Dance Across Waves <LionFish>

A Magician's Dream

The sun shone down in the middle of a large estate, and onto the grayish hair of Lyney. He was sitting at a rectangular wooden table, his feet dangling just above the ground as he giddily opened a letter.

"Lynette, Freminet~!" He called out to his siblings, his right hand cupped over his mouth as his voice echoed to the second floor of the home, which was now illuminated by light. "I've been offered a chance to show off my magic tricks in an upcoming Liyue festival!"

Somehow, in a matter of seconds, Lynette was already making her way down the stairs toward the table Lyney sat, the heels of her shoes clacking against the staircase.

"An offer in Liyue?" She repeated his words, her voice curious and calming.

"Yes, Lynette!" Lyney responded, grasping the letter and tee-hee-ing as he swung the envelope left and right, his smile flashing along with the brightness of day.

Lynette ruffled Lyney's hair playfully. "Congrats," she said genuinely, though her voice still carried that slightly teasing tone.

It was surely rare for Lynette to compliment Lyney instead of teasing him, so the magician grinned with pride. Freminet started coming down the stairs, grasping his penguin plushie, Pers, closely to his chest. The boy with long bangs kept his gaze to the floor, his steps as quiet as the hops of a Cryo slime.

Lynette looked over to Freminet sensing his incoming presence. Lyney turned around slowly, his gaze gradually meeting his little brother, Freminet.

"Brother, I was given an opportunity to show off my magic tricks in the town center of Liyue," Lyney announced.

"Ah, that's...great," Freminet returned. If Lyney's voice was like the determined lining of a cloud, Freminet's had to be one representing a rock's gloom as it's tossed into the depths of the ocean.

"Yes! You two have to accompany me," Lyney remarked, getting up from his chair at the table, the letter still in his hands. "Lynette, you will be my assistant as usual, and Freminet, you can help me prep for the big show...by being the audience," Lyney finished.

"Ah—I, I'm not so sure about that, I'd slow you down—"Freminet mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Nonsense," Lyney intervened. He swiped a hand in the air, looking at the ceiling like it was a magnificent piece of art. "Imagine this, Freminet, if you watch me perform my practice tricks, and Lynette assists me as usual, this show will be a big sensation among the crowd. We'll all get the recognition we deserve."

Freminet scowled at the word "recognition." He really didn't like being noticed among other people. Of course, he came across people occasionally, but he could never keep them.

"Um," he took a breath and focused on the cotton of his white sleeves, the blue of his vest suddenly feeling as if it suppressed his chest—like he was drowning in the unbearable mystery of crashing waves. "I'll come along," he finally agreed, taking a breath after his words, not even realizing he was holding one in.

Lynette was busy eating a small dessert in the corner, while Lyney gave an enthusiastic "yeah!", and Freminet was left with an internal panic and fear that he would forever slow down the success of the twins.

"Now you understand!" Lyney's voice entered like the squeak of a gull as it dives under sunsets. "This offer really has to be

A Magician's Dream."

Chapter End