Genshin Impact: Mondstadt Alter
Interlude I:
Vow
October 28th, 18:14
I feel extreme pain in my head and can't muster the strength to move a muscle. My vision is in a haze, and I'm breathing raggedly. My hearing is barely working too. I heard a crackling noise combined with a blurry blaze in front of me. It's faint noise, but I'm sure I heard footsteps. He's coming closer with each step, although I couldn't really see their face.
"Wow! I'm impressed that you are still alive after that." I can hear he's amused with what he sees before continuing, "Your parents are long-gone already. Why don't you join them?"
As soon as he said that, I could feel something hot and sharp on my chest. My mind couldn't register what had happened because it happened so fast. Before I knew it, I felt another pain that exceeded the pain in my head. Consequently, I coughed. Something came out of that cough, resulting in my throat stinging. At that moment, I realized my heart get impaled.
I wanted to scream, but I couldn't. The pain I am experiencing from the injuries my body is sustaining right now is beyond description. I can even feel the sensation of being impaled because it's still piercing my chest.
I'm starting to feel my body getting cold, and my consciousness is fading. I can't think-
any-
more,
It's cold.
It's dark.
I can't see, feel, or hear anything.
Am I dead?
I feel floating. No, I'm falling. A never-ending fall? Or am I actually falling? I can't tell.
When I get into my senses, my feet touch an invisible surface. I'm standing on something. I can't see anything because it's so dark around me. However, I can see my body just fine. That means my surrounding is pitch black. Where the hell am I? Is it what people call an afterlife? It's not what I expected it to be. Well, I don't know what it looks like, anyway.
Or perhaps it's hell? I'm dead, and I jump straight to hell?! Oh, god. What have I done?! Did I commit too much sin that god doesn't even bother to judge me and throw me to hell without hesitation? Shit, I know I'm no saint, but still-
[Relax. You are not dead yet.]
I panicked when I heard a voice, making me frantically look around. However, I don't see anyone or anything. I thought god had spoken to me, or I'm just crazy? Don't tell me I'm going insane even after I'm dead. Please.
Gathering enough courage, I speak up,
"He- hello? Is anyone there?"
[Yes, yes. I'm here.]
"AHHH!" I screamed when I saw no one around me, but a voice spoke.
Who doesn't?!
[Will you chill out? I'm not going to devour you or anything.]
"I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY FOR BEING SUCH A FOOLISH AND IGNORANT! I KNOW I COMMITTED A LOT OF SINS WHEN I LIVED! AND I'M SORRY FOR NOT BEING A DEVOTED BELIEVER! PLEASE FORGIVE ME! DON'T FEED ME TO YOUR PETS! I'M BEGGING YOU!" I plead as I prostrate on the ground.
[Oh dear me, this brat is stupid. He didn't even listen to what I said.]
After ten minutes of silence, I raise my head and gaze around for any changes. But it's still the same unlit around me. It gives a spooky and unnerving vibe which makes me shiver. Standing on my trembling feet, I fold and rub my arms against each other.
[Are you done?]
"...!" The voice suddenly once again got me startled.
The fear I had was slowly dissipating. Now that I notice it, nothing's happening to me or my surrounding. But why?
[Good. You seem a little more composed now. How are you feeling?]
What?
For a second, I thought he was a god of death or some sort, but it seems like I was wrong. Then who is he? What does he want from me? Where is this place? Circulating these questions won't give me the answers that I want. Gathering as much courage as I could, I began to question him.
"I- I feel fine? But w- who are you?" Albeit, I stuttered.
[Hmm. My being is simple, but maybe it's a little complicated when I put it into words.]
"I beg y- your pardon?" His answer confuses me even further.
[The best description of who I am is what you know as a divine being.]
"Divine being? You're an archon?"
[Negative, I'm not the same as them, so no. Any more questions?]
A divine being yet, is not an archon?
While I still have a vague guess about his identity, I don't know what else to ask.
"What is this place?" I move on to the next question.
[Here? It's your own subconsciousness. Don't you recognize it?]
My subconsciousness? I find it hard to believe what he said. Why is it darkness all over? Is it because I've died? That makes sense. I know a little about deep consciousness because I've read about it before. I suppose dead men don't have control over their minds anymore.
But wait for a damn second!
If it's dark here because my brain has stopped working, then how is it possible for me to stay here? A body and a soul are separate things. It doesn't make sense. I'm aware I've died, and the one standing here is my spiritual being. That's another contradiction of the fact I'm not alive. Because if I am the spirit of Morgan Friedrich, and my physical body is already dead, then it should NOT be possible for me, as a spirit, to retain his memory.
So, my point is that I'm still alive, but not really? I'm getting more and more confused with my situation right now.
[You seem perplexed. What's the matter?]
I sigh before opening my mouth, "Am I dead?"
[No, you're not.]
"But- I remember that the back of my head got hit so hard, and my heart got stabbed. Literally." I grimaced, reminded of the incident, and the feeling still lingered. Somehow. "There's no way I'm still..." I murmured.
[I'm not lying when I said you're still alive. Although I'll be lying if I say your current live function isn't critical.]
"Wha-"
[Basically, you're on the verge of death.]
Ah. That didn't cross my mind.
Now it's all coming together. I finally understand why I can still be here and why I still can remember pretty much everything that happened, even though I'm not sure if I should be happy with that fact. This time, I let out a desperate sigh before speaking,
"Let's get this straight."
[Hmm?]
"The reason I'm still alive, or to be precise, on the verge of death right now, even with all the damage I suffered, is that I'm in my subconsciousness. I've read about this, but I don't understand how. The time flow in the deep consciousness is much slower than in real-time." I explained while looking up.
[Yeah, that's the gist of your current crisis.]
"But even if that's true, wouldn't I be dead if I stayed here long enough?"
[In normal circumstances, yeah. But rest assured, that won't happen in the meantime.]
"Huh? Why is that?"
[Because you die when I say you die.]
"..."
Hang on, hang on. What does he mean by that?
He remarked that he was in charge of my life, or was it just me? I suddenly feel chills down my spine when I notice the chance he's probably the former. I got no evidence, but the powerful presence I sensed just now definitely wasn't my imagination. So he can kill me whenever he wants, huh? However, since he didn't do so until now, it can also mean he was bluffing. Unless-
"So you're telling me that you have affairs with me?" I said as narrowing my eyes.
[Correct. Have you ever been told you're a little too smart for your age?]
Ignoring his compliment, I gulped. I decided to ask what is he after,
"What is that you want?"
There was a delay before he finally voiced his desire.
[I come to make a deal with you, Morgan.]
"A deal?" I repeated.
[I'll bring you back to life and heal you to your prime in exchange for conditions.]
"But I'm not dead yet."
[You will if you refuse my offer.]
My mouth is agape, but no voices come out.
I need to gather my thoughts. First, an uninvited guest sneaked into my subconsciousness, making me think he was the death god, but then revealed himself to be a god, which I did not believe to be true. Second, this place is in my head, called deep consciousness. That means I'm still alive, but not for long due to all the injuries. Lastly, this god offered me conditions in exchange for my life. I've not heard about what the requisites are yet.
I fear death. I would like to accept his offer, but I am afraid it will be a deal with the devil. Similar to how someone made a deal with the devil in the book to sell their soul for knowledge. Though, in my case, I got to live once more. Which means he is probably after my loyalty. That is just my speculation. What he is after can be entirely different from what I expected.
"What are the conditions?"
[In exchange for your life, I have three conditions. First, I'll observe you starting when you wake up and after this to the point you die. Second, you don't tell anyone about me and our deal. Third, whenever I chant [Order], you'll listen and act accordingly.]
"Hmm..." I pondered for a moment. "Wait, what's with the third condition? Are you telling me you want me to be your puppet?"
Compared to the other two, the last one is the shadiest. I can understand that he wanted something from me but not my life, and he doesn't want anyone other than us to know about this. While I don't see a string behind those two, it should be okay if I overlook them. For now, at least. The main issue is the third condition. He said when he chants [Order], I'll listen and act to whatever he says. That means a single word would determine my existence as a human or a puppet of his. However-
Thinking about it, I don't see much of the benefits he gains from that. He's a god, right? He could just make me follow all of the instructions he gave, yet that's not what he did. This whole 'deal' itself is rather odd in the first place. Or maybe it was because he couldn't do it, so he wanted me to accept the offer? Unless he lied about him being a god or something, I can't wrap my head around it.
[I suppose it can be rather a vague condition. Then how about-]
"Hold up." I cut him from speaking further, "I want to ask you something. This is bizarre, no matter how I look at it." I added.
There was silence for a few seconds after I uttered those words.
[Ask away.] But he finally replied. For some reason, I sighed in relief.
"Why are you doing this?"
[...]
"I- I mean, this whole deal thing you proposed to me." I paused, "Why are you making a deal with me when you can compel me to obey your words or orders? Correct me if I'm wrong, but this feels like you're looking for someone to be your puppet."
[So that's what been bugging your mind, huh? Sadly, your assumption is false. But it isn't when you said I could force you to listen to me. Sure, I can do all of this without your consent.]
When he finished speaking, I thought he would actually do so, and I decided to say,
"Then-" He cut me off.
[BUT. I have no intention of doing that.]
"Why?" I hesitated.
[You're making a pact with a god, not a devil, Morgan. I have no intention of making you an aggrieved party here, but at the same time, I can't revive you without asking for anything in return. I'm sure without telling you why you could understand my action.]
Right, he's not wrong. DEFINITELY. He said as if I a genius shit.
Ambivalent.
I'm dithering if I should take his words. I'd be an idiot if I didn't take his offer, but it seems too good to be true. If it turns out to be sugarcoated words, then he did a fine job regarding that. Ugh, I need more hints. Questions are spiraling in my head, and I doubt thinking about them would get me anywhere.
"Actually, there are a lot of questions I'd like to ask you. May I?"
[Go ahead. There's more than enough time for us to discuss this.]
And so, I begin interrogating him.
"First, why are you striking a deal with me? It might sound the same as my last question, but I meant it differently."
[I won't answer that.]
Tsk, I should've seen that coming. There's no point in me pushing this question further because I bet his response won't change. If his goal isn't to use me, I can't think of any plausible answer. I'm not someone who holds a significant impact on anything or anyone. I'm nobody. It's hard to imagine someone taking advantage of me. Then what is it? What is he after? Does he really want me, or is it something that I have?
I shook my head.
"Why me?"
[Care to elaborate?]
"Exactly what I said. You could just offer this to someone other than me, yet here you are. If your answer is because I'm dying so you can make a give-and-take situation, the timing is too convenient. Tevyat is a vast world. There has to be someone other than me who is on the verge of death right now. It can't be a coincidence that you chose me." I explained.
Now, let's hear your answer.
[Are you implying that I chose to make a deal with you because you're extraordinary?]
"I never said anything about me being special. I'm saying there has to be a reason for you to make me your first candidate." I refute.
[Don't get ahead of yourself, Morgan. I did not choose you because of a reason. Not because you're clever, strong, talented, or whatever. You might find it disappointing, but your guess about this being coincidence was actually correct. Think that you win a lottery.]
A lottery, huh? What are the odds, really?
Hearing his answer didn't make me hurt or disappointed. It makes me relieved instead because I know he didn't lie. However, I can't help but feel like he's still hiding something.
Perhaps that's all I wanted to hear for now. I can't think of anything else that needs much consideration. I'm 70 percent sure to accept the offer, but something is still bugging me. It's about condition three. I'm sure the first and second conditions don't pose any concerns once I have thought them through.
He can observe me all he wants, not like it will bother or do I mind about it. If he finds me fascinating in a way, then good for him. When I think about it, I realize that his offer sounds like a creep would do. This deal can stay between him and me, even though I have no intention of sharing it with anyone about this. My parents-
…!
My eyes slowly widened when I realized that I had forgotten something important. I scanned my surrounding furiously but couldn't find anything.
"My parents! Where are they?!" I stressed as I looked up.
[Do I need to answer that? You should-]
"ANSWER ME!" I snapped.
A moment of silence.
[They're long gone already.]
Hearing those words, I can feel my heart gradually beat rapidly. I feel my limbs trembling, nausea, chest pain, and numbness. My visuals are beginning to blur. When I came back to my sense, I dropped to my knees. Neuralgia emerged as soon as his words looped in my ears. I grabbed my head with all my strength as if trying to crush it.
I don't know how long time has passed, but it felt like an eternity. The memory before I'm dying flashes before my eyes countless times. Everything I experienced became worse the more it played. My senses are in chaos. I'm curling on the ground, trying to alleviate all the terrible feelings I'm having right now.
"Kuh!" All I wanted was to live happily with my parents.
[...]
"Hrgh…!" WAS IT TOO MUCH TO ASK?!
These hurt as hell, especially the one in my head. My brain feels like being squeezed like a lemon. My breath is getting ragged.
You can't have shit in life, can you?
Unforgivable.
*pant* *pant* *pant*
Minutes have passed, probably. Or hours. I don't know.
*pant*
Blank. I can't think of anything.
*pant*
Still on my knees, using both hands to support my weight.
*pant*
The pain still lingers.
*cough*
I have the urge to throw up so badly.
My eyes are getting moist.
Ha. Ahaha.
For some reason, I want to laugh, but I quickly wipe the smile on my face.
[Feeling better, I wonder?]
Oh, right. I almost forgot about him.
"Give me a minute," I said, still panting.
After recollecting everything from the beginning, I stand up on my feet. Not everyone gets the chance to have this happen to them, so it should be natural that I would think about it. However, I suddenly felt a sudden burst of- 'certain' emotion. That eliminates the need for me to continue to think about it. Although, I'd like to negotiate more if possible.
"Why did you choose me over my parents?" I knew asking that would be pointless, but I did it anyway.
[As I said, it was a coincidence. Besides, I can't make a deal with the dead.]
I should be upset at his words, but I choose not to.
"Figured."
[So, have you made up your mind? Yes or no?]
"I have," I said indifferently, "My answer is yes. However, I'd like you to adjust to it."
I can't see the mimic on my face right now as my mind is preoccupied with one thing.
[Is it about the condition I proposed?]
I first complained about that, but now I don't really care. I'm trying to see if I can get more than he offers me, that is, if possible. It might sound greedy, but of all things I am considering, my life has the least value to me right now.
"No, I want something else. What can you offer me other than reviving me?"
[Are you asking for something more?]
"Exactly. I'll oblige to everything you say in exchange for something, but reviving me is not the one I want. I know life is supposed to be invaluable."
[Hooh, quite the individual, aren't you? Very well, what is it that you want then?]
"Can you grant me a wish?" I straightforwardly asked.
[What do you wish for?]
"I want you to-"
[Resurrect the dead is out of the question.]
Sigh, well, it was worth trying.
"I want power."
[What a cliche. Why do you want power?]
"Because there are scumbags who don't deserve to live in this world."
[Do you seek revenge? Is that why you want to power so you can avenge your parents' death?]
"You have a problem with that? If so, we can just pretend all of this never existed." I declared.
[Look at you~ Blinded by hatred~] He said mockingly.
[Taking my offer without care of the world for the sake of vengeance. Where did your common sense go?]
"Tsk! If you're against my idea, then spit it out. I don't need to stay here any longer if you can't fulfill my demand."
To my surprise, he giggled. I thought he would be furious I said that, but he didn't. I admit me asking for a massive adjustment was nothing but a gamble. I won't feel disappointed since I expected him to reject it, hell, maybe even cancel everything. The chance for him to accept the changes is slim, after all. If I could execute it right, the odds would be higher. But-
[Ease up. I have nothing with how you'll live your life after this.]
"Wait, you agree to my demand?"
[Even if you didn't ask for it, I'll give it to you anyway. I cannot have you relying on me all the time.]
What did he say? Are you telling me I didn't have to ask for power since he'll give me one? Oh my, that was such a waste. Then what will I do with my wish? I didn't need anything else other than that. Also, what does he mean by relying on him? Oh yeah, I'm his servant now. Kind of.
"Fair enough. What kind of power you'll be giving to me?" I inquired.
[The kind of power that flows through the veins of Tevyat, elemental energy. A vision, the catalyst for the chosen one to manipulate it.]
O-kay? That means I'll get a vision, right? Why did he say it that way? It's not that I don't understand it, but it was just a convoluted way of putting it.
"Good enough for me. Are we done here?" I asked while looking around.
[Why the rush? There are still some things we need to discuss for our deal.]
I'm not in a hurry. Or am I? I just want this to end. There's too much information to process, so I need some quiet time. It gives me mental exhaustion already. I'm hoping I have a little more capacity.
"What is it?" My tone sounded impatient.
[Don't be like that. These topics that we have left to cover are beneficial to you.]
"Huh? How so?"
[Getting curious now? Let's talk about it one by one.]
I remain silent to let him continue.
[First, let's choose what element of your vision you would want. I'll allow you to select whichever you want. You can't change it later on, so choose wisely.]
"Element?"
[Yeah. Which one do you want? Your options are pyro, cryo, electro, hydro, dendro, anemo, and geo. You may select only one, of course.]
I legitimately don't know which one I should choose. I'm guessing whichever I choose, it won't really matter because each option has advantages and disadvantages of its own. Although, having the right to pick your vision element is such a golden opportunity. Unfortunately, no matter how long I think about it, I won't be able to decide. I know minuscule to nothing about the power and general capabilities of vision.
"You know what? I'll let you decide for me. I won't mind."
[Are you serious? Vision bearers don't have the choice to pick their preferred element. Here I am giving you that chance, and you're throwing that away just like that?]
"Er, well, I know that. But I'm not a picky type. Besides, I don't believe picking one element over another offers me further advantages. Providing I can adjust to utilizing it, it doesn't matter which element."
[Heh, fair point. However, I don't want to decide for you. Take this if you insist on not choosing the one you want.]
*thud*
"Ow!" Something fell on my head.
The thing drops to the ground next to my feet. Crouching to pick it up and look closely, I see a small object. It's a pentagonal prism dice with a different symbol and color on each side.
"You're giving me a dice?"
[The solution to your problem without me getting involved. As you can see, each side represents its element. Unless you have a problem with it, let it determine for you.]
I don't, and I can't be bothered to think of any other alternatives anyway. I suppose I'll go with his suggestion. To be honest, I also didn't mind if he decided for me.
"Well, here goes nothing," I said as I threw the dice to the ground.
It bounces a few times before it spins rapidly.
"What the fuck?" Of course, it gets me confused.
[Don't be surprised. I never said it's an ordinary dice.]
"B- but why is it spinning?"
[For esthetic. It will end soon, don't worry. Now, while we wait for it to stop, let's talk about the next subject.]
"Okay then."
[You were saying that you are dissatisfied with our deal on your end, and you asked for something additional, which is a wish. I complied. But you wanted power, which I initially meant to give you at the end if you agreed with the deal.]
"Uh, so?"
[So technically, you still have your wish. Is there anything else you want?]
If he hadn't said it, I would not have noticed it since I had not considered it. I even believed he would pretend to forget it. Granting a wish should be a big deal, no matter what it is. I really don't get what he gets out of this, except for me being his servant. I don't care what he wants, so forget it.
I can't think of anything that I want besides a vision. The outcome can bite me later as long as I can exact my retribution. I'm not sure, though, if having a vision by itself wouldn't be sufficient. A couple of things cross my mind.
"Actually, I do. Can I ask for more power?"
[Is a vision not enough for you, Morgan?]
"Fighting someone stronger and more experienced in combat for someone like me, who doesn't have fighting experience at all with a vision only, would make my revenge nigh impossible to achieve."
[You raise a valid point. A shame that I cannot grant that for you.]
"What?! Why?!" I raised my voice.
[A vision is the only gift I can give to you. You'll get stronger as long as you put in the effort.]
"But- Then he'll get away before that happens!"
[Such impatient. He was already away from you at this point, so you don't have to be in a rush.]
"I'll chase for him to the end of the world if I have to. It is hardly any different than asking for a vision." I feel getting desperate.
[It won't be easy to track him, so my answer is still no. End of debate.]
Damn it! In the end, I can't ask for it. Why would he not allow me? Here I thought he was kind and generous. I have no choice but to accept it.
"Then how about I ask you not to get in my way of revenge?"
[About that, you don't have to ask me. As I said, I have nothing with how you'll live your life.]
"Good, at least I don't have to worry about you getting in my way." I sighed in relief.
Although I am happy that he won't meddle, I am disappointed that he didn't grant my request for additional power. This is the most I can get without becoming greedy. There's nothing else I want or crosses my mind.
"I don't need anything else then." I continued.
[Are you sure?] I nodded.
[Alright, you may keep it when you've returned to life. Give me heads-up when you have something in mind.]
"I can do that?"
[Sure, I won't grant everything, though. I'll tell you if your wish is acceptable.]
"Oh, okay. Thanks, I guess."
[One last thing.]
There's MORE? I don't think I can take more than this, man.
[This is crucial, so listen up.]
That made me tense up and got my attention. So far, he hasn't told me to pay attention to what he says. Thankfully, I memorize everything vital. Nothing different from the beginning. I have no intention to forgot anything here anyway.
[You won't recall anything we've discussed when you wake up but the conditions.]
"Wait, ANYTHING? You mean literally?"
That is definitely more crucial than I thought it would be. If I would only remember the vow and nothing else, then what's the point of memorizing everything here? Almost everything we've talked about is meaningful. And I don't think there's room for me to negotiate about it.
[Yes. Only the conditions and nothing else.]
"Can you make a few exceptions?" I begged.
[No. Is there anything else you want to say or ask? Not that you'll remember it.]
I rack my brain if there is anything I miss. Although, he's right. I suppose I don't have anything to say now that I know I'll forget everything. Only one thing is bugging me. I look at the ground.
"Oh, the dice have stopped spinning."
I bend my knee once again to take a closer look. The dice show an anemo symbol.
[Oh, you get the anemo vision.]
How coincidence. I lived on the land of the anemo archon and got the same element of my vision. I don't know if he's playing tricks with the dice, but as I said, I do not care.
"I don't think there's a point of me saying or asking anything here if I'll forget all of this later. But I do have a question, though." I paused to stand up, "What about my wish and me owning a vision?"
[No one can use that vision except you, and I'm sure someone will tell you when you wake up later. As for your wish, I'll mention it when you're desperate for something.]
"I see." That were the only words I said as I examined the dice.
[You know what? You whining about it was what I was expecting.]
"Why?" I got curious.
[Nothing. We have finished and wrapped up everything. See you, Morgan Friedrich.]
"Wha- Wa-"
*snap*
A/N: Introducing the first interlude in this fic. There will be more of them in the future, of course, to spice up this fic so you can understand what kind of world I'm trying to build. But rest assured, I have no intention to make much difference from the canon, just a tiny bit here and there. There are still so many things I want to put in this fic, unfortunately, the canon hasn't covered these subjects yet. Well, we'll see how this fic turns out in the future.
Announcement: Act 1 will have 10 chapters, so bear with me until then, okay? I'm still working on them, thank you for your patience. I know a good story should update regularly, but that's impossible to achieve knowing my IRL stuff. There will be more than the main story and interlude, so keep an eye out for this fic update. Also, I will revise the previous chapters when I'm done because looking back at it, the first chapter is a mess lol.
That's it, and thank you for reading!
