Commission To Slay a Black Dragon

Chapter XII: Like Fireworks II

"Scheduled for release in three hours."

A lone pen tapped its clipboard with hypnotic rhythm as secrets echoed through the dim walls for no one to hear. Although the grey concrete hid time from the alchemist, he was well aware of his upcoming expedition with the Fatui envoy. In fact, he had prepared for his departure a few hours before, and was currently running through a detailed checklist in his head.

Everything had to be perfect, all accounted for, since he had no plans of returning.

"Full day choir rehearsal for Windblume," he confirmed, running his finger through the faded markings of a hanging calendar, making sure that a certain sister wouldn't be stalking him around Dragonspine today. Then, flipping through a thick brown book, he verified its contents once more before placing it atop an empty table which was finally cleared of its piles of scattered contents.

Next, he glided to his usual corner to begin his daily routine: Dry swallowing a painkiller for the day, then scanning over his arms, legs and torso with concentrated precision, checking that any traces of corruption on his body had been fully concealed. He drew out a syringe, ready to perform the regular health checkup on himself to monitor how far the corruption has spread, but after a moment of hesitation, he decided against it. After all, there was no longer a point in doing so.

Finally, he checked his bag to ensure that everything he needed was there, especially the concoction  that he had brewed just for this day, bottled in an air-tight rubber flask. He had only briefly tested it on a small scale, but was confident that the amount he packed was enough to incinerate everything within a sizable radius without leaving any trace of evidence behind.

Of course, he hopes that he wouldn't have to resort to using it, but he knows better than to underestimate a Harbinger, even if he is visionless. Satisfied at his preparedness, he slings the bag over his shoulder and gives the gloomy lab one last, longing look. As if pleading for his return, the door creaked in sad whines to a close.

Out of the tunnel, the clear skies showered over the bustling City of Freedom. The alchemist paced down the stone steps, receiving friendly greetings from the townspeople along the way, which he would reciprocate with a small smile. By the entrance, a carriage was waiting. The small Fatuus stood under the cool shade of his hat with his arms folded, eyes closed in serene patience. Albedo quickened his footsteps, reaching at eight on the dot with a small greeting.

"Are you ready to head off?" the Fatuus politely asked with a smile.

Without offering any expression in return, Albedo simply nodded, preparing to board the carriage after his guest.

"Big brother Albedooo!!!"

A familiar voice, followed by a ball of red colliding into his torso just as he turned. The little spark knight tightly wrapped her arms around the alchemist, drilling her head in with overflowing affection. The little girl cutely raised her head to cast her large amber eyes at her brother.

"Where are you going?" she asked, attempting to cloak her desire to be brought along.

She peeked at the stranger behind, who catches her gaze in instantly and offers a small wave. Klee frowns, choosing not to acknowledge the gesture by burying her head back into her brother.

"I'll be back late, please don't wait up for me today," he says, gently patting the her red beret to soothe the unfortunate news for her,

"I'll make it up to you next week, I promise."

Klee pouts in dejection that there will be "no bedtime stories from big brother Albedo today", but accepts his compensation for the following week. After all, he said that he promised.