huge breath, and lifted one hand to rest on Kaeya's cheek.

Kaeya's eyes widened "Luc?" It was more of a plea. Maybe Diluc had fought against the body
snatcher, maybe Diluc had won?

It was a naive thought.

Diluc's mouth formed a smile, a smile that Kaeya has no recollection of ever being on his brother's
face. It was vicious and victorious, like a villain who has finally beat the hero of the story.

"Hi there little brother!" Diluc's hand patted Kaeya's cheek "Hahaha, I guess I fell from exhaustion,
huh?" It wasn't Diluc's voice. It was his vocal cords making the sound but it was not delivered
correctly. It felt off.

Kaeya made a decision right then and there.

He smiled warmly back at the imposter wearing Diluc's face "Welcome back Luc!"

He will figure it out. This thing won't get to keep Diluc.

Chapter End Notes

I LOVED THE KLEE STORY QUEST EVENT! SO MUCH HIDDEN LORE I'M
CRYING!

Next week, next chapter! The story is almost over but not quite yet! 10-15k more
words i'd say but then again I haven't written all of my notes out just yet. So it might
be more! might be less, I'm just following my notes haha!

Anyway, I hope you stick around to read it!

 Finial Choice
Chapter Notes

Hope your week went well!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Jean has been healed up by Barbara and even injured and in need of bed rest, the Acting Grand
Master instead is doing damage control. Not all knights loyal to Jean were sent out of the city, they
were just put away to do some minor chores in the surrounding area or to clean up the burned down
cells with impossible instructions. She is now commanding those knights who came out to see
what has been going on. Their primary task is making sure the mercenaries are all gone and the
safety of the citizens of Mondstadt.

Kaeya doesn't really want to leave Jean in the state that she is, with loads of work to be done, but
Barbara assures him that Jean would be taken care of. As soon as Lisa is back from wherever she
was sent to she will take over and aid Jean in as much as she can.

The city is still a huge mess of people who are confused by what just happened. Kaeya's followers
seem to spread some whispers around that Eroch was the villain here after all. And for that Kaeya
is grateful. It means less work for Jean and the real Knights of Favonius.

Kaeya is more than sure now that things will work out eventually for Mondstadt Jean's reputation
since Eroch is no more.

Now to the more pressing matter at hand.

Diluc.

Kaeya had found out a couple of things about the spirit possessing Diluc. It is very naive, a bad
actor and overconfident that it has everybody fooled.

All of it pissed Kaeya off but at the same time could be worked to his advantage.

As far as Kaeya knows, when he himself was possessed, he was booted out of his body into
another one. Who knows where his Diluc went. It's certainly not where both Eroch and Kaeya
ended up because Captain Diluc is still very much Captain Diluc. Kaeya can tell because he saw
the captain salute Jean. Master Diluc doesn't partake in the knightly code anymore.

So for now Diluc is missing. Kaeya's one lead is Diluc talking about Archons taking him here
when he was pouring his heart out. Basically, Kaeya needs to find gods and convince them to
exorcize the spirit or something like that.

Things are never easy, are they?

"We should celebrate, Kaeya!"

Said the spirit possessing Diluc with a carefree smile on Diluc's lips as it draped one arm over
Kaeya's shoulder. It really was a very bad actor. Even captain Diluc looked confused about what
was going on. One minute Master Diluc had collapsed the next he woke up… different. The
Captain gave Kaeya a questioning look, Kaeya responded with smiling cheerily yet shaking his
head sideways while the spirit looked away. Knowing the captain he would quickly pick up that it
was a signal for 'this is not normal, something is wrong'. And thank the Archons he did.

The captain suddenly became way too friendly with the spirit. Throwing his arm around his
shoulders away from Kaeya. Probably just Diluc's 'must remove threat from Kaeya' part of brain
activating.

"Yes, I believe a celebration is in order." Said the captain, picking up what Kaeya was signalling.
The captain pulled a slightly struggling master Diluc with him "We should probably go to Angel's
Share, from there we can all return to the winery, but before that let's have some wine? What do
you say?"

Master Diluc's expression brightened the smile unnatural and not one Diluc would make "Wine
sounds good about now, let's go!"

Kaeya and the captain exchanged looks. The spirit was definitely not the brightest tool in the shed.
Or Kaeya was wrong and it did not possess Diluc's memories. Then how did it know about Jean
and Barbara?

For now, what matters is to get the spirit to Angel's Share. Where there are a lot of substances that
can subdue someone with Diluc's alcohol tolerance.

The captain was making sure of it, dragging the spirit along straight to Angel's Share where Master
Crepus was waiting. The older man was surprised to see the two Diluc's so close to each other with
his son's arm around the other. Before Crepus could ask, Kaeya appeared behind the two, shaking
his head slightly and mouthing "Not Diluc."

Crepus picked up on what was going on. And he mimicked his son's attitude and smiled in the
direction of the three men.
"You're back!" His relief was real, it could've ended in one of his boys getting seriously injured or
worse.

"I think a celebratory drink is in order, Father!" The captain announced, "Mind fetching us my
favourite wine?" His tone slightly darkened but the spirit in Diluc's body just nodded along
excitedly to taste the pleasures of the human world once more.

Diluc has no favourite wine since he doesn't drink, so Crepus just grabbed the strongest they had
and served three glasses.

And then another round and another.

The captain's first glass had one demonstrative sip taken from it, Kaeya drank with the spirit
making sure the spirit didn't fall behind.

"Dis gooood winee," slurred the spirit on his third glass trying to throw it back as fast as Kaeya.

"Hahaha, Diluc come now, have some more!" Kaeya took the bottle from Crepus and refilled
Diluc's glass. Half hanging on the table the spirit took bearly one sip when he lowered his head on
the bartop with a slurred "m'sleep donn touch my wine." And just like that the spirit passed out still
clutching his wine glass.

Kaeya shook Diluc's shoulder a couple of times and called his name. He didn't stir.

Kaeya sighed. Thank the Archons for Diluc's low alcohol tolerance. "Father, do you have some
rope we could borrow?" Asked Kaeya trying to haul Diluc up by his armpits. Damn he was heavy.
Kaeya is known for agility not brute strength so he struggled until the captain rushed in seeing
Kaeya having a hard time.

Crepus nodded and went in the back. Kaeya and the captain were attempting to get master Dilucs
body upstairs for now, but there was suddenly a surprised yelp from Master Crepus who had gone
in the back to search for rope.

The captain immediately dropped Diluc "Father?!" The captain exclaimed as he rushed to aid
Crepus. Luckily Kaeya caught his brother's body before it could hit the floor and laid him as
quickly and carefully as he could on the floor and rushed after Captain Diluc.

Once there, Crepus was trying to hold Diluc back from three figures in the back of the tavern.
Saying something along the lines of "Behave thats our Archon!" There were two familiar young
boys who looked very similar to one another and a man dressed in Liyue style clothing. Kaeya
recognized one of the young boys as Venti, the bard, the other young boy looked to be… Venti's
brother? Only his hair was entirely dark and eyes a clear blue colour. The Liyue man looked
familiar as well? Hadn't Kaeya dreamed of him with Venti while he was imprisoned in the cells?

"Ah, Sir Kaeya! We finally found you!" Exclaimed Venti.

"We should've stayed with him in the first place, Barbatos!" Said the Liyue man while crossing his
arms looking annoyed, "but, you!" He gave a pointed look in Venti's direction "and ...you!" He
gave another look to Venti's supposed brother, "you just had to go on a tavern trip this entire time!"

"Ehe," Venti rubbed the back of his neck "Sorry! But it's not like we didn't watch over them a little!
Besides, master Diluc still has some time, doesn't he? How much was it again? An hour? Three?"

"Minus one," Said Kaeya helping Crepus by putting a hand on the captain's shoulder to calm him
down and out of attack mode "You're Barbatos I presume, Venti the Bard? I have to admit I had my
suspicions about you. And you look familiar as well.” Kaeya said to the other young boy. "Ah,
young Heroic Knight, I've slightly altered my appearance, but I'm the Venti of this world." Said the
dark-haired boy with one hand on his heart and the other behind his back hiding something
probably a wine bottle they had 'borrowed' "I'm just hosting the visitors from their world into mine,
don't mind me I'm here to simply observe and if necessary aid."

Kaeya shifted his attention to the man standing out the most and turned to the Liyue man "You
must be the other Archon, correct?"

The Liyue man nodded "I was known as Rex Lapis or Morax for some, but you can call me
Zhongli."

"You're the Geo Archon then?" Asked Kaeya, Zhongli nodded once more "You're far from Liyue,
how did you got involved in all of this?"

"What happened to you sir Kaeya, and later to your brother, although on his own accord, is my
fault." Kaeya raised an eyebrow at the man's words. "What do you mean it's your fault? Did you
send out the spirit's after me and all those people?" Overhearing the revelation made captain Diluc
drag Kaeya behind him. "Diluc." Kaeya stopped him midway and he went forward towards the
Archons again "It's okay."

The captain gave a dirty look toward Zhongli but let Kaeya stand his ground towards the two. Even
if Diluc was happy that he had Kaeya back, this man was in a way responsible for Kaeya's 'death'
in his own world. Diluc did not trust him even if he was an Archon from Celestia. It's not like he
was Diluc's Archon, Barbatos could be innocent in all of this.

Zhongli slightly hung his head but then looked back up at Kaeya with serious eyes "The spirits
were my underlings, we had a contract that allowed them to take a couple of willing souls to a life
they could have in exchange for their bodies. I abandoned my role as the Geo Archon and they
went rogue." Zhongli looked pensive. He was not happy of his error, it was obvious to Kaeya.

"They took many souls, way too many, way too close to each other and the worst of all without a
contract. They took the decision in their own hands. If I had not disappeared so suddenly and
without a warning, many people would not have left your world the way they did Sir Kaeya."
Zhongli inclines his head in a respectful bow "I apologize for what I've done. I've been going
around this world asking the people if they wish to return. Most were too content with their lives so
they stayed."

"I must ask you now as well sir Kaeya, do you wish to end your unjust contract laid upon you and
return to your world?"

The room fell silent. It lasted for not ten seconds when captain Diluc spoke. "There is nothing left
for him there, my brother is staying."

"It's not your decision to make, it's Kaeya's." Said Zhongli.

"Kaeya." The Captain looked at his brother "Tell them you're saying." The dark blue-haired man
didn't give a reply to the captain.

"Save Diluc first, then I'll give you my answer."

"Kaeya?" The captain took Kaeya by his arm to force his brother to face him. "You're staying,
right?"

"I… I need to get Diluc back first, I can't leave him the way he is."

Zhongli signed but nodded. "I suppose I owe the two of you as much. Alright, first we need to find
master Diluc then I'll negotiate with the Spirit." Zhongli put his hand on his chin deep in thought,
"I believe Barbatos wasn't wrong, there was still an hour left before the contract was fulfilled.
Luckily time for spirits is just an illusion since they do not age."

"So the contract was breached? Diluc still has time?" Said Kaeya with hope in his voice.

"Not much, but yes." Replied Zhongli. "So if you'd be so kind Sir Kaeya would you lead the way
please?" Kaeya nodded "Follow me, he is on the tavern floor right now he passed out."

All six of the men rushed to the tavern just to see the main door of the building wide-open. The
glass of wine Kaeya had poured to get the spirit drunk was smashed on the floor next to the bartop.

No, no, no, no, no, no!

Kaeya looked back at the captain who nodded. Even if Diluc hated the other him. He couldn't do
this to Kaeya and Kaeya never said he would leave him and their father. He just wanted to save the
other Diluc. Kaeya will stay. He will.

Kaeya and Diluc rushed through the door and Kaeya yelled back at Zhongli "We'll find him!"

Kaeya looked at Crepus and gave him a sad smile. Crepus understood and returned it. He just
hoped his son, Diluc would be fine.
Zhongli with all his calm and collected composure nodded and said "Barbatos, come, we will go as
well."

Both of the Ventis ran along. "I'll glide from the rooftops and see if I can find him," The dark-
haired Venti suggested. "I'll alert you two if I do! It was a pleasure meeting you two! And Venti, I
was happy seeing his face again in something other than a mirror, thank you!" Venti used his
powers to summon a wind current and left waving.

Venti smiled back "Thank you too, I feel the same way." Quietly whispered the green-haired
Archon. Zhongli wanted to ask if Barbatos was fine, his face had grown sad like it often happened
when Venti did see his own face in a reflection, but Venti had waved him off. "Nothing, nothing,
we better start searching!"

Captain Diluc and Kaeya had split up.

The drunk spirit couldn't have gone far and as far as Diluc and Kaeya knew the spirit didn't know
he was being hunted down.

Kaeya took the lower part of the city, Diluc took the upper.

The spirit was unlucky the captain found him. Kaeya had said to alert him with Pyro as a flare. The
captain had no such intentions. The spirit had passed out near the Goth Hotel almost drowning
himself in the fountain. The captain knew what he was about to do was wrong, but if he knew
himself he'd rather die than let a spirit possess his body.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not losing him again."

The captain hauls master Diluc's body in the fountain, head down. And holds his head under the
spirit starts to struggle for air. It will look like an accident. Kaeya will never now. He will stay. It
will be great, it will be amazing again. They will be brothers again and Crepus will be happy to
have both of his sons again.

No.

He can't.

He can't do this to Kaeya.

Diluc pulls the struggling man out and onto the pavement of the hotel plaza. Summoned, his
claymore pointed it at the gasping man and yelled. "WHY DID YOU HAVE TO COME HERE!
WE WERE FINE, HE DOESN'T NEED YOU!"

He swung his claymore back and landed it right next to the gasping man's head.

"Why is he leaving us for you…"

The spirit in master Diluc's body coughed and kept gasping "Damn you, humans!" The spirit tried
to get up but the captain kicked him down and put his boot on master Diluc's back.

"You're getting removed, you parasite!" said the captain.

The captain pointed his claymore at the sky and let his Dawn light up the sky.

Not long after the two Archons arrived and not a minute later, so did Kaeya.
Kaeya saw all the water around the plaza and how wet his brother was, yet he didn't comment.
Instead, he spoke to Zhongli "Do we still have time?" Zhongli nodded and made a pillar cage
around master Diluc's body.

"You've breached the terms of your contract once again spirit!"

"I've done no such things! Today is the day! The brother is still here and happier! I got my just
reward!" The spirit spat "I've barely scratched the surface of the joys of a human body, you will not
take this from me with your fake accusations!"

"The day is right but not the hour spirit, sir Kaeya can still choose to go home freeing his brother
from the bounds of the contract!"

The spirit sneered, realizing its mistake and unable to argue back. In desperation looking around it
gasped for straws and yelled at Kaeya "HE HATES YOU! YOU'RE NOTHING TO HIM BUT A
TRAITOR AND A LIAR!"

Zhongli tightened the Geo pillar cage. "SILENCE!" Said the Geo Archon in a loud voice almost
yelling but not actually, his composure staying intact. Venti vent by his side, his presence was
apparently calming the other Archon.

The spirit hissed in pain and kept going "HOW CAN YOU LEAVE THE FAMILY THAT
LOVES YOU FOR A MAN WHO THREW YOU AWAY LIKE TRASH AND TRIED TO KILL
YOU! STAY!" The spirit was interrupted however.

"He loves you a lot Kae, he was willing to lose everything for you. Save him." Said captain Diluc
with a shaky voice. He was losing his brother again but this time he was letting him go on his own
terms and with a goodbye."But know this, me and father love you as well."

"I know Luc… I love you both. And I'm sorry but I can't stay. " Kaeya swallowed a lump in his
throat. "We are each other's only family."

"Sir Kaeya, there isn't much time." Rushed Zhongli.

Kaeya nodded at the Archon and said "I want to go home to my world." He turned to Captain
Diluc for what would be their last moments and gave him a smile.

"Bye, Luc."

"Goodbye… Kae."

Zhongli nodded at Kaeya's request. The spirit struggled to break free knowing of his fate. It was
over in an instant. Like with a blink of an eye. Perhaps to spare captain Diluc the pain. The two
Archons had disappeared along with Master Diluc leaving the Geo cage empty.

Only Kaeya remained still looking at the captain but his eye was half-lidded and his star pupil
dilated. His face still held a tiny smile that disappeared as his muscles relaxed and he fell.

The captain caught him. And held him just like he did that day 5 years ago. Only this time with a
proper goodbye.

************
After Diluc saw Eroch die he felt like cold water splashed him. Then nothing. He guessed his time
was up. That his fate caught up to him and his body was lost to the spirit.
 At least Kaeya will have an easier choice now. At least he will be happy.

Yet, now he wakes up on the floor of the cold room in what he presumes is his world.

He is alone.

The table where Kaeya’s body had been laid down was empty.

Chapter End Notes

Next chapter will be the last! ill try to finish it up as soon as I can and warp up
everything nicely just like I planned!

And yes the Ventis and Zhongs just went on a bender (the Ventis at least did) while
Kaeya and Diluc were suffering... or maybe they were planning something?
 Tying Up The Lose Threads (End.)
Chapter Notes

So, the last chapter, enjoy! ALSO ART FOR CHAPTER 22 FROM RUENISS Link

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Diluc had awoken to being back in his world and finding himself in the cold room.

There was no one there, not even Albedo, who rarely left his laboratory when in Mondstadt. But
most importantly the table where Kaeya's body had been laid down was empty.

But if Diluc is not possessed by the spirit and is back in his world does that mean? That Kaeya…
really choose him? And shouldn't that mean that Kaeya is back too? Alive and in his body?

Diluc ran out of the laboratory into the halls of the Knights of Favonius headquarters trying to find
someone, anyone to tell him where Kaeya is.

He ran into a familiar brown-haired knight, who at first looked to be displeased at seeing master
Diluc. But when Amber saw the urgency in his eyes any bad blood was switched with the knightly
virtue.

"Master Diluc? What's wrong-" The Outrider began but was interrupted by the wine tycoon almost
hysterically looking around with a small smile that so rarely graced his face, like a happy child on
their birthday. He was ranting and shifting his eyes around, looking for someone.

"Where is Kaeya? He came back, right? He has to be back!" Diluc knew he sounded borderline
crazy, but he couldn't help it; he was happy. Kaeya was back. Kaeya chose him. And they had
worked out some things as well in the other world.

Maybe... Maybe they could be a family again? Be as close as the captain and Kaeya had been as
adults. It doesn't have to happen instantly but…

"Oh, master Diluc…" Amber said gently, "Kaeya is still resting behind the Cathedral. Remember
the funeral? You were there."

Diluc's face dropped. But that's not possible. He was dug up. Jean wouldn't rebury him would she?
But maybe she lost all hope that Diluc would return with Kaeya. Maybe she believed Diluc had lost
to the spirit and decided to honour his final wish and rebury Kaeya.

But if Diluc is here. And Kaeya should also be back...But Jean might have reburied the body. Does
that mean?

The wine tycoon pushed past the outrider. When she saw him try to move away from her she got in
his way in an attempt to stop him.

But to no avail, Diluc was stronger than her And even when she tried to hold onto his forearm to
stop him, Diluc just shook her off.

"Master Diluc, please stop! Where are you going?" Amber didn’t know what has gotten into
people lately. First Jean returns from her trip to Liyue with Master Diluc, being unavailable for
days. And now the wine tycoon, who had disappeared, reemerging once again and asking where
Sir Kaeya was. Master Diluc must know that Kaeya was still dead. He was there when the funeral
had taken place. Had the man gone insane from grief? Amber does feel guilty now about accusing
master Diluc of killing his own brother. She sees now he is grieving more than anyone, they might
have had a closer relationship than she thought. And Amber was nothing more than a friend, more
of a fellow knight actually.

"Master Diluc, Kaeya is dead, please stop!" But regardless of what Amber said Diluc still kept
going "Kaeya is in his grave right now! I got to get him out! He'll suffocate!" The man said running
off away from the Outrider.

Knights are often buried with their visions, and Kaeya told Diluc he had crawled out of his
previous grave in the other world with the help of his vision. But what if Jean decided to not bury
Kaeya with it? What if she wanted to leave it as a keepsake for when Diluc comes back. What if
Kaeya has already suffocated in his own grave?

Amber cursed under her breath, she could keep up with master Diluc, but she needed real backup to
stop him from what she guessed he was about to do. Other visionless knights would have less luck,
and the closest Vision barer on the way to the cathedral was the Deaconess Barbara. If things got
really out of hand Rosaria could keep Diluc at bay, but Amber would only alert the older woman if
it was absolutely necessary. Barbara's healing magic could not only heal wounds but could also
calm the mind. Amber hoped that all that was needed here.

She made a detour where Diluc went straight for the graveyard. She ran into the cathedral to seek
help. And to her luck, there was Barbara talking to…

"Acting Grand Master Jean!" Amber called out and ran to the side of the two sisters "And
Deaconess Barbara, please come quickly it's master Diluc! He has gone crazy! He thinks sir Kaeya
is back and is about to dig up his grave!"

Jean and Barbara exchanged looks and Jean said "I'll go calm him down," Barbara nodded "And
Amber please go follow the Deaconess and promise me not to tell anyone what you see until I've
thought of a proper announcement!"

Amber saluted, curious but trusting Jean. Now that the Acting Grand Master is on the case, Master
Diluc will certainly calm down and see reason.

Jean nodded back at Amber's salute and hastily left.

"Follow me Amber and please keep calm, what you're about to see is truly a blessing from our
Anemo Archon Barbatos." Barbara leads Amber through the infirmary to the more private rooms
for the sick and injured. Amber was confused as to why she was here. That is until Barbara opened
a door to one of the private rooms.

"... I'm feeling fine Albedo! You just want to experiment on me don't you?" Said a very familiar
voice that Amber never thought she would hear again.

Then her eyes landed on sir Kaeya casually sitting up in the bed with sir Albedo sitting in a chair
next to him, staring intensely at Kaeya and making notes.

Sir Kaeya who was alive, breathing and talking.

Kaeya, noticing the Outrider and Barbara, greeted them both with a smile and a small wave.
"Master Diluc was telling the truth." Whispered Amber to herself.

"Diluc is back? Where is he?" Kaeya threw his legs over the side of the bed and with the help of
Barbara who rushed by his side as soon as she saw him moving, approached the Outrider.

"Amber, please take me to him?"

Diluc had no time to lose, every second mattered Kaeya could be suffering in there. He just got
Kaeya back and he isn't going to lose him again.

Lucky for Diluc there was no one in the graveyard, not even the bard who usually sings lullabies
for one specific gravestone. Kaeya wasn't buried far. And just as Diluc suspected, the grave looked
freshly covered up.

Jean had reburied him.

"Kaeya…" Diluc got on his knees and tried to summon his weapon to start digging but nothing
came. Probably because of the other world travel, Diluc guesses his claymore that he borrowed
from the captain didn't travel back with him. There is no time to look for a shovel, begging and
yelling for help will probably make people think he is crazy and they will most definitely try to get
him off the grave.

Diluc had no other choice but to dig with his hands. The soil was still somewhat soft and brittle that
made Diluc's job a lot easier, but he still wasn't going to be fast enough, that is if I wasn't already
too late.

No, it can't be Diluc just woke up. Kaeya still has time.

His thoughts were slowing him down so Diluc only focused on digging with his hands. He could
feel his nails breaking from his fingers and the cold sting of the earth. The day was hot but the
earth underneath Dilucs fingers was cold. He had not dug too far down when he heard his name
being called. In the haze, Diluc couldn’t hear the person properly, and he couldn't stop to
acknowledge them either. Every second counted.

"-iluc!"

Diluc ignored it. But the owner of the voice had approached him trying to grab his shoulder to
make him stop. Diluc shook the hand off.

"Diluc! Stop!" It was Jean.

Jean was strong and she could help. Still digging with his stiff feeling fingers Diluc gasped out
"Jean, Kae is under here he came back. He saved me, he is back!"

Diluc could feel himself being lifted in the air by what could only be Anemo. And gently being
thrown out of the knee-deep hole he made.

Diluc tried to scramble back to the hole but Jean grabbed him by the collar and threw him back.

"DILUC STOP! KAEYA ISN'T IN THERE!" She yelled at him while standing in front of the hole
Diluc had made.

"But the earth has been moved? You had him reburied!" Diluc said, eyeing the grave behind Jean
ready to jump in again "Move aside he is in there he has to be."

Jean sighs "Diluc, I had my knights check if Kaeya's body was still in the grave after we retrieved
it from Liyue, in case it wasn't really him. Remember? That's why the earth looks freshly dug up."

Realization dawned on Diluc and for the first time In a long time, he shifted his eyes to Jean.
"He… isn't in there?"

"No, he is not."

"Did… did he come back?" Diluc braced himself for the answer, he was so sure before that Kaeya
would be back. But now, doubt started to seep in. Why had Diluc woken up alone? Wasn't he sent
back along with Kaeya… what if Kaeya had made another contact?

Jean didn't get to answer because of a commotion catching her attention around the side of the
cathedral. A nun screamed. Jean is not sure which one but the reason for her scream of "Oh,
Archons above! A ghost!" Gave her an idea who was the one who scared her. There goes Jean
trying to keep Kaeya a secret until she has a proper announcement for the public.

Jean gave out another tired sigh "See for yourself master Diluc." Jean will have a lot of public
relations work to do after this.

And just as expected from the corner of the cathedral Kaeya and Amber approached the Acting
Grand Master and a very dirty looking Diluc.

Diluc and Kaeya sped up after seeing each other and while Diluc was going for a hug Kaeya gave
him a weak punch on the shoulder. It still hurt a bit though. "DON'T YOU EVER MAKE DEALS
WITH UNIDENTIFIED CRETURES EVER AGAIN!" Said Kaeya and then he pulled Diluc in for
a hug "I got back with the Venti, he said Zhongli had to make another contract with the spirit,
because it felt cheated." Said Kaeya.

Diluc guessed Zhongli had won. That would also explain the delay in his arrival and why he was
not back along with Kaeya.

"So it's over?" Said Diluc pulling away from the hug. He felt a little embarrassed about showing so
much affection while Jean and Amber were present. But overall it felt… right being able to be
close to Kaeya again.

Kaeya, looking as lively as ever, put his hands on his hips and smiled "Yep, Zhongli said he'd take
care of something in the other world. It's what the captain and father deserve."

Diluc looked sad at the mention of Kaeya's almost family and Kaeya, noticing the shift in Diluc's
demeanour spoke up "I don't think I could ever really be happy there… I loved seeing father again
and talking to… well you, but their affection wasn't meant for me."

"You still deserved a family you know. Here you only have…"

"I have you, Luc, it's all I need. Even if we have drifted apart I still want to be in your life, if not as
brother's then at least as friends?" Diluc had not expected to hear Kaeya say all of this. But he was
glad.

"Kae, if you're alright with it. I'd like for us to… try to be a family again?" Diluc stumbled a bit
with his words, his attention slightly shifting to Jean and Amber who were pretending not to listen.

"But can we discuss this more privately?" Diluc gave a pointed look at the two women. Kaeya
laughed and threw his arm around the redhead's neck and dragged him towards Jean and Amber.

"How about over a drink tonight? I'll let you have grape juice without commenting on it?" Jokingly
suggested Kaeya.

"You still would." Diluc sighed.

"You know me so well brother dearest."

Diluc could get used to this. To being called brother and being one to Kaeya.

"Yeah, I know you."

******************

The captain wasn't being approached by anybody for as long as he knelt there in the plaza with
Kaeya's body in his arms. People were too freaked out by the happenings at Jean's trial to leave the
safety of their home. Some still hung around the market district to gossip and buy necessities but
that was it.

Crepus had decided to look for his sons and eventually found Diluc. Master Diluc was nowhere in
sight neither were the Archons. And by the sight in front of him, Crepus guessed Kaeya did what
he had to do and ultimately probably wanted to do deep in his heart.

He chose his real family over the one that was given to him almost as a blessing.

Crepus had hoped Kaeya might stay. But the last look his youngest had given him made Crepus see
that Kaeya had already made up his mind.

He was glad Kaeya was happy. He was glad master Diluc was happy and safe. Crepus only wished
he could spare his son the pain of losing his little brother again.

"I let him go father, I could probably try to convince him, but I encouraged him to go." Said Diluc
still clinging to his brother's remains.

"You wanted him to be happy."

"I did."

Crepus says nothing more, just kneels down next to his sons, sharing the grief with his oldest.

Not even a minute has gone by when the air around them changes and as if in a blink of an eye, one
of the Archons, the tall Liyue man, Zhongli, stands before them.

In his hand, a floating orb of light, shoots around restless.

Zhongli leans down next to the family and lets the orb float towards Kaeya's body.

Diluc wants to pull Kaeya protectively away but Crepus stops him.

Zhongli looks at Crepus and Diluc, and speaks. "The spirit had broken two contracts, one with me
and one with Master Diluc. It has to suffer the consequences, so now it's using all of its power, that
not even the Archons possess, to give you back what was once taken away from you."

"They have the power to bring back and guide souls and I cannot imagine a more fair punishment
than using the spirit's power to bring back at least one of the many Khaenri'ahn people that have
 perished."

Many of who have perished because of me. Thought Zhongli, but because of his own contract, he
left it unsaid.

"The spirit will return to being nothing more than just a wisp, if it wished so in a few hundred years
it might regain some of its power but now it will be used for your brother" Zhongli looks at Diluc
who has now been rendered speechless "and your son," Zhongli turns to Crepus who is in a similar
state as his son "to be reunited with his family after many years of rest."

"What are you saying?" Diluc dares to ask. This cannot be true? Can it?

"Just observe, Captain." Says Zhongli.

The orb almost unwillingly floats around Kaeya but a stern look from Zhongli makes it move
faster. It fades as it enters his chest.

"And the spirit has given its power." Zhongli gets up "Value his and your own lives well, Celestia
doesn't give them back regardless of what you might think." Celestia takes them more usually.
Zhongli says to himself.

And just as he arrived he leaves. Zhongli was there one moment and gone the other.

Still confused about what had just happened the Ragnvindrs turn their focus back to Kaeya.

"Father?" Diluc says urgently getting Crepus' attention who is already staring at his younger son,
expectantly.

"Father... Kaeya is breathing!" Diluc swears his eyes feel hot and he suddenly can't breathe, but he
feels it. And then the weight in his arms shifts.

And a starry eye opens.

Then a voice Diluc thought he'd never hear again says, "Luc? Is everybody okay? Did I kill the
Drake?"

THE END.

Chapter End Notes

So the Kaeya who just came back has to live with, being idolised by his fan club,
being accepted and loved by his family for who he is and being a lot taller than he
remembers he used to be. What a great reality to wake up to, sure he still needs to
catch up what has been happening for the last 5 years but, that might be another short
fic coming soon (or late bc I need a break :D )

And our original world Kaeya and Diluc are taking things slow, talking more, trying to
fight less, but at the end of the day they have each other's back and always will. Maybe
Kaeya even starts to drink less and hangs out at the tavern for a game of cards, good
company, and to (lovingly) annoy Diluc. Not countless drinks to feel numb. I love
baby steps for self-improvement!
 This fic took me around 5 months if I'm not wrong, and I wrote it during my studies
and my bachelors. Now I'm no longer a student but someone who is out there job
hunting, but with a bachelors degree, and kinda lost lol.

I might start writing some filth but not on this account, I'm keeping it family-friendly
for SFW fics! I've already written one and posted it (anon) and in my opinion, it got
good reviews! When I make a new account I might tag this one, might not! i just don't
wanna subject the minors who might have subscribed to me to a more adult content
they might not be ready for yet!

Stay safe and stay tuned! I might not be the best but this fic made me rediscover my
love for writing, so yay!

End Notes

Kudos and comments are appreciated! They really help me write more and they inspire me!

Works inspired by this The

one Day That Changed It All by yabusamecore, Non-Winery Related Deals
by Aquacenti

Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!