Chapter Text
It's been only a few days after the whole incident, and so many rapid changes happened around Liyue. Let's start off with the memorials that were made in honor of Gaming's sudden death. Everyone who's seen his performances before he died including the young children who looked up to him, were distraught with the news of the Wushou Dancer's passing.
The Yun Han Opera scheduled a one-time performance in an area where anyone could see it, though YunJin wasn't that familiar with Gaming she knew how much he looked up to her, so she didn't hesitate to make something in honor of him.
While all of this happened in Liyue Harbor, Somewhere in the mountains Xianyun was infuriated ever since finding out what happened, which wasn't too long ago. Her anger was so severe she kept her distance away from her familiars, minus Ganyu and Shenhe since they provided her comfort. But even still, she swore that she'd never forgive who did this to someone she considered as family.
The Traveler wasn't aware of these news just yet since he was still in Fontaine, but has seen how odd the 3 siblings were acting with eachother since coming back. Paimon being Paimon tried to pry out answers from each and every one of them but they didn't budge. None of them did.
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CAFE AREA IN FONTAINE
Aether held a look of worry as he watched the interaction between the three individuals, Paimon was once again attempting to get an answer, specifically from Freminet. But the moment she flew too close to him, Lyney held an arm in front of him so she couldn't go any closer. Freminet's breath hitched at the sudden action, watching how Lyney kept his poker face on.
“I don't think I'd do that if I were you, Paimon! Fremi here has been feeling quite down these past few days ever since coming back.. he needs some time for himself!” Lyney smiled, before looking over at Freminet with a sharp gaze. “Right, Freminet?” He threatened lightly.
A sudden flash of what happened went through Freminet's head, his breath hitched once more as everything began to recap all over the place.
Freminet's looked at Lyney, then Paimon. “I..” He whispered. What was he supposed to say? He normally wouldn't hesitate in listening to what Lyney tells him to do, but now he's just.. conflicted. Freminet's lip began to tremble, Paimon immediately noticed this since she was staring intensely at Freminet from her determination of an answer.
“Freminet, are you okay..!?” Paimon exclaimed at the sight of tears dripping down his face. Freminet hadn't even noticed he began crying. What was wrong with him?
Freminet lifted a finger to wipe the tears that fell in an overwhelming pace, he felt himself begin to panic.
Lynette and Lyney acted immediately, Lynette walking over to Freminet and giving him a gentle embrace, while Lyney covered them both with his frame. “I believe it is our time to go! Thank you so much for inviting us here, Apologizes that our time together had to be so short!” He laughed, holding the tip of his hat.
Lynette held Freminet gently but also firmly, she noticed how much he resisted and fought to be let go. But Lynette didn't struggle one bit. “Let me go.. Let.. go..” Freminet whimpered. She had a pitiful gaze on her face, but shook it off. Lynette felt the heavy feeling of eyes on them.
She turned her head and glared at anyone who looked at them both as they walked away.
Aether on the other hand had a finger on his chin. ‘Something happened, Why would he just suddenly burst into tears at the mention of him coming back from Liyue?’. He thought some more about it, while watching Lyney walk away and Paimon bid them all goodbye.
“Uh.. Bye! Tell Freminet Paimon hopes he feels better soon!!” She yelled, but then was pulled back a bit by Aether. She let out a small ‘Wah!’ at the sudden action.
“What the- why'd you just pull Paimon outta no where?!’ Paimon pouted, kicking her feet and punching her fists in the air. But her attitude changed immediately once she noticed the serious look he had on his face. “Woah! Wh-why do you have that scary look on your face..?” She asked, her voice quivering a slight bit.
Aether looked at the direction where Liyue would be, he then looked back at Paimon. “I think something happened, in Liyue to be specific.” He explained, crossing his arms. Paimon held a confused look. “like what?” she asked.
“The way Freminet reacted at the slight mention of Liyue.. makes it obvious that something bad happened.” He furrowed his brows. Paimon let out a loud gasp, catching the attention of random people walking by. “OH NO-! W-we need to go back there now to see what happened!” She exclaimed, Aether did a silent nod in agreement.
Lyney walked towards Freminet and Lynette, momentarily looking back at the Traveller and Paimon. He furrowed his brows and then turned his head again.
Lynette held Freminet in place as he struggled weakly, Lyney's gaze softened as he walked closer to Freminet. “Fremi..” He started, reaching a hand out slowly. But then he felt it be slapped away, Freminet glared at Lyney with a hateful gaze. “Don't say anything.” He snarled, shrugging Lynette's grip off him before walking away.
Lynette watched where he went, sighing in relief when he was just walking back home. Lyney had a pained expression, but quickly dropped it. “Don't worry, he's only mad..” Lyney whispered, but it seemed more to himself then Lynette. She nodded firmly anyway, and followed Lyney as they walked back home.
BACK AT LIYUE HARBOR
The moment they arrived back in Liyue, Paimon made quick work of asking around if any problems had happened while they were gone, most of the times they'd get a silent answer, sometimes a nod but no explanation of what happened. It was frustrating. Aether has taken notice of an absence of a specific someone, but couldn't put his finger on it.
“Is it just Paimon.. or is it much more.. quiet here?” She shivered, feeling uneasy. “Stay close.” “Y-you don't have to tell me twice!”
After some more time of walking around, they almost asked every person they could in the area. It was odd how they haven't seen any of their friends though, did something actually happen to.. all of them?!
That's what they thought at first, until a voice called out from behind them.
“Traveller! Paimon!!” The voice called.
They both turned around and saw .. Chongyun and Xingqui?! Not a bad thing of course but, why were they running this way at such high speed?!
“Woah! Wait slow down!!” Paimons exclaimed, moving behind Aether.
Aether's eyes widened and held his hands up in self defense, just in case they don't stop it time. Chongyun and Xingqui eventually stopped in their tracks right in front of them. Xingqui taking a bit of a breather since he wasn't so use to running, meanwhile Chongyun had an obvious look of worry.
“Traveller.. are you here because of what happened?” Chongyun asked, having a hand over his heart and his voice was much more quieter. Paimon shared a glance with Aether before having a puzzled look.
“Well uh.. sort of? Paimon and Traveller are here to find out what happened! One of our friends from Fontaine kept getting emotional from the mention of Liyue so Paimon and Traveller thought it would be best to come here to see what happened!” Paimons explained, to which Chongyun's expression softened, so did Xingqui's.
Chongyun was about to speak again, but then suddenly a swirl of Anemo surrounded the area. All of them became cautious of what it was, until the one and only Xiao appeared, who seemed to look in slight distress.
“Wh-whoa!” Chongyun and Paimon exclaimed, Xingqui looked interested at the sight of an adeptus right in front of him though. Aether on the other hand grew a small smile. “Xia—..”
“Traveller, you're not hurt are you?” Xiao interrupted, getting a bit closer so he could inspect if he had any injuries. Paimon shared a look with both Chongyun and Xingqui, shaking their heads. “I'm fine..” Aether mumbled.
Xiao let out a sigh, “Good, good..” He said, before looking around and noticing the company they had. He cleared his throat and made good distance with them both.
“Many stuff has happened since your departure.” Xiao started, crossing his arms. Paimon's mouth formed an ‘o’ shape, Xingqui and Chongyun nodded in agreement.
“Stuff like what..?” Paimon asked, a bit afraid to hear the news. Aether noticed the shift in their expressions, how Chongyun began to look anywhere but them, how Xingqui kept his head down but had an obvious sad look, meanwhile Xiao held a neutral look, but Aether knew he was also at least a bit saddened by what happened.
“Recently, an accident has happened that involved one of your friends.” He said, Paimon's eyes widened and Aether's expression turned serious. “O-one of our friends?! What do you mean?! Are they okay..?” Paimon yelled, her frame trembling a slight bit.
Xiao stayed silent, turning his head away and then letting out a sigh he didn't know he was holding. “..I'm afraid not.” He muttered, Chongyun lifted his head with a sad gaze, meanwhile Xingqui didn't look up at all.
“W-who was it?! Tell Paimon!” Paimon shook, moving closer to Xiao and gripping onto his shirt weakly. Aether tried to move Paimon away but- then Xingqui spoke.
“..It was Gaming, he was found.. dead with a bow pierced through his chest. By the time the medics got there it was too late to bring him back.” He said.
Paimon placed both her hands on her mouth, tears already making their way down her cheeks. She began to sob out loud. “N-no way..!! Paimon doesn't believe you! Gaming is.. he's strong! You're just tricking us!” She yelled, pushing herself away from the three and moving closer to Aether.
“Right Traveller?!” She said, hoping for some backup but instead Aether stayed silent, looking at paimon with a pained expression. Paimon's lip quivered as she then covered both her eyes and sobbed, slowly floating down.
Xiao hesitantly reached out for Paimon and brought her to his arms, trying his best to awkwardly comfort her. Aether looked back on the previous events, Freminet crying over a mere mention of Liyue, Lyney avoiding any questions about it, Lynette simply stating she wasn't sure what happened.. the dots slowly connected.
“..Thank you for telling us.” Aether said, hiding his face by looking at a different direction. They all nodded, but then noticed how Aether began to make his way past them, Xiao was the first to react, gripping on his scarf.
“Where are you going?” He asked, his voice filled with obvious concern. Aether appreciated it, he really did, but at this moment he was too infuriated to express it.
“I'm going to find Cloud Retainer. Maybe she knows more about this.” He said, tugging his scarf away from Xiao's grip. Xiao visibly looked relieved. “Okay, I'll stay with Paimon until your back.” He huffed, not looking too happy with himself for saying that.
Aether smiled at him, “Thank you.” He began to make his way to the mountains, where he's sure Cloud retainer would be. He needs as much information he can get to be sure who to attack.
IN THE MOUNTAINS
Turns out he didn't have to walk too far into the mountains, since he soon saw Ganyu and Shenhe together conversating. They definitely know where Cloud Retainer would be so he made his way towards them. Shenhe was the first one to notice the presence of him.
“Ah, Traveller..” She said, which caught Ganyu's attention and she said a small ‘hello’. “I'm sorry if this is sudden but do you know where Cloud Retainer is?” He said, placing a hand on his chest, Ganyu and Shenhe shared a look with each other, before looking back.
“Master? Hmm.. well earlier she said that she'd be right back, but it's been a long time since she's said that.” Shenhe said, Ganyu nodded and added more to it. “She didn't tell us what she's gonna do.. but I'm sure it isn't anything too bad..” She nervously laughed.
“Who dares to speak of one without one in the conversation?!” A voice echoed. Aether looked up and saw Cloud Retainer quickly making her way to land on the ground. The moment she hit the ground, she shifted back to her disguise that she used during the lantern rite.
Shenhe held a neutral expression, “Master, Traveller has been asking for you..” Shenhe explained, to which Xianyun shifted her gaze upon him. “Ah, one sees.. well?” Xinayun placed a hand on her hip. Aether looked at her with a rather serious expression.
“..I heard about what happened with Gaming. I was wondering if you knew any extra information about it?” Aether asked, making sure to not sound too demanding nor rude. Xianyun stayed quiet as she listened intently, Ganyu let out a small gasp once she realized what the conversation would be about.
“Traveller.. I'm not sure if Cloud Retainer would like to talk about—!”
“One is fine with conversating about this disturbing topic.” Xianyun said, looking over at Ganyu. “Though one appreciates ones concern.” She smiled. Ganyu on the other hand shifted, a bit embarrassed
Xianyun looked over at Aether once more, placing a hand on her chest lightly. “One does not know much about what exactly happened in the crime scene, but one has been trying one's hardest in finding some clues or hints on who did such a thing. Dreadfully one hasn't succeeded much.”
Aether looked down, thinking about what to say next.. Xianyun didn't know much about what happened either, this could only mean that his only option was to ask either Freminet or Lyney in person. But how would he do it? Lyney has recently avoided anyone getting too close to Freminet, it's almost as if...
oh.
“One grew tense, did one find something out?” Xianyun inspected, a hand on her chin as she took note of Aether's rising anger. Shenhe tilted her head at how thick the air suddenly grew after cloud retainers comment.
“Yes, I did.” Aether said, his voice deep. It surprised the three of them, but they aren't judging him. Aether turned around, but looked back at them three. “Thanks for your help, I appreciate it, really.” He smiled, but it looked forced.
They all nodded their heads, “One looks forward in seeing one again.” Xianyun said, almost as if she knew that he'd be back soon. It was a gut feeling, and her gut feelings were never wrong.
Aether gave a small nod in return, before picking up his pace down the mountains, there's no way that what Aether was guessing as false. He's been through many things to know when something is someone else's fault. The way Freminet, Lynette, and Lyney were acting this morning explains it all.
He'll give them a chance to talk on their own, or he'll have to force them. Either way, he's gonna make sure he doesn't come back empty handed.
“...ave to practice ... y'know.... make it.. perfect...!” Gaming's voice echoed in Aether head, though Aether doesn't exactly remember that conversation they had, just the remembrance of Gaming's voice was enough to anger him more. Because he knew he wouldn't ever be able to hear that cheerful voice anymore.
Why do bad things always happen to good people?
BACK AT FONTAINE
Lyney and Lynette struggled with consoling Freminet. Mostly Lyney, since he was always used to being the one there for Freminet he wasn't used to Freminet pushing him away every single time he got too close.
Lynette attempted to give Lyney some advice, such as staying away from him until he calms down but Lyney was too impatient to do such things. He had to make sure Freminet wasn't doing something else that distracted him from his work.
Honestly, this attitude Lyney has now infuriated Lynette. She almost doesn't recognize him.
“Lyney, just give him a couple more minutes to himself.” She spoke, all while successfully pushing Lyney away from Freminet's door. A post-It was stuck in the middle of the door, reading ‘KEEP OUT’ with a small penguin doodle in the right bottom corner, and a .. suanni in the left bottom corner.
Lyney struggled against Lynette, she was always the physically strong one. He knew he stood no chance with resisting so he eventually gave up. “Okay okay.. but only a few more minutes. Not any more.” He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Lynette nodded her head in agreement, but deep down she wouldn't let it happen. She doesn't fully understand the situation Freminet is in, but she knows how he feels. But.. even still she also understands why ‘Father’ did this. So, she has no choice but to support ‘Father's’ side, even if she didn't want to.
Lyney walked towards the sofa in their living room, and sat down with his hands on his face. He looked stressed out, well, who wouldn't be after assassinating your younger brother's boyfriend, which then also caused your younger brother to absolutely despise you, hm?
Lynette followed shortly after, but doesn't sit down. Just in “stand-by” mode.
“...He hates me..”
Lynette's cat ear twitched and then she turned her head towards Lyney, he still wouldn't show his face but Lynette can see how tense he is. She furrowed her brows and held a neutral expression. “He doesn't, he's just mad..” Lynette trailed off, when Lyney snapped his head to look at her, she could now properly see the amount of guilt he had written all over his face.
“Don't lie to me, it won't make me feel any better! He obviously hates me, who wouldn't?! I-I wouldn't be surprised if he's plotting some — type of fucking plan to kill me!” Lyney yelled, Lynette didn't exactly understand, even if Freminet would plot something along those lines, which she highly doubts, Lyney could overpower him any moment.
“You're overreacting. He wouldn't do such a thing, I don't think he'd even have the courage to do it.” She huffed, crossing her arms, clearly not taking Lyney as seriously he wanted to be taken at the moment. Which didn't exactly help his case that much. Lyney groaned loudly, tumbling off the couch and landing on his side with a small thud.
Lynette stared, “Get up.” She hissed, her ears lowering to show her annoyance. Lyney shifted so his face would be plushed by the floor. “Nwo, it's comfortable hwere..” He mumbled, his voice muffled a slight bit for obvious reasons. Lynette rolled her eyes, walking past him and to the dining table.
She started the process of making herself tea, she gave a small glance at Lyney who was still on the floor, she let out a sigh as she got another tea cup, making one for her and Lyney.
Suddenly the sound of a door creaking open caught both of their attention, Lyney almost immediately sat up and Lynette halted her movements. Freminet slowly came out of the room, looking .. a bit better? “Freminet! A-ah uhm..” Lyney cleared his throat, standing up and dusting himself off.
Freminet walked out of the room, past Lyney and went to the kitchen. Lynette and Lyney shared a look with each other, Lynette signaling Lyney to check on him. Lyney huffed, a bit nervous now.
Freminet held a mango in his hands, his other hand reaching over for a plate that was In the top drawer and placing it on the cabinet. He looked over and reached for a knife, but then another hand reached for it first. Lyney had a teasing smile, “Even after years of being in the Hearth you still haven't overpowered my speed!” He exclaimed, obviously in a joking matter.
Freminet stayed silent, holding his hand out so Lyney would get the sign to give him the knife. Lyney did get the sign, but, he wouldn't give up easily.
“Let your dear older brother, moi! Cut it for you” He said, his smile softening to a genuine one. Freminet hesitated, before sighing and shifting away from the plate with the mango. Lyney let out a small chuckle, skillfully flipping the knife and catching it with ease.
He cut up the mango in perfect even pieces and then hummed as he handed over the plate to Freminet, to which he instantly held onto. “No need to thank me—” “wasn't planning on it.” Freminet said, immediately going back to his room with a loud ‘SLAM’.
Silence filled the house, Lyney stood right where he was and Lynette quietly continued brewing her tea. “..I think we need ‚‘Father’s’ help with this one.” Lynette spoke up, “NO!” Lyney immediately replied. Which startled Lynette for a moment, he noticed and cleared his throat. “No.. ‘Father’ and I are the reason he's like this. I would assume he isn't angered with you too, but he's aware that you knew this whole plan.” He sighed.
Lyney had a guilty look on his face, “If only I hadn't..” He sniffled, already feeling the tears at the corner of his eyes. Lynette was about to say something but then a knock Interrupted their moment. Lyney quickly wiped his eyes and went for the door, when he opened the door.. there was the Traveller!
“Ah, Traveller what brings you here?” Lyney asked, glancing over at Lynette, ‘STAY WITH FREMINET’ was what Lynette understood from his gaze. She nodded and swiftly ran over to the room.
Lyney tried to cover the door with half his frame but that just made things more suspicious, Aether furrowed his brows and had a frown. “Let me in, I know what Freminet did.” He said, glaring at him. Lyney could feel his heart at his throat as he grew more nervous. “Pardon? What did my dear younger brother do?” Lyney crossed his arms, his older brother instinct turning on.
“You know exactly —” Aether started, but then a loud thud could be heard, Lyney let out a surprised gasp and ran over to Freminet's room, Aether followed behind him.
Once Lyney opened the door, he saw that the only thing that fell was Freminet's robot penguin.. but when he looked up he could see Lynette actually struggling with holding onto Freminet, “Freminet—...?” Lyney gasped, moments later Freminet broke free and quickly ran past them all..
Aether would be lying if he said he didn't see Freminet's tearful eyes while he ran past him.
He looked back at Lyney and Lynette, seeing how they had such.. pitiful expressions on now. “I want an explanation.” he said, his voice filled with only anger.
Lyney felt himself fill with tension, he glanced over at Lynette and saw as she avoided looking back. Ah, he's really on his own with this one huh? Lyney let out a small sigh, shaking his head as if he was disappointed, in himself.
“..I really messed things up.” He started, his voice cracking a bit at the end from his own guilt. Aether grew more and more concerned just by how different Lyney was acting.
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Meanwhile Freminet stood by himself, near the sea at a random direction he ran to. If he was being honest.. he wasn't sure himself why he ran away if he would be found in just a matter of seconds, but it's what he chose to do. Freminet stared at his reflection, expecting nothing but himself. That is.. until he saw the reflection of — Gaming?!
Freminet was quick to turn his head, his eyes wide with hope. “Gaming—!” he exclaimed, but was quick to stop his hand from reaching out. Because when he turned around there was no one there, no one. No one but himself. He slowly clenched his fist and gritted his teeth in the amount of frustration he felt at that moment.
How could he be so gullible? Of course he isn't there. He's dead. He's dead because of you. You're at fault. THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT.
Freminet felt his knees buck as they gave out, he collapsed and held himself up with his elbows. He let out a small sob as he began to remember the memories where he was with Gaming. How Gaming would hold him and tell him everything's okay when he's feeling down. The way Gaming would always wake him up with gentle care and kisses every morning. Oh, how much he misses it all.
He felt his own tears overflow out as he sobbed out loud, not caring if anyone heard him anymore. He was grieving, so he has the right to act this way, no? He gripped onto the grass and ripped it out from the mixed emotions he felt at the moment.
Suddenly he heard the sound of footsteps coming closer, his breath hitched as he kept his gaze on the grass. Too afraid - or rather weak? To look up at who was in front of him.
“Hm, now what was it I said about letting your emotions get the best of you?” said Arlecchino. Her arms crossed as she sharply gazed down at Freminet who was below her. Freminet snapped his head up to properly process the realization that ‘Father’ was right there.
Freminet felt as if he couldn't speak nor breathe, he felt so .. trapped even though ‘Father’ hasn't done anything. Just how pathetic was he honestly? He gulped down collecting spit from his mouth and shakily stood back up, ‘Father’ simply watching with no hint of amusement.
“ ‘Father’ ..”