Chapter Text
The sky was pretty, but he should’ve been seeing it with Kaeya.
The thought felt childish, and none of their promises were legally binding, but Albedo couldn’t help it. This all felt wrong. He promised Kaeya that they’d see the sky together.
But Kaeya wasn’t here anymore. Even if he was, there was no guarantee he would still want to be friends with Albedo. The Albedo that Kaeya had been friends with had long since perished. The current Albedo was the result of many years of trial and error on his creator, Rhinedottir’s, part. Because of this, the current Albedo only held some memories and traits from his former life, but not all.
He remembered Kaeya, his master said that’s what made him unique to her other attempts, he was the only one to hold memories of the former prince. He could still see Kaeya’s smile, clear in his mind, as he trudged through the mountains. He’s almost certain that he could paint the scene in his mind. But he could never capture the emotions the way he would want to. Never capture the joy and naïveté that they both held, both lost. It felt like a lifetime ago. In a way, it was.
Albedo had spent many nights pondering the benefits to these memories. He was happy to have memories that he shared with Kaeya, but he also felt a strong sense of melancholy upon realizing they may never meet again.
“Did you gather the materials I asked for?” A voice shook him out of his thoughts.
“Yes, Master.” Albedo answered Rhindottir. He knew that his former self had viewed his creator as a mother, and in a way, he shared that sentiment. But to call Rhinedottir mother, it felt too informal for their current relationship.
“Good,” The alchemist responded. “Set them beside the crafting bench.”
The blond did as he was told, setting a handful of crystals cores and mistflowers beside the crafting bench Rhinedottir was currently working at. This had become Albedo's routine since his creation. He would travel across Teyvat with his master, assisting her with her research and experiments, while she taught him the ways of alchemy and the world around them. In his spare time, Albedo would read and draw whatever came to mind. Sometimes though, he would just think of Kaeya.
When Rhinedottir first realized that Albedo had remembered the prince, she had taken the time to explain the fate of his friend. Albedo had listened attentively as she explained the fall of Khaenri’ah, and Kaeya’s role in it all. How Kaeya had to be sent away by the king, but leaving Khaenri’ah after such a battle had caused them to move through time. When his creator finished her explanation, Albedo felt he had more questions than answers.
He would wonder where his friend was now. Rhinedottir said that he was sent somewhere safe, away from the prying eyes of archons who wished him harm. Albedo chose to believe her, partly due to his trust in the alchemist and partially for his own peace of mind. He liked to believe that Kaeya was sent to a kind, wealthy family. The type of family rich enough to have their own private library, so Kaeya can continue his interest in reading. He hoped that the former prince was surrounded by friends right now, or whenever he is. Maybe Kaeya had a new best friend. Someone who could keep an eye on him while Albedo wasn’t there.
His friend had suffered enough. He deserved people who loved him. Who would keep him safe. Who would stay with him in a way Albedo couldn’t.
Someone who wouldn’t leave Kaeya the way Albedo did.
He wonders if Kaeya would ever recognize him if they were to ever cross paths again. The original Albedo was but a small child when he met his end. Now, thanks to Rhinedottir, Albedo’s form was more similar to that of a young adult. How old would Kaeya be if they were to meet again? Would he be recognized if Kaeya was still a child? Or if he had grown old by the time they saw each other?
Albedo didn’t bother to contemplate the other possibility. The unspoken chance that he will never cross paths with him again. Because there’s no confirmation that Kaeya survived being sent away, or that he wasn’t sent centuries in the past, away from Albedo’s reach.
“What’s on your mind, Albedo?” His creator looked up from her experiment. She’s always had a knack for knowing when Albedo had become lost in his thoughts.
“Will I ever be able to travel by myself?” Albedo asked curiously.
“One day,” Rhindottir hummed. “I’ll have to let you go. Allow you to travel this strange world by yourself. But you’re still new to this world. I’m not letting you go until I’m certain you can manage on your own.”
“I see.” Was all Albedo responded with.
“There’s something else on your mind.” The alchemist stated bluntly. “It won’t do you any good to keep your thoughts to yourself. Speak freely.”
Albedo remained silent for a while. There was so much he wanted to say. So many worries that plagued him. Finally, he settled on the most pressing matter.
“Is he still alive, Master?” Albedo questioned, his voice barely above a whisper.
Rhinedottir paused for a moment, thinking, before answering. “It’s hard to tell. He could be alive in a century, or he could’ve long since lived his life.”
“Oh…” the blond trailed off, contemplating whether or not to continue speaking. He had to ask though. “Do you think I’ll be able to see him again?”
“Would that make you happy, child?” The woman questioned.
Albedo answered without hesitation. “It would.”
“Then I hope you two can meet again.” Rhinedottir smiled softly. “It may take a while, would you be willing to wait for him?”
Albedo nodded. “However long it takes, whether it be tomorrow or a century from now.”
“It may take longer than that.”
“Then I’ll continue to wait for him.”