Chapter Text
To some people, September marks the beginning of Autumn. It marks the start of the rainy season and cooler temperatures. Everyone looks forward to a fresh new school year, to new opportunities, new adventures, and of course, new friends.
But to Aether and Lumine it really meant nothing more than loud arguing, faint whispers of “Happy Birthday”, and luggage thrown on the doorstep followed with a loud slam.
“You think it'll be another foster home this time too?” Lumine asked her brother, a hint of sadness flashing in her golden eyes.
“Probably not. Seems that Mr. Diluc did not approve the arrangement the office suggested so...”
“Liyue Boarding High-School” The scarlet haired man interrupted as he closed the door behind them and carried Lumine's bag instinctively. “Your past grades grant you admission, but you'll have to keep it up or it's back into foster homes.” He took a few steps closer to a black old Impala, the ride that the twins had known for pretty much all of their lives.
Surviving within the system was not easy and for them it came with more challenges. Aether and Lumine had always insisted to be placed together, and most caregivers assigned to foster kids could not often handle the two of them. Diluc Ragnvindr, the social worker handling their cases, knew that very well, and by now he was accustomed to this. In fact, “accustomed” may not be the best word to describe his situation. The man rather predicted the siblings will be displaced again, and always had other families on his waiting list as backup.
That being said, he wholeheartedly trusted them. Whatever happened within those doors was definitely not their fault.
Be that as it may, the man was not going to allow this to happen again.
“We have to hurry if you want to make it on time for registration.” he hinted at Aether, glancing at his bag and then back at the car. The siblings exchanged curious looks, but said nothing.
The drive didn’t take that long, but the scenery had changed drastically. The twins stared outside the windows, contemplating the scarlet trees and the rural landscape unfold slowly as they left the city behind.
A few miles into the countryside and an ornate brick fence appeared. It was sectioned into smaller parts every few feet with a big post, which was capped with lanterns bearing the renowned Rex Lapis’ family symbol.
Shortly after, a giant arch that perched over the street like some of gate emerged into view. Secured on it in gold was the name Liyue Boarding High-School. As soon as the buildings appeared they both almost gasped. The way the school looked, you would never expect it being a state funded establishment.
Aether and Lumine exited the vehicle and stood for a good couple minutes staring at the exquisite architecture. It looked more like a series of Liyue mansions with playgrounds surrounding it.
“You best get in and ask for Headmistress Ningguang.” Diluc placed their bags next to their feet, and then pointed at the largest structure with a statue of a dragon and, again, the emblem of Rex Lapis on its exterior, “Tell her to look for a folder with the name Ragvindr. I wish I could stay longer but I have other matters to tend to. I believe you two will take care of each other?”
The twins blinked at him and said nothing. This was more of a statement rather than a question, and they always knew they could count on no one but each other.
“Very well then.” Diluc nodded, getting back into his car. “If you do end up needing to contact me, just let the head office know.” he paused, took one last look at the two, then rolled up his window and drove off.
“I guess we go in.” Lumine smiled, taking the first step forward. “I wonder what our rooms will look like.”
Aether's eyes were fixated on the Royal Family's Statue before them. Something did not feel right, but he did not want to mention anything to his sister and freak her out. She was finally positive about something and he was not going to take that away from her.
“I guess we go in.” he repeated, forcing a little smile and following her steps.