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Lyney wiggled the reserved seat ticket before your face, ready for you to take. You glance at the traveller over your shoulder, both paimon and Lumine too preoccupied with their own tickets to mind you any business. You really had thought this was too kind of a gesture, getting the three of you in for free even though you all had met not long ago. But yet seeing as paimon and Lumine agreed without fuss you as well you gratefully accepted the ticket, stuffing it inside your pocket as Lyney bowed to the three of you and took Lynette's hand, running towards his assistant, Cowell, who was smiling widely, waiting for the magicians to help him with the stage equipment. They run off, down towards the theater entrance. You grab Lumine's hand, who is now paying full attention to the twins, who had just vanished while she had been preoccupied with paimon. Together, the two of you make your way down to the theater, the grand doors open before you, inviting you into the large room. You and your friend's eyes lighten up in awe as paimon grumpily floats past the two of you, making her way down the red carpet leading to the front rows. You giggle chasing after her as she sits onto the middle chair's arm rest, crossing her arms. The sight itself is quite hilarious, her size, being able to fit perfectly onto the arm rest, made everything much better. Lumine plops down, next to paimon on the middle chair. You sit down next to her, completely overseeing the silver haired male sitting to your left. You chat with lumine until she turns her head in your direction, ceasing her words. Paimon eyes you and the stranger behind you, before saying, quite loudly, even though that's her definition of whispering;
»Don't you feel awkward sitting next to a complete stranger?«
You hum, giving her a confused look before turning your head to your left, indeed finally spotting the silver haired male, still looking forward, yet he opens his mouth to speak, after only sparing you a glance.
»I did not know you felt awkward. I sincerely apologize.«
You mentally facepalm yourself, glaring at paimon as she shrugs, acting as if she's done nothing. You swear her loud 'whispering' is gonna get her into serious trouble one day.
»Please do not apologize, I don't feel awkward!«
You say turning your head to him, giving him a reassuring smile which he returns, averting his attention back to the stage where a variety of different lights flicker. The audience had started rolling in, sitting in their assigned seats. That's when paimon decides to open her mouth again, leaning over Lumine's shoulder and looking at the male sat next to you, giving him a glance.
»Are you Lyney's friend, here to also see the show?«
He shook his head, now looking at paimon;
»No, I would be happy if Mr. Lyney even wanted to be my friend but-«
he began his explanation when Lyney himself overheard, hopping off of the stage which was still portraying colorful lights, keeping the waiting audience occupied. He stood before you, shaking the silver haired man's hand before looking over at you and Lumine.
»Ah so you've met Chief Justice; Monsieur Neuvillette.«
Lyney smiled, eyeing the four of us. That's when paimon slapped a tiny hand over her mouth, leaving Lumine giggling.
»Paimon's so sorry for being rude! Paimon really didn't mean it!«
She screeches, flailing her hands as Neuvillette smiles, Shaking his head. He reassures her that she's fine and hadn't hurt his feelings whatsoever. That is when a loud thump resonates through the theater room, coming from above and behind you. Your group turns around, landing your eyes on Furina, the hydro archon. She's glaring at you lot, arms crossed and a scowl on her face.
»Just acknowledge her pose, she must've taken a liking to you.«
Says Neuvillette, already sitting down in his seat again, eyes fixated on the stage. The rest four of you send a glare her way before ignoring her completely, sitting down as well as Lyney hops back onto the stage, ready to begin the show.
-
Terrible, it had all gone wrong! Nothing like you'd imagine. Neuvillette stood up in his chair calling for the Gardes as Lyney stood there in shock, staring at the blood splatter, now mixing with the water dripping onto the carpet below the stage. Furina had started yelling something out and Lumine was up on her feet, gritting her teeth and barking something back but you were too focused on the still twitching arm, the only thing not covered by the rubble and most likely the only thing that hadn't been crushed completely by the heavy metal container which was then laying sideways on the stage, completely broken, glass shattered and littered across the stage. The room smelled of iron and vomit, and your own stomach was beginning to turn as well. The twins were charged with murder and were put on trial, which with help of lumine and a new friend named Navia had gone smoothly, gathering up the proof together and clearing their name completely with you cheering them on in the crowd. Everybody was tired from the trial, the sun was beginning to set and yet it had begun lightly trickling with rain. You sat on the stairs of the opera, rain soaking through your clothes as Lumine sat next to you, paimon in her lap, You were waiting for Navia, who was inside arranging things for you. You looked up to the sky, eyebrows furrowed and a scowl painting your face as you stare at the dark clouds, rain quietly and slowly spewing from them with no sign of stopping. You remembered back to what Ferminet had said, replaying his words inside your mind.
'Whenever the hydro dragon cries it rains, and a lot of times it rains after trials, not stopping for hours.'
You sigh, leaning back against your hands, your head hanging back eyes closed, letting the rain hit your face. You open your eyes, angling your head to the side only to realize lumine was gone. Shooting your head forward you calm down, spotting her by the fountain, hair damp and eyes droopy, probably tired from today's events. She was talking to Navia, who seemed overly excited, waving her arms around, the two men standing behind he exchanging curious glances with each together, paimon flailing her arms around in excitement together with Navial. You groan loudly, and was about to get up until you stretch back just a little bit to gather yourself, bumping into somebody's leg. You look up, spotting Neuvillette looming over you as he watches your friends, overly excited about something that you were now curious about too. He looks down at you, huffing out as you just stare at him, not knowing what to say. He was about to walk off until you decide to speak.
»Your work is admirable.«
He stops from backing away and only raises his eyebrow, Hoping for an explanation.
»I do not know how you keep your composure throughout everything, but I admire it.«
You say, looking up at him with a smile. He nods, opening his mouth to speak but stops himself for whatever reason. He only hums in response, pain lacing his face, making you immediately regret your words. You sigh, standing up as you turn yo him, reaching out your hand to him. He takes it, and you shake it firmly, giving him one last smile.
»I wish you a good rest of the day, Monsieur.«
You say, before beginning to descend the stairs, making your way to your friends, Already waving towards you. You grin widely, waving back to them as paimon welcomes you to the happy group with a warm hug. They explain the plan to you, Lumine holding your hand as she leads you towards the large bridge, where you'd make your way to the Aquabus which would take you back to the city. Your little group makes your way away from the Opera, but as you're almost over the bridge you decide to look back at the tall building, noticing Neuvillette still standing there, staring at your group. The rain was beginning to subsidie, and the sun was peaking from behind the gray clouds, which made your mood so much more better.
-
Yet the awesome mood didn't stick around for longer. But of course, paimon saves the day with her enormous appetite, with that saving Navia's life as well. Yet there was another problem. Lumine wasn't responding, passed out on the floor as gardemek surrounded you, paimon, Navia and her guards. You were outnumbered, and Lumine wasn't responding to Paimon's cries. You had your sword in your arms, standing over Lumine's unconscious body protectively.
»We need backup!«
Navia screamed, voice breaking up, knowing she couldn't hold out much longer. She held her hand out before her, swinging her sword around as Gardemek backed off for a second, beacing themselves for attack. Your afternoon lunch had turned into a disaster, your Fonta was poisoned and Lumine suffered the fate most likely, still not sure what had caused her to pass out entirely since you had also drank the Fonta and were still standing.
'Vacher..'
'Vacher...!'
A feminine voice resonated out, you glance back to Lumine and her eyes flickered to life, she shot up, sword already in hand as she assessed the situation, springing to her feet to help Navia. But it was to no avail, too many of them. But archons were on your side today as you spot Clorinde making her way through the Gardemek, slicing one after another open. And thanks to her help, the situation was kept at bay, and everybody got out unscathed. Navia thanked Clorinde who disappeared soon after, hoping to get out of there as soon as possible, most likely to call in a clean up crew. Navia explained everything to Lumine, who was still confused seeing as she had been unconscious for the almost entirety of everything. After piecing everything together, you had come to the conclusion that your drinks must've been spiked with the primordial sea's water, and thanks to paimon if Navia had drank it, she could've been turned into water. And after getting to the fountain, the effects must've hit lumine, having her fall unconscious and encounter an oceanid in an almost dream like state, which had revealed a name, a name that could potentially be a clue to the serial disappearance case.
»Vacher...«
Says Navia, pondering the name over in her head. She claims she had never heard such name, and that leaves you at a dead end. Until Navia raises her hand excitedly, waving it around. If this were to be a cartoon you were sure a light bulb would be floating over her head right about now. She grinned widely before clearing her throat.
»Ahem- We could go ask Monsieur Neuvillette, I'm sure there's at least something that'd mention him in the archives!«
Paimon shakes her body excitedly, floating around you and the traveller excitedly.
»Let's go then!«
She says, already hastily floating back towards the Aquabus, Navia Confidently following after, head high in the air, proud of her suggestion as you and Lumine trail after them, chatting about something completely off topic. The ride back was quiet, the lot of you enjoying the scenery, yet climbing the city stairs wasn't as quiet, Paimon's complaints filled the air alongside your pants and Navia's giggles. Making it up to the Palais Mermonia, you step through the giant double doors, a bunch of Melusines working hard around the place, rearranging papers, taking phone calls, talking to customers. Navia waves her hand over and you make your way to the right end of the building, where stands another set of huge double doors, a small melusine before it, stopping you in your tracks.
»Monsieur Neuvillette is extremely busy and does not take guests at the moment I'm afrai-«
But navia cuts her off, flailing her hand before her face.
»Do you not remember us?«
And the Melusine cocks an eyebrow at her shaking her head as they begin arguing.
»Wow they sure are professional over here.«
Paimon whispers to you and Lumine as you both tired tiredly watch the two before you fight, finally mentioning the trial and the Melusine gives up, pointing you to the door. You knock and the doors open, revealing a huge office and at the end of it sat The Chief Justice, head propped up by his hand, reading something on his desk. He looks up briefly before resuming his work, waving you over. You stop before his desk and he stands up, rounding it to shake Navia's hand. She explains the situation to him and he takes the hint, scanning through the archives, searching for anything containing the name 'Vacher'.
You lean against his desk, eyes closed, resting them just for a second. Neuvillette was searching for a while, shaking his head with a disappointed look on his face as he lets your group know he hadn't found anything. Navia thanks him, silently making her way back out of his office, you paimon and Lumine trailing behind, when Neuvillette stops her, hand reached out resting on her shoulder.
»Miss Navia I... I understand how you feel.«
He says, noticing her otherwise happy demeanor changing into a cold one as soon as we had stepped into the room.
»Your father, Callas, was a truly exceptional man. We deeply regret his passing.«
He says, emotion lacking in his voice, yet his expression is Pained.
»...and what are you trying to say..?«
Navia says, turning around, eyes widened, anger seeping into her words.
»Are you trying to console me..? Extend your sympathy?«
She grits through her teeth, approaching his desk again. He stands before his desk, hands glued together, not even staring at her but at the floor, regretting his words. Lumine stares at them both in confusion and shock, and you remain quiet, averting your eyes from navia to study Neuvillette's face.
»No.. You are not trying to do any of that. I can hear it in your voice. There's no emotion behind your words — you only said those things because you felt like you should.«
She half yells, staring at him as he doesn't look her in the eyes. You notice the scenery behind him, a giant window overlooking Fontaine's city. The sky is clouding up rather quickly, it looks like it's gonna rain. Her words do not stop, she continues scolding him, letting everything out as he stands there, eyes lidded, the pained expression turning to sadness in seconds. She did not stop though, gritting something out between her teeth with each step, nasty remarks thrown his way.
»If you really have no heart, then just look me in the eyes — I, Navia, will show you the true meaning of 'Regret'!«
She screams, turning around and heading for the door, as you already stand there by the exit, watching everything unfold. Paimon had covered her face, her mood changing and Lumine was looking at the floor You stod there,
By their side, watching as Neuvillette turned his back to you, his hands shaking as he holds them against his back.
»My apologies for taking my emotions out on you, Monsieur Chief Justice.«
She says, sparing him one last glance before opening the door.
»Let's go.«
She says to you, slamming the office door as soon as you're outside the room. Exiting the building the fresh air now hits your face. The temperature had dropped severely and it had began thundering. The rain was pouring, pouring like you'd never seen it before. Navia stares at the sky in shock and then it hits you.
'It rains whenever the hydro dragon cries!'
You piece everything together, realizing what had caused the heavy rain. Navia goes on about the case again but you don't listen, turning your back towards the group, waving them off.
»I'll join you guys later!«
You yell out, rushing into the building past the working Melusines ignoring their glares. You hush the Melusine by Neuvillette's door, opening it without knocking and closing it behind you with a Loud thud, which startles the Man in the seat. And there he is, the otherwise stoic and put together man sitting in his hair, hunched over gripping at his hair and face, his otherwise neatly done hair disheveled and messy, his otherwise perfect makeup smudged, mascara running down his cheeks with every tear drop. You hastily approach his desk, rounding it and dropping your drenched coat to the floor in the process, kicking it away.
»I...- I..«
He stammers, lips parted, eyes wide with shock, not expecting anybody to barge in again as he stares up at you, standing next to him, reaching out to him. His cheeks were stained with mascara and wet, tears continuing to roll down his face, dripping onto the table and his own clothes. You cup his face, staring into his eyes before enveloping your arms around him, bringing him into a warm hug. He slides back with his chair, taken aback but snakes his arms around you as well. You hold him close, resting your head against his, caressing his hair.
»Hydro dragon, hydro dragon, don't cry..«
You whisper and that's when the dam breaks, as he begins sobbing loudly, grabbing your body and dragging it onto his lap, then that's when he completely crushes you in his embrace, sobbing into your chest, not planning to let go. You hold the back of his head with one hand, massaging his scalp and rubbing soothing circles into his cheek with the other, your fingers wet from his tears as he lets everything out, his sobs turning from wails, hands clutching onto your clothes as you whisper to him.
»Let everything out.«
And he does, gripping onto you like you were about to slip away. You were a stranger to him, nothing but an acquaintance, yet he knew he could trust you, you had shown nothing but kindness to him from the second you had met, even if you hadn't spoken for long. The few words you said to him were full of kindness, and it was enough for him. You pulled back as he stared you in awe, his cheeks squished between your hands, staring at him, no words said, but your eyes spoke volumes, comforting him in every way possible. His tears did not stop, they dampened your clothes now as well, his makeup completely ruined by now.
»Please let everything out, crying is healthy.«
You say, going in for another hug, but he stopped you, reaching out his hands to your face, bringing you down towards his face. Your lips met and he closed his eyes, tears stopping for just a second. If somebody had seen you they'd think the two of you have been passionate lovers for years, yet that isn't the case, nobody had shown him anything like this in years, he almost felt selfish and weird for indulging in a stranger like this, but at the same time it felt so right, you barged in without a care in the world, just to comfort him as your own friend had scolded him for something that was not his fault. He felt like he had to be just a tad bit selfish when it came to you even if not knowing you at all, bringing you closer and wrapping his hands around your body. You sat in his lap, running a hand through his hair as he sobbed out broken sentences, words of true pain seeping from his lips. You listened as he talked, spilling everything piling up over the years out, trusting you like he had known you for centuries.
»It is not your fault, Monsieur, believe me.«
You say, caressing his cheek as he stares up at you, thunder breaking the silence upon hearing your warm words.
»You deserve to be treated like a human, even if that's not what you are.«
You say, smiling at him warmly.
»With kindness.«
And he almost desperately searches for your lips again, crushing you against his chest as he holds your body close, desperately trying to get you as close as possible, locking you in his embrace, meanwhile you held him oh so gently, like a vase, like a porcelain doll.
Gently, like he deserved to be treated.
__________________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐
┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊
┊ ┊⋆ ┊ .
┊ ┊ ⋆˚
✧. ┊
⋆ ★