"Morax… It's beautiful."

"I suppose so, it does please the eye."

Guizhong giggled humorously, tugging at his long strands of amber-lit hair. She was grinning like an idiot at him. Morax was a bit put-off, but it didn't bother him as much as it did before. He grew accustomed to her behavior. For better or for worse he didn't know.

"Those are your people Morax, have some joy within you to show to your followers," she chided.

"I am… happy it's our handiwork…"

"It is," chimed Guizhong, "Humans are quite the wondrous and odd beings are they not?"

"…?"

"Don't give me that look, Morax." The woman rose from the rock seat they shared, "Why, you should sometimes do appreciate the work little creatures put in, it's, well… It's wondrous."

"You've said that already. I never did hate on the little community they managed to build in so little time."

"Well, your boorish attitude towards said critters pains me to think it the other way! Besides, three centuries in human years is long. Building all that you see took time!"

"They're all but insignificant, Guizhong. Why do you waste time on them, when you could invest on wealth that would help your own."

Guizhong, confused and at the same time irritated, stuck out a tongue in retort.

"My case still stands…" Morax mumbled incoherently.

"Well! I have no need for ill pleasantries like currency, I see no need why I require that. I'm a God! Tis topic you bring forth is of no sense to oneself!"

"You mistake me, I mean wealth in other aspects, like—"

"Morax, dear. If you refer to prosperity in war and battle, I have no need. If I would fancy a good show, why couldn't I just watch you? That in itself is a show worthy to… I guess quench my so-called war hungry deity tendencies you seemingly describe."

Seeing no fruit in talking back, Morax was mum, looking out at the coastline where now, there lay a small spark of a civilization in bloom. Houses and dirt ways that connected them, made for a cute show of a community. To him, it was stupid. But Guizhong loved it.

"Morax, you'll understand one day. What I see in them."

A pair of slender arms wrapped themselves round his scarred neck. He flinched slightly.

"You are an enigma to me…" He softly muttered.

"Maybe I am Morax. But, I never saw you run away. You're still here willing to do this with me."

"I…"

"Shhh… It's okay. All I care and am overjoyed about, is the fact you choose to do this with me."

"I never did it for the humans."

"Oh?" Guizhong giggled, amused.

Maybe he was blushing now, but what could Morax do. Guizhong already knew, since he could feel her chin resting on his shoulder, it wasn't a doubt she definitely saw him turn red. The fact she giggled all the more solidified his claims.

"I… You've shown and helped me in so many ways I cannot describe. This, project of yours… was a way for me to pay you back."

"What a smooth liar, your words are so carefully crafted they fooled me."

Morax scoffed, "What was I to do."

"That thought escapes me," muttered Guizhong, "Buuutt, if you're to the task, I can suggest one other particular-wondrous-amazing thought of mine which you could try and continue to do. You have not fulfilled my contract yet!"

"Hmm? What might that be."

His ear was filled with her giggling. Guizhong was smiling so serenely when she led him to the edge of the cliff they stood on. And in his eyes, shone the civilization of the Guili Assembly, that had grown so much over the years they governed it, together.

"Morax…"

Guizhong looked at him and away from the city. Her blood red eyes crinkled in her laughter, and her black hair shone a crystal glow of amber, just like his own. With a smile, she pointed down on the Guili Assembly.

"We can be their leader…!"

…together…

He never understood her intentions of why she wanted this. He never really grasped her infatuation with the young beings that died so quickly. She would roam their streets, play with their children and share in their times of grief and joy. Morax never understood why Guizhong did what she did.

"I'll tell you what. Here…"

"Hmm? What is this."

Guizhong poked at his nose.

"A secret to my thoughts. A vessel to the inner machinations of my mind. Open it, and you'll understand why I do what I do."

A stone relic. A dumbbell made from pure geo. It wasn't heavy, yet it felt like it carried the weight of a thousand stars. It was carrying something incredible, something that he could not comprehend.

"I doubt you'd be able to open it," She giggled cheekily, "However, it's going to be amusing to see you try."

"I resent the sound of your tone."

"I have my reasons…~"

Morax didn't want to admit it, but when it came to sheer wit, Guizhong bested him a Jueyen Karst and a half. He never managed to open it. She revelled in his despair.

She was going to show him how to open it… in the end, it was but a mere moment in their first encounter. The rest of their days together were spent in talks that never brought the dumbbell up again.

…I'll tell you how to open it…

The smoke was searing. His eyes were watering from the dust and debris. Morax reached out to a pale shivering hand and held it to his own. Faint giggles graced his ears, and a light in those relentless eyes that still burned passionately.

The Glaze Lilies were losing their shimmer.

"Hold your breath, don't move."

"M-morax, stop."

"Please, Guizhong."

"No…"

He was in disbelief… He was scared.

"I don't want this moment to end…" She looked at him with pleading eyes… eyes that once shone so fiercely. Morax was tongue tied from the sight. He didn't speak. "I just want to stay like this, please. C-can I? I'm r-really scared I might close my e-eyes."

This was the first time he ever saw her terrified.

He only ever saw her smile, cheer and revel in childish wonders of the world. Mischievious and prideful though weak. Now though, she was not the woman he knew. Before him was someone normal, not amazing like they always were. She was softly sobbing onto his amber coat and he sat with her amongst the flames letting her do so. It burned, the fire was growing bigger. The glaze lilies were burning left and right. Morax didn't care, he bore the pain. And in his arms Guizhong shone bright with the light of Geo.

Morax was a dumb God. He never knew what to do at that moment. At times he'd think to himself, maybe he should have sent her off with grander soothing words, something that would piece her a message, that, he cared and everything was going to be alright. She would have done him the same way. But, he did not to her. He never can anymore.

Amongst the vast years, Death was something even a God could not defy, even Archons were the same.

On that day, he never got to hear any sparkling laughter anymore, nor the naughtiness of antics carried in glee would continue, and cheers of victory at every game won. That day marked the moment his contract with Guizhong had cut off, not because of unfair means, because there was no more a receiving partner for the contract to ever be valid anymore.

"What should I do, Guizhong." He muttered.

Soft giggles, "Nothing. Nothing at all."

Morax didn't believe, but he did concede.

"This is just fine?"

"This is perfect."

They still talked after that, succinct words in quiet whispers. Her head began to loll forwards and Morax felt her breathing quietly slow. He just held on tighter. Her red eyes glistened and with that ever cheeky grin from her that was always meant for him, were what marked her final words.

That day solidified the start of Morax's erosion.

This is perfect…

"Zhongliiii, Zhong Zhongggg."

"Hm. What is the problem Director Tao."

Hu Tao, was a lively individual. She was a chirpy young woman, heart in her head and joy in her sleeve, a bright and right contrast to the dealings of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Zhongli, did not mind it much. Little Tao was like Guizhong, but more tolerable.

"Ah, well, might you ask that question, I just have to answer it don't I~." Hu Tao grinned mischieviously, "Chit chat silly chat aside, here, I have this particular commission I just received from Miss Chen over by the port where…"

Zhongli, or Morax as he once was, quietly listened on to his boss's ramblings. Hu Tao questioned, and he would answer. Such was the life for him over the course of the past few years. Zhongli had resolved that he would immerse himself fully to the ways of mortal living. It had been quite the few years already, but it was much the miniscule size in the eyes of godhood.

Still, living with them taught him wonders.

"So! Well. What now!"

Zhongli raised a curious eyebrow.

"What now?" he repeated.

Hu Tao, giggled and turned to the horizon, "Sun is setting!! Time of the dead is now!"

"Director, I wouldn't condone the behaviour of you going out right when we have work to-"

"Aw! But you knew the answer to every single question I asked you regarding Miss Chen's situation!" Hu Tao ran to the railing of the Wangshu Inn, leaning over the wooden beams that stopped her and death from meeting, "I see some lights over there! Mmmaybe I can see some spirits I can talk to! Take care of the paperwork! Send Popo to me when Miss Chen is ready to bury her husband!"

Zhongli shook his head, and rose from his seat. "Director—"

Hu Tao was gone. Long gone. Jumped over the railing pretty much.

"Oh, Hey! Kid! That's dangerous, where did you come from- did you just jump from the top of the building?!"

Zhongli lowly sighed into his tea, sipping it as he heard the burly voice chase after his hysterical boss. It was silence for a while. No one was up in the top floor with him, so that left Zhongli to quietly deal in the necessary caring of the Wangsheng's duties— the paperwork Hu Tao dunked him to do.

Humans were short-lived, coming and going, not always a great stamp on history. Unless it was one who made a great impact on society, most went forgotten. But be the little insignificant lives they lived, humans lived a life of hard work. From the fields to the office. Zhongli would admit, that they were quite the oddity in exposing themselves to such livelihoods.

Then again, some were done for Mora, out of greed. And some were done for family and loved ones, providing a good life. Humans lived to work nonetheless, despite any case. Different from Gods in every way.

"Rex Lapis. You're here."

Zhongli felt the wind shuffle and tickle his skin. He turned a glance to the balcony and green caught his eye.

"Adeptus Xiao. Coincidence we meet."

The short man grunted, and walked over to where Zhongli had taken his seat. He didn't sit, and instead took a look around his surroundings first. As the adeptus seemed to be deciding something in his head, Zhongli quietly turned to his work again. Hearing Xiao walk away, Zhongli looked up again.

Xiao came back with a plate, filled with Tofu, and Zhongli could not help but chuckle.

"I'm hungry."

"That is fine with me."

Xiao began eating. No one was there to witness him munch besides Zhongli, so Xiao didn't mind eating uncouthly. Zhongli wasn't one who would mind such table manners anyways.

"I met the bard again."

"Oh…?"

Xiao nodded, looking off to the scenery that encapsulated the horizon, "He played the lyre this time. It still helped, honestly."

"Well and good," Zhongli flipped a page of the report. "Barbatos is a wonderful musician."

Xiao eyed the papers Zhongli had, but didn't make an initiative to ask. He looked away, and continued to eat.

"He goes by Venti now, if I am not mistaken."

"That so. Interesting."

"An odd choice of a body for a God to choose. It's a young child. But I won't judge him," Xiao nibbled more tofu, "He plays good music. I stayed and listened."

"How long."

"Not a good stretch. I had duties to attend."

"It was late at night." Zhongli realized.

"Yes, yes it was."

"Understandable," Zhongli took a sip of tea, "but it is good Barbatos helps you."

Xiao briskly nodded, munching more tofu. "I made it up to Barbatos for not staying the whole performance."

"Wine?"

"Wine."

Zhongli made a slight grimace. "That is more than enough."

"I didn't know where to put. So I left it at the Sal Terrae. Where I heard him play."

"Barbatos… will find his way to it. The wind shall guide him to the wine soon enough."

"I agree."

"It is Barbatos. I doubt little."

"Furthermore—"

Footsteps cut the conversation short. A cheer, a sigh and a jump resonated by the floor below them.

"Zhongli, I'm back! Didja finish the work?!"

It was far, but Zhongli could clearly make out the voice as feminine. Young. It was little Tao again, already back so soon. Zhongli sighed heavily.

Xiao shivered. He got up in a grimace and turned walking briskly to the edge of the balcony. His jade spear swiftly flew to his side from the seat he had placed it on when he arrived.

"I will go." The adeptus' voice was stiff.

"Very well. Sadly I cannot follow as you do."

"Mm, work. Is it?"

Zhongli bunched the papers and set them together while he nodded in agreement. "Yes, very much so."

Xiao was contemplative, but he didn't ask anything further, instead, he nodded. "Okay, I will go, she's running up faster now."

Zhongli smiled and chuckled again, "Yes, off you go Alatus. I will see you again."

"You will. If you ever need my help you can—"

"ZHONGLIII~"

"— I shall be off."

Alatus was gone with the wind. Sad, thought Zhongli, since he never got to ask the Adeptus about his little situation with Ganyu. Another topic for another time. Now, however, she was back.

"Helloo dear consultant of mine. Did you complete the utterly vast pile of work we needed to complete?~" chirped an overly rambunctious Hu Tao suddenly back from her escapades. Seeing her unscathed meant that she could ditch who ever was also chasing her.

"In fact, I have, little Tao. Just as you ordered."

Hu Tao looked attacked, "Hey! I do not consent to the name little Tao!"

"Well, you are of the age still viable to be called that way." Zhongli reasoned.

"Aiya, Nuh uh! I retort." Hu Tao grumbled cutely, "You are to address me as Director Hu Tao of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor! I will not have any other exceptions other than that Mr. Zhongli!"

He coulf not help but laugh, "Yes, of course. Director Hu Tao."

Hu Tao contemplated her choices, and awkwardly looked to the sky,"… I mean well, " She shyly drew out her words, "Director Tao is also good. I wouldn't impose you calling me that too, umm."

"Director Tao it is then."

"Yeah!" Hu Tao froze. "Huh wait," she stuttered, "Agh!!" she stamped her foot, "I hate you Zhongli! If you weren't such a good assistant you would be fired this instant for your tomfoolery!"

"But you haven't. I guess I am an indispensable resource to your work." Zhongli closed his eyes and sipped the final drops of his tea.

Hu Tao grumbled and snorted, "Well, you're right," She blew a raspberry at him indignantly, but still playfully, " You're lucky I need you for paper work."

"That you do." Zhongli smiled slightly, "Come, I have to ask you on this particular matter regarding the commission."

"Finally! Down to business. We shall start then. Consultant! Enlighten me!"

"Sure. Before that, how did your spirit hunting go, color me curious."

"Eh, they ran away thinking I was the devil or sumthing I dunno. Couldn't speak to even one today."

"Intriguing…"

Like that, life went on as usual for Morax.

He was Zhongli, the chief consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and a mere citizen of Liyue.

"Any particular reason why, Morax?"

"None. I just wish to give it a try."

Cloud Retainer was unsure, Morax could see it in her eyes. "Well, do forgive me but one is quite dumbfounded by this," coughed the crane.

"I am not surprised. But, it's just something I wish to experience. Nothing less."

"Well, then. Be it your will, one won't object."

"Thank you, Retainer." Morax shot a grateful smile. "You are a good friend."

Cloud Retainer laughed loud, "Well, what should one call you now then? Your form is definitely quite intriguing to oneself."

"I had already taken this form and lived like this even before the battle with Osial," Morax explained, gesturing to his clear human form, "And, I go by Zhongli now."

Cloud Retainer was silent for a while. Zhongli knew she caught onto the name and its odd similarity, but she did not say anything.

"Wonderful name, a very different meaning entirely but nonetheless. One can see the reasoning." Cloud Retainer cast a glance to the empty chair in their table. "Do it justice to its meaning will you. "

"Well, money is something I don't actually have. I've soiled the name already by being poor."

"Then you don't deserve the name Zhongli. How dare."

Both shared a hearty laugh. The wind blew as well, quiet but lively too, almost speaking.

There was warm silence for a while.

"Well, I must be off." Zhongli finally spoke.

Cloud Retainer understood. "Of course, one must be off too, Shenhe will be arriving as well. I must tend to her training."

"We will speak again, old friend. But for now, as I have discovered, humans do live quite a hectic life," Zhongli rubbed his chin, " I must say, Director Hu Tao is going to be mad at me now. It is well over mid-morning."

Cloud Retainer met that with a chuckle, "You are more than free to come and have a moment of silence if you decide to trek to Mt Aocang any time of the day. None will disturb you. Zhongli."

"I will, Cloud Retainer. Don't worry."

"One was surprised you decided to suddenly meet with oneself on this day. But one won't judge. One was grateful for this moment."

Zhongli smiled softly, "We are friends, Retainer, I would not ever forget the little routines Guizhong, You and I would have."

"You stopped ever since Guizhong died. One didn't have the heart to say anything to you after that. One took it in stride that you were not up to it anymore."

Zhongli paused, nervous at what Cloud Retainer had pointed out. He made sure to keep posture and think before he spoke again, "Well, I cannot deny that."

Cloud Retainer was silent.

"But," Zhongli continued, "She would be mad at me if I decide to not do this anymore."

"One agrees. But one understands your side of the story too."

Zhongli nodded in agreement, fiddling with the plate on the table.

"This is a skewed way of saying to Guizhong that maybe she was not wrong. She does see greater potential, so maybe that what she sought in me was never a mirage too."

"That is wonderful, Morax. But she would not be so brash with you, so one thinks you should not push yourself to odd horizons just for her sake."

"She would not. That's why I must. Honesty says I do this for myself as well. It is for the better." Zhongli softly side-eyed Cloud Retainer from where he stood, "I do hope you agree to my view of wanting to change."

"One will and always will. Why do you think otherwise," Cloud Retainer sighed irritably, "Your air has changed, but you are still immature as ever aren't you, Morax. "

"Agreed," Zhongli shrugged, "One can't hope to fully shed old skin."

"Your old skin is ragged and ruffled enough," uttered the crane in a breath.

"I heard that."

"One didn't hope you did not hear. One is glad you did."

"Cloud Retainer, I have arriv— Oh?"

A woman walked onto their conversation. Deathly white hair shining in the yellow sun and red ropes adorning the garbs of colors Ganyu also showcased everyday. She was tall, and looked oddly unfeeling.

"Shenhe. One is happy to see you." Cloud Retainer remarked, "Well, one is sorry to you Zhongli, but one has duties to attend to now."

Zhongli understood, and he swiftly got up from his seat. "I shall see you again someday."

"One hopes you shall."

"Well, one can hope in ease."

Cloud Retainer was jovial. She laughed, "Very well. Come, Shenhe. We shall look into your tunings."

"As you wish, master."

Shenhe walked forward, not before sharing a side glance at Zhongli's retreating figure. Safe to say Zhongli caught on. He looked back at her, but Shenhe did not do so much as even make a flinch.

"Shenhe, was it?"

Shenhe curiously nodded, "Yes, that is me."

"I am Zhongli, I believe this will not be the last we meet, I bid you good health till that day comes again."

"…"

Cloud Retainer sighed, "Shenhe, do be kinder to acquaintances we meet."

"Sorry, Master," apologized Shenhe. The woman turned to Zhongli swiftly, "Yes, I hope you are bid good health too."

Zhongli raised an eyebrow.

"One apologizes," Cloud Retainer cut in, "One must clarify Shenhe is very inexperienced though she is matured in looks. A dumb child."

Shenhe didn't seem too bothered by what the Adeptus said, although Zhongli imagined she was a little attacked on the inside by the comment, though her looks said little.

But in the end, Zhongli laughed, "I do not mind such small details. So do not mind either."

Shenhe just nodded, and Cloud Retainer sighed amusedly.

He and Shenhe shared a final glance. "I hope you do well little one. I will be on my way now."

Like that, Zhongli disappeared down the mountain trail.

"He called me little."

Cloud Retainer raised a firm brow in intrigue.

Shenhe pointedly stared back, "I am sure he presents himself as not that much older than me. So why address me with such aura as if there is a clear disparity in age. Is he an adeptus as well, master?"

Realizing Shenhe's childish unease, Cloud Retainer laughed, and she laughed loud. The crane's student was taken aback by the out of character gesture by the adeptus.

"No, no. Little Shenhe," Cloud Retainer teased with her clearly enunciated little, "one is sure that man is a mortal. Yes, a mortal like you."

"…" Shenhe didn't believe it at all.

"Do not worry much. He will do no harm to you. He is but a good friend."

"I did not think you held close bonds with mortals. Nor have I seen you talk with him until now."

"Mm, well. It has been quite the few years. That man clearly has grown up quite a bit in a few years time."

"I see."

Many holes were in Cloud Retainer's justification, but Shenhe respected her master's words. So she didn't prod more on the topic.

"Will he be a regular occurrence from now on." Shenhe in the end was still curious.

Cloud Retainer slowed her pace in their walk to her abode. "One hopes he will be," she nodded to herself, "Zhongli and oneself have much to talk about."

"I see."

"If you ever see him drinking on that stone stool outside my abode when one is not there, do leave him be. Let him sit quietly for a while."

Shenhe furrowed her brow, "Okay, as you wish."

"Well and good, Shenhe. Now, for your ropes."

In the end, Shenhe never asked why Zhongli had taken a seat on the stool with the name Morax engraved onto it, while her master sat on the one engraved with her own name Cloud Retainer.

But be that as it may. Shenhe respected her master too greatly to deny or speak against anything her master said. So she left it as it is.

Rex Incognito, Chapter 1.

Thank you for reading :']

Odd story from the surface, it delves into the life of Zhongli, away from the adventures of Traveler and Paimon. He lives incognito, Rex Lapis is a hidden life now that he is supposedly dead.

To you guys, it may not seem like a story with a plot, but it's rooted in there, having something to do with Zhongli's self recognition from Guizhong's influence and care. You can say this is Zhongli's character development story. With a bit of humor, drama and romance. *which, to the romance I say I might not be able to deliver

There is no Guizhong tag, since Guizhong is dead and her presence in this story is pretty much more of a past reminiscing from Zhongli's memories. Still she does play a big role, so maybe she can have a tag here in this site soon.

Otherwise, major tags here stump me, same goes with a pairing tag. What pairing will this story give birth to lol. That said, Alcor is always the best ship in Genshin nonetheless of what others say of romance in f.fiction.