Nameless Anomaly | ✧ Scaramouche

IV.2 • [ sinking steps ]

four.point.two • 4.2

[ ｓｉｎｋｉｎｇ　ｓｔｅｐｓ ]

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"Umm...How are you feeling now?." You couldn't help but notice how Sucrose's ears perked along with her worried expression as she probed you. She just got back from Mondstadt along with Timaeus. With her cheeks dusted rosy pink and with her breath forming a cloud of mist, there was a small smile plastered on her face after scanning your condition. You were close to a complete recovery.

You had been staying in Albedo's 'abode' in Dragonspine for a few days, almost a week now. It was everything like a laboratory when you were first brought in and you didn't know when it had turn into such a cozy place. Inevitably, you became familiar with the people that came along your stay.

"Nothing too different. I don't have headaches anymore but some parts of my body still hurts from time to time." You said honestly and returned your own awkward smile.

The bones that were broken on your body were healing nicely. The Alchemist's healing potion that boasted of its 'instantaneous' healing effect did not have much effectivity on your body but the accumulated effect of shoving a bunch of it down your throat gradually did its job. Albedo, more or less encouraged and managed to persuade you to drink the potions as much as your body could tolerate. With his rational nature, he didn't do much to convince you. His words were naturally logical and oddly persuasive. With only few exchanges of words, he's won you over and only then did you let your guard down completely.

"T-That's good news!. I hope you can fully recover soon." Sucrose said while she lifted her glasses and was adjusting it out of habit. You just gave her an acknowledging nod, agreeing. From what you could observe, you estimated that after a few more days, you'd make a full recovery. There was no trace left of the wounds you endured and not a single scar remained visible on your body thanks to alchemy.

Sucrose, who rarely came to Albedo's lab initially, started to frequently visit Dragonspine. She was very concerned about you and treated you sincerely despite being busy working on her research. In turn, you appreciated her efforts of making trips all the way from Mondstadt.

"Hmm, I think it won't be long until she's well. Don't worry about her too much Sucrose." The blonde alchemist was seen with his papers again with his usual stoic expression worn whenever he's working. It would change once in a blue moon though and surprisingly, he's very accommodating and warm. It might be because of his expressionless demeanor but your first impression of him was anything other than a hospitable person. Yes, the word is indeed 'hospitable'. You could tell that it wasn't just once or twice that he had people come over to his lair. Otherwise, why was he so skilled at making small talks and taking care of others?. Thanks to him, you enjoyed your time being a guest at his place. He always made sure that that you were comfortable and provided all of the things you could probably need— which wasn't really much. You were used to Dragonspine's cold and what living in such an environment could entail so you didn't make much adjustments that truly troubled him.

"Hey, I brought some sunsettias for you to try. I got this batch from Quinn today so it should be fresh." Timaeus gave you a pouch with fruits inside of it. Your eyes widened at the familiar sight of it. This fruit....You've seen it before. It just felt that way. But where?

"Thank you." You uttered a thanks and immediately took a bite of the said fruit. It was sweet but also hinted a sour flavor. Then you started to wonder whether it would taste the same when it's frozen.

Eventually, Sucrose, Timaeus, and Albedo resumed their research tasks. You couldn't really grasp what could be so charming about research that got these three hooked. They worked and worked, also complained once in a while, but in the end they still continued working on it. As the idle person, the only thing you could do was peek on what they were doing and make sense of what you were seeing. You've seen Sucrose wield the wind a few times and was fascinated by it. You couldn't continue being clueless so you asked the Chief Alchemist to enlighten you. Thanks to Albedo's teaching, you've learned about how this could be possible.

Albedo is a good instructor. He taught you a lot of things and you were awed by how much knowledge he had about alchemy. His academic talks with you felt pleasant. Despite him one-sidedly carrying the conversation sometimes, he was more than happy to share his thoughts with you. From him, you learned the concept elemental powers  of this world, Teyvat. As someone who knew nothing like a human being who was in seclusion, it wasn't unusual that you were unknowledgeable.

You eventually learned that there are currently 7 elements existing namely Hydro, Pyro, Dendro, Cryo, Electro, Geo and Anemo. They could be materialized into what they call a 'vision'. Vision-bearers' are the chosen ones. They possess 'visions' and can call upon their elemental powers in respect to the element their visions have. Apparently, Sucrose is an Anemo vision-bearer and holds authority to control the winds. Albedo is a Geo vision-bearer, the element of the earth. Both you and Timaeus didn't have any vision. Both of you are just normal beings and do not have the privilege to control the elements.

"We're out of quartz." Your gaze turned toward the entrance and saw Timaeus preparing to head out, possibly to get some of the quartz he was looking for. Sucrose stopped what she was doing when he heard Timaues and followed him to the entrance. "I also needed crystals. I'll come with you." The two of them went out without much noise, carrying their bagpacks, but not even 5 minutes have passed from when they exited the entrance, they went back inside the laboratory, agitated and panting as if someone was chasing the both of them,

"What happened to you two?" You asked the duo.

Albedo scans both of Sucrose and Timaeus's faces. The two of them looked at each other grimly before Timaeus finally answers, "There's a lot of monsters outside."

'Monsters?.' As you thought of that word, a hazy memory plays in your head. A loud roar and a being in a form of ice. 'That one was probably a monster.'

"We didn't encounter them when we came here early in the morning, but when we came out just now, there were monsters swarming on the path we used to hike."
Sucrose wiped the sweat misting her forehead before continuing, "There were also an unusual number of fatuus patrolling around."

An atmosphere of unease started to settle down on their conversation. The three couldn't help but look at you, silently deducing that this event may or may not have something to do with you. You swallowed a lump on your throat, feeling like you've been put on a spot because of how they were staring. You were oblivious to what was currently playing out but the word 'Fatuus' brought a sense of unease.

You and the great organization of Shneznaya, the Fatui...
What could be your connection?

Unfortunately, it will still remain as a mystery.

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Heya~. It's been a while!. I guess it's been a whole year since I last updated?.
Oops. Real life has been hectic so I almost forgot about this.
Well, here's the overdue update that I owe you guys that are still reading this even though it's been so long.
It's only a short update since I split Chap 4 into two parts.
Hopefully, I get more motivation to write after I finish taking my licensure exams.
So, see you on the next chapter (?) :>