S e c r e t

Chapter 12- I did it.

You open the heavy door, "Childeeeeeeee!" You called across the room, your voice echoing.

No response. He must not be there yet.

You gaze around the bright golden room, the floors surrounded by Mora. Straight ahead lie the fake corpse of the one and only, Rex Lapis. You knew this was just a set up all along, for the archon himself made a deal to hand over his gnosis. This arrangement with Aether was just for fun- for the fight. It was only a matter of time before Aether arrived. You decided to climb to the second floor, where only certain individuals knew existed. Now for the waiting game. You sat down over the railing and dangled your legs through the bars.
You waited.

5 Minutes.
10 Minutes.
15 Minutes.
25 Minutes.
45 Minutes.

You were starting to wonder if Aether would really come. You got bored really fast. You felt as if you could take a nap.

Creeeeak~

Your head shot towards the direction of the door. You squinted your eyes to get a better look at the figure entering.

"Are you sure this is the place?" You heard a high pitched voice ask.

Paimon. They're here.

Aether made not a sound. He continued forwards towards the Exuvia. You jumped from the balcony and landed on your feet without a sound. You didn't catch their attention. You began walking towards, except this time you allowed for the clicking of your boots to be heard against the smooth and shiny floor. Aether and Paimon turned around.

"Ange?" Paimon spoke, "What are you doing here?"

"I told you not to come here." Aether slightly glared in your direction.

You gave a smile and walked towards them with your hands behind your back, "If you were Fatui, I imagine that you would be entitled to a generous reward from the Tsaritsa herself."

You paused, allowing your smile to fade, "But now, you're nothing but dross—— and you're in my way."

"Looks like I was just in time then." Aether spat.

You inched closer towards the two, "You give your trust too easily. Don't you think that trying to stop me now would just be wasted effort?"

"So you were the one planning to take the gnosis from inside the Exuvia all along?" Paimon asked with anger edging her voice.

As you raised a hand to your mask, you simply stated.
"As one of the Twelve Fatui Harbingers, it is my duty to see the will of the Tsaritsa fulfilled."

Aether was shocked, "You... You were working with them all along?!"

You gave an innocent smile, "That's right my dear! The truth was right in front of you the whole time."

"I won't allow you to get near the Exuvia." Aether guarded. He unsheathed his sword.

You smirked as you summoned your sword, you caressed it as it lay in your hands.
You giggle, "And now, my favorite part. A simple pleasure that am delighted to share with you, Aether."

Your bright (e/c) orbs no longer held the light you once retained. They now stood dulled, and full of bloodlust.

You swung you sword around, "The battle."

"Battle? You're not the type that seems to be looking for trouble." Paimon frowned.

"I guess you could say that. For me, the greatest pleasure of being a harbinger lies in crossing blades with strong opponents."