[Jun was in better spirits today than the last time he'd encountered Zhongli. In no small part because he woke up this morning with his physical capabilities returned to him. Sure, it'd be nice to have all his powers back - but getting even a little back was reassuring to him.
Knowing this was a good enough pretense to go check on Zhongli, he'll seek him out in the evening hours after preparing some food for him. He hadn't been told where the Archon lived, but using his elemental sight to track down the apartment with a high amount of geo energy felt like a reliable method
[ As the days went by, Zhongli finished checking up on all the outlanders and mused on his observations. There weren't any significant parallels that could be drawn between all of them, save for the group of people who had once been touched by South Sister. It could be an unintended side effect of calling Zhongli home, but a large number of the outlanders were strangers to this world and him entirely. Venti too could not remember what had happened, which meant that this is likely to be the work of an agent higher than the Archons' authority. Naturally, they would all think of Celestia as the first culprit. However, Celestia would never employ agents from other realms. Individuals who were not born on Teyvat did not have pre-determined fates. What then?
There are many questions that still perturb him, so he spends his evenings in his apartment, settling himself to meditate. This both conserves his physical energy, and lets him think uninterrupted. Focused on his thoughts as he was, he doesn't notice Jun's approach until the boy knocks on his door.
It takes about half a minute for Zhongli to get off his bed and open the door. Hopefully Jun is still there. ]
Good evening, [ at least Zhongli doesn't look visibly tired this time. He registers the food, but thinks Jun is holding it for his own dinner. ] Did something happen?
[Fortunately, Jun is patient enough to wait - especially when he can sense the energy presence in the apartment. So he'll still be there when Zhongli opens the door, offering a smile. He's even in a more normal outfit than his Seal Knight uniform - at least, normal for Mondstadt. Seems he was finally able to get enough money to afford new clothes. ]
Evening Zhongli. [He looks less tired than before, that's a good sign] Yes, but nothing bad.
[Might as well make that clear. This wasn't an emergency. He'll indicate the dish in his hands] Have you eaten yet? I made some food.
[ There's a pause as he looks at the food for a moment, before his expression changes to a slight smile. ]
Thank you. Please, come in.
[ He hasn't. Moving to one side so Jun can enter, he closes the door behind the bot with barely a sound. Zhongli left his apartment looking almost exactly like how it did when he first entered, save for a few books placed on a shelf and a map of Mondstadt placed on the study table. ]
Would you like some tea?
[ Unfortunately, there's no coffee to be had here, but there's various herbs and dried fruit that he could use to make a non-caffeinated tea. ]
[He'll come into the apartment as Zhongli lets him in. Looking around, it doesn't look too different from his own at this time. Jun's been so busy getting used to the city it wasn't like he had time to decorate...though that'll change in time.]
[ Zhongli pulls out a teapot and starts assembling a carefully calculated assembly of herbs and dried apples while Jun settles down at the dining table. Hot water is made possible by infusing the tea with a flaming flower stamen, and the aroma of sweet herbs begins to waft through the apartment. ]
I have been able to rest more, thus some of my strength has returned. Only a little, but it is useful. [ He doesn't look like he's running on three hours of sleep anymore... for an Adeptus, it means that he's had three hours of sleep instead of none at all. ] It will take more time for me to analyze the cursed seal, but I have some preliminary hypotheses.
[ Jun came here to tell Zhongli about his regained strength but here is Zhongli about to start another lecture... ]
[He meanwhile heads to the table, pulling the food he made out of its carrying bag. Chilled Chinese Noodles, a good summertime meal and the closest he could get to Liyue cooking between his own skill, research, and the ingredients he could get. Because of course he overthought and overachieved with making someone food. ]
Good! You do look less tired than last time I saw you.
[The sounds and smells of the tea brewing was nostalgic, in a way. It reminded him of all the evenings Father Abel would brew him some tea. He prays he's doing well, wherever he may be.
And even if he had his own news to share, he doesn't mind the lectures. He is curious how things are for Zhongli, after all]
[ Zhongli observes Jun's handiwork for a few moments. He's able to identify most of the ingredients at a glance and by the smell that rises from the box. Jun's attentiveness to his handiwork is evident - though, given that he holds a Geo Vision, it's not at all surprising.
But, he'll ask Jun about his cooking later. ]
The Adepti of Liyue are well-versed in the arts of sealing. The basic structure of the seal is to create laws of binding that then are applied to the target of the seal by the authority of the caster. This is how most Adepti are able to store their spells by sealing a piece of paper. But to seal an individual would be more difficult - the authority factor of it must also be taken into account.
[ He pauses here to close his eyes and fold his arms, a posture that Jun is no doubt familiar with at this point ]
Consider - what sort of person can claim authority over one of the Archons? Only the divine realm of Celestia would have such power. They who gaze down upon the world from their lofty seat in the skies would see that their edicts be obeyed to the absolute.
[ A long sigh, and then: ]
Perhaps they wished for this as my punishment. [ But Zhongli hasn't done anything. ]
[Like always, Jun listens in silence. He already knows a lot about seals, what with being a Seal Knight and all, but he's not about the interrupt Zhongli as he's talking. Besides, it's good to hear different perspectives in case things change world from world.
Which for his theory...he can follow the logic. It's not an unreasonable explanation. But at the same time...it doesn't sit fully with Jun. Not with his own background and observations.
But before he voices that objection, he'll ask a gentle prodding question.]
Have they punished an Archon in such a way before? You can't have been the first to displease them.
Celestia is not above decreeing the erasure of entire civilizations if it displeases them. [ Zhongli's voice is calm, factual - brittle. ] To them, their law is absolute. The fate that they decree is absolute. Any that try to question or disobey them will face a fate worse than death.
[ Five hundred years ago... that was the incident that set everything in motion. ]
Those that live in Heaven and abhor stepping onto the earth will never understand the true nature of humanity.
[Like any mortal, the idea of something wielding that much power sends a chill down Jun's spine. But it's not completely alien to him either, since it sounds like something straight out of the old Testament or other tales of deities on Earth.
And more important, it makes it a bit clearer.]
If that's how they act, then this doesn't fit their M.O.
[Jun will pull away from setting up the table and put his hand to his chin. Get ready Zhongli, because the tables have turned and it's time for a Jun lecture]
If the Celestia are willing to erase civilizations, I'd wager they'd be much more direct in their actions if they wished to punish you. They'd make it clear it was them. And there'd be no reason to bring you to Mondstadt either, Liyue would be the target.
Not only that, if the Celestia hold that much control over Teyvat, why would they risk bringing in outsiders? Our very presence threatens the status quo - myself most of all, considering I serve a god that exists outside their control.
[Not that Jun intends to do anything to upset the system or religions of this world. He simply wants to resolve this situation and then go home. Still, it's a Bold Choice for gods to make. ]
...Were I to say my own hypothesis, I'd say what's causing this situation is a different entity altogether. One that's managed to exert its realm of influence over all of Mondstadt, which is why none of us can leave. The seal on you is possibly a means of protecting itself, as you'd be the biggest threat to its control.
[ Zhongli chuckles. Jun is quick on the uptake, and it's a commendable quality. However... ]
If that was the case, Celestia might choose to erase Mondstadt entirely, to supplant this mysterious outside entity. In their eyes, all that exist here can be eventually replaced. [ But they're still here, very much alive and undamaged. ] Unless... this elaborate scheme was enacted by one of their own.
[ Rebellion from both within and outside. Most interesting, Zhongli would say, as if he was merely watching a turf squabble between children. ]
Mm ... Both are unfortunate possibilities. [he acknowledges with a grim but neutral tone.] We are likely pawns in someone's grand scheme, though I don't have enough information yet to say whose.
[If it was someone within Celestia, or the outside entity- he needed more evidence first. Either way, it was definitely something drastic if outsiders were being brought in.
Well, this felt like a good time as any. He'll touch his arm, and a glowing mark appears - albeit it's much fainter than normal. Still, there's detectable energy from it - an element different from the seven in Teyvat ]
Speaking of seals, I wanted to tell you my power's starting to return.
[ i’m not going to pretend to know where zhongli is but surprise!! kara’s finally found him!! we won’t talk about how long that took sweats
whatever hesitation he might have felt at confronting zhongli about that memory before, it’s long gone after that talk with the god of time. As much as he’d like to respect zhongli’s decision to keep his godhood secret, the time for that has passed when there are larger concerns at hand. ]
What does it mean for you to bear the time it takes for him to keep us here, and to use those time loops?
[ Zhongli doesn't seem surprised at the question. He turns to face Kara with the same calm unreadability that he's always worn, as if he had been expecting all of this. ]
It is in the name. [ Was Kara not listening to Forneus' explanation... probably. ] The passage of time was accelerated upon me for every day that passes.
[ As for the second question... Kara has to be specific. There's no answer given. ]
[ HE WAS LISTENING he just wants to understand better and doesn't know how to ask for it weeps. with a soft sigh, he drops a hand to his sword. ]
For someone like me, bearing that time could mean damage. Weaker steel, rust, fractures, or breaking. [ so. meeting zhongli's eyes, he tries again: ] What does it mean for you, as a god?
Before I answer this question, you need to understand that I am unable to speak freely about certain topics. I take no satisfaction in withholding anything from you, but the price of such knowledge is your death.
[ Gods are, after all, bound by many rules. Most of them involve smiting. ]
I take it that you will not spread what I have shared with you. [ i.e. 'I'm telling you this, because I am choosing to trust you.' ] I have chosen to cooperate with him, as I agree with his ideal of a world without predestination; to let humanity live to their fullest potential.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Pogs at you; Action
Knowing this was a good enough pretense to go check on Zhongli, he'll seek him out in the evening hours after preparing some food for him. He hadn't been told where the Archon lived, but using his elemental sight to track down the apartment with a high amount of geo energy felt like a reliable method
Knock knock Zhongli. ]
DONT POG AT ME YOUNG MAN....
There are many questions that still perturb him, so he spends his evenings in his apartment, settling himself to meditate. This both conserves his physical energy, and lets him think uninterrupted. Focused on his thoughts as he was, he doesn't notice Jun's approach until the boy knocks on his door.
It takes about half a minute for Zhongli to get off his bed and open the door. Hopefully Jun is still there. ]
Good evening, [ at least Zhongli doesn't look visibly tired this time. He registers the food, but thinks Jun is holding it for his own dinner. ] Did something happen?
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Evening Zhongli. [He looks less tired than before, that's a good sign] Yes, but nothing bad.
[Might as well make that clear. This wasn't an emergency. He'll indicate the dish in his hands] Have you eaten yet? I made some food.
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Thank you. Please, come in.
[ He hasn't. Moving to one side so Jun can enter, he closes the door behind the bot with barely a sound. Zhongli left his apartment looking almost exactly like how it did when he first entered, save for a few books placed on a shelf and a map of Mondstadt placed on the study table. ]
Would you like some tea?
[ Unfortunately, there's no coffee to be had here, but there's various herbs and dried fruit that he could use to make a non-caffeinated tea. ]
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Oh, sure! That sounds lovely.
[He may prefer coffee, but tea was nice too okay]
How've you been?
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I have been able to rest more, thus some of my strength has returned. Only a little, but it is useful. [ He doesn't look like he's running on three hours of sleep anymore... for an Adeptus, it means that he's had three hours of sleep instead of none at all. ] It will take more time for me to analyze the cursed seal, but I have some preliminary hypotheses.
[ Jun came here to tell Zhongli about his regained strength but here is Zhongli about to start another lecture... ]
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Good! You do look less tired than last time I saw you.
[The sounds and smells of the tea brewing was nostalgic, in a way. It reminded him of all the evenings Father Abel would brew him some tea. He prays he's doing well, wherever he may be.
And even if he had his own news to share, he doesn't mind the lectures. He is curious how things are for Zhongli, after all]
Oh? What're your hypotheses?
im making this all up tbh
But, he'll ask Jun about his cooking later. ]
The Adepti of Liyue are well-versed in the arts of sealing. The basic structure of the seal is to create laws of binding that then are applied to the target of the seal by the authority of the caster. This is how most Adepti are able to store their spells by sealing a piece of paper. But to seal an individual would be more difficult - the authority factor of it must also be taken into account.
[ He pauses here to close his eyes and fold his arms, a posture that Jun is no doubt familiar with at this point ]
Consider - what sort of person can claim authority over one of the Archons? Only the divine realm of Celestia would have such power. They who gaze down upon the world from their lofty seat in the skies would see that their edicts be obeyed to the absolute.
[ A long sigh, and then: ]
Perhaps they wished for this as my punishment. [ But Zhongli hasn't done anything. ]
It's all good welcome aboard the SS Make Shit Up
Which for his theory...he can follow the logic. It's not an unreasonable explanation. But at the same time...it doesn't sit fully with Jun. Not with his own background and observations.
But before he voices that objection, he'll ask a gentle prodding question.]
Have they punished an Archon in such a way before? You can't have been the first to displease them.
[I mean Barbatos is RIGHT THERE. ]
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Celestia is not above decreeing the erasure of entire civilizations if it displeases them. [ Zhongli's voice is calm, factual - brittle. ] To them, their law is absolute. The fate that they decree is absolute. Any that try to question or disobey them will face a fate worse than death.
[ Five hundred years ago... that was the incident that set everything in motion. ]
Those that live in Heaven and abhor stepping onto the earth will never understand the true nature of humanity.
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And more important, it makes it a bit clearer.]
If that's how they act, then this doesn't fit their M.O.
[Jun will pull away from setting up the table and put his hand to his chin. Get ready Zhongli, because the tables have turned and it's time for a Jun lecture]
If the Celestia are willing to erase civilizations, I'd wager they'd be much more direct in their actions if they wished to punish you. They'd make it clear it was them. And there'd be no reason to bring you to Mondstadt either, Liyue would be the target.
Not only that, if the Celestia hold that much control over Teyvat, why would they risk bringing in outsiders? Our very presence threatens the status quo - myself most of all, considering I serve a god that exists outside their control.
[Not that Jun intends to do anything to upset the system or religions of this world. He simply wants to resolve this situation and then go home. Still, it's a Bold Choice for gods to make. ]
...Were I to say my own hypothesis, I'd say what's causing this situation is a different entity altogether. One that's managed to exert its realm of influence over all of Mondstadt, which is why none of us can leave. The seal on you is possibly a means of protecting itself, as you'd be the biggest threat to its control.
no subject
If that was the case, Celestia might choose to erase Mondstadt entirely, to supplant this mysterious outside entity. In their eyes, all that exist here can be eventually replaced. [ But they're still here, very much alive and undamaged. ] Unless... this elaborate scheme was enacted by one of their own.
[ Rebellion from both within and outside. Most interesting, Zhongli would say, as if he was merely watching a turf squabble between children. ]
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[If it was someone within Celestia, or the outside entity- he needed more evidence first. Either way, it was definitely something drastic if outsiders were being brought in.
Well, this felt like a good time as any. He'll touch his arm, and a glowing mark appears - albeit it's much fainter than normal. Still, there's detectable energy from it - an element different from the seven in Teyvat ]
Speaking of seals, I wanted to tell you my power's starting to return.
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1/??
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3/3 DONE
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pogs defiantly
whatever hesitation he might have felt at confronting zhongli about that memory before, it’s long gone after that talk with the god of time. As much as he’d like to respect zhongli’s decision to keep his godhood secret, the time for that has passed when there are larger concerns at hand. ]
What does it mean for you to bear the time it takes for him to keep us here, and to use those time loops?
[ will he ever learn to say hello ]
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It is in the name. [ Was Kara not listening to Forneus' explanation... probably. ] The passage of time was accelerated upon me for every day that passes.
[ As for the second question... Kara has to be specific. There's no answer given. ]
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For someone like me, bearing that time could mean damage. Weaker steel, rust, fractures, or breaking. [ so. meeting zhongli's eyes, he tries again: ] What does it mean for you, as a god?
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I too will weather. But I erode much more slowly than anyone else. It is for this reason that I volunteered.
[ If Venti was chosen, he would have died. ]
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What about the other volunteer? They're a god, too, aren't they?
[ he has to ask ]
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[ Something something contracts something ]
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[ he doesn't particularly care who they are... but if he finds out it's venti he'd probably try to help. being child-coded does wonders lmao ]
Would it affect them differently than you, when you're both gods?
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[ That's the reason he considered himself the best candidate. ]
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[ He knows Kara hates Forneus, but it can't really be helped. ]
By accepting my aid, he binds himself to my laws. Should he deviate from the terms of our contract, he will face oblivion.
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[ it's satisfying to hear, though? even if it seems like it would mean trouble for a world to lose their god of time prematurely. ]
What are the other reasons?
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[ Gods are, after all, bound by many rules. Most of them involve smiting. ]
I take it that you will not spread what I have shared with you. [ i.e. 'I'm telling you this, because I am choosing to trust you.' ] I have chosen to cooperate with him, as I agree with his ideal of a world without predestination; to let humanity live to their fullest potential.
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