Chapter 19: Reunion
Alec gave the half-Adeptus a searching look, lips quirking upwards for a moment as she sported a rare expression of complete and utter shock that no amount of composure and experience could disguise.
She looked good, the years not taking away from the woman's beauty one bit. Her soft blue hair still held a healthy luster, amber-purple eyes were wide and awake while she'd even upgraded her wardrobe a modest amount. Her Vision had a few crimson tassels adorning it while the Adeptus' body stocking was a bit more intricate with the golden iconography but other than that she was still the Ganyu he remembered from a fair few decades back.
Approaching her with a genuine smile the fallen god asked, "So how have you been treating yourself since last I visited? Hopefully eating proper portions like I advised you to, that whole deal back during the Archon War was blown way out of proportion-"
Alec fell silent as a warm, trembling body threw itself against him in a desperately powerful embrace, strong arms long used to pulling on a bowstring squeezing tight enough to drag a grunt from him as he cast a sidelong glance to the rest of the Qixing, all of whom were staring at the display as if he'd grown another head and started flying through the sky.
"Yeah, I suppose Ganyu isn't the kind to just flat out be all happy and affectionate like this."
Lips quirking upwards in a small smile the man raised a hand and began affectionately stroking the Adepti's hair, mindful of her horns as he teasingly murmured, "All I have to do in order to get such a nice welcome is fall off the face of the planet for awhile, huh?"
"We…we thought you were dead. I heard word that you appeared in Mondstadt and it was such a relief, but to see you again so soon…"
"Well I've always made it a habit to be as surprising as possible."
A final warm squeeze, Ganyu pulling back with a relieved smile before the mood once again fell, the woman wrapping her arms around her body as she whispered, "You saw it, right? Rex Lapis…Rex Lapis is dead, who could have actually managed to fell him-"
Lightly placing his pointer finger against her forehead and pushing it a small amount Alec sternly announced, "Ganyu? Deep breaths."
"But we are - were - his Adepti! The Lord of Geo's allies and sentinels, yet we did not even know there was danger or a threat, how are we supposed to-"
"Enough."
The secretary's jaw clacked shut at the fallen god's firm words, even if internally he wasn't sure how to reply.
After all, how does one explain that their god both isn't dead but seemingly decided to appear dead? The Exuvia that had crashed to the ground was an empty shell, animated on the outside but completely lacking on the inside. And why didn't the Adepti know about this plot? Morax had never been one to withhold information unless he'd been hampered or restricted from doing so and this definitely seemed like the sort of scheme they would be made aware of.
"And this now begs the question of why nobody seemed to know about any of this."
Electing to hold his peace - despite the fact that he really wished he could calm down the frantic woman - Alec instead stated, "Ganyu? Assuming Morax really is dead what would he have wanted from the Adepti? From the Qixing? From everyone who holds Liyue as home in their hearts?"
She stiffened, regaining a semblance of cool rationality a moment later as her back straightened, resolve once more filling her eyes of mixed amber and purple.
"To protect and hold dear our safe harbor…that was the first and most important contract we all agreed to."
"Exactly."
He playful traced the curve of her leftmost horn with his pointer finger, a pout and blush as she hastily pushed away his hand doing away with most of her tension as Alec smirked, responding, "And relax, I'll be in Liyue for awhile so I can help figure out just what, exactly, happened. And to be perfectly frank I won't believe Morax is dead until I see more than a single corpse."
A weak smile pulled at Ganyu's lips as a brief throat clearing drew their attention back to the pair of Qixing who had thus far been watching their reunion without comment, Ningguang archly commenting, "As novel and intriguing it may be to see our ever composed and reliable secretary act so out of character-"
Ganyu unleashed an embarrassed cough, quickly gathering up the various scrolls and other records she had dropped.
"-we are nonetheless still within one of the most crucial and unexpected occurrences to occur within Liyue's entire history. The assassination and demise of our vaunted and steadfast protector."
While he fully expected suspicion to once again fall upon his person the man was fairly puzzled as to why the Qixing's leader turned towards Keqing, narrowing her eyes as she mused, "The motive for such a heinous crime must be truly great indeed."
The younger woman scowled, nonetheless calmly explaining, "As flattered as I am by your faith in my abilities, Lady Ningguang, I don't fancy my chances in attempting to bring low the Lord of Geo. And while I have made my grievances with Rex Lapis clear on multiple occasions and stand by them, they do not go so far as to desire his demise, to destroy the very fabric of order and power that has sustained Liyue for countless generations."
"A knife in the back from a trusted confidant has brought low many a powerful figure throughout history, you need not have engaged in open battle to achieve your aims."
Keqing's eyes narrowed, Alec watching on with interest as he reflected that Morax would have been highly intrigued by the girl's fiery spirit.
"Yet again you assume I can achieve the impossible. Or do you believe our vaunted god has never encountered an assassin's poison or traitor's knife?"
Ganyu visibly fretted at the growing friction between the pair, Alec electing to head off the argument as he intervened with, "Ladies? Not to interrupt this fascinating dialogue but may I ask just how knowledgeable the whole of Liyue is in regards to your stances on your disposition towards Morax?"
The cold and collected gazes of the Qixing members landed on the fallen god as he patiently suffered them, Ganyu offering a small smile from his side as Ningguang eventually relented, stating, "Our mutual ideologies are widely known. Both my careful and measured implementation of Rex Lapis' words and Keqing's vehemence to his continued protectorship."
Shrugging as if the answer to everything was obvious Alec bluntly replied, "Well then whoever killed old Geo is going to know that as well. More to the point, they're likely going to be counting on suspicion falling to Keqing, since she's the prime suspect with both motive and access."
Grim realization set in the postures of the trio, Ningguang stroking her chin before affixing the man with a narrowed gaze.
"We were diverted from our original line of questioning, come to think of it. Who are you and why is Lady Ganyu so at ease and familiar with your presence?"
"I'm her cool uncle that occasionally drops by."
A pout from the blue-haired woman and unamused glares from the Qixing duo had him relenting, explaining, "I'm an old ally of Morax from the days of the Archon Wars, when Liyue was still known as the Guili Assembly. I technically qualify as a part Adeptus like Ganyu here, although I'm nearly so impressive as her."
To his surprise Keqing and Ningguang didn't seem terribly sold on his explanation, their gazes firmly locked on the secretary rooted at his side as he reluctantly followed their line of sight, predictably finding the woman fiercely disappointed at his deflections.
The man couldn't help but grimace as he'd seen that look a fair few times before…but it had always been when she was much tinier, seeing adult Ganyu so unhappy felt a bit like a kick to the the teeth.
"While he is indeed part Adeptus-"
"Well at least she's playing along with that part."
"-Alec Daman has an unfortunate habit of downplaying his own talents. He's a great warrior, wise scholar and excellent teacher that was a welcome and honored cohort of Rex Lapis' court, both millennia ago and even to this day."
Resisting the urge to gag at the poor girl's adoration of him Alec wryly commented, "No longer a great warrior, age has caught up with me. And anyone can appear wise if they screw up over the course of life long enough. Also I'm only a good teacher because I was taught by the best."
Keqing sighed at the interaction between the pair, quickly asking, "Regardless of your pedigree - overstated or not - if you are as familiar with the Lord of Geo as implied then surely you have ideas or thoughts on what the ultimate motive of the one who brought low Liyue's god is."
She gave Ningguang a pointed glare.
"Allow me to reiterate. My disagreements with Rex Lapis did not extend so far as to include his death, merely the Archon's retirement and standing down."
"...Retirement?"
A slowly growing idea forming within his brain Alec realized that he'd been approaching the problem from the wrong angle. Morax wouldn't have done something like this for any manner of reason unless it involved the safety and prosperity of Liyue, so faking his death would naturally throw the harbor into chaos…and it would ultimately be a test of whether Liyue could weather the storm.
"That certainly explains why Ganyu is in the dark as well. It's not just a trial of Humanity, it's also designed to see if the Adepti can continue to function as an entity without Morax around to bridge the gap."
The fallen god cast a contemplative look at Ganyu, the secretary continuing to stare at him as she patiently awaited his thoughts.
"...A plan where someone like Ganyu is the future of Liyue, a bridge between peoples."
"-respect, millennia of guardianship does not deserve dishonorable assassination but rather a quiet and respected farewell."
Returning to the conversation as Keqing finished her little spiel Alec gave her a contemplative look, thinking of how best to explain things that wouldn't give away the game.
"Wow. Lumine would eat that poor girl alive. Something tells me blondie likes the uptight and rigid ones."
Shaking off that train of thought the male stated, "Well what you're doing now - trying to find the culprit - is absolutely the wrong move."
No shortage of raised brows were sent his way.
"Think about it. What would the end goal of someone who possesses the skill and motive to bring down the God of War be? To sow chaos and settle an old grudge, obviously. Following that what would be the ideal circumstances and endgame, what would be their best case scenario to complete their revenge?"
He shrugged.
"Anarchy. A power vacuum. No one able to get answers or trust one another until the entire harbor comes crashing down."
The three appeared grim but contemplative, slowly nodding as the fallen god finished with, "You want to foil this unknown assassin's ambitions? Create a Liyue that can survive without Morax, one where leadership and direction isn't lost in a shifting sea of confusion and uncertainty. The Qixing are in the unique position of ensuring the worst doesn't come to pass…I suggest you take advantage of it."
The mood was certainly somber after his suggestion but ultimately the advice seemed to stick, Ningguang slowly nodding as she stated, "I can see the validity of your point, unpleasant as it may be to consider. And while you have been mostly cleared of suspicion…"
The woman's eyes narrowed, not entirely free of the suspicion she claimed was mostly absent.
"I politely request that you remain in Liyue until such a time as that all hints and signs of subversive activity are done away with and we stand strong once more."
While Ganyu predictably bristled at what she perceived to be a completely out line order Alec merely shrugged, responding, "That's fine, I was planning on sticking around here for awhile anyway. Although does that order to stay extend to Jueyun Karst? I think it'll be for the best if I visit the Adepti in person and explain just what's happening."
The pale-haired woman nodded, wryly commenting, "I don't doubt we're going to require a more open and continuous line of communication with the Adepti in the future. If you make them aware of the situation all the faster, the better. Lady Ganyu? May I ask that you continue to serve as our primary liaison to Jueyun Karst?"
Regaining her temper and composure the hybrid nodded, obediently replying, "Of course, Lady Ningguang."
"And since we're on the subject would you happen to know of any locations that deal with funeral rites? Or better yet, is the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor still kicking?"
Keqing nodded, replying, "It is still in business. In fact I would be greatly surprised if they are not the ones to be in charge of funeral rites of Rex lapis. Their knowledge of archaic and ancient customs is second to none."
"Well if you need to find my whereabouts in the immediate future check there first, I'll leave word of my various destinations in their capable hands."
With their immediate plans and questions set aside for the moment the man turned on his heel, cheerfully stating, "If that's all you needed me for now I'm borrowing Ganyu for a few minutes."
"W-what? But will I not be-"
Before any protests could be raised Alec placed a hand at the small of her back, leading the protesting Adeptus out of the room and into a relatively abandoned hallway as a few harried Qixing members rushed about.
"Sorry about manhandling you out of there, I wasn't sure if they would let someone of your talents go without a struggle, especially considering everything that's happening at the moment."
A weak smile briefly played across the woman's lips before she quietly asked, "You seem to be handling Rex Lapis' passing…better than I am, despite knowing him for longer. During a moment of crisis you would expect someone of my age and experience to be the cooler head, yet-"
"Enough of that, now."
Playfully poking one of Ganyu's horns the female yelped and sent him a reproachful look that he smirked at, bluntly responding, "I spent millenia fighting, arguing, drinking and chatting with that stubborn lizard. Until I see more than an empty Exuvia I'm never going to believe that Morax is truly dead. Not until every last drop of Geo energy leaves the land and every coin of Mora is worthless to all."
Seeming to find solace in his words Ganyu hesitated only a moment before drawing herself upright, nodding in affirmation as she replied, "You're right. My apologies, I really should have more faith in Rex Lapis. I will carry out my duties and send word to the rest of the Adepti that you will be visiting soon."
"Appreciated. And you never answered my question earlier, so I'll be asking Cloud Retainer if you're eating properly."
Pale cheeks pinked slightly, Ganyu protesting, "I am no longer a child, I can take care of myself perfectly fine!"
"I dunno, I can still remember a certain blue-haired child throwing a tantrum as she threw her veggies directly at a certain Adepti's face…"
To his surprise instead of becoming embarrassed Ganyu merely seemed mildly frustrated, releasing a small sigh as she forlornly replied, "At some point I will have to convince you that I am no longer a small child to be protected and coddled."
Having the life experience to recognize that he'd stepped in it but not enough to know precisely what part he'd bothered the Adeptus with - the age comment obviously stung but he wasn't sure for what reason - Alec instead moved the conversation along with, "I'll be busy for the next few days but I'd like to have the chance to catch up with you at some point before continuing my journey. Any possibility you would be free during that time?"
Now visibly excited once more the Adeptus nodded with considerable enthusiasm, responding, "I would like that very much."
She hesitated before once again leaning in and engulfing him in a tight embrace, whispering, "I'm glad that you're still alive, Alec."
Feeling a brief twinge of guilt at the knowledge that it certainly wasn't going to be the case for much longer the fallen god nonetheless returned the gesture, fondly stating, "Well that certainly makes two of us."
"You know what? You are absolutely the ego-centric yet simultaneously selfless fool that would spare no expense for his own funeral with nothing but honest intentions."
Shaking his head as he saw the familiar outline of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor building - only a few additions and changes to its appearance due to maintenance - hustling with uncharacteristically frantic activity for the usually somber establishment.
Then again if Liyue was going to send off it's patron deity then who better to ask than Morax? Or would it be Zhongli at this point? The Archon had switched out identities a number of times over the millennia and if memory served that was the current persona.
Either way the lizard was a veritable fountain of knowledge when it came to rites that predated even the Guili Assembly, Alec could easily see the Archon working as a consultant for the parlor.
Striding through the ancient doors with familiar and nostalgic motions - he'd always enjoyed the atmosphere of places like this - he was greeted with a pair of voices, one extremely familiar and one unfamiliar.
"Oh you are just such a fountain of knowledge, Mr. Zhongli~! Tell me, with such a vast collection of rituals, services and rites stored away in your mind have you considered updating or altering any of them?"
"One could argue that traditions remain such because they do not age or shift, despite the passing of countless years. To change something thousands of years old simply to suit my fancy would be an act of great disrespect."
Fighting back the urge to chuckle as he approached the extremely audible conversation the unfamiliar voice - bubbly and full of energy, as if she worked at a market stall rather than house of the dead - continued with, "Have you considered that these rituals and such would become even more prominent and meaningful if more partook of them? And you need not even change them overmuch! Why not start small and affordable? Instead of chunks or shaped carvings of jade and lapis why not use thin shavings of them? Not only is it more within the price range of less wealthy families it also catches the light better, appearing shinier and more exotic than a boring old chunk of rock!"
Finally rounding the corner this time Alec did openly laugh, the sight before him one of incredible rarity, namely that of Morax in his Zhongli appearance seeming bewildered, frazzled and even a bit overwhelmed by the tiny girl standing before him.
"You're wasting your time, young lady. Tradition and ritual are married to the man more intimately than any bride could ever hope to be. Props for perseverance but I'm afraid you're doomed to failure."
The young lady spun on her heel, revealing a pretty face with long brown hair and shining eyes of muted crimson as without missing a beat she clapped her hands, meeting Alec's gaze with a cute utterance of, "But Mr. Zhongli has been so kind and patient thus far! His knowledge of many comforting and meaningful funeral rites has helped Wangsheng provide even better service to our customers! Death has never been less scary, I'd say~!"
Alec wished with all his heart that this girl had been a disciple of his before most of his strength had gone the way of the Seelie, she would have been a riot if Morax's exasperation was any indication.
And speaking of the presumably dead Archon his expression had gone from frazzled to shocked, mouth slightly open and eyes wide as he gazed upon what was no doubt a friend thought long dead. But the moment passed and his composure returned, smile tilting the man's lips as he offered a small bow from the shoulders that the fallen god resisted the urge to roll his eyes at.
"Always with the formalities, this one."
"Sorry, young miss, but I'm afraid I don't have your name."
"Hu Tao at your service, stranger~!"
"Then may I interrupt and borrow Zhongli for awhile? He and I need to catch up and chat about a few different topics."
Latching onto the excuse Morax added, "He's quite right. I appreciate your time and…ideas, but I'm afraid I happen to be quite a busy man."
"Oh fiiiiiiine, I'll stop pestering you. But only if I get your name!"
Rounding on the new arrival he merely grinned, responding, "Alec Daman, at your service."
"Very well, Alec Daman, then feel free to one day return and make use of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's services if you ever have need of them. We offer discounts if you book a grave in advance~!"
Shaking his head at the offer the male considered his circumstances, swiftly changing gears before responding, "Well I doubt I'll need one now but maybe in a few years, just to be safe."
Hu Tao cocked her head at that, gaze briefly drifting towards where his knife was sheathed at his side-
-and she briefly stiffened before a wild grin spread across her lips, eyes practically sparkling with delight.
"Then our establishment would be honored to cater towards a memorial of your choosing when the time comes. Now then!"
The young lady skipped off without a backwards glance, cheerfully stating, "Go and have your reunion, enjoy life while you can! After all, you of all people should know that no one gets out alive~!"
The duo remained silent for a few moments, Alec eventually stating, "Cheerful, goofy and has an extrasensory eye for things? I regret beyond words that she was never one of my disciples."
"I do not. Your band of followers was trouble enough merely on their own, individuals of even more unconventional mannerisms is the last thing you require."
The pair locked eyes for a moment…and mutual smiles broke out, hands clasping the other's arm as Morax simply stated, "I had thought there would be another name etched on my table, yet here you are."
"Don't exaggerate, my name would have been on the dog bowl next to it."
"As if Little Ganyu or Madame Ping would ever allow it. Although Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer and Moon Carver might find it amusing."
"And Alatus wouldn't have much of an opinion on it either way, right?"
"Quite so."
Wordlessly leaving the parlor Alec shrugged, more quietly stating, "So what's this latest scheme of yours? Faking your death and throwing the harbor into chaos? That's a new one."
Seeming to think on his answer for a moment Morax eventually shrugged, the slightest tones of amusement present as he replied, "I finally did what you long advised me to. I retired."
Stroking his chin the fallen god mused, "Well this sounds interesting, no two ways about it…alright, I'll tell you about my latest adventures if you tell me about yours."
A smirk pulled at Alec's lips.
"And I just so happened to meet an interesting young lady who I think you'll like."
Chapter got a little delayed from it's usual monthly update due to some weekend work projects...as well as the more time consuming prospect of watching the final two episodes of 86, experiencing the void and then talking about it with a couple of my friends.
Seriously, the show - despite it's constant production issues and delays - is something I haven't seen in anime in a LONG time. It's actually kinda crazy. The older you get you don't ever stop enjoying things but the more events you live through and the more media you experience things tend to lose some of that initial wow factor.
You can't lose your v-card again, you can't top the first time you broke a bone, you can't watch the sheer eye candy that is Pacific Rim or Avatar and you can't be blown away by films like Seven or the Prestige as their finales leave you on the edge of your seat. So when something like 86 comes out of literal nowhere and clubs you across the face with its novelty you can't help but be intrigued.
Then you watch the show and realize it's a truly rare blend of incredible directing, writing and music/sound that has a message and theme to impart that performs the magnificent task of not being blatant or obvious about it, or taking the easy route and presenting things in overly simple terms of black and white.
It truly is one of the greatest shows - not just anime - I've had the pleasure of viewing over the past years and the final two episodes have one of the most satisfying and earned endings I've witnessed in a LONG damn time, 23 episodes of buildup culminating in an incredible conclusion that left me feeling 'the void'.
If anyone feels compelled to view after that little rant then all I ask is that you don't spoil yourself and start from the beginning. You'll know by the end of episode 4 if it's not a show for you and the payoff for making your way through the entire series episode by episode is worth it.
Fuckin' glory to the Spearhead Squadron!
