hydrangeabloom | (no subject)

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.

Really Lady Yae...? [ not that would say Yae was uncalm it anything, but ... well she maybe kind of bullies him sometimes when they meet. Not that he's admitting to that!

When Zhongli asks about clearing the miasma, Ajax nods, tails moving a little excitedly. Normally he's not very enthusiastic about this since it's all rather morbid, but Zhongli doesn't have to know the full truth about it either. The idea that he can assist with a task Zhongli wants to see happen is the most important part here to this fix youkai who can't help but want to show off what he can do! ]

Actually that's why we are here. I can't cleanse all of it, I would need someone else who could break all the seals and purify the miasma themselves, but I can significantly reduce it so it does not cause any harm.

So you are taking care of these shrines and the surrounding areas until someone can come and purify the miasma.

[ Zhongli's eyes flick to the eager movements of the tails behind the kitsune, curious as its cause. Perhaps the young youkai took an exceptional amount of pride in his work. Or perhaps his efforts had gone unappreciated for many years. Either seem equally plausible deep within the forests of Narukami Isle. But yes, something else has captured Zhongli's attention. ]

What are the requirements of such a person?

[ Does such a person even exist— Zhongli briefly wonders. The Lady Kitsune disappeared during the cataclysm 500 years ago, which means this fox or perhaps this fox's tribe has been tending to this shrine for centuries. If it has not been completely purified by now...

A soul tied to a duty that might never be completed in their lifetime. Such a thought is quite chilling actually, especially for a god who had seen many individuals perish before their time. But it also added one more vital piece of the puzzle of who this kitsune was exactly and their purpose here. ]

Well. I guess that's that's a pretty good question.

[ Ajax considers before answering. ] normally the Narukami Shrine does the ritual every sixty years, but it's been put on hold for quite some time now because the ancient book with the purifying process was damaged by some paper-eating insects. [ sounds kinda like a bad joke. ] So until they put all that back together again or someone special with an aura that allows them the natural capability to lift the seals to complete the cleansing ritual, I do maintenance work.

[ his proud demeanor deflates a little now, his brow furrowing. ] It's not enough, though... the tree has been absorbing too much too fast lately... there's more miasma than before these days. Eventually, if something isn't done, I'll be unable to keep it below the threshold. So there will be more trouble for Inazuma's people.

Edited 2023-08-27 20:45 (UTC)

I see. That is very unfortunate.

[ Zhongli's brow furrows further. Until someone can do it naturally - surely waiting for such a miracle was a fool's errand. Purification was a difficult task that only a handful of beings could achieve. To be able to perform such a ritual without knowing what they were doing... ]

Might I ask one more question before you begin?

Is there a reason that the miasma is generating more quickly now than before? Perhaps if we lack the ability to purify, we can increase our efforts in preventing the impurities to begin with.

[ "We" is said so casually as if Zhongli had already committed to assisting the nine-tails in his task. And well, he did want to help. Certainly he was qualified having helped manage the karmic debt in Liyue and assisting those individuals who had their own debt to pay. Surely his expertise could be useful here.

Though the thought of youkai bound to such a fate as the Guardian Yaksha was concerning to say the least. ]

Ah ha... I'm not really sure despite being the one to help keep it below threshold. Lady Yae might have answers, though, if she has some time to spare. [ true to any fox youkai, Ajax tells lies in the most casual and using ways. ]

My guess, though, is someone or someones is tampering with things they shouldn't, like the lingerings of fallen gods. I can only imagine the current state of Inazuma's people helps feed that remnant miasma from the hate and suffering under the shogun's iron fist if not one of her own. There are not so many vision bearers, but there are far more poor people in the countryside left to fend for themselves in addition to the rebels.

Disturbing the fallen gods...

[ Zhongli's eyes grow distant for a moment, thinking through one possible solution after another to this dilemma. Surely, Ajax's life will become more difficult and even be put in peril if this situation continues to worsen. And with conflict on the rise in Inazuma (the Traveler certainly had a way of bringing things to a crescendo), then it most likely would get worst before it gets better.

Path forward decided, Zhongli gives a nod at Ajax's explanation, stepping aside so that the fox may complete his work without him accidentally interfering. ]

You came here to do what you could, yes. Perhaps once that is finished we might further dwell on how to get to the root of the problem.

Once you have rested, of course. I imagine such a purification is no simple task.

[ Ajax perks with interest that Zhongli seems so determined to help with someone live this whole on his vacation. But... perhaps the fox just is poor at hiding his feelings because he seems incredibly happy that someone seems to want to help.

Regardless he'll go to step by Zhongli now, moving up to the shrine altar to quietly observe as if listening to something before pulling the fox mask down finally and reaching up to touch an invitation seal as it flares into visibility upon contact. The seal glows bright before miasma starts to leak from it and coalesce towards Ajax's fingers before ultimately disappearing. The only hint that it's being absorbed is the miasma wrapping and fitting the shadow of one of his invisible tails. It disappears as soon as he pulls his hand away from the seal and the seal fades as well.

The air around them does seem less oppressive now and less heavy, but the Archon's storms still rumble in the distance and light up the sky. Still, the fox youkai will turn to look back at Zhongli once he's lifted his mask off to the side of his head and offers a smile. ]

Okay, let's go. We can move on to someplace happier~!

[ clearly ... that was not a typical type of purification in the least. ]