Chapter II

I don't own Genshin Impact.

The sky thundered, causing Diluc to look up with a deep frown.

He hasn't liked this day in years, but he hated it even more when it stormed (or threatened to) like this. It made it harder to forget.

But there was nothing Diluc could do about it, so he sighed and continued walking up and down the grassy hills. Earlier this morning, his information network told him about a treasure hoarder aiming to assassinate the Knights of Favonius, particularly the higher-ups like Jean and Albedo. Apparently, his whole group (except for him) had been caught by the knights and since they both plundered and murdered an unlucky merchant and his wife, they had been promptly executed. The lone treasure hoarder, named Jurian, was now out for blood to avenge his fallen comrades.

Usually, Diluc wouldn't worry or trouble himself about a single treasure hoarder, other than maybe sneaking in a warning through a letter to a specific individual. However, Jurian wasn't armed with just throwing knives.

No, Jurian also had a Delusion.

How he managed to get one, Diluc and his sources had no idea. Diluc guessed that he either managed to strike a deal with the Fatui or, more likely, he managed to steal a Delusion from the Fatui. Either way, Diluc couldn't stand by and let Jurian attack the Knights of Favonius. Sure, Jean and some of the others were efficient and strong enough to defend themselves, but Delusions were no laughing matter. Diluc knew first-hand how dangerous and powerful they could be, and he didn't want to take the risk.

Especially when Kaeya was the Calvary Captain.

At the thought of the man he once called brother, Diluc sighed as he stopped walking and looked around. Being early spring, the flowers were spread across the fields, some fully bloomed while others were just starting to.

He suddenly remembered how one time for Jean's birthday he and Kaeya went to the flower field closest to the Dawn Winery to make flower crowns because Jean loved dandelions. Or rather, he tried to make one while Kaeya made three so Jean could receive his best work. In the end, Kaeya gave Diluc one of his extras, assuring him that it was as good as the one he picked. Diluc recalled feeling grateful if a bit disappointed, but he immediately felt better when he beat up a rogue hilichurl on their way to Jean. He was then given the task of bodyguard and as such, protected Kaeya and the gifts (they also gave Jean some grape juice) until they arrived at Jean's house. Diluc smiled as he remembered how happy Jean had been.

His smile faded, however, as he recalled that Kaeya had been the one to suggest giving Jean flower crowns in the first place. Kaeya had always been a very considerate boy, even when Diluc's father brought him in from the rain that fateful day, Diluc could see the kindness behind Kaeya's wariness.

So it really hurt to think that it had all been a lie, that Diluc had been deceived, when Kaeya told him the truth about his past right after Diluc's father died. Was it any wonder that Diluc reacted the way he did? Was it any wonder why Diluc had zero hesitation to leave Mondstadt?

Having said that though (or thought, technically), there were many days that Diluc wished he had been able to control himself. Not only was Diluc the reason why Kaeya wore an eyepatch, but afterwards, when his rage finally died down, he realized that Kaeya would never betray Mondstadt. After all, why would Kaeya tell Diluc the truth otherwise? Why would he stay and protect Mondstadt all this time?

Why would Diluc find a present of unknown origins on his bed at the end of April 30th every year?

However...as much as a part of Diluc wanted to apologize, whenever he saw Kaeya, the words would get stuck in his throat. Then Kaeya would smirk and say something, anything, that for some reason would get under Diluc's skin, causing him to react coldly. Then Kaeya would respond with a bite to his words and... and it was an endless cycle.

Maybe they just weren't meant to be brothers anymore. Too much had happened between them and now, they were reduced to men who would occasionally look out for each other. And only because they were obligated to because of their childhood relationship.

With a heavy heart, Diluc sighed and continued his search. He couldn't afford to go down this train of thought anymore, Diluc had to focus on finding Jurian before he could hurt...anyone with his delusion.

However, Diluc had yet to find any sign of Jurian. His sources told him that he was sighted in Windwail Highland though, and he had been searching here for quite a while now. So hopefully, he should find some semblance of tracks soon.

Then he heard a familiar bird cry.

Diluc looked up and smiled when he saw his falcon. He raised his arm to his faithful companion and when she landed on it gracefully, Diluc noticed that there was a note attached to her leg. He carefully unwrapped the piece of paper from her leg and unfolded it.

There is a large group of both abyss mages and hilichurls by Starfell Lake. The Knights of Favonius are headed there now, headed by the Calvary Captain.

Diluc stood there, pondering what to do next while he caressed his falcon's feathers. He didn't like that such a dangerous group of monsters were so close to Mondstadt, and usually, he would go take care of them. However, the knights were already on their way, and since they would be starting from the city, there was a chance they were already there. Diluc could still head over there, but the likelihood of the battle ending before he arrived was high. Especially since Kaeya was leading them.

There was also the fact that Jurian was still out there…

Diluc sighed as he gave his falcon one last pat before sending her off into the air. He appreciated the information, but it would be better if he conserved his efforts to search for Jurian.

Kaeya could handle it.

Satisfied with his decision, Diluc continued walking.

So this is much shorter than the previous chapter, and I won't lie, I had some trouble writing it. But the setup is done now, and I promise in the next chapter, we will be getting into some juicy action and angst.

Please drop a review on the way out (so I can know what I'm doing right/wrong), and until the next update, have a great day/night!