Once upon a time, Diluc was one to be subtle.
But that subtle trait had died somewhere along the months.
When, Diluc couldn't say.
Which was exactly why Dulic didn't bother to cut corners when it came to Ajax.
"You need to tell Teucer."
He didn't elaborate.
There wasn't a need to either.
The twitch on Ajax'a lips was the only sign that the other knew exactly what he meant.
His silence a very loud answer.
Diluc tugged his coat a little closer to himself.
The frozen air had eaten its way through the thick layers.
The sand shifted beneath Diluc's winter boots.
Ajax was right beside him.
He had no trouble taking step after step in the sand.
Their home was far behind them.
A great enough distance to talk about things Diluc never dared to breathe.
"Keep hiding this from him and it won't end well."
Ajax finally stopped, turning on his heel to scowl at him.
"You think I don't know that?"
It was strange, really.
How suddenly Diluc was reminded of Kaeya.
Of how Kaeya was probably certain that he was dead.
Of how weird of a situation it would be since that truly was the case.
Of how Diluc felt a heavy weight lodged in his chest at the thought of his brother.
Of the hypothetical reactions that his brother might give when (not if) Diluc tells him the truth.
(Where half of those hypotheticals were Kaeya abandoning him instead, or ignoring him entirely, or—)
"I know you do," Diluc halted in his own steps, and met cerulean without hesitation, "That's why I'm telling you now."
The confusion that flickered across Ajax's face was rather telling.
Diluc smiled, thinking about his own brother.
"Don't wait too long."
Ajax stayed silent, staring at the sand.
Before he frowned at Diluc with crossed arms.
"What about you? When are you going to tell that Kaeya you're alive?"
Diluc didn't even miss a beat as he answered rather bluntly.
"The second I figure out how the hell I'm going to tell him that I'm a Phoenix, that's what."
The cold air was still.
But the sounds of the waves crashing ashore did nothing to drown out Ajax's disbelieving laughter.
It did nothing to tide over Diluc's own laughter.
Because really, it was absurd.
Maybe even ridiculously absurd.
How hypocritical they were.
._._._._._.
Kaeya decided that this Dottore was a problem.
A big, huge, suspicious problem.
But he didn't dare to aggravate their ties with Mondstadt.
It was difficult to say something against a man that technically "saved Mondstadt."
Kaeya hated the fact that his people owed the Fatui a debt now.
Dottore was rather manipulating about that, too.
It didn't help that Mondstadt ended up taking that "wonderful opportunity".
The one that gave children a chance at a fulfilling life outside of Mondstadt.
No doubt a ploy from the remaining traitors that lingered in the Knights—
A problem that Kaeya quietly planned to somehow "put away".
It was the main reason why Kaeya did what he could to establish a contact of information.
Information that wasn't easy to get without connections.
Luckily, Kaeya was good at what he did.
Vile was a damn good informant, too.
The deal between them was pretty simple.
Information in exchange for extra bit of mora.
But even with the skillfulness of Vile's own contacts, the information was lacking on the Fatui.
The most Kaeya figured out was that Dottore was not someone should cross.
The Harbinger wasn't all that liked either.
Kaeya could understand the ire.
Dottore's smiles were unnerving.
Like he knew something Kaeya didn't.
Something extremely personal to Kaeya—
Which was exactly why Kaeya switched up the schedules.
Made himself the one to be the one accompanying the Harbinger for a day.
He absolutely hated the smile on Dottore's face when he walked into sight.
Away from prying ears and searching eyes.
"Well, I certainly didn't think that the Grandmaster would assign you to me today."
Kaeya smiled back, "Nor did I."
Both of them were lying.
Both of them knew they were lying to each other.
But that didn't really matter.
It really didn't matter.
They treaded on dangerous grounds.
Their words their weapons.
Until it changed.
To whose favor was the biggest question.
"Then let's get straight to the case," Dottore said suddenly.
Despite the mask that covered most of his face, it really amplified his annoyance.
"Where the hell did your brother come from?"
Kaeya blinked at him, "Pardon?"
Dottore scowled impatiently.
"Oh please, it's pointless to play dumb."
Kaeya froze.
Alarm flooded his veins.
Along with memories of that tiny book.
Hidden behind a false wall in a certain bookshelf.
Yet, it was only for a mere second.
So many questions boiled to the tip of his tongue.
Threatened to spill and demand answers from the Harbinger.
But— they all died at the tip of his tongue.
He forced his curiosity to die on his tongue.
Because, yes— he absolutely knew what the Harbinger meant.
Kaeya played the card of ignorance.
For his own sake or his brother's, he didn't know.
"I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about, Sir."
Dottore narrowed his ruby eyes at him.
Distrust and morbid curiosity dwelled beneath.
Kaeya didn't trust him either.
He saw that was a chance to gain information.
A moment to know more about his "deceased" brother—
But at the same time, Kaeya knew that he shouldn't get it from Dottore.
The moment was too perfect to be true— too perfect to be exploited thoroughly.
There was a reason why Dottore isn't very liked in the Fatui.
A reason Kaeya genuinely didn't want to know (but would have to learn soon).
"Oh, you most certainly do," Dottore spoke, "But that's fine, I suppose."
Then he turned away, shrugging his shoulders.
"Although, I'll give you some friendly advice, Sir Alberich."
The deliberate use of Kaeya's birth name felt like salt poured into a burning gash.
But Kaeya didn't flinch at all, steely periwinkle met with those ruby eyes, "I'm listening."
Dottore grinned at him, "That brother of yours is better off dead than alive under borrowed time."
._._._._._.
Diluc's claymore was a beautiful work of art.
Every time Ajax saw it, he couldn't help but stare at it.
At the same time, he couldn't help but scramble out of the way.
At the last second, unfortunately.
That little trick that Diluc learned to compensate a broken claymore was rather clever.
The claymore coated with a hot flame would easily vaporize Ajax's water blades.
Which was probably why he picked up a bow the other day.
It was a rather logical approach.
It would give him a chance to attack in a certain range instead.
As an added plus, attacking from a distance was one thing Ajax hadn't mastered yet.
Maybe suggesting a spar with his newly attained weapon was dumb, stupid idea.
No, it was definitely a dumb, stupid idea— but hey, Ajax was learning rather quickly.
"Oi, don't hold the grip that tightly," Diluc told him, nearly slashing his arm with his burning claymore.
Ajax loosened his grip, and aimed at the other.
It also didn't help that his aim sucked.
Really sucked.
It was bad enough that Diluc just stood there.
Watching as it flew overhead by a good several feet.
Flat crimson eyes bore at Ajax.
(Who was definitely not flushing at his embarrassing aim.)
"Good aim," was the sarcastic comment.
Ajax strung another bow, ready to correct his mistake—
But Diluc threw his claymore to the side.
Walked up to him.
And readjusted Ajax's arms.
"There," he said after he forcibly rearranged Ajax's stance entirely.
"Now fire."
It felt so weird to be in this new position.
But he released the arrow anyway.
To his shock, the arrow flew in the right direction.
Right through the trees and made a loud thunk somewhere.
Diluc whistled, a little too close to Ajax.
"Huh, it actually worked."
Ajax blinked at him, "What."
The other finally stepped away, shrugging rather carelessly.
"Yeah, I copied off that stance from a hilichurl."
Ajax blinked at him bewilderedly, "But they use crossbows?"
Because really— he hadn't seen a single hilichurl use an actual bow.
If there was something seriously strange about how Diluc actually took a second to consider that question—
Ajax said nothing about it.
"Some of them don't in the Abyss," Diluc finally said.
Before Ajax could even ask about that, the other casually stepped away.
The beautiful claymore reappeared once again.
And Diluc smiled at him, falling into a stance, "Now, try and hit me."
Hours later, Ajax decided that mastering the bow was his priority.
If only just out of spite from Diluc besting him multiple times.
._._._._._.
To be brutally honest, Kaeya did not give a single damn about Dottore's "advice".
And maybe there was some truth to it.
That Diluc would be better off forever gone.
To be relieved from the troubles that were bound to come.
But Kaeya did not want that at all.
No, he didn't even dare to believe that.
Not when he had proof.
Proof that Diluc was meant for more than just this.
Proof that he, himself, was meant for more than just this.
The tiny book of dates locked out of sight was his evidence.
Kaeya could see it in the changing surroundings.
From the mere presence of the Fatui in Mondstadt.
To the increase of Abyss mages appearing to and fro.
And so much more—
Like a boiling pot threatening to burst.
It was also too obvious now.
Diluc was alive somewhere.
Just like that tiny book heavily implied.
Kaeya had the strong urge to abandon his position.
To leave his duties to look for his brother.
(There were hints that Diluc was alive—
Kaeya almost didn't put the pieces together until he heard it.
When Vile spoke about a strange new Fatui member(?).
When Viktor drawled about missing all the excitement about a "Pyrebird" back home.
When Mikhail and Lyudmila mentioned about another Harbinger bringing his civilian brother to work.
Dottore's shitty "advice" was the final piece.)
But he swore to wait for Diluc instead.
To wait as long as it took.
Which was exactly why he hadn't left.
Cemented as the Calvary Captain of Favonius and Dawn Winery's Owner.
A Ragnvindr legacy he took upon himself.
For the love of a family he so dearly cherished.
Yet, the longer he held the position, the more Kaeya began to realize.
It was a hellishly difficult secret.
One that was far too dangerous to reveal.
After all, there was no telling what one would do to a person who just couldn't die.
And yet— it was a hellishly difficult secret.
It threatened to spill from his lips.
Threatened to be inked on paper.
But Kaeya held fast.
Kept it heavily hidden with all his might.
Eventually, a small plan brewed beneath.
Somehow growing into a rather blunt plan.
And hell, was it a brutally blunt plan.
A plan he absolutely went for.
He waited until Dottore was gone.
Along with a few children as promised.
Months after his talk with the Harbinger.
Kaeya flipped a coin in his hand.
Didn't even dare to check if if it was heads or tails.
It didn't matter what the results were.
Unlike his plan where the results were absolutely vital.
The open grassland of Windrise was perfect.
Free for all to see, but too far to hear.
Only one person crossed the fields.
Kaeya kept his posture slack.
A hellishly honest smile on his face.
He flipped his coin once more with a greeting on his tongue.
"Jean! So glad you can make it."
Jean gave him a mildly suspicious look.
"You make it sound like I hadn't promised to come."
She stood before him, her grey-blue curious despite her suspicions.
"I know you brought me out here for a reason. What's going on, Kaeya?"
Her tone was kind.
Maybe even concerned.
Had Kaeya made it that obvious?
Well, that didn't matter.
It really didn't matter.
Instead, he pocketed his coin away.
And pulled out a thin book of dates.
He took a mere second to really look at her.
To really see if he could do this.
If he could trust her with something as dangerous as this.
Grey-blue eyes were so honest.
So determined.
Reminded Kaeya of all the times she would be the one to come and pull him out of his mess.
He took one breath, and handed the thin book to Jean.
.
.
.
.
"Do you recognize any of these dates?"
._._._._._.
It was funny how Diluc knew that it was time to leave.
He was only sitting at the table.
Surrounded by the family he grew to love so dearly.
With Teucer right between himself and Ajax.
And Tonia and Anthon across from him.
And Mother and Father at the ends of the table.
Diluc waited until everything was settled.
When the food had been cleared from their plates.
With Anthon scrubbing dishes and Tonia and Teucer playing in the living room.
He took one glance at Ajax, who looked at him knowingly beside him.
And finally spoke up, "… Mother, Father."
Ajax's parents looked at him.
Even gave him their full attention as if he was one of theirs.
(And it warmed Diluc's heart that he could call them his own as well.)
"Yes, dear?" Mother was patient in her tone.
Diluc swallowed once.
"I'll be leaving— to go home."
His unprepared words were a tad halted.
"There's.. something I left unfinished there."
As if the words were stuck in place.
But he cleared his throat and bulled on.
"All of you are so kind, but I— …I need to leave."
His words lingered in the air.
He almost didn't want to see the look on their faces.
Anthon was still washing.
Tonia and Teucer were still playing.
A chair scraped the floor and steps approached him.
Diluc didn't know why he tensed up.
Or why he nearly jumped out of his skin when a hand rested on his shoulder.
…Or why Father stood above him, his face calm and understanding.
Or why Mother smiled at him, her eyes oddly proud and loving.
"We were waiting for you to say that," Mother said.
Her tone was kind.
So so kind—
Then Diluc blinked— they were waiting for him?
"It's been written on your face, Firefly."
Father hugged him with an arm.
He was so warm.
So so warm.
"But if it was permission you were looking for, then you definitely have it."
And Ajax laughed.
Even placed an arm on the table to lean at Diluc.
"Honestly, you couldn't have been more obvious."
Mother ruffled his hair.
"It doesn't matter where you go, Diluc. You'll always have a home here."
Diluc couldn't help it.
A quiet laughter split from his lips.
And a heavy burden lifted from his shoulders.
Freer than he ever felt for the past few days.
Because really— he hadn't expected this.
He didn't know what he was afraid of.
(Disappointment, maybe.
Diluc received that from his father a few times.
It was a look that brought quiet horror in his veins.
Because where, oh where did he go wrong?)
But now?
Right here?
At this very moment?
He wasn't afraid.
Not anymore.
._._._._._.
The day Diluc left was not an easy one.
Father saw him off with a firm pat on his shoulders.
Made Diluc promise to stay safe, and to write if he could.
Mother had thrown a newly sewn scarlet scarf around his neck.
And made him triple check his supplies as she hovered over him.
Tonia gave him a little fillet knife.
Something about making sure he properly prepared his fish right.
Anthon gave him a whole textbook about traveling tips.
It was obvious now that it came from the Adventure's Guild.
Diluc was overwhelmed.
Especially when Teucer tried to break his back with a bear hug.
"Are you really leaving?" he asked him.
Cerulean puppy eyes practically begged him to stay.
Diluc wheezed out an answer, "Yes— I have to go somewhere."
"But I don't want you to go."
Diluc patted Teucer's hat, putting every once of honest assurance in his voice.
"Don't worry about a thing, Teucer. I'll come back when I can."
A single, tiny pinky curled around his own.
Their hands swayed as their voices echoed with their swear.
Yet another Snezhnayan pinky promise under his belt.
Hell, Diluc prayed that he wasn't lying.
That he'd be able to keep every single promise to return to this loving home.
This home that had taken him in without any reservations.
Diluc would be a fool to never come back.
And he'd return with Kaeya.
It took him hours to leave.
The sun was at its peak when he finally reached the edge of town.
Ajax was beside him, taking step after step in the white snow.
They haven't said their goodbye's yet.
In fact, they probably didn't want to.
Diluc stopped at the gate post.
Taking a moment to slip on his glove.
The Delusion he inherited from the Tsaritsa sat on his hand.
The glove itself was still a bit loose.
But Diluc was certain he'd grow into it eventually.
His own Vision was already latched to his hip, freely dangling by his side.
The world outside of the quiet town was waiting for him.
Silently beckoning him to start his journey.
From a distance, Diluc could already see a camp of hilichurls miles out.
Surely, he could take a moment to wipe them out before moving on.
"Diluc— wait," Ajax said, "Don't forget this."
Diluc hummed as he turned to his brother.
There, in his hands, was the dead Vision he almost forgot about.
A brownish fabric was folded underneath it, latched to one end.
It looked more like a Liyuen silk than the usual Snezhnayan wool.
Confusion bit at him— he could've sworn he packed that… not that he was sure what he'd even do with it.
Ajax smiled, "It's not much of a parting gift, but I know how important family is. Your mother probably knew it, too."
The dead Vision sat uselessly in Ajax's hand.
An empty vessel devoid of ambitions and dreams.
Diluc took it into his hands, favoring the soft silk of the fabric.
He looked up to Ajax, "Thank you. For everything."
The other huffed a smile, "This isn't goodbye, though."
Diluc grinned, "I know."
"When I see you around, let's spar."
I better see you soon, Firefly, Ajax didn't say.
"Sure."
I'll see you soon, Ajax, Diluc didn't say.
Instead, Diluc opened his arms.
Invited Ajax to drop into them.
Furiously hugging him back.
The snow began to drift around them.
Slowly adding to the snow-filled streets.
It was high time for Diluc to leave.
He quietly slipped out of Ajax's reluctant hold.
Crimson bore into cerulean one last time.
Before Diluc turned away.
Taking step after step toward the unknown.
Step after step toward home.
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And not once did he turn back.
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._._._._._.
The dead, empty Vision dangled by his calf.
Diluc took care into tying it around his thigh.
The silk held firmly in place even long after Diluc walked on.
There was a bird nearby.
A metal bird.
It stared at him.
And he stared back.
Diluc knew why it was there.
Knew just who it belonged to, as well.
He held up a hand, inviting the bird to come to him.
It fluttered off the snowy pine tree, right onto his palm.
It even trilled, as if was his own.
But Diluc knew better.
He tapped its head, a tight smile on his face.
"I'll come back," he told it, "in a hundred years."
Because a hundred years from now was a long time.
Because a hundred years from now wasn't something Diluc could easily imagine.
Because a hundred years from now— Diluc wasn't sure what it would be like without Ajax, or Kaeya.
Or anyone he knew now.
(Was it even a possibility that he'd even live as long as his mother?)
Diluc dropped his hand, and the metal bird took off.
To where, he didn't know.
Nor did he seem to care.
Instead, Diluc didn't watch it fly away.
He turned on his heel away from the trees that covered Ajax's home.
Away from the warm home that took him in.
Away from the Tsaritsa's grand Palace.
Away from his mother deep beneath.
Diluc trudged through the snow.
Wondering how he'd make it back to Mondstadt.
There was a deep, abyssal canyon to the east— toward Mondstadt.
But Diluc remembered catching the sight of the vast area and decided to stay far away from it as he could.
The large canyon that separated Snezhnaya and Mondstadt was far too wide.
Far too deep.
Diluc didn't exactly practice flying around.
Nor did he try to unfurl his wings.
In fact, he had no idea what to do as a Phoenix.
So, of course, it wasn't a good idea to attempt to fly over that giant canyon.
He'd have to go the long way if he wanted to make it home normally.
Which meant weeks, maybe even months of traveling.
Months and maybe years of experimental practice.
But he didn't even know where to start.
The scarlet maple charm was warm under his coat.
Scaramouche said that "Kaei" was a Phoenix.
A Phoenix that had somehow died rather recently.
Maybe— just maybe he could figure out more about himself there.
The Raiden Shogun was his best bet, but…
Going to Inazuma would be rather difficult.
If his geography was right, he'd have to catch a ship no matter what.
Then the empty Vision tapped against his leg.
A quiet reminder of its presence.
Diluc glanced at it as he walked.
And got an idea.
Why not catch a ship to Liyue?
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Thank you for reading this far and making it to the end of the story! There will be a sequel to this, but I am waiting for more of the game to be released before uploading it. In a few days, I will post a separate story. It's about one of the Phoenixes mentioned in this story. Again, thank you if you've read up to the very end of this story