𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 | genshin impact

| 05 |: Trial and Error

Khemia.

The wretched form of alchemy that instigated the fall of the Eclipse Dynasty.

The wretched form of alchemy that brought life to her, who never asked to be born.

Without warning, (y/n)'s hand shot out to encircle Albedo's neck in a painful grip, causing him to let out a choked gasp. He dug his nails into the hand that was crushing his throat in a vain attempt to loosen her hold. He gritted his teeth, having not expected her to react in such a way. True to her purpose, her strength is no joke, and he had a feeling that she could snap his neck right now if she so desires.

"What do you know about me?" she asked in a low voice, "Depending on your answer, I may just spare your life."

"C-calm down," he rasped out, "I'll t-tell you everything."

She immediately released him, watching him drop on the floor with an icy gaze. She hated it when people talk about the circumstances of her birth, causing her to become hostile at the mere mention of how and why she was created. Albedo coughed, gently massaging his neck to ease the tension; a bruise is sure to form there the next morning. He then pushed himself to his feet, sighing quietly.

"My master, Rhinedottir told me about a project that was conducted many years before the Cataclysm. It heavily involved the use of Khemia," he began, folding his arms over his chest, "If my memory serves me correctly, the alchemists that were involved in the project tried to make a flawless vessel that could contain the authority of god so that they could create 'an imitation god who would do the bidding of the humans'." The alchemist gazed straight into her eyes, and she immediately looked away; he was right on the dot. "After many failed attempts, they were able to create Gungnir, the Spear of Dawn. At least, that's what you're formally known as, (y/n)."

Imitation god.

Gungnir.

Spear of Dawn.

Those were names she hadn't been called ever since Project: Gungnir was forcefully shut down by the command of Khaenri'ah's last king.

Albedo cupped his chin, his other hand moving to rest on his hip. "The crucial details of Project: Gungnir have been lost to time, but I was hoping that you'd allow me to study you to further my understanding of Khemia. Of course, I will only conduct experiments with your consent."

(Y/n)'s entire body froze at the mention of experiments. Again? She took a few staggering steps back, shaking her head as beads of cold sweat formed on her brow. She didn't want to be trapped in another endless cycle of sleeping and waking up; she didn't want to be brainwashed; she didn't want to feel pain. Although she was able to stop herself from going berserk when she used to live in Khaenri'ah's research facility, she wasn't sure if she could do it again. Unpleasant memories of her past began to invade her mind. She clenched her fists before unfurling them and repeated the process, eyes wide.

"Dainsleif... Dainsleif..." she mumbled, repeating her former companion's name like a mantra. She gripped her head with both hands. If Dainsleif was here, he could calm her down instantly with his voice.

Albedo could hear her ragged breathing as he was gauging her reaction, and became alarmed.

"(Y/n)?" he called, taking a cautious step towards her. Oh no, did he trigger something? When he reached for her shoulder, his hand was immediately slapped away before he was tackled down by (y/n), who had lost control of her killing instincts. He let out a sharp gasp, feeling her hands slowly wrap around his neck once more as she straddled his waist on the floor. The blond stared into her glowing eyes, seeing a whirlpool of anger and fear in them.