Work Text:
HEADCANONS:
- Zhongli as a geo demi god. And Ajax as a hydro demi god.
- Gods cannot succumb to sickness, but demi gods can; given that they've undergone through some extreme turmoil.
- Unless some physical or mental harm has been excreted on the said demi god, chances of them falling sick is infrequent.
The wind entered through the window making the curtains dance, bringing the smell of enthusiasm along with it. The bright rays of sunshine fell on Ajax's face, making him stir in his sleep. The air coursed around the room and brought the familiar scent of glaze lilies up to his nose, reminding him that it was finally time to wake up.
Ajax audibly groaned as he stretched his aching arms and... wait, aching?
The mighty hydro demigod had awoken with a sore body. And pain only was felt on his body when he was suffering from a fever.
The orange haired leapt out from his bed and winced. His neck cracked and felt uncomfortable. He brought his palm to his forehead and sure enough, he was burning. He let out a disbelieving sigh.
"It happened again after 7 years. How cruel."
He was putting on the usual attire to cover his bare body when a servant knocked on his door. Ajax allowed him in with a nod and started combing his hair infront of the mirror.
"Master Ajax! Good morning, I hope master had a good sleep?"
"Yes I did Fujing... what about you?"
"Yes I slept very well sir. I had a lovely dream about my wife and kids! We were out on vacation in Fontaine and hung out with the riches and..."
Fujing halted in his words as he noticed the little enthusiasm being portrayed by the listener.
"I...I am sorry Master Ajax. I am probably boring you with my extravagant dream..."
"No! Fujing! You never bore me with your words. It's just... I am not feeling myself today." Childe replied with a strained smile.
"Not feeling yourself!? Is master worried about something?" The visible anxious expression displayed on the servant's face made the demigod chuckle. He replied.
"Ahaha... don't worry! I think I may have a fever."
"A FEVER?!" Oh no... then you surely cannot... he would be upset... what do I..."
Ajax furrowed his eyebrows at the sudden uneasiness of the other. "Is something of the matter Fujing? Who are you talking about?"
"Ah... well you see... Master Zhongli..."
Ajax audibly scoffed at the mention of the name.
"He challenged me to another match didn't he."
"Yes..."
"He made the rules already didn't he."
"Y..yes..."
"He's about to barge in this room demanding that I join right away isn't he."
"I hear footsteps yes..."
"Ajax! You're looking more ginger than ever!" Zhongli's voice aroused, presenting his arrival.
The ginger in question sighed and turned his face toward the brunet. He was about to verbalise a question regarding the non - consented competition when he was interrupted.
"Too scared that you want to back out hm? Afraid I'll win again?" Zhongli, ignoring the presence and flustered expression of the servant in the same vicinity of the room, took some steps closer to Ajax . "You nervous I'll dominate over you...?"
Ajax simply just rolled his eyes and resisted the urge to erase the grin away from the brunet's face. "Let's get this over with."
The seats surrounding the in-built amphitheatre of their very castle were filled with Gods and Goddesses, awaiting to witness the match which was yet to begin. Conversations about the two demi gods partaking in the match were passing through everyone's mouth.
The participants stood in their respective places. The blazing summer sun made their skin sweaty and damp. Much to Childe's demise, he was right underneath the furious ball of fire. To keep himself warm, he raised his palm and allowed a gush of water to form over it, making sure the temperature was cool.
With a slam of the drum, Zhongli walked toward the centre of the arena. He started narrating the rules of the match, his voice loud and assertive enough to make the whole murmurs quite down.
"The rules are simple. We have rocks floating on top of the lava, and the one who crosses it first wins. But there's a catch..."
The word caught the interest of the audience. They leaned in to get a better view of the arrangement.
"The lava is not fake, and the rocks are not great. The rocks are movable, thus it will not stay in one place. One miss step and you'll succumb to your death."
The rules favoured more to Zhongli than to Ajax, for he was the geo demi god. He was accustomed with stones. One swift hand movement will make the rocks obey to his command. But Ajax had something prepared. He was not the one to lose, after all. The competitive tension between the two demi gods made both of them hungry for success. The hydro demi god, keeping his water powers in mind, had already built a wooden surfboard from woods nearby. He had a plan to generate waves under his board, manipulating it to reach the finish line before Zhongli, and winning this childish race.
After a few minutes of preparations, the race commenced.
Zhongli started off smooth, hopping from one rock to the other. As soon as a rock disappeared beneath his soles, he generated another one to balance himself. He was bound to win. His face contorted to extreme focus, not giving his consciousness a chance to miss a step and fall to his death of shame. He leaped onto a rock and was about to go to the other one ahead, when he heard a gush of wave behind him. He stopped in his track and turned his head around, his eyes widened at the sight of a pale figure darting toward him with rapid speed.
Ajax was gliding over the rocks with utmost ease, he even had the time to send out kisses to his admirers in the audience. The waves under him were quick to obey and helped him surf from one rock to the other at a swift speed. As he passed the brunet, he stuck his tongue out sheepishly and winked. He knew he was winning this race.
Zhongli was too amazed to continue. He scoffed at the other's gesture, but felt a sense of excitement rise inside him. Things were getting interesting. There was a reason he enjoyed challenging the other to petty games and mocking him.
But he was going to lose, he did not like the realisation of that. He created a cluster of rocks beneath his feet, trying to over power the other and cross him. But Ajax was too quick to observe it and increased the tide under him, soon he was close to the finish line.
Both the males were about to touch the flag on the opposite side when Ajax lunged toward it, stumbling on the ground with great force as a result. He groaned painfully and held the flag over his head. He had won.
Zhongli landed gracefully on the ground and scowled at the other, insensitive to his state. The crowd broke out in claps and the admirers threw flowers at the winner.
The brunet was furious. "This... this is foul play! He used water..."
Ajax groaned at the accusation and stood up. "Oh c'mon! It was never stated that I cannot use my own power."
"Never stated! Never stated!" Came the voice of the audience.
Zhongli did not buy it, he briskly walked toward the other, anger displayed on his face.
Ajax was enjoying this. The fury on the other's face made him giddy. He laughed at the other's reaction to the crowd applauding for him! But what was that... he felt a discomfort stir up in his throat. The insides of his stomach churned and he felt a sudden gush of heat travel through his body. His cheeks started becoming pale. He had to vomit.
He choked in the urge and dropped the flag to the floor. His feet turned toward the direction of the door and he headed toward his castle.
The audience broke out into a sudden uproar at the sudden departure of the winner. Zhongli himself was confused as to what provoked the other. He excused himself and followed behind.