Chapter Text
The skies were overcast, sunlight unable to completely pierce through the layer of clouds. While the sky remained a light grey, the land below remained a frozen mass of land. The white blanket of snow stretched out for miles and the bitterly frigid air assaulted the lungs of all who breathed it. There was a grating sound, one that carried a rush of dread. The surface of the frozen lake steadily became riddled with fractures. The white lines reached out like a web, the icy water seeping through the openings. The weight of the person at the core of the disaster was still, eyes wide.
All it took was a minor shift in how he held his weight and it all came crumbling down.
Tartaglia remembers that day well and yet there are moments he simply can’t recall. He remembers how the fabric of his clothes clung to him, weighing him down and making it a challenge to move his limbs. He could remember the way he gasped and choked in response to the pain that assaulted him, the cruelly cold waters causing his skin to prickle and sting. From there, the memories blur, and the details become scarce. The only thing he could recall after those terrifying moments was waking up, his body resting at the bottom of the lake. His surge of panic was overridden by an odd sense of calm. The water was a bit cool to the touch, but nothing unbearable.
It took him a little while longer for him to realize he wasn’t drowning. He was breathing. He couldn’t understand what was happening.
Tartaglia is highly aware that he should have died that day. If it wasn’t due to freezing or drowning to death, then his body should’ve slowly shut down in the near future once he swam out of the water. But he remained alive and he recovered well. Regardless of how his life could have ended, he managed to return to his siblings alive. He didn’t really question it too much and chalked it up to pure luck. How could he question it when it allowed him to return to his family?
Tartaglia was simply happy that he didn’t leave his family behind. He still wanted to be there for them in any way he could. He grew up faster so he could ensure their futures. It’s what gives him the strength to continue and a part of that meant picking up various methods of fighting. He’d do anything if only to see those smiles of theirs. It’s the only warmth he had back then and it technically still is the only warmth he has within his life. He doesn’t care if some of the harsher people of Snezhnaya call him a fool for being tied down by love. Especially when that love is what helps him fight.
Though, he sometimes does wonder why he became a bit more interested in the sight of water. Not because of the strange experience, but…like an instinct. If he thought about it too deeply, he would gain the ridiculous notion that the water was trying to lure him in.
But that was silly and there was no way he could just go diving into deathly frigid bodies of water. He was merely lucky the first time. He rather not take his chances for a second.
The light of the sun bared down upon Liyue Harbor, the paved streets of stone and wooden boardwalks heating up. The waves shimmered as the light sparkled against the wavering waters. The harbor’s air filled with idle chatter, the locals fulfilling their own agendas and business transactions. There was hollering as boats sailed in with fresh catches. Further within the city was the lingering scent of various food. Especially dishes seasoned with spices.Strolling through the street along the harbor’s waters, Zhongli made his way toward the home of a recent client. Though, he did take the time to appreciate the familiar sights along the way.
Work within the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was continuing as usual and a part of Zhongli was gradually adjusting to it. While the paperwork and such could be a bit troublesome to get by, it would not remain unfinished in the end. Zhongli liked to imagine he was doing his duties quite well. Life of a mortal was certainly an experience he has yet to completely adjust to, but even the small troubles along the way don’t bother him too much. It is incredibly different from his responsibilities as Rex Lapis. Well…not that he has a lot against being the Geo Archon, but it was pleasant to have simpler things to worry about.
“Ah! What is that?!”
Zhongli blinked, his attention returning with faint alarm. His ears were filled with the sound of panicked cries. Just ahead of him, he took note of how the crowds seemed to part. It was almost as if he was witnessing a split within the sea. Moments later, he then realized that the source of the commotion was heading his way.
“Move!”
“Everyone, get out of the way!”
Zhongli’s eyes widened by a fraction, something finally bursting forth as another group of locals hurried to move. He never got the chance to grasp a better view as he instinctively stepped out of the way. Oddly enough, he could pick up the unique scent that typically follows rainfall.
The odd entity moved swiftly, its form low to the ground much like that of a four-legged animal. Other than that, all Zhongli could glean was that it was blue in color with an unnatural luminance to its body. His eyes took a glance toward the ground, notching how there were wet patches of water seeping into the stone of the street. The splashed spots matched the size and pattern of an animal’s tracks. He isn’t quite sure what to think.
“Water...?” Zhongli questioned briefly.
Without pause, the creature made a turn to dash toward the edge of the docks. Before anyone could blink, the thing leaped into the ocean water. It vanished upon impact, barely a sound made to announce its departure. If the world had gone silent, some of the closer people would’ve been able to hear a gentle echo. Almost as if a drop of water dripped upon a still lake’s surface.
Minutes passed as the common folk slowly calmed down from the sudden fright. When some curious children attempted to try and follow where the odd being went, nearby adults held them back with worry. Meanwhile, others eventually gained the nerve to cautiously approach the ledge the creature leaped from. Zhongli happened to be one of these people.
He calmly approached the edge, his gaze peering down upon the water’s surface. He could just barely make out his reflection, the colors of his clothes meshing together upon the calming waves. He simply took some moments to stare, as if the water could somehow provide him the answers he craves. But, just as he suspected, there was not a single trace that the creature was ever there in the first place.
Zhongli’s brows furrowed in thought. “...What was that?”
The people of Liyue Harbor remained in a hushed frenzy, gossip of the recent events spreading like a wildfire.
Evening approached, the light of the sun sinking on the horizon. The sky turned into an enchanting mixture of the approaching night and the remaining day. Zhongli found himself returning to the spot where the creature was last seen, staring into the distance. The ocean waters reflected the transition toward nightfall, its color turning an abyssal black while the surface occasionally flickered with pink and orange hues.
Zhongli then found himself glancing at a nearby couple who were speaking in hushed tones. His attention was captured by the possible topic of the conversation.
“Do you think that was…?”
“I don’t know. It’s your homeland, so you would know more than I do.”
Zhongli decided to finally approach the pair, the man and woman quickly taking note of the other’s presence.
“Ah, is there something you need, sir?” The man had questioned.
Zhongli lightly nodded as he spoke. “Pardon my intrusion, but I noticed that you seem to be speaking about today’s rather…peculiar incident. Do you have any thoughts on what may have passed through here?”
The couple seemed to exchange a silent conversation with one another before the woman sighed. She could only give a half-hearted shrug. “We aren’t entirely sure either, but there have been similar incidents from my homeland of Snezhnaya.”
“Is that so?” Zhongli hummed.
“I never witnessed it myself, but a lot of people there have reported seeing a glowing being both on land and sometimes near the surface of the sea. I think the stories started around…a century or so ago?” The woman elaborated to the best of her ability. “It’s some legend that tells of a divine entity that dwells within the depths of Snezhnaya’s waters. But the legend has only become rather popular some decades ago.”
Zhongli’s expression was thoughtful, a hand resting over his chin. “Do you mind sharing the name of this legend? Surely, there must be one.”
“There are lots of different names, but the most common one is the Prince of the Arctic Sea. Lots of sailors have tried searching for cold spots in the water to find it.”
Zhongli raised a brow, speaking with faint bewilderment. “Cold spots in Snezhnaya waters? Isn’t that a bit…?”
“I know it sounds strange,” The man added with a worried frown. “And I don’t really believe it myself, but they say it can leave cold spots in any body of water which pretty much hints to where it is. Even with Snezhnaya’s frigid sea, you should still be able to tell.”
The man then shudders. “I have heard some rather frightening tales of sailors who have found such a spot and tested the water, only for crew members to lose feeling in their hands.”
“I see,” Zhongli responded with a mumble. “Interesting... Perhaps I should try and research this legend more?”
Zhongli did his best to gather as much information from the couple as he could. By the time he parted ways and returned to his quarters, he found himself with more questions than answers.
“The Prince of the Arctic Sea... I may not know a lot about what is occurring in the lands of the other Archons, but what I witnessed earlier...” His mind replayed the memory of the event from the moment the common folk became panicked to the moment the creature vanished.
Regardless, Zhongli knows for sure that he’s never encountered such an entity before. Considering how long he has lived, this is quite a surprise. Surely there would be no harm in solving a mystery, right?
“When was the last time I found such amusement?”
It has been days since the first sighting in Liyue and there have been no further signs of the being that ran through the harbor. Zhongli would be lying if he said he wasn’t even a little disappointed, but waiting is an art of patience. Considering how long he’s lived, being patient was no issue. Even if he never could find out the mystery that is the “Prince of the Arctic Sea”, at least he got to witness its possible existence. But even though none have seen it reappear, the common folk flood the streets with their words. Tales were spun, rumors were spread, gossip took the streets, and various accounts were retold. As Zhongli strolled down the streets of Liyue Harbor, he couldn’t help himself from partially listening in. It has been a very long time since the people of Liyue have become so talkative about something not related to business or finances.
Of course, the incident that day wouldn’t go without garnering the attention of the Liyue Qixing. He could tell how the Millelith appeared more vigilante than before, likely awaiting to be called to action. From what Zhongli can gather, the Liyue Qixing are deeming the creature as potentially dangerous unless proven otherwise. Zhongli wondered if he would find it before they could. Then again, an instinct of his told him that it was a matter of a random encounter versus actively discovering the being.
He exhaled silently, turning a corner before his ears were met with the sound of laughter emanating from a group of children. Zhongli was internally pleased by the childish cheer in the air. It was a good sign that all is well at the moment. Zhongli allowed his gaze to wander with curiosity, the ancient man having nothing better to do. However, he found himself coming to a gradual stop.
A small group of children wore bright smiles on their faces, their tiny forms practically swarming a young man with ginger locks a tad more orange than expected. He was obviously a foreigner, especially with the unusual attire that remained slightly unbuttoned near the bottom. Hanging from his side was a small, black leather satchel with a strap that rested across his chest. Meanwhile, shining with a blue glow, was a Hydro Vision. A silver frame decorated it as it remained attached to the owner’s belt. Zhongli recognized the design and could only assume that this person was either born in Snezhnaya or gained their Vision there. Slightly peeking out from the side of the young man’s bag was a strip of red fabric with a gold design, likely a scarf.
For Zhongli, he could almost compare the style of dress to that of the Fatui diplomats he’s seen if it wasn’t for the lighter colors. Not only that, but he couldn’t spot any obvious signs, symbols, or a mask that could confirm such suspicions.
A young girl held something in her grasp, keeping it close to her ear before pulling it away with a giggle. The young man held a hand out as she gave the starconch back.
“So, what’d you hear?” The man asked with a friendly smile. His tone was gentle and yet it carried a carefree tone with traces of playfulness mixed within.
The other children leaned toward her, curiosity peaked. The young girl’s smile was bright as she responded. “It tickled my ear and sounded really weird! There was so much sound and it was all echo-y!”
The young man couldn’t help but chuckle. “I hope that means you liked it.”
“Of course! It was so strange but really cool!” It was like a dam burst as the other children began to chatter with excitement. The young man didn’t mind it as the young voices overlapped with the desire to have a turn to listen to the starconch.
Meanwhile, Zhongli wandered over toward the kite stall. His presence soon caught the attention of Granny Shan. She nodded to him in greeting. “Ah, what brings you here this afternoon?”
“I was wondering about that individual over there,” Zhongli spoke up softly, his eyes wandering toward the foreigner.
Granny Shan smiled with understanding. “I wasn’t the only one around here who was a bit apprehensive about him at first, but it seems people are calming down.” Her lips curled upward as her eyes watched the children play around. “He likely traveled here by boat. Either way, it is nice to see someone able to connect with the children here. He’s quite the natural.”
Zhongli rested a hand on his chin as he thought of the appropriate response. What would mortals typically say? “I suppose it is quite…wholesome.”
The young man then glanced in Zhongli’s direction as if picking up on the older’s stare, the two of them briefly making eye contact. Zhongli silently observed how the other made a smooth farewell to the children, the kids hurrying to their parents for permission to collect starconches of their own. With that done, the young man simply walked away with his own agenda. Zhongli’s eyes trailed after the retreating figure until the other was out of sight.
A part of Zhongli wondered if his curious focus accidentally unsettled the other.
“He seems like an interesting individual.” Zhongli thought to himself idly, bidding Granny Shan goodbye as he continued toward his original destination. “Though, I have seen my fair share of intriguing mortals.”
The land of Liyue glowed with autumn colors, the sun lighting up the grass and brightening the leaves of various flora. Great shadows were cast upon the ground from the multitude of mountains and hills that were scattered around. It is a large mass of land, everything about it highlighting the natural earth and stone that formed it. Meanwhile, Zhongli had finally managed to reach a break day, deciding to venture outside the city walls for some natural scenery.
Most mortals marvel over the land he forged and perhaps a part of him felt the same. Even if he knew every little location, mineral, and native life, he couldn’t entirely be bored by the scenery. It is his land after all. However, time has caused so many things to remain both different and the same. This fact has left him viewing ruins with a distant mind while also leaving him admiring the life that thrives.
Liyue is a place dear to his heart and yet it carried much sorrow that mortals have either forgotten or do not know the details of.
Zhongli blinked, gaze narrowing as his awareness heightened. He turned to face a large boulder, prepared to face whatever his instincts may be detecting. After a few moments of waiting and nothing changed. With calm and silent strides, he approached closer. Once he finally managed to glean a look, he felt himself pause with slight bewilderment.
“A…child?” If his memory served him right, then this was that girl who he saw playing with that foreigner he hasn’t seen since.
Her frightened eyes darted up toward him, only recognizing him as a stranger. Her arm carried scratch marks that were minorly swollen with a red flush on the skin. She emitted a startled squeak at Zhongli’s intimidating figure. He did his best to relax his posture, assuring her that he is not there to harm her. Mentally, he tried to remember how mortals tend to speak when around children. He hoped he didn’t make the child feel worse.
“I’m not here to harm you. I merely wish to help.” He made sure to make no movements toward the child in case it may cause further fright.
Before she could respond, the empty field filled with the sound of rushing water. Zhongli’s eyes widened by a fraction, swiftly backing up as multiple streams of clear water converged in front of the young girl. Zhongli’s powers thrummed beneath his skin in preparation for a possible scuffle.
Then, he realized how the air took a familiar scent of rainfall.
The flowing water turned into a single mass, gaining a blue hue as it became a mostly solid entity. It grew in size, taking the form of a fox with the tail belonging to a whale. A thin, yet sharp horn protruded from its forehead. The eyes were bright like illuminated noctilucous jade, equally bright waterdrop markings around its body like tattoos.
Zhongli found himself at a loss, never witnessing such a creature. It had the grace of a sly fox, the presence of a mighty wolf, and the strength of a storm upon the sea. He is absolutely sure that not even a powerful Oceanid could ever think to create such a chimera of fierce and ethereal elegance. It was both like a chilling specter and a divine guardian.
Zhongli found himself staring, his mouth slightly parted due to being stunned. “Is this…the Prince of the Arctic Sea?” It had to be. It wouldn’t make sense if it wasn’t. He found himself thinking that the title of “Prince of the Arctic Sea” did little justice to the entity itself.
However, Zhongli is the Geo Archon who has faced even deadlier foes and crueler times. His own piercing gaze did not falter as he engaged in a staring contest with the being. Both of them made no move toward the other as the child already returned to her hiding spot behind the rock. Neither Zhongli nor the creature ceased their attempts to intimidate the other into submission or retreat. But Zhongli noticed how the chimera of a beast made no move to harm the young girl. The way it positioned its body was like it was prepared to lunge at him as well. If he was correct in his assumption, then…
He made his movements slow and deliberate under the being’s watchful gaze. He did his best to show obvious signs of surrender and no hints of possible hostility. Zhongli spoke with a steady and calm voice. “You are protecting her, correct? I mean no harm and will gladly escort her back to her parents and the safety of Liyue Harbor. That is…if you allow me to do so.”
Its eyes bore into his own as if searching for something. But Zhongli has no reason to feel any sort of anxiety or fear under such a critical gaze. His intentions are honest, so there was no need to feel any sense of worry as it dissected his words. Zhongli watched as it seemed to become less tense, its form’s size shrinking to something more normal. He was vaguely reminded of the dogs that wander about in Liyue Harbor. The chimera turned its head toward the child’s hiding spot before lightly making its way over. The Geo Archon remained silent so as to not cause any disturbance.
The young girl slowly removed herself from hiding, taking note of the creature’s smaller form. “Is it safe now?” The being nodded, helping to guide her toward Zhongli.
She glanced up at Zhongli, his height causing her neck to crane upward by a large margin. Her eyes then returned to look at the aquatic entity. “A-Are you sure it’s okay? My parents said to not go with strangers...”
All the creature did in response was gently nudge her with its snout. The child reluctantly obeyed the nonverbal order. All she could do was offer a sheepish smile, eyes shining with gratitude. “Th-Thank you so much for helping me! I’ll be sure to make something to thank you!”
Zhongli swore the aquatic chimera gave a faint smile before vanishing before their eyes. Zhongli and the young girl could only watch in silence as mystical streams of glowing water hovered within the air before soaring toward a nearby lake. The streams of water eventually vanished and the scent of rainfall was no more. Despite that, Zhongli knew that it was somehow still keeping tabs on him. It was likely to make sure he kept to his word.
Taking the creature’s departure as a sign, Zhongli did his best to safely guide the young girl back to Liyue Harbor. However, he could sense the unease the child carried. It would do no good to leave someone so young with such feelings. The silence of their trek wasn’t helping the fragile atmosphere either.
Zhongli is Morax, the Geo Archon, and the God of War and God of Contracts, Rex Lapis. He is the Exuvia and a being who has lived for thousands of years. And yet, he finds himself stumped on how to hold a conversation with a mortal child.
He did his best to recall his observations. Perhaps, it would be best to start with sharing names? That is simple and rather normal to do…
“I apologize for not introducing myself. I am Zhongli of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I did not mean to startle you earlier.”
He could tell she didn’t get the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor part, but it seemed to cheer her up a little. Zhongli could only assume it was because it served as a good distraction from whatever situation she had gotten into. “I’m Changchang!”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Changchang. If you do not mind me asking, what brought you so far from Liyue Harbor? I’d imagine your parents must be worried.”
The child seemed to gain a guilty expression, her gaze lowering to her shoes as she continued to walk by Zhongli’s side. “I didn’t mean to go so far out… I just heard those cool adventurer people talking about some pretty flowers and I wanted to try and find them!”
Zhongli nodded in response. “Understandable. However, I recommend having someone come along with you or fetching you those flowers instead. If it weren’t for…the other one’s intervention, you could have been worse off.” Curiosity could get children into many predicaments. Zhongli would know since he’s seen it more times than he can count. Older mortals aren’t too different though once they become curious. It is an odd cycle.
Zhongli’s eyes took note of the Chanchang’s forearm where the scratches remained. They must have caused some irritation for the child though when she suddenly brought her other hand to touch it. Zhongli reacted swiftly, but gently as he lightly grabbed her wrist. Seeing the confusion in her eyes, Zhongli decided to provide an answer. “Please refrain from making contact with it. It could make such wounds worse.” He probably would’ve continued to give a long-winded lecture on wounds on the mortal body if he didn’t realize he was speaking with a child.
Besides the fact that this girl likely wouldn’t understand all that he was saying, Zhongli learned it was best to keep such details from the ears of children. If he has learned anything from interacting with children, you shouldn’t fill their heads with things that might scare them. The last thing Zhongli wants right now is to scare her off while minorly wounded.
Zhongli internally winced when he recalled answering some questions about the physical appearances of some divine entities. It had something to do with a child believing some creature had six eyes? Or something like that. Was it a question about an Archon or an Adeptus? He can’t really recall.
Needless to say, he was told that he just crushed some childhood dreams when he was truthfully stating the facts. Whoops…
He then took note of something hanging by a string around the girl’s waist. Zhongli realized it was a starchonch. “A starconch?”
Changchang pulled her attention away from her itching arm, a light shining in her eyes as she gently cupped the seashell in her hands. “Yeah! Mr. Childe let me keep it and told me not to lose it cause it’s a good luck charm! And it really is!”
Zhongli played along. “Oh? How so?” Meanwhile, he mentally filed the name “Childe”. It is certainly an interesting name.
“I was calling for help when I got attacked and the starconch must have heard me or something! It must have because one moment I was all alone with the monsters and the next moment, there was the water foxy! It beat up all those bad guys and gave me a place to hide so it could protect me!”
“Interesting. Perhaps there is truth to her words rather than coincidence. But to have communication via a starconch? I don’t believe I know of such an odd method.” Meanwhile, Zhongli hummed in agreement. “If that’s the case, then you better take good care of it.”
“Of course, I will!”
By the time they reached one of the entrances to Liyue Harbor, Zhongli no longer felt unseen eyes boring into his back. He had turned around with the slight hopes he’d be able to spot the creature observing them, only to find nothing. This being surely knew how to hide in a land of Zhongli’s making.
Zhongli simply returned Changchang to her parents, making sure she got proper medical care before departing. He supposed a good positive was the Mora her parents gave him for their child’s safe return. As for the creature he managed to gain a better look at… Zhongli hadn’t seen it for the rest of the day.
Yet, with every passing hour, all he could do was form the vivid imagery of that creature’s appearance within his mind. It is unlike anything Zhongli has ever seen. It did not appear to be a harmful entity, but it gave an aura of a fierce guardian he has never heard of. Its appearance and its aura were unique and Zhongli finds himself unable to simply forget about it.
It has been a very long time since something in this world has caught his attention.