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He shouldn't have left home today.
Not only did Chongyun sleep so little last night, but the weather being warm is not the reason Chongyun already feels sticky, clammy and dizzy. Not even the large handful of popsicles he'd brought with him are helping to curb the fever he can feel threatening to overwhelm him, though he'd stupidly only grabbed around three or four this time.
There'd been reports, not just from Xingqiu, but from other residents that there had been some horrifying activity near Jueyun Karst. More than just Adepti activity, at the very least. No one would say what was going on, just that something had scared the townsfolk into running back into the city to track Chongyun down over it.
He can't ever bring himself to say no to a job, no matter how large or insignificant it may seem. Today is no exception, though even just walking out this way has Chongyun feeling more dizzy with each step he takes. Already he's exhausted, body ready to collapse onto the ground. The rocky pillars and mountains of Jueyun Karst aren't too far from where he's standing now― with the bridge leading directly into the mountains just a short distance in front of him. but even that much more distance feels daunting. With a groan, Chongyun bends over, resting his palms on his knees. The claymore on his back is weighing him down just as much as his own body is, but unfortunately, Chongyun needs that for any potential fight.
Why couldn't his weapon of choice be a sword or a catalyst instead? Something far lighter than a claymore would make this entire trek only marginally better for him. Rummaging through his pockets, Chongyun pulls out another popsicle, eyeballing the treat. It's not his usual flavor, this time being something far more fruity, but it's still cold, and an excellent counter to the burning he can feel in his forehead. Chongyun is almost tempted to just stick the treat right to his forehead, but that wouldn't do anything other than making him even more sticky.
Instead, he forces the popsicle into his mouth and presses onward, wondering if there's anywhere he can rest after he's done investigating. He's also hoping not to actually find said trouble. Knowing his luck, it'll be as mundane as finding Geovishaps in the wild. It's not like he'll actually find any actual spirits; they always run away whenever he gets close.
A quick scan around the area doesn't reveal much of anything though. No humans, no Geovishaps, though there are some slimes in the distance, too preoccupied with whatever they're doing to pay attention to the wayward human.
Which means Chongyun is free to wander around the edge of Jueyun Karst, eyeballing the bridge that leads directly into the mountains. Part of him wonders if he's allowed to cross that particular barrier, but he wouldn't want to risk the ire of any of the Adepti. Chongyun holds too much respect for them. Plus, with him actually being sick, it wouldn't be right for him to enter their domain anyway. He's heard of people trying to enter, but the rumors and tales of the Mountain Amber has him too paranoid to try. His yang energy certainly wouldn't protect him from any actual traps.
Turning to head back, Chongyun steps on what looks like an ordinary flower at first. The second he pulls his foot back, the ground rumbles. Jumping back, Chongyun slowly reaches for his claymore, popsicle dropping out of his mouth. He knows what this is, and while it isn't as exciting as fighting anything bigger, Chongyun still doesn't have the energy to take a Whopperflower for long term.
"Great," he growls. The Whopperflower in question pops up out of the ground, already aiming a Cryo attack in his direction. Holding out his claymore with one hand, Chongyun brings his free hand to his face, two fingers pointed up as he activates his Thaumaturgy. The ground around Chongyun rumbles in response, in hopes of knocking the Whopperflower away. It's not Chongyun's main source of power though. Cryo against Cryo is not an ideal fight, and it's definitely going to take a lot more work than he wants to extend, but Chongyun won't be able to easily leave without a fight. The Whopperflower won't let him.
This… unfortunately isn't the only Whopperflower nearby. At Chongyun's power against the ground, three more jump up to join the first. Stunned and now growing more irritated, Chongyun takes another several steps back to avoid being hit with any of the four. Chongyun gets as far as conjuring up his preferred attack: three large claymores made entirely of Cryo, in the air. He's not betting on his attack doing a whole lot, but it's better than nothing.
The attack comes down on the Whopperflowers, knocking all four of them out of his way. It's only seconds before they're getting back up again, more enraged that seconds ago, and moving speedily toward him. Chongyun swings his claymore at the first one, knocking it back, and cutting off one of its petals.
His fever is almost being forgotten about as Chongyun moves, dancing around his foe, trying to avoid using his Vision for added aid. He swings his claymore over and over, nearly throwing his shoulder out in an attempt to merely bat the creatures away. When his energy feels almost spent, a Geo pillar erupts from the ground to his right, sending one of the Whopperflowers flying. An arrow is loosed shortly after, piercing the airborne creature right through the middle. It falls to the ground seconds later, not getting back up.
A pair of hands pulls Chongyun back after that, followed by a familiar, deep voice. "Are you okay? You looked like you were struggling against their element some."
Chongyun falls back against the body, eyes closing briefly in relief. "Yeah," he responds. "Thanks." Chongyun opens his eyes, watching as Childe ― the owner of said arrow ― darts forward with a pleased cackle. There's a swirling Geo energy around Childe, as well as Chongyun and the figure behind him. Straightening himself, Chongyun spins around to thank the person properly.
He's not at all surprised to learn that Childe and Zhongli are here together. He knows the funeral consultant had helped Childe previously with business some time ago. All Chongyun really knows about Childe is that he's a harbinger. Chongyun doesn't know which one, nor does he care to know. Childe is a dangerous man, and that's the extent of their relationship. What Chongyun also doesn't know is why Childe is back in Liyue, with Zhongli. Even more mysterious is why they're both near Jueyun Karst.
"Thank you for your assistance!" Chongyun tries to bow, but that brief fight had taken most of his remaining energy from him, so he's stumbling forward. Zhongli catches him, gripping him firmly by the shoulders. Chongyun doesn't even have to glance up to see the concerned expression on Zhongli's face. The man is dripping with worry.
"Do you need a moment to sit down?" Zhongli asks.
"No, I'm fine." The lie slips out too easily for Chongyun's liking. He's too used to no one really paying attention to his fevers, it's always been something he can manage on his own. Today is no exception. "Thank you for your assistance though."
"Hey, I'm glad we saw that. That wasn't a fair fight, you deserved at least one other element to fight against," Childe's voice wafts toward him. The harbinger is grinning widely as he rejoins Zhongli and Chongyun. "Still, I'm glad I was able to fight something. I'd been hoping for a fight all day."
"Did it scratch your itch?" Zhongli asks, stepping away from Chongyun and resting his arms behind his back. "Or do we need to try again later?"
Childe shoots Zhongli a very warm look that Chongyun is too tired to try and make sense of. Given their current conversation, he wonders exactly what business the two have together. Chongyun doesn't get to ruminate on this long, because Childe is glancing at him next, waving an arrow at Chongyun before putting it away.
"Do you want us to walk you back? We could get some food together too. A mini celebration of the first time I get to work with the famed exorcist."
Is that a blush, or the fever spreading to his ears? Chongyun can't tell, but he's tongue-tied all the same, stammering over his words and trying to come up with every reason why Childe shouldn't admire him. The man is part of the Fatui, Chongyun shouldn't be feeling so flattered by the compliment.
"I um." Chongyun shakes his head. "I don't really ―"
"What Chongyun means to say, is that he's grateful to be recognized by someone else of high standing," Zhongli supplies. The man shoots a wink in Chongyun's direction at those words, which is just making the blush on Chongyun's face grow warmer.
"I'm not anyone special," he mumbles. "My yang energy isn't… I don't mean…"
"Yang energy?" Childe asks. "What do you mean by that?"
"Oh!" He perks up at the question. Finally, something he can talk about without praise being heaped upon him! "It's a rare condition," Chongyun explains, pulling out another popsicle. He doesn't even want to look for the original one. Maybe the slimes will find and eat it later. "I have to monitor myself carefully. I utilize medication and a careful diet of chilled food." He nods down at his popsicle. "If I get too excited, warm, or worked up, my yang energy takes control and I take on a different personality entirely."
"So, it's an illness?" Childe asks. He motions for Zhongli and Chongyun to start walking back to Liyue Harbor. "What kind of personality does it give you?"
"I become more excitable and rambunctious," Chongyun explains, through a mouthful of popsicle. "As far as what it actually does, it keeps evil spirits and demons at bay. Spirits don't get near me, which is why I'm so highly sought after…" Chongyun trails off at that, not liking the sound of his own statement. It sounds too much like bragging, and even though the other two were just singing his praises moments ago, it's entirely different from his own mouth.
Still, Childe nods along. "I've been hearing your name each time I come visit. Admittedly, I've been curious about you. I've considered hiring you out for something. Maybe you could help me out on a future mission."
Chongyun isn't sure he likes the idea of working with the Fatui, or directly under a harbinger at any point. Still, he does trust Childe to some extent, especially if Zhongli trusts him. Glancing at Zhongli, he's half expecting to see a frown of disapproval. Zhongli is wearing a pleased smile instead.
"I think that'd be an excellent idea," Zhongli says. He notices the expression on Chongyun's face then, shaking his head. "Remember, Chongyun, not everyone within the Fatui are bad or evil. You can trust Childe to protect you if you agree to this. I will personally attest to him being someone you can rely on."
"I would pay you handsomely," Childe agrees. "We'd watch each other's backs. Plus, I think your prowess with that claymore could teach me a thing or two."
"Did you know Childe here is proficient in claymores as well?" Zhongli asks. "He's mastered most weapons, save for the bow."
"Yeah, but that shot I made earlier was so clean!" Childe says proudly. "My aim's getting better."
"It is," Zhongli agrees. "Still, I think you're better with your Hydro dual blades."
"All weapons?" Chongyun asks, lifting an eyebrow. He's impressed, and it's hard to hide that emotion. "I'm struggling to picture you with a claymore. How long did you practice with it?"
"My master trained me," Childe says. His tone takes a more somber note, sounding less like bragging, and more like he's reminiscing. "She was really hard on me, but I wouldn't be where I am without her. I owe so much to her."
"I would like to meet her one day," Zhongli says.
The pair fall into a conversation that goes over Chongyun's head. He's happy to space out on the walk back and tune them out. Now that the excitement is done, and there's no actual danger to worry about, Chongyun can feel his fever spiking again. Not just in terms of feeling the warmth on his face, but it's manifesting as exhaustion, and body feeling far too heavy again. It's hard enough to keep walking, even more difficult to remain upright. So far, neither of the other two noticed anything off about Chongyun at all. With his luck, it'll stay that way. The less anyone fusses over him, the better.
"We're almost there," Zhongli says. His voice sounds distant, rising and falling in volume. Chongyun almost can't make sense of his words, but he blinks up at the man anyway. "Tell us Chongyun, where was it you wanted to eat? I'm sure any restaurant would cater to your diet as needed."
"Uh." Crap, they're still expecting to enjoy a meal together. Chongyun had almost entirely forgotten about that during their previous conversation. "I don't know." His voice comes out more slurred than he intended. Judging from the way Child throws an arm out to block Chongyun, he's finally taken notice that Chongyun isn't well.
"Are you okay?" Childe asks. Chongyun's already tired of that question. The harbinger maneuvers around to block Chongyun's path, pressing down on his shoulders. "Hold on, can you look at me?"
Chongyun blinks slowly up at Childe, realizing now that the man seems impossibly tall right now. He seems to be growing in height too. Taller and taller and taller…
"Zhongli, he's passing out!" Childe's head snaps up to stare behind Chongyun.
"I've got him."
Chongyun's vision dims when he feels Zhongli wrap his arms around Chongyun from behind. The last thing he's able to catch a glimpse of, is Childe pulling out a flask and unscrewing the cap. Then, nothing.
"…his choice of restaurant, and that's when he fainted."
"I see." The distant sound of Chongyun's grandmother drifts into his barely conscious mind. "Thank you for bringing him home. His mother and father will be pleased to know he's alright."
"Do you mind if we stay until he comes back around?" Zhongli asks. "We'll leave as soon as we get confirmation he's doing well."
"Of course." Chongyun's grandmother hums. The humming fades into the background, followed by the sound of a door closing. For Chongyun's part, he can gather he's at home now. He doesn't remember coming home at all, and the warmth in his cheeks grows even warmer again.
Zhongli and Childe must have actually carried him all the way back. The thought makes him uncomfortable; not in terms of being cared for, but in terms of being seen as helpless by people he respects. He's never wanted to rely on other people for any reason, which is one of the biggest reasons Chongyun doesn't like sharing that he's ever ill in the first place. It's even more humiliating to know Childe, a Fatui harbinger, had carried him.
Opening his eyes slowly though, he takes a moment to look around. He's back in his own room, with Zhongli and Childe sitting on either side of his bed. They're not looking at him though, Zhongli is dabbing a cloth into a bowl of water. Childe is bent over, setting his bow down against the wall.
"You didn't have to carry me," Chongyun mumbles, eyes closing again. He notes he's still in his day clothes too, which means they must've just arrived here. "But thank you."
"Hush, now," Zhongli chides gently. He shifts, resting the rag against Chongyun's forehead. It's cool, and provides relief against his burning fever. "You're burning up," Zhongli continues. "Why didn't you tell us you were sick?"
"We can plan for our meal together on a day you're feeling better," Childe adds. "I'm in town for another week, I'd like to get to know you more before I go back home."
Chongyun shrugs. "I don't like relying on others very much," he explains. Tilting his head into Zhongli's ministrations, he sighs in relief. "Just always been independent."
"Is that why you also wander the plains of Liyue by yourself?" Childe asks. "Don't you have friends who would go with you?"
"I do have friends," Chongyun explains. When Zhongli pulls back to re-soak the cloth, Chongyun struggles to sit up, though he slumps back against his headboard. "They all live their own lives though. Xiangling works with her father managing their restaurant. Hu Tao ― " he nods in Zhongli's direction. "Is his boss, so I rarely get to see her. Xingqiu is an author, though he doesn't know that I know. Most of the time, it's just me."
And Adeptus Xiao, on the incredibly rare occasion when Xiao makes his presence known. Though, he's not going to share that particular detail with either of these two. Chongyun is sure neither of them would understand Chongyun's respect and worship for the Adepti as a whole.
"That sounds a bit lonely," Childe comments. "Are you sure you wouldn't want to come back with me at any point? Snezhnaya is far colder than Liyue, I think you'd thrive there, for as long or as short as you desire."
It's a tempting thought. Chongyun still has reservations about working with Childe in any capacity, no matter how many times Zhongli vouches for the man. "I'll consider it," Chongyun responds. That answer seems to satisfy Childe, because he's leaning back and crossing his arms with a pleased nod.
"At any rate," Zhongli says. "You should be more careful, especially if you're going to be around Jueyun Karst. There's not many people that head out that direction, and if you fall ill, you're on your own. We're lucky we happened to find you this time."
"What were you two doing out there?" Chongyun asks. He shifts around to get more comfortable.
"Ah." It's Childe's turn to flush a bright red. Chongyun hadn't known Childe was even capable of looking embarrassed. "Zhongli and I had…business to attend to," he replies. "Top secret… Fatui matters."
Childe is clearly lying. Chongyun glances back and forth to see that both of them are wearing similar smiles. Well, all right then, they can have their secrets. If they don't want to share exactly what kind of relationship they share, then Chongyun isn't going to pry. Though he suspects he knows exactly why Childe is back in Liyue this time.
"I'll get back to you about that meal," Chongyun says. "Make reservations at Xinyue Kiosk for two days from now. I should be well back on my feet by then."
"You have exquisite taste," Zhongli says proudly. "Have you ever eaten there before?"
"No," Chongyun admits. "But if you're both insisting on treating me, then I suppose this really would be a special occasion, wouldn't it?" He tries to give a smile of his own, but at this point, Chongyun is far too tired to keep up much of anything anymore. He'd rather just sleep all this off.
"That's…actually fair," Childe says. "I suppose we'll come collect you two days from now. I'm looking forward to this." He pushes away from the wall, then bends over to grab his belongings. "Before we go, I have to ask."
"Yes?" Chongyun slides out, lying back down. Zhongli offers him the blanket silently, but Chongyun shakes his head. The man lets it drop, getting to his feet as well.
"Do you frequent Jueyun Karst often?" Childe continues. "Or was that your first time there?"
"I tend to avoid it. I don't ever want to upset the Adepti by breaking a rule I don't know about."
"Would you like to go?" Zhongli asks. "I could make arrangements for you to visit. Someone who works with Adeptus Xiao should be able to traverse freely without incident."
"You…" Chongyun blinks a few times. "How did you know?"
"Your family's reputation precedes you." Zhongli smiles. "I have connections of my own, Chongyun. I'll have things taken care of for you, though. There's also taking your aunt into consideration. I daresay Cloud Retainer would enjoy having one of Shenhe's kin in her inner circle."
"Oh."
"Get some sleep, Chongyun," Childe says. He heads for the door, waiting for Zhongli. Zhongli however sets the wet rag next to Chongyun's hand. "I'm going to be upset if you push yourself to hard before we get a chance to really interact."
Chongyun squeezes the rag before dragging it to his neck. "I will. Thank you again, both of you. I appreciate your generosity."
The pair leave with that. Chongyun is almost sad to see them go, now that they've given him plenty of new things to think about. From Childe actually interested in him, to exactly what kind of connections Zhongli would have. Let alone, how the man even knows so much about Chongyun's family.
Chongyun will have to worry about all of it later though. He'll be seeing Zhongli in just a couple days again anyway, perhaps Chongyun will ask his questions then, when he's more coherent and less feverish.
If he remembers, anyway.