Dreams from the Stars Above

CHAPTER EIGHT

ACT ONE ; PART EIGHT

"Officially Meeting an Archon"

Ryu didn't focus on the part with Jean, as they moved to the next act, at last. Both because he was arguing with Azrael and because he's memorized the entire thing.

Though, something interesting happened when they showed the crystal.

"It's a crystal embedded with some kind of power... Lisa, are you able to analyze it?" Jean asked.

"Let me take a look..." A few seconds passed. "Hmm... I can see impurities in the crystal, but upon further inspection..."

Lisa said, "No, I'm sorry, I can't make a proper analysis at the moment. Give me some time. I'll take a look through the library's restricted section."

Jean nodded. "Right. I'll leave the research to you then, Lisa."

"Understood. I'll notify you all if I make any progress. Though I wouldn't go getting your hopes up. They are incredibly ancient texts, not to mentio— Ouch!"

Ryu knew this part was coming, but he couldn't help but worry for the librarian.

Approaching Lisa and ignoring Azrael, he asked, "Lisa! Are you alright?"

He didn't notice his hand brush against the crystal. Lumine's eyes widened as the impurities faded away, seemingly absorbed by Ryu's hand.

Wincing, Lisa, who hasn't noticed due to Ryu blocking the tear and the fact she felt sudden pain.

"The impurities in the crystal... It hurts when I get close..." she said.

"Speaking of impurities," Paimon piped up, "Ryu! You just purified the crystal!"

The dragon turned, and lo and behold, the crystal was clear. His eyes widened and Azrael was going crazy.

"HOW DID YOU PURIFY THE FUCKING CRYSTAL?!" the seelie yelled in his mind. "FUCKING LUMINE IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE ONE TO DO IT!"

He let the crystal float in his hand as he returned back to Lumine's side. Paimon went to inspect the crystal, her eyes practically sparkling in awe.

'As expected of Ryu!' she thought proudly, smiling to herself.

"Fascinating," Jean mumbled. "Not only were you and Lumine not harmed, but you also were able to cleanse it with just a brush of your hand."

"Before my cutie here purified the teardrop—" Ryu sighed at the nickname. "—the impurities in the crystal and the elemental energy we embody repel each other. It's strange, though. Both Lumine and Ryu have elemental abilities as well but didn't seem to be affected in the same way, to the point that Ryu is able to touch it."

Lumine looked like she was thinking about something. So was Ryu, in fact.

'How was I able to cleanse that?' he thought to himself. 'Could it be because I first touched it? But...'

He looked over to Lumine discreetly.

'My instincts tell me that she wouldn't be able to cleanse it, even if I never touched it. How much was this world changed just by my appearance here?'

"Well then, travellers," Jean said, snapping Ryu out of his small thinking session. "The Knights of Favonius have another favour to ask of you. Please accept the title of The Honorary Knights... and the gratitude of the Acting Grand Master."

Shocked, Paimon exclaimed, "Honorary Knights... of Favonius?!"

Jean continued, "We ask for your continued assistance in finding some answers. Stormterror's rage... and strange crystals... I know Mondstadt's peace hangs in the balance. May the wind open your eyes to the truth. We'll meet back here if you find anything."