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The first time Zhongli sees Kaeya Alberich, he freezes. Because there, inside one exposed eye is the star of Khaenri'ah
The memory is old and faded, of a kingdom long forgotten by gods and time, of a city damned to darkness, beyond the reach of the seven. Hubris having long decimated a nation.
And yet -and yet- here it is, a survivor, one who escaped the utter desecration of his city. Who’s still alive who bears the blessing of Barbados, who is safe and well and sane and hasn’t fallen to the curse laid upon his people.
When Zhongli sees Kaeya Alberich, the last living descendent of Khaenri'ah. He wraps him in his arms and weeps.
He weeps for the lost souls, for what this beautiful hatchling had to endure because of their failings- his failings.
Zhongli promises to protect Kaeya, to care for him.
When Kaeya is swept up into a former Archons arms and held fast. He panics.
He freezes up and thinks to himself “This is where I die, I’m sorry, Father.” Hes scared, scared that this God will smite him for the sins of his nation.
“ It’s no less than I deserve “he tells himself. To die like the traitor he is.
And he prepares himself for death
Only it never comes, he is not struck down like the monster his is so desperately trying not to become. He is not killed for the lack of humanity he fought so hard to gain.
He is held gently, as if he were the most precious thing in Tevayat.
The former god whispers to him
“Thank Celesta that you survived, thank every power above that you lived.”
And Kaeya is confused. He doesn’t understand why he hasn’t been smited for his sins.
He expected a reaction like Diluc’s with fire and sword, burned hair and scared hands. Not this, held and treasured and loved.
His very soul shuddered, Kaeya felt safe for the first time since he stepped onto Teyvat’s soil.