July Event Log

[kaisoumods]

July Event
Dominant Element: Water
Waning Element: Fire

Full Moon: July 2nd - July 4th

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July comes to Kaisou and brings with two things: heat and rain, leaving the city a humid mess. Time to get dehumidifiers and make sure your AC works, because otherwise, you might just end up melting. The summer storms seem heavier and more frequent this year, with one occurring every couple days and lasting for several hours. All this rain is enough to flood basements and low areas. Wonderful.

Beat the Heat With the Power of Anime

Despite the miserable weather, it's still summertime in the city, so that means the city is alive with activity. With Kaisou being in America, you can fully expect the fourth of July celebrations to be in full swing during the first week of the month. Attend a barbeque or watch the firework show at the beach, which thankfully isn't rained out.

However if you want to go a little more nerd in your summertime celebrations - KaiCon, Kaisou's local anime con, is back in town! Normally, this would have been held in June, but thanks to the tornado last month, it got postponed. Held the week of July 16th, the convention brings in a ton of tourists both in and out of cosplay. There's lot of to do at the convention, from shopping for merchandise, trying Japanese foods, attending panels, entering cosplay competitions, and sitting in a ballpit. For once, those app users with odd changes or body parts won't stand out so badly!

Finally, if you're looking for a more educational way to pass the time, the Kaisou history museum is holding a special exhibit about artifacts from the ancient world. Throughout the exhibit are a collection of artifacts from the Ancient Greek era that are in remarkable condition. In fact, those with archeological training might find it a bit too remarkable, finding pieces in such a pristine condition. Those with a keen magical sense will detect energy signatures indicative of the Spirit Realm. There's even a few objects that hold curses from the Greek pantheon that could be triggered in the wrong hands.

Crystal Rain

It's never fun to be caught in a summer microburst. Even under normal circumstances, they will drench you within a minute and you can kiss any electronic device that hasn't been waterproofed goodbye. And unfortunately, thanks to the damage done to the Spirit Vein, these summertime annoyances have only gotten worse. While regular rain will still act normally, should you get caught in a microburst, you will find your limbs begin to stiffen as crystals begin to form on your skin. The longer you stay out in the crystal-inducing rain, the worse the effect will get and the harder you will find it to move around. Be careful not to let it get so bad that you're stuck as a crystal statue for a while.

Fortunately, the effects seem to be temporary. Once you get to a dry place and dry yourself off properly, the crystals will fall off and your limbs will return to their normal mobility range. While the plant life (which is still growing out of control) doesn't seem to be affected by the rain, animals caught in the microbursts do seem to be. It wouldn't be a bad idea to help out your fellow creature and help dry the crystals off their furs or feathers. As for the normal people, they don't seem to notice the actual crystalizing effect and will just blame any mobility issues on their muscles and bones not handling this rainy season well. Sure Jan.

Mysterious Fathoms Below

Blue Fish Lake has always been a decent sized lake. It's large enough to be a good place to take a take a boat onto it and spend the day fishing the healthy lake fish population. That said, it's not that big. You could always see the other side from the shore, and it's depth couldn't be more than thirty or so feet. A good sized lake, sure, but hardly one that's going to be in any record books anytime soon.

On the night of July 6th, there is an extremely heavy rain storm - one that stands out from the other storms throughout the month. Torrential rains and strong wind blast the city. Make sure not to drive through any standing water, as you might end up with your car getting submerged in water.The next morning, after the storm has cleared and people can begin to (relatively) dry off, there will be reports that not only has Blue Fish Lake flooded, but it's gotten much deeper from the rain. Thousands of feet deeper.

While the normal people in the city don't question why Blue Fish Lake is now as deep as the ocean, it's pretty easy for app users to conclude that there's no way a summer rain storm could cause Blue Fish Lake to get that much deeper. And Zodiac seems to agree, as on July 7th they send out a message over the Libra app.

ALERT: SPIRIT REALM GATE DETECTED IN BLUE FISH LAKE.
Element Classification: Water
Danger Level: High
Designation: Atlantis
Zodiac has detected a Spirit Gate within Blue Fish Lake. Early reports indicate that this may be the lost city of Atlantis and might be worth investigating. Please go to the Zodiac offices for more information.

Should you head to the Zodiac office, there's a sense of excitement in the air. After all, the lost city of Atlantis isn't something you happen upon every day. The (fuzzy) Professor is there, and he's more than happy to tell you what he knows about Atlantis: It was a country that the philosopher Plato wrote of, one that fell into the ocean thanks to its hubris. Since then, there's been loads of people throughout history who have attempted to locate where the lost city was at, though usually with no success. A Zodiac intern will chime in to add that even many paranormal-based researches suspected it to be nothing more than a fanciful story, what with how long it had been since it'd been supposedly sighted. So the chance to confirm that Atlantis really does exist? It truly is a once in a life time opportunity.

That said, there is the issue of how to get to that realm, with it being so deeply underwater. In order to pull it off, Zodiac has decided to pull some strings and use what resources they can afford. They've been able to get in contact with the Bermuda Brotherhood - a paranormal group that specializes in researching and safeguarding the Bermuda Triangle - and convinced them to loan Zodiac a submarine and crew. Black Order and POKEGO members may have heard of the Bermuda Brotherhood before. They have a reputation for being an ornery group that is extremely territorial about the Bermuda Triangle and, convinced it's the crown jewel of supernatural hotspots. Not bad people by any stretch, but could probably stand to go to shore and touch some grass. Still, eccentricities aside, there's no doubt they're experts on deep sea diving and you'll be in good hands.

Once you're done preparing, it's time to head off. Sitting in Blue Fish Lake is an old-timey-looking submarine. It wouldn't be far out of place in a Jules Verne novel. Ancient as it looks, this is everyone's ticket through the spirit gate, which is submerged under the lake. The geese are, naturally, furious about this, and can be seen swimming around it and occasionally pecking ineffectively at both it and the crew sent by Zodiac to man the damn thing. The sub is big enough to hold a decent number of people, and once everyone's aboard (after dodging any of the angry geese nearby) the sub descends under the waters of the lake.

The sub goes deeper and deeper, much deeper than any lake should be able to go. Seaweed starts to appear, jutting out through rocky outcrops as schools of fish hurry out of the submarine's wake. It's clear you are definitely no longer in a lake, but under the ocean depths. Deeper and deeper you go, as light fades from dappled rays to almost nothing. Eventually, the only lights around are those from the submarine itself, lighting the way down.

At some point in the journey a deep, guttural, pulsating call can be heard in the darkness. For a moment, you could be forgiven for thinking a whale is making the noise, but as it gets closer and closer, it's clear that this is something completely different. The lights of the sub sometimes catch a shadow on a rocky crag, before it vanishes once again. Eventually, though, whatever is stalking you makes an attack on the sub. The craft is suddenly and violently jarred to one side as something very large slams against it. If characters aren't holding onto something, they're going to hit the deck HARD. The crew starts panicking, rushing about trying to assess the damage as the sub is slammed into again, and at this point, the submarine is definitely taking on water. In a desperate attempt to save everyone, the captain orders the submarine through a tunnel in the rocks the lights have just glanced off. Thankfully, this works, and as the submarine moves into the tunnel, a current picks up the downed craft and pushes it through to the other side, where it breaks the surface of the water into a cavern. The submarine is seriously damaged, and the captain states it will take time to fix it. However, the cave does seem to have a way out, and it might well be worth exploring that while no one can go anywhere else.

The Lost City of Atlantis

Following the exit to the cave, you will find yourself entering a beautiful city. Ancient temples rise to the sky, with huge columns of stone decorating the entrances. It looks almost ancient Greek in origin, but not quite. Stranger still is that even though this looks like a city from ancient times, the people seem to enjoy many modern conveniences, magically powered by the crystals worn around their necks. The city runs in a circle, living and thriving. There are people here, who will happily welcome you to Atlantis- the first explorers that they have seen in...well, forever! If you squint and look to the very borders of the city, you can see stone monoliths holding up some invisible barrier. The ocean shifts behind it; fish and seaweed abound in an undersea world full of life. The people are excited to show you their city, though they come across as a very pious lot. If you comment on the city's beauty or vibrance, they downplay it, almost fearfully. If that strange behavior is brought up to them, they quietly point out that their pride and avarice is what angered the Gods enough to sink their city. They do not intend to incur the wrath of the Gods again.

Luckily, there is plenty for you to do in the city. You can eat almost wholly seafood-based meals from people only too happy to open their meals or food stalls to those explorers looking for a bite to eat. If you really want, you can go and get yourself a tattoo with glow-in-the-dark ink. If you request a tat of anything that existed after 1000 B.C, though, you will likely get very confused looks. Better stick to fish or Atlantean symbols. You can also get involved in crafting- though as might be expected, a lot of the crafts involve making fish spears or nets. Speaking of, natives will be glad to take you out on boats to the tranquil waters that surround the city, where there's plentiful fish and sea life to catch- you might even be able to catch your own meal! The natives will be very nervous about getting TOO close to the barrier, though, muttering that things have been unsettled with that as of late.

For the more academically minded, you can investigate the crystals all the Atlanteans wear around their necks. They are more than happy to hand one over to you to check out, explaining that the crystals were a gift from the Gods and were what allowed them to be such a thriving utopia in "the old days". For those with either an ability to sense or otherwise investigate the crystals, you will find them to be a perfect blend of magic and an unknown, almost alien technology. You will find that the crystals power everything - from lights, to starting fires, to boat engines, to even acting as a magic translator (just in case you were wondering how they speak English). You can also use them to power stone, fish-shaped vehicles, which you can ride somewhat like a motorcycle. These fly into the air, giving you a chance to view the city from above.

Unfortunately those hoping to find reading material will be out of luck. While the most important events are recorded through murals and stone tablets, scholars will explain that the humidity from being under the ocean makes preserving paper basically impossible. As such, most of their stories are pass down through the oral tradition, with storytellers and theater performers being treated with reverence. You'll be welcome to attend any storytellers performance if you wish to hear about tales of Atlantean history. If you're more interested in the arts, Atlantean theater offers a wide variety of plays- so long as you don't mind all of them being morality plays about the virtues of being pious.

Meanwhile, members of the Black Order who are keeping a watchful eye will notice that somehow they acquired an extra person that wasn't on the submarine. As it turns out, a curator from Kaisou Museum has been using one of the magic stripper poles from the Goodwill to go into different Spirit Realms and grab up relics to put into the museum. The Ancient Greek relics in his exhibit now? Were lifted from the tear Ash was dragged through last month. The curator seems to have no regard for the actual safety or origin of the items, rather just grabbing whatever he thinks would attract visitors. The Black Order will need to figure out how to deal with this man, and return any unsafe items back to the Spirit Realm where they belong.

The Price of Hubris

Once you have enjoyed the city and gotten to know the people well enough, they will lead you to the tribal council, leaders of the city who watch over all that occurs within. They explain that there have been breaks happening in the barrier which blocks Atlantis from the ocean- that leaks have been appearing, and they are worried if this continues, the city will once again sink, and this time the Gods will not protect them.

Finally, with the blessing of the elders, some of the native Atlanteans will take you to the borders of the city. You can see for yourself small cracks in the barrier, water leaking through them. Some have been hastily patched with pitch or mortar, but it's clear this will not hold forever. The people are frightened - they've been so careful, so pious. They've been sure to never let their pride overtake them again, and yet it feels like the Gods are threatening to finish the job. They will allow you to explore, explaining there are some ancient parts of the city they will not go near as they are blessed ground to Atlanteans, but perhaps outsiders would be able to go there.

The "blessed ground" ends up being an ancient cave, untouched for millennia. Ancient texts are stored here, as are cave paintings, made with the same glow-in-the-dark ink that is used for tattoos these days. While you look through the cave, it's clear that things were put here to be hidden away; to avoid, like a dirty secret. Eventually, once you put enough clues together, you learn that "the Gods" did not sink Atlantis, nor did they give the Atlanteans the crystals that they're so proud of. The Crystals were plundered from the Spirit Realm by the Atlanteans themselves. Taken and crafted for their own use, to power their cities and give them an upper hand against the rest of the world. Unfortunately, the Spirit Realm is temperamental and prone to taking back what belongs to it. When it reached out to reclaim the crystals, it took the whole city with it, pulling it into the realm the crystals originated from. It was the ancient Atlanteans' own magictech that saved them, the barriers they'd built against potential invaders sealing them safely from the oceanic Spirit Gate that swallowed them whole.

Battle with Leviathan

As you exit the cave with all this newfound knowledge, the barrier is SHAKEN by another shockwave. This time, however, you're close enough to see what's caused it. This is no act of the Gods either. A huge sea serpent is slamming against the barrier, full of snarling, frothing rage. Get close to the city and the Atlanteans will offer a terrified explanation- that is the Leviathan, a sea monster which has haunted their city since it "sank". You realize quickly this is what attacked your sub when you were coming to the city in the first place. The Atlanteans say it was only a threat to anyone trying to leave the city previously, making it impossible to explore outside their literal bubble. It's never attacked them directly like this before, and they don't understand the change in behavior.

Regardless of what can be causing the increased aggression, this needs to be dealt with, or Atlantis really will be sunk beneath the waves. The Atlanteans luckily do have a means to breathe underwater- thanks to the crystals, they have invented a breathing mask to allow you to breathe underwater for about an hour at a time. They could never use it to truly escape the city thanks to the Leviathan's presence, and they were too fearful of it to actually attempt to fight it. But now you're all here, and maybe things can be different! Maybe you can be rid of the creature for good!

If you head to the cave where you originally entered, you will find the captain still working on the sub. He explains it's not ready yet- but you have other fish to fry. Literally. Using the flying fish vehicles, you drive into the water and use the apparatus to follow the tunnel out into the open ocean again, where the Leviathan is waiting for you. You will have to be able to swim and fight at the same time, and if you're a fire user ... well, good luck. The creature puts up one hell of a fight - it's fast and it's HUGE. Easily fifty feet in length. It can churn the water around it, sending out blasts of the stuff like aquatic projectiles. It will not be an easy battle at all. During the fight, you might notice it stop to swallow a discarded crystal- it seems this is what the creature feeds on, which would also explain the attacks on the city itself. Either way, it will give no ground, and you will have to work together to dispatch it for good.

Aftermath

Once the waters have settled and the Leviathan has been defeated, the barriers will slowly begin to show signs of repair. The Atlantean elders are surprised by the revelations of what actually caused their downfall, and they will request discretion as they sort out how to go about telling their people (after all, news on this scale could completely undo their way of life). Should you ignore their request and tell the population on your own, you can expect Atlantis to experience several instances of unrest throughout the month.

Either way, the people of Atlantis will be thankful for your help. The elders will grant you permission to keep your own power crystals, should you wish. Which leaves characters with a choice. A magic energy source like this could easily give you the power you need to build your own version of the Libra app, and even break free from relying on Zodiac or any other faction. However, if not handled carefully... these could drag all of Kaisou into the Spirit Realm, just like Atlantis.

It's not an easy decision to make, so characters should probably talk it over with one another before deciding.

No matter what you decide, the submarine will be repaired and ready to go within a few days. Once everyone returns to the surface, with the waters now safer, the city of Atlantis will be available to visit for the rest of the month before it disappears back into the dark oceans of the Spirit Realm.

OOC Notes

The dominant element this month is Water! Anyone with an affinity to the water element will find themselves boosted throughout the month. This could mean a boost to their power, having more energy, feeling more inspired with creativity, having better luck on different attempts -- the boost can manifest in all sorts of different ways. By contrast, anyone with an affinity for Fire will be experiencing the opposite. Perhaps their powers will be weaker, they have less energy, they're having a creative block or general worse luck - again it can manifest in all sorts of way and players are free to play with this mechanic as they'd like.

NOTE REGARDING THE POWER SOURCE: Whether characters decide to take the Atlanteans offer on the power source will have lasting consequences in the game, as such this will be put up to a vote among players that'll be open until July 12th. The vote can be found over here.

The original OOC plotting post for this event can be found here. Another Zodiac Post will be going up July 15th to serve as an intro post for new characters and allow characters to react to developments over the network.

Comments

[lapislazily]

[He makes a sound like a snort, but his tail curls at the compliment anyway.] I simply didn't wear clothes that got in my way. [Menogias definitely helped on the fashion front, but that was later...]

I— [That tail now goes taptaptaptaptap, giving his embarrassment away.] It was difficult not to, with how you played the cello during the shows last month.

[venti_late]

[It's adorable how unintentionally more expressive Zhongli is as a dragon.]

If it wasn't you saying that, I'd say they were a liar.

[Venti is so amused by this.]

Yeah, and that was before I got my leylines, which I haven't even showed you yet. So, you most definitely noticed and committed it to memory when I was in full Barbatos glory, riiiiight?

[lapislazily]

I'm not sure if that is a compliment...

[Then he just has to walk right into Venti's trap. Whoops.]

I never forget a face, and your leylines are very distinctive. Your appearance at that time was certainly fetching; the sight of you in the sky was not unlike that of a rare and beautiful bird.

[If you're going to rope him into complimenting you, you'd better be able to take it.]

[venti_late]

[This little—]

There you go with your pretty yet heartfelt words. You know how to make a guy feel cherished with that honesty of yours.

[He's fondly and playfully exasperated, but there's sincerity behind his words. Zhongli is perfectly capable of lifting people up or cutting them down without even reaching for a weapon. Just sometimes it's unintentional one way or another. Venti carefully scitches behind his friend's mane.]

Whether on land or in sky, the dragon goes with grace. Copper of scale and amber of eye, he's beautiful and divine. He has such a gentle embrace, yet it's his smile that's sweeter than any wine.

[Venti grins, the dark clouds of his melancholy swept away. Even if it's only for now, he feels like he can face this hurdle in small steps rather than be overwhelmed by it.]

[lapislazily]

[Zhongli feels so pampered right now. Scritches in just the right places, and a bard composing poetry? He's not a king anymore, it's ridiculous, but he soaks it all up anyway.]

I could never hope to match your mastery of the written word, [he murmurs so only Venti can hear.] If anyone is to feel cherished at the moment, it must be me, with sonnets filling my ears and the softest hands on my scales.

[Something lingers between them, unspoken. He won't acknowledge it, not in its entirety, but—]

Do you know how long it has been since I imagined a future without the chains that bind me? [By itself, the question could be almost treasonous against the Order, but...] Yet I find myself thinking of it more and more. No matter the backdrop my imagination provides, one thing stays the same: I am at your side, always.

[His tail curls around the closest wrist.]

I would be there, if you would have me.

[venti_late]

[Venti's more than happy to treat this silly dragon like the king he is. Though, considering who the bard is at heart, it won't be as a sycophant, at least.]

Good, because I do cherish you.

[This should be quite obvious, but this is Zhongli. Sometimes, he needs it spelled out for him.

The bard is quiet for a moment as he considers the meaning behind the dragon's words. He gently strokes the scales on Zhongli's back, but pauses as his friend's tail wraps around the wrist of his free hand. His green eyes seem to soften.]

I'd imagine it's been too long since the copper dragon dreamed of freedom. The nightmares of his containment have surely kept him awake at night, and the sweeter dreams have been few and far between, I bet.

[Venti smiles gently as he now rubs his finger gently between Zhongli's horns.]

I swore on the sun, the moon, and the stars that I'd be with you always. When you're ready, I'll be here, waiting for you to join me so we can take your next journey together.

[lapislazily]

[That... is very sweet. His amber eyes pop open to watch Venti. As a dragon it's difficult to discern his expression. However, given that he's still purring lowly and half-wrapped around his friend, he seems happy.]

Sweet dreams have been rare, but they are all the more valuable in his mind. Visions of walking along the cobbles and the canals, to soaring ever upward in a distant sky... All that is ephemeral continues to shine in his memory, bringing him comfort when he is apart from his loved ones.

[Oh no. Oh no. He can't help closing his eyes again, and he relaxes his hold on Venti's wrist in favor of stretching aaaaaaaaaaaaall the way out. He was a noodle before, but now he is a relaxed noodle.]

Together, [he echoes, his voice sounding distant and a touch sleepy to his own ears.] I... hope that day comes soon.

[There is so much he wants to tell Venti, but he doesn't feel like he can even hope to begin when he's still involved in the Black Order. He pauses... and finds some words, heartfelt and quietly determined.]

I cannot abandon the people who look to me for protection. So, please wait a little longer, and watch over me. Perhaps you will witness what the God of Freedom can inspire in others.

[venti_late]

[Venti does love to see a happy dragon.]

Mm... sounds almost exactly like my dreams. Who knew I'd have so much in common with the dragon? But in my dreams, I sometimes see myself flying with a dragon of copper. Maybe that one will become a reality someday.

[He can't help giggling as he sees Zhongli stretch his small noodle body completely out. The dragon is absolutely the most catlike creature the bard's ever met.]

So do I, mein Schatzdrache.

[Oh. He's a little surprised by that. Yet, that spark of determination and rebellion within his friend does make his heart soar. Venti grins at him.]

Hehe, I look forward to seeing what freedom means for the God of Contracts. But I have patience for you. However long it takes, I'll wait for you and sing outside your window until you finally come out to greet your favorite bard.

[lapislazily]

[Zhongli does remember flying in the skies with the wind spirit, very very very far back. It's an interesting feeling. His memory is perfect and always has been, even in this life, so it feels as any memory should. But Zhongli is a flightless dragon; he's never once been able to fly in his serpentine form in this life, and he doesn't know if he'll ever be able to...

He'd like to, though. Much as he'd like to shift back into his more humanoid form and wrap his arms around Venti right now. But that would probably startle the both of them and be very ungraceful, so he'll remain a dragon. For now.

When he's called that term of endearment, he opens his eyes again and looks up at Venti. The next time the dark-haired man gets his hand close for petting, he might feel a brief snakey tongue dart out over his knuckles.]

I'll endeavor not to ignore the wind this time, especially if it sings so sweetly.

[He makes his way down into Venti's lap with gentle little steps of his draconic paws, soft but sure like a cat, and coils up.]

You should drink your tea before it gets cold, [he murmurs.]

[venti_late]

[It's a pity that Zhongli has a sense of decorum while Venti doesn't. The bard isn't one to shy away from a good-looking man with mutual attraction falling into his lap, so to speak. On the other hand, as he reaches back to pet the dragon again, getting a little dragon kiss to his knuckles more than makes up for it.]

If the songs carried on the wind help to bring the dragon sweet dreams, I'll be his free-spirited little nightingale. I've that heard from an old storyteller that their songs are healing.

[He still remembers that story. How can Venti not when his power to heal through music is what inspired Zhongli to tell him it in the first place?

The bard almost, almost squeals in delight as Zhongli coils up in his lap, but he refrains. Only barely. Venti grins brightly as he gives his friend a final scritch behind his mane before going to finish his tea... and feeds Zhongli some apple slices before they go brown. He won't touch the scones since that might get crumbs on his poor lap dragon.]

Mm, just one last thing, Zhong. Do you mind if I carry you back inside?

[For once, he's asking, which likely indicates that he still wants Zhongli to stay a dragon for a little longer.]

[lapislazily]

[He's not expecting that reference to the old Hans Christian Andersen tale, but it's apt. Zhongli and Venti have told each other their fair share of stories, and he hopes to hear many more now that they're together again.] A storyteller, hmm? He was quite right. [He sounds amused.] A song as beautiful as yours will surely be all that this dragon needs.

[He wriggles pleasantly at the mane-scratching, which is just in the perfect place to make him scrunch his shoulders and relax a bit more. He enjoys this moment. A warm lap (and beaming that warmth right back at Venti), a gorgeous wind spirit feeding him apples and petting him... yeah he has zero complaints with his treatment at Spa de Venti, here.

Aww. He wants to carry him? Well, as long as Venti isn't about to yeet him off the side of the building, Zhongli won't say no. He appreciates the asking, though.]

By all means. If you wish to warm up, the fireplace is very warm once it gets going. I have spare blankets and pillows I can give you.

[He's offering to make a nest, awww.]

[venti_late]

[Venti just giggles at that.

He's always happy to pamper Zhongli in his dragon form when he can. Even though the brunet has never needed to be protected, Venti's always tried his best to do so whenever his friend takes on this smaller form. Granted, Zhongli still has his ways of defending the bard even like this, though he was a lot more aggressive about it back when they first met.

The black-haired man perks up at the mention of blankets and pillows.]

A fire sounds too warm right now, but I'm game to make a nest! I'll help you clean this up later.

[He gathers Zhongli's noodly self into his arms and walks back into the apartment, closing the door behind them. Venti gathers up some pillows and blankets to make a suitable nest, but it's a lot smaller than it should be for a person. It's more Zhongli's current size than accounting for Venti's. After he sets his friend down in the nest, the bard takes a step back and smiles.]

I think I'll get some practice in!

[That's about the only warning the dragon gets before teal light engulfs Venti's form. It practically melts away into a breeze before finally revealing a little wind sprite. Venti hops over to Zhongli and makes himself comfortable against the copper dragon.]

Hehe, you have to admit that I'm still cute even in this form!

[His voice quality sounds distinctly like Venti, but literally breezier.]

[lapislazily]

[He definitely got confused for Venti's pet lizard more than once. Or his pet snake. Honestly, people don't really look very hard, do they? It doesn't matter. The people who got bit deserved it.]

I find the rug to be very comfortable.

[He notices how small the nest is, and he's considering asking about it when Venti sets him down. Even a blockhead like him can see where this is going. Half-blinded by the transformation, he squints a bit even as he unfurls to welcome Venti into the cuddle nest. Then he nestles his tail around the wind sprite comfortably.]

Indeed you are. You had best be careful, or some other dragon may come along and eat you.

[That's a joke.]

[venti_late]

Of course you do.

[It's said fondly. Venti finds this habit endearing.

The little wind sprite is very happy to have a tail around him. He feels safe like this. Safe, warm, and comfortable. With prime cuddling real estate like Zhongli, Venti can definitely get used to this form more easily with this as a huge upside. At the being eaten comment, he just giggles.]

Good thing I have a dragon to protect me from other people's cuteness aggression, then! You wouldn't leave little ole me to my fate, would you?

[lapislazily]

[He strokes the wisp's head with the fuzzy end of his tail. This is pretty nice, too. Of course he still allows for some time with Xiao like this to help with any issues he might have with his true form, but it's nice to cuddle Venti too.]

Not in a thousand thousand years.

Perhaps it's because I am a dragon [he doesn't sound convinced] but I am loathe to part with the most spectacular treasure I have ever beheld.

[venti_late]

[The tail tickles him a little, so there's definitely a giggle that sounds more like whistling wind. Venti bonks his head in gentle affection against Zhongli's side.]

Aww, Zhong! Lucky me that wind spirits don't blush! [Yet, he'll move the wind so that it brushes against the dragon's cheek like a caress. Zhongli has never been so spectacularly unsubtle, but maybe that's a good sign right now.] I've always appreciated you looking out for me like that, I hope you know. Though, I'm also glad you don't bite as many people nowadays.

[lapislazily]

[The... the loving bonk... He can't help it, he has to lift his head and bonk right back. As he feels the wind caress his face, he starts up another low, rumbly purr that can be felt. Zhongli confirmed for cat.]

I like to think I've simmered down somewhat in my old age. Still, if I have ever bitten anyone, it was entirely preventable on their part.

[venti_late]

[It's hard to express delight as a wind sprite, so he just kicks his tiny feet gently. This is the best Venti's got!]

So, you're still a feral dragon, but a lot quieter about it nowadays. That's what I'm hearing!

[Venti settles down, though. After everything happening the past few months, he just wants a good nap.]

Well, this has been an emotional rollercoaster. I think I'm due for a nap, and on a dragon who's comfier than any bed I've ever slept in.

[lapislazily]

[God damn that's adorable.]

Perhaps, perhaps not. [He wouldn't call himself feral so much as effective, but maybe not the right time for that conversation.]

Today has been quite an adventure... You're safe here, so stay as long as you need.

[He uses his mouth to tug a very light throw blanket over the top of them both, though he leaves Venti's face free.]

Get some rest.

[venti_late]

[It's absolutely feral, you old bitey lizard.]

Of course I'm safe. You're here. Between you and Xiao, I'm the safest bard in the world.

[Venti makes himself comfortable as he makes a soft noise of agreement. His eyes close, and the little wind sprite is asleep within mere seconds.]

[lapislazily]

[Zhongli does as he says, keeping watch as Venti falls fast asleep. Which happens way faster than he's expecting-- but that's fine. It just goes to show how much the bard has been pushing himself for these past few weeks. Secure in the knowledge that his dearest friend has found some peace for the moment, the old dragon eventually lets himself drift as well.]