[DISCONTINUED?] Are We Star-crossed Lovers? (Childe X Lumine)

Chapter 5: The Truth About Celestia (Part 2)

"Who are you?" Zhongli asked. The boy continued to walk towards them. "Are you... the Prince of the Abyss?" Venti questioned. He didn't answer. "What have you come here for?" Ei demanded for an answer.

"Your highness, are you sure about your plans?" The Herald asked to the Prince. "Did I stutter when I gave out my orders?" He looked coldly. His eyes are full of determination and bloodlust. His only kin was taken away from him. He can't accept it. He regrets letting her on her own. He pushed her away.

"I am not here looking for a fight. I am here for an alliance." the Prince claimed. "Alliance for what?" Zhongli asked and looked around. "An Alliance to fight against Celestia." The Archons looked shocked and confused. They didn't misheard him. He really is planning to have war against Celestia. "Why is that?"

"For I want my beloved sister back." They all looked confused. "Sister? You mean you're..." Venti looked at him puzzled. "Yes, I am her one and only kin. Her brother." The Prince replied. They do both have resemblance. From his hair color to his eyes, showing the pain he felt when he lost her. There are signs of dry tears on his face.

"So... you're the Aether that Ms. Lumine was referring to?" Zhongli asked.

"Yes. That is me." The Prince spoke. "Why do you want to have war against Celestia? And what does Celestia have to do with the Traveler?" Ei questioned.

"If you can't revive the dead, they can reincarnate." Aether answered forwardly. The eyes of this boy is full of vengeance.

"Reincarnation?" Venti's soberness faded away. He started being serious. They can't revive the dead. They're just archons. They have no power to bring someone back. But the souls can reincarnate?

"As far as I know, you Archons have no power to bring the dead back. You are just there to protect and rule over nations, correct?" Aether looked at them.

"I want my sister back. She's all that I had." He looked down and look looked at the flower that Lumine wore on his hand. He wanted her to return.

"Celestia severed the ties of life's cycle for the 'ideal' heavenly principles. They cut the ties between life and death from reincarnation." Aether told them.

The Archons got confused. Reincarnation was severed from  the cycle of life of Teyvat? "Celestia kept many secrets from all of you." Aether said in a serious tone.

"How can we be sure you're not lying to us?" Ei kept her guard up. "Why would I lie about this? Lying is a very petty way towards victory. I never do anything disgraceful like that. Also, all I've said right now is merely a little part of the truth about Celestia." Aether replied and kept his serious demeanor.

"A little?" Venti asked. Celestia was hiding secrets from them? Why? What is going on? They've been ruling their own nations but has no clue about Celestia.

"Hmpt. I can't believe you Archons are so ignorant about this world. You were here first. How come not have any idea about what was going on?"

Everyone remained silent. What does the Prince know? "The reason behind Celestia severing reincarnation off the cycle of life is because they believe that the great heroes in the past will be reborn and get even closer to obtaining their own Gnosis. If they do, they have a chance to become gods."

"Gods?" They can't believe what they have just heard. Mortal souls can become gods?! "You heard me right. Even mortals can become gods. Specifically, Vision bearers." Aether further explained.

"Why would Celestia prevent that? She's afraid that her ideals will be ruined. And she fears that she'll be dethroned off of her position."

"'She'? You mean-" Venti was interrupted. "Yes. Her. The one who separated me from my sister centuries ago." He answered.

Zhongli had a hint of hope in his eyes. "Can the fallen gods be reincarnated?" He asked forwardly. Aether stood there silently and thought. "I am not quite sure, I'm afraid."

Those hopeful sparks in his eyes faded. "I see." He said calmly but with a heavy weight to it. "But all I know, is that the cycle was severed when we arrived. Around after the nation of Khaenri'ah fell."

Could it be... you came back? Zhongli asked himself. A hint of happiness in his eyes. Aether looked at him and noticed but did not pry. It's simply not in his interest.

"So, are you with me or not?" Aether asked them. They all looked hesitant except for the Geo Archon. "We need to think about this. Please give us the time to consider about this."

"Alright. But don't take too long though. There'll be consequences. And those consequences are not too good for your nations." He looked seriously at them and they all know what he meant.

"While I'm waiting for your answers, I want one last agreement." The Prince added. They all looked at him. "Don't let your people attack mine while you're taking your time to decide. I'll order mine not attack yours too. We'll cease all unfriendly acts towards your people for as we wait. I'll give you time until sunset tomorrow. I'll see you all at where my sister is buried."

They shook hands and all agreed for a cease fire. The Prince left along with all of the Hilichurls. The portal disappeared to thin air.

"So what should we do now?" Venti asked. They all looked at each other. "Inform our people about the agreement." Ei replied. "Since you two are keeping the fact of the both of you being archons in secrecy, how will you order your people?"

"I'll ask the Acting Grandmaster then. After all, she knows who I am." Venti said in full confidence. "Looks like your head is full of Anemo, too" Zhongli said in a low sarcastic way.

"Hm? You know I get what you're trying to say" He glared at Zhongli. "Hmpt! Then, how are you gonna tell your people to have a cease fire huh?!" He pouted and pointed his fingers at him.

"That's a good question but I have my ways." Zhongli said. Ei can just easily order her people for she rules her entire nation as the Shogun.

"Alright then, things are settled. Let's meet here tomorrow before we meet that Prince." Ei added. "I'm off now."

Ei disappeared in a flash and is now in her respective nation. Zhongli too left to do his plan. Venti stayed at the fountain. He reminisced all of the memories he had with his old friend and the Traveler. He lost both and he hopes that he'll be able to see them again.

End of Chapter 5

(Disclaimer: All of the things related about the cycle of life part is not confirmed to be true in the game's lore. This is just but a theory I found online and made it a base for the story.)