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The real Albedo has been dead for a long time. Buried among icy spires, the genius alchemist of Mondstadt has found his doom in this snowbound hell.
Subject 2 observes his work for a moment, ensuring that an injured body does not breathe, and then walks away. No one will ever find him here.
The long-awaited goal has been achieved, what he longed for is now here. Now he is Albedo. The right to exist, which was taken away a long time ago, has been returned.
.......
Parents forbid children to scratch their wounds, so the infection does not spread throughout the body. Well, Subject 2 was never obedient, much like a child; he did not consider the consequences, or rather, he had not foreseen the extent of it.
The power that revived him from the dragon's stomach was now spreading through his body with pain in return. It demanded murder. It was the only thing that could ease the pain. Alchemist's blood was supposed to be a panacea but turned out to be a drug. And now, after having retreated for a while, bloodthirstiness returned in a new wave.
Now he knows that the next sacrifice must be bigger. It would be a lie to say that holding back was easy. Shaking hands, consciousness suppressed by delirium spoke about it.
"Albedo" grits his teeth, trying to regain grip on a brush. It does not last, soon he throws it away, leaning over a table he holds on to it with hands. Breath, breath, do not panic - is that what people usually say to do. Alchemist returns to an easel. Even though nobody could see him in that godforsaken laboratory on the top of the mountain, he shouldn't show any sign of his own feelings or visible discomfort. He is Albedo. And if he lets his guard down at once, he could be caught red-handed. So 'Albedo' continues to wield the brush. Being frank, drawing was never his hobby. By copying his brother, he had fully mastered the skill even in that field, but still couldn't find pleasure in it. And why would his copy do such boring things so often? But that's what kreideprinz has been doing almost every day and so must he.
.......
Subject 2 read that strong feelings urge people to do amazing things. They also make people blind and they become perfect victims for manipulation. So, whether you like it or not, relationships are an essential part of the successful plan.
It's not easy to outwit Traveler, the person who first revealed his disguise when even his own assistant couldn't tell him apart from the original. But Subject 2 was not born yesterday. And it would be a lie to say that he didn't come prepared.
And yet the other one is fidgeting near the entrance, undoubtedly not even listening to the results of the recent experiment. Annoying. Did he notice? Yet "Kreideprinz" continues his speech, pretending not see it. At one moment, Traveler's hand grabs his, and now they're standing opposite each other.
At first, the young man first looks at him resolutely, but then awkwardly hides his eyes again, wandering over the surface of the table and the floor.
- Albedo, I... no. I mean, is everything alright?
Unexpected reaction. But the alchemist keeps his face neutral and indifferent.
- Since our last meeting, nothing that's worth worrying about has occurred. Why do you ask?
- I just... You look sick.
Surprised by his own impulsivity, he slowly lets go of the alchemist's hand. "Albedo" chuckles and the corners of his lips almost form a smile.
- Simply tired
.......
Delirium was not only filling scientist's thoughts but started to transfer to physical objects. A scarlet sword in the shape of a dragon's eye, which is in the corner of the room, seems to be truly looking into his soul right now. A piercing feeling paralyzed him in a place for a while, a little more, and he could almost hear an unknown force speaking to him. Traveler's voice brings him out of his trance; an energetic girl can also be heard in the background.
- How about making the biggest snowman? And then Albedo would choose whose the best?
The girl in red liked that offer, and she quickly run outside. Light haired youth turned to him, who was still standing frozen near a table.
- You know, you could share what's bothering you. I can see how tense you have been lately. You will feel better once you let it out.
Oh, he wants to play this. Well then. And he talks about his sister Klee, about research of Durin's blood, about his Master. The traveler listens attentively and looks at him with something like sympathy. Then he tries to console him and give an advice.
Ah, what a naive. If only he knew. The only thing Subject 2 has in mind is the desire to live and kill. But say it out loud and all the path would be waisted. So the prototype remains patient.
You just need to flatter people a little, tell them how special they are to you, or better yet, come up with some secret that you will entrust only to them. And they are more than willing to turn a blind eye to your shortcomings and their suspicions.
.......
- Albedo, look at my snowman! It's almost the size of you! - Klee cheerfully runs into her brother's embrace.
- Wow, how big, - a warm body against his cold one. Arms wrap around the alchemist's neck as much as possible. In fact, he likes Klee. Free from judgments and hidden motives, sympathetic and cheerful, as if she would like to make friends with the whole world. Perhaps they could have been friends together if she had known the real him. No, no, he is himself. He is Albedo and it's his life now. Such thoughts only sow seeds of more doubt. A voice occupied his mind, forcing him to continue holding Klee until he hears sobs:
- Albedo, it hurts! Albedo, let me go!
At first, he doesn't realize he has allowed the thoughts to cause her physical pain, until he notices how tightly the hands are gripping the child's fragile body. Then he twitches as if scalded and quickly frees the girl. Too late. Tears in the eyes are threatening to fall. Automatic "sorry-sorry", hands on her shoulders - he had definitely scared her. After noticing that something is wrong, Traveler that has been lurking somewhere behind all this time, catches up with them and tries to calm Klee down.
Just right in front of the Traveler.
He wanted to cut off his arms for such a foolish act. He will dig his own grave if it continues like this.
.......
Humans. He wants to be among them and at the same time hates them. So mercantiles, always judging you, only want the things that are good, forgetting about their own shortcomings. By being Albedo, he has an opportunity to feel dedication, love, and respect. But if he was himself, there would be no place for such as Subject 2. And that thought eats alchemists from the inside, makes the blood boil.
Rage adds fuel to the bloodthirst. "Albedo's" efforts have not yielded results and one day sick power reaches its climax. Destroy this city and every person in it. Make them pay for their vices.
Blood rushes to the head, and the heartbeat is heard in the ears. He grips the sword firmly in hand, determination is seen in his steps. He doesn't remember anything after that.
.......
He falls, his head hits the ground and the pain in the chest suddenly lifts the veil from his mind. Above him there is the Traveler with a bloody sword, his final executioner. Now he understands where the pain has come from. There is a contradictory expression on the famous Mondstadt's hero. He cries, but does not dare to remove the weapon.
- I'm sorry, Albedo... I promised to stop you
Promised to stop? Oh... Even here, his long-dead brother turned out to be one step ahead of him. He has taken care to save those nearby, even at the cost of his life. But the imposter was not prepared for it.
He doesn't live his story and nobody will know that Subject 2 has died in this world. Everybody will miss Albedo but not him and that probably hurts the most.
"That's not fair", he thinks, but filled with blood lungs, don't let him speak, and eyelids inexorably become heavier.