Imeeji Inbox

[leaveofabsence]

[ The default voicemail message greets you. ]

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[420blazeit]

Information is a commodity here and you’re an audition, so that, there, is one reason you really can’t be trusted. Technically you’re on Azzy’s side, and we don’t know if that means you have to do things for him as part of the contract signed to get onto the prosecution. Im pretty sure we have a right to be wary.

I spoke to him about that part though, because I don’t think you’re the sort that would throw us under the bus… but I just hope I’m not be proven wrong, especially since Hurricane is thinking about sharing something really private and really important to him with you.

Is there a reason you’re keeping it a secret? Just trying to move on from all that?

[leaveofabsence]

Ah. I was not aware that such was the attitude toward the auditions. I will endeavor to treat matters of trust more diligently.

As to why I'm keeping it a secret---

Being Rex Lapis comes with a certain set of expectations - ones that I can no longer fulfill. My work is completed, and I have retired. That does not mean I wish to turn a blind eye to people's suffering - I just wish to address it as a mortal would rather than a god.

[420blazeit]

It’s… complicated. Keep this to yourself, but… I found out that several auditions murdered a former Liar host. She was well liked among the idols for helping us and, well, that wasn’t appreciated, obviously. Azzy wanted her to stay in her lane, so he had her… silenced. What Hurricane wants to share is exceedingly sensitive information, and I told him we can trust you. [ reaches for his hands. ] I shared something really difficult for me to talk about, something that now only two people in all of Tokyo-F know about, and because of how that conversation went I believed that I could trust you. Sharing your former identity means a lot. Even if you’ve moved on I appreciate it. I think this will help the three of us become closer in the long run, especially if you’re trying to get through to Hurricane in terms of how we want Heart to play. A- anyway, would you be amendable to speaking with the two of us?

[leaveofabsence]

Yes, of course. I take my responsibilities to Heart very seriously.

But - might I also ask a favor regarding my previous identity.

[420blazeit]

I'm all ears.

[leaveofabsence]

Sakura used to serve me. He entered into a contract with me after I freed him from his previous master's service. Since then, he has only known duty and responsibility.

I have not revealed who I am to him in the worry that he might fall back into these old patterns. I am not his lord here nor do I wish to be. I would like to get to know him as a friend and equal before letting our prior relationship be known. It is a selfish request - but I ask that especially in interactions with him that my past identity stay hidden.

I will broach the subject with him when I believe I am ready.

[420blazeit]

I can keep that much a secret. I feel like the amnesia part of this is, like, sometimes a blessing... though, can I like be honest with you for a second? I'm hoping he starts to open up a bit. He still seems pretty closed off and uber quiet. Not sure if that's how he was back home, but... [ shrugs. ] Anyway. I won't say anything and let me know if you need a hand or anything in regard to, well, anything. We're teammates and friends, right?

[leaveofabsence]

He's never had a chance to explore a life outside of his responsibilities. So this adjustment must be hard for him. Nor do I know how well is he fitting in with the rest of his unit as I only know Valour on Taisho.

[420blazeit]

I don't know much of Taisho all that well, so I can't offer insight. I hope he starts to open up... it'd be a nice second chance.

[leaveofabsence]

I agree.

So the best we can do for him right now is to give him both support and time to spread his own wings without influence.

[420blazeit]

Well if there's ever anything I can do for you or him don't hesitate to ask.

[leaveofabsence]

I assume you saw a memory of his then?

[420blazeit]

I did. Ah, the Rite of Parting I believe it was.

[leaveofabsence]

Over the years, Liyue has lost many of its guardian adepti. Those who were valiant and brave enough to defend our harbor with their dying breath.

It is not so different from how you protect Buscan, though I pray for a happy ending for your tale.

[420blazeit]

...h- hah. About that...

[leaveofabsence]

Yes...?

[420blazeit]

I died.

[leaveofabsence]

...

[ He reaches out to place a hand on her shoulder.

And while Zhongli has had much experience with consoling those left behind, he finds himself truly at a loss to be able to comfort someone who has passed on. ]

I am sorry...

[420blazeit]

It’s… not that big of a deal. It kind of totes came as a surprise, since, well, memory roulette and all, but… I died protecting Busan, so I can’t be mad about that.

[leaveofabsence]

Well I agree that your life was well lived in the protection of a home you loved, I must respectfully affirm that is indeed... as you call it "big deal."

The coming and passing of all life is very precious. And yours among them is included.

If you would allow me, might I prepare a Rite of Parting for the life that you left behind. I am quite knowledgeable on the subject as part of my previous occupation.

[420blazeit]

...ah, I... you don't have to do. [ but having some sort of ceremony might help the feelings she still has ( but pretends she doesn't ) about the entire thing. ] If you're sure it's not too much trouble, then I guess I don't mind.

[leaveofabsence]

Of course it is not too much trouble.

[ And he reaches for DVa's hands, giving them a little squeeze. ]

I would be honored to do this for you.

[420blazeit]

Thank you, Zhongli. I would really appreciate it then.

[leaveofabsence]

Can you tell me about the things you love then?

If not, I can attempt a guess and you can tell me if I am right or not.

[420blazeit]

Heart Soldier. Busan. Video Games. My Mech, Tokki. My old team from back home. I mean, h- hah, the list goes on and on.