So- I Decided To Actually Attempt To Write For The Kaebedo Anastasia AU. As I Dont Have An Account On

So- I decided to actually attempt to write for the Kaebedo Anastasia AU. As I don’t have an account on AO3, I’m going to have to post it here. This is my first time doing something like this, so any advice would be appreciated :)

Also @thegorb-irl Thankyou for reading through this for me lmao

Warnings : Slight Violence, mentions of blood, Albedos OOC at the moment but in future parts it shouldn’t be too bad, Kaeya doesn’t appear in the prologue.

This does follow the storyline of Anastasia, so certain tweaks to both source materials have been made

Prologue - once upon a December’s dream

Khaenri’ah - 1907

The six year-old boy shifted his weight, now facing the woman sat on the end of his bed, a small frown painted onto his face. Ushering him towards her, the boy complied as he shuffled forwards - still refusing to meet her gaze. 

“Nana,” the boy started, finally looking up, “Do you really have to leave us?”

The Dowager Empress sighed before a small smile made its way onto her face, her fingers threading through a section of the boy’s ashy-blonde hair.

“Yes, Albedo. I will be leaving for Fontaine, but I won’t be gone forever,” the woman spoke as she took her grandson’s hands into her own. A pout was still visible on Albedo’s face, clearly unhappy about her leaving in the first place. However, as the boy began to ponder his own thoughts and consider the last part of her statement, his lips slightly tugged upwards. Majority of his worries had seemed to ease, yet had definitely not left his mind completely.

“I have something to give you, so that a part of me will always be with you.” the woman began to speak in a hushed voice whilst she reached over to the spot next to where she was sat. Albedo held his hands out, unsure of what to expect, yet he was excited nevertheless. Something slightly heavy had been placed in his hands, he opened his eyes to be greeted by a music box, decorated in intricate trimmings. His grin continued to spread across his face when she continued speaking.

“We will see each other again in Fontaine, this is something that I promise.” she claimed, a fond smile had took place as her expression, content with how she was saying goodbye to her grandson. Helping him open the music box, it began to play a calming tune, one that the two of them knew very well; even if it was made up of metallic notes. Almost instantly, she began singing the lullaby, with albedo eventually joining in. Describing a Decembers Dream, one that sounded beautiful and was a joy to think of. A sort of light glimmered in the six year-olds eyes: perhaps it was determination towards their future promise, or purely child wonder. When the lullaby came to an end, they both laughed slightly with any sense of melancholy seemingly disappearing for all but a moment. 

Khaenri’ah - 1917

That had been the last time he had seen his grandmother, The Dowager Empress - Rhinedottir. In what felt like a blink of the eye, ten years had whizzed by. Albedo was no longer just a child, but instead sixteen years-old. Despite how much time had passed by, he still hadn’t seen his grandmother since that fateful night. Frequently he would listen to the music box, the metallic notes, clicks and gears were a comforting melody, one that could momentarily fill the gap she had left behind.

Life continued on, after all it doesn’t wait for anyone, no matter their age or status. 

It was meant to be a wonderful evening, one filled with joy, festivities and splendour. It was meant to be filled with laughter, conversations and music echoing throughout the hall. And it was.

At least at the start of the night.

Albedo and his family - the Kreideprinz’s - were all in very similar clothing, all draped in silks and jewels that were fit for a royal family. He had spent the night dancing with his sisters, his mother and his father. He had gotten to enjoy his younger sister’s laughter, her bubbly demeanour that came with young age.

But none of it lasted.

BANG!

Gunshots rang out, shattering the hall’s windows. The people - their subjects - were rioting, No. Revolting. 

This was the people’s revolution.

It was a horrific sight, numerous bodies had dropped to the floor - puddles of blood spilling out from where they collapsed.

His family were frantically trying to escape. After all, the people were enraged because of them, there would be no way of negotiating.

Albedo followed them in their panic, before realising something, more rather the lack of something.

He rushed back in to the hall, grabbing the metal music box. The music box that once provided comfort couldn’t even help him now, but he refused to let it go.

Without a second to waste, Albedo picked up his pace as he headed towards the large corridors. Only a few minutes ago he had looked finely dressed, graceful even. But now his braids had fallen out, and he most likely looked very dishevelled; for once he didn’t care about that.

BANG!

Albedo froze.

Pain seared through his body, his eyes had widened.

He didn’t dare look down at his body, he didn’t want to look at the cause.

Everything went completely silent.

Albedo’s world had gone completely dark at age sixteen.

Fontaine - 1917

Rhinedottir’s knees nearly buckled at the news, and it was not due to her old age. She had let out a shriek, one filled with grief and horror, a shriek unfit for someone like her. She had began to sob.

“All of them?! My whole family, executed?!” She had managed to speak through her sobs, confused and horrified by what she had been told. A hand against her back ushered her to move forward - to continue onwards into the shelter of her home.

And for a while, the whole world believed that The Dowager Empress Rhinedottir Kreideprinz was the only Kreideprinz left.

Next

Currently a wip, going to be doing it digitally etc

Once again to do with Kaebedo Anastasia au, it’s a sort of redraw of that one scene from the original movie when Anastasia is in the blue dress on the stair case and dimitri is looking up at her in awe

Technically two chapters in and I still don’t know exactly what I’m doing lmao- I finally decided to make Childe be Gleb but I’m going down a platonic route instead of the original

I haven’t even figured out who I’m going to choose to be Lilly as none of the people I ship venti with have the same personality as her- But enough about that! Also Kaeya and Albedo will actually interact next chapter-

Warnings: Could be ooc, might not make sense at times, follows the plot of Anastasia the musical (hence the use of dialogue and lyrics from it), a few mentions of death I think this is all I need to note?

Words: 3762

Chapter 1 - A Rumor in Snezhnaya

The Neva Flows

A New Wind Blows

And soon it will be spring

Khaenri’ah? - 1927

Making his way through the crowd, the man shifted the flat-cap that was resting on his head. He had dark skin and long, blue hair that was pulled into a ponytail, draped over his shoulder. Majority of the people, that he was swerving in between, were cheering; their pride and joy present in the tone of their voices. Muttering to himself, the man came to a halt when the crowds became thicker. Amidst the sea of people, a single raised podium peered out of the mix of heads and hats. Proudly displayed on front of the podium was a banner with the revolution’s insignia stitched into it; just the sight was enough to repulse him.

Only a few minutes later did a man appear on the podium, holding his head up; prompting the audience to go completely silent, only coughs and slight shuffles could be heard. Just like the other fatui members, he was wearing a large, white and black coat lined with fur. His fiery ginger hair stood out amongst the monotone backdrops of the city, and country for that matter. If the man recalled correctly, then this would make this fatuus Childe, the eleventh of the fatui harbingers (who now governed this horrendous nation). Before speaking, Childe cleared his throat, a serious expression - that didn’t quite fit his face - present. His lips were drawn into a straight line and his eyebrows were furrowed - not a single speck of light seemed to reflect or shine in his eyes.

“We hear you Comrades! The Revolution hears you!” his voice boomed over the crowded plaza, his young age present in his voice.

“Yes our way is long, and the journey will be hard. After all, the chains of the Kreideprinz were heavy.” 

The blue-haired man muttered something under his breath, pulling his flat cap lower. Despite his displeasure at listening to this speech, he made no attempt to move away.

THUD!

Childe slammed his fist against the top of the podium, catching quite a few people off-guard.

“For three long centuries we were bound and entangled in them! Forced to watch them take but never give back! However-!”

“We have broken them!” An animalistic grin breaking out onto his face, it seemed almost unnatural - it made him look crazed. Almost as if planned,  the crowd erupted into applauses and colourful cries. 

From where he stood in the crowd, the man grimaced.

Psychopaths. the lot of them. If this is who’s in control, then, Archons save us.

Leaving no delay, the fatui harbinger continued on with his speech.

“Together, as one, We will forge a new Nation! A fair and compassionate Nation, one that will be the envy of the world!” He was clearly passionate about his cause, continuously making gestures with his hands and arms.

“That is the promise we have made, comrade to comrade.”

“The Kreideprinz’s Khaenri’ah, is now the people’s…”

“Snezhnaya!” Childe proudly exclaimed, his grin still spread from ear to ear.

Taking one last look at the overly happy “Snezhnayans”, the blue-haired man stormed past numerous people: some seemingly mortified, still scarred by what’s now “Snezhnaya’s” history. Making his way through the alleyways and back routes that had been ingrained in his head since a young age, the man began to complain out loud - for all who wanted to hear.

“They can call it Snezhnaya but it will always be Khaenri’ah! New name, same old empty stomachs!” 

His eyes were narrowed; furrowed eyebrows pushing them down slightly further than they already were. He had lowered his pace, yet that didn’t make a difference considering he was walking with long strides. A variety of people threw all sorts of looks at him - ranging from fear, anger and confusion. He decided it would be best to keep his rants for himself, in the safety of his mind. Countless times the fatui had told them that a brighter day would be dawning and that it was, apparently, at hand. Just the thought made him roll his eyes. It was ironic, most days the only weather they received was snow, rain or just miles of raging, grey clouds. If he had any actual faith in the gods, he might’ve even said that it was a punishment from Celestia itself. Much like the last few times he walked these paths, he noticed more houses and tents empty unlike the other days. Quite often it would be those who openly spoke out or resisted the revolution’s changes. After all… 

He who argues disappears.

Mumbling and muttering some more to himself, the man stumbled out onto one of the many overcrowded streets. 

“Hail our brave new land!” A group of bystanders cheered, causing a chorus of people to follow suit, whether it was out of commitment or fear was yet to be decided. In a mocking tone, he joined in their chants and exclamations; to be honest, he held no respect towards thier new leaders - or the revolution. 

People were claiming that Snezhnaya was a nation on the rise, one that was flourishing; he would have to disagree considering the countless people still living in poverty and famine.

“It’s really very friendly!” And that was only if you didn’t mind the spies.

He often overheard people claiming that they were “good and loyal” comrades. It also seemed that suddenly everyone’s favourite colour was red. In the grand scheme of things, their entire situation was gravely underestimated when the people first revolted. Somehow, majority assumed that everything would be better without proper leaders or any important figures. Even ten years later, the economy was still in shambles. It no longer surprised him whenever he heard stories about two dozen or so strangers all having to be crammed into two small rooms. The damned fatui still had the nerves to turn a complete blind eye towards it.

“Everyone will now be seen as equals!” Yeah- as if.

Unfortunately, this appeared to be the apparent price “Snezhnayan’s” would have to pay for their glorious revolution. One thing that nearly every citizen agreed upon, and were thankful for, was the gossip that would spread around their pitiful city. Even as the blue-haired man headed towards his desired location, he couldn’t help but listen in to the many conversations people were immersed in.

“Have you heard?”

“There’s a new rumour going round the *whole* of Snezhnaya!”

“You couldn’t possibly not at least have heard parts of it.”

“You do know what people are saying on the street?”

“Well…”

“Although the King did not survive, one son may be still alive.”

He nearly stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening slightly. He *needed* to know more.

“The Prince Albedo. But please do not repeat-!”

A slight smile creeped onto his face whilst he continued to keep his head down low. Making his way through the other streets, he kept finding out more and more about the rumours concerning the supposedly late Prince Albedo.

“They say her royal grandmama will pay a royal sum to someone who can bring the prince back!”

That was when he got an idea, one that he didn’t realise would completely change his life. Rushing down the street, he quickly barged into the small building; gathering his thoughts for just a moment.

Only a seconds later someone else barged inside, a shorter man with dark, blueish-green hair that was pulled into two short braids at the front. He seemed dishevelled (the first thing that was unusual about him today) and a horror-stricken expression had been painted onto his face (and that was the second thing that seemed unusual about him today). Before he could ask what was wrong, the other man cut him off.

“Kaeya!” He half shrieked and shouted, “They’ve closed another border! We should’ve gotten out of Snezhnaya whilst we still could!”. He had placed his hands on Kaeya’s shoulders, shaking him as if that would help get his point across. Once more Kaeya’s eyes narrowed as he began to fiddle with the end of his ponytail. Inhaling and exhaling slowly, he calmed himself down - putting his usual fake smirk on. Kaeya’s know-it-all smile was often used as a defence; it would often be fake, a way of faking confidence, a way of pretending he had it all under control. The shorter man continued to pace around the small room, his hat threatening to slip off of his head.

“Khaenri’ah was lovely whilst royalty was in!” He stated, which was something that the two of them knew very well.

“I called myself a count, as though I’d always been! I hobnobbed with the royals,” he continued to recall whilst his lips tugged upwards ever so slightly, clearly reminiscing about years that had passed. Within a matter of seconds it changed into a frown.

“But then a change of luck-! The king is dead, the royals fled and comrade now we’re stuck!”

The man had turned to face Kaeya whilst he said that, once again shaking him by his shoulders. Debating it in his head once more, Kaeya realised that his idea might actually be their one way out of this hell-hole.

“Venti,” Kaeya spoke, a grin dawning on his face. Venti had loosened his grip on Kaeya’s shoulders, allowing his arms to drop by his sides. One of Venti’s eyebrows raised whilst he waited for Kaeya to continue speaking.

“I’ve been thinking about the prince Albedo.” Kaeya announced, his confidence not wavering in the slightest. Almost immediately, Venti’s face practically dropped.

“Not you too, Kaeya!” He groaned, Venti covered his face with his hands - already sick of hearing the constant whispers of a prince who was meant to be dead. Slouching slightly, Kaeya placed a hand on Venti’s back, his other hand making gestures as he began to sell his plan to the (no-longer) Count - Venti.

“Sure, it’s a rumour, purely a mystery, but-! It’s the Prince Albedo who will help us fly!” Kaeya proclaimed, a grin had spread right across his face. Venti started to catch onto what Kaeya was suggesting; his eyes widening slightly for a few seconds. Kaeya picked a red scarf up from the table in the corner of the room and begun wrapping it around his neck, even whilst doing this he didn’t stop speaking.

“You and I, friend,” Kaeya exclaimed as he quickly shot his arm out and pointed at Venti.

“Will go down, in history!” Kaeya claimed, flinging both of his arms up in the air, a genuine smile on his face. He pulled the door open and gestured for venti to go through, giving him a dramatic small bow as Venti passed by. Venti’s lips were curled into a small, yet smug, smile. Side-by-side, the two of them walked down the overly-packed streets of the city. In an attempt to keep up with the taller man, Venti had to do a sort of jog. The wind whistled in his ears, which was a surprisingly calming sound amidst the chaos of the always-awake city. Venti’s gaze flickered over to his friend, who (to nobody’s surprise) was still rambling.

“We’ll find a boy to the play the part and teach him what to say, dress him up! And take him to Fontaine.” He over-exaggerated a fake accent on the last word. His head was tilted slightly as he turned it to look at Venti, who greeted him with a grin.

“Imagine the reward his old grandmama would pay!” Venti exclaimed, clearly onboard with the idea now. 

“Who else could pull it off but you and me!” The two exclaimed as they linked arms.

The two men passed the now mainly empty plaza, only the likes of Childe and a few stragglers were left there. They walked off into the distance, disappearing into the haze created by the swirling snow.

Near the podium at the centre of the small plaza, a man (most likely around Kaeya’s age) had a broom in his hand. He had a long, brown coat on and a hat that loosely fit his head. His skin was as pale as chalk, making his ashy-blonde hair stand out. It was kind of long, just going past his shoulders, with a single short braid in it. Brushing the street clear of snow and other debris - he was making an attempt at keeping his head down.

BANG!

“NO!” He shrieked as he collapsed on the floor, bringing his hands up to his head and covering his ears. His broom clattered somewhere near him. Somebody was approaching him, he could tell this from the soft crunches in the snow.

“It was a truck backfiring comrade, that’s all it was.” Childe spoke to the man curled up on the cobbled floor. He lifted his head up to look at him, moving his hands from his ears. Very slowly, he pushed himself up onto his knees, still not saying a single word. Childe had bent down and picked up the stray broom before walking over to him.

“Those days are over, neighbour against neighbour.” He claimed in an almost monotone voice, one that didn’t exactly sound reassuring. Childe hooked his arm under the man’s and pulled him up.

“You have nothing to be afraid of.”

It was quite ironic, considering the man could barely stand with his legs threatening to collapse under him any second. Childe’s hand lingered on the man’s arm for a few moments more, his eyes narrowing. Was it concern? Or was it just pity? He retracted his hand, looking over the details of the man’s appearance and expression. He looked…on edge, to say the least.

“You’re shaking….” He spoke despite it being an obvious fact to both of them. The man’s eyes flickered everywhere, skittering even, refusing to look at Childe directly. Quite ironically, the over-confident fatui harbinger began to stumble over his own words.

“….There’s a tea shop just steps from here-“ 

“Thank you-!” The man shouted as he attempted to snatch the broom from him. The sudden outburst nearly caused Childe to jump, prompting a raised eyebrow from him.

“What’s your hurry?” Childe questioned the man, refusing to let go of the broom.

“I can’t lose this job, they’re not easy to come by.” He quickly explained in hopes of being allowed to go. Throughout the entire exchange he had kept his eyes towards the floor, making him seem scared of everything. Childe loosened his grip on the handle, he was still unable to figure this man out. He seemed familiar, almost like a memory he never really knew - he shook the thought off whilst he watched the man walk away. Both of the man’s knuckles were turning white due to how tight his grip was. Just as he was about to turn the corner, down another street, the man turned his head around. It was then that Childe noticed his bright blue eyes, well, they weren’t quite blue but they weren’t exactly green either. Whatever colour they were, they were astonishingly bright; they surely didn’t fit the bleak landscape of this once-glorious nation.

“Thank you.” The man managed to say, still not offering up a smile. Before Childe could say anything, he had disappeared into the blur of grey and brown coats and hats.

“I- I’m here everyday!” Childe shouted, gesturing at the podium despite the man being long gone now. He felt his cheeks heat up slightly, feeling like a complete fool. Unsurprisingly, this wasn’t the first time he had managed to embarrass himself whilst on the job.

Somewhere on the opposite side of the city, Kaeya and Venti could be found perusing through one of the many less… favourable markets on the outskirts of the city. It was a wonder that the fatui hadn’t intervened with these practices at all during the past ten years. Occasionally they would stop to look at what merchants (although thieves would probably be a better way of describing them though) were offering. Even ten years on since that blood-filled night, people still somehow managed to find items that belonged to the likes of counts, countesses and even the Kreideprinz’s to sell off. One man was attempting to sell a count’s pyjamas whilst another was trying to sell a painting that he swore was Kreideprinz. Stood in the centre of the market, another one of these thieves was selling their wares. His hand was held up high, clasped in it was a small metal trinket of sorts.

“I found this in a palace, initialled with an A!” He announced, a smug smile already settled onto his grime covered face. 

“It could be Albedo’s! Now what will someone pay?”

Kaeya dropped down low as he skimmed shelves, every now and then swerving through the crowds or stepping over clutters of stolen trinkets.

“We need something of his to show the old lady…” Kaeya thought out loud, carefully examining items that were on offer. Venti looked at him from the corner of his eyes, one eyebrow was raised.

“There’s more to being Albedo than wearing a tiara, Kaeya.” He spat out, most likely irritated from how long this whole ordeal was taking. Kaeya had turned away from him, already moving onto the next merchant.

“Not much. Look how many people you fooled.” Kaeya countered causing Venti’s mouth to open and quickly close again. Just to add salt to the wound, he hadn’t even bothered to look at him whilst saying that. Kaeya’s eyes landed on the man in the centre.

“How much is that music box?” He inquired as he approached the man, who pulled the lump of finely decorated metal closer to his chest.

“Ah! The music box! It’s genuine Kreideprinz, I could never part with it!” He declared, the tone of his voice suggesting that he was putting on a play. Reaching into the satchel that hung over his shoulder, Kaeya pulled something out with a smirk on his face.

“Two cans of beans, comrade?” Kaeya offered as he held out the cans. The man looked at the music box and then to the cans and then back to the music box.

“Done.” He accepted, the two men proceeded to exchange items.

Venti and Kaeya began heading in the opposite direction of the markets, done with their business for the day. Kaeya was meticulously inspecting the metal music box, noting all the trimmings, its curves and the places where old paint had begun to flake off. Both of them still had a grin on their faces. 

“Do you believe in fairytales, Venti?” Kaeya asked whilst he held the music box in front of his only visible eye. Venti closed his eyes - the smile still present.

“Once upon a time, I did.” He answered, shoving his hands into the small pockets of his coat. Quickly turning his body around, Kaeya was directly facing Venti once more, his eyes shining brightly with something that Venti could only assume was determination.

“We’re going to create a fairytale the whole world will believe!” Kaeya exclaimed before moving next to venti again. He firmly patted Venti on the back causing the other man to cough slightly; not that Kaeya noticed anyways.

“Now it’s risky, but not more than usual.” He spoke out loud what they were both thinking. Whilst talking, Kaeya had picked up his pace, prompting Venti to walk quickly as well.

“We’ll need tickets, we’ll need papers, we’ll need nerves of steel!” 

With every word Kaeya said, Venti nodded. The two men had reached the plaza once again, this time it was bustling with energy; it was quite funny how much difference an hour could make.

“Yes it’s risky, *a lot* more than usual!” Venti laughed, placing a hand on the back of Kaeya’s shoulder. His eyes now also shared that same light of determination as Kaeya’s - backing out of this wasn’t an option for either of them now.

“We’ll try to cross the border with our princes and our plot,” Kaeya spoke up, throwing what was - presumably - a wink towards Venti (however it was almost impossible to tell due to one of his eyes being covered by an eyepatch and a curtain of blue hair).

“Hopefully disaster won’t ensue,” Venti mumbled, slightly scratching the back of his head, a sheepish grin on his face.

“With luck it will all go smoothly,” Kaeya nodded whilst he shoved the music box into his satchel.

“And with luck we won’t be shot!” Venti laughed once more, constantly switching between confidence and a lightly more cautious mind. Kaeya shrugged before laughing himself.

“Who else could pull it off but me and you?” They both stated as if it was a matter of fact.

“We’ll be rich!” Kaeya exclaimed as he patted Venti’s shoulder.

“We’ll be rich!” Venti repeated whilst he returned the gesture. Both of their grins reached both of their ears, something they noticed as they turned to face each other.

“We’ll be out!”

“We’ll be out!!”

The idea of getting out of this god forsaken nation caused Venti to feel a sort of calming sensation. Just the thought of the taste of freedom possibly being so near them made him want to smile even more.

“And Snezhnaya will have some more to talk about!” The two men declared, shaking hands. 

As the two men laughed, the plaza around them was alive with waves of whispers and excited murmurs.

“I heard it from a person who assured me it was absolutely true!”

“Have you heard? There’s a rumour in Snezhnaya,”

“Have you heard? Comrade what do you suppose?”

“A fascinating Mystery!” Venti commented, placing his hands on his hips, a smug look appearing on his face.

“The biggest con in history!” Kaeya proclaimed as he flung his arms up in the air; what appeared to be genuine joy showing on his face.

“The Prince Albedo!

  Alive?

  Or Dead?”

“Who knows!?”

Majority of the crowd dispersed after they noticed a familiar red-head appearing on the podium once more.

Kaeya and Venti shared a knowing look, both raising a singular finger to their lips. The taller one had began to snigger with Venti soon following suit.

“I’m assuming you will be able to sort out the other needed part of  our plan?” Kaeya asked whilst the two began walking away, their day starting to become a distant memory.

“Just trust me, I have my ways *and* connections.” Venti answered, nudging him with his elbow. Kaeya simply chuckled in response whilst he took his flat-cap off.

Previous - Next

Yeah my friend sparked real inspiration with this one

Eustace Winner. Fucking.

Eustace.

Winner.

15 years of nightmare, and the end of the maze.