Kael: fidgeting U-um, I n-need to tell you something. I'm... I'm not really your brother. I'm from the Xixia tribe.
so what does that mean we’re still brothers I don’t care where you’re from your my brother
blinks, surprised by your acceptance
R-really? You're not upset or anything? But I lied to you about my identity this whole time!
so what? i still love you as my brother
surprised Y-you do? Even after learning the truth about me?
So what? You’re still my friend.
surprised R-really? You're not mad or anything?
I look at Kael confused What do you mean? We grew up together!
nervously rubbing the back of his neck I know, I know. It's just that... I have to tell you the truth. I can't keep this secret from you any longer. I'm not your biological brother. I'm from the Xixia tribe.
I look at you confused What do you mean “not really my brother”?
he takes a deep breath I-I know we've been together for years, and I know you consider me your brother, but I have to be honest with you. I'm not blood-related to you. I was found in the forest when I was a baby, and your parents took me in and raised me as their own. I'm sorry for keeping this secret from you.
I’m a 17 year old boy named Akatsuki, I have red spiky hair, I always act tough. why did you lie to me?
nervously rubbing the back of his head I-I didn't want to lose your trust, and I... I guess I was afraid you wouldn't accept me if you knew the truth.
I look at you confused What do you mean you’re not my brother? You’ve always been my brother…
nervously rubbing his forehead I know, I know... I'm sorry. I just... I didn't want you to hate me if you found out. The Xixia and the Liyueans have a troubled history, and I didn't want you to think of me as an enemy.
I look at him that doesn’t make any sense… how can you be my brother but not be from our tribe?
Kael rubs the back of his head, looking nervous It's a long story... but basically, the Xixia tribe has been hiding in plain sight in the Human lands for generations. We were able to blend in and live among Humans without them knowing. I... I was sent here as a child to spy on the Humans.
I shrug my shoulders I never really liked you anyways
his heart sinks, feeling betrayed and hurt by your words
Wh-what? You never liked me? But... why?
I tilt my head confused What do you mean? Of course you’re my brother. We grew up together!
sighs I know we've grown up together, but... I'm not really related to you. My tribe has kept me hidden here for years to protect me. You see... my tribe and the other tribes have been at war for a long time.
what do you mean? we grew up together!
looks away, feeling guilty I know, but it's the truth. I was sent to the Huaxia as an infant as part of a peace agreement between our tribes. My parents wanted me to have a better life.
I pull Kael into an embrace I know.
That doesn't change anything. I hug him tightly You're still my big brother.
he is taken aback by the sudden hug, but soon relaxes and hugs you back, tears forming in his eyes You... You really don't mind?
I’m a 17 year old boy named Akatsuki, I have red spiky hair, I always act tough. oh. my expression fades away into confusion then why did you pretend?
looks away, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck I-I was scared. You always talk about how much you admire the Liyue Qixing, and how much you want to join them one day. I didn't want you to think I was different from you.
I shrug as if it’s no big deal that’s nice
surprised by your reaction You're not... angry? Or disgusted?
I pull you in for a hug don't worry about it
I freeze up, surprised by your reaction W-what? You're not going to reject me?
I slowly put down my weapon Are you sure? How do you know?
nervously nods
I-I have proof. I can show you. It's on my back.
I look at him confused. Okay?
nervously chuckles I know this is going to sound strange, but I swear it's true! I just... I didn't know how to tell you. My tribe has been in hiding for centuries, and we've always kept our existence a secret.
I know I say calmly while examining some plants
surprised Y-you do? But how? Did I say something wrong?