Chapter 20: Catching Up
It was with no shortage of suspicion, wariness and caution that Lumine and Fischl stared down the newcomer, Oz and Paimon adding their own glares that the former pulled off quite nicely while the latter was less successful.
"Hey now, staring at me so passionately and intimately is going to make a guy nervous! I honestly don't know what to do right now, such is the intensity of your scrutiny. What else is a poor fellow like myself supposed to do when confronted by those with such overwhelming reputations?"
"Paimon thinks you're full of it! The Fatui back in Mondstadt didn't care one bit if they were causing trouble or stepping on other people's toes. They did what they wanted and that's not the sign of scared people!"
"Well, at least before they got their butts kicked, that is. They got pretty easygoing after that."
Lumine's cheerful comment merely drew an amused laugh from the Fatui man, seemingly unconcerned with their hostile responses.
"And since we're on the topic of fear and brash decision making you wouldn't happen to have anything to do with Morax's death, would you?"
An overly dramatic sigh escaped Childe's lips, his tone despairing and full of drama as he wailed, "Such little faith and appreciation for a man that has thus far been proven innocent and even offered you safe haven!"
He wagged a finger as if admonishing a naughty child, Lumine mentally calculating the odds of biting the offending digit and claiming it was a moment of insanity.
"Probably not the best."
"Why, as travelers from Mondstadt who arrived just in time for the Lord of Geo's descent only for him to fall down dead you would be some of the first suspects in line for the ensuring investigation."
A supremely smug smile graced his lips as he reclined in a sinfully comfortable chair.
"While I doubt you would have been jailed for too long the matter of a god's death is no small event to catalog and move past, you would doubtlessly be stuck in a Qixing cell for an annoyingly lengthy bit of time."
"Utterances of both threat and daggers in the dark are truly signs of comradely rapport and faith."
"Yeah, Paimon agrees with what she thinks Fischl said, you're being really suspicious!"
Lumine didn't verbally add to the tirade, merely arching an eyebrow as she silently added her support of the conclusion.
Not that it seemed to bother Childe, the Harbinger merely motioning with his hand in a dismissive manner before languidly replying, "Well if you're so opposed to the idea of having my help then I'm not about to force you to accept it. Go on, feel free to take your chances in a city that wants nothing to do with you and no doubt has all sorts of uncomfortable questions waiting in the wings."
A dramatic sigh left the young man as he pointedly gazed at Lumine.
"And here I thought you would be more entertaining and amenable. Signora had no shortage of complaints and tales of your meddling in Mondstadt, I was all excited."
Fischl stiffened from where she sat, visible eye narrowing as she lowly commented, "Previous mentions of Harbingers encountered who now commune through back dealings and whispered plots in terrain of forced immunity, all while seeking out those whose demeanors and circumstances mayhap be pinned with false accusations as to the death of an earthen god?"
"Y-yeah! Like Paimon said, suspicious!"
"There is no shame in admitting my dear master can sometimes confuse with her choice of wording, friend Paimon."
Leaning back in her chair and letting a single finger lightly tap the armrest Lumine mused, "But still, she raises a pretty good point…are we just being set up as the fall gals for another Fatui scheme?"
Childe stared at the quartet, completely silent as they had a staredown that held for almost a minute…and he threw up his hands with a loud complaint of, "Ugh, this is why I hate all these undercover and skulking about assignments, it's such a load of crap! Can't even hold a straight conversation with anyone…"
Grinning in victory Lumine leaned forward, planting her elbows on her knees and chin in her palms, chirping, "Then why don't we just be honest and open with each other? If you really want to talk so candidly, that is. Haven't met very many Fatui so far who are willing to be so open and obvious with the truth."
A harsh scowl decorated the male's features, tone a disgruntled grumble as he replied, "Unfortunately my hands are tied in that regard. The truth in its entirety is not my domain to share, only the Tasritsa's."
"Paimon knew he was full of it."
Leaning back in her chair the Traveler shared a glance with Fischl, unspoken communication passing between them as the more confrontational of the pair remarked, "Well all we really want to do is travel around Liyue without being put into a prison, see the sights and basically experience what this land has to offer. That sounds like it could be a bit tricky as is."
"Let's see if he takes the bait."
Neither she nor Fischl were really worried about being taken in by the Qixing, not with Alec no doubt having cleared their names. No, they were more into this conversation as a means of deducing just what, exactly, was happening behind the scenes in Liyue. If they were to enjoy or see the land as it truly was then they were better off getting it return to a state of normalcy as soon as possible.
"Hmm…well that could be a starting point, if you're willing to hear me out. I mean, relations might not be the best between the Qixing and the Fatui but a few good words here and there and any form of suspicion towards you could be dropped."
Childe's deliberately casual words had Lumine and Fischl sporting internal smirks, knowing they'd gotten their mark just like that.
"And all I would need you to do is a little favor for me. Just a tiny one, nothing even all that dangerous."
He passed over a crest of some kind to Lumine, stating, "Go to Jueyun Karst - this will get you within the premises - and spread word to the Adepti that Rex Lapis has been killed. I think it's only fair that they know their master is dead, don't you?"
"So that the warriors and guardians of old may raise chaos upon Liyue?"
Fischl's sharp inquiry merely got Childe to shrug, the male blandly replying, "Those are the terms, take em' or leave em'."
They pretended to mull over the offer for a bit longer, even if their minds were long made up. Not only did they get to delve deeper into the Fatui plot they also got to meet with the people Alec had advised them to in the first place, as well as possibly smooth things over so that the harbor didn't devolve into infighting as they were willing to bet was the Fatui's hope.
Besides, Alec himself might be there so they could meet up then.
Leaning forward Lumine cheerfully plucked the object from Childe's outstretched hand, remarking, "Alright, you've got yourself a deal. Just a fair bit of warning, if you're causing trouble expect me to kick that cute butt of yours from here to Mondstadt. Where we kicked another bunch of Fatui behinds."
An ornate traveling boot planted itself between the Harbinger's legs, coming dangerously close to his groin as the Traveler's smile turned decidedly predatory, rising from her seat in a motion reminiscent of a stalking jungle cat.
"Are we on the same page~?"
Childe's only answer was a wide, unhinged smile as glee danced within his eyes.
"Crystal. You know, I had a feeling we would get along."
Lumine had to resist the urge to roll her eyes, inwardly groaning, "Stars above, this one is a battle maniac. Go figure I always get involved with the crazy ones."
She paused, thinking about that more carefully.
"Eh, what the heck. I get along with the crazy ones the best."
Motioning for Fischl to follow Lumine said over her shoulder, "We'll go ahead and start upholding our end of the bargain, then. See you around."
Departing from the bank which seemed to sport an uncomfortable amount of Fatui the quartet waited until they were free of any potential eavesdroppers before conversing.
"So, what do you think, Fischl?"
"A more obvious and clear plot of nefarious intent could not be summoned if wished to. The Fatui harbor - if you will excuse the pun - ill will for Liyue, what remains cloaked in midnight uncertainty is their ultimate goal."
"Yeah, I got the same impression. We'll have to be careful with the Adepti since they probably aren't going to respond very well to all of this…"
Lumine stroked her chin, further musing, "Can't help but wonder what they desire from all of this. If they wanted to takeover in the wake of Rex Lapis' death then they missed their chance. And if they just wanted to send a message to this place that they shouldn't be messed with they're being pretty modest about it. It looked like most of the Fatui were bottled up inside that bank, right?"
Fischl merely nodded, obviously thinking through the various bits of information they'd been granted thus far and trying to draw a satisfactory conclusion from it.
"Hmm…schemes, intrigue and hidden intentions abound…"
The Traveler blinked as Fischl suddenly stood upright, expression determined and excited.
"Truly, a tale most befitting this prinzessin's skills! Come! There remains much work to be done!"
"Yup. Definitely comfortable with the weirdos."
"You know, despite eating something that basically has the same spices and seasonings applied it's amazing how just a few different portions or flipping of the ingredients can make something taste brand new."
Fish? Been eating it for years. Basil? Same story. Lemon? He had more of it in his blood through badly healed cuts than most people did alcohol.
But slight alterations to the grilling process, harvesting methods and portions allocated meant something as simple as a light lunch managed to remain fresh. Original even over the countless years sampling it.
"I believe the phrase is, 'preaching to the choir'. Although you are limiting yourself merely by taste, Alec. Atmosphere, location, company…these factors also contribute to the freshness and uniqueness of life."
"Yeah, well, I was never as cultured as you."
The irreverent response had Morax's lips briefly flicking upwards in a small smile as the pair strolled through Liyue's streets, not heading anywhere in particular.
"Atmosphere today seems a little dour, though."
Alec gazed around the packed markets, idly continuing with, "And I really have to ask, what's your plan with all of this, Morax? Definitely not the kind of plot I would have expected from you."
While there had been times of war and stress in Liyue before it had been during eras of great conflict and uncertainty, not the relative peace that had been earned in the wake of Khaenri'ah's fall. With Morax's faked death the mood could best be described as a powder keg just waiting to explode, armed patrols constantly scouring the streets while parents kept their children close, the familiar bartering and wagering of those that sought profit lacking its usual flare or expressiveness, coming across as muted and transactional.
"A bit of a downer, that's for sure."
Rather than answer the question the Geo Archon merely folded his arms behind his back, distantly asking, "Oh? I would have thought that you could discern the purpose behind such an action rather easily, considering our long history together."
"First time we see each other in upwards of a century and you're already playing coy? Fine, I'll bite."
Letting his eyes drift aimlessly around the city as they meandered towards the collection of ships unloading wares that had originally been meant to sell during the Descent Alec ran through what he knew of the situation once more, having a vague idea of what his old companion was after but not entirely certain.
The most obvious hint was that he still walked among Liyue, still took part in its affairs. Morax hadn't abandoned the lands he'd fought for millennia upon millennia, simply chosen to interact with it in a different manner.
Then there was the interesting morsel of information that was the Adepti being left out of the loop, just as clueless as the Qixing as to what was happening. They weren't just the latest generation of people in charge of Liyue either, most of them had been friends of the Archon long before the idea of Liyue had even formed. If there was ever a group Morax would have spoken with in confidence it would be them.
After that there was the less informative but nonetheless curious tidbits of him deciding on his own funeral arrangements - signifying that the whole arrangement was intended to permanently cement the idea that Rex Lapis was truly gone - while his casual ignoring of the Fatui meant Liyue might very well descend into chaos as Adepti, Qixing and Fatui began to point fingers and assign all manners of blame as they tried to figure out just what the new balance of power was now that the Archon was gone-
"Oh. Oh you clever old fossil."
Chuckling as he figured out just what the dragon's scheme was the duo arrived at a simple overlook showcasing an unfettered view of the docks, Alec amusedly remarking, "Finally deciding to lay down your burden, Morax? I honestly never expected you to finally do so."
Setting his hands on the railing and letting his eyes gaze over the city the Archon took a long, slow breath before exhaling it with equal gravitas, carefully explaining, "It was such a small, innocuous thing that set me on this path, Alec. A few words, ones I had heard perhaps a million times before but only now carried true weight."
He idly pointed towards one of the various ships, Daman leaning on the railing in a relaxed pose as he listened to the man's tale.
"It was a normal night, one like any other. The air was cold, thick with moisture as rains began to march upon my fair city. I was merely out for a stroll, observing as I often do the lives of those under my aegis when I heard the dockmaster shout, you're done for the day! Go home!"
A soft chuckle left the Archon, gaze distant as he murmured almost to himself, "Even now I cannot decide what possessed those simple words to strike so true, to rattle my composure so severely. Merely a buildup of unspoken uncertainty over countless generations? A revelation offered by powers even greater than I? A simple shift in mood that grew into something more?"
He languidly shrugged, continuing with, "Go home. You're done. Released from duty, free to pursue all other aspects of life at their inclination, whether that be family, hobby or simple leisure."
Alec watched out of the corner of his eye as Morax gazed upwards, at the wheeling birds circling the many ships and workers with familiar formations.
"Was it not time for me to step down? Time to finally cast aside the stones of duty that bent my neck lower and lower year by passing year, as I blissfully remained unaware of my own fading influence and dedication to the role?"
An ancient, tired sigh left the Archon.
"The years do not blend together as they are supposed to as you grow older. Rather they seem to stretch into eternity, each day indistinguishable from the last but nonetheless bleeding into an endless canvas that encompasses everything you once held dear and in perfect clarity."
Now it was his eyes that drifted closed, Morax languidly saying, "Their voices are harder to hear, these days. My friends and cherished companions who I could once remember as if they had always been by my side now blurred and muffled, overtaken by the inexorable passage of years."
Alec continued to quietly listen as the Archon finished with, "I decided that it was time for Liyue to chart its own course, away from the oversight and protection of one who could barely remember the principles and reasons for which it was founded. There already exist the foundations for such a movement, some among the Qixing seek to do away with my guidance or at least lessen it."
"Yeah, I met one of them when I was arrested. Keqing, I believe. Cute kid, certainly got enough drive to have achieved her position at such a relatively young age."
"You were arrested?"
"More like I decided to see who was in charge."
A brief snort of amusement left Morax as Alec stroked his chin, commenting, "So a test, then. To see if Liyue and the Adepti can weather whatever storm you have planned to strike its shores."
"Yes. For no small amount of time the Adepti have been withdrawing further and further from Liyue aside from a small selection of their number. At first it was an understandable compromise - their very presence can be harmful if wallowed in for too long - but physical distance has gradually evolved into emotional and societal distance as well. If push were to come to shove would my old friends and comrades follow what is best for Liyue, rather than what is best for my memory or themselves? I aim to discover that. This coming trial will force all who call this harbor home to discover their place amidst it without my presence."
The Archon seemed to snap himself from his reverie, gazing at Alec before wryly asking, "Assuming you haven't already provided overly descriptive hints and musings to those who may be able to draw a proper conclusion on their own."
Raising his hands in a placating gesture the fallen god replied, "All I did was suggest to the Qixing that whoever killed you was no doubt counting on a hasty response and confusing vacuum of power while I told Ganyu that until I saw every last trace of divine Geo energy leave the lands I wouldn't write you off as entirely dead."
"Hmm, I daresay that actually works into my ultimate goal rather well. The Qixing will likely move to ensure they hold ultimate power in Liyue and the Adepti won't do anything too rash until they know more, thanks to miss Ganyu's warnings. It's heartening to know your actions ultimately made things better rather than worse."
"Why does that sound like a polite, tenderly delivered insult?"
The pair shared brief grins before returning to their observation of the bustling port, Morax eventually sighing before stating, "I apologize for saddling you with such petulant and infantile complaints, Alec. The ramblings of a soul that believes himself old when I cannot even fathom how much more ancient you yourself are."
Negligently waving a hand the fallen god cheerfully replied, "Don't be. Take it from one dusty old fellow to another, sometimes a nice, good session of bitching is just what the doctor ordered. And if nothing else, your stepping down is well earned. As someone who was there from the start of your campaign to its end I believe I'm rather well qualified in arriving at that conclusion."
"Hmm…speaking of arriving at conclusions how did you so quickly ascertain that my Exuvia was empty? I took great care in ensuring it was as authentic as possible."
Now openly smirking Alec tapped the handle of his knife, cheerfully remarking, "What am I the god of again?"
This time Morax didn't bother to hide his sigh, dryly remarking, "I see you still enjoy being as obtuse and cagey as possible when given the opportunity."
"Only because I keep being given said opportunities."
Shrugging to himself the Geo Archon subsequently asked, "What occurred after your charge against Celestia? I assumed your quest was only successful in part as the Gnosis remained but the Heaven's overbearing presence rescinded a fair amount."
Tapping his lip Alec went for the short version, stating, "Well I fell into a deep slumber after thoroughly thrashing Celestia but ultimately falling short against the Sustainer, woke up and met a rather interesting young lady who I have to introduce to you, formed an alliance with Barbatos and Dainsleif against Celestia and am probably going to die in just a few years, if not sooner."
The fallen god would amount to no small amount of amusement as Morax almost missed a step, raising an incredulous eyebrow his direction as the male chuckled, saying, "Ok, fine, the long version it is."
