Chapter Text
Pre-4.0 (Traveler has not started their travel to Fontaine yet)
The evening was average.
The sibling trio in their home away from the hearth
Freminet
Fontaine was as simple as it was when I was born—bustling towns, quiet oceans.
Life was simple: wake up, complete tasks father has sent for the day, and go on a dive
Nice, and simple. Just the way I liked it.
That's the way it always has been. And every day, that's what I hope continues. But even if things were a little different, I would flow with it, like an ever-changing river. Ever changing, that is what I am.
“Oh dear brother! Look at how our sister is teasing me,” Lyney cried dramatically, flinging himself onto me like a damsel in distress. We were in the living room, and the twins had come back from a simple mission.
Lynette rolled her eyes. “You tire me, brother.” Lynette sighed as she sat down on the couch beside Rosseland, who purred next to her. “It hasn't even been ten minutes after you guys came back…” I muttered, twisting myself out of my dear brother's embrace.
The once plain living room was now bright with personality as every one of us added a little bit of ourselves to our second home.
Little drawings of sealife painted our walls, comfortable cushions decorated our furniture, and cards and flowers embedded our space. This was home. Not just mine, but our home. My siblings and I.
“But I shall say these missions that father has been giving us are quite easy… I can't help but think we are being underestimated,” Lyney admitted with a shrug, twirling his finger around Pers, who was set on the kitchen table. “At least you guys are being set on missions,” I grumbled. Lyney and Lynette shared knowing glances.
“Freminet… Father is just…: Lynette paused, seeming like she's at a loss for words. “Making sure you are safe.” Lyney finished. I rolled my eyes and got a glass of water. “It's been 3 months. All I've been doing is staying at home… not being useful or anything…” I could see the way Lyney and Lynette looked at me. I gulped all the water down at once, savoring the way it traveled down my throat with a sweet, homey aftertaste.
.
.
.
Three months ago.
We were settling down in our new apartment, which was quite different from the House of the Hearth. The change was due to the twins' age. As they hit 19, Father found it suitable that they'd have their independent place, and surprisingly, Father put them as my legal guardians so I, too, could join them even though I was only 17.
The house was simple with 3 bedrooms. I called dibs on the smallest of the three. Unlike most people, enclosed spaces made me feel safe. I, of course, got to decorate it however I wanted to, which was the funnest part of the move. Pers had his corner, my trinkets had their own space, and my… Totally-not-fairy tale books were neatly locked away.
The rest of the common rooms lacked personality, but that would be fixed in due time, knowing Lyney. For the first 2 weeks, we were off completely from duties to get used to a home environment. Rosseland was especially happy for this, as she got 24/7 attention from either one of us.
For a celebration, Lyney brought home some food and some gifts for each of us. Rosseland was cuddled up on my lap as we three sat down at the dinner table. “Well, my dearest siblings! I went out and got a gift for everyone as well as some food!!” Lyney beamed excitedly. Lyney has a lot of false personas and faces, but if there was one thing that was genuine about him, it was how he loved us. Lynette's ears went up as he mentioned a gift. Lyney slid a small box to each of us and a smaller one for Rosseland, which was so cute.
As Lynette opened hers with a concentrated gaze. She pulled out a box of tea, which made her pupils go wide. “A box of catnip-infused tea! I saw it on the market and thought it would be perfect for when you need to wind down,” Lyney explained, a large smile on his face, seeing his sister's interest. “Thank you, Lyney.” Lynette giggled at the silly but thoughtful gift. As Rosseland did not have thumbs, I instead opened her box. Outcome: a very cute collar which had hues of blue, cyan, and red. In gold hardware spoke “Rosseland”, and our address in smaller text. I showed it to Lynette, and a simple “Aww” cooed out of her mouth. “She'll need it. After all, she is legally ours.” Lyney mentioned softly to the cat, who was still asleep in my lap.
The final gift was mine, a simple blue with a bow on top. As I opened it, I saw a shell. My hands traced the ridges in fascination. It was magnificent… “A shell I found in a small shop along the seaside. Not much, but I know you'll like it.” I loved it! I felt a smile creep up my face as I saw just how magnificent it was. I've taken countless diving trips, and I've never encountered a shell like this. It looked almost abnormal. Most shells don't have lumps or spikes. Most were monotone, while this was iridescent. “Thank you.” I basically gasped out. I wonder how this would taste… I tracked that thought. Why would I want to taste this? My mind blocked everything out as I went to look back at my dear brother. He was in the kitchen opening up the food he bought while Lynette was holding a now-awake Rosseland on the couch. I definitely spaced out badly. I sighed as I put the shell down. This is likely what you'd call “a bad habit”.
After we had a nice dinner with some light chatter, it was time for bed. I rested my head down on my pillow, letting my exhaustion submerge me. My bed is soft and fluid. Pers, a friend.
?
As I regained consciousness, the world decided to dance. My vision felt numb. My room was a wet painting that fell victim to a glass of water, blurry and confusing. Pain shot through my shoulder as I made contact with the hardwood floor.
I need something.
My fingers shook as my nails dug into my throat. I tried to inhale but was met with sharp pain.
I need something.
My legs felt foreign; they didn't belong on me. I dug into my bedside table, using it to support myself. What do I need? Every step felt like I was walking down stairs, causing me to stumble with each step. I clutched onto my simple shirt. I reached somewhere. Darkened guys glanced around. Clear. My throat got drier. I need something.
Water.
But
It was so far
My throat itched. My bones itched dry. I couldn't make a sound out of fear id cough up blood. I felt something. I looked at what used to be stairs. Fur. What has fur?
“Brot-” my ears burned. I felt my insides dry up. My ears made out a shriek as I felt a blunt pain in my head, which added to a headache. A split second after, I felt pulled into someone's arms.
“Lyney!” I heard someone cry. soft vibrations followed until my eyes closed.