Work Text:
Gazing upon moon kissed land I have grown to call home I can’t help but notice a shift in the atmosphere.
The wind is unusually cold tonight.
The air itself carries a scent of looming disaster and impending
May the day never come that those I love will be in danger.
Mondstadt, Traveler….And….
“Kaeya? Is everything ok? You usually retire to your quarters at this time of night.”
Albedo.
I was so deep in thought I didn’t hear him enter my office. He seems…different. Something isn’t right. His eyes? They’re so empty but so sharp.
“Ah, Albedo. My apologies if I worried you being here so late. Acting Grandmaster Jean needed some assistance with this last minute paperwork. What brings you to this city at this hour?”
He enters and closes the door behind him but doesn’t let go of the doorknob. There’s a slight tremor about him. Even in battle he’s never flinched this much.
“Albedo?” He is so….distant. As if he isn’t even here.
The alchemist gathers himself. Squares his shoulders and turns to face the cavalry captain his eyes laser focused on the Khaenrian.
“Kaeya, there is something I need to ask you. It is of the utmost importance.”
The air has become heavy.
There’s an aura about him.
Albedo. What is going on?
“Anything for a fellow night and especially for my favorite alchemist.”
I make my way towards him and rest my hand on his shoulder. What I thought was calming gesture sent him rigid almost as if he was afraid of me.
“Albedo wha-“
“If I created something that got out of control, something so monstrously dreadful that it tried to attack our home would you stop it? Would you be able to end it even if it meant ending its life could you do it?”
He’s staring so desperately into my eye I can’t look away. He’s so….afraid. So small and frightened before me.
“That’s a very specific question to ask me. Albedo why would you need me to-“
Before I can finish he pulls back as if he’s been burned.
“JUST ANSWER THE DAMN QUESTION KAEYA!”
There’s tears in his eyes and that’s when I couldn’t take it anymore. I pull him into me as close as I can.
“Yes! You have my word Albedo! If anything you create dares threaten our home or our loved ones I’ll stop it no matter what! Even if my life is lost doing so!”
My shoulder is soaked his tears flowing so strongly. His body fully gives and relies on me to hold him upright as if he’s been carrying a burden all his life. The heavy almost malicious aura that was around dissipated instantly.
“Thank you Kaeya! Thank you!”
I let him get it all out before helping him straighten up. There’s a stray tear that I catch and gently wipe off his face. I put my forehead against his.
“We’ll be ok. I promise.”
I don’t know if he thought I could t hear him but what he said next made my blood run cold.
“Praise the archons, my prayers have been answered”.
For an alchemist to pray for his life.
Albedo.
What have you done