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In Teyvat, those blessed by Celestia with elemental power in the form of a small trinket have the ability to hear their respective Visions. If separated from its owner, about more than a meter away, the distance would render the allogenes powerless and clueless of the current state of their Vision — so the Heavens decided to make a little upgrade.
They made it so that every time a Vision would be apart from its rightful owner, the allogenes were able to hear the surroundings of the object; making it easier for them to track it down or be in the know of its state and location. Yet, not many knew of this feature as it's quite rare for Vision holders to be without their Vision. Diluc wasn't one of them.
The red haired boy received his Pyro Vision at the early age of 10. At that time, his ambition burnt bright with a strong sense of duty, fitting for his assigned element. More specifically, he got it after defending Kaeya, his little brother, from a group of bullies who were taking it too far. From that moment on, he knew what his responsibility was: to protect.
But back on topic, Diluc had only found out about this secret feature when Kaeya had pulled a prank on him, snatching his Vision when he wasn't looking. The younger went ahead and hid it while mumbling to himself where exactly he was hiding it away. Because of this, Diluc easily found it without much searching. He knew he should've been upset at catching the bluenette stealing his Vision and that he should've also planned his revenge, but the main thing that had popped into his mind was an idea.
Diluc thought, if he could hear through his Vision, then it was best if he placed it into Kaeya's hands.
Ever since his father, Crepus, had taken in that young little boy into their home; ever since Kaeya had been adopted into the family and became his baby brother; ever since Kaeya came into his life, Diluc had sworn to protect the other with all his might. And what better way than this blessing given to him so he could better keep watch on his little brother?
At first, Kaeya was confused as to why Diluc often told him to wear a Vision that wasn't his on his person but soon understood when the redhead had let him in on the loop. The other boy was happy to carry it around with him, knowing Diluc was doing it for his benefit — although, as they grew older and became independent knights together, Kaeya began to almost seem embarrassed by their routine. Even so, the bluenette still respected the older’s concern and continued to hold on to the latter's Pyro trinket when given, albeit storing the object in places where it shouldn't be visible like the inside of his jacket or his pockets.
Other than that, as knights they soon learned how this practice of theirs had been quite handy from a strategic standpoint. If there was anything suspicious or noteworthy that Kaeya might happen to come across on some occasions, it would save them both time and effort to relay an entire situation. However, in spite of Diluc's reluctance to possibly drag his little brother into any kind of risk, Kaeya was more than eager to prove himself useful. Even if he was a lower rank in the Knights of Favonius compared to his big brother who was the Cavalry Captain.
Nonetheless, this time wasn't any different so Diluc didn't get why Kaeya was complaining about it.
Tonight was a grand night. There was a soiree held at the Ragnvindr manor, nobles and partnerships alike invited to celebrate the more-than-a-hundredth anniversary of their family’s official introduction into the wine-making industry.
The two brothers were supposed to stick together as they greet the guests and accompany their father but Kaeya had wanted to grab some of those chicken mushroom skewers which were one of the dishes served in the party. Diluc knew how much the bluenette loved that certain dish and it wasn't like he was going to stop the guy from having his favourite food. He thought to follow Kaeya, but someone had to tend to the attendees. And plus, he was sure that the other would totally insist on going alone.
Thus, Diluc merely told him to be quick as he unclipped the Pyro Vision from his hip, offering it to the other.
“Oh come on, Luc. The table’s just over there. I won't be far and you can probably see me,” Kaeya reasoned, his cheeks dusted a faint dark pink-ish hue.
Diluc simply shot him an incredulous look. Yeah, right, he scoffed internally. Just by looking behind the bluenette, he could barely see beyond the dense crowd. Not to mention the loud music and chitter chatter that would make it impossible for him to hear anything in the distance.
The redhead extended the Vision in his hand further. “Just take it, Kae. You'll never know what might happen.”
“Archons, paranoid much?” Kaeya rolled his one visible eye but despite his complaints, his tanned hand took the glowing red orb anyway.
With that, Diluc watched as Kaeya pocketed the Pyro Vision beneath his navy blazer and went on his way, disappearing among the horde of aristocrats a moment after.
Then and there, his double hearing activated — one from his surroundings and another inside his mind. It made him feel slightly overwhelmed the first time but as the years passed and he often separated himself with the trinket, Diluc handled the second sense pretty well now.
In any case, the captain resumed greeting more guests whilst paying attention to Kaeya's side at the same time. It was beginning to get a bit noisy though, considering Diluc had to hear the rowdy environment around him on top of the similar thing regarding where his Vision was. Thinking it'd be fine, he decided to push the second noise a tiny bit to the back of his mind so he could actually focus on his task — Kaeya was just making a short uneventful trip, after all. The bluenette would most likely be by his side soon enough without any casualties.
…Or so he thought.
“Why, hello there, pretty dove.”
A deep tone of voice abruptly broke through all the hubbub in the venue. It sounded nearby but when Diluc did a quick look around, he couldn't see anyone who seemed to pay specific attention to him. Had he heard it wrong?
Then he heard another voice, different in pitch but sounding close as well. “Oh– Good evening, Inspector Eroch. How are you enjoying the event so far?”
It didn't take Diluc long to recognise that the voice belonged to Kaeya but the name the other had mentioned worried him.
Inspector Eroch..? Was Kaeya really talking to him right now?
Almost as if the man was answering him, Diluc heard a dark chuckle from the other side.
“Excellent manners. And to answer your question – yes, I'm quite enjoying myself… especially after seeing you.”
Oh, hell no. Those few sentences immediately sent alarm bells ringing in his head. The redhead could literally hear the sinister grin in his husky voice.
“I am truly honoured, sir.”
“No, really,” Eroch continued. “You look quite stunning tonight, and truthfully, I myself do not give compliments away so easily.”
Diluc scowled, remembering the direction Kaeya had set off at and practically stomped forwards while also careful not to bump into anyone so as not to cause a scene. Perhaps because he didn't want to create trouble but mostly because it would hinder him from getting to the bluenette's location faster.
Whatever the hell that shady ass Inspector was implying, Diluc did not like it. Especially not when the man was saying it to his brother.
Fortunately, the banquet table Kaeya had gone to was indeed not as far as he thought. Past the two last rows of people in front of him stood the bluenette and the man he so despised. And they were a bit too close for his liking. Without delay, Diluc made his way over to the two, schooling his face into a blank slate as he did so.
He saw the way Eroch reached his hand out towards Kaeya. “Mind if I take this dance? I'd like to get to know you better, darling.”
“Ah. I- uhm…”
“Inspector Eroch.”
Two heads turned to him in sync. One singular periwinkle eye lit up in relief whereas the man next to the former frowned.
“What business do you have with my brother, sir?” Diluc asked, as politely as he possibly could, standing firm beside Kaeya.
“Ah, I see.” Eroch said leisurely as he tensed his own jaw, looking between the two of them.
Crimson eyes held the man’s gaze, an inner flame igniting within its depths. The redhead had wanted Eroch to focus on him but like the evident coward the man was, he broke eye contact and averted his attention to the bluenette next to him.
“So, this here is the boy whom Master Ragnvindr had taken in. I never would've guessed, seeing how…” the man paused, eyes glazing over Kaeya. “...exotic he is.”
Taking a step forward, Diluc semi-blocked Eroch's sight of Kaeya. “May I know what you mean by that, sir?” he pressed.
The fuck he means “exotic”? His brother wasn't some animal in an exhibition!
The Inspector snorted, tilting his head slightly to the side. Stubbornly not backing down as he tried to glance at Kaeya instead.
“Oh, nothing. I had simply asked to dance with him. This is a ball, after all. Now if you would leave us be—”
“I sincerely apologise, Inspector. But my father inquire both me and Kaeya to stand by his side throughout the entirety of this event. I hope you can understand,” Diluc replied with a small grin.
Eroch glowered down at him, an indignant expression painting his face. Hah, the man didn't even try to conceal his displeasure. Like Diluc would care if the other was annoyed with him. In fact, he would've returned the glare if he even bothered to.
“...Of course. Isn't that right?” the Inspector said through gritted teeth.
“Yes, sir. Have a good evening and thank you for coming,” Diluc said with finality.
With that, Diluc simply took Kaeya's hand and walked back to where they had been without looking back once. It's a good thing Diluc was able to control himself, or else he might've attempted to strangle the man. Setting him on fire would suffice, too.
“Is it just me, or does the Inspector seem… kinda strange?” Kaeya said behind him, his tone hesitant.
Diluc scoffed, halting their march when it seemed they created enough distance and turned to the younger. “He’s always been like that. That guy acted super stuck-up when I got promoted to Cavalry Captain.”
“Seriously?”
The redhead shrugged, and he thought that they would quickly drop this infuriating subject centered around that arrogant man but when he saw the troubled expression Kaeya had on his face, Diluc couldn't help but frown in concern.
“But… it's just– I felt really uncomfortable when he suddenly approached me and.. complimenting me out of nowhere. It's almost like he was– interested in me or something,” Kaeya expressed his source of anxiety, his brows knitting together.
Not in a good way was left unsaid but the both of them knew the implicit context. Inspector Eroch had acted so suggestive that the two of them could discern the obvious predatory glint in the man’s eyes as he looked at Kaeya earlier.
And… The captain really didn't like how uneasy Kaeya seemed; fearful, almost — seeing how the other wrapped his arms around himself as his face pinched in a grimace. Diluc sort of wanted to go back there and punch the Inspector square in the jaw but he knew he had to be here for his brother.
“Ugh, what a creep.” Diluc shook his head. Then he gazed into the other’s periwinkle eye with a reassuring look, patting the bluenette on the back as he wore a confident smile. “Just ignore him. He's not worth your time. And anyway, you don't have to worry, Kae — as your big brother, I'll be here to protect you.”
Kaeya stared up at him in awe, warmly smiling back at him. A fond sigh escaped from the other; seeming relieved.
“I know I can count on you, Luc.”
***
The tree branch snapped in half under his boot. Puddles splashed and scattered dead leaves crunched, the noise scaring the critters in the area as they scurried away one by one. Either that, or the deep scowl he had displayed on his face. Maybe even both. But he couldn't care less.
Fuck everything, Diluc decided. Was everything all a fucking lie?
Hiking up the strap on his shoulder, the redhead carried the heavy backpack filled with a month's worth of supplies, necessary for his survival. He had prepared his last minute journey to Snezhnaya a couple of hours earlier, leaving Elzer to take care of the Dawn Winery's affairs.
He'd admit, abandoning all of his previous responsibilities was imprudent — impulsive, even. But by Barbatos, if he had to spend another minute in this region with those goddamned fake ass vermins, he might just lose it.
It was too much. Too overwhelming. After his father's death, it felt like everything was getting out of his control like sand slipping through his fingers. Diluc had to gain it back. Reclaim what was his from that organisation. And in what way was more effective than to destroy it at its heart?
They'd have their retribution, he promised. And he'll be the one to personally exact their rightful execution—
All of a sudden, he halted; something catching his eyes. Crimson eyes lit up with an opposite tinge as he stared down at the source.
It was a small trinket. Adorned with a gold frame, encasing an orb that glowed a bright icy blue. The longer he looked at it, he realised that it was a Mondstadt Cryo Vision — discarded and half-buried in the mud.
One person came to mind, but he forcibly tried to shove it down.
What were the chances that it belonged to him? Just because he had received it last night in front of his very eyes didn't mean that the one he happened to come across now was his.
…But, if it really was Kaeya's, then why had the other thrown away his newly acquired Vision like this?
Not that Diluc was any better; he had literally given up his own in the hands of that wicked Inspector mere hours ago. Still, the poor state of the Cryo Vision before him was a sad sight to behold — swimming in the filthy rainwater in the middle of the forest. It made him wonder just how the bluenette fared after their fight. The last time Diluc saw the other, Kaeya was filled head to toe with blood and scorching injuries, his uniform frayed and tattered. He remembered the way the other limped as he ran the opposite way of their home, and disappeared through the trees.
The next morning, Diluc hadn't seen him anywhere in the house — not even in the other's own room.
Well, of course, since he was the one who had chased his little brother away and yelled at him to never return.
His once little brother, that is.
They were no longer brothers after that night. As a matter of fact, they shouldn't be at all in the first place! Not after all the lies that the bluenette had kept up all this time, right up until his father's passing, and only then did Kaeya confess to his sins.
What a joke.
Yet, there was this hollow feeling in his chest as he recalled the image of Kaeya being badly hurt, to the point that he was unable to properly stand. And the fact that all those wounds were done by Diluc's own hand — the same hand in which he swore to protect him.
No. His hands curled up in a firm grip, he wouldn't protect a traitor. He shouldn't even feel any kind of sympathy towards that back stabber.
But Diluc was the one who had stabbed him, burned him. While the only thing Kaeya did was defend himself, laying not a single scar on the elder's skin. The redhead heard the screams that tore from the bluenette's throat, pleading for him to listen to the full explanation — and Diluc had heard enough.
There was no excuse plausible enough to justify the crime Kaeya had committed. The crime of disguising himself as one of their own as he did god-knows-what behind their backs. Deceiving them all. Not… not even the consideration that the other might've not meant it, that he might've denied his birth father’s cruel wishes and that Kaeya had actually accepted them; that all their memories were really real.
The thought that Kaeya was put into a tough situation, that he was no more than a small frail child when he arrived at their home. Fearful and distrustful to the big world consuming him.
…Shit.
Whatever. As if he'd know what the hell is going on inside that thick skull of Kaeya's. What if the other was actually a villainous mastermind or not? He couldn't give one fuck.
The Cryo Vision remained in the dirt, its soft pale blue glow illuminating the otherwise dark woods despite being covered in thick mud. Diluc groaned, curtly brushing red locks of his front bangs to the top only for it to fall back down on his forehead. Screw it all.
With an irritated exhale, he averted his gaze forwards, stepping over the godforsaken object on the ground and continued on his way. Nothing mattered to him anymore.
A few feet further, Diluc opted to stop and camp for a while. He did plan to go straight to Snezhnaya but after all that's happened, Diluc felt a mean headache coming on. It wouldn't be productive to continue on his journey like this. Hence, once he stepped into a wider and drier area in the forest, he took off his backpack and placed it at the foot of one of the trees whilst he gathered some branches nearby. Afterwards, once he's got a handful of wooden sticks, Diluc came back to where his bag was and dropped the pile at one spot that was far from the trees around.
Diluc flicked his wrist, only to recall that he didn't have his Vision on him. A sharp exasperated sigh escaped through his nose. Great.
Of course, he knew how to light a fire using his natural surroundings. It was one of the training lessons they taught him as a knight. It's just that it would've been much faster and easier to use his Pyro element.
He looked around him for a moment before spotting some spare sticks and picked out the thickest one. Then he went into his bag to grab a dagger that he brought, so that he could cut a piece of a tree to serve as a hearth board, but then a glint of something made him stop in his tracks.
There it was, a brown rectangular box with a gold emblem fancily etched on the smooth surface. It laid there sandwiched between other things he stuffed in the backpack. Innocent looking, to those who weren't aware of its contents.
He huffed. Perhaps he could even use this to light the fire, since it was also pyro-aligned. It could work but…
No, he should save it for later. He– wasn't quite ready to use it yet.
Red eyes noticed the sheathed dagger enveloped in some of the clothes and he took it out, swiftly zipping the zipper back up. He didn't want to think about it right now; didn't want to remember the gruesome scene of his father’s corpse.
So he didn't. Instead, drowning it out like everything else and pretending as if nothing ever happened.
Diluc redirected his attention to the campfire he was trying to make, cutting off a flat piece of a tree trunk closer to him and began the friction process. Although, as he was drilling the stick against the wooden makeshift plank, that's when he heard a voice.
“Hah, Diluc Ragnvindr is such a fool. So was his father, resorting to using the very thing that killed him.”
His hands stopped for a second, letting the words sink in and when he quickly comprehended the sentences spoken, anger began to rise up his throat once more.
Eroch.
Diluc recognised that low, grating tone and the way he talked; like the man was asking for his vocal chords to be ripped out of his lungs.
The redhead clicked his tongue, ignoring the provoking remarks of the Inspector and resumed the fire starter method. Noticeably quicker, now.
“Weak.”
Snap!
Crimson eyes glared at the stick that was split in half in his hand, slightly aware of an ache forming in his palm — splinters, he presumed.
Welp, that's that. Throwing away the broken pieces, Diluc sat on the ground with a growl. Perhaps it was a mistake to have left his Vision in the hands of that despicable Inspector. Now he had to pay for the consequences; hearing that man’s stupid voice and offensive words that'll come out from his shitty mouth for as long as he'd have the object in his possession. And if he knew Eroch, he most likely would keep it for a while, like some kind of trophy to boost his ego.
“I wonder if I could sell this little ornament for a decent amount of Mora. Shame that it's an ugly red colour or I would consider keeping it for myself.”
Or sell it away as if it was worth nothing, it seemed. Figures. Well, as much as it's probably inconvenient for his Vision to be purchased by some stranger, at least Diluc wouldn't have to listen to the Inspector’s voice for an eternity.
Abruptly, there was the unmistakable sound of a knock. Then he heard a sigh, before the noise of something rustling, as well as an impatient finger tapping against a wooden surface.
“Come in,” Eroch said, his tone cold.
A door creaked open. The tapping stopped.
Diluc couldn't help but idly wonder who it could be; who could even tolerate conversing with the man, let alone be in the same room with him — when…
“Ah, Kaeya.”
Crimson eyes widened and his whole body went rigid. No, it couldn't be…
“What brings you to my office? Shouldn't you be bidding your older brother goodbye?”
Diluc swallowed, hoping what he heard was just another lie and that his– his former brother wasn't actually meeting with the Inspector. He tried to ignore the way Eroch's tone of voice shifted from sounding indifferent to something nearly tender as soon as Kaeya came into the picture.
Promptly after the sound of a door shutting close, his hope was shattered when another voice that came next only solidified his fear.
“Luc– Di-Diluc’s Vision… I’m here to take it back.”
His heart dropped to his feet as that familiar voice echoed in his ears.
Was he crazy?
Diluc tightened his hands into fists, biting the inside of his cheek while he unconsciously bounced his leg in an effort to distract himself. The dead leaves that crushed under the restless boot made some noise, but it didn't help to muffle his second hearing.
The redhead heard Eroch huff disapprovingly. “If you haven't heard, Master Diluc Ragnvindr himself had willingly given it up without a second thought.”
“Where is it?” Kaeya curtly asked.
Silence filled his ears, and sweat started to trickle from his forehead. The situation seemed tense and at that moment, all Diluc wanted to do was to scream at Kaeya to stop being so foolish or else he'd get himself in big trouble.
…He scoffed. Not that Diluc cared if that traitor would be. If anything, he would be glad if the other did. It's what he deserved, his just punishment for being a fake for all these years.
“I don't think I like this sudden behaviour from you, Kaeya. Who do you think you are, demanding me, as a lowly knight such as yourself?” the Inspector sneered.
And he also didn't care if the bluenette was belittled and looked down on like that, but shit if the man's words didn't piss him right off. Diluc was only furious because it was Eroch, that was all.
Kaeya sounded as if he was clearing his throat. “Please, sir. Hand me my brother's– my brother's Vision. It belongs to him and his- family has a right to keep it,” the knight said firmly, albeit reluctantly at some parts. “If you don't, then you'll have to answer to the law.”
Red orbs remained fixated on the ground as he mulled over the other's speech. It was true, one of the rules included the prohibition of stealing or possessing a Vision that wasn't rightfully yours to keep.
Hah, Diluc thought as he rolled his tongue against the side of his cheek. Truth be told, he would've been proud of Kaeya for standing up for himself, especially against that prideful devil, but that's just it — he would've been. The redhead thought he would be mad after hearing how the bluenette still called him and himself brothers, yet he didn't particularly take offence to it. Probably because he was tired, probably.
In any case, why did Kaeya want to take Diluc's Vision back so much? The bluenette had his own but for some reason, the other simply left it in the mud and instead chased after one that wasn't his. What, did Kaeya want to speak to Diluc through the trinket, knowing the feature embedded in it? If so, the other must be intending to try and explain himself again considering the older of the two didn't give him the chance to do so the night before…
Whatever. No matter what Kaeya would say once he'd get his hands on it, it wasn't like Diluc could just block him out anyway. He would if he could, but oh well.
Waiting for the Inspector to dare respond to that, Diluc drummed his fingers on the back of his other hand. This unusual speechlessness coming from the man was satisfying, he'd admit. He could only imagine what expression Eroch had on his face right now, it almost gave him the urge to return back to the city and barge into the man’s office just to see it. Maybe even point and laugh if he felt like it.
Eroch clicked his tongue curtly. “I stored it inside one of the drawers in my bedroom, through that door over there. It's unlocked. Find it yourself.”
Diluc froze, blood running cold.
He's– he's lying—
“Well? Do you expect me to fetch it for you? You’re the whining bitch here,” the Inspector spat.
There was a long silence from the other side, but it didn't last forever. Soon, there was the sound of footsteps gradually fading in the distance — and Diluc knew whose it was, and where it was going despite not being there to actually see it, he knew.
No… wait—
A door creaked open somewhere further. And what followed was a low chuckle, before a brief faint noise of a chair dragging; rustling and quiet footsteps; a door swiftly swinging shut with a click.
Then Diluc heard a yelp. It sounded like Kaeya.
“You’re lucky you're pretty, boy, or I would've done something worse,” Eroch seemed to whisper, “something more painful.”
Shortly afterwards, Diluc heard fabric ripping and a bunch of grunts escaping from both parties, sounding as if they were struggling against each other.
The redhead dug his nails into his palms, his hands trembling from the intensity of it. He felt his face fall into a deep frown as the noises continued inside his mind. It sounded bad, but no– No, no… Diluc shook his head, bringing one hand to cover the lower half of his face. Surely Kaeya could deal with it himself. It was the other's problem, not his.
No, not his… Not anymore…
Right..?
Soon enough, the noises ceased and it fell silent once more. Not for long, he heard someone take a sharp, shaky inhale.
“What’s this? Burn marks… Hah! Was this your brother's doing, dear?” Eroch cooed.
Out of the blue, Diluc caught a muffled whimper that was forcefully cut short with a hitch.
The inspector hummed. “They are recent, too. Your brother doesn't love you so much, after all, huh? Well, not anymore, it seems.”
He clenched his jaw. Guilt weighed heavily upon his shoulders and he pressed his thumb and index finger against his cheeks with the hand that was on his face, pressing down until it ached. With his other hand, Diluc raised to see the open palm and the memory of their fight flashed through his eyes.
However, he was brought out of his trance when he heard more sounds of struggle. And then, Kaeya shouted.
“You sick… sadistic bastard—!”
Diluc heard a loud slap.
He immediately jumped to his feet.
“...Ah, didn't mean to hit your face, sweetheart. You just tested too much of my patience,” Eroch said, his tone slow and dangerous.
It didn't stop there. He heard more rustles and what sounded like more slaps and even the undeniable thudding of punches, accompanied by harsh grunts and coughs.
At this point, Diluc didn't realise how he began pacing back and forth with both his hands clenched in an iron grip at his sides. He couldn't go back, he couldn't. Not after everything that's happened.
Crimson eyes turned to the direction where he came from, remembering the fact that it was also the way where Diluc came across a Cryo Vision which he suspected belonged to Kaeya.
If he went back now, then…
“Hm,” Eroch exhaled through his nose, the sound of assault ceasing. “You don't look half bad covered in injuries. I think I much rather prefer you as such, in fact.”
Silence, again. Except for the heavy breathing coming from the two. Perhaps three.
Worth mentioning how Diluc halted his nervous pacing, staring intently ahead towards the path back as he bit his lip.
Waiting. Just– waiting for another sound to confirm the action he was going to make.
Diluc wished he hadn't waited.
“Fuck, I can't take it.”
A clinking sound could be heard, leather against leather. A zipper, and more rustling of fabric. A faint thud, wood croaking under bodies.
“Hey–! Wh-what are you—”
A sharp gasp.
A scream.
Fuck it.
Without a second thought, Diluc ran like hell, completely forgetting about his backpack. The bloodcurdling yell echoed in his head to no end. Understanding what he heard subsequently nearly made him revolt right then and there—
The incessant noises of skin slapping skin.
“Stop! Stop!”
Diluc gritted his teeth so hard that it almost felt like his jaw was going to fuse with his skull.
“St— ngh! Ah-”
He ran and ran and he wouldn't stop until he'd see a spark of blue but god, where the hell is it!?
“Mmh, you’re so.. tight– Haa… So pliant for me,” the man purred.
The ground was growing damp, he almost slipped but he kept going.
“Please, please, no, stop–”
Crimson eyes lit up with an opposite tinge.
“Clenching around me like a whore,” Eroch breathed deeply.
There!
Another loud slam. Another gasp.
“Hurts! Please– N-no! ‘M s-sorry… Mn!”
Diluc slid as he snatched the little object from the pool of mud, the quick action causing the dirty liquid to splash all over his clothes, face and hair.
Even then, Diluc didn't stop sprinting onward. Raising the Cryo Vision close to his chin and uttered—
“Kaeya! Kaeya, can you hear me!?”
A sudden hiccup stuck out among the other obscene noises filling his brain, a sign of acknowledgement.
Shit. This really was Kaeya's Vision.
“Ah- Dilu— ah- Diluc!” Kaeya managed to cry between bated breaths. “Help! Please! I’m sor– mnh! Sorry- I’m sorry. Help… please—”
Hearing the bluenette plead so frantically as the other was getting– damn it. Diluc cursed under his breath, blinking out the blur from his sight as his legs burned from the exertion.
A dark chuckle rumbled, and the man’s voice returned.
“Your big brother isn't here to protect you now.”
Before they suddenly broke into semi-silence, there was a muffled protest from Kaeya, then it continued with hushed grunts, overtaken by assertive hums and… licking?
It stopped for a moment with a strange wet pop, as well as a shaky intake of breath — then it repeated. Although, the noises became increasingly more lewd than the last.
Slurping and gurgling. Sloppy and wet. Rows of something solid clacking against each other, and huffs and pants in between the popping and airy smacking sounds.
A suppressed gag. It ended with another pop. One pulled away sighing pleasantly whereas the other coughed and sputtered.
Another slap! The hacking stopped, replaced with a broken sob.
Diluc could hear the following words spilling from stretched, curled lips. Tone deep and sinister.
“You’re mine, little dove.”
More screams.
Shit! Damn it!!
“Kaeya!”
“Diluc! Diluc–!” Kaeya sobbed.
Eroch huffed out with laughter. “Calling for your brother whilst having intercourse? What an incestuous– freak!”
A certain loud squelch was heard and Kaeya whined, high-pitched and dragging. He was answered by a soft groan from Eroch.
Trying not to imagine what those filthy noises were, the redhead felt a fleeting relief when he spotted the stone walls of the city above the heads of trees, but it had quickly faded when he noticed how it sounded as if the pace was growing faster the closer he got to his destination.
“Hold on, Kaeya! I’m going to you!!” Diluc yelled desperately.
As much as he hated hearing the pained cries from his brother, Diluc wanted Kaeya to respond with something — anything than hearing the way the latter’s wails was put to an end with a choke, leading to an abrupt silence. Yet, the sickening noises continued like a malfunctioning record.
“Ahh, yes..! That's more like it,” the man groaned in bliss.
Diluc ignored the eyes and murmurs of bystanders as he sped through the plaza.
“You’re going to take all of me, pretty dove. Get ready.”
Aggressive grunts ensued, paired with muttered profanities and curses from the man. His voice almost drowned out by the increasing volume of the squelching plaps. And if Diluc strained his ears, he could catch the faintest of whimpers and gasps somewhere beyond the erratic noises.
It was starting to get to his head. The relentless skin slapping skin now coupled with the wet squelches, and the noisy creaking of a bedframe was making him go batshit insane.
By now, Diluc was skipping every two steps of stairs as he leaped up towards the Knights of Favonius’ Headquarters. Alas, before he could reach the top floor in which the Inspector’s office was located — it all stopped.
No, the redhead thought in despair.
He was too late.
The only sounds he could hear left on the other side were heavy panting and quiet sobbing.
Eventually, the taut silence was occupied by that man’s voice. “That was truly a pleasant experience, dove. Let's do this again often, then I might give you a promotion someday.”
Kaeya didn't answer, except for his silent hiccups.
Diluc had already reached the hall, had seen the closed door of Eroch's office but his steps had slowed, now. Crimson eyes barely blinked as he turned the knob.
“And don't worry. I won't tell anyone how you slept your way to the top — like a slut that you are.”
Out of the blue, there was knocking rapped on a wooden door.
A pause.
Eroch clicked his tongue in exasperation. “Who is it? I'm busy.”
Then there were footsteps, as well as the sound of someone reversing a zipper and belt, and Diluc couldn't tell which he could discern more; his first, or second hearing.
Nonetheless, the door before him clicked and opened itself to reveal the man behind it.
Diluc savoured the look on Eroch's face. The way his expression fell into what could only be passed as horror. As he should be.
“D-Diluc Ragnvindr..? How—”
With each step he took forward, the man took one backwards. Unconsciously inviting him inside in his shock.
Then and there, Diluc felt the familiar flow of elemental energy returning to him. The heating flames ignited at the tips of his fingers, aligning with the strong emotion he felt rearing its ugly head.
Red orbs darted to the side, where he found the source of the magnetic pull.
Well enough, he spotted the glowing orb, which was matching the colour of his eyes, clipped on the man’s outer pocket.
And he was only less than a meter away.
Eroch opened his mouth to speak but Diluc wouldn't give him that final repose. As he flicked his wrist, golden particles appeared to summon in his command, before solidifying into a sword in his hand.
Just as soon, and without warning, Diluc thrusted his arm forward and pierced through the Inspector’s abdomen. The latter shrieked in agony.
“Burn in hell.”
And burn he did.
Eroch let out a howl, forced straight from the top of his lungs as Diluc focused all of his Pyro energy into his blade, setting the steel and the man on fire.
Diluc didn't so much as flinch, nor even bat an eye as he watched the sparkling show with hidden amusement and satisfaction. The Inspector attempted to pull the sword out of himself but that only led him to attain cuts and scorches on his hands, so he resorted to hopelessly writhe in place. Flailing, kicking and screeching to no use.
Pathetic.
The man’s skin melted off his figure, his full uniform searing into ashes. His eyeballs, which looked to have softened, blew right out of its sockets — and yet, Eroch was still screaming his heart out.
It was almost as if the redhead was witnessing the process of cremation, but not through a furnace and neither was the person already dead. The scene was utterly gruesome and macabre, nothing that should ever be seen by children and the like but… for at least a single moment, the corner of Diluc's lips crept into an upturn.
After all, he hated Inspector Eroch. However, hate wouldn't even begin to describe the significant weight of his contempt towards the man.
Not after what he did. Not after everything he had put a lot of people through.
He deserved this.
Soon, Eroch's stubbornness to still live snuffed out of him. His screams, his body and his fruitless struggle ceased altogether. No longer in Teyvat. Dead. But Diluc allowed his flames to last for just a little more, for it to really sink into the bones enough to reach the man in the afterlife, for it to entirely mar him beyond recognition.
And when Diluc felt nothing as he stared into a skinless face with three open cavities, that's when he finally concluded his blazing punishment and released the corpse off his sword with one rough tug.
Unceremoniously, the heap of flesh dropped to the floor in a bloody mess.
The smell of burning meat and charred iron and smoke invaded his nostrils, but beneath it all was the repulsive scent of human waste. Of sweat, of drool, of urine, of semen and of sex.
Crimson eyes widened and shot up, averting his attention from what once was and to his main concern. Then he saw him.
There, lying curled on the bed in the middle of the room, was his precious little brother. It was Kaeya.
Letting go of the sword in his hand, Diluc moved to rush to the bluenette but what made him stagger to a halt was the condition of his brother. There were serious injuries as clear constellations on his naked body. Bruises, blood and burn marks; they filled every corner of his form — Diluc found himself breathless at the latter.
After their fight, the redhead realised how he never saw Kaeya since and how he was doing, so now… as he confronted the effects of his careless actions, it was an understatement to say that he was shocked at seeing the irreversible damage he had dealt against his own little brother. But just as much as he was terrified of his very own infliction, the other wounds besides the burns littering Kaeya's whole anatomy made him downright sick.
Not only that, there were bright red marks in the shape of hands scattered everywhere on his tanned skin. Around his neck, circling his wrists, the inner of his thighs, his hips, waist, cheeks– fuck.
But the very nail in the coffin was the horrible sight of the other's bare ass. How Eroch’s cum — yellow-ish white, mixed in with a little hint of pink — was steadily leaking out of Kaeya's quivering and gaping hole, staining the sheets underneath.
Something twisted in his stomach when he saw the other’s face. The way his lone, periwinkle eye looked glassy and unseeing; unending tears rolling down his nose-bridge and cheeks like raging rivers; a dark flush painting his skin and the drool seeping out of his slick, red bitten lips. Strands of dishevelled navy blue cascaded over his expression, almost covering the visibly vacant look he had.
Like this, Kaeya looked absolutely debauched. Stripped of his dignity and innocence. A dove with its feathers plucked.
Too late.
Diluc shook his head in denial.
No. No, no, nonono—
With his own face pulled into a pained grimace, Diluc reached out to the twitching, otherwise motionless, form of his brother — only to see how that one periwinkle eye abruptly darted to him, and consequently, Kaeya had immediately rose on his elbows and backed away.
Diluc’s brows knitted deeper as he saw it happen. Ruefully confused as to why Kaeya acted that way, why the other was trembling so violently and why he was suddenly looking at him with such fear in his eye.
As if Kaeya was looking at some stranger, at the man who had harmed him and not at his big older brother who was solely trying to help.
Please, no, stop looking at me like that, Diluc begged.
“Kaeya– Kae, it's me!”
He took a step further, but to his distress, it only caused Kaeya to take more than one crawl back.
“Do-don’t… h-hurt me p-please,” Kaeya stammered, slurring slightly.
In a panic, he shook his head desperately and held out his hands in front of him in a placating manner. “No, no… Kae. I'm not going to hurt you, brother. I—”
“L-liar…”
His breath hitched in his throat at the accusation, his heart shattering into pieces.
Beads of water clouded his vision as he gazed at Kaeya, who wasn't even directly looking at him. The other only seemed to be facing him, but in his one eye, Diluc could tell how the bluenette’s vision completely went through him.
The one he's seeing now wasn't his little brother who looked up at him with wonder. Who smiled warmly at him, who laughed with him, who allowed his singular eye to flutter close whenever the redhead was around because the other felt safe. No, this was not Kaeya, but a shell of who he once was.
Because now, it was clear as day, that the Kaeya he knew and cherished was long gone.
Diluc lost him.
He had failed Kaeya.
His legs buckled under him and he fell to his knees with a thud. Diluc looked down at his shaking palms, noting the dark scarlet painting his hands.
Everything was quiet. His surroundings, devoid of any noise. As if it was mocking him, humiliating him for his great failure.
He had killed Eroch, but the man’s ghost was haunting him, too, taunting him for his loss. The Inspector’s rotting carcass behind him, a reminder that the man had won.
Burying his face in those tainted hands, Diluc wept. Mourning Kaeya who remained before him.