hydrangeabloom | (no subject)

[ A vacation. What a strange word and concept for someone who had been vigilant over his nation for close to three millennia. Sure, he had delegated duties, rested, even hibernated on the rare occassion, but Morax had never left Liyue except for political reasons. Certainly never for pleasure.

Yet that is what Zhongli sorely needed as he stood forlornly at the edge of the pier of Liyue harbor, watching the water lap at the wooden posts. Perhaps he had listened to one too many retellings of Rex Lapis's deeds at Third-Round Knockout. Perhaps he missed the warm chatter and companionship of the Traveler and Paimon once they had left to their next destination. Perhaps he just needed a change of pace. Either way, he was restless. So very very restless. That is what humans did once they retired, didn't they? Vacation.

And thus, Zhongli found himself nestled between the towering dark trees and dazzling purple flowers of Inazuma. He poked at a sakura blossom curiously with one curled claw, the electricity tingling down his arm as the swirl of purple light bobbed in place. Beautiful. Breathtaking. And not at all what he was used to in Liyue.

Wandering father into the forest, Zhongli stops near an old abandoned shrine, the red of the wood faded to almost grey from neglect and the two stone fox statues overgrown with a thick tangle of vines and weeds. Just looking at the structure made Zhongli feel an ache of loneliness in his bones. He remembered the brave kitsune warrior who used to tend to this place more than five centuries ago, brash and vibrant and able to give the current miko of the Grand Narukami Shrine a witty barb that was hard to recover from. Did she really not survive the cataclysm that happen 500 years ago?

It takes some time, but Zhongli begins to diligently tidy up the shrine. The vines he can take care of with a quick hack and slash from his spear. But the exterior, well, surely he can procure the proper paint to breathe life back into this place his next visit. Appeased for the moment, he sits down near the shrine, long bronze tail coiling around his ankles as he unpacks the bento he brought with him on the trip.

It would be nice, of course, if he had another person to share it with (why had he brought two portions in the first place?). But being here, among old friends was enough to ease his spirit. So with a raised cup of sake which he places carefully on this lip of the shrine: ]

May your stories be passed down from generation to generation until the final chariot of the sun no longer brings light to the land of Teyvat.

[ It's pure curiosity that has him here more than anything, for the one that has been trending to the shrine is certainly no familiar youkai—or a youkai at all, it seems. What is the stranger, then?

Ajax has never seen a non native immortal of Inazuma before. Fox ears twitch forward in interest as the other speaks, it a new novelty considering the other has not done so since Ajax has set his eyes on the other. He had initially expected someone at the shrine to be tampering with something they should not, so of course it was with great surprise he watched the god take time to clean it up. ( There is a part of Ajax that feels he should be aware of whom this individual is, perhaps something I'm the melting pot of memories and emotions of the one that he's succeeded... but. Well, that would not be a good thing to reveal nevermind bother sorting it out. Afterall, is best that he is a simple kitsune with nothing else to it—he sees only trouble revealing his true purpose and how he came to exist.)

He continues to watch from somewhere in the forest, ever silent and his presence not untraceable, but it's also seeming to lack much of an identity, as if it's missing something that is vital to make it a unique individual's presence rather than an odd and vague collective.

Eventually, though, perhaps five minutes or so after Zhongli toasts to his old friend will Ajax come to peek around one of the now cleaned fox statues towards the other. ( And even before he peeks, the tip of his ears might give him away as they are very animated on top of rich color.)

His mask currently covers his face, but there seems to be a lack of anything to suggest he may be a threat to Zhongli, at current. Behind him, his tails sway about as if to also peek out from behind the fox statue— perhaps they, too, could get a better look at the new comer.

Zhongli will have zero issue recognizing he is a young nine-tails, which certainly makes the overwhelming curiosity quite typical by default.

His voice is friendly when he speaks up, innocently inquisitive although not seeming willing to approach without being given permission. ]

Hello. Are you lost...?

[ Why else would a powerful immortal that is not native to Inazuma be here ? Was he planning to tidy up another shrine? Maybe he got mixed up or something?? ]

[ Zhongli looks up from his half-unwrapped lacquered bento box, a little bit sheepish that he had be caught unaware by the— ah, the young kitsune appeared to another fox youkai. And one of some power with the number of tails fanning out behind him. Strange. He could not recall the last time he met a nine-tailed orange fox. Typically those of such color were had three of five tails. Was this shrine part of his territory? Had Zhongli intruded on a place that he should not? Both were very real possibilities. Zhongli knowledge of Inazuma customs was over five centuries old. He hadn't even met the newest youkai kits born to replace the old guard. ]

No. I am not lost. I am where I intended to be, but it seems this place has greatly changed since the last time I was here.

[ With his hands still hovering awkwardly over his lap and not seemingly in a hurry to move anytime soon. The light of the fading sun catches the tips of golden antlers as he tilts his head curiously to one side: ]

Am I intruding?

[ Zhongli's tail stays curled around him in a non-threatening gesture. The young youkai did not seem interested in an altercation, but even if he was, Zhongli was confident that it would be something that he could handle. One small benefit from being the oldest Archon in Teyvat (even retired). ]

[ ( he's very sad about not being a white nine-tails, actually, and still hopes he will turn white someday. )

Ajax cants his head as if in mimic to Zhongli's when he asks the question, but maybe it's just him following the glint of the antlers adorning on the stranger. Kitsune do have a reputation for liking shiny things, and this one certainly fits the stereotype. ]

No, it's just almost no one comes around here anymore, not even other youkai. You know this shrine, then?

[ it's been a long time since anyone or anything knew much about this shrine. He squints a little. Something about this individual is similar to something he has felt in Inazuma, at least a part of him, anyway. He's not sure what it is, though. Finally, he asks another question, knowing it is not good to stereotype by looks but — ]

Are you from Liyue...? [ he's never met anyone from Liyue, but he knows they have a very distinct look to them as a country. They also have powerful spirits not unlike youkai, if he remembers correctly. It's a miracle he remembers that much. ]

I am. To both of your questions.

[ And Zhongli cants his head in response to the fox's, a little smile gracing his lips as he mirrors the other.

Amazing. Simply amazing. Even in his adeptal form, the young youkai doesn't know who he is. Doesn't see him as anything more than a curiosity. It's comforting in a way that masquerading as a normal human is not— the joy of being oneself without all the history and baggage attached. ]

It seems you know this shrine as well, and probably its more recent history as I have not had a chance to visit in well over five centuries.

[ Delicately, Zhongli picks at his brown and gold robes (so very different for the purples and blues and pinks of Inazuma), patting the ground next to him in what he hopes is an inviting gesture. ]

Would you like to join me for a while?

[ As extra incentive, Zhongli carefully lifts the lid of the prepared bento, two beautifully prepared inari sushi nestled right at the top. Perhaps its a little too forward to tempt a fox with their favorite treat, but food was always best shared in the company of others. And Zhongli had regrettably spent the first few days in Inazuma with only his own company to keep. ]

!

[ The fox attempts to look skeptical and uninterested in the food, but his ears and tails betray him soundly as they all momentarily go straight up and rigid in honed hyper-focus mode before relaxing.

Ah! Where did he get those?! Had he come here looking for a kitsune to share a meal with because he knew this shrine? Maybe he was hoping one of the old guard was still around? Surely he could not have foreseen otherwise...!

—Oh?! Or what if it is also this Adeptus's (that's what they're called he's pretty sure) favorite food?! Could it be...

Puffing his cheeks out, Ajax'll come to slide around the pillar—first disappearing behind it again only to emerge on the other side now with his mask in his hands, as if the act of taking it off in front of someone else is strictly forbidden. ]

...Hm! Only... because you asked nicely.

[ he doesn't sound nervous, but he does seem a little flustered. He must not appear to be easy to lead into temptations...!

Or... maybe just for a few seconds it doesn't matter. He hasn't had Inari Sushi in so long, wow wow—!

The youkai will come to kneel down and take a seat with Zhongli, pausing a moment before readjusting himself to scoot closer for more intimacy. Afterall, the other must want a companion to dine with right? Not a freeloader that takes food and runs off with it. ]

...Oh, thank you for the meal. [ there, all better. He's being well mannered now, right? Yes? Good !]

[ 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.

❖ Kitsune Monogatari ❖

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