Chapter 11: Doubt
Lumine blinked several times in a row, wondering if perhaps she was suffering some kind of highly realistic and desired hallucination.
Because standing no more than a few strides in front of her was her brother, slight smile upon his lips as he met her gaze, features as familiar as the back of her hand and bringing to the fore of her mind every fading anxiety and worry she'd held over his absence.
...Naturally, she had to be damn sure he was who he seemed to be.
"If this is really you, Aether...what was the name of your first girlfriend, the one you met when we first said goodbye to mom and dad? The one who, when she broke up with you, had you swearing that you would give up on romance forever?"
The slight smile was instantly replaced with one of infinitely familiar exasperation, tinged by a foreign weariness that tied her guts into knots.
"Really, sis? First time I see you in centuries and you act like I'm some kind of stranger?"
Lumine's heart skipped a beat at her maybe-brother's mention of how long he'd been stuck on Teyvat, ignoring it as she gazed at him without so much as an errant blink.
"...Fine, fine. It was Anice. Thanks for bringing that memory back up, I appreciate it."
"And the guy who had you moping for a week straight? Who shacked it up with a girl after he said he wanted a partner who would actually stick around for more than a few days at a time before disappearing for weeks on end?"
This time her maybe-brother's scowl was so genuine that she almost broke down in tears right then and there, the expression cascading into memory after memory of the time they'd spent together, wandering distant stars and reminding her of countless years of travel and familial understanding.
"Well, you're definitely Lumine. No one else would so aggressively try to bring up things I'd have rather forgotten. And Theo-GUH?!"
A blur of white and blonde slammed into the male with Anemo-enhanced speeds, the male Traveler wheezing piteously as the life was hugged out of him with zero regard for his health and well-being, Lumine burrowing her face into the crook of his neck as she rapid fired questions.
"Where were you all this time? Did you get dumped and not have anyone to cry about it to? Have you been eating properly? You feel a bit scrawnier than you usually do. You said you were here for more than a hundred years and while I know what that means don't you dare think this makes you the older sibling now-"
Lumine found her words cut off, Aether recovering from her ambush and returning the embrace just as desperately, breathing ragged as he inhaled her scent with shaky breaths.
"Really? C'mon, Aether, don't be creepy."
"Shut up, you weren't any better."
The Traveler felt her spirits lift as they held the embrace for a precious minute longer, eventually parting as - for an infinite and tender moment - it felt like nothing had changed and they were back together then.
…
If only it was that simple, Lumine spotting the tell-tale signs of unease and awkwardness hanging around her sibling like a bad smell. But she ignored them, fully willing to pretend like everything was alright and that seemingly nothing had changed.
"It's...it's good to see you again, sister."
"Likewise, brother."
Sharing heartfelt grins they were briefly pulled from their reunion as Fischl carefully asked, "Is this the lost and distant sibling you sought, Lumine? A truly momentous and joyous twist of fate, then, if you are to be reunited on this most unexpected of days!"
Turning to her companion as she, Oz and Paimon approached the Traveler couldn't help but smile widely at her friend's words, Aether giving her a pointed and knowing look that the youthful-looking woman unwaveringly ignored.
She knew exactly what he was thinking. Oh boy, looks like Lumine has gone and gotten all wrapped up with the eccentric ones again.
She liked the eccentric ones, thank you very much!
"Don't you fuck this up for me, brother."
The whispered and ominous words merely caused Aether's lips to twitch slightly in a brief smile, calmly meeting Fischl's singular orb as he replied, "You've been helping my sister look for me, I take it? I'm sorry in advance for all the trouble she's caused you, she can be a pretty pushy and annoying brat to deal with sometimes. And by that I mean most of the time."
Lumine smiled widely and promptly stamped on her brother's foot with the heel of her boot, Fischl choosing to ignore the interaction as she instead grandly proclaimed, "Speak not of affectionate ribbing, Aether, friend Lumine has proven to be a most pleasant and amicable individual to attend quests and mysteries alongside this prinzessin."
"Well, she certainly seems to have retained her eye for good - if somewhat unique - company."
Lumine didn't hesitate to pinch his side, motioning to Oz and Paimon as she continued with, "This is Fischl's familiar, Oz. He's quite well spoken and refined and this here is Paimon."
The Traveler tilted her head, eventually stating, "She's a glutton and would make for an excellent meal if we go hungry."
"H-hey, Paimon doesn't like it when you imply that she's only useful as food!"
"It is a pleasure to make the acquaintance of one who Lumine has searched so fervently for."
Nodding politely to the Night Raven Aether's attention fell on Paimon-
-and Lumine had to bite her lip at the brief moment of disgust and hostility that flashed across her brother's features, hidden away a moment later as if it had never existed.
Something was wrong with her sibling and she was running out of ways to pretend everything was fine.
Instead she planted her hands on her hips, archly asking, "So where have you been for what you said is a couple of centuries? Just running around Teyvat, wooing damsels in distress and suitors in sadness? I've had the majority of my strength taken from me by the Sustainer, was it the same for you?"
Again that brief glimpse of ugliness and hatred that was so foreign to her brother, a temperament she had never attributed to him even in his angered moments that had her stomach clenching in anxiety.
And - just like the previous flash - it was hidden a moment later, his tone light and amicable as he replied, "It was roughly five hundred years ago I came to be on Teyvat and my power was indeed taken by the Sustainer...but I was fortunate and had help from others around me, I wasn't thrown to the proverbial wolves."
Lumine felt her heart clench at the not insignificant passage of time that Aether had been alone, nonetheless trying to make light of it as she stated, "Well, you don't need to be worried about being alone any longer, brother. Actually, now that I think about it, how did you find me?"
A small amount of genuine amusement colored his tone, Aether replying, "I heard about you in songs and bar tales, obviously. The beautiful and foreign knight, arriving in Mondstadt and becoming the darling child of the city in less than a day. Piling it on much, Lumine?"
"Yeah, well, what can I say? Your sister is pretty awesome! How come I haven't heard of any grand tales of you sung throughout the ages? Haven't you been at this way longer than I have?"
The wince released by Aether had Lumine's stomach churning once more, his silence upon her inquiry causing the Traveler to slowly ask, "Aether...what's changed over the years? What happened to you while I was, well, wherever I was?"
An utterly joyless smile that looked more like a grimace colored the male's expression.
"A lot. A lot's happened over the years, Lumine...more than I could ever tell you about."
She grabbed his wrist with an unyielding grip, desperately saying, "And how will you know that if you don't even try to tell me?"
"How would I summarize five hundred years of cruel, tragic realization into words, Lumine?"
"Then come with me and at least attempt to show me!"
He gently removed her wrist from his hand, squeezing it tight as he dully responded, "I can't. I can't go with you and you can't go with me. Not now. Not until what I've set out to do is complete."
Biting back her mounting anxiety Lumine quietly asked, "And just what is it that you need to complete, Aether?"
The coldest, most humorless smile she'd ever seen on her brother's face appeared.
"I can't tell you. If I did…"
A tired, beaten breath escaped his lips.
"If I did, you'd try to stop me."
Lumine didn't immediately answer, feeling the weight of all her anxieties and worries come crashing down as if her worst fears had come true...and with that terror came resolve, feet sliding across the dirt in minute movements that would make it all the easier for her to launch herself against her sibling if it became necessary.
"Aether? What. Happened?"
She almost lost her resolve right then and there, her brother flinching at the clipped and icy words as if physically struck, eyes closing themselves for a brief few seconds before he inevitably replied, "I...I'm sorry, Lumine. I wouldn't have put you through this if I had a choice, but the thing you're traveling with is…"
He squared his shoulders, meeting her gaze directly as he firmly stated, "Lumine, I can't tell you what I know and what I experienced on this world...but I can tell you how to discover what I did, why you should take my warning to heart and do not trust any of the gods of this world."
The Traveler didn't utter so much as a word, meeting her brother's haunted gaze as he further explained, "Wander Teyvat, see the different nations and see what divinity has done to them. And, above all else...be careful of Alec Daman."
Lumin stiffened, unsure of how to respond to that statement and fearful of its implications.
"What do you mean? Brother, he's been helping me-"
"I know he has. And I'm not asking you to ignore everything he's done for you, I haven't forgotten that you're as stubborn and loyal to the point of fault as I am. Just, please!"
The young woman almost recoiled at the raw desperation in her sibling's voice, at the terror in his eyes.
"He's not what he seems to be and there's nothing human about a Demon in disguise."
His pleading gaze briefly flicked Paimon's way before he took a quick step back, hurriedly stating, "I know you won't take my words at face value or accept them at the truth...but I beg of you, sis. Just...just keep them in mind, alright?"
He took another step back, Lumine slowly and gracefully matching it.
"When this is all over and the heaven's injustice is corrected...then you and I can leave this accursed world that we never should have come to."
A final, broken smile.
"I'll see you at the end of everything, Lumine...and I just pray that you'll forgive me."
Lumine launched herself forward with a burst of Anemo energy, fist lashing out so that it would bury itself deep into her brother's gut, forcing the air out of his stupid chest so that she could then beat her stupid answers from his stupid face-
-and a veil of purple and black energy ensconced Aether, her brother vanishing before her eyes as she fell through the drifting energy without so much as a hint of resistance, rolling across the ground before coming to a limp halt, sightlessly staring at the beautiful, calm sky far overhead, perfectly cheerful as if her entire reality hadn't come crashing down around her ears.
"...Lumine?"
Paimon hesitantly landed beside her companion, carefully and tenderly setting a hand on her arm before receiving a complete and utter lack of response, Fischl also warily squatting beside the dully staring Traveler, extravagant manner of speech quickly abandoned as she whispered, "Lumine? I don't what-"
"GOD DAMNIT, AETHER! THE NEXT TIME I SEE YOU I'M BEATING YOUR CAGEY ASS HALF TO DEATH, YOU HEAR ME YOU INSENSITIVE PRICK?!"
Simultaneous yelps left both Fischl and Paimon, Oz also hopping backwards with a startled motion as Lumine took a ragged breath, digging the heels of her hands into her eyes in order to fight back the tears she felt forming, distantly murmuring, "He's alive...at least he's alive though."
Emotions a turbulent mess after everything her brother had dropped on her Lumine let loose a long, slow sigh before just laying limply on the grass, wanting nothing more than to just laze about and not do a single damn thing until the world began making sense once again.
...Unfortunately, she was blessed with really good company that were worried about her, a soft and gloved hand tentatively holding her own as Fischl murmured, "Lumine, are you...erm, you know…"
"Perhaps we should let her be for now, mein-"
"It's fine."
The Traveler's sudden comment got their attention, the blonde huffing out a long, exhausted breath as she cracked open an eye, gazing at a nervous and anxious Fischl who had forgotten her usual extravagance in the heat of the moment.
"It's fine...I'm going to beat the shit out of my brother first chance I get, though."
"Paimon thinks she'd like to help as well, Lumine. Anyone who hurts you hurts Paimon and Paimon doesn't take anything lying down!"
Unable to help her brief chuckle of amusement at her companion's attempts to cheer her up Lumine begrudgingly forced herself upwards into a sitting position, Fischl still holding onto her hand as the Adventurer suddenly looked fairly awkward and unseasy.
"Our agreement seems like it was completed, then."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Motioning to where Aether had leapt through that weird portal thing of his Fischl explained, "Our contract was for me to help you find your brother and while it wasn't in the manner you wanted...he was found and seems to be of good health, if not necessarily sound mind."
The awkwardness and timidity returned full force.
"If you don't want me and Oz to follow you around anymore, I mean…"
Lumine cocked her head, bemusedly asking, "Do you want our journey together to be over?"
The eyepatch-wearing girl instantly twirled a lock of her hair around a finger, shyly replying, "W-well, I wouldn't wish to be a burden and if you do not desire Oz or I to keep following you around-"
"What my lady means to say is that she would very much like to continue accompanying you and Paimon upon your journey. Personal wants and desires aside there is also practical reason to do so as well, since the pair of you seem to have a rather high affinity for wandering into interesting scenarios the Guild would wish to know of."
"O-Oz?!"
Lumine felt her lips curl into a playful smile even as a ball of affectionate warmth settled in her navel, burying and punting aside some of the worry and fear that had pooled within upon Aether's warning.
"Oh I don't know, I wouldn't want to keep the two of you from carrying out your important and pressing duties…"
Fischl sagged, dejected-
-at least until Lumine pulled her into a tight hug, mumbling, "I'm kidding. I would like nothing more for you to keep accompanying me on this journey, Fischl. And if we have to make it official…"
She pulled back slightly, grinning at the girl's blushing cheeks before more annoyedly scowling, growling out, "You can help me find the reason why my brother said the things he did. There's a lot to unpack in that statement and I want to know what he's playing at."
While obviously delighted at how things were turning out the investigator nonetheless kept her business sense close at hand, inquiring, "Do you believe he was lying or exaggerating?"
Huffing in agitation the Traveler replied, "No, unfortunately. My brother's a lot of things - maybe a LOT of things considering how much time has passed - but he wouldn't be able to lie to me. What he said is the truth, or at least his interpretation of it."
Fischl decisively nodded, regaining her usual flare as she announced, "Then our guiding star may very well then be a bastion of knowledge both neophyte and arcane, casual and esoteric. Great halls of accumulated tomes and recordings perchance will light a path for us to follow."
Nodding in agreement Lumine mused, "True, I haven't had a chance to visit the library yet. There's probably something in there we can find, right?"
"Paimon will help! Although in all honesty Paimon is pretty bad at just sitting and reading, memory retention and all that, eh heh…"
Feeling invigorated and seized by purpose once more the Traveler regained her feet, all smiles and teasing smirks...although she couldn't quite shake a tendril of disquiet that followed and coiled within like a venomous snake.
"Why does Aether hate Alec so much? He's been nothing but helpful and kind so far and even left himself comatose to save Klee...what happened between them all those years ago that turned things so sour?"
"Huh. Quite the impressive collection."
The library of Mondstadt was nothing short of a marvel, with shelves stacked five tiers high with the wall mounted containers being much larger, sliding ladders used to get to certain sections while a liberal amount of windows afforded a clear and cozy type of illumination, reducing the need for candles or other types of fiery lighting. Open flame and copious amounts of paper were never a relaxing combination, after all-
CREAK!
Blinking as he glanced down at the first step into the grand room which had squealed like an entire opera of stuck pigs he settled for a shrug, continuing his advance across the rest of the completely silent and modest floorboards.
A glance to the side revealed a librarian's desk, currently staffed by a sleeping and completely insensate Lisa, back rising and falling with gentle motions as she rested upon a cushion no doubt intended for that very purpose.
Not one to disturb a good day's rest - she'd been fairly busy with the search for Dvalin's Tears, after all - he made to wander further into the library on silent steps.
"So what brings you to my neck of the woods, handsome?"
Maybe not so silent after all.
Turning to face the mage as she hauled herself upright with liquid grace before unleashing a tremendous yawn Alec simply replied, "Sorry to disturb your rest, you've got a bad floorboard right at the entrance."
Letting loose a cute moan as she stretched her arms high overhead - a motion that had the man raising an eye since there was no way she wasn't making it provocative on purpose - the woman languidly explained, "Oh I know. I leave it there on purpose so I'm never caught off guard by someone entering the library."
The pair stared at each other for a moment...and Alec's lips quirked upwards, tone amused as he replied with, "Clever. Work smarter, not harder."
"Ooh, I like that we're on the same page. Normally everybody just gives me a look that says 'how are you sleeping on the job' and leaves it at that."
"While I hate to dispel any glorious misunderstandings they may hold the task of record keeper should ideally be as unexciting and relaxed as possible."
Lisa just favored him with an amused expression, asking, "Mutual appreciation for the art of the afternoon nap aside, do you need assistance with anything, Mr. Adeptus?"
"Not really, I was just looking to see if there were any general history books lying around that I could peruse, discover if there's anything interesting in them that could fill in some of the blanks about Mondstadt and what's occurred while I've been away."
Lazily rising to her feet Lisa commented, "Well then look no further than myself. After all, a librarian serves to help others in their quest for knowledge, does she not?"
"That would sound magnitudes more convincing if it weren't for the bit of sleeping on the job you were doing earlier."
"The sleeping you agreed and empathized with, you mean~?"
"Whoops, you caught me. Turns out I'm not as diligent as I pretended to be."
The duo shared equally amused grins, the mage idly running a finger along the spines of the passing tomes as she lead the way, casually stating, "You know, I find it interesting that someone with your lifespan needs to look up general history of a place, wouldn't you have been around to see it?"
"My years are countless, my eyes and ears not so much."
To Alec's amusement the woman merely smiled, musing, "Ah, so an Adeptus - or at least one similar to them - doesn't have a way of plucking information from thin air. How good to know."
"Goodness, you're a voracious and sneaky one."
Lisa playfully poked him on the arm, stating, "Don't exaggerate, you haven't told us anything you didn't want us to know."
Lazily gesturing with his hand Alec replied, "All the same, even for events I was a part of memories can blur, turn vague and sometimes even outright vanish without some kind of tangible anchor to keep them steady. Books are always a good way to do that, summations and recollections of events or culminations that I perhaps heard of or was even present for."
"Hmm, I honestly feel a little shamed, being such a shorter lived being yet constantly forgetting all manner of things all the same."
"I prefer to think of it as a common ground. Nothing brings people together quite like forgetting the keys to their home, or leaving behind a random trinket that you spent all day reminding yourself to not forget."
Lisa quietly chuckled at his words, arriving at a sizable section of literature that rested next to a locked and barred door labeled 'restricted'.
"I'm going to go out on a limb and assume I don't qualify?"
"Sorry, select individuals only. Although…"
Lisa gave Alec a searching gaze, lips curling upwards into a hungry smile as she said, "I'm sure we can enact some kind of trade, an exchange of knowledge for knowledge. For all your claims of a faulty memory I'm sure that ancient brain of yours contains some manner of compelling and forbidden secret."
"That's probably the most grandiose and ego-stroking way anyone's ever called me old before."
Alec sized up the librarian, still innocently grinning at him as he inwardly mused that she was quite right in the fact that he held a great deal of information that was forbidden - or at the very least massively unpleasant - that he was in no hurry to burden anyone with. Although…
"I see your reputation is as true to form as it possibly could be. Kaeya, Amber and even Klee - albeit in passing - hinted that you're some prodigy graduate from the Sumeru Academia, the likes of which hasn't been seen in decades, perhaps even centuries."
Lisa rolled her eyes, grandly sighing as she intoned, "Honestly, the loose lips on all of them."
"I'm familiar enough with the institute's reputation and requirements to know that if even half of what they're claiming is true then you're one keen woman, certainly more learned than I am. Age doesn't beget intelligence, unfortunately. I tried taking one of their entrance exams once out of curiosity and was laughed out the door."
Lisa scoffed, waving a hand before remarking, "You can drop the humbleness and self-deprecation, you've spent no doubt countless years with the Anemo Archon himself and experienced all manner of interesting things, things that can't be taught or instructed at some school."
Her gaze was more curious than it was anything else, continuing with, "And I don't know if I quite believe that tale of you being part Adepti. Or at the very least I don't think it's entirely true. Liyue highly regards the Adepti and even half-breeds or other similar titles are treated with grave importance, such as the Qixing's Ganyu."
Alec felt his jaw twitch slightly at the mention of the blue-haired woman, finding himself wondering how she was faring after the fallout of everything with Khaenri'ah and Celestia before pushing the idle thoughts aside, instead focusing on the present. He could always visit Liyue later.
"If you were indeed part Adepti I find it difficult to believe you would be living as some wandering mercenary rather than a minor mythological figure. And the Geo Archon and Anemo Archon have always been rumored to be on petulantly shaky terms at best, something your conversation with Barbatos merely confirmed. Again, I have trouble believing an Adeptus of Rex Lapis would so freely cavort and banter with the Anemo Archon if he was a true Adeptus."
"Perhaps I'm just a deviant that likes going against the grain?"
"I have difficulty accepting a contrarian would so readily risk and injure themselves for the sake of a child they had never met before."
Throwing up his arms in mock surrender Alec amusedly replied, "Goodness, woman. It's bad enough I have Lumine hounding my verbal steps, I don't need you joining the pursuit."
"Perhaps you should favor us with the truth~?"
Raising a finger that seemed to halt some of Lisa's cheery momentum he responded, "Ah, but I told no lie. Just a truth that would make the most sense to all of you."
"..."
"..."
"So you lied."
"Of course not."
"I'm going back to my nap now."
Chuckling at the mage's mildly annoyed response he motioned to a nearby table, grabbing a volume of Teyvat's most recent history for the past century before remarking, "Very well, feel free to ask me one question of your choosing. I promise to answer it with no lies whatsoever, cross my heart and hope to die, stick a sharp chunk of obsidian in my eye."
Lisa snorted at his words, commenting, "One question without exception, hmm? Well I do believe I'll have to consider it carefully then, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity."
"Take as long as you want, I have some required reading to do."
Comfortably seating himself as Lisa plopped down opposite him the male began turning pages, eyes swiftly scanning its contents as he devoured the details of a land he'd left behind for almost a century. Thankfully there weren't any details that left him thrown for a loop, things that he couldn't account for. While the last gasp from the turned monsters of Khaenri'ah had cost Mondstadt dearly to repel they had done so, the Abyss no doubt calling it quits for the moment and Celestia too preoccupied with his bloodthirsty rampage to do anything...including reigning in the Abyss as they spread out across Teyvat.
He closed his eyes, quietly sighing to himself.
"Go figure. I try to keep myself from entering into a position of power because things like this happen and then it goes and happens anyway. What's the old saying? The road to hell is paved with good intentions?"
He quietly snorted to himself, idly flipping past another page.
"Except my intentions were less benevolent at the time and more homicidal. Although I suppose it might not have ended up being a total disaster, if Tsaritsa is able to so blatantly gather up forces and means to go against Celestia."
Another frown passed over Alec's face, remembering the sweet and somewhat withdrawn girl he'd once met who had apparently been driven to becoming the very thing she despised, a heavy handed and ruthless ruler.
Just one more consequence of his actions.
"I believe I know what I want to ask."
All too happy to listen to Lisa's convenient distraction from the mistakes of the past he nodded to the distracted and serious-looking woman, one of her fingers idly tracing her glowing Vision.
"The Visions gifted to us by the gods...what's their true purpose? Why are we gifted them when there's no specific rhyme or reason for what we use them for?"
Alec stared at the young woman - well, comparatively young, at least - and unleashed a grumbling sigh. And here he was, hoping to move past such matters with the coming topic.
"What makes you think I have the answer to such an intrinsic and important trait of this world?"
"You're friends with at least one Archon, possibly more. If anyone would have an answer aside from aforementioned Archons themselves, it's you."
Closing his eyes in contemplation Alec simply replied, "You're not wrong...but before I answer I want to make this very clear. You might not like the answer you receive, the revelations it will bring."
He held up a hand to forestall Lisa's predictable rebuttal.
"To be clear this isn't information that will have you hunted by mystery assassins for the rest of your days, forever haunted by the burden of knowing. In fact, with a little bit of luck, it won't have any impact on your business and day-to-day life one single bit, outside of what you let it."
His eyes narrowed, the mage instinctively drawing herself up straight, some unbidden instinct telling her that he knew, without a shadow of a doubt, what he was talking about.
"Do you still want to know?"
To her credit the librarian gave his words some thought, frowning in consideration before releasing a slow, uncertain breath.
"I received my Vision for no discernible reason. There was no ultimate ambition or desire I had for it, that I needed its power for like others did...I simply watched my fellow students and researchers make use of theirs and thought oh, that's certainly convenient...and there it was."
She held up the gem hung around her neck, softly shining in the light.
"It's always bothered me, how I was gifted such a fantastic relic for no seemingly discernible reason whatsoever, for a price and payment I had no way of knowing. Whether this truth is as terrible as you say it is or not...I wish to know."
"Hmph. You're more aware of the cost than most, simply by acknowledging it."
Lacing his hands behind his head the man began with, "What is a Vision, exactly? Let's start there, why don't we?"
Lisa raised an eyebrow but replied nonetheless, stating, "Visions are catalysts for the manipulation of Elemental energy, allowing a normal Human to make use of primal forces to a degree magnitudes greater than their fellows. They are bestowed by the Seven and Celestia and can be of any element, regardless of the god that delivered it."
"Quite right. But Visions aren't the only way to manipulate those forces, they just provide a massive boost and shortcut."
He raised a hand, verdant wind swirling about with a light breeze before it dissipated a moment later, the man stating, "Anyone with proper training and natural talent can learn to make use of the elements, albeit to varying degrees. But here's the next question, from where does that authority come from, the means to draw upon such potent powers?"
Playing along with his questions Lisa answered, "Most suspect that it's the Archons themselves, since they are the ones who bestow them in the first place. Although that's a fairly dubious claim, seeing as how a bestowed Vision can make use of various elements rather than the one each Archon is associated with. One of the more plausible - although little researched - claims suggests that it is Celestia itself that affords the strength, the Archons merely being intermediaries of a sorts."
Alec stroked his chin, commenting, "The second is actually quite close to the truth. Now, you mentioned there being a price associated with a Vision...do you have any ideas as to why or how that is, what such costs may end up being?"
Lisa hesitated, slowly responding, "No, in fact now that I consider it during all of my searches for records or accounts of the price people paid for their Vision I found only hearsay or speculation, practically nothing concrete."
"Hmm...very well, next point. Why do the Archons exist?"
The mage blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift as she nonetheless responded, "Because they...do? You may as well ask why Elemental energy exists if that's to be your question."
Chuckling at her response Alec languidly stated, "Perhaps. But why have they not ascended to Celestia? It's a well known and documented fact that those of significant notoriety, power and renown are ascended to Celestia, should the Seven - with all of their grand achievements - not be granted that same privilege?"
Lisa blinked, hesitantly replying, "Perhaps it works differently for them, as they are gods and not human? Or they refused such an offer, to rule over their nations? To act as the voice and representatives of the Heaven's will?"
"If only it was that simple. No, they stayed in this realm to mitigate Celestia's voice and meddling."
"...What?"
Ignoring the woman's sudden wariness he continued with, "You said that the Seven are the voice and representatives of Celestia, right? What does the message of the Heaven's say, when one considers the Archon War? A conflict that caused untold amounts of damage, loss and suffering across all of Teyvat, just for the right to exist? Celestia needed seven new beings to assume control over the elements and act out its designs across Teyvat, and what better way to determine the most fit than a battle for supremacy, to the death?"
Some of the color began to drain out of the woman's face, her academic mind quickly drawing parallels between what he was saying and what she had assumed for all her life.
"You're saying-"
"Precisely. Celestia is no paradise or grand ideal to strive for, it's a cruel taskmaster and willfully distant overseer that has its own agenda, one that cares little for the people caught in its way. The Seven did indeed stay behind to act as the Heaven's messengers and representatives...but it was to assuage and check the worst of Celestia's edicts, taking up the mantle for the betterment of their people."
Lisa pursed her lips, quietly asking, "And you know of this how?"
"Because I was there, obviously."
The look on the librarian's face suggested that she dearly didn't wish to believe him but was having trouble ignoring the facts and reality before her.
"Now back to the question of the price of a Vision, knowing what we do and that it's capabilities draw in part from Celestia's own wellspring of strength and influence...more specifically, the price that will be paid for its usage."
Lisa understandably stiffened, Alec holding up a placating hand as he stated, "Remember, not all is doom and gloom, young lady. You recall the legend of the Dandelion Knight, who ascended to Celestia?"
"Vividly."
He spread his arms.
"There you have it. Your price. While the Visions may steal from Celestia it's a newfound means of selection and trial much like the Archon wars were, of finding the most suitable and skilled through the most direct means possible. Should a worthwhile candidate be found...they are no longer beholden to their god but the Heavens, to serve in perpetuity."
The poor magus looked sick, quietly asking, "And what does that service entail?"
"Be at ease, it's not some eternal hell of slavery, although I wouldn't call it a sunny walk on the beach, either. Those ascended to Celestia rest in a dreaming, quiet slumber, kept in stasis until the day comes when Celestia may expend their strength upon its chosen foe."
"...Do I want to know what that foe is?"
A humorless smile graced Alec's lips.
"If heaven exists, then surely hell does so as well."
"The Abyss?"
"You catch on quick."
Lisa rubbed her temples with shaky hands, desperately asking, "Well isn't that a good thing, then? That there are those to fight such forces?"
Alec shrugged, commenting, "Maybe. As long as you don't mind Teyvat being the stage upon which both sides act out their play, the people unwitting actors and extras sacrificed for their conflicting narratives."
The librarian winced, quietly murmuring, "So this is to be my fate? A soldier destined to fight a war I didn't even know I was signing up for?"
A more genuine smile graced Alec's features, words comforting as he said, "Unlikely. Celestia is very selective of those it accepts into its ranks and not since the fall of Khaenri'ah 500 years ago - at least to the best of my knowledge - have the Heavens accepted another."
"Probably because I brought it to the edge of complete depletion and destruction. The Sustainer has other things to worry about that come before replenishing their stock of notable figures throughout history."
Thankfully Lisa seemed to relax at that, Alec additionally mentioning, "Don't let the fear of Celestia dictate your life, that's precisely what it desires. Humans that fear, bow and scrape before it."
"Easier said than done...gods above and below, I can't believe that I believe you! This is...well, far and away what I expected your answer to be."
"That's life in a nutshell, now isn't it?"
The woman jerked in her seat, suddenly looking horrified as she inquired, "Wait, the legends about Barbatos allowing the Dandelion Knight to ascend to Celestia...did he know? Actually, why haven't any of the Seven ever spoken of this? If they are in opposition surely they would amass support-"
"Unfortunately, things are never that simple. As for your first question I met Vennessa a few times during the course of her life and she did indeed know of this. But I personally believe she chose to ascend regardless, no doubt hoping that she was going to be in a position to curb some of Celestia's actions or even reform it somewhat from the inside...as for what the little gremlin might have told her in regards to Celestia, before she moved on?"
His face took on an expression that Lisa could only describe as old and tired.
"That's for them and them alone, a final conversation I had no business being in. The second question?"
A wry snort left the man, tone morbidly amused as he responded, "There are countless reasons the truth was never told, some understandable and wise, some the exact opposite. But the two largest ones were thus. Firstly, upon ascending to their respective thrones in Celestia the Seven were sworn to silence. For some, like Morax, this was a binding agreement in exchange for certain favors and conditions. For others it was more along the lines of a threat of reprisal, should they speak against Celestia. And what good would the truth have served during or immediately after the Archon War? Times were chaotic and dangerous enough with great battles being fought in every corner of the land that it would have caused more harm than good. As for afterwards? Well that's a different discussion entirely but to my knowledge the past can't be changed, no sense in agonizing what might have been."
"Now that's lovely advice. Maybe Morax, Barbatos and myself can listen to it every now and again."
Lisa was quiet for a long time, gaze distant and unfocused as Alec left her to it, once again perusing the book until a long, frustrated sigh left the librarian, hands rubbing her eyes as she dully commented, "You were right. That was an answer I rather detest. I like two things very much, you know. Naps and relaxation. You took away the first and heavily subtracted from the second with that little lecture. I think you're quite the meanie."
He chuckled at her bitter response, consoling her with, "Remember what I said about this not impacting your daily life. As dire as it may sound in the grand scheme of things you likely won't have any experience with these inconvenient happenings. Don't let the machinations of those with far too much power and time on their hands dictate how you live your life."
Lisa favored him with a look that was half amusement and half exasperation.
"Too much power and time sounds very much like the sort of criteria one has for dictating how others live."
"You, young lady, might just be surprised."
"Besides, if Mona's reading comes true then - one way or another - things will change once again."
Before either of them could continue the conversation the warning floorboard creaked, Lisa smoothly rising to her feet while stating, "Oh, excellent. A convenient way to end this disaster of an inquiry."
He smiled at her editorial as the librarian made to depart...and she paused, bowing slightly while gratefully stating, "Thank you for so easily parting with information that I was quite certain would never be known, even if that knowledge is rather...worrying."
Alec merely nodded, Lisa being on her way as he heard her muffled voice a few seconds later, gratefully stating, "Oh, it's a pleasure to see you once again, you little cutey you~! Go on to the back, your friend is waiting for you there and quite frankly I need a break."
Chuckling at the mage's words he couldn't help but wonder what was bringing Lumine back to Mondstadt so early, when she was supposedly still out on the hunt for Dvalin's Tears.
...Clearly it wasn't anything good, if the stormy expression on her face was any indication, short stature not quite enough to mitigate the terrifying aura of purpose she now wore like a second skin, Paimon nervously floating behind her.
"So what'd you tell Lisa? She looked like she just got told her pet died."
"A scary story. But that's not what you're here for, is it?"
He idly flicked a page - more for something to keep his hands busy than it was out of any real interest - only for Lumine to deliberately slam the book's cover down on aforementioned finger, Alec lightly commenting, "You know the librarian might just have a fit if she sees you mistreating the literature around here."
"Save it. I met my brother just a few hours ago."
The male perked, glad for the young lady being reunited with her sibling-
-and wryly smiled, realizing her mood wouldn't be like this if the reunion was a happy one.
"Ah. And I suppose I - somehow - have left something of a negative impression on him?"
"He's been on Teyvat for hundreds of years and called you a demon, something not worth even an iota of trust. Why?"
Alec closed his eyes, softly sighing to himself.
"The past certainly does seem to enjoy bringing itself up today."
"Well, I suppose I owe you an answer if things have gotten that bad-"
Before he could continue the door to the library burst open, floorboard yet again aggressively squeaking as there was a rushed and whispered conversation, Lisa gravely stating, "Sweety? It sounds like the Acting Grand Master is requesting your presence, they're ready to begin the final moves towards Dvalin now that the lyre is all set."
For a moment there was very real, very thwarted anger in Lumine's eyes as her jaw locked...and a vexed sigh slipped past her lips, the Traveler affixing Alec with a pointed look.
"This isn't over."
"I don't expect it to be. Come back in one piece, so that you can receive the answers you seek. Dammit, that almost rhymed."
The briefest hints of a smile colored the girl's expression before she was off and running, Paimon following in her wake as the man turned back to his book, idly reflecting that even a few decades of slumber wasn't enough to keep him out of trouble.
So until the day the purpose and mechanics of Visions is precisely listed and explained (assuming that ever is the case) this chapter is mostly made up of my best guess interpretation of how Visions work in the grand scheme of things according to lore, testimony and so on and so forth.
