Chapter Text
What Aether woke up to is a pile of snow collecting inside the camp, burying the matt laid on the ground to battle off the cold. The memories of everything that happened with the imposter was clear in his mind despite the drug that still makes his head swim. The numbness to the tips of his fingertips were gone, however that also means he’s now able to feel everything, including the ropes that are almost cutting his limbs and wrist around.
He grunted in pain to no avail but he reveled at the confirmation that some of his energy was back. The imposter must’ve underestimated his constitution or he was confident enough that a certain dose would knock him off to sleep longer. Either way Aether is not going to waste his advantage.
It hurts when he manages to remove the binds around his wrist, blood drips from the cut, his fingers were not spared as well as they’re almost battered from trying to free himself. There was no denying of his wounds as he sat up and moved his legs, the ropes tightened and dug into his skin, it burned like hell from the continuous scratching. Red liquid drops on the pile of snow below, rich and luxurious in color.
The thick snow and lack of footprints outside is a telling sign the imposter has been gone for a while. Aether did remember being told that the imposter would be dealing with Albedo before he comes back— and he can’t have that, yet realistically, there’s not much he can do in his current state much more than not having any clue where they are right now. All that is left for him is to escape, recover at least half of his energy and begin searching as fast as he can. Aether has a strong feeling that they’re somewhere in Dragonspine as it was basically a known territory for the imposter. It wouldn’t risk going off his boundaries where he and Albedo can outsmart him.
Aether escaped the camp by dragging himself, he tied a tight bandages on his wound as they’ll likely leave a trace of him and it’ll make it easy for anyone to track him.
He stumbled as far as he could go, embracing the snow as he could feel an imaginary hiss every time he felt relief and the temporary numbness of his aching body. He kept looking behind out of paranoia and everywhere in the far distance in a tiny peck of hope that he would spot something that is Albedo. Unlikely but Aether is not stopping. He walked past a large section of ruins, the isolation inside was tempting but it’s an obvious hiding spot, if he was found so easily then his escape would go to waste. Instead he kept moving forward until he reached a cliff, the ground below was not visible and he saw a large storm swirling on the far left side.
It was a gamble and a wise move at the same time, Aether wanted to believe. The south part of Dragonspine is indeed full of steep rocks to climb and cliffs, the edges were nothing but empty aisles with monsters camping in those areas. Yet he knew that the terrain in this part is slant, making it hard to climb but easier to descend if you don’t mind rolling down to the bottom.
Aether has a plan, a terrible and incomplete one but the conditions don't leave him the luxury of having choices.
He just needed to be careful— he hoped it was that easy.
He slid down several meters from the top, choosing his steps carefully. It was time consuming at best but Aether doesn’t want to play with death yet, his heart always thundered whenever his leg trembled holding his weight. Resting against the rocks was easy if not for the sheer cold of the mountain, there were no warming bottles with him, just the cloud of smoke as he breathed and willing to run away as far as he could. It could’ve been hours when he started to see the ground halfway and an unmistakable firewood below. The flame became his goal for now, desperate to be on its side. He stumbled down the way, severing some of his wounds that have been long numb either from too much pain or cold, he can deal with it later.
He slumped down next to it, catching his breath whilst looking at the top, seeing from where he dared to go down, injured and all.
The sound nearby is a clear sign there was a camp of monsters, Aether expected much. He recalled a large cave just beneath the Entombed City, the imposter couldn't guess which way he was going. He was betting that they thought he ran to the direction of the adventurer’s camp at the entrance to seek help, Aether would even go as far as how the imposter could mimic Albedo’s appearance to approach them.
There was indeed a small camp of monsters not far, there were only three of them however, Aether saw two ice shieldwall and prepared himself for another beating. It took him a while to kill them, mainly because there was no fire around to easily melt their shields and the lone hilichurl kept trying to hit him with arrows infused with cryo. It was baffling.
Aether was already staggering on his feet when he finally reached the part where a stormy wind was. It is no wonder this section of Dragonspine was ignored by many, looking at the frozen boars and thicker pile of snow, not to mention that the strong wind and snow makes it harder to see, thus it’s easier to get lost. Worse case scenario would be accidentally walking to the freezing water or bump into a group of abyss mages. Aether shuddered from all kinds of it. He felt fortunate to not bump into anything on the way, he’s not sure how a fight would go with his current condition, worsened by the climate.
Albedo came to his mind, hoping he’s fine and in a warm place. Aether promised he would find them, as soon as he’s able to. He wanted to go right now, confront the imposter but he knew it’s going to make it worse for them. It’s going to take long before anyone notices their disappearance and even then, Aether isn’t sure what will happen next.
“Are you.. shit.” he curses as soon as he is near the cave. The noises that rang inside are undeniable from an abyss mage, and it was right as he saw them hovering on unlit brazier, chanting their usual mantra.
All Aether remembers from the fight was him desperately jumping into the water, dragging the two mages with him. It was blurry after, numerous braziers were lit and he sat on the ground, almost melting when his body stayed stilled for more than a minute, begging for rest. His eyes were droopy but the paranoia of the imposter finding him sleeping in the open and ambushing him while knocked out cold was more than horrible. The cave itself is big but there were no areas to hide, everything was exposed— he thought as he caught the sight of boats on the corner, damaged at best.
He gritted his teeth throughout, toughing himself to endure the pain of his wounds while he prepared himself a resting place. More like a coffin.. Aether thought. He placed traps in areas anyone possibly could walk on, though it’s just bunches of things that make loud noises to alert him of someone’s presence. Aether hated the fact his senses had dulled, it was close to feeling blind and not being able to see aside from shadows that passed and switches of lights. It was already bad enough that he hasn’t thought of a way to restore his power, or at least he had an idea but even that has loopholes in how to work.
When the exhaustion became too much, Aether didn’t need to force himself to sleep. His entire being gave up as soon as he laid, hearing only the faint sounds that bounced inside the cave.
______________
Aether dreams of another.
The environment was definitely of Dragonspine, the snowy peak and trees were signs. The room, or he assumed was a room, is almost covered in slabs of strange ice. Some are even hanging deadly on the tall ceiling. Ah, Aether guesses. They were inside the Starglow Cavern. It was almost unrecognizable when the entrances were blocked with only the lights reflecting from the outside.
A growl and scratches were heard somewhere, unlike the first dream he had, Aether was able to move though he was not sure he could speak.
Following the noises, he almost trips to find someone in the center and surrounded by spikes of sharp ice. They were sitting, but what almost made him gasp was the sight of their.. dismembered body— that they were trying to stitch back together. It was a gruesome thing to watch, blood was everywhere yet the grunt of pain from that person underestimated the gore in front of him. The sound of flesh in hand, being consistently moved and squeezed, had his head spinning.
Someone— it was the imposter, he and Albedo clarified that. Albedo told him that what he’s probably seeing were the earlier memories of the imposter as a result of him purifying and consuming the purple energy off his wound. Aether thinks the theory connects and makes sense and doesn’t question it.
Eventually the imposter finished fixing himself, slowly moving and raising his arms. The lines where the flesh were forcibly connected is very apparent, it appears like a puzzle that has been completed.. or so he thought. Aether can still see the obvious dissatisfaction on the imposter’s face and he didn’t need to wonder that long what’s causing it. There was a hole on the imposter’s chest, a part where usually a heart was located.
He’s missing a heart.
For a moment Aether really did see Albedo’s master and her creations. They don’t necessarily need a heart to live and function, would Albedo be the same?
The dream ends as the imposter reaches for his chest, face full of disgust feeling the absence of a heartbeat.
________________
Aether breathed in relief upon seeing his wounds fully healed. The long and deep cuts are nowhere to be found as if he was not badly injured, it always works that way for him unless he encounters something that could really leave a scar. He suddenly thought of the purple energy rooting from Durin’s remains. Both his wrist and legs can move without any pain. His energy has been restoring quite slowly for his liking but Aether felt confident enough to go.
He only stayed in the cave for not more than a day, he continued moving until he almost finished circling the mountain while wary enough to not run into the imposter. There is only one place he was itching to go back: the camp he and Albedo stayed in, he was sure some of their things were there. He has a feeling that there would be something like a clue left in there, but chances are he’s just feeling too optimistic.
Walking in the Snow Covered Path was a careless act no matter how hard he tried hard to remain discreet and hidden in view. Fatui and treasure hoarders littered around the area and even on the broken bridge across, it was easy to sneak however, having been fighting them ever since he came to Teyvat. Aether decided to take the long route to the camp, not really practical but he can’t trust the path he and Albedo usually use to go there even if it means convenience. Coming from Wyrmrest Valley means he would have some advantage, Aether believes. And not to mention a blind spot hidden.
The fatui has the path blocked, scattered and guarding though it was easy to walk past them. Aether nodded to himself when he saw the broken bridge above but decided on not climbing on it right now. He would wait.
On the bottom right from the teleport device is a flat surface of snow, Aether set himself to hide there until he deemed it was safe to go up. When the night falls, Durin's cave glows in bright red and purple like light, then there’s suddenly a faint vibration underneath, it seems like some fatui used the small space below as a resting place. Aether lets them as long as they do not cause him distraction.
There was no plan in his head— or there is: find Albedo, kill the imposter and save Albedo. Aether can’t help but hear how all of it sounds like a goal rather than an actual plan. He’d set out what he should do but hasn't thought about how he’s going to do it.
“Fuck,” he curses, looking nowhere.
That night, he watched out for the light above and there’s nothing. It wasn’t hard for any noise to reach him, Dragonspine is incredibly quiet with the exception of Durin’s heartbeat. Listening to it makes him remember his dream. Sickening.
The bright glow on each of his wrists gives him hope in knowing that he’d given Albedo a fragment that in a way is connected to him. Has the imposter impersonated him already? How did Albedo react? How would he react? Aether worries, looking sharply on top as he makes up his mind to go after the night gets deeper. Had the imposter managed to improve its ability to impersonate someone, Aether will be prepared for the worst case scenario. Meaning fighting head on, even if the imposter chose a face that is a friend to him, though he was quite sure his friends back in Mondstadt should be safe since there’s no way the imposter already reached that far and much.
Once the moon was high up in the sky, Aether decided to go. There was a bit of hiccup as he tried to look for a starting spot when he found a Cicin Mage walking idly nearby, however, it was quick to dispose of her since she was alone and barely made noise as she died.
The camp was deathly still and silent when he carefully climbed up. There are no usual shadows from the brazier lined on the entrance nor the familiar sound— how wrong he was. Aether nearly backtrack when he heard something.. boiling. Perhaps an adventurer happened to find the camp and took shelter for the night? Possibly, but he’s going to be very careful—
“Ah, here you are. You sure took your sweet time exploring.”
Aether felt his back cold as he gaped. Albedo smiles at him from the camp, half of his face hidden in the shadow but not his smile. Aether felt his stomach turning unpleasantly. It has Albedo’s face but the voice sounded nothing like him.
Though he tried to calm down, his voice still shook a little. “Where is Albedo?”
“Rude, not returning my greetings.”
Aether clenched his fist on the side, eyes trying to see in the dark behind.
“Oh he’s not here, I wouldn’t be so foolish to use this camp.” the imposter shrugged.
There was a second of suspense when the imposter went in the shadows, Aether prepared himself for any attack that might come. Nothing happened in the end, the imposter came back with a burning branch in hand, setting the brazier on fire and illuminated a small section of the camp. Aether sees some of their things laying on the floor.
The pot continues to boil in the background, bubbling and watery.
“It was a fault on my part to underestimate you,” the imposter said as he calmly went to the table next and lit the lamp. “The dose I had you consumed is not even triple the normal amount, it’s more than that. Usually a little overdose of it could kill a mortal in seconds.. how troublesome yet interesting.”
Aether shivers, not out of fear but with how much Albedo’s face on the imposter makes him uneasy.
“I wonder.. I wonder how much your body can consume before it breaks?”
The bad feeling just intensified yet the imposter did nothing after he spewed nonsense.
“Why are you still using Albedo’s face?” he asks instead, remaining just outside the camp and out in the open. “What do you want from him?”
To his irritation, the imposter took his sweet time flipping through the forgotten notes on the table. Aether recognized it as the one that Albedo left on purpose, it was just a disguise.
“Even if I told you I am Albedo you wouldn’t believe me right?”
Aether’s eyes instinctively flicker down the sash belt and find no fragments in there, but even if the imposter wore that he would still know it wasn’t his Albedo.
The imposter noticed where he was looking. “I see.. so you two have a sign for each other to know if you’re you and he’s him. Quite clever and sweet, just a bit lame.”
He ignores that. “Where is he.”
“Somewhere,” the imposter shrugged. “Probably dead, who knows.”
That caught Aether’s attention fully and he can himself get work up but one look at the imposter’s face was enough to tell him it is intentional. They seem to like getting a reaction out of him. “You’re one of Rhinedottir’s failed experiments aren’t you.”
Aether expects at least a hint of emotion when her name was brought up and sure he sees how the imposter’s face just turned into disgust. “So Albedo already told you. You’re maybe a dear to him if he trusted you with that secret. That is not a simple secret to keep, don’t you agree?”
“I have little to no care, he’s my friend.” he said.
“Friend.” Aether heard a snort. “Sure. Friends.”
He lets the imposter chuckle to himself as if he just remembered a joke from a long time and is only catching up to it. Seeing them laughing with Albedo’s face is another fuel to the fire. There was no blood nor gore on his clothes and it’s what kept him sane.. for now.
Then something fell on the ground.
“Ah..” the imposter said, feigning his disinterest. “What do we have here,”
Aether felt ache on his jaw from clenching too much. He’s been wary of anything the imposter does that even the slightest movement from them is triggering him to be on offensive.
They pick up a.. dagger from the ground. Aether knows his eyes are not deceiving him as he recognizes what it is. What had him concerned was the red energy that surrounds it. It was definitely made of Durin’s tooth.. as for why it was glowing, there are several reasons he could think of.
Aether stepped backward, summoning his sword in hand.
“Based on your reactions I suppose you are already aware of what is this, but a shame even you doesn’t know how valuable and useful they are.”
Aether easily dodge the dagger when the imposter threw it at him, it flew past beside his head and pierced the tree behind. He kicked from the wall, lunging an attack and coming almost from above. The imposter moved and he landed on the ground, splattering snow and rattling the nearby devices inside the camp. Aether trained his eyes to be aware of even his back, the light from the fire was not enough to light everything and he knew he was at disadvantage.
With their positions reversed, Aether watches the imposter’s silhouette as they walk in slow and confident steps. They pull out the dagger stuck on the tree, swirling it on their hands. For a while Aether was sure he saw their eyes glow, much like the same shade of light emanating from Durin’s heart.
“Dealing with Albedo isn’t hard you know,” the imposter started. “It was honestly underwhelming how I easily managed to knock him out, I even thought of disguising as you but then, heh.. he’s smart but obviously inexperienced.”
He didn’t answer.
“I was meant to get something I deserve from the start but then you came into the picture and ruined it all.”
Aether held his sword tighter. To his surprise the imposter laughs, menacingly, the sound is unsettling.
“Fortunately I already got what I want and so I think I can forgive you for putting your nose in my business.” they added. “Aren’t I too considerate?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about.”
Aether braced the impact with his sword protecting his chest from being stabbed. The imposter pressed his face closely, eyes looking like a maniac thirsty to kill and he could feel its intention from the weight they held the dagger at him. They push and pull, weapons hitting and sliding against each other. With quick hands the imposter changed his hold and instead grazed him on the shoulder, enough to make him bleed. Aether hissed through his teeth as he pulled away and attacked with more force this time, forcing the imposter to backtrack near the cliff.
His breath quickened as he pointed the tip of his sword at the imposter’s chest, ready to strike until Aether felt an impossible heartbeat pulsing through the flesh.
They laugh. “Lively isn’t it?”
Aether vividly remembers seeing the hole in the imposter’s chest in dreams– memory. He was incomplete and he’d said it. He is.. unless..
“Do you think it’s possible that I would also feel what Albedo feels in his heart now that I have it?” the imposter asks, eyes shining sickenly. “Because I just felt my heart skipped when I–”
He snatched the dagger from the imposter’s hand, a trickle of blood slowly escaped the edges of the bone. There was a crack heard, bones snapping loudly as he continued to press hard until Aether is sure it penetrates the body completely. The light from the imposter’s eyes dulled— and so is the heart beating in his chest, the rhythm is becoming more and more quiet. Aether bit his lips as he listened to it stop.
In a moment of madness, Aether didn’t bother to pull the bone dagger and instead used his hand to rip the heart from the imposter’s chest. Blood squirts everywhere, painting the snow crimson and tainting his cheeks with its impurity.
It feels warm until it’s not.
Aether hardly cares for the blood dripping from his hand down to his clothes. The heart is lifeless now anyway, there was no satisfaction nor anything after ripping it away. What should he do next?
The imposter’s body lay soulless on the dirty snow, eyes open as if it froze permanently, like he was meant to die amidst the crazy haze he was in. And maybe it is better that way. Then with a flick of his wrist, Albedo’s heart glows in his palm, bright and beautiful until it slowly perishes, being swept away with the wind like a golden stardust.
Ransacking the camp gave Aether little clue but it was enough to pinpoint a location. He curses outside the hidden enclosure, almost laughing at himself. An ancient room as he’d like to address it, has an obvious sign of entrance and exit. The symbols were lit and three empty golden boxes lay outside. It was the same room that was located under the Statue, it is incredibly hard to miss when but here he is.
Aether’s hands shake as they push the stone to the side, the noises bouncing inside the tight space and coming back louder. He opens it fully before his mind could think of anything more gruesome that might have happened to Albedo.
He just wished he’s not dead. Aether was sure.
However, the smell of rotting flesh strikes him at the start. The sweet and bitter undertone in the air makes him gag as he tries not to fall on his knees at the sight. His heart lurches at it. Aether had seen many brutalities in worlds he visited, they came in different forms. Most of it doesn’t affect him directly though he felt inflicted, the last time he felt this hopeless was when he watched the God imprisoned and took away his sister.
Even with only torches lit inside, Aether doesn’t need more to make of the lump of flesh on the floor. It was bright enough for him to witness. Something hit his foot and the chains rang coldly. His lips quiver but his eyes remained dry.
Something gleams in the dark. It was, without a doubt, the fragment he’d given to Albedo. Resting at the center of his sash, smeared with purple gooey, sticky and disgusting.
Nearly shoving everything as he tries to get to Albedo, as close as possible. Aether kneel beside his body, it was tearing his heart to pieces to see. Albedo’s chest was opened, his heart missing. Tiny web of purple veins are under his skin, pulsing to the touch and giving off the same energy it had before. His clothes that were always pristine and neat are full of holes and scratches, filth and blood all over them. Yet what Aether focuses the most is Albedo’s face.
On his head is a pair of dark horns, sticking and sharp like that of a dragon. The purple blotches were darker and more visible on his face. Corruption. Aether whispered in his head. He can cleanse it, he has that ability.
Aether purposely ignored the obvious torture Albedo’s hands, limbs and wrists had shown— yet was stopped at the bone dagger deeply planted on Albedo’s side. Piercing his flesh and the only reason blood was contained because it was blocking it. Almost as if it was the final blow. Aether clenched his fists, his anger was directed at the thought of the imposter enjoying.. and putting Albedo in great pain.
Then as if hallucinating– or maybe he really was– Albedo’s battered fingers twitch. It was a tiny movement, barely there but he felt it.
“Albedo,” Aether called, almost choking from his own air. “A-Are you..”
He felt it again and Aether knew what must be done.
_______________
Reality crashes to Albedo. He woke calmly, blinking at the ceiling he last saw before he passed out— did he die? Most likely. Did he come back from being a spirit again? Not entirely impossible but still unlikely.
A body tackled him as soon as he sat up, hair tickled his eyes and nose as it sticks to his dampened cheeks.
“Aether?” he called, recognizing Aether’s warmth and muffled noise on his neck. Spurred on, he hugged him back, returning with the same tightness and yearning. “You’re okay, Archons you’re okay..” he croaks, voice sounding hoarse.
Aether made a sound akin to a whimper, almost a cry and Albedo felt more inclined to comfort him. He must’ve been too worried to be left alone.
“Are you okay? How did you get here? Are you hurt..” Albedo questioned, pulling away but Aether resisted and latched around his shoulders even more, as if he didn't want to let go of him yet. “I’m sorry for making you worry.”
Albedo looked around the room and almost went back to sleep again, the smothering of gore didn’t disappear and remained on the ground and walls. If it weren’t for mud the blood would be prominent and red but he guessed the smell is already enough. The pungent smell of it is punching. He hugs Aether tighter as if he can protect him from all of it despite the fact that he probably saw it already.
Memories came back to him like a wave. Unpleasant as he remembered the screams and grunts, the utter look of joy on the imposter’s face and the image of his heart beating weakly on his hand.
Did he..
Albedo realizes that the rapid heart beat he was feeling is Aether’s. He reached his hand between their chest and confirmed the absence of his own. Aether brought his own hand, covering his. Albedo shook his head slowly as if to assure.
“I.. necessarily don’t need a heart to be alive. My.. master made me that way so I wouldn’t easily die. It was all her calculations, everything else about me is a performative act to appear humanly.” Albedo said. “I may not have a heart but.. here, feel around my pulse.”
Albedo couldn’t explain it in a way that is easily understood.
“It’s better if I just show you.”
He noticed the slight tremble of Aether’s hand, unsteady as he put his finger on his wrist and jolted when he felt something. Albedo smiled patiently.
“There’s.. a pulse,”
Boldly, Albedo grabs Aether’s hand, place a kiss on its back. He doesn’t need a physical heart to know that it would be racing right now. “It’s simply the way it is.”
Albedo got a good look of Aether now, he’s tired and as if he’d been running the entire day. Yet as he sees it, Aether always manages to look otherworldly, his aura never ceasing as if there’s this translucent glow around him that makes him brighter. Aether is just strikingly beautiful that words wouldn’t do him justice.
“I killed it.” Aether suddenly said. “The imposter.”
The shake in his voice tells Albedo that there’s something more and it didn’t take long for him to guess it. “Do not feel guilty, it was only copying my face.”
Aether held his hand tighter, squeezing. “I hope it was that easy..”
“Where is his body?”
“In front of the camp. I found him there and.. well, we had a confrontation. And a fight.”
Albedo scans Aether’s whole body, there were scratches and bruises on his skin, maybe a cut on his cheeks as well but nothing that screams of concern. Feeling too much all of a sudden, Albedo brought Aether into his arms again, embracing. Doesn’t matter they’re still sitting on the ground with blood literally covering the corners of this small space.
“Aether I—” he said but was cut off when Aether brought a finger to his lips, silencing him. He threw a questioning look.
Aether shakes his head and Albedo realizes how misty his eyes were. Was Aether crying?
But then his eyes caught something and fear started to spread in him. He always describes Aether as an ethereal being that he is, so otherworldly he may appear as anything and Albedo would still be at his mercy. Yet this one.. this one is wrong.
“Aether?” he called, the shakiness affecting his throat.
It starts from Aether’s hands, flickering as if a lamp losing its light.
Aether’s hands were the first to turn transparent, Albedo can see his own hand underneath. Fear strongly envelopes him and the implication of it.
“What– What’s happening? Aether?” he asks, searching for the eyes that are already looking at him but he didn’t deceive an answer yet. “Aether? T-Tell me what’s wrong.. what’s going on, I’m..”
Calmly. Aether looked too calm for what’s clearly been happening to him. Albedo felt impossibly cold when even Aether’s face flickers, turning transparent.
“I’m.. it’s just for a while.” Aether said like it explains everything.
Quickly he asks, “What do you mean?”
“I’ll be back,” Aether assured and Albedo doesn’t know what to feel. “I’m just glad you’re okay. It’s worth it.”
What’s worth it? Albedo screams in mind but the process halts when Aether leaned in and he felt almost a ghost of lips on him. Aether planted a soft kiss, pulling away too quickly.
“I’m sorry.” Aether whispered all too quickly for him to realize.
“Wait no– Aether!” Albedo tried to chase, but then the weight of Aether’s hand in his had already disappeared. He felt something drop on his arm, realizing it was a lone tear left behind.
_______________________
“Albedo,”
“Apologies for coming without notice.” Albedo said. “I’ve already briefed the new recruits and currently they’re being hosted by the Captain of Reconnaissance Company and are heading to Dragonspine for.. training in the cold I supposed.”
He held the reports carefully and placed them on Jean’s table who skimmed through it thoughtfully.
“Eula,” Jean whispered. “I will review these, thank you for your assistance Albedo.”
“It was no trouble, all I did was assess them,” he reasoned. “Sister Rosaria was also on the site, if you have any doubts her opinion will matter the most.”
“Rosaria?”
Albedo nodded. “I believe she worried I would slack on my.. part and insisted on watching me. It was greatly appreciated however.”
It was only a polite way to say it but it’s not like he harbor a bad feeling about her. Albedo knew Sister Rosaria had been suspicious and wary of him from the very first day he arrived in Mondstadt, he didn’t think too much of it. She has every right to be cautious after all.
“I see, although I’m sure your reports are fine.” Jean said, she always looks composed. “How are you finding your job Albedo?”
“It was fine,” he replied, truthfully. “My only concern is coming out unapproachable, enough to be troublesome but it was quickly resolved.”
It was mundane, yet maybe it’s because he finds it too easy. The KoF doesn’t put him in any complicated missions nor they should be sending him to one, he found himself having more free time to himself than most. Some days were spent with the Spark Knight, teaching her the safest way to create and use of her bombs. Others were dedicated to teaching Timaeus and Sucrose each of their interests and helping them be more attuned with it.
Though everyone already linked him with Dragonspine, where he can be found most of the time. Albedo doesn’t correct them when there’s nothing wrong in the first place. He spends his time in the privacy of his camp in the mountains, sightseeing, reading, experiments or sketching the snowy landscape. There are plenty of things to do and discover.
“Would you really not consider a promotion?” Jean asks carefully, testing the waters. “Lisa praises your skills and the knights are already familiar with you. You wouldn’t have a hard time adjusting to being the Chief Alchemist in position.”
It was nowhere tempting. “My decision is still the same and I wouldn’t give false hope that it will change in the far future. Apologies.”
Jean sighs but it was not out of disappointment, more like she was already expecting his answer to be the same but still risk asking. “Thank you for being straightforward.”
“If you were still looking for someone to take the position, I would give my word for it to be Sucrose. She is, by far, the most skilled in this field.” he added. “And with Timaeus, his interest is most interesting. I believe they’re suitable.”
“I know both of them,” Jean said. “Then I’ll find the time to carefully talk to them. I trust your insight.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you going somewhere?”
Albedo nods. “I’m going back to my camp.”
Dragonspine then.
Durin’s corpse continues to be what it is today and it extends to anything that is related to him. For the past year, Albedo dedicated a great amount of his efforts and time in observing and experimenting with them. Though he was not officially affiliated with KoF, he still shared some of his findings with Jean. Mainly what can be considered a threat in general. Peace was restored in the mountain in a way that there’s nothing dangerous than the sheer cold and sharp terrain. The only thing that causes uneasiness to any adventurers were Durin’s heart and the pillar looming above.
The expedition team that explored the domain found nothing sort of groundbreaking, it was only held importance due to the fact that it was sealed under the nail for who knows how long and was recently discovered. Albedo can tell how much difference his and the adventurers have in terms of reports but he cannot fault them for not knowing everything.
For confidentiality and keeping people at ease, what truly happened in Dragonspine that day was disguised as an incident. The KoF consulted him and Albedo found no reason to decline, he found it helpful. Yet after all that, he was glad none of them knew about him personally. No one seems to know about his origin, well, even with Sister Rosaria’s suspicions, she also didn’t step up to confront him.
“Albedo! Leaving already?” Amber greeted him in the lobby. “Oh, did you talk to Jean?”
“I did, she’s in her office.”
“That’s good! Well, be careful where you’re going!”
He watched Amber enthusiastically knock and enter, she had springs in her step. Albedo couldn’t mistake the familiar smell unique to Dragonspine and it’s not hard to guess she’s been spending time with Captain Eula.
The late afternoon breeze is not as cold but it was pleasant. He nears the Floral Whisper when Katheryne waves from the desk, getting his attention for a second. Albedo waves back shortly. Since Aether’s absence, he
took it upon himself to accept some of the commission.. until he stopped. But he still takes few when he can and whenever he deems himself to be in the right state of mind as he calls it.
“Oh it’s you! Cecilia and windwheel asters again right?” Flora asks excitedly as soon as he arrives.
“Thank you,” he said, warming at the sight of the two flowers being tied together. “Ah and please make it a bouquet for this time.”
Her eyes shine in a childlike manner. “A date?”
“Soon I hope.” Albedo murmured.
He left the gate with the bouquet in hand and started his trip back to Dragonspine. With his research revolving around Durin, it became demanding of his time. Albedo was determined to fully uncover whatever it is that is yet to be known, that ambition and personal interest of him hasn’t changed since. The corruption that kills most of his ‘kind’, was it all merely a coincidence or a bad luck on their part? His imposter mentioned about the strange tooth, how he vitalized it and turned it into a weapon.
“Everything in Dragonspine is connected.” Aether’s words echoed inside his head and maybe, he is right all along but with a limitation set that only Rhinedottir’s creation can harm and end each other.
It was truly pitiful.
“Greetings, Sir Albedo.” A knight came up to him suddenly, saluting.
“Greetings..” he managed to say at least.
There was a loud chatter as he near Iris’ camp and stopped, seeing a small crowd at the entrance. Without much thought, Albedo decided to take the long route to avoid them. Seeing them already drained the remaining of his energy, not to mention that he’d taken the role of instructor and host earlier for the new recruits. He’d done enough talking.
His camp remained the same way he left it. The small experiment on the table was stopped completely so he won’t accidentally blow up the side of the mountain and likely cause an avalanche. The rack of his potions were neatly stacked, the scale empty but tilting to the side.
Albedo tilts the hourglass back and with a click of his tongue, he sketches a small flower vase for the bouquet he bought and sets it next to the cot in the corner. Albedo felt strangely at ease but still lacking. And he knew just what it was.
Resuming his research, he reached for the notes and ended up fumbling a messy stack of papers, knocking it off to the ground. Albedo stopped as his hand froze halfway. The star charts and celestial maps that he acquired over the past few months lay on the floor. And Albedo exactly pinpoints why he has all of these. Where else can he look for a star if not in the sky? Aether should be one of them.. bright but not burning yet, no he can’t.
Getting back to his experiment took a while that day.
_____
Summer came to Mondstadt yet again.
The afternoon was blessed by the sun but the humid weather doesn’t make it better to be outside. Albedo isn’t sharp about the idea of hosting another seminar of some sort but if he were to postpone it, he would only prolong this day. And the topic doesn’t really help the day.
“Warming bottles are easy to make and a big help for when you encounter places that reaches negative.” Albedo walks around the crafting bench. “You may just keep watching or take notes of the steps, whichever you prefer. I will be demonstrating how to make it first and each one will take turns. Do not worry about the failed tries, the materials won’t be going to waste.”
It didn’t take even a minute for him to craft one, half a second he presented a standard warming bottle to them. Albedo was sure this type of crafting is below the basic alchemy but then again, he was raised in such high standard that even the most complicated of designs would look easier for him.
“Step forward each, starting from you. Begin.” he ordered.
Jean always mentioned KoF lack of manpower at this present day, due to the official Grand Master bringing most of their trusted people to the expedition. The ones left were also competent but they certainly couldn’t manage with just a few of them. Though he was sure that some of the Captains slack during their duty, spending more time in the tavern.
“Ah it is fine,” he assured when the warming bottle didn't turn quite right. “Sucrose please assist her.”
A day almost passes in a blink of an eye and the sky is turning gray when he looks up.
Albedo felt spent and deeply exhausted as he bid farewell, but instead of going to his place, he decided to spend his night at Starsnatch Cliff. For a very obvious reason, anyone can tell.
Sara prepared his order, a very small collection of food to take with him. He left almost too quickly, he was coming out of the bushes when he heard a pair of voices from the distance. Kaeya and.. Sister Rosaria standing behind a tree— whatever they were doing, Albedo had no business with it and left the scene. Aether told about it before, he just couldn’t fathom that a woman with a strong sense like her would be with that type.
There was definitely a road that leads to Starsnatch Cliff but it would require passing the Thousand Wind Temple. It was already claimed by a large camp of monsters and a ruin machine guarding the place.
There were no clouds above, the sky was clear and the stars blanket over the land. Albedo felt a bit nostalgic for some reason and left him very hopeful. Aether said he would come back and he had full trust in his words. It could be more than a year, a decade— twenty, forty.. At the very least Albedo knew he would still be here when the time comes. He just hopes Aether won’t make him wait for too long.
Another season came and Windblume Festival sparks a gleeful atmosphere across Mondstadt. Even though he knew of it from the past, this would be the first time Albedo would actually take part in it. Klee expresses her excitement by dragging him to different stalls, introducing him to practically anyone she knows and showcasing everything that she likes. It was both endearing and comforting, it was also nice to have Klee warm up to him when he thought she would be scared of his presence.
“Klee, why don’t we go together so Albedo can go somewhere on his own?” Amber came in the afternoon, coaxing Klee to part with him after. “Well, I also heard that Master Jean has some important mission for you.”
It didn’t take long for Klee to wave him goodbye, sprinting towards the headquarters with an alarming speed.
“Oh don’t worry, she's fine. Jean really has something to say to her.” Amber assured. “This is your first Windblume here right? Why don’t you go and see it on your own! There are plenty of things to see and a lot of food to eat! If you need recommendations I would gladly give you some based on my experiences.."
Albedo was directed to different stalls and stores, not resisting the urge to buy and have free samples of each. Everyone on the street is very enthusiastic, and each house is lively. The stairs were also decorated, dressed in a shade similar to anemo, while flowers hung above like a roof. It is both beautiful and festive, much like the people. Albedo heard of the tradition, Lisa was one of the few that teases him about it. It was already given that he would gift his few acquaintances with something they’ll like yet Lisa still hinted about something.
But that something is impossible for now.
“Gifts for those people you love and adore. Ah, how fitting.” Lisa said. “Got someone on your mind?”
Albedo doesn’t need to look up to know she was teasing. “Of course, always.”
Jean told him about the Windblume Star and if he wanted to be the holder of that title for this year. It wasn’t surprising that Albedo declined to everyone’s knowledge, mostly in their circle. He barely tolerates a large crowd, much more if he was the center of it. He shivers at such thoughts and thus the title will go to someone more deserving. Albedo couldn’t think of a better option than Aether. And he can feel everyone thought of him.
The large Statue of Barbatos at the plaza starts to be covered with different and colorful flowers, almost burying meters of it. Most people gathered in the plaza, with families, friends and some with romantic interest. It was such an overwhelming sight and he can’t help but be a little envious. Everyone seems busy that the adventurer’s guild barely has any commissions, Katheryne doesn’t look displeased in the slightest and in fact she is content and tells him to enjoy the celebration. It happens only once a year.
Came the time for offering and someone by the name of Venti was chosen to be the Windblume Star— and he appears to be an important personality based on his interactions with Jean and surprisingly Diluc, though he looked annoyed. Venti performed before reciting a love poem, it was fascinating how the crowd anticipated and listened to him attentively. How come he only met him now? Aether mentioned a friend that is originally from here but said they would be away for a while with no exact time of return. How the situation changed.
The street, however, became even more lively when the night set in. Groups gather and rush for a drink, Angel’s Share seems to be everyone’s destination.
“A new face!” someone said behind. “And a friendly one at that. You must be Albedo!”
A flush of green stands before him with a friendly and wide smile. Albedo senses something odd that can either point out or not. “I am,”
“Jean told me about you, and oh! Lisa as well, so you're a friend of Aether?”
Albedo doesn’t miss how his chest aches hearing his name. “We are,”
“Ah.. it’s been a while since I’ve last seen him. I even hurried to come back and what did I receive? That I wouldn’t be able to meet him for a long while! You should’ve seen how betrayed I am.” Venti lamented, hat drooping with him.
Albedo felt something stuck on his throat, clearing it off quickly. “Aether.. he did say it would take a while to come back.”
Albedo could’ve sworn he saw Venti’s smile transition before it became more joyful and careless. “Then it seems like we’ll just have to wait. After all, he’s the type to always keep his words, who knows maybe he’s already preparing to meet us again?”
He grips the flowers in his hand. Fortunately, someone else called for Venti, and Albedo fled the scene.
Albedo found himself climbing his way back to his camp in Dragonspine. The city appears to be burning from the distance with how bright and lively it looks from here, especially with how bleak and dull the environment around. There were quips and silent thump in the snow, foxes running away after sensing his arrival.
He lit the camp warm, finding comfort from the small yet familiar corners.
The flowers he bought and made joined the others on the table, with Dragonspine’s environment, any flower that is not used to cold is quick to wither and die. While he can preserve them, Albedo chose to only do it to the ones that have a.. sentimental value to him. Aether’s first bought flower for him was hard to top. Albedo stared at them, deciding to leave them alone and went outside.
Dragonspine might appear intimidating and can be considered as a dangerous area, but one can’t deny its own unique beauty and traits. Like how the snow never melts, piling around the mountain and more strange incidents that only make sense inside the mountain. Not to mention Durin’s remains and heart that is either a sight to not miss or somewhere everyone should avoid. Albedo never had such problems.
He reached the place the closest to the pillar and found a seat. With the fire by his side and tools in hand, Albedo began sketching the foggy view of many islands from afar. The pillar too, ends up being the subject of his drawing, Albedo thought it would be a waste to have a look this close and not do anything.
Albedo flips the page, and another, and another until it starts to pile up on one side. His hands are moving with his eyes yet still ended up making the same line as he always does to make Aether’s eyes appear more soft and gentle, his features to be delicate but fierce.
Painting Aether always comes naturally.
His eyes trained forward, looking at nothing but imagining his muse in mind. Then the pillar seems to glow brighter, the shadows on his feet darken— and when he looks up, there is a light coming from the sky. Almost like..
Albedo stood abruptly, watching with bated breath while the star continued to descend.
He rushed to come down and tripped many times.
With its tail and direction of the stardust, it’s going to land in Dragonspine. Somewhere, somewhere Albedo should be. Racing with a meteor is already a losing battle, Albedo doesn’t hear any impact but instead feels it and his heart thump along with it.
Albedo sensed something like a deja vu watching the freezing mist and the lingering hisses.
It’s been a while since he’d come to see the outskirts, it remained as a barren land. The star hits the center and what became of the frozen pond hardly matters when there’s an even more focus on the object that descends. The birds flock off, frantic as they fly away.
Albedo scrambled from top and almost sent himself rolling down. The fog slowly dispersed like a tease and he set foot on the ground just when a silhouette finally appeared— Bathed in gold and white accents, a long and golden braid. There was no mistaking it as the figure looks and appears like that of a star, carrying its aura with him. His cape swayed beautifully, orbs glow bright and lingering.
The figure turned and came the face he’d been waiting to see again.
Fireworks sparked in the far distance as he ran, painting the night sky while Albedo enveloped the brightest among them. His footprints left behind, following his excited steps. And when he fell, it was to the waiting arms that promised him of return. There’s the feeling of warmth, soothing and touching in contrast to how the universe may appear.
When they kissed, he felt the gentle rhythm of the stars, pulsing underneath his fingertips. Thank you for guiding him back to me.