hydrangeabloom | (no subject)

[ It is true that Zhongli had been hoping to meet a kitsune while he was here. Not the previous caretaker of this shrine, of course, as they had been gone for a long while now, but perhaps one of their descendants or the next generation of caretakers. Upon initially seeing the poor state of the shrine, Zhongli had to swallow down some of his disappointment and consider whether or not it would be acceptable to leave portions of his meal as an offering.

But now that this young kitsune had appeared—

He chuckles softly as the food catches the fox's attention, all nine tails swaying in unison. A very young kitsune then, to still be mastering control of his tails. Or perhaps one that did not interact much with mortals. ]

You are too kind.

[ Zhongli smooths out his robes while the fox steps back for a moment, bringing out the second pair of chopsticks he had packed for such an occasion. Once the youkai is comfortably settled, he holds them out flat to the young fox in the palm of both of his hands. ]

And you are very welcome. Thank you for taking the time to share this meal with me. It would have been rather disappointing to not meet anyone while I was visiting.

[ both is the answer.

Ajax blinks at the chopsticks offered, starting at them somewhat begrudgingly. it's not that he doesn't know how to eat like the Inazuman mortals and certain youkai, it's just—

— okay yeah it's been a while since he's eaten with anyone else, be nevermind human food that would call for them. Still, Ajax will not make the Adeptus have his arm tire so he takes them and quietly fumbles with them as he tries to remember how to hold them. Good thing he can't actually starve or this could end up a real crisis event.

once he thinks he can remember he will close the chopsticks against each other and make a small display of gratitude towards the meal. He will then roll the sticks about his fingers and knuckles to hold them in place and slowly begin to psyche himself up silently to make the first move on the meal. In the meantime, he feels a need to speak— that is, at least until he can put food into his mouth and be silent without excuse. ]

Visiting? Like... A vacation? You sure picked an interesting time to come to Inazuma for any reason, let alone that.

[ Next, Zhongli holds out the bento in his hands, lid fully removed so that his new companion may pick his preferred piece of sushi. His mouth opens and closes much like a fish multiple times as he watches the other handle the chopsticks, soft correction threatening to overflow multiple times. But this was a youkai of Inazuma. Surely, he knows such basic human things like how to use chopsticks.

(Right?

Ah. Perhaps this young youkai did not interact with humans much at all. Strange, then, that he would approach Zhongli with little if any hesitation.) ]

An interesting time...? What makes you say that?

[ Zhongli knows that Inazuma is currently under lockdown thanks to the Vision degree and that foreigners are not allowed in and out of Inazuma. But he knows that like how he knows that poverty is a thing that can happen. To other people. A concept rather than a reality.

After all, there was no one to check his documents and deny arrival for a dragon who just landed wherever he wanted on Narukami Island. Perhaps if he had taken a boat, but ah, then he would have had to negotiate with Captain Beidou about passage and she had already left sometime before with the Traveler. No, that route would have taken much too long. Yes, he way of arriving here was much more expedient and efficient. ]

[ Ajax stares at the sushi options like it really matters which one he picks. ]

Well, as you can see, this shrine is long abandoned more or less, and Inazuma currently is very difficult for anyone to navigate outside of the immediate settlement areas that humans stay. [ tails sway in an almost fuss of indecision about which choice to make before the fox finally takes one... very very slowly. (It would be really bad if he dropped this after picking it up and being offered it, so...)

The chopsticks hover above the one he wants for a moment before they slowly close about the sides of the sushi as he continues. ]

Humans don't come here any longer unless they are lost... and they are usually more than simply lost in the forest by then. Losing their vision and aimlessly seeking what drive then to live with such vigor once is one type. The other... well there are no shortages of trees in a forest to use with rope, I guess. [ Finally he pulls the sushi out of the bento, staring very intensively at it as of to intimidate it into not daring to slip from his chopsticks. ]

I sense a lot of bad energy lately, too, that I can't seem to identify the location of despite it feeling like it's almost already everywhere. ...Maybe it's just my imagination, though. ]

[ It does not matter which one he picks because ultimately Zhongli will offer both to the fox— not that he needs to know that at the moment. It seemed only fair since that is the offering he had used to coax the fox's company. Glancing at the way the youkai is so very gingerly holding the chopsticks, Zhongli hums thoughtfully before picking up another piece of the bento deftly between his own. ]

I did not know that the land was in such dire straits nor that you had to face such hardships as a result. The last time I was here, both cultures were highly integrated with each other with large boisterous festivals where the two would intermingle.

[ It was telling that is was so quiet even in a distant shrine as this in the summer months. Surely Zhongli should have encountered some festival goers or gathering on his way here. But it seems like there were only patrols of the Shogun troops and a handful of mortals who had wished to remain unseen. Zhongli had originally thought them to be of the opposing forces, but perhaps their was something even more tragic at work here. ]

I had heard that the Raiden Shogun's isolationist policy was causing some difficulties for the people, but not to this extent.

[ Zhongli stays quiet for many moments after that, deep in thought. Were this Liyue, were he a few months younger, he would certainly have meddled in such political affairs considering the injustice of it all. But after the calamity of 500 years ago and him setting down his own mantle, he had little interest in dealing with Beezlebub or the grief that she could not seem to manage.

Perhaps that was a bit heartless of him to admit that even to himself, considering his own struggles with loss. Yes. He was not interested in becoming entangled in political affairs where his true identity might come to light. But perhaps... perhaps he could help in smaller, less noticeable ways. ]

Can you tell me more of this bad energy? Is it causing you harm?

[ Despite being a fox... Despite being a kitsune with his favorite food in his possession he seems to lose some enthusiasm when asked about the energy and if it's causing harm to him. ] No, nothing like that.

[ His words are not hesitant, but his body language suggests...well, perhaps something is wrong, but it does not necessarily mean he's lying either. Perhaps he is just worried about the humans, although he doesn't seem particularly versed in interacting with them, either.

(It's just . . . well, it's not like it matters. It's not fixable, it's just what he is. He can't even claim it's hurting him— its not as if he would be better off without it even if others would be.) It's hard to nibble on sushi, so he doesn't, just starting at it as he waits to feel like he can put it into his mouth and enjoy it rather than eating it because he needs to. ) ]

A-anyway, I can try and explain more after the meal is you want— [ The fox perks up as if realizing something, and he does— it's bad to be like this when sharing a meal of all things. It ruins the appetite and the company. His ears lift and he goes to eat the sushi now, using it as much as excuse to stop talking as to focus on the treat. ]

Ahhh ha! Very nice! [ He beams and offers praise. ] Did you make them? Your fox friends back in Liyue must really be thankful for your.

Edited 2023-07-03 21:02 (UTC)

[ Ah, a question with a difficult answer. Well, Zhongli is not one to pry into people's personal affairs, especially that of strangers that he just met. If it is not hurting the fox, then he will leave it be for now and see if he can find some answer on his own. Which means both of them can return to simply enjoying the meal. ]

I did not. I purchased them from a well know vendor in Inazuma City, and I will be sure to pass on your compliments. While the ingredients are not uncommon in Liyue, it is not a dish that is made often. Nor do I have any fox friends back home who would appreciate it.

[ As for after the meal, well, what was Zhongli going to do after this shrine? He had a long list of places he wanted to visit, but it would probably end up the same as this location— alone and with no old friend to greet him.

This vacation and this retirement was not quite turning out to what he hoped it would be.

Perhaps, perhaps at least for some of the journey he could ask this fox to be his companion. ]

A lovely offer— to explain more about what is happening in Inazuma. However, of more interest to me is that I am in need of a local guide. Would you like to accompany me for a while?

Oya? Me! [ the tails curl at the tips before sway again but in a cheerful way that matches his expression. ]

I can do that, as long as I don't have to guide you through human settlements. I don't know much about them at all, and I'm sure it's changed a lot in terms of what little I do, so I would be bad at that part.

[ maybe the fox is a bit lonely, too. He at least doesn't seem duty bound in one place. Canting his head now, he looks quite curious. ] you have been here before, though, haven't you? What can I help you with as a guide?

[ he doesn't seem suspicious; in fact he's mostly just wondering what he can do to be a good guide in this case! ]

I find your terms agreeable. For the moment, I would rather not wander into the human cities as well. The villagers I met on my way here seemed tense and fearful. I do not think they would enjoy an outlander in their midst.

[ The fluff of his own tail swishes in response as Zhongli relaxes, pleased that he has found a companion for at least some of his journey. (Perhaps it's a bit selfish that he should find an youkai companion when he is supposed to be living as a mortal. Perhaps all of this is frivolous as he should not be indulging in his adeptal guise at all. And yet, Zhongli cannot bother to care at this moment in a land far away from Liyue and away from most eyes that would know him (and they would be busy with the civil war threatening to break out in Inazuma anyway). ]

I was here a long time ago. Over 500 years, but even then it was a strictly business trip so I was unable to see the breathtaking sites and vistas of Inazuma that are famous throughout Teyvat. Nor have I had a chance to see the newer wonders.

[ Zhongli pauses to pick up a morsel of bento with his chopsticks, thinking for a moment of where he would like to visit. ]

There is the mysterious beauty of this forest which made it a prime spot for youkai festivals. The beautiful pure waters of Watatsumi Island. And ah, yes, the Shogun slew a powerful snake on the island next over, did she not?

Ah ah! Five hundred years? Lots changed since then so I guess you definitely have a lot of sightseeing to do now!

[ Ajax smiles good-naturedly. ] okay then, it's a done deal. When do you want to start and where to first, Mr. ... did I get your name?

Zhongli. Just Zhongli.

[ All his other names were gone and buried, were they not? Not that those names had much power or reverence here in the Land of Eternity. ]

As I am the one inconveniencing you, perhaps I should ask whether or not your are available? Certainly you did not have tour guiding a stranger across the lands as part of your plans today?

[ Though Zhongli certainly won't complain if they can start immediately. Suddenly this trip is looking so much more exciting with the added prospect of travelling in the company of another. ]

Mr... I mean, just... Zhongli... [ Ajax nods. ] I didn't... but I am pretty free for the near future. I have some places to stop by throughout Inazuma, anyway, so as long as you don't mind those small stops I can take you across the country!

[ it would be a lot less lively to have someone going around with him as he checks the seals and observed how the tree is managing, right? It can't be any worse, that much he is sure. ]

[ Ah, so the kitsune did have duties that he needed to attend to. In that case: ]

Then perhaps it would be simplest to travel the country in the order of the stops that you need to make. I would not wish to inconvenience you and there is no urgency to any of my requests.

Would you like to---

[ The word contract almost tumbles out of Zhongli's mouth but he keeps the request at bay. Habits were hard to break. And really, contracts had no place in budding friendships or so he had been chastised before. ]

Is that agreeable to you?

[ Ajax nods with a smile seeming okay with this. Now that he's finished his meal, though, and they seem to have come to a decision, he'll get to his feet. His smile is quite endearing and his words reassuring. ]

Then, it's settled, yeah? Shall we meet here again tomorrow? I have to do something before we leave, I just remembered, and so I should also give you time to prepare if necessary~! Thank you for the meal, it was really kind of you, Mr. Zhongli. I'm happy to have shared this time with you today.

[ Zhongli smiles warmly in return and bids farewell to the fox, ah - he never did ask for the young youkai's name. But perhaps that was for the best since some were rather overprotective of them.

Back in human guise and in the heart of Inazuma City, Zhongli wanders the markets in preparation for the upcoming trip. He gathers all the necessary supplies for a long journey through the wilderness, splurging only on two items - two bentos to be enjoyed on their first day travelling together and a woven scarf of red and silver that was pleasant and warm to the touch. Certainly a fox of Inazuma would not need such accessories to fend of the cold, but on the third time of passing while passing that particular stall, Zhongli caved into the impulse purchase.

Supplies acquired, he arrives back at their meeting location right before dawn's light, finding a vantage point to watch the sunrise. Every country was breathtaking in beauty in its own unique way. While Liyue's dawn was bathed in golds and oranges, Inazuma's tended to lighten the sky in red and purples. It was be a shame to miss such a beautiful sight.

And thus, Zhongli waited for his new travelling companion to appear. ]

[ Ajax arrives not long after sunrise, his mask pushed up to one side as he smiles briefly in greeting. The only difference about him is that his nine tails are down to three, alright sometime such as Zhongli will be able to sense that they are being concerned rather than actually having disappeared.]

Good morning! I hope you enjoyed the view while waiting. The weather looks pretty good today... I'm glad that outlander cleared the shogun's weather for us. It was getting really tiresome trying to avoid being struck by lighting when outside the forest... this trip would be much less fun otherwise.

Inazuma is lovely. I am pleased to hear that the weather will hold today.

[ Zhongli suspects he knows what Outlander that Ajax is talking about but brings no attention to that topic. The Traveler had a long uphill battle in front of them, but they were as tenacious as they were brave. Surely they would overcome every obstacle.

Zhongli is relaxed in the same form that he was in yesterday, two golden antlers perched atop his head and long bronze tail with a cloud-like fluff of gold at the end curled around his ankles. It would be for the best for others to think that they were simply two youkai travelling together and not notice that perhaps one of said youkai did not hail from Inazuma. It was also probably for the best that Ajax appear as a simpler fox than what he was at his full might. Surely a nine-tails would attract their own kind of unwanted attention.

He rises when Ajax approaches, unraveling the scarf that was nestled in his lap to drape across the fox's shoulders. ]

A gift of gratitude for my travel guide. I hope you find it pleasing. I would prefer to have given you something from Liyue, but our chance meeting has turned much more beneficial than I had been previously anticipating.

[ Ajax's eyes widened at the presentation of the scarf , glancing to his shoulders belt looking back at Zhongli in bewilderment. ] For me...?

[ There's a momentary blush that tinges Ajax's face, as if he's never received a gift belt in his life before he seems to almost realize he's being awkward and huffs in his flustered state. ] —I mean...!

Of course it's pleasing, how could it not be as a gift from a new friend? Thank you... [ his momentary bravado seems to sink back a bit, and his ears twitch as they tilt back ever so slightly in a shy gesture as he covers his mouth and glances down at the scarf some more. ] ... for thinking of me.

[ This has never happened before... So it will take some time for him to get used to but by no means will be appear ungrateful. Even if the gift was not personally appealing, it's hard for a fox to not be in awe of something "shiny" in its color and overall appearance. But this is far more than that, a gift— a gift from a first friend. He really does seem quite happy with it even in his fumbling attempts to not be seen as overreacting to a small gesture of good will and gratitude. ]

Maybe next time... you can show me a gift from Liyue. [ a fox will never say to more shiny gifts! Even if it's a fox that's never had one offered to them before. Besides, who wouldn't be curious after such a nice gift like this what would have come from Liyue? He can't help but be curious about it.

After another moment, he'll ask curiously: ]

Do I look good...?

[ he is a wee tiny bit of a vain little fox when he's given the chance. ]

[ Endearing. His new companion is simply endearing.

For a moment, Zhongli is reminded of Azhdaha freshly brought to the surface and how he looked around at everything with wide eyes and wonder. This fox had probably not had many interactions with anyone outside of his fellow youkai, so it warmed Zhongli that he could help broaden this young one's horizons. The world was a vast and wonderful place after all, and all of its beauty should be remembered in the hearts of many.

Zhongli reaches out again, adjusting the scarf minutely many times over as he tugs it there to make it more even or smooths it there so it does not drape over one of Ajax's tails. Extremely fussy despite the calm expression on his face, he rests one hand to his chin until he is finally pleased with the results. ]

It looks excellent on you. Your face and posture is quite youthful in contrast to the more traditional style of clothing you wear. I had hoped that this scarf could help add a more modern look and I do believe it manages that quite nicely.

[ His smile only broadens at the not so shy ask for something from Zhongli's homeland. Who wouldn't be thrilled to share their culture with one who was so interested? ]

Yes. I find myself with a bit more free time these days then is my normal fare. I would be happy to come again in the future better prepared if you would have me as your guest once more.

[ his tails wag a bit enthusiastically like a kit might around their mother when excited or wanting attention, and Ajax still doesn't seem very good at controlling their emotional indicators even though he is only technically showing off three (or maybe he doesn't care so much that it's obvious... or maybe even he just doesn't know any better about keeping his emotions not in display all the time.) Apparently, Zhongli's praise and being fussed over is very well received by the youkai, and his smile certainly doesn't try to hide that fact, either. ]

Is this what they call being "in fashion," then, Mr. Zhongli? [ What an exciting concept! He wouldn't blend in in a modern place with humans, he's sure, but he can pretend out here, can't he? That's pretty great to someone like him!

His eyes grow big at hearing the other being willing to bring him a gift from Liyue, then, not for the gift so much as— ] Oya? You'll come visit me again, you mean? That would be amazing. I haven't had anyone visit me after meeting them in a long time now.

[ It's true that Zhongli is an adeptus, so it is not quite such a long journey as it would be traditionally, but that still means a lot considering the other would go out of his way to come visit when he doesn't need to. It's something to be happy about without a doubt. ]

Edited 2023-08-19 20:22 (UTC)

[ Zhongli makes no comment on how obvious Ajax is being about how pleased he is. Why draw attention to such a thing? If he is doing it on purpose, it is for Zhongli's benefit in his desire to be appreciative. If it is not, then surely calling it out will only embarrass the young youkai.

(Not had anyone visit in a long time, though. Ah, he would definitely have to return to visit his new nine-tailed friend. Perhaps it was less chance than Zhongli thought to have run into Ajax in the first place.) ]

Of course, I would come visit you again. Alternatively, if the shogun ever sees fit to end her isolation period, I would welcome you to visit Liyue Harbor. There are many places and experiences that I would happily treat you to.

[ Not that Raiden's policies have hindered Zhongli much (or at all) if him strolling the countryside with no papers is any indication. Perhaps Yae Miko is taking pity on the old man and letting him wander freely. Zhongli does not question such things just like he doesn't question how there has always been someone to pay for his expenses this entire trip.

He gently pats Ajax on the shoulder, smoothing the fabric of the scarf one last time. ]

Well, then. Shall we?

[ Ajax looks surprised at the idea of going to Liyue. Could he even do that? Would it would be possible?

He's pretty sure the answer is... no.

Still, it seems unfair to give emotional whiplash to the adeptus so soon, so he just smiles and nods. Yes, he would love to go visit Zhongli and his homeland.

When Zhongli suggests they get started, Childe will move to go forward and reach for Zhongli's hand in the process to tug him along into a walk in a certain direction. ]

Then, here we go!

[ Ajax will take him as promised; sometimes he speeds things up here or there once they have had their fill of the scenery or whatnot but he's good about taking the most scenic routes possible for a grand tour where they are able to enter and charter and appreciate their adventure.

That's why, overall, it's been really fun, Ajax thinks, even as they make their way to the next destination. It's not exactly scenic here in a positive light, as the abandoned shrine they approach seems to give off its despair to the entire area surrounding it, including the tenants of a small village or settlement nearby. Even as Ajax has been full of energy and smiles the entire time, approaching here seems to mellow him out dramatically whether out of caution or something else. His chatter dies down and there seems to be very little the supposed type guide can offer about their newest destination.

In a way, the youkai thinks it's unnecessary. If Zhongli visited 500 years ago then he probably saw this place when it was a much happier sight of gathering. Now the entire area holds a negativity to it that Zhongli might just think to question if this is the energy that Ajax mentioned on their first meeting. ]

[ Zhongli takes Ajax's hand in his, warm and strong as he is led around the Inazuma countryside. His guide is enthusiastic and cheery, obviously trying to provide the best experience possible. And so Zhongli returns that warmth, talking animatedly about what catches the kitsune's attention, also dragging him to scenic views to sit and rest a while so that they can be admired, and asking question about question (probably too many) about Inazuman history.

The change in Ajax's demeanor when they enter they shrine is quick and apparent, Zhongli now giving the hand in his a comforting squeeze. He quiets as well, not wanting to disturb the other too much. It's not like he hasn't seen something like this before— the remnants of a place of worship tainted either because its deity has perished or succumbed to the darker forces of this world. It's painful though to see a place that was once so vibrant drowning in this oppressive energy. Actually seeing Inazuma's fall from grace (no matter how it tried to present itself as otherwise) was painful to see.

(Was it Ajax's job to check these seals? Remember those who had fallen? Both seem like logical conclusions for a nine-tails.)

Eventually when they get near to the shrine itself, Zhongli will turn to Ajax and ask quietly: ]

Who did they worship here precisely?

[ When Zhongli's hand squeezes his reassuringly his ears flit in acknowledgement and his own hand tightened a little around the others. Ajax does look up at the question, but he doesn't immediately turn to Zhongli, and there is a moment of quiet behind he speaks up. ] The Hakushin Kitsune, Lady Saiguu.

[ He's quite sure the other will know who that is considering his age. ] This one was special because the people of the village really adored her. But, the village has been also abandoned for a long time now.

[ Ajax blinks as he feels it start to drizzle, a low rumble coming from above. ] Rain...? Hopefully nothing major.

[ Zhongli holds out his free hand to catch a few stray raindrops within his palm. Rain. It could mean that Ei's lightning was soon to follow, but perhaps it was also a remnant of the long lost feeling of the former Kitsune, weeping for all that had come to pass. Either way— ]

She was as fearless as she was mischievous. It's hard to imagine that her successor is somehow more calmer than she was. But such is the product of the people of that time.

[ Even if Ajax does not turn to look at Zhongli, Zhongli turns to face him with a concerned and questioning look. Gods and immortals never truly die, just leave their festering feelings to rot within the earth if unchecked. At least, that is how it was in Liyue. Surely, the Hakushin Kitsune deserved more than to be a blight on the country that she gave her life for. ]

Is there naught we can do to help purify this miasma? Without the faith of her people present here, it may never be fully cleansed but it would be a shame to not to be able to do anything for her.