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Liyue Harbor was ever the peaceful city in recent times. It had been quite some time since Rex Lapis had passed, as well as the defeat of Osial. The bustling streets were much more prosperous and lively. Mora circulated as regularly as blood flows through the body. The waters were nursed the ships of merchants, fisherman, and pirates with gentle sways of waves. The mountain remain as still as ever, breathing a beautiful view of the vast lands of Liyue.
Save for the Chasm located west of Liyue Harbor.
It was a territory west of the harbor known for the mining of ores. Contained as it was, it was restricted to average person. It was blocked off by landslides of rocks to bar anyone from venturing in, but also to keep the terrors of its hidden past at bay.
And such, it was the Knights of Favonius of Monstadt that were contracted to assist in opening the chasm and to push back against the dangers within. Deployed in this unit were none other than the revered Cavalry Captain, Kaeya Alberich, and the infamous Spark Knight, Klee. Acting Grand Master Jean thought them to be qualified to assist with Liyue in their trouble.
A grown man with a sword accompanied by a child with a bookbag of homemade bombs. It was an absurd combination to anyone unfamiliar with their track record, but their ability to wield their visions was second to none. With their visions of elemental power consisting of Cryo and Pyro, respectively, the Calvalry Captain and Spark Knight were known to work together naturally well. However, what most may not realize was the difficulty in working with either titled Favonius Knight, or that their methods were considered unorthodox, and at times, dangerous.
Kaeya Alberich was a genius tactician who had informants everywhere. Amicable as he appeared, at times he would suddenly make the decision to test his squadron of knights by taunting enemies and aggravating them to attack rather than sneak past. While most nights respected their Captain, they all agreed that these risks Kaeya took would shaken them up, as though he were trying to kill them. However, his smooth talking eased them temporarily, that is, until something were to go awry once more or the Spark Knight were to bounce into the conversation, much to the amusement of Kaeya.
Klee as the Spark Knight of Favonius was a rather bold choice, considering her very young age. However, her mother Alice, a powerful witch, entrusted the Knights to care for her daughter as though she were their sibling, with the Alchemist and Cavalry Captain both at the forefront of being older brother figures to her. They would teach her right from wrong, careful in their attempts to keep her out of trouble with her destructive power that could wipe away an entire region off the map if left unchecked. However, as she is a child, Klee would be properly punished by the Acting Grand Master if she were to step out of line.
And so, for this mission, the Cavalry Captain brother was to watch the younger Spark Knight sister, cooperating with her while also protecting her from injury and attack. Kaeya was known to assist with Klee and her sloppy attempts of helping (or having fun), cleaning up her messes before Jean would ever find out. But whenever they were caught, the both of them would be punished with grounding in solitary confinement.
This recounting of their experience was no different on the surface, as it ended with being completely unable to take more than a step into the Chasm itself, ultimately halting their assigned task within Liyue Harbor.
The brother-sister duo were in the open mining area, holding each others' hands so as to not separate. Discussing with the miners, they informed them on the directions with how to get there. Upon finding two Millileth guards blocking the entrance, Kaeya stated their business. At first it was met with a scoff, but the written letter approved by the Liyue Qixing silenced their chuckles. Receiving clearance, Kaeya and Klee took a single step at the Chasm's territory above ground.
Kaeya stopped suddenly.
The stench of the Chasm reeked of a familiarity Kaeya never expected to meet once more. It smelled of a cursed energy that clung to his skin like a ghost. He shuddered in fear, an anxiety that forced his grip of Klee's hand to tighten. His breathing was deeply disturbed as he felt more faint from standing in the same place.
“Ouch! Kaeya, my hand hurts!” Klee exclaimed, wincing at her pain.
This outburst snapped Kaeya back to the present. He crouched down to Klee, holding both her hands and kissing them before giving her a forced smile.
“Sorry about that, Klee. How about we go back to Liyue Harbor. We traveled all the way here without stopping. Let's go rest up and continued tomorrow,” Kaeya lifted her up, walking away from the deeper mining area.
“Okay! Can we go eat too? Dodoco is feeling hungry.” Klee was pleading with her eyes.
“Dodoco and eat everything it wants until it can't eat anymore,” Kaeya spoke warmly.
"Yeah!" Klee nodded gleefully, putting her arms in the air.
'This child... her innocence... her curiosity... I must protect her from this place...' thought the brotherly knight.
And so, The Cavalry Captain and Spark Knight redirected their attention to the harbor. It was nightfall when they arrived, allowing the city to be illuminated brilliantly in sunset hues and golden lamps. It greeted the siblings at the gate with open arms.
Strolling through the center, Kaeya and Klee passed little shops, taking detours left and right, purchasing gifts for their loved ones back home in Mondstadt. Kaeya was the provider of such funds, as Klee was too young to handle such sums of mora.
“Kaeya! Kaeya! Can we buy this for Master Jean?” Klee pointed to a perfume shop.
“Perfume?” Kaeya asked.
“Yeah! Lisa told me that Master Jean would like some.” the little girl beamed happily.
The older man smiled in defeat. She was too easy to say yes to. The innocence of such a smile almost made the Cavalry Captain forget about their original mission in Liyue.
'That's right... The Chasm...' Kaeya fearfully thought to himself.
The sensation returned. Kaeya's breathing was unsteady as his body felt heavier. His panicked expression was much more visible this time around. Despair began to flood around him and he sunk to his knees.
'That place... it reeked of the abyss... it has the curse... it's too terrible. My body can't shake it off... Its too overwhelming.'
“Kaeya!” Klee cried out, worried.
'Klee... that's right... If I can't do anything, then Klee... she'll be in danger. Why is a child such as her here in the first place? This is... She can't be here. If I can barely stand that cursed flow... then Klee would be...'
“Pardon me, but are you alright?” A warm voice asked in concern.
Kaeya looked up, only for his blue starred eye to meet a pair of golden diamond eyes. Their presence, while strong, was rather calming to the panicked man. A weight lifted from his shoulders immediately, as though the curse was never there.
“Allow me to assist you to your feet,” The help stranger gently pulled Kaeya to his feet. The heaviness Kaeya experienced had disappeared.
Once Kaeya regained his composure, one look at the individual who assisted them and it was an attractive man. A Liyuen local wearing a mostly earthy brown tailcoat with accents of gold, black, and white.
The Cavalry Captain felt he made a complete fool of himself in public.
“Th-thank you,” was all he could muster.
“Yeah! Thank you so much mister! Klee was so scared! Dodoco too!” Klee chimed.
Her sudden comment startled Kaeya. He really did worry her.
“I'm sorry, Klee,” Kaeya apologized.
“I'm more concerned over your sudden ailment. You looked rather drained and sickly just now.” The man persisted.
“I-It's alright. I really appreciate your concern, sir.” Kaeya tried to stave him away.
“Zhongli. Please call me Zhongli.”
“Well then, Mister Zhongli, thank you for your assistance and concern. My name is Kaeya, Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius.” Kaeya introduced himself.
“And I'm Klee! Spark Knight of the Knights of Favonius!” Klee introduced herself and then turned to the side. “And this is Dodoco! My bestest friend.”
“A pleasure to meet the both of you, Captain Kaeya, Sir Klee.” Zhongli smiled.
Kaeya felt a small thump in his heart over that smile, but discarded it.
“Mister Zhongli, considering you helped us, would you like to join us for dinner?” Kaeya asked.
Zhongli had a bit of a surprised look. But then he relaxed his posture.
“I appreciate the offer, but are you sure I wouldn't be intruding?”
“Nonsense, Mister Zhongli. It would be our treat.” Kaeya insisted.
“Join us, Mister Zhongli!” Klee chimed in.
“As you wish, Captain Kaeya, Sir Klee.” Zhongli relented.
“Please do skip the formalities, Mister Zhongli. We are off the clock.” Kaeya corrected him.
“Then please refer to me as 'Zhongli,' as I, too, am not on duty,” Zhongli proceeded to do the same.
“Very well,” Kaeya chuckled, amused by this stranger.
And so, the trio, at Zhongli's personal recommendation, had them eat at Three Round Knockout, where food and tea and retold tales of the past were served. As the stories went, Zhongli would explain to Kaeya more in depth about the stories that were told. Kaeya was more invested in Zhongli's words, find his voice rather soothing to listen to. As the stories ceased and Kaeya had drank his fill of wine and ate his share of delicious dishes, Zhongli asked Kaeya and Klee a few questions they would be willing to answer.
“So, what are a pair of knights from Mondstadt doing in Liyue?” The brunnette began his questioning.
“The Acting Grand Master... sent us on a mission... as per request by Liyueeh... Qixing...” Kaeya vaguely elaborated, slowing his words to a slur.
“Kaeya said we were going to help open up holes and clear out scary monsters and bad people in a place called 'the Kaz him'.”
“The Chasm?” Zhongli raise his brow. He looked over at a rather loose and lightly drunk Kaeya.
“That's right... za Chaaassm...” Kaeya agreed.
“That would explain the energy you radiated...,” Zhongli muttered to himself.
“Energy? Haha... that waz a curse.” the blue haired man snickered.
“Curse?” Zhongli asked curiously.
“Yeah... Most normal people can't feel it... but Khaenri'ahns? Can.” He stated.
Zhongli looked closer at Kaeya's eye. It was subtle, but sure enough, Kaeya's eye had a star pupil.
“I see...” Zhongli noted.
“Klee was fine though. Dodoco too.” The young knight chimed in.
“...” Kaeya was suddenly quiet. He then smiled, patting her head. “Thas right Klee. You're suuuuuuper strong.”
“You are strong as well, Ca– ahem, Kaeya.” Zhongli complimented.
“Not when it followed me. Zhongliii~ I think you're toooo nice. So helpful... so... helpful...” Kaeya was too honest. Too drunk. He was swaying.
“Oh no! Kaeya is it past your bedtime?” Klee asked.
“Nyo Klee... of course... nah....” Kaeya settled his head on Zhongli's shoulder. Light and breathy snores escaped his mouth.
“Oh no! Kaeya fell asleep!” Klee exclaimed.
“No matter, young Klee, allow me to carry him to your residence of stay. Do you know where it is?” Zhongli asked the young knight, ready to assist at a moments notice.
“Yeah! Klee will show the way. Hold on to my hand. Kaeya holds mine aaall the time so I don't lose him somewhere.” She stretched it out. The brunette obliged with a slight smile.
Once Zhongli settled Kaeya onto his back, carrying him, Klee took charge and brought the newly formed group into one of the inns. And sure enough, it was the correct inn where they were staying at. Zhongli gently placed Kaeya onto the bed, removing his cape, boa, and vest. His revealing his chest expanded and deflated with each sleep-filled inhale and exhale, Zhongli's eyes leering at this full display of vulnerability.
“Klee and Dodoco will get ready for bed. We'll use the toilet before going. Be right back!” Klee announced, snapping the Geo-themed man out of his provocative thoughts.
Without so much as allowing him to say a single word, the little girl disappeared around the corner. Zhongli couldn't help but admire her abundant energy. But then his attention was diverted to the passed-out adult on the bed.
“Khaenri'ah...” Zhongli muttered the name of this familiar country to himself as he stared the man who claimed to hail from said ancient civilization.
Zhongli caressed Kaeya's soft face, taken in by his rather beautiful features. In return, sleeping man nuzzled against the soothing gloved hand, appreciating the warmth. It left the brunette with a soft smile forming on his pink-blushed face. However, he noticed remnants of the curse's poison still lingering around Kaeya.
mwah.
Quickly, Zhongli leaned in and pecked Kaeya's eye, so as to purify where his most common signifier of his lineage would be strongest.
mwah.
Zhongli followed it with a kiss to his forehead. His eyes veered to his last destination: Kaeya's lips.
He stared momentarily before inching his lips onto Kaeya's. Just one light brush...
BWAM!
“Klee and Dodoco are now ready for bed!” The two bestest of friends emerged from the bathroom, slamming the door wide open.
Zhongli had to cut himself short before he could lock his own lips into Kaeya's. The Chasm's abyssal curse should be mostly removed from Kaeya now, save for that part. The brunette cursed at himself mentally for his slowness.
And so, the Liyuen tucked the Mondstadtians into bed properly, seeing himself out after saying their goodnights and goodbyes. Klee invited him to stay, but he refused, saying they will meet again.
Upon closing the door to their room, Zhongli blushed over his failed attempt, his face red for the rest of the night.
By the next morning, Kaeya woke up feeling well rested, but with vague memories of yesterday's events. The last he remembered was eating at Three Round Knockout with Klee and Zhongli, and everything that followed was a blur. Klee was still sleeping, but since they had the day ahead of them, the two needed to get ready.
“Klee, Dodoco, it's time to wake up. We got a big day today.” Kaeya shook her gently.
The little girl groggily woke up. Kaeya took it upon himself to help the both of them get ready. After spending the last hour shuffling around, they were ready to head for breakfast. And so, they decided to choose a Liyue local favorite: Wanmin Restaurant.
Strolling through the morning streets was still as bustling and busy as ever, only more daytime vendors and merchants were open as opposed to the night. Passing by the little corner that housed the Wangsheng Funeral parlor, they spotted a familiar man speaking with a girl half his size.
“Mister Zhongli! Good morning!” Klee waved. It caught the curious attention of the pair.
“Klee, you disturbed them!” Kaeya scolded.
“Good Morning, Sir Klee, Captain Kaeya,” Zhongli warmly greeted, reverting to formalities.
“Good morning, Mister Zhongli, madame” Kaeya, too reverted to formalities. A bit disappointed, but to be expected.
“How are you feeling today. Yesterday you were unwell.” Zhongli asked straight away, ignoring the teenage girl beside him.
“How rude Mister Zhongli! Not introducing your boss! Hmph!” She interjected.
Zhongli sighed an unimpressed sigh.
“Captain Kaeya, Sir Klee, this is Hu Tao, the seventy-eighth generation master of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor I serve as consultant to,” he introduced.
“Impressive. A pleasure to meet you Master Hu Tao, I'm Kaeya, Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius. And this is Klee, Spark Knight of Favonius and her friend Dodoco,” Kaeya bowed respectfully.
“Likewise. If you were ever in need of special burial services, while we mostly work within Liyue, I wouldn't mind expanding across other regions, starting Mondst–” Hu Tao advertised.
“Ahem, Master Hu, I would not involve yourself and the funeral parlor in Barbatos's domain. Now, Captain Kaeya, about your– ” Zhongli interrupted.
“What a killjoy.” She rolled her eyes.
Kaeya was uneasy, blushing at his forthright manner.
“I-I'm fine... Your help was thoroughly appreciated last night. Klee and I are headed to Wanmin Restaurant for breakfast and then headed off to work, right Klee?” The Favonius Captain looked over to his right-hand knight.
“And Dodoco!” Klee corrected.
“And Dodoco, yes,” Kaeya smiled his unassuming fake smile, hoping to expedite the conversation.
“To the Chasm, correct?” Zhongli asked a bit more sternly, more concerned.
Surprised at him knowing, Kaeya panicked. It was most likely a slip of the tongue from drinking too much.
“Why, yes you are. Well, we'll be on our way, Mister Zhongli. It seems you are rather busy. We'll chat some other time. And it was an honor to meet you Master Hu.” Kaeya skedaddled.
“Bye Mister Zhongli! And Miss Hu Tao! Dodoco say bye-bye too!” Klee waved back as Kaeya took her hand and dragged her away.
Zhongli stared back at them silently watching them make their way to Wanmin restaurant, still concerned over the looming poison.
“It seems you've spooked the lad.” Hu Tao noted.
“He was the one who told me of his work. If anything, the Chasm is dangerous, especially for him,” Zhongli still had not removed his gaze from the unofficial siblings.
“Strange of you to be so invested in a peacock such as him. And here I thought you preferred dull textbook types.” Hu Tao teased.
“Not as all. We simply get alo–”
BOOM.
An explosion.
And it came from Wanmin Restaurant...
Before the explosion...
Sitting at Wanmin Restaurant, Chef Mao had let the sibling pair sit anywhere, taking their order.
'The Chasm of Liyue, huh?' Kaeya said to himself with a hand to his chin, pondering his preconceived knowledge of it during his history lessons in the past. 'That place... with that foul energy... if I'm incapacitated from the curse present in there, then Klee... it's far too dangerous for her.'
Kaeya was now sweating. He began to feel nauseous.
“Kaeya, Can Klee help Chef Mao?”
“Huh?” Kaeya snapped out of his thoughts once he caught win of the little girl speaking to him.
“Chef Mao says his cooking fire isn't working. So Klee thinks she can help.” Klee further explained.
“Cooking fire?” Kaeya asked. He peeked through the open curtain behind the counter.
'Oh?'
“Chef Mao, does your furnace seem to be having trouble?” Kaeya asked.
“Y-yes, my apologies. Unfortunately the fire won't hold very well, and starting one has been a bit of trouble.” The chef was panicking a smidge.
The Captain looked over to the young knight pleading with her eyes to help. He smiled, almost curling his lips into a smirk.
“No trouble Chef Mao, we can help out. And Klee, just make sure to not go overboard. Remember, spark, crackle, and no kaboom, understand?” The Cavalry-less Captain enunciated carefully.
“Got it! Klee will make sure to do it right!” The Spark Knight confirmed in excitement.
While staring at the little girl jovially handling a little jumpty-dumpty orb, Kaeya settled in his own thoughts.
'Sorry Klee, but this is for the both of us.'
“Oh hey, it started... wait... IT'S GETTING TOO BIG! UWAAHHHHGG!!!!” Chef Mao screamed in terror.
BOOM.
The roof of Wanmin Restaurant exploded into the air. Kaeya was a bit delayed in reacting, but put out the fire with his own ice.
“Kaeya! Klee!” Shouted a voice in the distance.
“Zhongli?” Kaeya asked curiously. 'He saw?'
“Are either of you hurt?” Zhongli was frantic, checking both of them, holding Kaeya's arms in place.
“Dodoco and Klee are A-OK!” Klee giggled.
“I'm fine as well. Chef Mao and the surrounding crowd too. No casualties or injuries. Just a blown up roof.” Kaeya brushed it off nonchalantly, knowing full-well the political side of it all will not be pleased to hear of it.
Suddely, Kaeya was pulled into a tight hug. He struggled for a bit, embarrassed by this sudden act of intimacy, but Zhongli was stronger than he looked. But for some reason the Captain felt lighter again. The nauseous feeling settled once more. However...
“Zho– mmph”
What Kaeya did not expect was a kiss to his lips from this man he had only met a day prior. The kiss was as swift as the sparks starting the fire, but as explosive and sudden as the roof being destroyed.
Zhongli pulled away as soon as he planted his lips on Kaeya's, but left the eye-patched man thoroughly confused and inexplicably refreshed. They had looked into each others' eyes for a while, almost breathless. No one had seen them commit this act one would associate with lovers. Both men could easily fall into another kiss with their hazy-eyed love stare...
“Kaeya! Kaeya! A purple lady is coming!” Klee warned, tugging on his cape.
The two men immediately backed away from each other, so to not draw any suspicion, as the Liyue Qixing's Keqing, followed by the Millileth guard, came to investigate this ordeal. After much interrogation, the incident was labeled as an unintentional international accident. It was immediately reported to the Acting Grand Master, who demanded they be returned Mondstadt at once.
And without so much as a word or even a goodbye, Zhongli and Kaeya were separated...
Upon returning to Mondstadt, Kaeya relayed the story of him and Klee having breakfast and attempting to help Chef Mao with the furnace, withholding the true reason behind it. Kaeya even withheld him meeting Zhongli, the ever mysterious Wangsheng Funeral Parlor consultant. Acting Grandmaster Jean grounded the two knights, sending a crying Klee and an apologetic Kaeya to being grounded. Klee was in solitary confinement for an undisclosed amount of time while Kaeya was relegated to doing desk work for another six months. Jean was not as angered with them as she was more disappointed in herself not anticipating it.
And during that month Kaeya was left to ruminate in his thoughts even more than before. He couldn't help but feel more at ease in openly free Mondstadt than from the heaviness of the energy of the suffocating Chasm. That Zhongli was also a mystery to him as well, as though it wasn't just a coincidence to meet him. If anything, it was as though Zhongli was healing him from the poisonous feeling by his mere presence. The sudden delightful kiss especially felt that way. But, the act itself was still embarrassing.
However, it did not mean that Kaeya would not like to meet Zhongli again. On the contrary, he seems he would be a good partner to drink with. With the way he talked and listened, as well as his engaging topics, Kaeya found him enthralling. Perhaps he will visit Mondstadt one of these days? He is consultant to Liyue's Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, so an addressed letter may be an order?
Kaeya's lips curled into a smirk under his light blush.
In the end, Kaeya avoided having to enter the Chasm. More importantly, he was able to prevent any real harm to Klee. He would never forgive himself if something were to happen to her. His resolve to keep her safe was more important than some assigned task sounded risky. If anything, her mother Alice wouldn't forgive him if she found out Klee was harmed, despite her playfully destructive tendencies. Kaeya considered writing a letter to the legendary witch, but he figured she already knew the gist of this adventure. He'll make it up to Klee one of these days, probably teaching her to play cards or indulging her in another one of his tales.
But for now, both knights of Favonius were grounded for a really long while.