hydrangeabloom | (no subject)

[ 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. ]

[ After the end of the Archon War, each of the seven nations of Teyvat was flourished into their own rich culture and history. No two were the same despite how the same governing principles of the elements were consistent between them. So Zhongli did not expect the purification process to be exactly like those he was familiar with in Liyue.

He did not expect it to be the same, but still there is a feeling deep in his core that this is wrong. To be purified, the miasma had to be drawn somewhere, that much was understandable. But for Ajax himself to be the vessel—

How much could he absorb? What kind of harm was it causing to him? And what karmic debt must he be paying to balance the scales?

All of these questions swirl around in Zhongli's mind as he watches the scene unfold in front of him, each second making him feel more and more uneasy. But the only thing Ajax will see when he turns around is a pleasant and comforting smile to mirror his own. It is not his place to comment (yet). Not until he has more information. And perhaps never, seeing as he was the outlander in this land. ]

Of course. But do you not need to rest first? I can only imagine such a ritual must be draining, especially if the miasma is getting stronger as you said.

[ Ajax tilts his head at being asked if he wants to rest. Zhongli did mention that before, too. Unfortunately, while knowing that anyone actually doing something like he does should be worn out, it's pretty much impossible for him to even design fatigue when in fact the miasma does quite the opposite to him. ring to explain that to someone else, though, especially someone who has just become a new friend seems like the worst possible idea right now. His ears flatten, discouraged, and his tails tuck themselves down back where they would surely curl between his legs if they could with how he is standing. Instead, he glances to the side a moment, wondering if agreeing to rest or insisting h is fine is the best response, all the while realizing his awkward indecisiveness is very telling. Well... it's not ... that surprising right? If it bothers Zhongli so much, Ajax can understand that and not make him uncomfortable. Sure he would like to stick around Zhongli some more, but he can only avoid saying what he is, not actually lie about it when lie comes to shove (lying seems impossible.)

Finally, Ajax speaks up trying not to look flustered with being nervous in his to properly respond. ]

...W...well, no. I don't really get exhausted from it like others, but... I do get really hungry.

[ which is not a lie... it's just the first time he's acknowledged such.. And if Zhongli was given an explanation of the true concerning the whole situation, Ajax thinks it would probably make a lot of sense to him, too. ]

[ Zhongli sees Ajax's ears flatten and his tail droop and knows that he has inadvertently stumbled across something that is very unpleasant for his new youkai companion. Something that must have to do with the purification process. It should be exhausting and yet here the nine-tails is, distraught that someone has pointed out that it does not.

There's a pause from Zhongli's end as well, a reflex to reach out have to soothe his upset friend and half to see if he can tell exactly what his new friend really is. A youkai, assuredly, but somehow something more.

(Ah, he is being a terrible guest to his host. Surely Ajax was uncomfortable with his secrets being prodded just as Zhongli had dodged delving too deep into his own situation. Best leave it be for now.)

Instead, Zhongli's expression brightens at the mention of food in a clumsy attempt to draw attention away from his previous question. ]

That is quite fortunate. I did purchase some more bentos before I left Inazuma City, but they will not last long out here in the countryside. It would be best if they were eaten quickly in order to more fully enjoy them.

[ Ajax may or may not recognize that Zhongli is trying to make him less uncomfortable (he does, he absolutely does and it makes him feel something in his chest that he doesn't... quite understand. It isn't comfortable exactly but it's not uncomfortable either. Instead of s dwell though he quickly latches onto Zhongli's willingness to let him off the hook and move the subject to food. Without thinking he rushes up too Zhongli, ears perked as he clings to the Adeptus's arm, very curious and excited that he might have more bento. ]

Really ...?...! Like the ones before?

[ the fox youkai won't realize it but when he touches Zhongli, it's impossible for the retired Archon not to catch a sense of that Karmatic heavy filth of negativity that seems right now to overwhelm any identity Ajax has a youkai. Instead its just this concentrated pile of miasma that is little more than an oozing pulsing mass of the residue of all the awful things in this world. It lives in some sense, but it is nothing more than a collective negative residual from many peoples experiences and places. There's nothing else to "see" but this tumor, no one individual—

— but there is a small whimper Zhongli might catch, and in the visual phenomenon initiated by Ajax touching him, he might see a very young kit youkai encased in the tumor but barely visible. He's curled up afraid and defensively, but doesn't seem to be able to do anything except whimper and try not to sob. Unlike Ajax, he's white, but he's clearly too young to be white and he only has one tail.

Nevertheless, it definitely looks like a child version of Zhongli's youkai companion all the same. ]

[ Reflexively, one of Zhongli's hands reaches out to cover Ajax's as if he could reach out to the young suffering kit. A kit that is much younger and white but still ultimately he recognizes to be Ajax. A kit who had suffered something terrible and might still be suffering, yet he sees none of that reflected in Ajax's eyes. Only a warm smile and perked ears at the mention of a potential treat.

(What on Teyvat had happened to this poor boy? And how could anyone not be driven mad by that amount of negative energy?)

But as with all things related to the God of Contracts and fairness, Ajax will get a vision of his own. While not having racked up as much karmic debt as the other Adepti, Morax was not immune to its effects. Time and time again, he had made the lesser of two awful choices, the regret and fear and anger of the results clinging to him like a second skin that he could never shed.

In this vision, Ajax will see Zhongli robed in vibrant whites and golds. Regal and majestic with none of the bumbling warm presence that he exudes in Inazuma. His face is expressionless — no pity no remorse and no happiness as below him writhing tentacles of water cry out in anger and vengeance. "Morax." The sound is hissed like lava coming in contact with cool water. "You would side with them. You would do this to me. Are the humans with their useless lives and unending greed so precious to you? Morax!!!" Before the voice and water is silenced underneath the stone. ]

Similar but different.

[ Zhongli smiles fondly at Ajax as he leads the both of them away from the shrine and to a sun-warmed rock where they might sit and stretch out. ]

I would not be such a poor guest as to serve you the same meal twice when you have told me that you do not often get to sample cuisine from the city.

[ Once settled, Zhongli carefully begins pulling said bentos from the depths of his pack, setting it on Ajax's knees with the dreaded wooden chopsticks balanced on top of them. ]

A meal and some sightseeing would be a wonderful way to finish off the day, wouldn't you agree?

[ Ajax can almost feel that anger like it's a hot open flame. The person in white and gold is... Zhongli, but he is being called another name. Morax. Where has he heard that name before?

He can't help but... feel some sort of empathy for whatever entity fell to Morax's judgments. Humans... Yae has tried to convince him of their goodness, but Ajax has reached a point where he can only unstable their hatred, fears, and despair. He does not resent them like the entity beneath the waves does, but it does make him feel disheartened. Not that he ever expected Zhongli to want to side with him once he knew what (what, not who) he was, but the idea of him assisting with the humans that are responsible for this incredibly powerful negative force that the land tirelessly attempts to peirce its inhabitants from makes it... a shame. (A shame is the only thing he can think of. Nothing else correctly describes what he's feeling right now, and while he's sure there is a word for it, he doesn't know it.)

Morax and Zhongli... how could they be the same, though? The majestic robes figure seems so unapproachable and distant... and empty. Zhongli is so warm and kind. How can they even compare? Instinctively, Ajax clubs a little tighter momentarily (does Morax feel as empty as he looks? That can't be, but he doesn't like the idea of thinking that Zhongli may have ever been saddled with such things and ultimately alone as a result of the burden. Maybe they are similar? It's impossible, but the fox youkai momentarily nuzzles Zhongli's arm in reassurance, anyway, before being brought back to reality by Zhongli's smile. Ah ha... maybe it was just a trick his mind was playing on him from absorbing the miasma. The's no way the two could be the same individual...!]

Yes, that sounds great. We aren't far from a small beach, it would be a nice atmosphere for a meal. I think you would like it! The waves are really soothing, and the sand is so fine it feels really soft. At night, the waves even glow sometimes, too.

[ Zhongli isn't sure what to make of Ajax clinging to him suddenly nor is he very well versed in any sort of physical reassurance. But something bubbles up inside him about how he wants to offer comfort to this boy so he reaches out one hand to gently pat the fox on the shoulder. It was strange - there was no danger at present even with the miasma around so there was no need to be protective. But protective Zhongli felt all the same.

Ah, there were so many questions and no way to get answers for any of them, so best not to dwell too much on such matters until they could be addressed. ]

The beach sounds positively lovely. I'd enjoy it much if you could guide us there and also tell
me more about this glowing phenomenon.

[ Loathe to physically part from the other at the moment, Zhongli keeps Ajax's hand tucked in the crook of his elbow as he gestures for the young youkai to lead them away. Yes, best to get away from this shrine or perhaps visit it later without his new youkai companion so he could get a better sense of what he was actually dealing with.

There was more to this purification ritual than what glimmered on the surface. ]

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