Chapter Text
The workshop glowed softly, sunlight filtering through the window and causing the tiles below to shimmer. On a table nearby, the faint bubbling of a beaker added to the peaceful ambiance, a warm flame dancing underneath the item.
Albedo sat nearby, maintaining a sharp gaze on how the boiling substance gradually changed in color. His arm rested upon the table’s surface, his hand automatically scratching notes into his sketchbook. The expression on his face was one of indifference, the experiment itself only a means to an end. It offered him nothing of true interest by itself. And, honesty, if this wasn’t one of his required tasks for the day, he would be spending his time doing something else.
However, as the Chief Alchemist and Investigation Team Captain of Ordos Favonius, it was of no surprise he has responsibilities besides his own agendas. While their simplicity made it rather boring, at least it allowed him to efficiently blaze through it. Due to this, he only needs to invest minimal effort to get the job done. After that, he would have the rest of the day to continue his personal research projects.
He supposes that it’s a small price to pay for the perks that come with such a position and reputation.
Albedo reached for his paintbrush before a knock sounded upon his door. It left him a tad curious as to who was visiting him at this time. And so, he checked the state of the beaker while raising his voice enough to be heard through the door. “Just a moment, please.”
After making sure everything would be alright unattended, he briskly made his way to the doors of his workshop. The moment he opened it, he spotted familiar light green locks.
“Good evening, Sucrose.” Albedo greeted before taking note of her appearance. It appeared as if she overexerted herself. His gaze then spotted something behind her and he realized it was a rather large package. The box was a bit wide and its height reached his abdomen.
Huh… Did she carry it all the way here by herself?
“Is everything alright?” He asked her. Sucrose blinked before straightening her posture. Her ears remained flat against her head, her nervousness evident.
“Ah, Mr. Albedo, um…” Sucrose took a moment to collect her thoughts, a hand fiddling with the cuff of her glove. “There’s a package for you sent by Klee’s mother, Miss Alice. It seemed important and I was going to pass by anyway, s-so I thought I’d bring it with me.”
Albedo raised a brow, eyes widening by a fraction at the sender’s name. He rested a hand under his chin as he stared at the plain, yet sturdy, packaging. “Miss Alice sent me something? Hopefully, it’s nothing too… volatile.”
Alice is a rather interesting woman and a friend of his master. While he has barely made contact with her, he knows enough that she could wreak havoc upon a place if desired. It made a part of him find it humorous that the people of Mondstadt worried about the destructive nature of her daughter, Klee.
Ah, if only they knew that Klee’s level of destruction was much tamer compared to her mother. And, in a way, Albedo is fortunate that he doesn’t see Alice. Klee is already enough of a handful for him — not that it was an entirely bad thing. But, it certainly leaves him with plenty of cleanup work.
He’s also pretty sure that Jean has long since reached her wit’s end. Yet, Klee manages to return from her time outs with even more explosive motivations. Literally and figuratively.
“I see. Thank you for your consideration.” Albedo responded, resting a gloved hand atop the large package with growing interest and wariness.
Sucrose had a tiny smile gracing her features in response to his words. She was glad she didn’t accidentally bother him. “You’re welcome and,” She then glanced at a nearby clock. “I-I must be going. Please excuse me.”
Albedo nodded toward her as a silent farewell, the girl returning it before hurrying her way down the hall. That left him standing in an empty hallway with the mysterious delivery that could, possibly, be some sort of explosive device.
With care, he managed to slide the box into his workshop. As he did so, he took note of the item’s weight which was rather heavy. It seemed pretty solid as well. Could there be some sort of casing within?
Well, there was only one way to find out.
Albedo approached the beaker, turning off the miniature stove underneath it. He could return to the task at a later time. For now, something else is occupying his mind.
He wandered over to a drawer to retrieve a short knife, turning it in his grip as he made sure it was in good enough condition. With a soft hum of approval, he returned to the box and began to cut away the external packaging.
The sides were lowered and the first thing he noticed was an odd chill emanating from the object.
Taking a step back to view it in its entirety, he wasn’t quite sure what to think. It appeared to be some sort of rectangular safe, or some sort of… short fridge? The dark grey steel faintly shimmered in the light of his workshop, the door to it perfectly sealed shut.
Albedo trod with caution just in case, removing a glove and pressing a hand against it. Just as he expected, it was freezing to the touch. In fact, he was simply standing close by and he could feel the low temperature seeping out. While his body could detect such temperatures, it did not affect him that much. But that didn’t remove the fact that it is unexpected.
What in the world would require such low temperatures? Normally, such levels would indicate some sort of preservation.
It was then that his eyes caught sight of something underneath the short legs of the odd fridge. Bending to pick it up, he found that it was an envelope. Ah, this should explain some things. But…
Albedo’s gaze wandered to the object’s closed door as he considered his options.
While it would be logical to read the contents of the letter first, he couldn’t help his growing curiosity. The thought of opening the box before being informed of what’s inside is sounding more and more appealing. It has been a good while since something has caught his attention like this, after all.
Open the box or read the letter… Which to do first…?
Albedo frowned in thought before placing the letter on the table closest to him. With that done, he found himself skillfully undoing the latches to the object’s door.
Leaving something as a surprise shouldn’t hurt, right?
He finally gripped the door’s handle, pulling it open with some force due to how tightly it was sealed. The moment it swung open, his body instantly detected a blast of cold air that had been trapped within the steel box. However, what he saw inside made him stare in silence.
Albedo’s eyes were wide as he gazed upon the item. Before him was an egg able to reach his thigh in height resting securely within. If he was judging its size correctly, then the space inside should be able to fit someone a little bigger than Klee only if in a fetal position.
“Perhaps I should have read the letter first.” Albedo thought, but his shock soon converted into wonder.
His ungloved hand reached forth as he gently ran his fingers along the shell. Even with the layer of ice coating it, he could tell the texture would be smooth much like a common bird egg. However, the color is what mainly caught his attention.
It reminded him of the ocean’s depths and the melancholy blue of a dull winter sky. The color brightened in some areas almost like highlights, reminding Albedo of Noctilucous Jade. There were even some delicate streaks of a soft and incredibly light shade of yellow on it. On top of the egg, he noticed that there was a dark blue shape that seemed to rise from the shell’s surface.
Actually, unless he was viewing it wrong, the shape crowning the top of the egg reminded him of his solar isotoma…
On autopilot, Albedo’s mind raced with numerous ideas and questions.
“I have never seen an egg such as this before and I’m certain that there are no records of such an egg at all. Does it belong to a large bird? Perhaps it could even belong to a reptile… —a dragon perhaps?” Albedo lightly shook his head, standing up as he reached for the unopened letter.
It would do no good to make assumptions until he’s gathered some concrete facts first. Hopefully, this letter could answer some of his questions.
“Dear Albedo,
Within this package is a unique creation much like yourself who will aid you with your research. However, due to… circumstances, an incubation period will be required. You may free him from his cryopreservation when ready. Treat him well Albedo! Rhine gave you a little(?) brother! - Alice
Ps. Rhine totally forgot that she made him. So, surprise?”
Albedo glanced away from the letter to stare at the frozen egg. “… What?”
His fingers distractingly rubbed over the smooth paper as he pondered over the implications. “This egg… it does not belong to some sort of animal or creature? My master made it? It’s… He’s supposed to be like me?”
Placing the letter back down, Albedo wandered close to the frozen egg. He found himself frowning, biting the bottom of his lip as he tried to process the information.
It has been ages since he’d last seen his master and now she decided to send him a creation? A creation that she made, but forgot all about? And one that is supposed to be like him? But… why? Does it have something to do with his lack of progress in finding the truth and meaning of the world? Is this some sort of silent message that he isn’t enough?
Well, it’s not like he can disagree. The moment his master left him with the troublesome task, he immediately knew it was out of his range of capabilities. And yet, he still attempts to solve it with the hopes of finding an answer and seeing his master once more.
But still… what did this mean? What did any of it mean? And encasing it within an egg? Alice did mention special circumstances and an egg would be a reasonable capsule…
Albedo tried to ignore the foreign pang within his chest at the fact that his master didn’t bother to send a note.
“I wonder if my master sealed it within an egg to delay its “birth” until it was ready or required.” Albedo considered, hand on his chin. “Other than that, if the being in this egg is supposed to be like me, then it must be human in appearance. I wonder, will it—will he look like me? If so, then to what degree?”
Albedo knew that the only thing he could do was incubate it until the egg finally hatches. Only then would he finally be able to gain further answers. After all, he can’t go smashing the thing open. It would ruin whatever specimen is inside and it would also be disrespectful toward his master’s efforts.
Yes… this was much more intriguing than anything he has worked on for a very long while.
This is perfect research material. But first, he’ll have to thaw it and find a way to properly incubate it.
“Normally, eggs are able to be surrounded by body heat. However, the size of this egg will make it difficult to make sure it doesn’t get too cold on one side or in certain spots.”
Albedo crossed his arms, brow furrowed as he tried to think of a solution. “I don’t believe I have something to properly warm it, but maybe the blacksmith could help forge the design for a large incubation device? I doubt anyone will question why I need such a thing. It’s not like I can’t hide such a device’s purpose either.”
With that in mind, Albedo closed the door to the frigid-like box while making sure it was properly resealed. He’ll focus on removing it completely at a later date.
For now, he’ll need to compile a list of supplies and prepare a suitable design for an incubation device. It’ll certainly be the first time he’s ever tried caring for something like this, but he’ll do his best.
Caught up within his enthusiasm for research, he didn’t realize he began to refer to the egg as an “it” again. Nor did he notice how no name was given.
Albedo spent the following days within his lab, his sketchbook filling with notes and a design for a device. When he requested certain materials and even approached the local blacksmith, no one batted an eye. Perhaps there were some curious bystanders, but none chose to disturb Albedo’s focus.
Before he knew it, the device was completed and delivered to his personal workshop. The design was simple and was comparable to some sort of wide, but short test tube. Either way, he had already made room for it in a tucked-away corner. It was the most ideal spot, especially since it meant the egg would be out of harm’s way should any accidents occur. This is his workshop after all and it would be terrible if something happened to it due to carelessness.
Albedo’s expression was one of intense focus, his hand reaching to test the temperature of the thawing egg once more. The ice had dissipated with time, leaving a smooth and slightly glossy surface. It was fascinating, really.
When he lightly pressed his finger on it, he could tell that it wasn’t too fragile. Much like any other egg, enough pressure could crack it, but at least this possessed above-average durability. Hopefully, Albedo won’t need to test the extent of that until the thing has hatched.
Either way, the temperature seemed fine and Albedo prepared to hoist it into the incubator.
With careful movements, he reached to pick it up from underneath. His hands hung low as he tried to see over it, the underside of his chin brushing against the top of the egg. Its size did make it a tad awkward to carry, but it wasn’t that unmanageable.
And, while it did feel heavy, it wasn’t overwhelmingly so. That was good. It would be unfortunate if he couldn’t easily transport it.
To be honest, he felt like he was trying to carry something close to his weight. Or, maybe it was more comparable to a child who was a tad too tall to be carried around. Perhaps that shouldn’t be a surprise if this is supposed to be like another him.
Either way, if his prediction is correct, then the moment this egg hatches, it may not provide a human-like creation in its infant stage of life. If Albedo had to make a guess, the thing inside the egg might look like that of a… ten-year-old human? Maybe a tad older, maybe younger?
“There. That should do it.” Albedo sighed softly as he made his way over, gently lowering it into the opened top of the incubator. After adjusting it to make sure it was sitting properly within, he sealed the top closed.
Albedo wandered over to some of the supplies he had ordered, easily grasping onto large vials of pyro slime cores. Even through his glove, he could pick up the warmth the essence emitted.
“Now, let’s see… I tested this earlier so it should work.” Albedo then slid the vials into special indents that ran around the incubator as if they were batteries. They clicked securely into place and when he was sure all was well, he inspected the main circuit for a final time.
With a silent nod to himself, he decided it was time to leave the testing phase of the device. Even if it didn’t work, he had done enough for the past couple of days to know it shouldn’t harm the egg.
Albedo flicked the switch to activate it and the glass to the incubator gained a warm hue. An orange glow emitted around it, heat generating and being fed to the egg at appropriate levels.
“Good. It is working as intended.” He removed a glove, bringing his hand close to triple-check that the egg wasn’t going to accidentally cook. It really shouldn’t. He had done plenty of tests and trial runs to make sure.
Albedo took some steps back to admire the results of his efforts. He crossed his arms as he thought about the next steps. “The letter didn’t detail the length of the incubation period. In that case, I should check on it often for any unusual signs. I should probably use the incubation periods of other oviparous animals as a reference. Perhaps I could formulate a rough estimate by calculating the average amount of time other eggs take?”
His brows furrowed in deep thought. “But I’d also have to consider what kind of egg this would classify as. Or, at least, the closest equivalent. I can already notice details that would make it closer to the feel of reptilian eggs…”
In truth, Albedo knows that raising this egg would be a challenge. He has barely any information on it and can only use other sources as references as to what to do. Other than that, he might as well be going in blind.
It was something that piqued his interest and made him worry at the same time. However, in the end, all he can do is try.
“Actually, there was no name provided for it.” Albedo slowly realized. Ah, he had gotten carried away once again. His eyes wandered back toward the warming egg. “But, what to name you…”
He closed his eyes as he thought, opening them shortly after. All Albedo could do was sigh. “I suppose I’m not in any hurry. Humans often don’t settle on names for their children until they’re almost ready to be birthed. And in the case that I fail in hatching the egg…”
Albedo frowned at the possibility before coming to his conclusion.
“Yes. Perhaps it is best that I do not give it a name.”