Ajax trudged down a familiar path, his steps slow and heavy. He paid no mind to the people giving him a wide berth, nor the wary and disapproving glances sent his way. What did they know? How could they possibly understand what went on inside his mind, or the weight of duty and honor that he bore on his shoulders? The path soon led him to a building that was oh so familiar to him. The funeral parlor, the place where Zhongli, his former friend, worked. Ajax approached the building, his heart heavy with mixed emotions.
He paused outside the doors, memories flooding his mind. How long had it been since he had seen Zhongli, truly seen him, not just as a friend? The last time they had spoken, their conversation had been brief and strained, the weight of Zhongli's betrayal hanging heavily in the air. Ajax knew why Zhongli had done it, had even understood it on some level, but it did nothing to quell the resentment and hurt that burned within him.
Ajax hesitated with knocking on the double doors of the parlor when he heard a voice all to familiar say
"Ah Childe how are you this fine day?"