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Jean had been rather diligent in advertising the Duelling championship. There were posters all around the city; on every notice board and spare wall. Kaeya thought it was a bit overkill but the sponsors thought it was wonderful. They had been very enthusiastic about this competition, claiming that even the beloved traveller had participated when it was in Inazuma. Kaeya wouldn’t be surprised if what they claimed was true, seeing as Lumine was always willing to take part in anything if there was something she could get out of it, no matter how mundane.
The only problem he had with this competition was that Jean had decided it was a great idea for all of the Knight’s captains to also take part. Albedo being the exception, the Chief Alchemist managed to make a quick escape to his mountain. Kaeya had never felt so betrayed by his beloved. Kaeya was also acutely aware that an invitation to take part in the competition had been extended to Diluc.
Kaeya didn’t have a problem with Diluc fighting. He knew Diluc was a spectacular dueler and would be the number-one pick for the winner of this tournament. However, with both of them taking part in the competition, there was the off-chance they would end up facing each other in combat and Kaeya would very much like to avoid that. Not because he thought he would lose, no. He knew he was a good swordsman but Diluc’s blade still haunted his nightmares.
Kaeya did, however, enjoy encouraging the kids of Mondstadt to take part. Bennett had been afraid that something may go horribly wrong during the tournament if he had a go and it had taken a lot of reassurance from both him and Barbara that everyone would be safe no matter what. Eventually, Bennett agreed and also dragged Razor over to the signup boards. Razor had taken a lot less convincing as he was just happy to be doing something with Bennett, even if it involved more humans than he was used to.
Amber, who was currently following him around, claiming that she was worried that he may be doing something suspicious - Kaeya was pretty sure she was actually making sure he didn’t skip the tournament on orders from Jean - was really excited about the competition, as she was about most things.
‘It’s really sad that they won’t let me take part just because I use a bow, not a sword. I’m sure I could figure it out given time.’ Amber complained. She had been going on and on about this and had only been mollified by Eula saying that this way it was easier for her to cheer her friends on. Kaeya had promised to himself that the next time Eula came to the tavern with him, he would buy her a round of drinks.
‘Maybe this way you’ll learn the superiority of the blade over the bow.’ Kaeya teased. He loved teasing Amber, she had the best reactions. And he knew that despite the fact that she thought he was suspicious (which was completely fair), she still cared for him as much as she cared about her friends. And he cared about her as well, doing his best to keep her away from the darker parts of his job and protect her optimistic view of the world.
‘No way! The bow is wayyyyy cooler.’ Amber elbowed Kaeya in the ribs. ‘So are you ready, Frostwind Knight?’
Kaeya levelled her with a bored look.
‘Ready for this childish tournament that I gain nothing out of? As ready as I’ll ever be.’ Amber’s grin turned into an indignant pout at his words.
‘Hey! It isn’t childish. And if you win, then you get a prize’ Amber defended. Kaeya stayed silent. Amber was going to enjoy the competition even if he didn’t and he didn’t want to ruin it for her. ‘Don’t forget, I’ll cheer you on. As long as you aren’t facing Eula, then I have to go for her.’
‘Of course, you’ve got to root for your girlfriend, I understand Amber.’ Kaeya chuckled.
‘What? No! Eula, she isn’t my girlfriend.’ Amber whacked him on the arm, looking around to make sure that no one heard. ‘Oh look, we’re here!’
Kaeya sighed. They were, in fact, there. Jean had decided that the best place to hold the tournament was in the small training area behind the Knight’s headquarters. All the hopeful contestants had gathered around the arena, with many of them already warming up.
Amber waved goodbye to him and ran off to find Eula. Kaeya waved back and very carefully pretended not to notice the red eyes that were watching him. Instead, he made his way over to Bennett and Razor who were talking excitedly with Noelle and Barbara. Bennett noticed Kaeya first and called out to him.
‘Captain Kaeya, we’re over here!’ He yelled, waving violently. Kaeya smiled and came to stand next to Bennett. Bennett looked up at him with wide eyes. ‘Are you participating too Captain?’
‘I am indeed. And really Bennett, how many times do I need to tell you that just Kaeya is fine. There’s no need for any titles, it makes me feel old.’ Kaeya ruffled Bennet’s hair playfully, dodging the teen’s efforts to push him off. ‘What about you Noelle, are you also taking part?’
‘Oh, no I’m not. Jean wanted me to help officiate the matches and help Barbara in case anyone gets hurt.’ Noelle fiddled with the armour on her wrist. Kaeya nodded in understanding.
‘Hopefully, you shouldn’t need to help out too much. I imagine having a lot of injuries can’t be a good look for the organisers or for Mondstadt. Especially in a competition that’s meant to be just for fun.’ Kaeya said. That had been the main thing that Jean had been worried about, aside from the safety of Mondstadt if all the captains were busy.
‘Mhm. I’m sure everyone will be fine, though. Jean said that children will only be paired up against other children for as long as possible to keep it as safe as possible.’ Noelle nodded. Jean had insisted on a few changes to how the tournament went to make sure that everyone who competed would be kept safe. Kaeya almost felt bad for the organisers who had borne the brunt of Jean’s glares when she was arguing with them. Almost.
‘Hey look! They put up the pairings for the first round!’ Bennett interrupted. ‘Ohhh I hope I’m not facing anyone really strong. That would be embarrassing. C’mon, we should go look.’
Bennett dragged the group over to the notice board with the pairings on it. A small crowd of hopeful competitors had formed around it and Kaeya used his height and stature as an advantage to get his friends through to the front.
Kaeya spotted his name almost immediately. He was to be facing some merc from Liyue. It shouldn’t be a hard fight. Majority of mercenaries and hands-for-hire relied on the surroundings and taking targets by surprise to guarantee victory and were usually less skilled at fair and open conflict. Kaeya excelled at both, even without his vision (allogenes had been barred from using their visions in the tournament just to make sure that everything was fair.)
‘Oh! I’m first.’ Bennett exclaimed. He was right. His name, alongside his opponent’s, was at the top of the list, signalling that Bennett’s duel would be the first to take place. Kaeya’s was further down the list, at 4th place. It gave him a little more time to prepare and to scope out other contestants in case he ended up facing them. ‘Huh my opponent is already waiting in the arena. I hope I don’t lose. I’m not very good.’
‘Better get on over there Benny. And don’t worry, there’s no way you could lose. Not after how much training I put you through.’ Kaeya encouraged, patting Bennett on the shoulder. Bennett gazed up at him with wide eyes before squaring his shoulders and nodding sharply.
‘Yeah! That’s right, I had the best teacher in all of Mondstadt. I’ll make you proud, Captain Kaeya.’ Kaeya watched fondly as Bennett marched his way over to the arena, not bothering to correct him on the title.
‘Best to get ready now.’ He muttered under his breath, still smiling to himself. As much as he wanted to watch Bennett’s duel - seeing how far the boy had come under his mentorship had filled a void in him that had been empty since the day he lost his brother - he needed to warm up for his own.
Bennett won his duel easily, just as Kaeya knew he would, and before he knew it Kaeya had also won his own. It had gone as he had predicted, with his opponent unsteady in the open arena and Kaeya had taken him down easily to the great cheers of the crowd. It appears there was a bias towards the home team. Not that Kaeya would complain.
His second battle went just as smoothly, defeating his opponent without breaking a sweat. Honestly, if this was the best that the other nations could offer up, he wondered how bad the rest of the bunch was.
Kaeya very pointedly did not pay any attention to a certain redhead’s duels. He was very intimately aware of Diluc’s strength and he could do without the reminder. Bennett had also advanced to the third round and he was very excited about it. He had worried that this was just a build up to a fantastic fail in the later rounds but Kaeya had assured him over and over that he would do well and everyone was proud of him no matter what.
‘Are you ready for your third duel, Kaeya?’ Barbara asked politely. She was tending to a small cut that Bennett had on his arm. ‘And do you know who you’re facing yet?’
‘I haven’t checked but if they’re anything like my previous opponents then I doubt it would be too hard.’ Kaeya grinned at her. He knew he was being cocky and that most of the weaker participants had been knocked out already, but Kaeya didn’t care. He was good and he knew it.
‘Now now Captain, you have no business being so confident. I believe the best is still yet to come.’ Kaeya whirled around at the new and very familiar voice. Albedo stood behind him with a smug smile on his face.
‘Bedo! I thought you were on Dragonspine.’ Kaeya gestured for Albedo to come and stand next to him. As soon as Albedo was close enough, Kaeya wrapped an arm around him. Albedo immediately leant into him.
‘I figured that as long as Jean thought that I was going to Dragonspine, I could avoid competing and just come and watch.’ Albedo nodded politely and Bennett and Barbara. Bennett waved enthusiastically back, earning him a glare from Barbara as he jostled his bandage. ‘I really wanted to watch you Kaeya.’
‘My, and here I thought that my love had left me again for a mountain.’ Kaeya sighed dramatically as he put all of his weight on the alchemist, knowing that Albedo was strong enough to endure it. ‘But I’m afraid I must leave you here Kreideprinz. The postings are up and I must be getting ready for my next match.’
Albedo laughed and pushed at Kaeya’s side until he relented.
‘I wish you the best of luck, Kaeya.’ Albedo caught Kaeya’s hand and pressed a kiss on it. Kaeya politely ignored the mock gagging noises that Bennett was making as he gazed down upon his lover.
‘Thanks, Bedo, but I don’t think I will need it.’ Kaeya grinned, skillfully dodging the punch that Albedo sent his way. ‘Talk to you once I’m done~’
Kaeya hummed as he made his way over to the notice board. Knowing that Albedo was here and watching him instead of being stuck on a mountain made him feel even more confident.
That confidence all but dissipated as he saw the name of his next opponent. Kaeya Alberich (Mondstadt) vs Diluc Ragnvindr (Mondstadt). Of course, just when he decided that the tournament was not as bad after all, he ended up facing Diluc of all people.
Was it too late to back out?
‘Sir Kaeya.’ Kaeya didn’t bother to turn around. He had no interest in facing Diluc until he had to.
‘Do you need something, Master Diluc?’ Kaeya replied, tilting his head back just enough for an acknowledgment but not enough that he could actually see Diluc.
‘No, I, never mind, just…good luck.’ And with that, Diluc left. Kaeya scoffed. How cruel of him. He did not need luck to beat Diluc. Despite all the time he spent in Snezhnaya, Diluc still held at least a shred of honour that his father instilled in him. He may know Kaeya’s tricks but he isn’t one to use them as well in turn.
Kaeya summoned his sword and twirled it in his hand, going over strategies in his mind. Diluc may hit hard, yes, but that amounts to very little if he is unable to land a hit. While Diluc may beat Kaeya in strength, Kaeya would always outmatch him in speed and agility. Benefits of wielding a sword.
Kaeya could feel the gazes of some of the younger participants, many of them from Mondstadt, and twirled his sword again, smirking at the whispered ‘ooooohs’ that the action produced.
‘Would the competitors in the next round please make your way to the arena now!’ Hertha, the commentator for the event, called. Kaeya sighed and dismissed his sword before heading to the arena. Diluc was already there and was watching him with his red eyes.
Kaeya also spotted Albedo and Bennett on the sidelines. Bennett waved at him while Albedo only offered him a gentle and encouraging smile. But Kaeya could also see the concern that lingered in his eyes. Albedo was the only one who truly knew all of what occurred that night and was used to being woken up by Kaeya’s nightmares of his brother’s blade.
Noelle inclined her head in polite acknowledgement as Kaeya arrived at the arena. She had been doing a brilliant job at officiating the matches and thankfully, nobody had given her any problems.
Noelle directed him to stand next to Diluc so that Hertha could make her announcement. Having two of the favourites of the tournament face-off was guaranteed to draw a large crowd and even those who were still preparing for their next match had paused to watch.
‘Now presenting our next two competitors, Dawn Winery owner and head of the Noble House Ragnvindr, I present Diluc Ragnvindr!’ The declaration was met with thunderous cheers, so loud that Kaeya saw Albedo cover his ears.
‘His opponent; Cavalry Captain and Quartermaster, the Frostwind Knight, Kaeya Alberich!’ A little to his surprise, his name was met with a near-equal cheer. ‘Now, would our two competitors please take their places on opposite sides of the arena.’
Kaeya did as he was asked, and strode over to the other side of the arena so that he was directly opposite his former brother. Upon direction from Noelle, they both drew out their weapons; Diluc’s new claymore, a gift from the traveller, and Kaeya’s sword, which he had had since becoming the Cavalry Captain. Kaeya had to admit, though, that Diluc’s new weapon did look very cool. Clearly, Lumine had great tastes in weaponry.
They both waited patiently - not taking their eyes off the other - for Noelle’s signal. Kaeya tested his sword's grip in his hand, tightening and loosening it and ran over his strategy in his mind.
‘FWEEEET’ Noelle blew her whistle. Kaeya didn’t wait for Diluc to raise his weapon. He launched himself at him, with a strike to Diluc’s side that he only just managed to parry before darting away out of reach of Diluc’s claymore.
He grinned as Diluc readied his weapon for a return attack, already familiar with Diluc’s tactics and tells, it wasn’t hard for Kaeya to dance just out of Diluc’s reach time and time again as well as manage a few of his own attacks, just to keep Diluc on his toes. He laughed to himself as he heard Diluc growl in frustration as he evaded another attack.
‘Come now Master Diluc, I know you can do better than that.’ Kaeya teased. Diluc only huffed in response.
Diluc swung again, harder this time as his frustration mounted. Kaeya made a move to dodge, only to trip on a stray rock that had found its way onto the arena.
He tumbled backwards and his sword fell out of his hand. Kaeya glanced up to see Diluc’s red claymore bearing down on him and he felt the panic set in and suddenly he was 17 again.
Red. It was all that he could see. The red of Diluc’s hair, his flames, the red of Kaeya’s own blood. The red that resided in his brother’s, in Diluc’s hateful gaze.
‘I’m sorry.’ Was all he could whisper as Kaeya closed his eyes, accepting his fate at the hands of his now former brother. ‘I’m sorry, I love you, Luc. Please don't burn me, I'm so sorry.’
And then the world went dark.
If Diluc was going to say one thing about his duel with Kaeya, it would be that it was just as infuriating as the man himself (it wouldn’t actually be that for Diluc was 1. enjoying himself, and 2. it would actually be that he was proud of how far Kaeya had come as a swordsman).
When they were both knights, Kaeya had always found it hard to keep up with his older brother, but Diluc had made a point of encouraging him every time.
Now, Diluc found that he could barely keep up with the knight. Kaeya was good, he was very good and Diluc was impressed. And yes, even though he would never admit it out loud, he was proud of his little brother.
Kaeya had attacked him first, which had taken Diluc by surprise. But then again, it was to be expected. Kaeya’s favourite tactic was that he was always unpredictable. A fact that he never failed to exploit.
The location of Kaeya’s strike forced him into an uncomfortable position to parry and every time he attempted to return the favour, Kaeya would move out of the way just in time, treating it like a dance or even a game. And Kaeya was clearly amused by it if his grin was anything to go by.
Diluc couldn’t help his growl as Kaeya avoided another attack. He knew what Kaeya was doing yet he still fell for his taunts every time.
‘Come now Master Diluc, I know you can do better than that.’ Kaeya’s teasing grin was mirrored in his voice. Diluc didn’t bother with a response, simply huffing and readjusting his grip on his claymore, reading himself for another attack.
He raised his claymore again and swung at Kaeya. He watched as Kaeya made a move to dodge, only for him to fall backwards and lose grip on his sword. Kaeya was now defenceless, he could win easily, but something made Diluc pause.
He saw Kaeya glance up at him, his singular eye widening as tears formed in it. Diluc faltered.
‘Kaeya?’ He started. Kaeya was whispering under his breath that he couldn’t hear fully. He lowered his claymore, more concerned for Kaeya than the match.
Diluc could hear Jean calling for Barbara and Noelle trying to control the crowd but he didn’t care. The only thing he was concerned about was his brother.
Dismissing his claymore, Diluc crouched before his brother, now close enough to hear his whispers.
‘I’m sorry Luc, I’m sorry, I love you, please don’t burn me.’ Diluc recoiled in shock and horror. Kaeya thought he was back on Diluc’s 18th birthday. He thought Diluc was going to kill him.
‘Shhhh it’s okay Kae, it’s okay. No one’s going to hurt you here. I’m not going to hurt you.’ Diluc did his best to comfort his brother, despite being out of practice. He didn’t touch Kaeya, afraid that it would push him even further into his panic attack. ‘You’re safe, I promise you, your big brother promises you.’
Kaeya still didn’t calm down. He kept whispering to himself, tears dripping down his now closed eye. Diluc frowned, nothing he did helped Kaeya, he was useless. A useless brother.
‘Diluc.’ A hand landed on his shoulder. Jean his mind supplied. ‘We’ve got to take him away from here. Could you carry him into the knights' headquarters?’
Diluc nodded. He reached out for Kaeya, still whispering reassurances in an attempt to calm him down. Kaeya flinched away from Diluc’s hands but he persisted regardless, sliding his arms under Kaeya’s legs and back so he could lift him up gently.
‘You’re okay, Kae, I promise, I’ll keep you safe.’ Diluc tucked Kaeya’s head into his neck and he felt him relax slightly. He still occasionally whispered an apology, but it was no longer a frantic constant stream.
Jean guided him and Barbara into her office gesturing for Diluc to place Kaeya on her couch. He did as he was told but did not move away from his brother, who was now unconscious.
Barbara came to stand next to him, summoning her catalyst so she could check over Kaeya. Diluc looked up at the sound of the door opening as the Chief Alchemist came through. He threw a concerned glance in Kaeya’s direction but made his way to whisper to the Grandmaster instead.
Diluc was unsure of the nature of the alchemist’s relationship with his brother but he knew at the very least that they were incredibly close and possibly romantically involved.
He elected to ignore their conversation and focus on his brother’s condition. Barbara had finished what she was doing and had put her catalyst away. She cleared her throat to gain her sister’s attention.
‘Physically, Sir Kaeya is fine. I believe he simply had a severe panic attack of sorts. With some rest, he will be just fine.’ Barbara offered them all a reassuring smile. Jean nodded sharply.
‘Thank you, Barbara. I do need to go back out to make sure that nothing bad has happened since and Barbara should come with me. I trust that both of you can take care of Kaeya.’ Jean levelled him and Albedo with a stern glare.
‘Yes, Jean.’ Diluc murmured, mirrored by Albedo’s ‘Yes Grandmaster.’
‘Good.’ With that, Jean led her younger sister out of the room and out of the headquarters. Diluc slumped down against the couch, ignoring Albedo’s gaze. The alchemist had been watching him the moment Jean had left and Diluc was unsure why.
Diluc reached out and ran his hands through Kaeya’s hair, just like he did when they were young and Kaeya had ran to his older brother after a nightmare.
‘It’s your fault that he is like this.’ Albedo’s voice broke the silence. Diluc jumped slightly. It wasn’t an accusation…more like an observation. He lowered his head in shame.
‘Yes.’ He muttered. Albedo regarded him impassively. Diluc got the strange feeling that he was being observed as if he were a particularly interesting experiment.
‘Then it is up to you to fix him..’ Albedo said simply as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. ‘Or, rather, fix things with him. Kaeya still believes that many of the events that happened that night were all his fault, but while he did make mistakes and could have thought his actions through better, the blame does not rest solely upon his shoulders, nor does it rest solely upon yours.’
Albedo was no longer looking at Diluc and was instead watching Kaeya’s sleeping form, a fond but sad smile on his face. ‘Regardless of what you might think, Master Diluc, or of the way he acts, Kaeya still misses, still needs his older brother.’
‘But, why? He shouldn’t need me, not after I hurt him. Besides, he has you, Bennett, and Klee.’ Diluc lamented. His hand was still buried in Kaeya’s hair so he carefully untangled it from the blue locks. Albedo nodded slightly.
‘Yes, he has us and we will always be here for him,’ Diluc ignored the implied slight against him, ‘but we can’t replace you. We can’t be his big brother, we can’t fill that particular hole in his heart. That is something only you can do. Now, I have to go and reassure Bennett that Kaeya is alright and it wasn’t his luck’s fault.’
Albedo didn’t even wait for Diluc to reply as he walked out of the room. Diluc stared at the door for a while before glancing back down at his unconscious brother. His face had scrunched up, something that Kaeya had always done when he was waking up and was annoyed by the fact. Kaeya shivered somewhat as his frown deepened. Diluc placed his pyro-heated hand against Kaeya’s cheek and smiled to himself as Kaeya immediately leaned into it.
‘Mmmmmmn…Bedo?’ Kaeya muttered as he slowly made his way back into the waking world. Diluc hummed quietly.
‘No, Kae, it’s me. Albedo just left. Are you alright? You had a severe panic attack.’ Diluc said gently. Kaeya’s eye widened a little.
‘Master- Master Diluc? What are you doing here?’ Kaeya immediately attempted to slide his perfect mask back on, but Diluc could tell he was struggling. Behind the disguise of nonchalance in Kaeya’s eyes, Diluc could see the fear that still lingered there. The fear of him, the fear that he placed there.
‘Looking after you. Are you alright Kae?’ Diluc asked again. Kaeya had dodged the question the first time he asked and he wasn’t about to let it go. ‘Is there anything I can do to help you?’
Kaeya scoffed and rolled his eyes.
‘Help me, my Master Diluc, are you sure you’re not the one who is injured? You never want to help me.’ Kaeya’s tone was accusatory but his posture spoke of the fear that remained inside him. He looked ready to bolt the moment that he gained an opening. ‘One may even think that you have more malevolent intentions behind this.’
Diluc stared at him in shock. Had he hurt Kaeya so much that he believed that every act Diluc made had the intent to hurt him. ‘You tried to kill him, of course he thinks that.’ Diluc’s mind supplied helpfully. He reached forward to cup Kaeya’s cheek as he had been doing before only to retract suddenly, as if he had been burned, when Kaeya flinched away with his eye squeezed shut.
‘Kaeya? Oh Kaeya, I’m not going to hurt you, I promise. Not again, never again.’ Diluc did his best to reassure his younger brother, knowing that there was no point in denying the fact that he had hurt Kaeya in the past. ‘You asked why I was here; I’m here because I care about you Kaeya, even if I have a really shitty way of showing it.’
Diluc took a deep breath, calming his thoughts and giving Kaeya an opportunity to say something if he so wished, before he continued.
‘I should have never hurt you the way I did, even though I know you could have come at any other time.’ Diluc paused to take another unsteady breath. He refused to look Kaeya in the eyes even though he could feel his brother’s eye on him. ‘But nothing you did, Kae, could ever justify my actions against you. You weren’t, aren’t, a traitor, you are my brother and I should have been there for you when you needed it the most…’
‘…I love you Kaeya. I always have and I always will and I know I’ve been a horrible brother to you since I came back and I would take everything I said to you back if I could, but I can’t so I’ll do anything to make it up to you.’
Diluc’s voice cracked as he reached the end of his little speech and he refused to look up at his brother in fear of an admittedly deserved rejection.
Instead he got a heartbreakingly soft ‘You love me?’ from Kaeya.
Diluc’s head snapped up to see Kaeya’s eye shimmering with tears and hope. Diluc was on his brother in a second, wrapping him up in his warm arms and holding him close.
‘I do, of course I do Kaeya. My brother, oh my precious baby brother, I’m so sorry.’ He whispered into Kaeya’s ear, rubbing comforting circles into his back. ‘I’m here and I won’t leave you again, never again.’
Kaeya shifted in his arms and did his best to make room for Diluc. Diluc took the hint and adjusted his grip on Kaeya so he could join him on the couch. As soon as he was settled, Kaeya tucked himself against Diluc, humming contentedly.
‘I love you Luc.’ He murmured against Diluc’s neck. ‘Though I still think I would have won.’
Diluc chuckled despite himself.
‘Keep telling yourself that, Kae.’
They still had a lot of things to talk about, a lot of trauma that had gone on too long unaddressed. But with Kaeya humming one of their father’s old songs while curled up in his arms, Diluc knew they would be alright.