Chapter Text
Nothing lasts forever, not even the gods who lived for a millenium will meet their end.
Zhongli thought as he looked over the scene before him, on top of the mountains of Liyue. Over the view of a lively Liyue harbor. Closing his eyes he thought
The end is inevitable, no matter what. The things we love are bond to come to an end. Those we love, and friends. Even the traveler, when she finds her brother she will leave this world with him. Leaving those who love her dearly behind. Not even those bounded by blood and bond will last forever…
Diluc and Kaeya were in the abyss with the traveler and Qiqi. Fighting off the enemies of the abyss, however things were looking grime. Lumine was panting heavily as Qiqi tried her best to heal and attack the endless attacks caused by the abyss heralds and other abyss enemies. Kaeya was exhausted. Panting heavily as his back was against that of his adopted brother, smirking at this to reassure himself that his brother that he loves and cares for is fine. Diluc however thought of it differently, he took a small breather knowing that his comrade was there.
Zhongli let’s out a small sigh at this as he continues to think
That’s why...one must put conflicts aside to appreciate those you truly love and cherish…
Diluc slashed down as many enemies as he could, finishing the onslaught assigned to him as he looks over to see how his teammates were doing. Much to his horror his eyes widened to the sight. His brother, his only family, has been stricken down before his very eyes. Falling to the ground unceremoniously. His eye was wide in surprise, he also wasn’t expecting it. Diluc started to hyperventilated as he felt rage, so much rage flow into him. Just like that night, where the two fought and changed their relationship forever.
“YOU WILL PAY WITH YOUR LIFE!” He exclaimed as he does his ultimate, it was greater, hotter and more powerful than it usually was. The traveller and Qiqi stopped fighting for a second to protect themselves from the insane power and heat Diluc released. All the while, Kaeya was holding on to life, admiring the flames. A grim reminder of his brothers flame that day, holding his wound as he tried to get up, he wanted to get up. But he couldn’t, he can’t. His body was not responding to his commands and so, he simply let’s out a small whimper. Feeling warm arms around him as he felt being lifted up. Kaeya weakly turns to see his brother, Diluc holding him close to him.
“Kaeya…” He saw it, he saw something he didn’t think he would see. He saw emotions, tears threatening to fall as he holds him close. Not caring what’s happening around them. Kaeya lets out a weak chuckle.
“W-who would have thought...that Master Diluc would still care…”
“Shut up...just...shut up. Don’t talk...I-I’ll try to-”
“Master Diluc...both of us know...only a skilled healer will be able to heal me…”
Though Qiqi worked in a pharmacy, her memory and skill are less than supar. She could only heal with her power but she was currently busy dealing with the Abyss order. Diluc’s bangs cover his eyes as Kaeya chuckles
“Go...I don’t want your pity on my last moments…”
Kaeya used harsh words as he himself also tried to hold back tears, trying not to admit defeated by the hands of his people. Diluc’s grip slightly tightens at this as this catches his attention.
“Is that what you think..? Truly..?”
Kaeya stayed silent as Diluc started to slightly shake.
“This isn’t what I wanted....this isn’t how...I wanted to tell you…”
“Diluc…”
“I tried...I tried everything...I still love you Kaeya, I miss the brother I used to have! I-I don't care...if your a spy or a hilitroul o-or...Anything! I just wanted my brother back!” He said as he looks up with teary eyes, causing Kaeya’s eyes to widen in surprise ‘I-is he…’
“I let you in my tavern for a reason…! I had hoped that...that way...I could communicate with you again..! I tried...to visit you but you were never there..! I tried...I tried...but my anger and grudge...I couldn’t-”
“Diluc…”
Kaeya stopped him, placing a hand on his cheek which caused horror to Diluc
“Y-your hands…” he could feel the cold of death fast approaching his only family member.
“I’m sorry…” Diluc’s eyes widen at this
“I should have tried as well, but...I thought you would never have me back as a brother...much less a friend. If...if only...fate was kinder…”
Kaeya felt weak, he started to relax which Diluc couldn’t let it happen
“no...No no no! Kaeya! Don’t leave me..! Not again...not like dad..!” He cried as Kaeya simply smiles at Diluc weakly.
“I’m sorry...brother. I...will always love you...” He said with his last breath before going limp in Diluc’s arms. Causing his eyes to widen in horror as he looks at the limp body of his deceased brother. Shaking him lightly to wake him up
“Kaeya…”
He shook him again
“K-kaeya..!! Wake up..!”
He shook him again and again but to the same result. He was gone. There was nothing else he could do. Lumine and Qiqi finished fighting off the Abyss and were welcomed by an agonizing scream. Turning around to see the limp body of Kaeya in Diluc’s arms. Tears falling freely as Kaeya don a small smile, he died knowing that his brother stilled loved him and that was the greatest reassures he had however Diluc. Diluc was broken, he lost his family. His only family, and over what? A fight that happened years ago.
Zhongli closes his eyes as he started to trek down the mountain. Feeling as if someone lost a precious person as he then says. “As a once prideful king said… ‘Why do we realize our sins, once everything has come to an end’”
Nothing last forever and when it’s gone, there will be lingering regret. There is no way to go back in time to fix what has been broken. that's why mortals will have to learn.
Diluc learned that the hard way.