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It wasn’t as if they were a well-kept secret within Natlan. Wherever Kinich went, Ajaw would follow. That was how it always was. Even in battle, there was Kinich and Ajaw, rarely ever apart.
Sometimes he was in his smaller form, floating around and being a nuisance towards anyone and everyone. If it was too bright out, after the first wave of war from the Abyss, he would at least float closer to Kinich with his sunglasses, even when Kinich would bat him away.
“Thought I couldn’t borrow those.” He would smirk.
“Oh please, with your delicate human eyes? You probably need these at night too, the moon might be too bright!” Ajaw would snark back.
That form made things easier. Kinich could get his commissions for the day, gather up anything needed from within the Canopy proper, then head out without much fuss, once Chief Wayna was through making sure he was still alive that is. Of course he was, and anything that implied his health was less than stellar was met with protests and angry red pixels.
Easily ignorable. Though if Ajaw floated even closer to Kinich as he sulked, no one would comment if the hunter seemed just a bit happier at the closeness. And that always brought whispers.
After all, it wasn’t as if Kinich took the company of anyone else. And it was well known Ajaw had other forms.
There was his unsealed form. Rather, a smaller version of it. Small was relative though, he still stood a good meter and a half over Kinich on his back paws. Larger than any Saurian. The black and green dragon usually only showed up if a commission led to a heavy fight. Or if he was particularly grumpy.
Grumpy, or possessive.
Ajaw’s part in the first wave months ago was no secret either. Kinich had been injured, unable to continue fighting or even moving all that much. It was the first time many people saw that dragon form in full action, easily moving around and taking out any of the Abyss that dared to get close to him and Kinich.
Not to mention growling and snarling at any doctor that tried to come near to help him afterwards. Kinich was thankful that Mavuika and Aether were able to distract him long enough for him to be seen to. It was nothing overly major, nothing a few weeks of rest couldn’t fix, much to Kinich’s dismay. He never did like bedrest orders. He was always active, nearly always in motion going from commission to commission.
It gave Ajaw reason to be unsealed more often. Though, for all his threats of destroying Natlan if he were unsealed completely, most of his days in that green and black form were spent at Kinich’s side. Even helping with restoring some of what the Abyss had destroyed. Granted, there were selfish reasons for it.
“The sooner it’s done, the sooner everyone leaves.” Ajaw had muttered, his tail lashing in agitation.
Kinich gave no comment, knowing it would lead to Ajaw’s stubbornness winning out over his selfishness and setting the work back another week or so. He would take his frustrations out on any poor boar that happened to be their dinner for a few days.
It was one other thing about Ajaw’s larger form. He preened far too much whenever he was providing for Kinich. Head held high with smugness and wings arched as claws made short work of cutting the meat into edible parts. Berries were easy for him to get too, as were grainfruit. And his tail would thump the ground happily whenever Kinich ate without protest.
Only for that happiness to turn to grumpiness again the second Ifa would point out humans need more variety. Not that Kinich really cared for variety. He lived mostly off of what he was able to hunt and grow himself. That was how life had always been for him, it worked out just fine. Anything extra usually went to Ajaw.
At least, it had. Until Ajaw took full offense to the implication that he wasn’t taking care of Kinich well enough. If Kinich saw one more unique dish Ajaw somehow talked the Traveler into showing him, he was going to leave and live off of berries for a week.
Of course, it wasn’t the unsealed dragon form that cooked those dishes.
Ajaw had a third form. And fourth, technically. One that looked similar to Kinich, with blond hair, sky-blue and orange undertones, red and blue eyes with yellow pupils. A yellow hoodie with black shirt underneath it. And, of course, sunglasses. There were some differences though, somedays the form came with a yellow and green striped tail, the tip of it an obsidian black color. On top of his head sat two sharp black horns, curved back and pointed upwards, a green stripe going down each of them.
A half-Saurian form, and a human form.
Both came with very sharp teeth.
Ajaw had shown off that form in the first wave too. Kinich was injured, unable to fight. Even with the Ode active, the intense look Ajaw had given him kept him at the stadium, the final line of defense against anything trying to break into the makeshift infirmary there as well as the messenger between the doctors and anyone on the outside.
Of course, it hadn’t just been a look. The bruising, biting, claiming kiss had left him breathless before Ajaw had taken Earth Shaker and ran off, leaving Kinich’s other weapon with him. Their styles of fighting were so similar that no one thought twice of Ajaw being out there instead of him.
And while he had been out there, Kinich was left with his own thoughts.
“We need to renegotiate.” Ajaw had murmured before leaving.
Nothing in their original contract took into consideration the two of them becoming mates . But the mark against Kinich’s neck, and the ring on Ajaw’s right ring finger were unmistakable. The two didn’t need to talk about it, other than that quiet confirmation shared between them one night. Under the full moon, hidden away from everyone and everything. And when the night was over, Kinich was left looking at his reflection in the nearby stream, gently washing off the mark that would never fade away, planning on asking Xilonen for a commission on something of great importance. After Ifa was done scolding them both to the ends of Teyvat for setting Kinich’s recovery back a few days.
From then on, it was impossible to find one of them without the other. The whispers from the Scions of the Canopy reached far and wide whenever they would see the Hunter and the Dragonlord. It became increasingly clear that commissioning the Saurian Hunter meant having the cost judged not only by him, but by Ajaw as well.
And if the price wasn’t right, or anyone tried to deceive them, well. Not even Chief Wayna could save the unfortunate soul that crossed them.
It was one of those commissions that had Kinich thinking about how things had changed. A dangerous one that had him tracking a Vishap that had somehow strayed into Natlan. On its own it would have just required monitoring. But there had been concern about what could happen if it met a Koholasaur. Researchers from Natlan and Sumeru’s Akademiya were concerned about cross-breeding potential or if the Vishap could be a great threat to the more docile Saurians.
It wasn’t a danger to the Saurians. But it was a danger to the Saurian Hunter. Kinich winced, his movements measured as he tugged his sword out of the beast’s throat. The hit hadn’t killed it, but it had slowed it enough for Ajaw to finish the job.
“Abyss-damned creature.” Ajaw spat at it, landing next to Kinich with a snarl. He crowded in close, that large muzzle poking and prodding at Kinich as he growled. “How bad is it?”
“Not as bad as before.” Kinich shrugged, his weapon vanishing with a flourish of pixels. The Vishap had gotten a lucky hit on his leg, it was going to be one massive bruise from the beast’s tail. He could still work through the pain of it without being compromised. “We should get the body to the researchers. Maybe something about it can give some insight on why it’s all the way out here, I think this breed is more native to Fontaine?”
There were waterways that connected Natlan to Fontaine, of course. But never in his lifetime had Kinich heard of a Vishap actually traveling through them so far. He crouched down, looking at the beast again. It appeared healthy from the outside. No dulling of the scales to say it traveled due to poor diet in its natural habitat, nor any heavy scars that would imply it was chased out. He was no expert, but its outward appearance seemed to be that of a healthy juvenile beast.
“It is weird it’s all the way up here… not from Fontaine either.” Ajaw agreed, sniffing the corpse before snorting and shaking his head. “Doesn’t smell sick to me. Smells like death , but that’s it.”
Kinich hummed, double checking the beast was certainly dead before opening its mouth. “Adult teeth, I think, if they’re like Koholasaurs. So doubtful it migrated here with a family unit, wherever it came from.” He frowned.
Something was off. There was no reason for the beast to be so far south. More than that, how had it gone undetected until that point? The waters around the Stadium flowed through multiple tribe territories and the Vishap hadn’t been stationary. There was something more going on.
And how Kinich hated being right. Footsteps approaching them made him stand up, Ajaw looking with a bored disinterest as company arrived. “Tch, that thing wasn’t enough to take you out?”
Kinich raised an eyebrow. Ah, so that was what was going on. “I’ve done something to piss you off? Might want to get in line, I have plenty of people upset at my prices, but I think they’re rather fair.” He said, crossing his arms.
“Oh please! How did some feral freak like you get an ancient name?” It was someone from the Canopy, a person Kinich didn’t know well personally, but he recognized the anger in his eyes. Many had finally accepted that he was worthy of the Malipo name, but there were still others who thought otherwise. Ones who didn’t like him for any number of reasons. Because he was an outsider, because while he was a part of the Scions of the Canopy, he wasn’t at the same time, because he gave little room in ways of commissions taken and prices set.
Some because of the Dragonlord who was eyeing the man and his friends dangerously. They saw him as just a Saurian Relic. A prize to win, and Kinich had possession of the prize for the moment.
Unfortunately for them, he was rather attached to his mate. Just as Ajaw was to him. But people figured it would be too easy to win Ajaw over. Just kill Kinich, and to the victor goes the spoils.
Unfortunately for them, Kinich wasn’t the one to watch out for.
“So you set loose a Vishap smuggled into Natlan, then convinced Chief Wayna I needed to investigate it, and thought it would kill me. For a variety of reasons, I assume? My prices? Me just breathing? Or Ajaw?”
The man smirked, nodding to the researcher from Sumeru. “There’s plenty of people in that desert that would pay a pretty sum of Mora for that thing. And frankly, you parading around with an ancient name and the Relic is pitiful. A mutt like you should know your place, far away from the Canopy! They’d pay a good price for you too!”
Kinich thought for a moment, if it was worth continuing the conversation. They had the Vishap, which he was sure many actual scholars would love to see. And even with the bodyguard the researcher had brought along, and taking into account Kinich’s own injury, there wouldn’t be much of a fight. He crossed his arms. “Unfortunately for your buyers, I’m married.”
He looked up, seeing a flash of smugness on Ajaw’s face. “Ajaw? I think this commission is done. So now, you can take your payment from these men.” Kinich gestured towards them, turning away and walking back over to the Vishap.
“With pleasure.”
It was nothing he hadn’t heard before. Ajaw’s growl, the panicked backpedaling of words. The screams that would be cut off quickly to avoid attracting attention. He was far more interested in studying the Vishap himself for a little longer. It wasn’t as if he had seen them up close before. The images Aether brought when he spoke of his travels didn’t do it justice.
He stayed alert while Ajaw did his portion of the work, smiling faintly when he caught a few pairs of small eyes peering out at him from one of the bushes nearby. “You can come over. This one is dead, but it’s good for you to know the scent. It’s dangerous.” He said as two tiny Yumkasaur came out of the bushes.
There was a larger one nearby, hissing at the Vishap. But she settled down when it didn’t react, going back to her own grazing as the hatchlings inspected it. Kinich moved over, blocking their view of Ajaw as they did. “It’s interesting, this area is better suited for you two. But this Vishap managed to survive about two weeks out here, if sightings are to be believed. It might be safer if your family moved further up the cliffs, however.”
“They’ll be safe here. The area reeks of Vishap, but just the one.”
Kinich looked up as Ajaw walked over, running a bloodied hand through his blond hair, leaving streaks of red through it as he sighed. “Geeze, those three weren’t even the effort. Mate, I want a better meal when we get home!” He complained.
“Their souls that bad?” Kinich asked, standing up.
“That bland ,” Ajaw grimaced, “the researcher had some documents on him too. Sumeru Akademiya might want them back.”
Kinich nodded. He would talk to Mavuika about going to deliver them himself. “We’ll have to bring word that they managed to smuggle a Vishap here as well. I doubt this came from Sumeru.”
“Not Liyue either. Someone really wanted you dead, it smells like Electro and sakura petals, that’s Inazuma. Doesn’t smell like Fontaine and their damp moss stench.” Ajaw almost sounded impressed, if it wasn’t for the possessive growl that followed his words.
He crowded into Kinich’s space, chest pressed against his back and chin resting on his shoulder. His arms wound around Kinich’s waist, the silver band of his ring cool against Kinich’s skin where his shirt was riding up. Ajaw gave a short growl at the whelps, sending them scurrying back to their mother.
“They were just curious.” Kinich said, leaning back against Ajaw. “In case anyone else tries to let one loose around here, it’s good they know the scent.”
“If anyone tries, I’ll just eat them.” Ajaw yawned. “Should’ve dragged it out more for what they said about you.” He added with a rumbling growl, turning his head to nose at the collar of Kinich’s shirt.
It was impressive how he could get it to move so easily like that, giving him access to the mark on Kinich’s neck. The possessive way he bit lightly at it made Kinich realize what exactly had ticked off his mate. “You know I wouldn’t go with them. I meant what I said to them, I’m happily married.” He brought a hand up to card through Ajaw’s hair, uncaring of the sticky wetness there.
“Good.” Ajaw mumbled, not moving away until the mark was renewed to his standards. He turned smug once again, nuzzling against Kinich’s neck with a satisfied growl. It wasn’t enough for his mark to be on his mate, he had to make sure Kinich smelled like him too.
“Brat.” There was affection in his tone, Kinich letting Ajaw support most of his weight through the scenting. “Come on, we have to report to Chief Wayna, then to Mavuika.”
He didn’t adjust the collar of his shirt back, leaving the mark on display. Maybe it would serve as a good reminder to everyone just how serious the two were, since the ring Ajaw wore alone didn’t seem to cut it from the man’s words from before.
Chief Wayna said nothing, but the amused look in his eyes told Kinich everything he needed to know. The amusement turned to concern as Kinich explained everything to him though. “Are you both alright?”
“We’re fine. Though it may be best to keep an eye on the waterways that come from the north.” Kinich admitted to him, gesturing to the corpse Ajaw had carried back. “This one was from Inazuma, but there is a chance others could migrate down, something we haven’t really taken into account.”
“Yes, you’re right.” The Chief nodded. “Thank you, Kinich. And I’m sorry for the trouble.”
Kinich shrugged. It wasn’t anything he wasn’t used to. And nothing he couldn’t handle. “Ajaw took care of it. They paid the right price for their crimes.”
The amusement was back then. “Oh I’m sure he did. Congrats, by the way.”
Kinich sighed as Ajaw straightened up next to him proudly. Like a preening Yumkasaur. He wasn’t any better when they went to see Mavuika either.
“So someone snuck a Vishap into Natlan, and used it to try and kill you… because of Ajaw and your name.” Mavuika sighed, sitting on the edge of her desk and shaking her head. “You’ve more than proven your right to hold the name. And you’re the only one who can handle Ajaw. How did they think things would go?”
“That I would either die or be taken out of the picture by leaving Natlan.” Kinich rolled his eyes. The more he said it, the less sense the plan made.
“They figured you’d make a good wife if you weren’t a stain on the ground.” Ajaw drawled with a lazy smirk. “They were right, and they had to die for it. Trying to touch my wife.”
Mavuika groaned, giving Kinich a look. “...Are you sure you want this one? I know a few guys-”
She raised her hands in mock surrender as Ajaw growled at her. “Hey, that’s my baby brother you’re growling about. If you really want to test me, we can take it outside.” She challenged with a smirk of her own. “Maybe you aren’t good enough for him to be wearing your mark like that, K’uhul Ajaw.”
“Try me, Haborym. Kinich is mine and no one’s taking him from me.” The grin he gave was all teeth, a challenge of his own.
Kinich sighed, leaning back against Ajaw and tucking his head under the taller’s chin. “No fighting. I want to make it back home to rest at some point before the next Abyss wave?” He suggested.
Mavuika was the first to back down, smiling fondly at him. “Of course. I take it you’ll be up for a commission in a few days though?”
“To Sumeru to return the research papers?” Kinich asked as Ajaw curled his arms around his waist possessively again.
“And a bit of ambassador work. Gauge whether or not Sumeru could be in position to send some help when the Abyss strikes again.” She explained. “Much as I loathe to, since they’d be in more danger than anyone here… we may need the help if it’s worse than before.”
“I think we can spare you for the trip there, and I trust your judgement. The Traveler is back, and the Captain's forces have most of the area covered still if another attack happens soon.” Mavuika said to him. “With proper payment too. Two months off once you return plus mora?”
Kinich grimaced. “Just the mora.”
“One month. And mora, plus a sparring session?”
It was tempting. Kinich crossed his arms. “One week. And two spars.”
Mavuika laughed, shaking her head. “I’ll get you to take a vacation, I swear it. We’ll see how you feel after crossing the desert twice in a month.”
“Like it’ll take long to get across that sand sea. I can fly us there in less than a day probably.” Ajaw scoffed. “And what do I get out of this?!”
“A trip with me?” Kinich offered, tilting his head back to nuzzle slightly at Ajaw’s chin. “I hear Sumeru has grapple points similar to Natlan too, so we might have some time to explore with those.”
Ajaw raised an eyebrow. “New chasms for you to defy death in by swinging around like a hatchling? How wonderful.” He said dryly.
Kinich smirked. Maybe a vacation wouldn’t be too bad. The desert didn’t sound all that appealing, but the rainforest, from what he had heard, was similar to the Canopy territory. Some peace from everything going on. Some down time with Ajaw.
“Have fun! Don’t come back for at least two weeks okay? Make a honeymoon out of it boys!”
Some peace from the people who didn’t agree with his choice in partner, and peace from those that did .
Things had changed, but Kinich found the change to be for the best. And if he and Ajaw were to be inseparable, well, he didn’t mind that one bit either. If that was the price to pay for someone that loved him, he would pay it over and over again.