hydrangeabloom | (no subject)

[ it doesn't take long for them to reach their destination: a cave with an underground "garden" with the beautiful plants and flowers. Ajax will let go of Zhongli's hand to start looking for a soft place to sleep and find a nice soft mossy area along the grass before he'll start picking up leaves from nearby trees that have fallen or otherwise blown into the cave from the outside to start making a nest of sorts. it's not much but when he's done it will give them a place to rest that is cushioned a little for more comfort. he'll beckon Zhongli over.. ]

Here. It's not like human beds which I hear are quite comfy but it should be pretty okay anyway.

[ Ajax flips onto the leaves and waits for Zhongli to come, too. And as soon as the fox youkai sees the adeptus seems comfortable enough, Ajax'll roll over to face towards Zhongli. His nine tails come into view and immediately move to stretch over them both like fluffy blankets. (Ajax has very soft and nice fur, better than most fox youkai so it should be plenty comfortable for Zhongli. ] ...There. I'll keep you warm since we have no blankets and the like.

[ Ah. Has Ajax never slept in a human bed before? It seems like that is the case yet he is going to such lengths to ensure that Zhongli is comfortable even if he's not quite sure what he should be doing. It's equal parts endearing and concerning. Just where did Ajax sleep normally? ]

It is quite comfortable. Thank you.

[ Zhongli takes the sealed corruption and nestles it in a patch of earth as far away from both of them as well as the flowers and plants. Contained as it may be, there was no way to tell what prolonged exposure would do to the living. Best to be safe rather than sorry and also try and find its proper resting place as soon as possible.

He lays down in the makeshift nest of leaves next to Ajax, a little sound of surprise escaping as he is draped in all of his nine fluffy tails. Much warmer and cozier than most blankets indeed. Zhongli strokes one tail idly as he shifts to a more comfortable position.

He turns to face Ajax as well, asking a question that he suspects he already knows the answer to. ]

Is it not a strain on you to manifest all of your tails. While I do greatly appreciate their warmth and comfort, I promise you that I am well used to sleeping on nothing but the cool earth. Even this location you have found is quite the luxury.

[ Ajax looks sheeoish but shrugs it off with a smile (and his answer is quite non committal)] if it does, I have never really noticed it. It's actually easier for me since I can't control my trails very well. Besides, we are going to sleep so even if it is somehow a strain it will be fine !

[ there's a pause now, though, his tails hugging around them both as he thinks if he should say something. He's sure Zhongli already noticed, anyway, but...]

Besides, I'm an orange Ninetails, which I know you know is really strange. I've been told it's because I'm too young to be an elder Ninetails and turning white is related to age... except in very rare cases which are mutations. Those kinds of fox youkai start from birth white but they are often killed out of fear they are an elder mavelont Ninetails and tactics that would only make an elder retreat are fatal to them. So I guess I'm a reverse or something. My color matches how old I am but my tails don't, and since I have a hard time concealing them, I stay away from interacting with humans as to not scare them. I can conceal them well enough by now but still... [ his ears point straight forward as a pout colors his expression. ] I really ....don't like dogs. They can still startle me enough I might turn back into a fox unintentionally if I'm not mentally prepared for them. [ he starts mumbling quietly now. ] So I can't try human abura-rage much which really is no good... maybe in another 30 years and I'll be good to go.

Edited 2023-10-10 01:18 (UTC)

[ It is the answer Zhongli suspects, but yet he finds himself nodding in response. His hand idly strokes over the tails as Ajax speaks, shifting them slightly in order to cover both of them in their softness. ]

I must admit I did find it strange to find an orange Ninetails. However, I have not been to Inazuma in a very long time. It would not surprise me if the population densities of youkai would have shifted over the centuries, especially if certain features gave one group an advantage over another.

[ Fear of the unknown was always a motivating factor, moreso for humans but even other beings were not immune to losing to their more base emotions. Zhongli briefly wonders if the rest of Ajax's family were also orange kitsune. If not, perhaps this anecdote hits a little closer to home than he realized. And what a dreadful thought that is... Certainly that is too personal of a question to ask at this point anyway. Perhaps as the budding friendship and trust continues to grow, Ajax will feel comfortable enough to talk about his family (or reason for lack thereof). ]

I should hope it would not take another 30 years for you to master your mortal form. Perhaps I could help teach you as I have experience in walking undetected among human settlements.

[ And then, perhaps a little teasing: ]

The alternative solution would be for me to go fetch your favorite mortal foods myself.

[ Ajax's expression lights up at the offer to being taught. ]

Really? You would?

[ there a flustered huff at the teasing, cheeks puffing a bit even as he brings his hands to his his face in embarrassment. ] —!!

N-no, I can do it if you teach me, Zhongli-sensei. Otherwise I'll die when you're away in Liyue, you know!

[ Zhongli blinks a bit owlishly not that Childe can see it with his face covered like so. ]

Sensei...

[ Cute.

Ajax is terribly endearing. He is friendly and kind and generous and thoughtful. Which makes the fact that he speaks and moves and acts like he has been alone for such a long time sting Zhongli's heart in a way he's not sure how he should address it.

He settles for warm laughter at Ajax's mortified expression. ]

Certainly you will not die. You have survived well enough up until now, have you not? Your palate might just be... well, limited to what you have always partaken in.

[ He strokes the back of Childe's wrists, giving them a playful tug to keep him from hiding his face. ]

Come now. There is no reason to be embarrassed. And I certainly have no intentions of leaving Inazuma if you are concerned about starving.

[ the youkai perks at Zhongli's words particularly where he said he won't leave Inazuma (surely that is an extreme exaggeration but Ajax still can't help but be intrigued by it all the same, because isn't that something he's never heard from anyone ever before? That they won't leave him? And over such a superficial thing, too... Ah, Zhongli is really just such a kind person. he will peek out at the other at the tug to his wrists before letting them fall away. ]

Okay, if you really won't leave... but I can still learn really fast!

[he reaches to grasp grab Zhongli's face and pull him gently forward to place an affectionate chu kiss against his temple as a thank you. ]

Edited 2023-10-12 18:08 (UTC)

My word is as solid as—

[ Oh.

Oh dear. It appears that Zhongli has short circuited with how everything comes to a stuttered halt at the kiss to his temple. His cheeks darken just a bit as it slowly dawns on him what is happening.

Zhongli would not call himself a lonely person. Of course, he has lost many people in his long life as a natural consequence of his lifespan. But his life in Liyue is pleasant. As the mortal Zhongli, he has many friends to spend time with and as Morax, even moreso when visiting the other adepti. But none of his relationships are particularly affectionate and have not been for some time. The closest would be Barbatos who does it more to see what he can get away with (or perhaps he is a little lonely himself) than genuine affection.

This was nice. Very nice.

And probably something worth visiting when he was in the calm safety of his own company.

Oh right. Oh dear.

Just to make sure Ajax does not take his flummoxed pause as such actions being unwelcome, Zhongli raises a hand to affectionately stroke the fox youkai between the ears. ]

You have the enthusiasm for it.

[ He clears his throat as he settles down against the makeshift nest and into the fluff of the nine tails. ]

But we can save such a lesson for tomorrow. For now, I think we have both earned our rest.

[ his sensei is so very cute, he's sure of this!

this fox youkai seems terribly pleased with himself when he gets the affectionate response, his ears bending just a little along with the movements of Zhongli's fingers even if they aren't specifically touching them. It seems he likes the feeling, that much is obvious! If he understands the implications of Zhongli's initial reaction, however, it isn't clear. He may know what he did, but for some reason it would easily feel equally like that Ajax couldn't possibly know any better even if he hasn't exactly admitted to being familiar with things such as the implications and responses of affectionate gestures like such. Regardless, he seems very pleased, enough that he doesn't question any of it and instead snuggles right up against Zhongli like the other is a long lost littermate.

It's cute, if not a bit awkward for poor Zhongli. At the very least the adeptus will have no concerns that he is anything short of trusted and adored by Ajax considering how easily and affectionately the youkai is willing to share a sleeping spot with his elder without fuss.

It would also seem he is a bit more tired than he initially let on, as well, as he falls asleep quite quickly for one not affected by the various strenuous activities of the day. Then again, he could be just like a small kit still (as with any child of any species, really) and simply tuckered out from the overly exciting day he's had, too. ]

Edited 2023-10-14 16:23 (UTC)

[ Zhongli's fingers card carefully through Ajax's hair until the fox's breathing slows to something much more suitable for sleeping (or at least pretending to be asleep). It is only then that he lets out a soft sigh of his own.

He was not an expert on youkai in Inazuma. Nor was he fully aware of all that happened within this nation after the Cataclysm, so busy he was with the fallout from Liyue and Ei's withdrawal into her own realm. And yet, something still seems quite off about all of this. Why was this lone young fox yokai (not a shrine maiden and not working in any capacity for the electron archon) saddled with such a task? Why did his purification ritual seem so strange? And what was he really in charge of purifying seeing as the land was still rife with dangerous thunderstorms and memories of the past?

Well, there was no way to know until he talked to Yae. And even then Zhongli would have to parse her rather cryptic way of providing information until it was distilled into something useful.

There was nothing to do this night but sleep.

Zhongli's hand slips from Ajax's hair as he curls against the other in response, his own eyes starting to droop. Ah, he was still adjusting to losing the gnosis. For while it did not offer him too much greater power than he originally possessed, it still had been a part of him for millennia. It's absence was like a phantom limb, partially welcome as his tie to Celestia had been severed but also exhausting in a way he had not been prepared for.

So if Ajax were to wake up in the middle of the night (or even Zhongli before he rises for the next day), he'll find a heavy weight draped across his waist. At first, it's easy to mistake it for an arm carelessly tossed over Ajax as part of their close quarters.

But no, that is definitely Zhongli's tail, thick and heavy, curling around his waist with the golden tuft of fluff at the end brushing against the back of Ajax's calves. The golden antlers are back, too, as Zhongli is much too tired to keep up his mortal form in his exhaustion and in the presence of the youkai. ]

[ Ajax does not sleep well, but he has come to at least control his worst nightmares in terms of acting out— when he wakes suddenly there are no loud noises or truly startling movements, just forcing his eyes open suddenly to clear them as quickly as possible. The nightmares have become by now so overdone and consistent that he finds it hard to be truly moved— at least beyond the emotional toll they take on him that he also ignores the cumulation of.

For this fox youkai does not merely deal with the nightmares of his own experiences but all of the memories of Inazuma lost to their hosts, as they scatter like leaves only to be tumbled into the filth that sickens the land of the electro Archon. Many are Lady Saiguu's, but far many more are unnamed victims that have lost their lives to the miasma itself indirectly or directly that creates a constant cycle of pain and suffering. Ajax stares off with unfocused eyes, the nightmare he's roused from still echoing at the edges of his wakeful reality, clawing and freezing the boundaries to the point he has to wonder when does one become more real than the other. Will there be a point ever where those memories make up not of him than the reality that he faces every day?

(Someone's parents don't come home one night. They grow up orphaned, scared, bitter and alone and only wishing to get revenge on the ones that took their family away from them, that took their entire life away and made it nothing more than a means to an end. They never succeed, either because they can't identify the people, they agree killed by another, or bad luck catches up to them, too, in their quest and they die unfairly and unfulfilled.)

Ajax doesn't know why, but memories like these upset him the most. That suffering is always so raw, so real, so simplistic it's impossible not to sympathize with the victim as if... as if he could really empathize what having a family taken away would be like. What a joke, maybe even a vile despicable thought to think he could understand that suffering in any way.

(But as he glances up and notices Zhongli also asleep, head bowed peacefully as he's curled in against the fox youkai, Ajax feels a sliver of dread he doesn't quite understand. He knows what it is because he's felt it through others so many times before— the dread of losing this person. This adeptus does not belong to him or his life in any sense, though, he has no right to feel anything like (because even if Zhongli merely goes back to Liyue, Ajax will lose him. so why would he feel so strongly attached as if he understands what it feels like to not be alone that going back to it would bring sadness? )

If he's honest, he very much has come over this short trip to not want to be alone anymore since meeting this adeptus. Maybe because Zhongli treats him too much like a living being that has his own life and right to exist with the rest of the. That's an impossible future for him, though, so why does his mind linger on such a thing, regardless? Letting his gaze wander he glances to the large tail and how the way it's curled about him makes him feel like he could be safe. He's never felt safe with anyone before. Is it because Zhongli is such a powerful being that he feels a strange comfort in that or is it something else?

(Again he can't... be killed like a real person or by the miasma. And no matter how powerful and entity only be very specific individuals could destroy him, so there's no reason to feel unsafe. He isn't even sure how he could feel safe, but his mind tells him that's what he feels and so he goes with it. )

Not wanting to disturb the other, Ajax simply remains as he is short of snuggling a little bit closer once again. His elder is asleep and unaware, but it's all more than enough Ajax can pretend for some pmoments that's he's being consciously held. It's nice... maybe too nice to the point it shouldn't feel nice at all. Ajax is stubborn about what he wants to feel and how to perceived things, though, so he manages to rather easily focus on the positive he wants out of it.

(Even so, the youkai can't help but wonder why Zhongli is being so accommodating to him. He's not unhappy with it at all, but he has never particularly been able to make long term relationships really beyond face value.of course, to want to have relationships when something like himself... he guesses is only natural to want and feel things from the memories of others no matter how corrupted they have become.)

His curious blue eyes drift up to the antlered horns, quietly admiring them even as they catch the gleam and gentle glow of flowers and plants in the cave. Everything is peaceful enough until the sounds of wolves are picked up by his large ears. They flatten nervously but he only goes to move so he can make sure his tails cover them both efficiently. Regularly wolves aren't an issue, but the spirit realm ones that prowl about can be obvious and sneak attack if they don't recognize what they are dealing with. There's no way they will pick a fight if they sense either of their strengths normally but if they find them vulnerable they just might try their luck. A Ninetails with all his tails on display even while not needing to have them present, white or otherwise, should be enough to keep the spirits from trying anything though. Even so, Ajax shifts to protectively test his head against Zhongli's antlers now.

He will finally drift back to sleep after a few minutes if Zhongli stays asleep. ]

[ As Ajax starts to drift back to sleep, the earth beneath them warms even though the many layers of blankets and padding that the kitsune had prepared for the two. It warms like stone being left out in the sun, glowing lines of amber criss cross along the cavern floor and then up the walls almost to the ceiling. They form a lattice, thin and delicate but obviously a barrier of some kind. One that does not appear to take much effort for Zhongli to conjure at all.

It is only then that Zhongli opens his eyes, nuzzling a little against Ajax's face as he blinks at him still half asleep. ]

You are restless. And expending your energy needlessly.

[ He pulls Ajax closer, tucking him underneath his chin even though it is Ajax who is providing them with the majority of the warmth. The snuggle of before becomes more of a protective hold as if he was shielding Ajax from the world.

Zhongli would be embarrassed if he was more awake, given that the nine-tails could definitely fend for himself. But on this border of consciousness and dreams, his instincts take over. ]

Rest. I will keep watch and make sure no creature can enter this cave.

[ oh this... this is unexpected.

Ajax watches Zhongli with doe eyes and his ears flattened back submissively, afraid that if he does anything at all it might ruin the moment of whatever state Zhongli is in. He understands, of course, that Zhongli is not fully awake, but that just makes it all the more fascinating. He would be so protective and welcoming to keep Ajax safe without the need to conscious pit on a persona of kindness or friendliness. Although it's true the youkai can handle himself and doesn't need protecting it still is an unusual experience which he'd rather watch it unfold than be offended, but the idea that this means Zhongli thinks he can't protect himself doesn't cross his mind.

So getting tucked under the other's chin and pulled close has the fox neither fussy nor tense. Instead he stares with big eyes into the dark of Zhongli's chest. His mind is suddenly blank, though, and he can't put together any thoughts like he wanted to seconds before with them all in a whirl of surprise at his friend's actions. Instead, he resigns and nuzzles the other at his spot under the chin, his ears lifting to gently stroke up against one of the adeptus's cheeks before going still to become a soft accessory for Zhongli's head to feel comfortable against. With the gentle heat and the added lights that only seem to glow in a tandem with the surroundings rather than wash everything out harshly, Ajax falls asleep relatively quickly once more.

This time, he had no dreams, just a sensation of warm and contentment. ]

[ Zhongli wakes before Ajax does. And if the other has not struggled out of his grip (intentionally or not) in his sleep, then still in Zhongli's arms does he remain. The tuft of his tail sweeps slowly back and forth at the space behind Ajax's knees. Restless perhaps. Or just contemplative. Either way, his eyes remained fixed at something behind the golden barrier.

The sound of the wolves had died down hours before. Whether they were youkai, mortal, or ghosts of the Abyss it is hard to say and also of little consequence now that the danger has passed.

When Zhongli feels Ajax stirs in his arms, he relaxes his grip slightly, hand moving to card between his ears once more as the youkai awakens for what appears to be a long slumber that was sorely needed. ]

Do you feel rested, Ajax?

[ His tone is calm and unhurried even though they both know they have a long and urgent journey ahead of them. ]

We have a long day ahead of us.

Ah, wow— [ he had opened his ears blearily, something between a whine and a yawn occurring as he introduce goddess to stretch. Even while not in fox form he still seems to keep the habits very faithfully. However, during his stretch he has paused at Zhongli's question and blocked before his eyes go wide and he beams in a moment of excitement& ]

Actually, I really do! I can't remember the last time sleep was like that. I feel really alive today or something?...!

[ not that the youkai needs any extra energy whatsoever. Seeming to not really know what to do with himself in stretched position still, he'll go and take his outstretched arms to wrap around Zhongli over his shoulders while offering a smile as he settles back into the other's arms. ]

We sure do! But I think it'll be great, we've got the best company to enjoy it, don't you think~? [ long journeys don't have to be unfun! ]

[ Zhongli relaxes into Ajax's casual touches, comfortable in a way he has not been in a very long time. He smile is small but genuine as he gives Ajax's ears one final scritch. ]

Yes, I do believe that is true. And perhaps once we have dealt with this matter, we can return to a more relaxing tour of Inazuma proper, yes?

[ Zhongli moves to sit up, nuzzling at the fox's temple before untangling from him. Then like so much scattering dust, his antlers and tail melt away in a shimmer of gold. The barrier protecting the cave dissipates as well.

He goes to pick up the sealed memories, the violet more violent in its attempt to escape its gold imprisonment. But imprisoned it remains, even if the aura around the object is quite foreboding at the moment. ]

Sounds good to me! Hopefully it'll be nice and sunny for us. [ he chirps after getting the additional affectionate scritches. When Zhongli untangles then he will also roll to get up, his nine tails fading from sight down to just one. Although he will use a human form once they get closer to the shrine, for now he's content just hiding his tails.

Although he senses that presence, it's very clear it hasn't made way to escaping what Zhongli did to it, there's which means Ajax doesn't have to concern himself with it no matter how unhappy it is in its imprisoned state. As soon as Zhongli turns to signal he's ready to leave, the youkai will nod and they can both leave to be on their way. ]

[ The trip to Narukami Shrine is largely uneventful. With so much to worry about in Inazuma already, no one has time to notice two travelers making what appears to be a routine pilgrimage. It helps that Zhongli has also procured a set of more traditional Inazuman clothing to wear so he doesn't stand out too much in the crowd. A deep red yukata lined in silvers and purples. It is not a color palette he wears often, but perhaps that is the point as he seems to blend in more easily with the rest of the inhabitants.

At first, there is hesitation from the greeting miko as they enter through the last set of red tori gates before the great tree. Guuji Yae is a very important person with a very busy schedule. One does not simply waltz in and ask for an audience with her. However, upon sensing the nature of the miasma in the object they carry, a young shrine maiden (who introduces herself as Inagi Hotomi) quickly ushers them to a special waiting room in the back of the shrine, saying that Guuji will be them as soon as she is available.

Zhongli can only breathe a sigh of relief as he sinks into his knees in front of the low table where fresh green tea has been served. Surely this will go a lot smoother when Yae arrives and there no longer has to be pretenses about who he is. A lost benefit of being an archon, having to go through route paperwork and channels to speak with the people he needed to speak with.

He glances over at Ajax to see how he is faring, considering that the other said that he had shied away from most of the mortal civilization. Even as sparsely populated as the Grand Narukami Shrine is, it must be quite the challenge for him. ]

Have you ever been this close to the Sacred Sakura tree? I have to admit it is my first time as well.

[ Ajax is quiet when they are greeted by the shrine maidens, all traces of him being anything other than human gone. Never once does he meet their gazes even though it's clear he's listening and observing all the same. He seems to blend well enough even if he comes off aloof, but his demeanor becomes more friendly and open when on their way to the meeting room there is a young girl trying to teach the ornament rack to hang her own. She refuses any offers for others to put it to for her, saying how can her wish come true if she doesn't do it herself, and she has kept at it. When Ajax hears her explanation , he agrees with her before offering a way help her reach out herself. He doesn't pick her up (he at least knows humans react badly when a stranger handles their child without their permission even if the child doesn't mind,) and instead goes to crouch down and lean forward enough so she can jump on his back and climb on to be able to get herself to successfully hang it. After a small victory celebration of yays and excitement between the duo, they part ways and Ajax will turn to catch back up what with having probably made Zhongli and the shrine maiden wait.

Once they're left alone in the room, Ajax relaxes a little, some rigid tension visibly easing out of him. Zhongli's voice brings him to tilt his head as if he still has his fox ears to hear with rather than the current human ones, but otherwise seems to be keeping most mannerisms in check so far.

(Even so he's definitely uneasy and perhaps trying to judge if he's doing things coreectly or is trying too hard to be human or not enough or—) ]

Hah? Actually, no... it feels familiar though, like i've seen it before. But every time I have met with Lady Yae she has come to me.

Is that so?

[ The little things are not adding up.

Such as why Ajax has not even travelled here, where not only would he be welcomed as a youkai but as a person. Here in the heart of the land where one of his kind has always taken up the mantle of priestess.

Such as why Ajax is so good with children, so kind and affectionate, and yet he spends little to no time with them as far as Zhongli can see. But his joy in helping the little girl hang her ornament was apparent. How despite all the other sights and sounds of the Shrine, that is what he laser focused on.

(What is the secret that Ajax keeps so close to his chest that he must hide himself from the world as a result of it?)

Zhongli lifts his hand, placing it on top of Ajax's and opens his mouth to say something, when the very distinctive drawl of a very playful fox makes herself known. ]

Oh my my my. Look at what we have here. Ajax, dear, you should have told me you would be coming all this way.

And oh—

[ Yae hides a laugh behind one white sleeve as her eyes widen at the other guest ]

I see you brought a friend. Hmmmm. Where did you manage to dig up this old fossil?

[The fox youkai cants his head slightly to one side at Zhongli's hand on his, clearly focused on listenening to what the other's about to say before they are interrupted. Ajax perks towards the guuji with a friendly smile with Yae making herself known.

He reaches behind his head sheepishly before offering an apologetic smile with a polite and chipper greeting. Of course, she'll soon realize what the situation is and why the surprise visit but he'll glance to Zhongli with an encouraging smile. ]

At one of the abandoned shrines on Narukami. He was visiting, he said. [ He's guessing they must know each other because Zhongli was here a long time ago and they met and whatnot, but nothing further than that comes to mind right now.

He'll tilt his head back towards Zhongli now, glancing towards him encouragingly to take over speaking. It's better for him to bring up their reason for their presence. ]

[ Zhongli does indeed take up the reigns in explaining their situation, seemingly unbothered by being called an old fossil. Obviously, Yae had been hanging around Barbatos lately. ]

Greeting, Lady Yae. It has been a long time. As my friend Ajax has said—

[ Yae's ears flutter against her hair at such a casual declaration but otherwise she shows no reaction. ]

I was doing some sightseeing on Narukami when we encountered some abnormality in the Ley Lines. Something that Ajax calls filth though this is my first encounter with such vocabulary.

[ Zhongli sets the encased filth upon the low table, the dark purple miasma and short flickers of memory still leaking out if one were to touch the thing. For a brief moment, a flash of white fox ears and a tail seem to linger in the air. An afterimage of a spirit long past. Yae does not touch the but she does sit down across from them, ears perking up again in interest. ]

Purification of this magnitude it outside of my realm of expertise, so we brought it here that it might be handled properly. You have my gratitude for seeing us so quickly when we come unannounced.

[ Yae hums again in that distinct way of hers, settling back on her heels to cross his arms against her chest.

"Well well, it seems you came to the right place. This is surely something that we can purify. But where there are they chunks of filth, the source is usually not too far to find."

This time, Yae turns her gaze to Ajax when she speaks.

"Where did you find this again?"

(Perhaps a why did you bring this to me?" lays unspoken in her gaze, as Ajax always insisted on handling the filth alone. A sweet boy, but he was more skittish than a cat at a firework festival.) ]

[ Ajax is quiet and serious as Zhongli speaks, but he is pointed to not act as if he is income in the concession unfolding. He doesn't look to the filth, doesn't look between either of them, and it's only when he catches Yae directly her wisdom to him that his eyes focus on her. He's not sure how to explain because it's sort of arguably ridiculous. Just because someone who had been nice to him was very against the idea of eradicating the filth via destroying it isn't exactly valid reason to do this, especially when he's been so stubborn about going at it alone. Still, he is not willing to be embarrassed or hide his decisions and owns them without wavering. ]

One of the corrupted trees near the shorelines. Zhongli-sensei was very convinced we couldn't destroy it because the memories would be lost with it. He was not willing to consider any alternative until this one was exhausted.

[ he doesn't say it outright, but the implication is rather easy to see for Yae: because Zhongli was friends with Lady Saiguu, Ajax felt wrong going against his wishes to try and save the memories. Of course, Yae knows better than that being the only thing, but that suggestion does give her more insight— the young youkai is quite smitten with having a friend and the thought of closing any decreasing what he was wasn't on his agenda since he couldn't exactly prove to Zhongli his way was the best way. And of course... someone who doesn't want to destroy memories that are vile and filthy— maybe this adeptus would not feel disgust and fear towards what he is?

Still, all the various reasons and angles that Ajax could give as reasoning and explanation all boil down to a simple common truth: I made a friend and I didn't want to lose him by going against his wishes. So I humored him. ]

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