Chapter 24: Secret Swap
"Stop looking at me like that, I'm not sulking."
"Paimon definitely thinks you're sulking."
"Thunderstorms yet distant bear less dour forecasts than you do right now, Lumine."
"You are rather cross at the moment."
Sending an expression of equal parts annoyance and betrayal her companion's way Lumine returned to sullenly glaring at the 'Golden House' where Ganyu and Keqing had entered within and left them out to dry. Yeah, they had said something or other about it being some kind of highly private and important location for their city but come on. She was the one who - with a bit of help from her friends - had revealed more details about this whole scheme as well as offered a path of investigation that could shed more light onto everything.
The least she had thought she'd be given was a tourist package to a highly secretive and likely highly cool place of worship or wealth that held all sorts of unimaginable treasures, not the least being that gigantic dead dragon body.
"I wonder if it's at all possible for me to sneak in? I mean, I've managed to sleuth my way into highly secure and dangerous fortresses or vaults before, no reason this should be any different."
"Paimon is worried about the look on your face, Lumine."
"What are you saying, Paimon? There's nothing nefarious I'm planning in the slightest. Not. At. All."
Fischl merely released a long-suffering sigh, resigned to being dragged along with whatever insanity Lumine had cooked up inside her brain as the group of four rested outside the ornate building under heavy guard, pairs of stony-faced and alert Millilith walking the perimeter in clear anticipation of something deciding to pick a fight.
"I kinda want to give em' one, if only to make my displeasure known."
"Lumine, stop trying to get into trouble with the people whose side we're - mostly - on!"
"Sorry, was that out loud?"
"It was."
"Oh. Whoops. So is that why I'm getting mean looks?"
"One of the reasons, at least."
Shrugging at Oz's candid remark the Traveler returned to lazily kicking her heels, fuming at the totally unjust and unfair treatment she was being subjected to.
And no, she wasn't being petulant. Not in the slightest.
Thankfully they weren't kept waiting long, Keqing and Ganyu returning after a few more minutes with contemplative expressions adorning their features, Lumine setting aside her irritation in favor of figuring out more about wherever this latest lead had placed them.
"The guards have increased their patrols and remain vigilant…but they have seen neither hide nor hair of so much as a single Fatui or Snezhnayan individual within viewing distance of the building."
The words with little preamble courtesy of Keqing accompanied a cute scowl, the girl adding, "Which in and of itself is highly suspicious."
"The Fatui have never had any compunctions about using their influence and authority to press for greater and greater liberties with our sacred or restricted grounds in the past, it seems odd that they would so suddenly give up and rescind their previous modus operandi."
Stroking her chin at Ganyu's observation Fischl posed, "Mayhap with the felling and entombment of a God beloved the Fatui believe now an ill time to warmonger and seek strife from all who once held belief in Rex Lapis?"
"Ill or improper timing has never denied the Fatui before."
"It is as the Secretary says. It seems rather unbelievable that the Fatui would suddenly develop a sense of restrain and decorum now, of all times. If past experience is any indicator it is actually in instances such as these they would be at their most aggressive."
A tired groan escaped Lumine as she rubbed her eyes, feeling worn out from all the loops and dead ends they had encountered in this whole mess. Not to mention she was hungry, a glance upwards revealing the sun dipping just below the horizon as she sighed, posing, "Think we should call it for now? It's late and we've been at it for most of the day and I don't think it's too likely we'll just accidentally stumble across some grand reveal that will answer all our questions."
Looking a bit winded themselves Keqing and Ganyu nodded, the younger woman replying, "A sound decision, Lady Ganyu and I need to inform the rest of the Qixing of these events regardless, as well as properly plan for the coming meeting between the Adeptus and our own."
The horned woman bowed her head slightly in Lumine's direction, stating, "All of your aid and assistance in discerning the truth of this matter has been of great help to Liyue, an act that will not be forgotten by us."
She awkwardly cleared her throat, glancing to the side before furtively adding, "And your advice on other matters has been…enlightening, Lumine."
"Oh I aim to please."
With a final few nods the two departed, the Traveler turning to Fischl, Paimon and Oz as she asked, "So do the two of you feel like getting something to eat? Because quite frankly I'm famished. Also we need to find an inn."
"Ooh, Paimon is all about that plan!"
To Lumine's surprise Fischl merely seemed lost in thought, abruptly stating, "Apologies, Lumine, but I wish to stop by the Adventurer's Guild and pursue a few lines of inquiry. There might just be some rumors or second hand accounts of alternative events that will shed light on our mission."
Flipping through her journal with her tongue lightly sticking out from her mouth - the Traveler deciding that it was a really, really cute expression - Lumine just sighed, saying, "Alright, will I be able to find you at the guild, then?"
A distracted nod as the tinier blonde smirked in open mischief, planting a quick smooch on the investigator's cheek alongside a quick pinch on the ass, Fischl yelping at the action as Lumine purred, "I'll see you later then, Amy."
The shiver was clear to see and while she had half a mind to drag her into a private alley for a bit of fun an empty stomach -and Paimon's pointed glare - told her otherwise, the Traveler skipping off and leaving a very flustered lady behind as she chirped, "So what do you feel like eating, Paimon?"
"Paimon isn't picky as long as it's affordable and tasty! And plentiful!"
"Hmm, cheap, good and a lot of it…all right, let's get to searching!"
"Okay, we're officially out of options. Tea and Rice shop it is."
"Paimon…is too weak…to argue…"
Rolling her eyes at the dramatic complaint from the tiny sprite sprawled over her shoulder Lumine tried not to feel second hand embarrassment at their predicament. The predicament of Fischl carrying most of their Mora and them only having enough coins to maybe buy a single meal between them. At a cheap food-to-go stand.
That was closing for the day and just wanted to get rid of its perishable stock.
"Well, at least rice and tea are nourishing. We'll survive long enough to find Fischl and get a proper dinner on hand."
Striding through the door of the establishment Lumine was instantly greeted with a wonderful and relaxing atmosphere, quiet conversation, clink of cutlery and scent of herbs and aromas thanks to the various teas.
"Okay, this wasn't a bad decision after all. C'mon, Paimon. We can get a little something to tide us…over…"
The recent connection she'd made with Morax's power over Geo abruptly pulsed with energy, drawing her gaze and attention to a corner of the shop where a positively smoking specimen of a man calmly sipped at a steaming cup, his very air and demeanor screaming of sophistication and experience.
"Momma sees something she likes."
"Good evening, do you prefer a group or solitary table?"
"I'm actually supposed to meet that gentleman over there."
"Oh, Mr. Zhongli? Hmm, he usually doesn't prefer guests at this time but I suppose he'll be able to confirm that himself. Please, follow me."
"Wait, isn't that the name of someone associated with Morax Alec talked about? Or was it an alias? Dammit, the guy is usually pretty good about explaining things but every now and again he slips up and leaves out crucial details!"
Gathering her wits and quietly following in the server's wake her approach was quickly noticed by shining orbs of golden orange that reminded the Traveler more than a little of the light that emanated from her dress when using her Geo powers, curiosity piqued to the maximum as he evenly returned her open appraisal.
"Your company for the night, Mr. Zhongli?"
"...So it would seem. Thank you for your assistance, as always."
"You're quite welcome."
Hanging around only long enough to hand Lumine a menu the server departed without a backwards glance, the pair staring each other down as Paimon slowly grabbed the menu and began to peruse it, pretending that she didn't exist or have anything to do with the confrontation.
"While I am by no means adverse to company I can think of a potential few means to do so politely. Basic manners, if you will."
"And yet you didn't say no."
"That I did not."
Detecting a hint of amusement in the man's words Lumine soaked up the ambience, the mystery man's words and tone silken in cadence and culture as she bashfully fluttered her eyelids, purring, "Well it's never too late to be nice. May I please sit at your table?"
"I dare say you already have. But by all means, pull up a chair."
"Paimon can practically smell the tension…"
They both ignored the sprite's quiet murmur, Zhongli instead graciously motioning with his tea before asking, "So what brings traveler's such as yourselves to Liyue during these unfortunately troubled times? That is, I assume by your attire you are foreigners to Liyue."
"We're on a journey a friend of mine recommended we go on, to see as much of Teyvat as we can in however much time we have. And while it's been a little rough at first I think Liyue is truly an incredible sight, I don't think I've ever seen so much business and commerce continue as usual despite an assumedly massive and chaotic upheaval."
The brief glint of pride in the man's eyes didn't go unnoticed by the Traveler as she finished her sentence, responding, "That is heartening to hear. And while it is belated allow me to nonetheless introduce myself as Zhongli, advisor to many fine establishments of Liyue and one who seeks to impart and retain the ancient traditions of this great city."
Reaching forward to offer an unconventional handshake the male was quick to return it, Lumine noting that beneath the gloves he had a firm grip that nonetheless contained a gentleness to it, as if he were holding back a great deal of his strength.
She rewarded the gentlemanly gesture with a light caress of her fingers across the back of his hand, earning a minutely raised eyebrow in kind as she said, "I'm Lumine, traveler from afar and this is Paimon, moral support, tour guide and nutrition specialist."
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lumine and Paimon."
"Pleased to meet you as well! Now, can you advise Paimon on what's best to eat?"
"It would be my pleasure."
A few minutes of idle chatter passed before steaming bowls of rice and aromatic cups of tea were placed before them, Lumine and Paimon practically salivating at the spread before digging in with gusto, taking appreciative sips of the tea as the Traveler sighed in bliss.
"This is delicious. And surprisingly filling considering it's just rice and tea."
"I have been coming to this establishment for a fair few decades and have always enjoyed it greatly. Something about the recipe being passed down through the generations and being refined all along the way until achieving near perfection is gratifying to the palette, as if one was tasting a bit of history with every bite or sip."
Lumine raised an eyebrow, remarking, "Decades, huh? Either you're very good looking for your age or you share a bit of ancestry with Ganyu."
"Ah, you've already met little Ganyu, then?"
The Traveler released a weary sigh, dryly commenting, "Okay, extremely good looking for your age if you can call Ganyu 'little'. Seriously, I thought I was pretty well preserved for the number of years I have on me and then you people come along and make a girl feel self-conscious."
"So you consider yourself something more than Human, then?"
Lumine thought about that for a second before tilting her hand back-and-forth.
"Hard to say. I have the body of a Human, bleed like a Human, breathe like a Human and have the same urges and needs of a Human. If you remove some of the more esoteric aspects like affinity for certain abilities and longevity my kind are pretty much Human in every way that matters."
She grinned.
"Reminds me a little bit of the Adepti I've met so far. I can't turn into a bird, though."
Yet again an elegant eyebrow rose slightly at the comment that resembled Cloud Retainer quite a bit, Zhongli remarking, "Fascinating, I have the honor of being well acquainted with the Adepti and you are certainly not among their number or any manner of godkin…how intriguing."
"Yep. Just a simple wanderer."
"One who wishes not to part with her secrets all that easily, either."
"Half the appeal of a woman is her mystery. And you haven't been all that forthcoming either, mister."
She rested her chin on an open palm, offering an innocent smile.
"So how about we trade? One secret for another, deal?"
"Hmm. You have taken rather nicely to the underlying concepts and traditions of Liyue. Very well, out of respect for your initiation of this agreement you may ask of me what secret you desire."
Nodding to herself Lumine fell silent for a moment, eyes drifting half closed as she tried to follow the flow of her recently acquired Geo element, of how it reacted in the presence of the mystery man across from her.
"Are you in any way related to Morax? Because I was recently granted a Vision and it seems pretty attached to your very presence."
And, as always, she decided to be blunt.
"Ah, quite the bold inquiry so soon after our meeting…but to answer your question I am indeed of relation to the God of Geo."
Settling back into his seat Zhongli took a contemplative sip of his tea, continuing with, "I am an avatar of Morax, to use a rather loose and not entirely accurate descriptor. I have long been associated with the Great Dragon but I am not he, merely a soul that was given the breath of life and power that animated the God of War. It is merely natural that Geo energy would remain concentrated about my person."
Lumine took note of the heavy doublespeak and metaphor but decided not to pursue, merely nodding as she said, "Well isn't that interesting? All right, your turn."
"Do you perchance hail from the stars? Worlds beyond our own?"
"Oh? That's an unusual conclusion to reach."
"It is not obvious unless you are attuned to the energies of the world as I am. There exists around you a certain aura, a sort of connection to things from afar, mainly concentrated in your clothing and the vestments attached to them."
"It is a nice dress, thank you."
"And while astronomy and its many surrounding disciplines were never a particular strong suit of mine even a beginning practitioner such as myself can tell you are both aligned and beloved by the stars. As if you were kin or descended from them."
Deciding that she should look into that whole astronomy deal if it was that accurate - maybe it could give her a clue to regaining her powers - Lumine just smiled, cheerfully nodding as she replied, "You are quite correct, Mr. Zhongli. I am indeed from other stars. A fair number of them, actually."
The Traveler paused, thoughtfully tapping her chin as she mused, "Actually, that may be why I can align myself with so many different elements. If the stars or whatever have me on their good list and the elements correspond to certain alignments or something it would make sense why I can contract with so many."
A wry, mildly resigned sigh left her male counterpart.
"Indeed it may. It would also give credence to why the stench of Anemo - as if one had spilled rat urine into a vat of perfectly aged wine - clings to you so cheerfully. Alas, that drunkard must go and ruin perfectly good things as always, musn't he?"
"...I stink?"
"Paimon doesn't think that's a very nice thing to say to a lady."
Zhongli quickly bowed his head, peaceably stating, "My apologies, that was worded incorrectly. I imagine your usage of Anemo energy would be quite the spectacle, it is merely a personal bias of mine that caused me to speak so crassly."
A wry look appeared on the man's features.
"Barbatos is exasperating at the best of times."
"Heh, I see rumors of your rivalry with each other isn't exaggerated in the slightest."
"I believe it's quite natural to find strife with things you are inherently opposed to."
Graciously tilting her cup Lumine responded, "Well with that settled and out of the way…feel like going another round? You can go first this time."
"Considering how intriguing this conversation has been thus far I find the idea of stopping quite droll. Very well, how did you meet little Ganyu and what do you think of what her and the rest of the Adepti's actions thus far are?"
"Not entirely sure that's a secret but if you're asking…"
Tapping her lower lip in thought Lumine eventually replied, "That friend I mentioned earlier is familiar with Ganyu and due to some rather convoluted circumstances I encountered her and Keqing at Jueyun Karst, tagging along to meet with the rest of the Adepti. As for my thoughts on them?"
The Traveler snorted, dryly stating, "I think that friend was vastly underestimating just how incredible she actually is. In fact from what little I've seen the leadership and support of Liyue as a whole has been impressive. The Adepti and Qixing - despite there being some fairly clear distrust and societal distance from each other - agreed to a consensus and are even looking to more permanently cement their control over Liyue, to avoid a panic after Rex Lapis' death."
There was yet again the momentary flicker of what she knew was pride and joy within the man's eyes, like a parent watching their child take first place in a competition as she knew precisely what her next question was going to be.
"I think it's easy to see why Liyue has stood for as long as it has, if those are the people who have been safeguarding it for so long."
"And they do their Archon's memory proud…thank you for sharing, Lumine. Now, I believe it's your turn."
"Yup. So that bit about you being an avatar of Morax or whatever was a bunch of half-truth bullshit, wasn't it? You are Rex Lapis."
It was the smallest of tells, a brief twitch of his finger around the base of his tea but Lumine had been watching like a hawk and didn't bother hiding her grin.
"Quite the bold accusation considering that I not long ago stated-"
Wagging her finger with a cheshire grin the Traveler tittered, "Now now, when agreeing to share secrets it came with the promise that they would stay secrets, that means they don't leave this table. Now normally I say that and don't mean it in the slightest because I freely admit to thriving on a good bit of gossip-"
"Paimon isn't sure that's a good thing to lead with…"
"-but seeing as how you must have had a compelling reason to fake your death with city-wide consequences if the secret gets out my lips are sealed. I like to think there's an appreciable difference between sharing someone's bit of dirty laundry and something that could likely lead to people's deaths. So!"
The blonde leaned forward with a conspiratorial whisper.
"Should I call you Morax?"
With an emotion that might be called perplexed swimming within the man's hypnotic gaze his tone was nonetheless steady as he replied, "You have still not given voice to how you reached this rather fanciful conclusion."
"Oh, that's easy. For one thing you're every bit the suave, gentlemanly traditionalist with a penchant for history and heritage that Alec played you up to be. Furthermore you have that long standing bit of grief with Barbatos that was pretty clear to see and the cherry on top was what I felt through my Geo powers, what with you acting like some kind of massive focal point of the stuff."
She snapped her fingers, as if remembering a detail only belatedly.
"Oh, and neither Alec nor the Adepti mentioned anything about Morax having an apostle, disciple or twice removed twin or something along those lines. I would have figured that was kind of a big deal once the 'original' Morax kicked the proverbial bucket."
For a few seconds there was silence between the two, Paimon quietly and nervously sipping at her tea…and a warm chuckle that caused Lumine's heart to flutter for reasons entirely unrelated to having her chute stuffed escaped the male, eyes glittering with amusement as he stated, "In confirming your own suspicions you also satisfied my own…you are the one Alec spoke of."
"Wait, so you and Alec have already chatted?"
"Indeed. It was quite relieving to have an old friend return to the fold, especially one assumed dead with an interesting tale to tell."
Before the traveler could ask after the man her counterpart continued with, "But yes, I am indeed Morax."
"Oh whew, that would have been embarrassing if I was wrong."
The Archon blinked for a few seconds before smiling in idle amusement, musing, "Ah, an old trick indeed. You have quite the mastery over your expression, Traveler. I see why Alec set upon you the journey he did."
"Hints as to the ultimate reason why he did so?"
"Unfortunately not my place to tell, you will have to pry that secret from him in person or trick it out of him."
"Well I already pulled a fast one on one god, maybe I can do it on another. Actually I did something like this to him before, now that I think of it."
Sensing an opportunity to learn more about the enigmatic deity she was quickly coming to consider a dear companion she made to ask what Morax could tell her about Alec-
"As rude as it may be to interrupt a pleasant meal between acquaintances that is the unfortunate role I've been given today."
-and blinked as a tall figure approached their table, the restaurant falling silent at the familiar silhouette as Lumine pensively said, "Uh oh, it seems a Childe is interrupting our dinner."
The Fatui rolled his eyes, drolly remarking, "Never heard that one before. So sorry about dropping in unannounced, Zhongli, but we need your presence for a final few signatures and advisory tasks."
"Hmm. They must be quite important if you yourself came to seek me out."
For some reason Lumine thought those words were spoken merely as a formality than any kind of real response, Zhongli rising to his feet while saying, "My apologies, Lumine, but it seems our conversation will have to be on hold for the moment. Not to worry, I'm confident we will meet again soon enough and I wish you luck on the rest of your journey."
An enigmatic smile played across the Archon's lips.
"I look forward to hearing your conclusion upon arriving at it."
Striding off with an elegant posture Lumine turned to face Childe, the male wildly smirking as he mused, "Well don't you turn out to be more and more intriguing everytime we meet?"
"Careful, tough guy. Curiosity killed the cat."
"Yet satisfaction brought it back. And a little danger never hurt anyone."
"Paimon is fairly certain that sentence is dumb because danger totally hurts people!"
Before the Fatui could retort Zhongli's voice cut across the shop's premises, concisely stating, "For all your professed regret at interrupting a pleasant meal your actions speak otherwise, Childe. Such disrespect implies a lack of respect or imbalance of power…need I rectify this perceived inequality? Perhaps you will start by covering the cost of the bill?"
The man huffed out a breath and rolled his eyes, languidly stating, "Yes yes, a hundred sincere apologies or some similar platitude."
He dropped a small pile of Mora on the table before turning on his heel and stalking away without further antagonizing, pausing only long enough to send Lumine a teasing wink as the blonde just watched the pair's departure with keen interest, the shop resuming its quiet murmuring a moment later as the action seemed to have finally vanished.
"...We're following him, Paimon."
"W-we are? Wait, which one?"
"Childe, obviously."
"Why the less friendly and more dangerous one?!"
Lumine licked her lips, hungrily musing, "Because he wasn't wrong, a little danger never hurt anyone…and I think getting in close to him will reveal a fun couple facts that might move along the investigation."
