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dark slayer

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[Zhongli is almost there, but his steps slow momentarily when he hears Vergil say that.

I think I might have been someone awful.

Ah... those words feel familiar. He may have uttered them himself at some point. It took a long time for him to wrap his mind around the kind of person he had been, and needed to be moving forward. It took a long time to understand the Archon Morax's morality.]

Mr. Vittore, I would not call you a bad person by any measure.

You have always dealt with matters fairly and reasonably, and you have no issue holding up your end of our agreements. Not once have I seen an ounce of cruelty in your actions. You are a man of your word, which is increasingly rare these days. To me, these things define someone's character.

You will likely never know the full reasoning behind your past self's actions. With every contract there are outside circumstances that should be considered when reviewing it, and our past lives are much the same. But... because information has been lost to us, it's unfair to judge our old lives by the brief glimpses we see.

We need a new scale to weigh against, for we are not quite the same people as we were back then... nor are we the same as we were yesterday.

[At last he sees the roof of the warehouse being used for the fight club, and begins looking around the lot for any sign of his friend.]

Edited 2023-04-24 00:03 (UTC)

[ as he walks, he'll listen. He'll offer no interruption even if, a few times, he can feel an interjection bubbling up in his chest. he'd argue that he's a bad person because he keeps everyone, even his friends who he's known for years at arm's length--Zhongli isn't any different.

Perhaps he isn't cruel, and yes, he does keep his word, but it was a matter of needing to uphold an image, to keep ahold of contacts--not out of any sort of morality. he's swindled people out of rare artifacts before, after all--using his knowledge to lowball them.
But eventually the interjections die down because not only are the calm man's words... oddly kind, kinder than any the man had offered him in their entire decade of being familiar with one another--but the advice is, astonishingly solid. They're words that will sit with him, even if he'll likely play them off as just brief and courteous conversation. ]

...As usual, your counsel is something that I do not expect, but appreciate. Your point of view seems sharp in this regard.

Either these are words you've said to someone before, or they are your own feelings on the matter.

[ he won't accuse zhongli of being in the same situation, after all. if the man wishes to share that he's experienced the same thing that he is, he'll let him. ...he'll welcome it, and part of him hopes that he does, if only because the oddest thing about his memories is the introduction of a feeling he's never had set in his bones before: a fear. a fear of being alone, a fear of not being able to protect himself from whatever's coming.

and maybe that's why there's a pair of practice spears on his back as he makes his way into the warehouse that Zhongli had directed him to. Waiting outside for the long-haired man to join him. ]

Either way, I appreciate your words. And I will keep them close at hand as things continue to go the way they do.

...
In any case, I have arrived, I will be waiting outside.

[How perceptive. As usual, Mr. Vittore doesn't disappoint in this regard. Has he figured out who or what Zhongli is? It wouldn't surprise him if, one day, he put the clues together. He was always much more guarded about it than certain friends of his in the past, but when called out on it directly, there was little denying the weight of the evidence.]

I have some... experience... with matters of memory.

I can remember many things with near perfect clarity. For a long time now, this has also included the memories of my past life.

[He'll just casually drop that bombshell and hang up without actually answering that question. When he finds Vergil next, it's in person. He's dressed the same as always-- custom Black Order suit, impeccable shoes, black leather gloves. He's a teacher not an undertaker, but you'd be excused for wondering.]

And here you are. I hope you have not been waiting long.

[ one doesn't speak impressively on a subject without having either experienced it, or having studied it. it would have to be one of the two, is Vergil's logic, and --honestly, by every account, if the man was living in Kaisou... well. Who's to say the man hasn't any experience at all?
...hells, the man could actually be like his 'brother', a being from another world, kidnapped away and dumped here.

he does give a small sigh of ... some sort of emotion when the man drops an absolute cinder block on his head. AND THEN HANGS UP ON HIM? Vittore yanking his phone from his ear and staring at it in ACTUAL disbelief, because okay, that's not what he expected the man to say at all, for one, and for two...

...when the man approaches, dressed in his finery, it gives him time to pause and actually Look at the man. Had his eyes always been so golden? Much like how vittore had black hair when last they met--perhaps Zhongli had eyes like that for far longer; and vergil just couldn't see it until now? ]

No more than five minutes. You are prompt as you are reliable. ...As you are quite the man of mystery that I did not expect you to be. Mr. Zhongli.

[ he's going to hand him the carrying case with the spears. ]

[He has no idea that he's nearly sent Vergil into a spiral of confusion and self-doubt. For him it is a Tuesday.]

Haha, I'm simply an old man who knows a little about many things.

[You'll have to ask better questions if you want answers, Vergil. Or... well, actually, he probably won't say anything unless it suits him, but there's nothing wrong with trying????

He takes the carrying case and sets it down. Then he undoes the case latches so that he can inspect the practice weapons. He tests the sharpness of each spear's tip as well as the balance, even doing a little twirl to make sure nothing falls apart.

Then he nods, satisfied.]

These will do. I've only just realized that we are lacking in armor, but I suppose we won't be striking each other just yet.

Your first lesson will be to learn where your feet are.

[ he's starting to get an idea of what way your ticket is punched zhongli he's getting it, he's looking at your rad-ass eyes and .... he's pretty fucking sure your hair wasn't glowing the last time he saw it, too.

don't disassociate, vittore. how many of your friends are actually-- ]

If armour is needed, I can pick it up next time. I had a feeling that our initial session would be on basics that would not call for it. Given I am not actually sure how to hold this thing.

[ he turns the spear over in his hands, but... feet. Right.

Now's a good time as any. ]

Last I saw you, I am more than sure your eyes did not look like that.

Something like a vest would be recommended so your vitals are protected. Of course I'll do my best to heal any wounds that may arise, but it would be more polite to spare you the pain in the first place.

[Pain is a good teacher, though, and he's sure they will acquaint themselves thoroughly before these lessons are concluded.

Zhongli lets Vergil take his time getting familiar with the weapon and how it feels in his hands. He is nothing if not patient. However, he's noticed that searching look, and braces himself for questions.

... That is not a question about the spear. His eyebrows rise, and then he smiles a little, almost imperceptible but very obvious to anyone familiar with Zhongli's manner.]

Your proximity to the Spirit Vein has made you more perceptive than you were in Italy, so you are bound to notice differences in the world. That includes the people around you. Call it an 'awakening' if you like.

[He twirls his practice spear, tosses it, and grabs it again in a way that suggests he is not nearly as out of practice as he'd have one believe.]

When you're ready, come stand beside me with your feet slightly apart, lined up with your shoulders.

So you're adept in healing magic as well. An old man with many talents.

[ and many secrets because yoURE STILL BEING A CAGEY BITCH mr zhongli good god he's learning more about his old friend in this last hour than he has the last year, he's pretty certain. It's Dizzying. But he came here with a goal in mind, and his drive to learn is stronger than his drive to interrogate, at least.

He can always ask questions while they're going through forms, one can figure.
He IS going to watch what Zhongli is doing after all. Moving to stand next to him; Get his legs in the right position, watch the man's hands, so he can copy how the other is holding the spear--shoulders lined up with the staff...
...but not even attempting to toss it and spin it like the old man is currently doing. Well; doesn't he seem graceful. ]

There was no such spirit vein like this in Italy. I noticed the sky, first thing, when I was landing in the plane. While my first brush with the supernatural wasn't here...

[ ...well. ]

One does wonder how long it's been since you 'awakened'.

Ah, 'adept' is a strong word. There are people here with much stronger healing magic. I only know a little.

[He doesn't deny what Vergil says, though. He knows a little about a lot as it turns out.

He's pleased to see Vergil already copying his stance, however. He tries to make it easier to see. Feet like this, grip like this--]

Not too tight. If your knuckles are white, you'll only hurt yourself.

[With that gentle correction given, he continues the mental checklist...]

Good. Now take a half step forward. [He demonstrates.] Your balance should be on the balls of your feet, not the heel. Not too far forward, either.

Next, bring your spear forward. Hold it like an extension of your arm, so the handle rests here...

[Zhongli continues with firm, clear corrections as needed. He isn't putting his hands on Vergil but if his form is bad enough he might just need to.]

You make it sound like you'll be selling me in your front window next. [He sounds amused by this.] I've had certain powers and memories the entire time we have been acquainted, but I was bound to secrecy by a long-standing contract. It was never my intent to deceive you, Mr. Vittore. However, fair agreements such as the one I signed must be respected—without exception.

[He goes through the routine again. Step forward, thrust with the spear. Neutral position. Step forward, thrust with the spear...]

[ his eyes don't really leave Zhongli's form. His eyes focusing a little to try to mirror Zhongli's movements--albeit a little more clinical, a little more stiff. He certainly doesn't have the same sort of grace and fluidity that comes with holding the weapon with years of practice an poise. he'll learn that sort of thing as time goes on, he's already decided--likely to be the type to practice on his own once today's session had concluded.

step forward
grip not too tight
stab forward, not like a weapon, but part of his arm
...easier said than done, he might. fumble a moment, as his grip on the pole slides. he readjusts, and tries it again with a grumble of effort in his throat. ]

Don't be ridiculous. Were you an artifact in my shop, you would be one of the ones marked clearly 'not for resale'. [ he'll give zhongli that much respect, with a crooked grin on his face as he resets his position. Moving along with Zhongli to repeat it, repeat it, and to repeat it again. ...it does feel oddly. Easier. with every pass, as if he's used to training with something like this. the handle of a wooden sword familiar between his fingers--

he shakes his head, trying to will the memory away. ]

You've always been big on honouring contracts. Almost to a point where one might call it obsessive.
...This isn't a disparaging comment, mind you. I'd far prefer someone rigid to a fault than flaky.
But that would explain your tight-lippedness.

Were I aware that the supernatural world existed before, I'd have looked into it far sooner than this year.

[Zhongli keeps a careful reptilian eye on Vergil, noting the weaknesses in his form. But he's quicker to correct them than Zhongli is expecting. That's good.

His friend's wry little remark is enough to make Zhongli chuckle. It's a rare sound, but it's warm.]

That's comforting to hear.

[He coaches a little more, but Vergil is... more of a natural at this than he expected. Which is good. It makes all of this that much easier.]

Hmm... [Zhongli's not happy about being called obsessive, but he'll let it go.] Before there were laws to govern the land, there were contracts. In fact, one could say that a contract was the first 'law'. Contracts are the defining line between order and chaos, and the building blocks of a civilization.

Contracts also enforce fairness. There can be no trade without contracts, and without trade, there can be no society. In this day and age people see contracts as a matter of convenience not to be taken seriously... but for those who understand the truth, they are almost sacred.

[... Obsessive was probably a good word, actually.]

You seem to have a good understanding of the basic forward thrust. Now I'll show you what makes the spear superior to a sword. [From here he launches into a short explanation of how to use the blunt end of the spear to hit an opponent behind. It works much in the same way as the forward thrust, but... backwards. Obviously.] Never forget that you have the advantage of reach. A well placed jab or swing at an opponent's feet or their abdomen can cause them to lose their balance. This isn't something a sword can do easily.

[Once he's sure Vergil has the form for that one, he continues the conversation.]

There are many strange and wonderful things in this world and the Spirit Realm both. Throughout my years of wandering I cannot say I've seen even a fraction of what they have to offer.

[ maybe obsessive was indeed a bit of a rude term to use, but he doesn't feel like he'd used it WRONG when Zhongli all but confirms the playful accusation. He's talked to the man about laws and the history of the written word more times than he could probably count, but its only now as they speak, following a fluid dance with a weapon vergil is wholly unfamilar with, and yet zhongli seems terribly familar with, he can't help but to let his thoughts wander, about the commentary.
about how contracts predated law, and how without a contract, one could not enforce order. it makes sense, of course, barely anything zhongli said didn't make logical sense in at least one form or another, but.
Once again, theres that niggling bit of uncertainty in his mind: how much of that focus and stern rigidity about contracts from his like for having things in order, and how much of it .... could be learned habit from a time before laws.

surely, zhongli is older than he's letting on.
what with his strange hair, his strange eyes
and a general feel for being Not Quite as he seems

....but surely he can't be *that* old. that's just ridiculous.

He's going to continue to focus on the lesson. He's always been a star pupil, he cannot let his fancy focus on the supernatural and his past life--and zhonglis apparent past life--get in the way of what he came here for. ]

...It's a clever weapon, to say the least.
The sword is always one that is more popular in the eyes of those who appreciate weaponry, but I suppose that is because it is one of the easiest to learn how to use.

A weapon like this requires far more spacial awareness.

....And can afford far more defensive ability than a sword can.

[ he seems impressed as Zhongli goes over the new form, and he's .... gonna do his best to copy it.
Bookish nerd that he is, its clear he's gonna need quite a bit more training to get used to the weapons weight alone. counterbalancing for such a strike takes a finesse he just doesn't have, yet. ]

You've been inside one of them, then. The spirit realms that stagnate in this place.

I would argue that they sound dangerous.
But I am quickly coming to realise you may be far more capable than you appear.

[He's happy enough to simply impart some knowledge. Even better if it's different kinds of knowledge.]

There is nothing wrong with the sword. As a fighting form, it is effective and beautiful. But it also requires a great deal of control, and to strike with a sword is point-for-point more dangerous than with a spear. It is far too easy to expose your weaknesses with the sword even if you are practiced.

[Zhongli notes this silently, adding it to a mental list of things to develop routines around so that Vergil can gain some much-needed strength and stamina. There's no way to do that except through hard work. He doesn't doubt that he'll be devoted, though, after a session like this.

Vergil has always sought knowledge, and Zhongli is using this to better Vergil's life. Whether he likes it or not!]

I have many times. There are countless gates that we know of on this earth, and far more that we do not. Some are only temporary. Others are like the Stable Gates you're aware of.

[He makes a small correction to Vergil's posture. No hunching, sir.]

There are wonders and dangers in equal abundance, and it has been like this for a very long time. Even the strangest legends may contain a mote of truth.

As for myself...

[He pauses, then he rests the blunt end of his staff on the ground.]

I don't mind discussing some topics that fall outside our contract. If I considered answering one question of yours each time we train together, would that be enough for you to continue the lessons? I can't guarantee an answer simply because there are things I am bound not to disclose, but if such a topic comes up I'll allow you to ask a different question.

[ he can understand that sentiment, about swords. The brief flashes of memory that he has involving himself using one usually has him clashing with beings far too close for comfort. as he is now, he's definitely not comfortable with that. especially not with the flashes of memory that make him remember the pain of what happens when getting too close causes an opening that lets an opponent's weapon bite into flesh and bone.

no, he has a good feeling about the spear. it suits his current self--the need to protect himself--much better.

he'll likely complain about stamina training just a little, if only because it means he'd have to do more than his regular cardio. He has an exercise bike and it works great okay??? ]

I have not bothered to go near any of those gates. Both likely out of a desire to not get myself into a situation I would find unfavorable, and because I am not really keen on the idea that if something goes... wrong in one, that I may not come out.

[ he'd rather not get lost in a stable gate--or one of the unstable ones.

...but. he is listening to zhongli's new offer. pausing in following and repeating forms alongside his friend with the spear, idly letting it rest against his shoulder as he... considers it.

It's a completely fair thing to offer. Rather, it's a very generous offer that Zhongli is putting on the table between them--from what he can tell, zhongli has little to gain from this sort of agreement, and there's an... odd feeling in his chest as he thinks longer on it. ]

That would be more than generous of you to offer, if I am to be completely honest with you.
It almost makes me feel as if I am the only one benefitting from where I am standing.
Unless you have something in mind to ask in return of me?

That being said, if it is within my ability to do something for you in return, I would so so in a moment.

[ ...friend? isn't that what friends do? ]

[Your exercise bike is as nothing before a god.]

Understandably so. I believe I also warned you for that precise reason... As we've discussed, it's dangerous. Until you're more accustomed to the dangers, I must insist you don't go in alone.

[Take Grandpa, he's here to help.

Vergil is tipping his hand, though, in being so considerate. He pauses in the instruction for now, so Vergil can rest for a few minutes.]

I wasn't going to consider it part of our contract. [As usual, he chews his words, but there's warmth to them.] We are friends, and defining a friendship via a contract isn't feasible... Just how does one measure sentiment or fondness?

[He used the f word, oh no. It has been ten years, after all... and he knows that isn't a small amount of time to a human.]

But if you'd like, I can break it down for you. You enjoy learning the knowledge I share with you, Mr. Vittore, and I enjoy sharing what I know.

[...]

For me there is intrinsic value merely in the telling and the recalling of information. Discussion of the stories keeps the memories alive. Paper becomes brittle and eventually turns to dust, and even rock succumbs to water over time. One cannot record the truth of history without acknowledging these facts. So much history changes from the moment it is written to the day it is recalled, reclaimed, and taught.

Yet perhaps in my memory, the truth can live a little longer, unsullied as such by the erosion of time. Long enough for me to pass it on so it outlasts even the end of a world.

[He thinks about the first time he set eyes upon the Glaze Lilies in the courtyard of the apartment complex. Teyvat is dead, but parts of it endure. Is he the final witness of his beloved Liyue? He isn't the same as the god who raised it, but he still feels beholden to that land and its people. They suffered, they persevered, they struggled, they overcame. They deserve to be remembered.]

That... would be most ideal.

[ he only has business contracts and colleagues. that was something he's always believed, since he was young-- he was terrible at making friends, having a bad habit of getting distracted by a personal interest for weeks on end--ghosting his friends and then realising that by the time he snapped out of his fixation, he'd caused quite a bit of upset due to it.

he'd unfortunately been unable to break himself free of that cycle, so instead of being upset about it, he merely accepted that he was a loner. his personal interests and study leading him into comfortable, quiet days and nights, he never really had an issue with it.
But here is Zhongli, a business colleague he's had for going on a decade, who still to this day did not call him by his first name--casually commenting that they were friends. That the man was fond of him. Vergil wasn't someone who lets emotions leak out onto his face, but there is certainly a moment where he just ... stares at the other, as if in awe. Realising that

...yes, Zhongli is. Most certainly his friend. Why hadn't he considered that before?
There was a fondness that Vergil held for the man, one he hadn't considered before. How he'd barely leave the man on 'read' for more than a day whenever they did get in contact with one another.
Long nights of talking about manner of history or discussing the origins of a new artifact Vergil had been trying to get his hands on, he almost feels embarrassed, in a few more moments that he'd considered the fact that the man was willing to train him to defend himself had been transactional from the start.

Zhongli was aiming to help and protect him. As a friend would. He felt so very stupid in this moment--a feeling that is completely alien to his usually so put-together self. ]

You are right, of course.

In all things here that you've said, you are right. I apologise, I got so caught up in the idea that most of the things I do with others are ... often transactional, that it had slipped my mind that there are other things in life than losing and gaining.

You'll forgive me for being a fool for a moment, one would hope.

[ it is ideal. Zhongli is right. ]

[Zhongli absolutely did not mean to give Vergil a whole paradigm shift and a half today, but such a thing was due to happen after explaining all of the little things he had missed. This world is far more complicated than it appears. Though Vergil's role in it has not changed in any obvious way, it's impossible to unlearn the truth... Not without extreme measures, after all. Zhongli looks just a little sympathetic.]

Of course a cordial relationship between a merchant and a customer can be a prosperous one, so I can hardly fault you for assuming that and nothing further. Your world has expanded rapidly in the past few weeks, as well. It'll take some time for you to sort your feelings on all of this.

[It's true, though. These lessons are so that Vergil can protect himself. Zhongli does care, for as much as he allows himself to care. He has always been so very bad at distancing himself from the people he considers his responsibility.]

Sometimes there are things we are unable to see, or unwilling, even though they are right before us.

Do you still have that old celadon bowl you bought a few years ago? You had me look at it because you couldn't find a dealer who could place the time period. He told you it was Song, which was a rather erroneous assumption.

When I told you that I could only guess it was much older, that wasn't the entire truth. I knew that bowl hailed from the Eastern Jin dynasty and still I kept this to myself. It wasn't until much later that I realized why I couldn't say anything.

[He doesn't elaborate why, though. Instead he tests the balance of the spear again.]

Shall we do one more round of what you have learned, and then break for the day?

[ is it weird to say he's getting used to it? because he's getting used to it. his point of view being yanked around by some invisible chain as he's forced to see the world from a dozen new angles at very startlingly different times--he'll eventually adjust to accepting that nothing is how it seems and that despite being nearly in his 40s, he can still learn that things aren't going to stay the same for the rest of his life. ]

I am not used to adjusting my feelings, given my... preference of solitude. Something I am quickly coming to learn I likely cannot continue with in this place. [ not when the libra app exists, not when his past life is coming to literally haunt him.

but.

Ah.

ah, now zhongli admits something that has his head absolutely turning, and he's squinting at his friend with a measure of confusion. ]

I still have that bowl, yes. [ he says, with a measure of whimsy. ] I did not end up selling it because I was determined to find out the exact date on it in case I accidentally let it go for a price that was far under what it is worth.

[ ...the fact that zhongli words it like he COULDN'T say anything about it, instead of wouldn't, or something else... does that suggest he was incapable? something stopped him? blocked out his knowledge? that's... curious. ]

Jin Dynasty. You're not kidding. [ well, now he has a vague idea of its value. But... he nods. ]

One more round should be enough. I am trying not to let my lack of stamina show here, but this thing is far heavier than it appears when you're using it for defence.

...

Should I ask why you could not reveal the bowl's origin to me?

I was much the same way, and I had to learn. It happens to everyone when they... 'awaken'.

[Though it was so long ago for him now now... About as old as that bowl, which Vergil is now keenly aware is very fucking old.]

The third century, [he adds, though it's probably unnecessary. It's the closest he can give to a year without being very weird about it. Though, to be fair, he is already being weird about it.]

The spear weighs as it should. You'll gradually notice it less and less. One more round, then—and I'll give you your answer.

[He resumes the steady lancer position once more, and leads Vergil through another drill. Step, forward thrust, step, backward thrust. Step, forward thrust...

Once he's satisfied with a few repetitions and that Vergil won't so easily forget them overnight, he calls for Vergil to halt.]

I think that's a good place to stop. You've done well today.

[He reaches out to take Vergil's spear so he can place them into the cases. Only when everything is tidied up does he step back, take a breath, and finally answer the question as promised.]

I couldn't divulge the origins of the bowl because there are many memories associated to such an object. Or rather, the object reminded me so strongly of someone that I wasn't willing to revisit them... I recognized the pattern immediately, however. It hails from Emperor Yuan's court, when he held it in the south.

[His tone is calm, almost as if reciting a story that happened to someone else, but there's an undeniable sense of regret running through the whole tale.]

I knew someone who had deep affection for such stoneware. He aspired to one day be counted among the finest of potters, and worked diligently to that end. I sponsored him from my position and took him into my house, but even a fortune less modest than mine would not have been able to cure his illness. He passed before his twentieth summer.

[He was but one of many who entered Zhongli's life and left shortly thereafter, imparting lessons, reminding him to reach out to others, and weathering that stone heart a little more.]

His story is by no means an uncommon one, especially in those times. Still, he was the first one to reach out to me when I thought myself unapproachable. For that reason alone he stands out among my memories of that time.

[There are so many old friends he's lost. Countless ones. He enjoyed his time with them all, and perhaps they have some form of immortality, preserved as they are inside his memory... but it isn't the same.]

[ another round of practice motions. Footwork, properly sliding the spear between his hands, keeping it even, steady. Pacing to swing, forward--back, then reset. Repeat.

Once Zhongli announces the end of the session, he does his best not to give a small sigh of relief. His arms ache from holding the heavy weapon that he's not yet accustomed to, and yet at the same time, he feels like something was accomplished. Even if he knew he'd need at least another at least dozen lessons before he'd be able to even start putting practice into anything vaguely hinting at action. It's fine. He's patient.

And when Zhongli starts to tell his tale, recounting his memories of that old bowl, and the reason he'd hidden what knowledge he did have of it, he can't help but to feel... something. His mind taking the pieces of the puzzle zhongli is scattering before him, putting them together piece by piece, even if many of the more important ones were being withheld; he feels like he's just realised something.

zhongli spoke of this potter from emperor yuan's court as if it was a memory of something experienced, not a tale retold. the story of his own friend who made such wares such as that old jade bowl--a craft that was not as commonly practiced in these more modern times.

'Especially in those times'.
That was the comment that sealed it all home in his mind, and his gaze is slow as it reaches his old friend.

...Possibly his oldest friend, and not by measure of how long he knew the man. He's just settling with that, with a nearly curious look on his face.
Certainly it won't change his camaraderie with the man but it... adds so much perspective, it's startling. ]

Thank you for recounting the tale. I now understand why you were reluctant to share what you knew at the time. It sounds as if you had a memory that was sore to revisit. In your shoes, I feel I may have reacted much the same.

[ however... ]

But with this story I cannot help but to wonder. If that old bowl I have, if its actual age that I know now is one similar to another relic I apparently know.

[ you. you are relic. ]

[Though he's told his story, Zhongli's gaze isn't on Vergil. It's... somewhere else. Somewhere distant in both time and place, when the wind still remained by his side. Vergil cuts to the heart of the matter, though, and he simply nods in response.

Ah. So he's finally put the pieces together, has he? He'd like to hear what, exactly, he's figured out... but that will be for another time. Zhongli only said he'd answer one question.]

I think I know the relic you speak of. [... One question. But he does like Vergil a great deal.] That one, I think, predates the bowl by a few decades. Did you ever read Romance of the Three Kingdoms, by the way? It's one of my favorite novels. Luo Guanzhong wrote it before William Shakespeare ever picked up a pen, but I would argue it's of similar cultural significance to the East.

[That sure is a hell of a hint, though.]

[ it's in his nature to be inquisitive, to ask too many questions, to push too far. it was one of the few reasons he didn't have a lot of friends, alongside the fact that he'd often drop off the face of the earth for a few months when distracted by some project without a word; he would also tend to ask too much or keep pushing when someone else might decide it was probably a good idea to back off

social cues, never heard of her. ...Zhongli offers another hint, and his head comes up quickly when it's given. ]

Yes. I am very familiar with those stories. CaoCao is one of my favorite warriors, an ispirational story of a man rising the ranks from humble beginnings to become the leaders of a great kingdom.

I have a copy of the book that was hand-copied, written in text that's so old it's difficult to read. I keep it locked inside a case in my shop.

[ alright fuck zhongli is old as balls ]

Cao Cao was sometimes portrayed as a villain, but I'm pleased that you saw the same qualities in his character as I did. Historically, any ruler who dares to go against the normal feudal laws would be written like that. Qin Shi Huang also received this treatment from the dynasty that came after him. He had foreigners and commoners in his court both, a very forward-thinking concept even in Cao Cao's time. [None of this has anything much to do with the main topic, but—] Cao Cao was nevertheless a great man.

[HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM????]

... Anyway, I would love to see that copy of Romance sometime, and perhaps I'll tell you what I know of the writings it was based on. The study of historiography is a very interesting one indeed.

[He offers Vergil the carrying case.]

If you'd like, I'll take care of the other one. [He won't forget it like his wallet. Promise.]

[ HMMMMM indeed. zhongli's recounting of tales had always been somewhat wistful, from what he remembers. But knowing there's a touch more to it then just recalling readings, he's starting to realise how... personal the man made it sound. Like he's remembering experiences, meetings. Like he was there when ink hit paper, and not just to read it by someone elses' spoken tale. ]

I like to think that even villains in a story play an important part to the tale. While we can disapprove of their actions or lament on how much easier life may have been without their acts, the struggles of those who are on the kinder side of a struggle would be bland if they reaped victory on nothing.

[... hm
talking about that felt weird
...was he just trying to compartmentalize the fact that he saw that past self of his as man like cao cao, or the great qin shi huang? knowing history would see him as one who would be hated as the great enemy of good? it's hard to think about, he doesn't want to linger on it. ]

It is kept in one of my showcases in the shop. I would be too happy to allow you to look it over to see what you think.

And I do not see a reason to disallow you to carry your own spear. I did purchase it for you, after all.

...Thank you for today.

Rarely is it ever so simple as to be the 'heroes' versus the 'villains', as well. Cao Cao and other rulers like him did things that some might judge to be evil, but there is no doubting their accomplishments. To walk the grey road is to be human.

[He's not sure how he feels about people needing to be the villains. To him there is no such thing as good or evil. Just circumstances, and people who break their word versus those who do not.]

I'll take you up on that kind offer soon.

[He adjusts how the spear's carrying case sits on his shoulder. The thanks takes him by surprise, but then his expression softens a bit.]

Think nothing of it, Mr. Vittore. [He was just upholding his end of the contract.] Though, I did enjoy our training and our little talk. It's been some time since I was able to teach another the spear. It's worlds away from teaching in a university.

Before I depart, are you hurt anywhere? I wouldn't dare send you home with a scratch on you.

[Vergil's new brother might kick his ass.]

Edited 2023-05-09 02:37 (UTC)

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