Chapter Text
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ The croon of a bird disturbed Albedo’s slumber. Bleary hues opted to carefully open before scrambling up in alarm. A dusk bird sat there, perched upon his window sill. Fingers grasped the blanket tighter, canine digging into the plush comfort of his bottom lip. How did he not detect such a small movement? A soft sigh elicits, willing his tense body to relax. It took a moment for Albedo to notice the pristine letter tucked between the bird’s beak. Pressing his palm against his bed, he pushes himself upward. With careful steps, he stares at the bird. It blinks once, then twice before flapping its wings expectantly. A muffled chirp now rang, setting the envelope down on the sill. Its feet patted the letter and as Albedo leaned closer, he noted a silver glimmer adorning its neck. Embellished atop the collar, was the familiar marking that framed his neck.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Subconsciously, his fingers rose, draped along the golden star on his neck.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ A craft from his mother.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ His fingers dragged down, grabbing the letter from the bird. The dusk bird didn’t wait, it chirped a happy tune before flying off, into the crevice that allowed the sun to creep in. His gaze lingered, watching as the terra firma swallowed the bird whole, into whatever was waiting for it that called it back home. Flipping over the parchment, a familiar handwriting was evident ; a bit messy but still clean enough. If you meet Alice, give this to her - she’s expecting you, “Alice?” Albedo echoed, turning the envelope over and seeing nothing else, “Alice.. Has the master spoken of her before?” he couldn’t help but frown, albeit, for a moment. There was no use in wasting such an expression in the momentary confusion. Setting it down, he turns away from it, getting ready for the day.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “It seems you are free, alchimistís ,” a pause in appellations before they continued, “Unless I’m presuming wrong.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ The alchemist’s hands paused, in the midst of tucking the letter away into the pocket of his coat. Turning around slowly, his lips part to allow a remark elicit but halts, blinking rapidly. The deep reverberation that echoed was something Albedo reluctantly grew impertinent to, but the set of golden locks, coming in a pair, was something Albedo was not used to. Gloved digits stowed the letter away properly, absentmindedly running across the material of his shirt and clearing his throat. Upon noticing the silence between the four, he quickly clears his throat, “No. You are not presuming wrong. I am available. Are you in need of something, rather, are you… all in need of something?” Cerulean hues fluttered from each person ; a set of twins, both identical in some aspect, but also dissimilar from one another. And in the midst of the pairing, stood Dainsleif, who eyed Albedo surreptitiously.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Dainsleif shifted his weight to the other side, arms crossing atop his thorax as he cleared his throat, “A quick introduction is needed, is all,” a thrum of words rolled off his tongue, tearing his gaze away from the aforementioned alchemist, and instead, opts to point one glove-cladded finger towards the male next to him, “This is Aether,” the next set of movement was languid, as if time halted and fixated itself on Dainsleif’s gestures. His finger pointed towards the other set of the twin, a smile subtly ghosting along rosy tiers, “And this is Lumine. They are-”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “-the travelers you spoke of so fondly. ” the corner of Albedo’s lips twitched upwards, almost teasingly, as fingers situated themselves at his side, watching as a roseate tint kissed Dainsleif’s features - he wasn’t quite sure if it was out of shock or anger - but the alchemist couldn’t help but let a laugh roll from his parted lips, “I don’t mean to tease, of course, but I do plan on being honest.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ A huff comes from Dainsleif as the travelers grin, purposely nudging into the knight. Before he could respond, Aether’s voice rang ; soft but quiet, “I didn’t know that’s how you thought of us!” his own laugh trails after, craning his head in a goading manner, stifling his next remark.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “That’s right!” Lumine chimed, her voice twined with a melody that Albedo couldn’t quite pinpoint. She rests her hands on her hips, leaning forward purposely with a mocking smile, “The amount of times we’ve heard jives and complaints from you, it’s almost hard to believe that you spoke of us so fondly!”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Aether was at her side immediately, mimicking her pose as Dainsleif heaved a loud sigh, watching as his chest expanded and deflated quickly. A small click of his tongue had Albedo raising his eyebrow in amusement, “Look at what you’ve done,” muttered the knight, fingers opting to comb through his own golden tresses, “Once you get them both started, they will not stop. Before it gets out of hand, allow me to continue. Then, you are free to croon and tease to your heart’s desire. Is that fair?”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ The twins shared a knowing gaze before nodding, stepping back to return to their rightful positions next to Dainsleif.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Allow me to introduce you to the alchemist,” Dainsleif, as if he was not teased moments ago, continued, gesturing towards him, “This is Albedo. He will be accompanying us on the journey. I’m certain the prince has informed you both upon arrival about him, correct?”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “For the most part. But both Lumine and I agreed that it’d be best if we got to know him ourselves,” a glint passed through amber hues before it diminished just as quickly, “Only if Albedo is alright with that.” he mused, hand raising to idly scratch at the nape of his neck, “‘Dunno how but I think we’d be able to on the expedition, right, Lumine?”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ A shrug was given, watching as golden strands shifted across her porcelain skin before righting itself, “I’m sure we’ll talk plenty on the expedition there. I don’t doubt it. Unless you’re not a conversationalist, then I suppose it may take some time.” a sheepish look frames her physiognomy, allowing her features to brighten briefly, doused in a sort of gentleness, “Do you have a problem with that?”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Albedo’s lips part, rosy tiers hesitating to speak. The alchemist certainly was not a conversationalist, and he lacked the basis of social cues. He could only feel the apprehension licking up his vertebrae in a way that made him feel… embarrassed, even. In order to shift away from their prying eyes, Albedo’s frame turns to the side, fingers resting on his chin, as if pondering on the thought, “I suppose we’ll just have to see once that time arrives.” was what he concluded with.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Well, I didn’t hear a ‘no’.” Aether waves a hand, as if dismissing the attention set upon the alchemist, “Is that alright with you, Dainsleif?” his head tilts once more, hues narrowing into teasing crescents as a mischievous smile dances upon his lips.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Another sigh. Dainsleif turns abruptly, purposely shielding himself away from the travelers and the alchemist, “Do what you must. I have other affairs to attend to. So, if I am not needed, I will be dismissing myself. Be sure to prepare, the journey is closing in.” with that, he stalks off, leaving the twins to scramble after him with teasing remarks.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Right, the expedition, thought Albedo, inhaling deeply, as if praying for the brevity of relaxation to swallow him whole, never to be seen again.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Time passed before the sound of a horn resounded, digging deeply into the palace, and echoing within Albedo’s ears. It rang, continuing to vibrate even as it ended. His fingers, once previously ghosting along a column of a book, soon fell down to his side. Albedo couldn’t help but wonder what laid in their journey ahead. The palace was bustling with people, running amuck in preparation for the expedition. It left him feeling a bit uneasy. Which is why the homunculus chose to isolate himself away from prying eyes and into the vast land of books that served as some sort of safety blanket. But of course, it was certainly short - lived. What must have been hours, only felt like minutes to Albedo.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ As his steps padded to exit the room, he shifts one last glance back behind him. To be honest, he felt restless. Albedo wasn’t sure what the flurry of emotions that whirled in his stomach were, but it threatened to pry his mouth apart and wail. Perhaps it was because he lacked his master’s presence, or was it the distrust in the eyes of the Khaenri citizens that had him feeling this way? Canines dug into the plush comfort of rosy tiers, nails digging into his gloved palms. It was a bit embarrassing - a homunculus who didn’t care prior, should not care now.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Coming?” a voice chimed, breaking him away from his thoughts. Peering over his shoulder, the door shut, and away with his thoughts it went. In his presence, under the soft illuminance of the candle lit, was Kaeya. The prince stood there nonchalantly, arms crossed over his thorax as he leaned against a pillar. Head craned to the side, a subtle smile danced across his tiers before he righted himself, hand outstretched invitingly, “Or, perhaps you have cold feet? I’m quite patient, if so.” he mused, eyes crinkling at the corner, forming amused crescents.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Albedo couldn’t help but let out a laugh - something so rare, so innocent, yet melodious, “Cold feet? I’ve never heard of such a term.” drawing closer, steps padded against the marble flooring, gloved digits raising before lightly resting atop Kaeya’s hand.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Starry-hues gazed at Albedo, brows furrowing, “Literally, or are you being sarcastic?” a deadpan expression surfaced across his physiognomy, digits slowly, but languidly slipping between the gaps of the alchemist’s fingers.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “What do you think, my prince ?” Albedo mused quietly, twining their fingers together officially - an action so small, yet so familiar, that it never did register in the alchemist’s head.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ An abrupt pull forward, faces inches away from one another as teeth bared into a grin, “Your head is a vast place full of many words and secrets I have yet to learn about, so I cannot answer because I have yet to discover you.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ A baited breath, the gentle rise and fall of Albedo’s chest was prominent within the space between them. His heart thrummed - a feeling he’s grown accustomed to, but it was something he still feared. Fingers untwined, digits opting to rest against Kaeya’s chest, gliding down in a sluggish manner before halting, “The greatest discovery becomes unearthed by those who voyage courageously.” the corner of his lips tugged upwards, walking briskly past Kaeya, “Let’s make haste, shall we?”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ A breathy laugh was heard behind him, taking a moment to register the appellations before jogging after Albedo, settling by his side, like a puzzle piece, “True, but I think the discovery I unearth, will be the most realest thing I have ever laid my eyes on.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Perhaps,” The alchemist murmurs before pondering on those spoken words, their hands brushing ever so slightly against one another - it was brief - the way his pinky twined with the prince’s before letting go, “ Perhaps .”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ The pair separated upon leaving the palace, greeted by Dainsleif and the traveler. Previously arguing, the trio righted themselves entirely and behind them, was a handful of soldiers, already at stance.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Well, well, well,” Kaeya spoke aloud, his steps, now leisure, walking down the steps, situating himself in front of Albedo, “Is this the team you handpicked, or my father, the king?” To those who did not know the prince, it seemed neutral, but to those who did know the prince, there was a bite that could not be ignored. Even the alchemist had to refrain himself from wincing.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Dainsleif cleared his throat, stepping forward, “Albeit I could not choose those who would accompany us on the journey, aside from our most honorable travelers, our other knights are handpicked by his majesty himself, firmly believing that they would be of aid to us. As you know,” Dainsleif paused, optics flickering from the travelers, to Kaeya, to Albedo, and finally, to the knights, “We trust our King’s words to lead us to safety.” a soft grit of words, rumbling from the base of his throat. Finally, the male turns towards the knights who stood there stoically, yet, there was something about them that Albedo could not pinpoint, “ Answer me .”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Yes, sir!” a croon of calls before a knight spoke loudly, “Those who disagree - consider it treason! We, as men, are capable of guiding our prince to safety! We shall also abide by our prince’s words nevertheless - if against, consider it treason alone! Concluding - it is a privilege to be chosen by him and him alone!”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Kaeya’s laugh rang, moreso in disbelief, “Splendid. I do hope you are all alright with many days of a journey ahead.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Please do not think we are incapable of such a thing! We were trained for this day.” the same knight spoke, bowing his head briefly, “We follow the king’s and yours’ commands.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Is that so?” Kaeya muttered, scratching at his cheek, “Then, if you listen to my commands, you must listen to theirs as well,” a hand gestured towards Dainsleif specifically before -
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Albedo’s gaze widened, staring at the finger that pointed at him, “What are you doing?”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “It seems as we prepared ourselves for this expedition, I have forgotten to announce those in charge of this journey. Our most trusted captain Dainsleif, and our most trusted alchemist, Kreideprinz, or Albedo, if you prefer.” Kaeya grinned, almost challengingly as his hands dropped to his side, watching as the knights that were previously stoic, were beginning to crumble in both disbelief and unease.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “If I may -”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Aether’s hand rose, other hand resting atop his hip before he speaks aloud, “Oh, Lumine ! Did you not hear this very knight say that if those who question the prince’s words, it is enough for treason?” a gaze flickered towards the knight, watching as his mouth shut immediately.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Hmm,” Lumine hummed, tapping at her chin, “I think you’re right, brother, I’m pretty sure I heard something like that moments ago… Prince Kaeya, was that treason, or..?”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “I was merely -”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Speaking against the prince?” Dainsleif chimed, a biting gaze directed towards him, “Perhaps that was a warning - if there are no other comments, shall we proceed?”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Silence.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Wonderful.” Kaeya chimes in, halting in front of Dainsleif.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Albedo follows in his steps, feeling the prying eyes on him. For once, the once poised alchemist stumbled on the step, but before he could fall, a hand steadied him. Gazing upwards, it was Kaeya once more. And despite his gaze not on him, he could see a hint of a smile. As the hand withdraws, Albedo watches as Kaeya leans forth, murmuring something in Dainsleif’s ear.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Albedo!” Lumine croons, gesturing the alchemist towards the travelers in a hurried manner, “Come here!”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Clearing his throat, the male scurries off and joins the pair, “Wh.. What is it?”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Aether bumps his hip against Albedo’s gently, “Nothing really, might as well get you away from prying eyes,” he glances over at knights before falsely shivering, “It’s… kind of intimidating.” he huffs out, “Either way -”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “ -either way, I guess we’re obligated to follow your orders now! How does that sound, chief?” Lumine grins, hands on her hips as she basked within her smile.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Aether mimicked her pose, nodding his head.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ A sheepish scratch to his cranium, having yet to respond to the duo, he could only shoot them a glance before tearing his gaze away, “Please. The title is rather embarrassing, I have yet to grow accustomed to the news alone. Albedo will suffice.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “No can do! On the road, it’s honorifics from now on!” Aether spoke proudly before both twins twined arms with the alchemist, “Aside from that, I think you need to grow used to us. How else can we build trust!”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Trust . Trust was just as important as it was to making both swears and oaths . Trust was scary, terrifying, even. He wonders if he was truly capable of trusting. A glance towards Kaeya - he could not tell, if that very feeling, was something considered trust. Swears and oaths - it was something that his master told him to never do because it was so empty. But does that not apply to trust - to any human emotion plausible? He could only think that such trivial emotions should never be something he could indulge in. It wasn’t the matter of it being useless or worthless, but it’s become something so dangerous, he was fearful he would become a victim to whatever blade was pointing at him. The dagger he once held grew dull. No longer did it shine with ferocity, it dwindled, as he learned more and more about himself, he simultaneously lost himself.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ A hand grasped onto his arm, tugging him away from the twins. But it’s not like they noticed, they slowly grew enamored by their own spat. Raising his head, he gazed at Dainsleif with confusion embedded within cerulean hues. Before his lips could part, he beat him to his words, “You’re wondering why you were chosen to be in charge because you lack the knowledge of Khaenri’ah and many other things, correct?”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ A gulp. The way he was read like an open book once more, it was humiliating. Biting his tongue, he nodded regardless, “That’s correct.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Dainsleif eyed him momentarily before the corner of his lip tugged upwards, “Then it seems you lack the bases of perception.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Albedo furrowed his brow, shrugging his arm away as he straightened his posture, “What do you mean by that?”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “You were chosen by the prince himself and I, not because of some sort of bias or affection, rather,” he leans close, muttering his next sentence, “You are not blinded by the curse, of what plagues this land - only you are able to see what we cannot because despite being created here, you were not associated with any of the family or citizens here.” He steps away from Albedo, arms crossing over his thorax, “Is that clear?”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ pause before Albedo murmurs quietly, “Clear.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Albedo wasn’t sure how much time had passed. The rhythmic beat of hooves was all he could hear - memorize, even. The travelers were behind him, conversing quietly before gazing at the soldiers that followed their trail. Kaeya was beside him, a little forward, but not too far away while Dainsleif situated himself in the front. The alchemist’s gaze flickered to and fro, watching as the withered trees began to crowd their vision. It was odd - the way leaves would usually hide the view of most things, but the branches sufficed in that manner. It was almost ominous. A shrill call rang, causing the majority of the people to pause. Albedo’s grip tightened on the reins, shushing his horse. Dainsleif’s hand rose, signaling their pause entirely.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Steady,” The captain spoke, his voice echoing within the silence, “Prepare yourselves,” another pause before he speaks once more, “Lumine, Aether. Check the sides.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Got it,” both echoed before trotting off elsewhere.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Absentmindedly, Albedo’s hand raised, lingering on the dagger that rested against his thigh. His digits rested along the gilded hilt, his breath growing quiet. Despite such silence, his heart thrummed rapidly within his chest, pounding against it as if it wanted to break free. His thighs tightened along the saddle before easing himself, careful not to scare Ellie. Still, her hooves padded against the ground, signaling the tension. A hand was felt atop his hand, familiar and warm. He glanced over, only to see Kaeya wasn’t looking at him. He followed his gaze, watching as something prowled.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ In the midst of the withering trees, he caught sight of ivory on both ends. The travelers. But whatever they were watching, it did not seem friendly. The soldiers’ breath behind him sounded heavy, as if they were ready to strike. Albedo’s voice pried his mouth apart; soft and quiet, “ Do not move.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “We are not dying as soon as the expedition begins. We are in danger,” one hissed back.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “We will die if we do something now.” Dainsleif’s voice growled back.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Silence.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ The creature growled softly, green hues glinting against the torch lights. The hue it radiated looked acidic, glowing with ferocity that was waiting to attack. To lunge, even. His grip tightened on the dagger as his tongue dragged lightly across his lips before enamels pierced his tiers. Kaeya’s hand still rested there, tightening its grip on Albedo’s, as if warning him not to move. Not yet, that is. There was something in the stillness that unsettled Albedo. As if they were open prey, waiting to be mauled apart.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ The branches rustled as the ghastly wind began to blow - a piercing cold that contrasted the nation entirely. It was as if singing a soft tune that signaled their death while caressing them to cave into such an embrace. One of the torches died down, the ember that was once there, ceased to exist and darkness was slowly encroaching.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Dainsleif,” Kaeya spoke aloud, no longer caring for the silence, “Signal them - now .” a direct order from the prince, the tone of his voice no longer light or playful, it was tinged with authority - something Albedo never witnessed.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ A soft whistle drew from the blonde’s lips and before the creature could lunge, the travelers lunged for it. But there was too much of a gap. Albedo watched as their fingers barely brushed against its hide.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Down!” Kaeya ordered, his hand letting go of Albedo’s signaling for everyone to dismount quickly.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Albedo jumped off the horse, the beast that lunged barely scratched his physiognomy, barely brushed against the saddle of the horse. His back hit the floor with a loud noise, the impact causing his spine to spiral with pain. Apprehension laced his figure as the beast growled behind him. Despite the sharp pain that followed his movement, the alchemist shifted, moving away from the beast.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ It was familiar - something about it felt familiar, yet so different. His breath quickened, the dark was coiling around his body, but the breath of the beast was too strong as it drew closer.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Albedo!” Aether’s voice rang.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “Do not come forward!” The homunculus’ voice rang, laced with warning.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “But-”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ “ Do not! ”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Another growl. But from the creature. It eyed him. It followed Albedo’s movement. And yet, the alchemist’s hand was back at his dagger. And that’s when realization dawned upon him. As it lunged forward, its teeth sunk into his bicep. Enamels gripped the flesh tightly, determined to stay latched on. A flash of gold caught his attention, burrowed deep within the unkempt fur. A diamond, just like his. The sole of his shoes kicked at the belly of the beast, hearing it screech as it let go entirely. Without warning, Albedo’s dagger moved upward, slicing into the beast, enough to harm it, but not enough to kill it.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ It whimpered, the gold he once saw diminished. Instead, its green hues locked onto the alchemist one more time before scampering away.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ The bite flared at his bicep, his eyes watching the creature run.