Chapter Text
Freminet had his chin on the dining table, watching Pers stay still while sitting before his face. He blinked, and the chubby penguin came to life. It jumped to its small feet and spinned in place.
Pers opened its small beak and talked with its mechanical chirp. Its movements slowly became more fluid as he walked to Freminet. Then, it tapped his forehead with a hard fin. That small chirp seemed to be asking him something. Trying to make him feel less lonely in the barren orphanage.
Everyone was out doing things. He was the only one without a mission. At times like these, he would be out in the ocean. But he was waiting for Lyney and Lynette to come home.
That could be considered a mission, he guessed.
"Chirp!"
Pers made him blink and snap out of his daze. Its little eyes stared at him in worry. Freminet leaned back on the dining room chair and wrapped his arms around Pers. Bringing the penguin along with him. Its white belly was the perfect place to rest his face. The sharp cold it gave eased his warm face and allowed him breathe.
When will those two come back? I wanna dive...
'Wham!' The front door was suddenly thrown open, Lyney stepped inside with his usual smile and spotted Freminet.
Who had hurried to lower Pers into his lap, straighten up and gaze back at him with wide eyes.
Lyney ignored Freminet's shock and grinned, walking over with open arms.
"Fremi!"
He closed his arms around Freminet's neck. Pulling him against his chest while humming against the pale locks that smelled of sea salt. His exhaustion from the day slowly melted off his body.
Freminet blinked and stayed still as Lyney patted his head. He glanced back from Lyney's shoulder to see Lynette closing the door behind her.
"We're back."
She turned to the kitchen and came back with a silver tray. With three porcelain tea cups, a matching kettle and a small plate filled with cookies.
Lynette placed the tray on the table and slid a cup to Freminet. Then, the next one was placed beside him, and her own cup next to Lyney's.
Lyney stepped back and pushed Freminet's hat down his face before sitting beside him on the table.
Freminet frowned and fixed his hat, while Lynette stared at Lyney with a blank expression. Her meaning clear, stop teasing him.
Lyney grinned and took the tea kettle before she could. Serving each of them a cup of fragrant red tea. Lynette took her seat and softly blew at her cup. Cat ears flickering with impatience as the liquid softly parted from the air.
Lyney grabbed one of the golden brown cookies she served and bit down on it. Savoring the buttery, soft texture with a satisfied hum.
Freminet quietly watched them while holding his own cup. He decided to place Pers away and grab a cookie as well. Lowering his cup onto its matching plate. He bit the cookie just as Lyney finished his own and grabbed another. Lynette kept blowing at her hot tea.
Still, Freminet wasn't sure if he should let the silence be. Didn't they have a mission? Lyney mentioned one while eating breakfast earlier today...
"So…” Freminet looked over at them. “What's my mission?"
Lyney hummed and bit onto his second cookie, before using it to point at Freminet. His grin wide and playful, exactly like the smile he showed to the world outside their home.
"You, my dear little brother, will help us practice a new trick!"
Freminet blinked. A… Trick? Lyney often showed him tricks he would use later on, but Freminet never participated in their shows. He would surely mess this up...
Freminet looked down at his cup. He gently pushed the bitten cookie inside and stirred the tea. Staring at the ridges the liquid formed under his movements.
"Are you sure? I don't think I'll help out much."
Lyney finished his cookie and dusted his hands. Wiping the crumbs across his lips with a swipe of his thumb along the way.
"Nonsense! Your mechanical work has helped us many times. I know you can help us with this trick."
Freminet hummed and kept stirring the tea. Still not believing it.
Lyney pushed his lips forward in thought, before smiling and flicking his hand. Using his thumb to slide a card between his index and middle finger. The small sound made from the friction of the card and his glove, made Freminet turn to him.
He moved the card above his lips, showing the red cover with a steering, black cat and its tophat. He smoothly turned the card, revealing a chubby, mechanical penguin marching forward with a little blue beret.
Freminet's eyes lit up when he saw Pers. Lyney smiled at his reaction and handed him the card.
"It's something only you can do. Failure doesn't matter since we're practicing. Just follow us."
Freminet took the card and held it in both hands. Carefully tracing the edge of the card like it was a precious treasure.
Lyney and Lynette always work together. Their teamwork is impeccable, it always seems like they can understand what the other is thinking. They're always on the same page…
Wouldn't he just, be in the way?
“Since you agreed!” Lyney rose abruptly, his chair sliding back as he grinned and turned to leave. “I'll go and get everything ready!”
Freminet stopped himself from reaching out and grabbing his wrist. He frowned in worry, heart pounding in his chest at the future mission…
He watched as Lyney walked past the hallway, but a little, cunning face peeked out from Lyney's sleeve. A fox with an easy smile lifted his top hat in greeting.
Freminet recognized Mr Fox. He watched him jump off Lyney's sleeve. Its large, fluffy tail was larger than his whole body as he stretched wide. Black paws landed on the brown table before he gracefully sat straight. Straightening his fancy suit and collar.
A small ‘click’ made him turn to Lynette. Her tea had finally grown lukewarm, letting her drink it without worry. From the plate beneath her cup, rose a mechanic figure. Similar to all the guards patrolling Fontaine.
It hurried to step out and walk to stand beside Mr Fox. Proper and rigid, limbs sharp and colorful as Clockwork Guardsman saluted him.
Mr Fox grinned and swept his large tail across the table. It flicked all the dust straight at Guardsman, who stood steady as ever. Freminet smiled ever so slightly at the quiet snickers Mr Fox made and Guardsman soft sigh.
Right when Guardsman bowed to speak, Lynette's tea cup landed on the plate with another soft ‘click’. Breaking Freminet from his thoughts and making him look up at her. Guardsman and Mr Fox vanished when he glanced back at where they stood.
Her violet eyes raised to meet him.
"Don't worry, Lyney won't make you do anything crazy. He just…” Lynette grabbed herself a cookie from the pile.
“We, just want to spend more time with you."
It's been nothing but mission after mission lately. Now with the traveler gone, and the prophecy fulfilled, their house seems to have endless work.
Lyney especially, has been working even harder to prove his skills and ideas are correct. This next trick especially, was important to show ‘father’ his capabilities.
However, there's no need for Fremi to know that yet. “It has been far too long since we were together. We have missed you deeply.”
Freminet's eyes widened slightly, his cheeks blazed at her soft, sincere words. He lowered his head, Pers manifested in his hands and he used its chubby body to hide his cheeks.
Hoping Princess Marcotte would give him some of her courage…
Lynette smiled softly at his actions before sipping her tea once more. Pretending nothing happened so he could calm his embarrassment.
“Now!” Lyney ran over to them. Holding two hats in both hands. His own hat was gone, revealing the soft, ash blond hair with the left side braided together into his roots.
He grinned and stopped right before Freminet. Lifting one hat, catching it and raising the other just when he caught the first. Both hats spinned on his index fingers.
“Dear little brother.” He presented each hat to Freminet with a soft grin. “Which is my hat?”
His eyes traced over each one. Both had the same details carved on the top and shade of red. Same lace and ribbon. But one of the cat pins in the front, had soft eyes carved above its wide grin.
He pointed at the hat with the difference pin.
“That's not your hat."
Lyney grinned and nodded.
"Correct! I needed a copy for this particular trick!"
Lyney placed his hat on Lynette's head. She didn't react and merely glanced at him.
"And here I thought I had finally beaten those eyes of yours! Nothing can escape your sight."
Freminet felt his cheeks burn once more. He hid behind Pers again, wishing to wear his helmet...
Lyney laughed at his actions before taking another cookie. He wore the fake hat and got ready to leave-
-When he noticed Lynette gaze down at her cup of tea. Gaze soft as she longed to enjoy it…
Lyney pulled his chair and sat with a small smile. Lynette perked up, continuing to enjoy her tea in silence.
Freminet held Pers and observed Lyney. Seeing his smile soften while sipping from his own cup.
It's been so long, since the three of them could simply sit down in silence. Enjoying each other's company.
It was only once Lynette placed her cup down, that Lyney stood. Dusting his hands and snatching the hat from Lynette's head.
"Alright, it's showtime!"
Lynette huffed and followed after him, Freminet right behind them.
They closed the doors behind them and walked along the streets. Fontaine was quite desolate this late. Only some cats, and the sound of water greeted them. It almost seemed like the whole nation was empty, and it was just them in a city filled with water.
The tall, white buildings and clean street gave Freminet a chance to relax his growing restlessness. But it wasn't long until they reached the Opera Eclipse, where his heart hammered in his chest just by the thought of standing on stage…
He followed the twins inside, resisting the urge to hug Pers as he got closer to that stage illuminated by lights.
He stopped right in front of the tall stage, one hand clutching onto the button in his jacket as he watched the dazzling lights.
The twins stepped above each stair and reached the stage. They shined under the lights. Lyney's grin and Lynette's gaze seemed to invite him on stage.
But, this is a place he doesn't belong in. He shouldn't be where the light is. He should be in the darkness, fighting to see, and reach that light.
He wasn't meant to perform, but rather hide the ugly truth in the depths of the sea. The twins were their guiding lights, he cleaned up after them.
That's what ‘father’ decided… So was it really alright for him to step onto the stage?
“Come!” Lyney kneeled by the edge of the stage. Grinning while offering him a hand. Lynette knelt beside him and did the same.
“We need our dear assistant! Don't tell me you're leaving us?”
His sad tone made Freminet reach his hands out, but he paused at Lyney's mischievous grin.
Before he could move back, Lynette grabbed his wrist and tugged him forward. Lyney took Freminet's hand. Together, the twins pulled him on stage.
Freminet frowned at the bright lights, but stood steady once Lyney directed his attention to the small table in the very center. Where the light shined the brightest.
Lynette walked over and placed the hat on it. Before turning and waiting patiently.
“The trick is quite simple.” Lyney moved behind Freminet and made him turn forward. To where the empty audience chairs were.
That dark auditorium, didn't feel empty. He was expecting, just waiting for someone to pop out and prove they weren't alone. That he could harm Lyney's carefully crafted reputation-
“Don't worry.” Lyney patted his shoulder, Freminet turned his head to him. Lyney's touch was warm, just like his sincere smile, and eyes so soft they could melt your worries. He gently squeezed Freminet's shoulder.
“You'll only help Lynette. You can wear your helmet if you want."
Freminet finally exhaled, all his worries and unease melted off with those simple words. He nodded, gaze determined as he looked forward. Lyney grinned and pinched his cheek before also turning to the imaginary audience.
Freminet touched his aching cheek, and took a step back. He looked at the empty seats, softly, each one was filled with a character from the fairy tales he read. Even Pers, sat in the very middle, waving and encouraging him.
"Ladies and gentlemen!” Lyney smiled and spread his arms out. Speaking loud and clear as he stopped and turned to Freminet.
“Our next trick involves a small volunteer! Give it up for my little brother- Freminet!"
Lyney clapped and cheered with a happy grin. Making Freminet blush and look back at Lynette. Only to find her eyes on him as well.
"As you can see-” Lyney stepped forward. Walking to the table before grabbing the hat on his head and throwing it to the side.
“We have ‘my' hat before my dear sister.” He gestured to the fake hat with a soft smile.
“Now, this is not a simple disappearing act. Why don't I show you the difference?"
With his words, Lynette stepped onto a small staircase behind the table. Now a bit higher, she raised her arms and squatted down. Before rising with a sharp jump. She flipped once and spinned before diving inside the hat.
Completely disappearing Inside it. Like her body had shrunk to enter.
“Now Fremi.” Lyney pointed to the hat. “I need you to take it and show the inside once I ask where Lynette is.”
Freminet moved to stand beside the table. Back straight as he nodded seriously.
Lyney chuckled softly and turned back to the empty seats.
"Now, where will my dear sister appear from?"
Freminet practically snatched the hat, before he treated it more gently and showed its inside to the… Audience.
No signs of Lynette. Lyney turned his head to Freminet. “Now, I need you to throw it up. As high as you can, okay?"
Freminet nodded and got ready. Lyney hummed and scratched his head. “That's odd… Lynette should've come up by now.”
Lyney paused and smirked. “I know, she wants to make an entrance. Let's help her.”
Freminet observed Lyney, and saw the moment his hand moved. Lyney threw his hand up, and Freminet followed his hand, letting go of the hat and watching it spin high above.
Colorful confetti and white smoke exploded from inside the hat. Freminet watched in excitement, expecting Lynette to appear from the smoke and land beside Lyney…
But she didn't appear. Lyney hurried to grab the hat before it could land and stared inside it. Freminet watched him frown and grip the edges.
Something wasn't right- Freminet hurried over.
"Where is she?"
Lyney turned to him, jaw clenched before he looked down once more.
"I don't know, she should've appeared... We've practiced this before, and it always worked..."
But, not with this hat… He figured they needed Freminet present before using it, just in case…
Dammit! He should've told ‘father’! Lyney took a deep breath, and stepped back. Freminet watched him with unease. “Lyney? What's going on?”
He didn't answer and simply dropped the hat.
“Where did you get it? Who made it?”
“Freminet just-” Lyney swallowed back his tone, but his serious gaze didn't change.
“-Just go get ‘father.’ She'll know who this belongs to.”
“What?”
Lyney didn't answer and ran towards the hat before jumping. He gathered his arms above his head and dived in. He was swallowed by the hat and left nothing behind.
Freminet blinked repeatedly and looked at the front door. Lyney's order repeating in his head. “Go get ‘father’.”
But, but by the time he finds her… What if, what if-
Freminet gritted his teeth, grabbed Lyney's real, discarded hat and walked to where Lyney stood. Staring at the hat while gathering his courage.
Lyney wouldn't mention ‘father’ if this was a prank, right?
He glanced back, but couldn't sense them. No one came out to surprise him and say it was all just a joke…
“Chirp!” Freminet looked down at Lyney's real hat. Seeing Pers inside, looking up at him with encouragement. Right, Pers… Pers didn't let the fear of falling keep him from trying to fall.
He grabbed the mechanical penguin and held it gently in his hands.
He needs to follow after them, before it's too late... Freminet took a deep breath, placed the hat on his head and adjusted it. He gazed down at Pers, staring at the small, blue eyes before softly bumping their foreheads together.
"Don't worry, Pers. I'll keep you safe."
He pressed his hands together, making Pers vanish once more before Freminet grabbed the small bag strapped onto his thigh. He unbuckled it and placed it beside the odd hat. Then, he ran to it and jumped, diving inside the hat without closing his eyes.
He could only hope ‘father’ understood their message-
-A sharp light made his eyes squint, he gasped while falling. He watched light, purple eyes grow wide as he approached. Lyney stretched his arms wide, and Freminet found himself doing the same.
His head slammed onto Lyney's shoulder before their bodies collided. Lyney's knees buckled under Freminet's weight, bringing both further down.
"Agh!"
Freminet grabbed Lyney's head and turned mid-air, hugging his brother tight just before he slammed onto the ground. He winced and Lyney hurried to sit and frowned at him.
“Fremi you…” He paused as Freminet rubbed at his head while sitting. Lyney sighed and stood up. Gently rubbing Fremi’s head.
“Thank you.”
Freminet just nodded and fixed his hat. Lyney turned to Lynette, who offered Freminet her hand.
“Lynette!” Freminet grabbed her palm and she easily pulled him to his feet. “Where are we? What even happened?”
“Ahaha…” Lyney scratched his head and placed his hat back on. “Well, about that…”
Freminet gazed around. Seeing two buildings beside them. Tall, just like the ones in Fontaine. But, they weren't as clean or well kept as their nation…
Also, Freminet couldn't hear the running water they've grown up with… Instead, there was nothing, just silence…
Lynette turned in place, humming at the bright sky in thought. "Lyney, where are we? Did you do this?"
He chuckled, but it seemed forced by the way his brows were furrowed.
"I'm flattered you think I can do something like this... As for where we are..."
Freminet and Lynette watched him hum and gaze around. He could see people walking past the alley they were in. The group of girls wore simple attires. Short skirts, no dresses or sight.
Lyney paused when a man with a tail passed by, eyes stuck on a shiny, rectangular device in his hands.
He blinked, hummed again and turned to face them. Under their gazes, Lyney crossed his arms and nodded to himself.
"Yes. I have no idea."
"..........."