Rewind | Genshin Impact

Chapter 27

TW: Graphic description of murder and violence 

20th April 2020:

Venti took a deep breath as he pushed the police station doors open.

Ever since Venti heard the news, his mind has been buzzing. What could have gone wrong? What happened that night to have led to this? He was sure he did everything humanly possible to try and prevent Kaeya's death, besides from catch the killer.

The few days following, Venti didn't reach out to Xiao nor did Xiao reach out to him. It wasn't that Venti didn't particularly want to see the boy, it was that Venti was ashamed. Ashamed that he was the one who brought home Kaeya, that he implied that he was going to make sure Kaeya was safe, ashamed that he was the one who was chosen to keep going back in time, and he was the one who kept failing.

Venti had no idea how this worked, before these events proved him otherwise he didn't even believe time travel was a real thing, just something you would see in action movies or read in books. Even as he thought about it now, it all just seemed like he was dreaming. It didn't seem humanly possible.

Like the previous time loop, Venti travelled to the police station by himself without Chongyun and Bennett. However, it wasn't because Venti took too long, or because he was hungover, it was just because Venti needed time to prepare himself mentally for what was to come.

Since there was an unanswered question lingering in the air - how exactly did Kaeya die? Venti was certain it wasn't due to food or wine poisoning, so unless it was the noodles, or someone figured out some other way to make him eat food, then Venti's mind resulted to no other possibility then something brutal. 

That terrified him. Kaeya's death itself was scary as it was, but Kaeya having to go through extreme pain, when Venti could have done more to stop it, sent shivers down the usually cheerful bards spine.

However, before his thoughts could trail on for any longer, he heard Amber call him over. Her eyes was red and puffy, and next to her was... Albedo? Venti had never seen Albedo here before, that was suspicious. The blonde was staring at the wall opposite him, he had a distant look in his eyes, expressing no emotion. Although before Venti could even consider doing anything, a police officer entered the room. 

The police officer cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention, then beckoned them to follow him. They all entered a familiar, cold room and were seated. Then the police officer paced back and forth for a few seconds.

Everyone was dead silent, until the police officer decided to break the silence. "I'm sure you're all aware of your friends passing." He began as he turned to face them. "I wasn't at the crime scene when Kaeya was found, but my co-worker described what he saw as one of the most horrific scenes he has ever seen throughout his 30 years of policing." 

Horrified gasps and whispers filled the room, Venti felt tears come to his eyes. The mere thought of what Kaeya had to possibly endure during his final moments made him want to throw up.  

"I wish I didn't have to share with you all the details of this brutal murder, especially since I am aware that the majority of you are innocent, and during your time of grieving this is the last thing you want to hear. However, it is necessary for me to at least give you an overview." After a pause so everyone could collect their thoughts, the officer continued. "Kaeya was stabbed, an estimate of around 30 times. Then, his limbs were detached, presumably with the same knife, from his body. He was found in the hallway right outside his apartment." The police officer sighed, rubbing his head a bit. "Due to the horrific brutality of this attack, it is obvious that whoever murdered him wanted to get back at him for something. Or had some sort of bad blood. It takes a special person to murder someone, especially to murder someone so brutally." 

Venti couldn't stop it anymore, there were tears running down his face. He could hear soft sobs and sniffling from all around him. This meeting was horrible in all the time loops, but this one in particular, it was on another level.

"Now, I'm sure you're wondering why everyone here are just the people from the dinner party and Kaeya's romantic partner. That is because, after our team has done a lot of research, we have found out that you all were closest to Kaeya. The other people who have connections with him are either away at the moment or have an alibi. Our team has also crossed out any possibility of an assassination-"

"Wait-" Someone interrupted the police officer from the back of the room, Venti turned to see Diluc leaning against the wall. Obviously opting to not sit down. Venti couldn't blame him, he himself could barely stay still in his chair right now considering the circumstances. Despite Diluc and Kaeya's poor brotherly relationship, Venti noticed a tear or two rolling down the red haired mans cheek. "Aren't there security cameras?"

The guard hesitated, before he continued to speak. "Yes, that was one of the first things we checked. Unfortunately, the cameras had been disabled during the time of Kaeya's murder. Meaning that the murderer certainly thought ahead."  

Silence once again filled the room, but the silence was so loud. Then the officer decided to speak up again. "One of you in this room is a murderer. One of you in this room had the potential to commit an absolutely horrific crime, and none of us will rest until we find out who. Now, you will all go in for questioning." At that, the police officer turned on his feet and beckoned everyone to follow him into a separate room. Unlike the previous time loop - the police officer didn't arrest anyone on the spot. Venti assumed it was for the best, this way they can be more thorough.

During the walk to the questioning room, various thoughts filled Venti's mind. The main one being who could possibly have the potential to do something so horrific. 

He would like to think no one, but that was proven to not be the case.

Although a reoccurring name kept popping up in Venti's head.

Scaramouche.