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"The contract is fulfilled. That which thou seeketh is now bestowed unto thee, for my promise is solid as stone."
Childe's heart pounded in his chest as he listened to Zhongli's— Morax’s words. Almost unable to believe what he was hearing, he realized the man he had grown to love had been using him every step of the way. Aside from the extraordinarily expensive purchases and weekly to daily dinner dates at the most expensive restaurants, he had spent a lot of time and effort trying to woo this man—this Archon… It was safe to say that this revelation being a crushing blow was an understatement.
Childe felt like the world had been ripped out from under his feet, and he knew exactly what it was like to fall into unknown depths.
At that moment, Childe's mind raced as he tried to process the flood of emotions that he was feeling. He felt betrayed, hurt, and angry that Zhongli had kept this secret from him for so long. How had he not seen the Geo Archon right by his side over months and months? How could he have been so blind, so foolish as to fall for someone who had been manipulating him all along?
Was the Zhongli he got to know a facade? A lie constructed just to be near the Harbinger and watch the whole process up close?
Amid his anger and confusion, Childe couldn't deny that he still felt a strong connection to Zhongli . Despite everything, he found himself still drawn to the man—the idea of the man—even though he knew it was irrational.
As Zhongli rattled off the story behind his plan, Childe didn't even listen but was preoccupied with the sad memories of someone he could love so perfectly he never thought it possible.
He began to see this person he thought he knew in a different light. He realized that he had been infatuated with the charismatic personality that Morax had played to him and not the real person behind it. With this realization came a sense of clarity, and Childe knew it was time to put this painful chapter of his life behind him.
He barely heard Signora say something about returning to the homeland to report to the Tsaritsa. Not wanting to show how much this affected him, he took a deep breath and tried to steady his shaking hands.
"Ugh, fine…” he said but was quick to add, "I'll meet you there later. I'm not sharing a boat with the likes of you.” After all, the thought of being around this witch would be hard to bear when he was feeling so vulnerable.
He turned around on the spot and left Northland Bank.
Even though he was hurting, Childe knew that he couldn't let this betrayal define him. With a heavy heart, he turned away from Zhongli and began to walk towards a new chapter in his life—one where he would be more careful about who he let into his heart.
Or so he thought.
Childe lay in bed, staring up at the intricately carved ceiling as he struggled to get to sleep. It was way past midnight. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, memories, and emotions that he couldn't seem to shake off. Despite everything that had happened, he still found himself thinking about Zhongli , unable to let go of the man that he had fallen in love with.
He thought about all the dates and outings he had shared with Zhongli, replaying each moment over and over in his mind. Like the time they had visited the Liuli Pavilion, or the evening walks after work in the city and on the nearby shores. The exciting stories, the shy smiles, the gentle touches. He couldn't help but wonder which parts of it were real and which were just an act.
Annoyed, he ran his hand through his hair (unsuccessfully, for it had tangled while he had been fidgeting uselessly in bed for hours).
God of Contracts. Lord of Geo. Archon of Liyue. Rex Lapis. Morax was but a foreigner to him. A myth, a legend, someone so far removed from what Childe himself was that it was hard to understand how they had something akin to friendship.
For example, he had never even thought that the Tsaritsa could potentially be someone he could be friends with. Never. Just the thought of it felt sacrilegious and just wrong. And since friendship was taboo anyway, the nightly thought that Zhongli might share a bed with him someday in the future was simply heretical.
He sighed after he finished tossing and turning, to simply lie there, arms and legs spread over his king-size bed.
How could he ever step foot outside the door with the knowledge that he had wet dreams about Liyue’s primary deity? That he tried to buy the god's attention with gifts and sumptuous meals?
How pathetic.
Was that what Zhongli thought about him too? That he was nothing but a pathetic mortal boy who was too blue-eyed to see the truth and even fell so hard?
He curled up in shame. For the first time in ages, he felt like crying, but that was out of the question. He could not become more pathetic than he already was if he still wanted to look at himself in the mirror in the future.
He was a prideful Harbinger. The youngest ever to be announced. They called him the Vanguard, the merciless battle-crazed maniac. Titles that filled him with pride. He would not let a pretty-looking god ruin his self-esteem over this.
As the night wore on, Childe's frustration grew. He knew that he wouldn't be able to get any rest until he found some answers. He couldn't just let it go, not when his heart was still aching with longing for the man he had loved.
Childe knew that he couldn't simply move on at all without closure. He needed to see the real Zhongli, to know who the man behind the mask truly was. Preferably before he made his journey back home.
It was still a bit of time until the sun slowly began to rise over Guyun.
He sat up. A plan in his head, ready to be executed.
~
The sun had only just started to rise, casting a soft pink glow over the city below. Childe sat cross-legged on a roof, his eyes fixed on the street below. He had been following Zhongli since dawn, tracking his movements from a distance.
Despite the fatigue that weighed heavy on his limbs, Childe's heart was racing with anticipation. He knew that he was close to finding the answers he had been seeking for so long.
Who Morax was, and what the god did all day long when Childe wasn't with him.
He had to be patient, bide his time, and wait for the right moment. He was an apex predator observing his prey.
For now, Morax did Zhongli-things , unexpectedly, however, maybe it was simply because he still had fun playing a mortal, or maybe he was observing the fruits of his devious scheme in action. Childe bet it was better to be part of the masses to see the outcome, and Morax was not dumb. He knew how to hide himself well.
The enormous knowledge about Liyue and the Adepti should have been a little suspicious. But being a walking encyclopedia and working as a funeral consultant went well together, Childe had to admit. A good job to hide in, with seemingly a lot of free time and access to funds. And no one would expect their god to bury their loved ones... Although that was somehow a comforting thought.
Nonetheless, even if the god had a good disguise, he still tended to fail at normal mortal behavior.
Childe let himself fall flat back on his back against the hard tiles of the roof he was on. How exactly had he not noticed Zhongli being Morax— Morax playing Zhongli in the first place?
Those otherworldly golden eyes and the odd little things that just seemed a tad out of place: the always perfect clothes, hair, and makeup for example. Not even such a vain woman as Signora can look good at any time of the day.
Not to mention the cute tendency to forget about Mora.
Of course, he would, because why would a god need Mora anyway—Why would Morax need his own currency in his own nation?
Frustrated, Childe ran his hand through his hair again to find that it was still matted. He had probably forgotten to brush it. Even more frustrated than before, he continued his work.
As he watched Zhongli move through the streets, Childe couldn't help but feel a twinge of melancholy. How he would have loved to be down there on the street with Zhongli, watching those amber eyes widen as they spotted something they liked.
However, this was Morax. Zhongli was just a lie.
~
For hours, Childe continued to observe Zhongli's every move, his eyes trained on the meticulous actions and calculated demeanor of the man he had once thought he knew so well.
The workday of a funeral consultant truly was different from what Childe had first expected. It mainly seemed to be shopping and talking to people. The Ferrylady of the Parlor was always on his heels like a dog—or perhaps like a guardian to keep Director Hu from going bankrupt.
Childe followed them through crowded marketplaces, dark alleys, and hidden courtyards. Despite the danger of being caught (especially by the Milleith, since the Fatui's reputation had plummeted after the previous day's events) and despite his exhaustion, Childe did not let up.
The city around them was still reeling from the chaos unleashed by the release of Osial, but Morax seemed unaffected by the destruction and the efforts to repair it. The bustling marketplaces and deserted alleys felt like a hollow backdrop, a stage carefully set for Morax to manipulate perception and maintain control.
The atmosphere in the city had turned cold, the air thick with tension and unease. People worked tirelessly to rebuild what had been damaged, grateful for the aid provided by the Qixing, the Adepti, and the Traveler. It was in stark contrast to Morax's detached presence, seemingly content to sit back and enjoy the aftermath of the chaos he had orchestrated by simply doing his consulting.
Despite Morax's explanations (which Childe had wholeheartedly ignored and tuned out), Childe couldn't help but feel a sense of cruelty emanating from the Geo Archon. Instead of actively assisting in the recovery and rebuilding efforts, Morax chose to distance himself from the city's affairs. It was as if he reveled in the chaos and destruction, finding some twisted satisfaction in watching the consequences of his Childes, and by extension, his actions unfold.
As he watched from the shadows, Childe couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that something was off, something that went beyond the facade of friendly consultations and polite conversations.
The interactions between Morax, and those around him seemed too rehearsed, too precise. Childe noticed the way Morax maintained a careful distance, ensuring he didn't touch anyone or get too close. His eyes were sharp and perceptive, constantly surveying his surroundings and the people present.
It was unnatural, normally people did spend time to avoid looking at others so intently.
It sent a chill down Childe's spine, the realization that Morax's behavior was far from human. How had he not noticed this before? As a silent observer, Childe had a keen eye for details that others—what he himself —had overlooked. It was as if Morax, a being of dragon nature, was a predator disguised amongst unsuspecting prey.
How easy it was to dismiss it as genuine while looking into that pretty face, with that stone-smooth skin and the cute uneven bangs.
Or now, after the ferrylady had left (working hours seemed to be over), when the god tried to pull his wallet out of the compartment on the back of his skin-tight pants, only to find that it was missing once again.
Cheeks and ears probably became slightly red with embarrassment. Childe heaved a sigh of amusement. This would have been his moment to provide for the missing Mora. However, Morax lost this comfort when he decided to put his Gnosis in the hands of Signora.
However, Childe realized with a shock that he had unconsciously reached for his own mora pouch. He shook his head wildly and took his hand away from the bag of coins.
He couldn't let himself be manipulated any longer.
No matter how painful it might be, he had to uncover the truth. Quickly. The dragon among sheep had revealed itself, and Childe was soon ready to confront it head-on, even if it meant facing his heartbreak.
As Childe continued to tail Morax, he couldn't shake the growing sense of unease. The god's path leading him out of town only deepened the mystery. What was he truly after? Why did he choose to involve Childe—a Harbinger of the Cryo Archon, the epitome of chaos—only to seemingly abandon the city in its time of need? What price could have been worth putting everything that the god had built up over thousands of years at risk?
Childe's instincts told him that there was more to Morax's intentions than met the eye.
Hidden from view, Childe observed Morax’s departure from the city with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. He had hoped that this would be the moment when the true nature of the man he once loved would be unveiled.
But instead of a grand revelation, Morax simply made his way to a tranquil spot under a sandbearer tree in the midst of the Guili Plains. Childe's confusion only grew as he watched Morax take a seat and open a book. It was a sight so ordinary, so mundane, that it defied his expectations.
Honestly, Childe didn't even know what he expected. That Morax would turn into a dragon and fly away? That he would build a new mountain? What was a god-once-archon doing in his spare time anyway?
Childe's gaze shifted from Morax to the sudden gathering of animals surrounding him.
Birds perched on branches above, their melodious songs filling the air as they observed the god beneath them. Squirrels scurried along the tree trunk, their playful antics a stark contrast to the weight of Childe's thoughts.
As Childe continued to watch, more animals seemed to be drawn to Morax's presence. Rabbits emerged from their burrows, cautiously approaching the god with inquisitive eyes. A geovishap hatchling, its brown and orange colors contrasting against the green grass, sat nearby with its eyes fixed on Morax with a mix of curiosity and reverence. It seemed simply content to observe the beautiful man reading his book.
It was a scene of unexpected tranquility and harmony as if the presence of the god had somehow tamed the wild creatures of the land. It would make sense, after all, it was Morax who gave them a home and protected it for millennia. Childe couldn't help but feel a sense of awe, tinged with bitterness.
How could Morax evoke such mundaneness while the city he had abandoned was still in disarray?
As Childe observed Morax's serene demeanor amidst the gathering of animals, he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of disillusionment. The god seemed unperturbed by the chaos that surrounded him or the watchful eyes of the creatures that had gathered. His focus remained fixed on the pages of his book as if the world and its troubles held no sway over him.
It was a stark reminder to Childe that even the innocent animals, drawn to Morax's presence, were not immune to the god's deception. The tranquil scene before him painted a picture of harmony and contentment, but Childe knew deep down that it was an illusion, carefully crafted by Morax's own design.
He had been awake and in action for quite a while and Liyue's sun shone down on him as mercilessly as the land’s God. It was all too easy to sit back against the ruin's wall he had been hiding behind to rest his eyes.
Just for a little bit.
~
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a gentle glow over the Guili Plains, Childe stirred from his slumber. His eyes fluttered open, momentarily forgetting the weight of his mission. He found himself still concealed in the serene surroundings, a refuge from the turmoil that awaited him.
A wave of tranquility washed over Childe, soothing his weary body and revitalizing his spirit. The respite was a much-needed rest from the demands of his relentless pursuit. It was a fleeting moment of peace amidst the chaos that defined his existence.
Slowly, Childe sat up, ready to face the world once again. However, his gaze fell upon Morax, still seated beneath the shade of the sandbearer tree, absorbed in the pages of his book. A mix of emotions surged within Childe, causing him to hesitate.
Did Morax notice?
Quickly he ducked back into his hiding spot. With a renewed focus, Childe observed the scene before him. The god, seemingly unaffected by the passage of time, continued to read as a cat lazily stretched on his lap.
When did that little cheeky fella get there? Not that it mattered, of course. It wasn't…
He pushed away that weird feeling of unprecedented jealousy. It was just a dumb cat. Morax was still there. That was all that mattered.
The gentle breeze danced through his beautiful dark chocolate hair, transforming it into a mesmerizing golden halo under Liyue's setting sun. Morax's eyes behind those long, pretty lashes drew Childe's attention like a magnet. The faintest hint of a solemn yet relaxed smile graced the ex-Archon's face, adding an air of mystery and allure to his presence.
Childe let himself fall back on his bum and he pulled his knees up to his chest, a futile attempt to find solace in his thoughts. Everything he saw, every detail that unraveled before him, set off a whirlwind of conflicting emotions in Childe.
On one hand, he knew that this was a deceptive god. Someone who used him and someone he could not trust.
However, the tranquility and serenity that seemed to radiate from Morax were undeniable, casting an enchanting spell over Childe's troubled heart.
As the day unfolded, there had been nothing overly suspicious or out of the ordinary. Morax simply appeared to be a person trying to blend in, enjoying the fruits of his retirement and savoring the simple pleasures of life. This outward facade of normalcy only deepened Childe's frustration, leaving him to wonder how Morax could be so unperturbed by the weight of their shared past. Did the god truly not perceive the turmoil that churned within Childe's heart? Did he not once consider seeking Childe out to apologize or engage in an honest conversation?
After all that happened?
The widening divide between them felt like an unspoken betrayal, more so than the scheme they both were involved in on opposite sides. A bitter reminder of their one-sided connection. Childe's heart throbbed with a potent mix of yearning and resentment, craving the closure and empathy that remained perpetually out of grasp.
Quietly, Childe wiped away the moisture from his face, dismissing it as mere sand and dust in his eyes.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting chilling darkness over the landscape, Childe's dark thoughts were interrupted; he was suddenly startled by the sound of the book closing, a jarring interruption that snapped him back to the present. It wasn't the action itself that seized his attention, but the proximity of the sound, as if Morax had closed the book right beside him.
"The sun has set. It is getting cold. We should head back to the harbor, lest you catch a cold," Morax's voice rang out, carrying a mix of genuine concern and benevolence.
Startled, Childe turned his gaze to find Morax standing right beside him, his intense golden eyes fixed upon him. At that moment, Childe felt utterly exposed, like the pathetic Harbinger hiding behind the remnants of a crumbling ruin, that he was.
Figuratively and literally.
Childe couldn't escape the overwhelming sense of his own inadequacy; a failed predator. A measly insect caught in the web of Morax, who had seen through his charades all along.
As Childe sat there in the dirt, frozen in place, he felt a mixture of emotions swirling within him. The intensity of Morax's gaze seemed to strip away the layers of pretense, exposing his vulnerabilities and insecurities. It was as if Morax had seen through his own carefully constructed facade, unraveling the web of denial that Childe had woven around himself.
Unable to meet Morax's penetrating gaze, Childe's eyes shifted downward, studying the ground beneath his feet. The weight of his unspoken feelings pressed heavily upon him, the burden of unrequited love mingling with the bitterness of deception.
A book fell into his lap. Seemingly the very book Morax had been reading this whole afternoon and evening. The cover of the book, a notebook more like it, looked old. Like one of those antiques in a museum. Something that should not be able to withstand the ravages of time—at least not in this good of a condition.
"A Mortal's Guide" was written in fine gold hard-to-read Liyuen script on the spine of the book. He opened it and stared at the only five words written on the first page. ‘For the Pebble Brain,’ it said, and it was signed ‘Guizhong.’
Childe's gaze shifted from the open book to Morax, his eyes widening in surprise and confusion. The name ‘Guizhong’ resonated within him, stirring memories of his Rex Lapis-Research prior to coming to Liyue. Guizhong, the well-beloved God of Dust—of which most stories had been lost to time— was known for her wisdom and teachings.
Morax's voice broke the silence, laden with a mix of melancholy and vulnerability. "This book has been in my possession for thousands of years. Well preserved in one of my adeptal abodes and— ah . I am rambling again. It belonged to Guizhong, my dear friend who passed a long time ago. She believed in the power of feelings and understanding, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable differences."
Childes' mind was racing, trying to understand the meaning of Morax's words and the reason why the god should show him Guizhong's notebook.
"Even now that I've reached her ultimate goal, a life free of burdens and ready to live as one of those I protected for so long, I still don't understand what she was trying to describe with this book."
Slowly, Morax knelt and shifted closer, then skimmed the pages of the book in Childe's hands until he reached a particular page.
Childe's confusion deepened as he observed the peculiar sketches and instructions within the book. Each page seemed to depict the stick figure, resembling a half-dragon with yellow horns and a long brown tail with a yellow cloud at the end, engaging in mundane human activities. The simplicity of the drawings contrasted with the weighty title of the page he was on: "How to Reconcile - Last Part".
Morax's voice broke the silence, tinged with a mixture of nostalgia and sadness. "Guizhong had a unique way of expressing her teachings. She believed that the key to the behavior of a mortal lay not only in grand gestures or profound words but in simple acts of understanding and empathy. Unfortunately, I can not fathom the wisdom behind her… art."
Stunned as he was, Childe slowly began to understand some things about this god named Morax.
First, gods, like this one, are ultimately just normal people who are simply tasked with different things in life than the vast majority. That's probably why it was so difficult for them to do "normal" things.
Second, the concept of Zhongli was neither a lie nor a facade. It was simply what Morax was when he was not throwing giant spears or mountains at other gods. A plain old soul with a pretty face who liked to stroll around town, drinking tea and watching birds bathe in puddles.
Lastly, Zhongli had spent the whole afternoon staring at stick figures of himself as if they contained the wisdom of this world. He even tried to overinterpret drawings that even Teucer could have drawn better. Guizhong's drawings were really fucking bad.
Childe couldn't help but burst into laughter as a realization struck him. "Hah! So, even the great Morax himself struggles to unravel these divine instructions? Who would've guessed?"
Morax's expression softened, a hint of amusement gleaming in his golden eyes. "Indeed, Childe. Guizhong's artistic talents were not her strongest suit. However, hidden within those seemingly simplistic sketches lies a profound message."
Curiosity replacing his skepticism, Childe nodded. "I suppose there's wisdom in simplicity. Maybe Guizhong's unconventional approach was her way of reminding you that profound truths can be found even in the most basic of forms. There is not always the need for divine intervention or powers when simple words can do the trick."
"Quite astute for someone several millennia younger than I." Morax's lips curled into a fond smile. "You possess great perception, Childe. Guizhong had a unique ability to perceive beauty and meaning in the ordinary. She believed that by embracing fundamental human experiences, we could transcend our differences and discover common ground. Something I had not been able to grasp in millennia."
Morax's voice grew softer as he continued, his words laced with a tinge of vulnerability. "Childe, I have realized the pain and confusion my actions have caused you. I cannot undo the past, but perhaps we can find a way to reconcile our differences and forge a new understanding."
The Harbinger's eyes shifted back to the book, the stick figure drawings now taking on a different light. The drawing of the page simply showed the protagonist with a single speech bubble, with one single word.
A prolonged silence lingered between them, stretching on until Zhongli broke it with a simple yet significant utterance. "Sorry," he whispered, mirroring the sentiment conveyed in the book.
Childe burst into laughter. Hearing Zhongli end his speech with something so simple seemed so out of character. Childe's laughter echoed through the quiet night, a release of tension and a recognition of the unexpected sincerity in Zhongli’s words.
"Does this signify our reconciliation then?" Zhongli inquired, his voice tinged with a touch of innocence.
Realizing the authenticity of their connection, Childe gazed into Zhongli's eyes, memories rushing through his mind. But their hungry stomachs interrupted the moment. Both had forgotten to eat: Childe consumed by his pursuits, Zhongli having left his Mora behind.
Both ended up in more laughter.
Childe's laughter subsided, replaced by a warm smile that reached his eyes. He extended a hand towards Zhongli, a gesture of acceptance and friendship. "Yes, Zhongli-xiansheng, I believe we have reconciled. How about we go fetch some late dinner at Wanmin?"
Zhongli hesitated for a moment before accepting Childe's hand, a mixture of relief and gratitude crossing his features. "Thank you, Childe," he murmured, his voice filled with sincerity.
Beneath the night sky's embrace, they strolled together, their footsteps in sync, carrying a newfound lightness that dispelled the burdens of their history. Their conversation danced on the breeze as they neared the city, illuminated by lanterns radiating a comforting glow, beckoning them with an embrace of familiarity.
During this serene moment, Childe embraced the feeling of normalcy and contentment. It was the realization that this, right here, was the pinnacle of what he could hope for. He discovered a deep sense of gratitude for the present and appreciated the precious gift he had been given. He would ask for no more.
~
Seated side by side in the comforting ambiance of Wanmin's cozy eatery, their taste buds indulging in the delectable delights of a shared meal, Zhongli's usual stoic demeanor gave way to an uncharacteristic excitement. His voice, laced with both uncertainty and anticipation, broke the air. "Childe, there is another page in the book that I wish to share with you," he disclosed. "It's a page that has always perplexed me, as I've never been quite certain of its intended purpose."
With a tender smile gracing his lips, Zhongli gently turned the book to reveal the enigmatic page. The dragon stick figure, with its simple yet expressive lines, blushed vividly, capturing the essence of overwhelming emotion. Within a speech bubble that resonated with profound meaning, the words Childe had yearned to hear for so long shone brightly.
"I love you," Zhongli whispered hesitantly, his voice filled with vulnerability.
At that moment, everything else faded away.
Childe’s heart filled with joy and he realized that sometimes all it takes is a few simple gestures and some modest words.
"I love you too, Zhongli.”