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The sunlit bamboo forest was a magical place. Gaming followed the path, eyes taking in the little rainbows illuminated in the mist. He had always loved coming here as a kid. Now a bit older and having just finished a transport job, he was headed back to Chenyu Vale. Of course, he was one to take the road less traveled. Most of the elders in his village liked to tell stories about the dangers hidden in these areas. Personally, Gaming had never come across anything he couldn't handle. Even when he met Man Chai all those years ago, he hadn't been scared at all. Juts fascinated by the little creature and determined to befriend it.
The little suanni was perched on his shoulder now, panting sightly from the summer heat. Gaming reached up and patted Man Chai's fluffy main.
"Almost there, buddy," he assured. "Once we get home, we should stop for dim sum. Oh man, I could really go for some qingxin tea and bao. Oh and those little cakes Auntie makes. You know, the sweet ones that get stuck in your teeth. So delicious."
A commotion further down the path made him quiet down. Man Chai was immediately on alert.
Rolling his steps to dampen the sound of his approach, Gaming crouched behind a boulder. Voices carried through the thick forest of bamboo, and he could only make out every few words.
"…fetch… good price… quick, grab… net…"
Gaming's brows furrowed. Were they poachers? It almost sounded like they were trying to catch an animal. A sudden thought made his stomach drop. What if those men had found a suanni and were trying to capture it? He had to put a stop to this!
With his hood pulled up and his claymore at the ready, Gaming moved forward slowly. He knew this forest well. Knew how easily it could be to trip and get caught up. His feet moved deftly between stalks of bamboo, body twisting to not disturb the foliage and signal his approach.
Bodies came into view. A group of five men were splashing in the river that cut through the forest. Their movements were frantic and uncoordinated. They were definitely chasing something.
Anger shot through Gaming's chest, hot and fierce. He closed his eyes and let out a slow breath. No, he needed to calm down. It wouldn't do anyone any good if he went into battle without a clear head.
Man Chai growled lowly, hisses spitting between his long fangs.
"I know, buddy," Gaming whispered. "We'll save that suanni. We won't let those bandits get away with this."
The sound of more splashing and yelling came from the river. Gaming felt his heart thundering away. He could see five bandits but there was always a chance there were more that were hidden from view. Scouts or another search party nearby. The nearby cliff was a disadvantage for Gaming. If there were other members they could have the high ground.
"Hang on Man Chai," he hissed, grabbing the little suanni by the tail so he couldn't charge into battle. "We need to do this right."
His little friend growled and tugged free, speeding away toward the five men chasing the creature in the river.
"Shit!" Gaming swore under his breath.
He jumped out of the bamboo forest, rushing after his companion. The bandits were startled and clumsy. A point in Gaming's favor. He was able to swipe at the closest man's legs, knocking the bandit to the ground. The man wheezed as air was forced out of his lungs.
"Who the hell are you?!" One of the other men yelled.
Two other bandits were struggling to capture the creature in the river and Gaming hoped he could provide enough of a distraction to allow it a chance to escape.
He blocked a rock thrown his way with the widest part of his blade. Man Chai was flying around the aggressor's head, speeding up faster and faster until the man was so dizzy he lost his balance. Gaming was quick to rush over and knock him out.
"Three left buddy! Let's get 'em!"
A massive splash, soaked everyone nearby and Gaming closed his eyes on instinct. He felt a sharp pain against the center of his chest and stumbled back. The bandit who had kicked him turned around to his two companions and began shouting angrily.
"Subdue that thing! Don't let it get away!"
"Boss, it's too strong."
"Then incapacitate it. I don't care how. Stab it if you have to!"
Gaming felt a rage come over him. "Let that poor creature alone! What the hell did it ever do to you?"
With a growl, he tackled the boss to the ground. In close range, it was easier to use his fists. Gaming punched the man in the shoulder and felt a jolt of excitement when the bandit grunted in pain. He deserved a good beating for threatening innocent creatures in the forest.
So blinded for his need to dole out justice, Gaming didn't notice the other bandits. They yelled and came running to their leader's aid. A kick landed on Gaming's ribs making him lose his breath. A fight that had been one-on-one had now become three-on-one. Man Chai could only do so much damage control against three full-grown men.
Hands tugged at Gaming's hood, wrenching it back and choking him slightly. His claymore slipped from his grip when someone stomped on his hand. He hissed in pain as he was pulled off the boss. Gaming barely got a good look at the three men before a punch made his vision darken.
It was probably only a few seconds, but losing consciousness at all made Gaming's stomach lurch dangerously.
"Man Chai," he gasped. The little suanni rushed to his side and together, they launched into the air, plunging down onto the trio of bandits with a massive explosion of flames.
Gaming rolled for his weapon and swung blindly when he heard footsteps running behind him. He could only see clearly out of one eye now, but even with the handicap, he was determined to make these men leave the forest and never come back. They were definitely poachers, looking to make their pockets heavier by selling magical creatures on the black market. suanni were elusive and often distrustful of humans. It had taken a long time just for Man Chai to accept him as a friend.
"Leave!" Gaming shouted. He took a defensive stance, his legs shaking with adrenaline. Man Chai echoed his sentiments with a fierce growl.
"You're barely standing, kid," the boss snorted derisively. "And you're outnumbered."
"Maybe," Gaming responded. "But I have a vision. Kind of makes it more like two-on-three, right? I'll take those odds."
"Boss? What do we do?"
Gaming had a bad feeling. The leader kept looking toward Man Chai.
"Since you two idiots let our paycheck get away, I say we take up a new plan." The boss stared at Gaming, a scowl on his face. "Hand over the suanni and we'll let you live."
"I'd rather die than let anyone put their hands on him!"
"So be it."
The three men rushed forward, but Gaming was ready. He launched into the air again, and slammed downward, throwing the bandits back. Furious, Gaming plunged over and over again until he was breathing hard and absolutely sure these horrible people had learned their lesson.
"You're insane," the boss wheezed, crawling away. He was the only one still conscious.
Gaming stalked after him, his vision colored red. As much as he wanted to kill this man for trying to capture that poor creature in the river and turning his gaze on Man Chai, Gaming knew he needed to leave someone alive to deliver a warning.
"Don't ever come back here or I'll kill you," he said, voice low and dangerous.
The man's eyes flashed and Gaming thought for a moment he would try to get up and fight. But a moment later, the bandit slumped in defeat. Man Chai made a point to snap at the man's face. A very clear threat.
"C'mon buddy, let's go find that suanni and make sure they're alright," Gaming called, heading toward the river.
He crouched and caught sight of his reflection in the water. One eye was so swollen and reddish purple. His lips was split and when he flicked his tongue out, he flinched at the sharp pain and taste of blood. Man Chai cuddled up to him with a worried rumble.
"I'll be alright. They really roughed me up. But nothing some good food and rest won't fix. I'll treat you to something really tasty once we get back home," he chuckled and patted his companion's fluffy mane.
The river wasn't deep, maybe only up to Gaming's waist. The water moved quickly, but not enough to drag someone down. Debris had collected on the rocks, leaving a trail for him to follow.
"Looks like they went into that cave," Gaming said. He felt a chill run down his spine. An injured suanni would be dangerous to approach. Even more so in the dark.
Taking a calming breath, he heading toward the mouth of the cave where the river splashed over rocks and fell a few feet into a pool at the bottom. Man Chai lept forward and investigated. He looked up to Gaming and the young man took that as a sign that it was safe to approach.
"Hello?" Gaming called, careful as he climbed down and toward the pool.
Something splashed in the water and his entire body tensed. Ripples floated out from the source in wobbly rings. Gaming took a tentative step forward.
"It's alright. Those bandits are gone. Are you hurt? Man Chai and I can help." He swallowed nervously. A large shadow moved just under the surface of the water, barely illuminated by the faint reddish glow his suanni companion let off.
Slowly, the creature swam closer. Gaming held his breath as he took another step toward the edge and lowered himself to the cool, wet rocks. His entire body was hot with anticipation and adrenaline. So many things could go wrong in a split second. That didn't stop him from leaning over the pool.
The water sloshed gently as a face came into view, followed by bony shoulders.
"You're not a suanni," Gaming breathed.
The creature, so human in appearance with pale skin dotted with tan freckles and soft blue eyes, shook his head. Droplets of water dripped from his blond hair, splashing Gaming. He looked nervous, his eyes wide with fear and lips wobbling.
"You must be scared. I should introduce myself. My name is Gaming. I'm a transporter for the Ministry of Civil Affairs here in Liyue. This little guy is my best buddy, Man Chai. He's a suanni. When I heard the commotion, I thought those guys were trying to capture a creature like him. But… you're not from around here are you?"
Again, the creature shook his head.
"Are you lost?"
No answer.
"Do you have a name?"
Still no answer.
Okay, he needed a new strategy. This wasn't working. While he thought of a different way he could communicate and get some answers, the creature moved closer. Those icy eyes didn't blink, constantly watching Gaming nervously. Still he continued his approach and pulled himself out of the water to sit on the rocky ledge.
Gaming's jaw dropped. Where he expected to see legs was a long dolphin-like tail. It reminded him of a dolphin, both in build and color.
He was so in awe, he didn't notice the way the creature — merman — reached for him. A hand, cool and wet cupped Gaming's cheek, thumb stroking the bruised swollen skin beneath his eye.
"They hurt you," the merman spoke. His voice was soft, a bit raspy, and made Gaming's heart beat faster.
"Uh yeah… they roughed me up a bit. It's okay though."
The merman frowned. He lowered his hand to his lap and stared quietly at Gaming some more. "Freminet."
"What?"
"My name… is Freminet."
"Oh," Gaming breathed and then grinned. "It's nice to meet you!"
"Is it?" Freminet curled in on himself. "You got hurt because of me."
"But if I didn't do anything you'd be stuffed in a tank and carted off to archons know where and sold on the black market. Guys like those jerks need to be taught a lasting lesson. Too many times I've heard of humans barreling in here to trap and hunt mythical beasts. It's not right. I had the chance to do something, so I wasn't just going to turn a blind eye." Gaming huffed and leaned back. He was sore. Now that he'd settled down from the fight, his body was exhausted.
"Oh. Thank you." Freminet sank back into the water until only his eyes were above the surface. A few bubbles disturbed the water in a gentle rhythm. It was almost like a nervous tick. The merman rose to speak again. "Do you know the area well?"
"Totally!" Gaming nodded. "My whole job is traveling across Liyue and other parts of Teyvat. Mostly I deliver goods but sometimes I get to be on guard duty. So… you are lost?"
Freminet's cheeks turned a pale pink and he bit his lip nervously. "I got separated from my pod. Normally, I'm good at navigating through the deeper areas of Fontaine, but once we entered the open sea between Fontaine, Liyue and Sumeru… it was disorienting."
"Well, I could definitely escort you to the wharf! These rivers can get all twisty and confusing and I'd hate if you got even more lost."
"You would really do that?" Freminet asked in quiet surprise.
"Hey, after all I've gone through already to get you out of trouble I can't just turn back now," Gaming laughed. "I'm not one to leave a job unfinished. So, let's get you back to your family."
The merman gave a small smile, his cheeks darkening in color. It made Gaming's heart speed up just knowing he put that expression on this pretty creature's face.
Together, they maneuvered Freminet out of the cave and began navigating the river system to head toward Yilong Wharf. Gaming chatted away, telling his new friend all sorts of stories about Liyue, the tall tales his aunties used to tell him growing up, and his own experiences traveling across Teyvat.
"I wish I could see the mountains," Freminet commented after Gaming told a story about getting lost on the trails of Dragonspine. "I like the cold and what you've described sounds like a wonderland."
"It's colder than cold! I bet you'd turn into a fish popsicle if you ever made it somewhere like that," Gaming laughed.
Man Chai suddenly sped ahead of them. A thick mist had started to roll in while the sun made its descent behind the horizon. Gaming was suddenly on alert. His eyes frantically searched for any sign of the suanni's return.
"What's wrong?" Freminet asked, voice shaking.
"Not sure yet. Stay here."
The merman dipped beneath the water and sank to the bottom. His shimmery gray tail camouflaged with the silty bottom, effectively hiding him from view. Gaming marched forward down the path. They had left the bamboo forest behind them a while ago. Now, the hilly terrain was dotted with groups on pine trees and old crumbling ruins.
"Man Chai? Buddy, where'd you go?" He called for the suanni.
The mist grew thicker and Gaming was hesitant to advance further. His vision was still reduced by half and this area of Chenyu Vale often had sudden drop offs. He didn't want to risk plummeting over a cliff with one wrong step.
A growl echoed nearby and Gaming whipped his head in the direct it came. A faint reddish glow was moving in the mist. He released the breath he'd been holding when Man Chai appeared with a bird in his mouth.
"Buddy, you scared me. You shouldn't run off so suddenly like that."
The little creature snuffled and showed Gaming his prize. A pigeon.
"You were hungry?" Gaming asked.
That didn't feel right. Something in his gut twisted. His instincts told him to turn back toward where he'd left Freminet.
"Freminet?!" He called, voice cracking as he rushed to the rive.
The mer popped up, eyes wide and startled.
"Oh, thank goodness, you're alright," Gaming breathed in relief. "We need to keep moving. It's not good to stay in the mist too long."
"Because of visibility?" Freminet asked.
The old stories Gaming's aunties used to tell him when he was a kid came rushing to the forefront of his mind. Trilling whistles echoed off the rocks followed by low clicking noises.
"Y-Yeah, something like that," Gaming cleared his throat and put on a brave face. There were all sorts of magical creatures and old powerful beings that still lurked in the Vale. He wasn't keen on coming across any of them.
"You seem nervous," Freminet's voice trembled. "Should I be scared?"
"No! No, no, it's nothing."
"I don't believe you."
Gaming let out a short laugh. "Come on, there's a tributary that leads into the Bishui River and then I can follow you along the shore. Yilong Wharf shouldn't take too long to get to from here."
They carefully navigated through the mist and made it to the narrow outcropping of rocks that hung over the river.
"That's a pretty big drop," Freminet squeaked. His hands were shaking as he held himself up to look down over the ledge. "I don't think I can do this."
Gaming bit his lip and looked around for anything that could be useful. But there were only reeds along the shore swaying in the breeze. The path leading down to the Bishui wasn't long, but he wasn't sure how long the mer could safely be out of the water.
"Hey," he said slowly, forming a thought. "You can breathe out of the water, right?"
"Yes?" Freminet said, giving Gaming an odd look. "Why?"
I could, um, I could carry you."
Pink tinged the pale mer's face and those pretty blue eyes looked away quickly. "I…"
"I'm stronger than I look, ya know!" Gaming laughed. Man Chai chuffed and bounced against his shoulder. "See, even my little suanni can attest to my strength!" He flexed his arms in an exaggerated show that made Freminet snort in amusement.
"We can try," the mer nodded, eyeing the ledge warily again.
Gaming waded into the water, his pant legs getting wet up to his knees. Freminet wouldn't meet his eyes as he turned onto his back and reached up to the young man. His hands hooked behind Gaming's neck, fingers lacing together for added security.
With a tiny groan of effort, Gaming pulled the mer from the water, one arm behind Freminet's back and the other under his tail where it natural bent. He hadn't expected the pretty mer to be so dense, but then again, he had caught fish that were heavier than they looked.
"See, no problem," Gaming grinned. "Now, let's get you to Bishui River and then on the right path back home."
He could feel Freminet's arms shaking against him, his heart pounding furiously.
"Scared?"
"N-No," Freminet stuttered. "I was just wondering… why are you being so nice to me? Why help me? I'm a stranger and I'm not human. I—"
"Why wouldn't I help you?" Gaming cut him off. "You need help. I couldn't just leave you in an unfamiliar place and do nothing. It's against everything I stand for."
"Oh," the mer said shortly, his brow furrowed softly as he processed the young man's reasoning. "Thank you."
Gaming's foot slipped on a rock and he gasped as he jolted, trying to hang onto the mer as he found his balance again. All that dance practice helped to keep him steady on his feet. Freminet clung to him, eyes squeezed shut and face buried in his neck.
"I got you!" Gaming panted, his heart thundering in his chest. "I won't drop you."
With a slow, stabilizing breath, Gaming continued down the path. Freminet continued to hide his face in his neck and Gaming could feel the soft puffs of air against his collarbone as the mer breathed.
"Just a little farther," he murmured, trying to keep his heart rate in check.
He could already feel his face warming and palms getting sweaty. He'd be an idiot to not recognize how pretty Freminet was. Even beyond that, Gaming had a love for magical creatures. Sometimes he wondered if he had been one in a previous life and that's why he resonated with them so much more than humans.
"There we go," he whispered as they reached the Bishui. Carefully, he lowered Freminet into the shallow water but the mer continued to cling tightly to him. Gaming cleared his throat softly, "Freminet, it's safe to let go."
The mer gasped lightly and let go suddenly, causing him to fall into the water with a small splash. Gaming laughed and shook his jacket to remove some of the droplets that attacked him.
"S-Sorry!"
"No harm done," Gaming grinned, though Man Chai growled softly and furiously shook his mane, not appreciating that he got wet.
A giant jade contraption hung high in the sky, rotating slowly above the Bishui. Freminet seeming highly interested in it, his icy blue eyes watching it with childlike wonder.
"What is that?"
"The legends say it's a jade device cast down by an adeptus to protect the Vale from flooding. Back during the Archon War there were constant storms in this area and since all slopes lead to the Bishui, the river became a dangerous force. It flooded often, ruining crops and villages… taking many lives." Gaming explained. "At least, that's what my Aunties told me."
"It's beautiful," Freminet whispered, voice full of awe.
Gaming looked at the device again, trying to see it from an outsider's point of view. As a local, he had looked upon it so many time it became part of the natural landscape. But to someone like Freminet, he was sure it was a majestic ornament.
"Just be careful swimming through that section of the river," he warned the mer. "Eddies and undertows often form there."
"I'm a strong swimmer," Freminet defended himself, splashing his thick gray tail against the surface of the water.
"Right, almost forgot," Gaming laughed. "C'mon, the wharf isn't far. We can probably make it there in the next hour or two."
They continued their journey, Freminet gliding through the river and Gaming following along the bank. They luckily did not come across anymore trouble. It gave them time to actually get to know each other. Gaming entertained the mer with stories about his training and his first lion dance, even pulling out the finely crafted costume head he carried with him, to show off a bit. It wasn't long before the timid mer opened up a bit and talked about his deep sea dives and how he was found by his Father, as he referred to the alpha female.
"I was adopted into my pod. My siblings… the twins are always trying to include me but sometimes I feel like I just don't belong anywhere," Freminet sighed, looking dejected. "Who knows if they're even looking for me. I wouldn't look for me. I'm not worth it."
"Hey!" Gaming growled, the sound similar to his suanni companion. "Don't talk about yourself like that! I've only known you for half a day and I know I'll feel your absence plenty once you find your way home."
"You're just being nice."
Man Chai chuffed and bounded toward the river, bouncing on Freminet's head before returning to Gaming's side.
"See, even Man Chai thinks you're being too hard on yourself."
"Maybe," the mer shrugged as they continued along. "What about you? Do you get along with your family?"
"That's a loaded question," Gaming chuckled. "I've got a big family — lots of aunties and uncles — and they like to stick their noses in my business all the time. My dad…" he took a breath as an ache formed in her chest. "We haven't been on good terms for a long time, especially since my mom died."
"I'm so sorry," Freminet sniffled.
"Oh, no, please don't cry on my account. I do fine. My dad and I will work things out eventually." Gaming added under his breath, "at least I hope so." He brightened a moment later, cheerful mask back in place, "so, you're from Fontaine. What's it like there? None of my transport jobs have taken me that far out."
"Nothing like this. Lots of really big buildings, but I don't often traverse the canals. Usually I keep away from the cities and towns."
Gaming could sense there was a reason why, maybe some past trauma. He didn't push.
"I'd love to visit there one day.Maybe I'll come find you in the future. It will give me an excuse to travel to Fontaine and to see your pretty face again," he winked.
Freminet blushed red and squeaked before diving under the water. Gaming laughed at the reaction, though his heart was fluttering in his chest just from the anxiety of taking the chance to flirt with the mer.
Lights shimmered in the distance, and after another five minutes, the pair reached Yilong Wharf. Freminet's jaw seemed to be permanently slack as he took in the soft glow of the lanterns floating in the water.
Gaming had just sat on the edge of the dock, pants rolled up and bare feet gently kicking back and forth in the water, when two more mer came rushing forward.
"Freminet!"
"Freminet, are you alright?!"
A pair of blondes, one with a shimmery red tail, the other with a teal tail, sandwiched Freminet between them and wrapped their arms around the previously lost mer.
"These are your siblings, I'm guessing?" Gaming asked, smiling softly at the display.
"Yes," Freminet nodded, looking pleased to be among familiar faces. "Lyney and Lynette." He started to explain that Gaming had saved him from bandits and led him here.
"Who are you?!" The red-tailed mer, Lyney, growled and shot forward, only to be grabbed by his sister.
"Thank you," Lynnette said in an easy, almost bored tone. "For looking after our brother."
"I would have done the same for anyone," he replied, missing the way Freminet flinched slightly. "I hope you all make it back to Fontaine safely."
He tried to ignore the ache in his chest as the twins fussed over Freminet and began guiding him away from the docks and into the open water. Man Chai nuzzled his cheek and Gaming closed his eyes, feeling a a hot tear drip down his cheek.
Half a day hadn't been enough to truly get to know the mer, and yet he wished Freminet could stay. Gaming felt like he'd found a kindred spirit. Someone who he could speak freely with and be himself. His aunties would scold him if they ever learned he got close to a strange magical creature, but he didn't regret saving a befriending the mer one bit.
Loneliness struck him like a lance through the heart. Heat threatened to burn up his neck and face as he tried to push down the feelings, but a small sob still broke past his lips and more tears fell.
Cool fingers wrapped around Gaming's ankle and tugged. His eyes flew open to Freminet watching him with a sad, nervous expression. Silently, the mer placed his hands on the dock, bracketing Gaming's thighs and lifted himself out of the water. There noses were centimeters apart as they studied each other.
He wasn't sure who moved first, but a moment later, Gaming was kissing the pretty mer. Soft, cool lips moved against his. It was over too soon and he found himself following Freminet, bending as the mer sank back into the water.
"What was that for?" Gaming asked, a bit breathless.
"I couldn't leave without saying goodbye. And thank you."
"Do you kiss everyone who helps you?" he asked, laughing a little to hide his awkwardness.
"No, just you," Freminet smiled. "You said you'd come find me?"
"Definitely," Gaming nodded. "Just tell me where to look."
The mer's smile stretched and he looked back to his siblings where were wading a little farther back. Lyney looked annoyed, glaring at the human who had captured his brother's affections. Lynnette on the other hand looks a bit proud and smug. Gaming felt his heart stutter as Freminet tugged his ankle gently again.
"I'll look forward to it," Freminet said softly.
Gaming watched as the family of mers swam away from the dock. His heart still ached, but the promise of visiting Freminet in Fontaine made it far less unbearable.