wow he's in trouble 
+ 
[this is the 1920s and this is a phone call, xie lian!!! Okuni would ask Shigure to send a message on her behalf but at this point there's no time, Okuni has many Fears and they all are vaguely her fault... VAGUELY THOUGH!! She'd go in person to see him, but she's already fallen down twelve times, had soup fall on her, had her gun backfire and almost kill an innocent bystander -- etc, etc.
it's just safer this way... ANYWAY PLEASE PICK UP, as soon as she hears that click --]
Xie Lian! [okuni is whispering why...] Have you seen Kara-chan today? Is he with you right now? If he is -- don't tell him I'm calling!
[JUST IN CASE HER NAME INVOKES HIS WRATH UPON HER]
it's just safer this way... ANYWAY PLEASE PICK UP, as soon as she hears that click --]
Xie Lian! [okuni is whispering why...] Have you seen Kara-chan today? Is he with you right now? If he is -- don't tell him I'm calling!
[JUST IN CASE HER NAME INVOKES HIS WRATH UPON HER]
[ ring ring goes the 1920s phone.
it sounds like okuni's living life like xie lian right now! not that he's aware. buried under a mountain of paperwork, currently, xie lian picks up the phone to her whispering and feels mostly confused. ] Um...no, I haven't seen him today, but I've been working.
Is everything alright? [ you're acting weird. ]
it sounds like okuni's living life like xie lian right now! not that he's aware. buried under a mountain of paperwork, currently, xie lian picks up the phone to her whispering and feels mostly confused. ] Um...no, I haven't seen him today, but I've been working.
Is everything alright? [ you're acting weird. ]
"xie lian is the one who infected them with his cursed bad luck." XIE LIAN!! NO!!!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
osuni
- 2020-02-04 08:49 (UTC) - Expand[ well no one has the balls to do this besides baren, so it's probably safe. xie lian is examining the paper that was wrapped around his odd present, the mirror on his desk, when there's a taptap: it takes him a moment, but he pads over and opens the window nonetheless. it's a little chilly...]
Baren. [ couldn't you just use the door, his voice says, but it's more fond than scolding. why are you like this.... he steps out of the way, offering a hand in case he needs it to get through. ] Is everything alright?
Baren. [ couldn't you just use the door, his voice says, but it's more fond than scolding. why are you like this.... he steps out of the way, offering a hand in case he needs it to get through. ] Is everything alright?
[ There's a sense of urgency as Shinobu walks at a fast clip through Westside, searching for one (1) head of a mafia family—going to the usual locations Xie Lian helps at, the safe house, everywhere. She's not sprinting because she doesn't want to call too much attention to herself (even if she could excuse it as having been contacted for a medical emergency).
Her usual smile is a focus point, a mantra, a fallback.
She zips through town and won't stop until she finds him. She beelines it for him once she sees him. ]
May I speak to you privately?
[ Only those with especially sensitive hearing would be able to tell anything's wrong by just her voice. It's her eyes that relay it. ]
Her usual smile is a focus point, a mantra, a fallback.
She zips through town and won't stop until she finds him. She beelines it for him once she sees him. ]
May I speak to you privately?
[ Only those with especially sensitive hearing would be able to tell anything's wrong by just her voice. It's her eyes that relay it. ]
[ xie lian is coming out of hiring a young man to work in a xian le coffee shop. it's relatively pleasant work after a relatively unpleasant few days, though it seems that almost calm mood is coming to an end. he looks surprised to see her, but it melts into concern instead, and xie lian nods. turning back on his heel, he holds the door to the shop open.
since the family members who own it are allied, they give xie lian a nod, and he makes his way back to a small office in the back room. it's not a lot of space, but shinobu has him worried, and he steps in behind her and shuts the door, locking it immediately. the concern and urgency in his voice is immediate, brows knitting together, immediately coming closer to speak quietly. ] What's the matter?
since the family members who own it are allied, they give xie lian a nod, and he makes his way back to a small office in the back room. it's not a lot of space, but shinobu has him worried, and he steps in behind her and shuts the door, locking it immediately. the concern and urgency in his voice is immediate, brows knitting together, immediately coming closer to speak quietly. ] What's the matter?
[closes eyes i hate this
Anyway! Jiang Cheng is definitely coming to call on Xie Lian in the temple! The mantra isn't unfamiliar to him, but plenty here already know who the heck he is regardless. So mostly he just has to wait patiently for Xie Lian to give him the time of day.
He has his arms folded behind his back. Also, there's a doggo! Puff, who is a very intimidating-looking Doberman, but who is a very, very soft and stupid boy.]
Anyway! Jiang Cheng is definitely coming to call on Xie Lian in the temple! The mantra isn't unfamiliar to him, but plenty here already know who the heck he is regardless. So mostly he just has to wait patiently for Xie Lian to give him the time of day.
He has his arms folded behind his back. Also, there's a doggo! Puff, who is a very intimidating-looking Doberman, but who is a very, very soft and stupid boy.]
[ it concerns me when you start threads this way,
xie lian's meditating in the temple itself when an assistant lets him know jiang cheng has arrived. a familiar face is fine to snap him out of his meditation - he was distracted, anyway, head spinning with what shinobu told him, what baren said - and he's summoned into the inner sanctum of the temple in a matter of minutes.
puff is of course allowed, and as xie lian answers his office door to greet his bodyguard, he reaches into his pocket to produce a treat for the dog... jiang cheng's dogcatcher job comes with many perks. despite the stress, he looks glad to see him, if tired, and nods his head, letting him in. ] Jiang Cheng. Is everything alright? I didn't expect to see you so early.
[ a part of him almost hopes this is a social visit. ]
xie lian's meditating in the temple itself when an assistant lets him know jiang cheng has arrived. a familiar face is fine to snap him out of his meditation - he was distracted, anyway, head spinning with what shinobu told him, what baren said - and he's summoned into the inner sanctum of the temple in a matter of minutes.
puff is of course allowed, and as xie lian answers his office door to greet his bodyguard, he reaches into his pocket to produce a treat for the dog... jiang cheng's dogcatcher job comes with many perks. despite the stress, he looks glad to see him, if tired, and nods his head, letting him in. ] Jiang Cheng. Is everything alright? I didn't expect to see you so early.
[ a part of him almost hopes this is a social visit. ]
BACKDATED TO BEFORE INSANITY STRIKES thank god sisi has the one braincell
givethemhell
2020-01-30 01:55 am (UTC)(link)
[Wei Wuxian also has only one braincell and right now, it's dedicated entirely to showing off his FERRET!! Xie Lian will have to visit again later if he wants to see his chickens, but at least Chicken will be there to greet him as soon as Wei Wuxian opens the door to his apartment. Did he just drag Xie Lian along with him, heedless of the guards that would scalp him for his carelessness? MAYBE. But it's not like Xie Lian stays in one place for long anyway so whose fault is it really.
Anyway!!
The complex is, as usual, a bustling and noisy mess. A 1920s hamster ball literally rolls by Xie Lian's feet, thunks off the wall and spirals off into a hallway with a dazed-looking hamster in it. There is the distant sound of some sort of bird coming from somewhere?? Royce the hedgehog is nowhere to be found, but that's not who he's after anyway.]
Chicken sometimes comes if you call, but he'll almost definitely show up if you shake his food around a little! Here, it's in the kitchen--
[Which he'll go to fetch, but Xie Lian may have to step around piles of soft toys and a few kids who recognize him and swarm his legs for hugs...]
Anyway!!
The complex is, as usual, a bustling and noisy mess. A 1920s hamster ball literally rolls by Xie Lian's feet, thunks off the wall and spirals off into a hallway with a dazed-looking hamster in it. There is the distant sound of some sort of bird coming from somewhere?? Royce the hedgehog is nowhere to be found, but that's not who he's after anyway.]
Chicken sometimes comes if you call, but he'll almost definitely show up if you shake his food around a little! Here, it's in the kitchen--
[Which he'll go to fetch, but Xie Lian may have to step around piles of soft toys and a few kids who recognize him and swarm his legs for hugs...]
[ xie lian is absolutely expecting a chicken. he's been expecting a chicken since wei wuxian invited him to visit. a chance trip to middleton for some business gives him an opening, and he gladly takes it when his friend invites him over to visit.
yiling ridge is chaotic and the complete opposite of the xian le temple where xie lian spends most of his time. there's so much to look at it's as always overwhelming, but it's so charmingly messy that xie lian will never complain. he seems more surprised and amazed as a hamster ball rolls past him than horrified. ]
Oh- [ and as he's stepping up and over a stuffed animal, he's nearly bowled over by a tiny child. xie lian never knows what to do with kids but he gives this one a pat on the head and a ruffle as he squats down, and then suddenly there's an ambush. by the time wei wuxian comes back there are like five children clamoring for his attention all at once. he's not sure whether to laugh or cry. or ask for help???? ]
yiling ridge is chaotic and the complete opposite of the xian le temple where xie lian spends most of his time. there's so much to look at it's as always overwhelming, but it's so charmingly messy that xie lian will never complain. he seems more surprised and amazed as a hamster ball rolls past him than horrified. ]
Oh- [ and as he's stepping up and over a stuffed animal, he's nearly bowled over by a tiny child. xie lian never knows what to do with kids but he gives this one a pat on the head and a ruffle as he squats down, and then suddenly there's an ambush. by the time wei wuxian comes back there are like five children clamoring for his attention all at once. he's not sure whether to laugh or cry. or ask for help???? ]
[ it isn't until friday afternoon that ookurikara shows up at xie lian's door, apparently prepared to take on whatever the day has in store for the head of the xian le family. the mori obviously can't be trusted, so nothing will keep kara from being at xie lian's side, just in case he needs a little extra protection.
not even a concussion or a broken arm and rib. he makes no overtures at explaining the cast or bandages or even any of the smaller cuts and scrapes that didn't need bandaging. kara just steps inside like it's any other day with a questionably safe formal event that evening. he's even dressed for it in a full suit! you'd only know anything is wrong if you notice how the right sleeve of his shirt is rolled up to allow for the cast, but the jacket being draped over his shoulders could entirely be a fashion choice.
don't ask about how he did the tie, though. it's embarrassing? he doesn't want to talk about it.
also... there's a gun at his side, but no trace of his sword. not that he could use it right now, but he often carries it along for the aesthetic even if he doesn't plan on using it, so... that's a little weird, huh? ]
I still think this is a bad idea.
[ there's no fight in his voice, though. guess he's just accepted that xie lian is going to see this through... or maybe he's too tired to argue, judging from how utterly exhausted he looks. who can say. ]
not even a concussion or a broken arm and rib. he makes no overtures at explaining the cast or bandages or even any of the smaller cuts and scrapes that didn't need bandaging. kara just steps inside like it's any other day with a questionably safe formal event that evening. he's even dressed for it in a full suit! you'd only know anything is wrong if you notice how the right sleeve of his shirt is rolled up to allow for the cast, but the jacket being draped over his shoulders could entirely be a fashion choice.
don't ask about how he did the tie, though. it's embarrassing? he doesn't want to talk about it.
also... there's a gun at his side, but no trace of his sword. not that he could use it right now, but he often carries it along for the aesthetic even if he doesn't plan on using it, so... that's a little weird, huh? ]
I still think this is a bad idea.
[ there's no fight in his voice, though. guess he's just accepted that xie lian is going to see this through... or maybe he's too tired to argue, judging from how utterly exhausted he looks. who can say. ]
[ like most of xie lian's major decisions, this probably is a bad idea. xie lian was stunned when he saw ookurikara after the debacle from earlier in the week--that had just been crying wolf compared to this, where his right hand was actually really hurt. it's not the first time he's seen it--they practically grew up together--but this was so out of left field that xie lian's worry is nearly doubled. with all of the bad things that have been happening lately...
well. he's going to try his best to act normal. this date auction thing is laughably bad, and he's thought it was from the beginning, too, but that's not changing the fact that he's going. standing at the mirror, xie lian gives a tug to his collar, just slightly too tight, too buttoned up, too stuffy. this isn't him--this is his mother's version of him, dressed to the nines and shined down to his shoes.
but! if kara is tired, unhappy, and hurt, then xie lian is going to do his best to dispel some of the gloom. it's all he can do, to put on a brave face for the both of them, even if the worry of his right hand is an undercurrent to every thought he has. he glances back at kara from the mirror, and gives him a smile. ] Maybe after tonight I'll become a good wife, after all.
[ at least xie lian can still joke at his own expense. ]
well. he's going to try his best to act normal. this date auction thing is laughably bad, and he's thought it was from the beginning, too, but that's not changing the fact that he's going. standing at the mirror, xie lian gives a tug to his collar, just slightly too tight, too buttoned up, too stuffy. this isn't him--this is his mother's version of him, dressed to the nines and shined down to his shoes.
but! if kara is tired, unhappy, and hurt, then xie lian is going to do his best to dispel some of the gloom. it's all he can do, to put on a brave face for the both of them, even if the worry of his right hand is an undercurrent to every thought he has. he glances back at kara from the mirror, and gives him a smile. ] Maybe after tonight I'll become a good wife, after all.
[ at least xie lian can still joke at his own expense. ]
[ hi xie lian.
this is probably the least emotionally exhausting visit he's going to get this week, so at least take solace in that. it's just tsukasa, quietly requesting that he see the xian le head on Very Important Business, and maybe that is a little misleading considering what he says once he gets to meet xie lian is such: ]
You have some very rude people in your family.
[ he doesn't know what he expected............. not everyone is as nice as the mafioso he gets to talk to he knows BUT STILL!!! ]
this is probably the least emotionally exhausting visit he's going to get this week, so at least take solace in that. it's just tsukasa, quietly requesting that he see the xian le head on Very Important Business, and maybe that is a little misleading considering what he says once he gets to meet xie lian is such: ]
You have some very rude people in your family.
[ he doesn't know what he expected............. not everyone is as nice as the mafioso he gets to talk to he knows BUT STILL!!! ]
[ oh no. xie lian is sitting at his desk in the xian le temple underground when tsukasa enters, and when he's greeted with that, he starts to think of what the hell else could possibly go wrong.... it could be anything from an attempted kidnapping to jiang cheng in a bad mood. ]
I'll put the kettle on. [ sweet tsukasa, he's so sorry. ] What happened?
I'll put the kettle on. [ sweet tsukasa, he's so sorry. ] What happened?
[hewwo xie lian, you have a visitor! it's wen ning, who looks... not great! he's not injured and doesn't look like he's about to die or anything, but he's a little pale, with dark circles under his eyes, and looks like he's getting over feeling sick or something.
still, he's here, because it's Important... though the first thing he says is still:]
I... I hope this isn't a bad time.
still, he's here, because it's Important... though the first thing he says is still:]
I... I hope this isn't a bad time.
[ admittedly, compared to some of the visitors he's gotten recently (see: his bodyguard, which was fine, holding a severed ear, which was less fine) wen ning is a breath of fresh air. xie lian was a bit surprised when mu qing informed him of their visitor's identity, and he's quick to the door when wen ning shows up, holding it open for him immediately.
...he doesn't look well, but none of them do, nowadays. xie lian gives him a smile anyway, going immediately for welcoming, the warmth in his tone as genuine as genuine can be. ] Wen Ning, of course not, there's no such thing. Please!
[ his office is cozy as ever, inherited and since made his own with a comfy looking chair, a little table, a tea kettle and a blanket across his own desk chair. he settles back into it, dropping behind the desk and fixing him with his attention. ] What brings you all the way to Xian Le?
...he doesn't look well, but none of them do, nowadays. xie lian gives him a smile anyway, going immediately for welcoming, the warmth in his tone as genuine as genuine can be. ] Wen Ning, of course not, there's no such thing. Please!
[ his office is cozy as ever, inherited and since made his own with a comfy looking chair, a little table, a tea kettle and a blanket across his own desk chair. he settles back into it, dropping behind the desk and fixing him with his attention. ] What brings you all the way to Xian Le?
[ hey, guess who's back! and this time with a familiar sword back at his side, even though he still has no hope of actually being able to use it. and this time he cuts right to the chase: ]
Did you know there's a woman on our side selling people?
[ he doesn't believe for an instant that xian lie would let that slide but
what the fuck ]
Did you know there's a woman on our side selling people?
[ he doesn't believe for an instant that xian lie would let that slide but
what the fuck ]
[ coincidentally, xie lian just finished a conversation about this barely an hour ago (or something, icly, who knows)! he glances up from where he's seated, looking over a paper with the information he'd learned from wen ning scrawled onto it, including the 'prices'. he turns the paper briefly towards kara to see. it reads:
drop off th/fr
girls - $150
boys - $90
women - $100 ]
There's a warehouse. [ that's it. voice grim, determined. ] I just found out.
drop off th/fr
girls - $150
boys - $90
women - $100 ]
There's a warehouse. [ that's it. voice grim, determined. ] I just found out.
[hewwo he's back for FERRET MAFIA BUSINESS. Which is to say, after having sent out his letter and gotten Xie Lian's in return, he's careful to clear out a little chunk of schedule to invite Xie Lian over at his earliest convenience. He rarely lets his kids out of his sight these days, so the whole mess of them is rolling around in the yard with their hens and... squirrels?? Apparently their small zoo has expanded. It's fine.
Wei Wuxian is waiting at the door with a smile at whatever time they'd decided on, Chicken already in his arms. He must have just eaten or something, since he seems like a snoozy little ferret right now.]
Glad you could make it.
[Then, turning toward an elderly lady and a gentleman in his late forties seated out on the porch:] Mind watching over them for a little while?
[The two nod; the lady offers a polite greeting for Xie Lian, and the man offers a friendly wave. Xie Lian probably knows him from previous trips, simply referred to by other residents including Wei Wuxian as "uncle" and "granny".]
Wei Wuxian is waiting at the door with a smile at whatever time they'd decided on, Chicken already in his arms. He must have just eaten or something, since he seems like a snoozy little ferret right now.]
Glad you could make it.
[Then, turning toward an elderly lady and a gentleman in his late forties seated out on the porch:] Mind watching over them for a little while?
[The two nod; the lady offers a polite greeting for Xie Lian, and the man offers a friendly wave. Xie Lian probably knows him from previous trips, simply referred to by other residents including Wei Wuxian as "uncle" and "granny".]
[ this is a much less delightful meeting than the last time xie lian made it out to yiling ridge, but xie lian doesn't let it show much on his face as he approaches the complex, and greets his former family member. he greets the other residents, too, as politely as ever, lacing his fingers together and bowing his head in deference before heading back with wei wuxian.
he reaches out to give the sleepy ferret in wei wuxian's arms a scritch on the top of the head, and gives him a smile in return for greeting. it's almost sad--it's nowhere near his eyes. ] Thank you for having me, Wei Wuxian. Shall we...?
[ somewhere private, of course; he trusts wei wuxian's judgement on where in yiling ridge. ]
he reaches out to give the sleepy ferret in wei wuxian's arms a scritch on the top of the head, and gives him a smile in return for greeting. it's almost sad--it's nowhere near his eyes. ] Thank you for having me, Wei Wuxian. Shall we...?
[ somewhere private, of course; he trusts wei wuxian's judgement on where in yiling ridge. ]
[when baren enters, he does so a little quickly - so i can say later whether or not he's running from kara or just worried, stay tuned! but he's letting himself into xie lian's room without hesitation, and he's reminding himself again why he normally comes in through the window, but maybe he was just curious if the house had any clues....
naturally, he didn't find anything.]
... so what if we make it a tea shop? You know, less coffee, less chance of motor oil or like... tongues. Then no one can say 'I didn't order this straight black coffee, no sugar, splash of... tongue.'
[GREAT OPENER, KUMOU]
naturally, he didn't find anything.]
... so what if we make it a tea shop? You know, less coffee, less chance of motor oil or like... tongues. Then no one can say 'I didn't order this straight black coffee, no sugar, splash of... tongue.'
[GREAT OPENER, KUMOU]
[ baren has good timing. this is probably the first time xie lian's even come near somewhere sitting down all day long. he's been moving like a wildfire from contact to contact, problem to problem, doctor to autopsy to family members to planning meetings and telling their families and -
it has been a very, very, very long day.
were this an assassin or something they probably would've been able to kill him on the spot. he didn't even hear whatever inevitable fuss just went on in the hallway, too absorbed in his thoughts, the ice cold cup of tea still in his hands. luckily, it's just baren, and xie lian looks up just a second too late to his... kind of gross suggestion, as if it takes him a minute to process what he's saying. that's... right. right, yeah.
xie lian's mouth lifts up, trying for his usual cheer, but it's not there. instead, the tension drops out of his shoulders, and he just huffs a humorless laugh, looking down at his cold cup in his hands. ] I never did like coffee.
[ he turns fully to baren, finally setting the cup down on the desk. his hands fold in front of him, taking on the best appearance of a young mafia head he can, and at last the smile comes, small and sheepish--a brave face. even xie lian's stubborn idealism is struggling, today. more than anything, he just looks so, so tired. ] ...what did you need? If there's information I can give, I'll share it.
it has been a very, very, very long day.
were this an assassin or something they probably would've been able to kill him on the spot. he didn't even hear whatever inevitable fuss just went on in the hallway, too absorbed in his thoughts, the ice cold cup of tea still in his hands. luckily, it's just baren, and xie lian looks up just a second too late to his... kind of gross suggestion, as if it takes him a minute to process what he's saying. that's... right. right, yeah.
xie lian's mouth lifts up, trying for his usual cheer, but it's not there. instead, the tension drops out of his shoulders, and he just huffs a humorless laugh, looking down at his cold cup in his hands. ] I never did like coffee.
[ he turns fully to baren, finally setting the cup down on the desk. his hands fold in front of him, taking on the best appearance of a young mafia head he can, and at last the smile comes, small and sheepish--a brave face. even xie lian's stubborn idealism is struggling, today. more than anything, he just looks so, so tired. ] ...what did you need? If there's information I can give, I'll share it.
[Sometime later during the day, Xie Lian will come back, not to Jiang Cheng, but to a few papers left in the care of someone else for Xie Lian himself.
One is a detailed incident report. Sephiroth and Jiang Cheng run across some Xian Le loan sharks harking loans with high interest rates. They confront them, but of course (not in Jiang Cheng's words), they are horrendous at being completely civil when the other party isn't also civil. A fight breaks out, muscle is called in. Jiang Cheng runs after one of the fleeing men while Sephiroth handles the others. The running man escapes when he shoots Jiang Cheng in the shoulder, but drops a note.
Jiang Cheng goes back to find Sephiroth having bested the men--most fled, but a one or two are dead.
Attached to the report is a note that says,
3 brunettes
2 black hair
2 blondes 1 blonde, 1 escaped/
5 kids 2 kids, 3 kids (bro&sis, girl/)
And then, behind the report is a letter, written in Jiang Cheng's elegant but sharp hand:
It shouldn't have taken me this long to turn in. The delay is my fault. The kidnappers are some of us. I'm looking into it, but I've spoken to Ookurikara. It seems to be for money. I still don't think the person behind the auction mishap and the kidnappers are the same, but Shinobu is doubtful.
Don't do anything without telling someone.
Jiang Cheng]
One is a detailed incident report. Sephiroth and Jiang Cheng run across some Xian Le loan sharks harking loans with high interest rates. They confront them, but of course (not in Jiang Cheng's words), they are horrendous at being completely civil when the other party isn't also civil. A fight breaks out, muscle is called in. Jiang Cheng runs after one of the fleeing men while Sephiroth handles the others. The running man escapes when he shoots Jiang Cheng in the shoulder, but drops a note.
Jiang Cheng goes back to find Sephiroth having bested the men--most fled, but a one or two are dead.
Attached to the report is a note that says,
3 brunettes
2 black hair
2 blondes 1 blonde, 1 escaped/
5 kids 2 kids, 3 kids (bro&sis, girl/)
And then, behind the report is a letter, written in Jiang Cheng's elegant but sharp hand:
It shouldn't have taken me this long to turn in. The delay is my fault. The kidnappers are some of us. I'm looking into it, but I've spoken to Ookurikara. It seems to be for money. I still don't think the person behind the auction mishap and the kidnappers are the same, but Shinobu is doubtful.
Don't do anything without telling someone.
Jiang Cheng]
[ Guess who's going to the Xian Le temple whether Xie Lian is there or not? Shinobu makes her way across Xian Le territory quietly and quickly, making herself as nondescript as possible.
She's showing up without any warning, but it's his basement office that she makes a beeline for.
Is he in? If not, she'll wait for however long it'll take for him to make an appearance. ]
She's showing up without any warning, but it's his basement office that she makes a beeline for.
Is he in? If not, she'll wait for however long it'll take for him to make an appearance. ]
[ xie lian's out running an errand when shinobu makes it into his office, but he's back within five minutes of her arrival. noting the open door, xie lian waits, checks the inside--then feels relief and steps into his office fully, shutting the door behind him. ]
Shinobu. [ just the person he wants to see. ] You have news?
Shinobu. [ just the person he wants to see. ] You have news?
[alright guess who's back from her out of town trip!! okuni is!! just in time to really soak in all that post-valentines damage!! the first thing she does is run straight to Xie Lian's place, because of course she has to -- regardless of the fact that everyone she's spoken to has reassured her that the boss is fine, it's just something she has to see with her own eyes.]
Xie Lian!
[THROWING THE DOORS OPEN and hopefully avoiding any of XL's bodyguards sniping her immediately]
Xie Lian!
[THROWING THE DOORS OPEN and hopefully avoiding any of XL's bodyguards sniping her immediately]
[ at least his bodyguards are kara and jc so she'd probably not get sniped!
xie lian is. well! he's in his office. he's alive, more or less pacing a hole in the floor, not quite meditating but absolutely looking at he's raring at the bit to get out of his office as fast as humanly possible. if things were normal, this is a day where he'd be at the ring, throwing punches, or the range, or out in the back with one of his swords, but nothing is normal and the whole world was, quite literally, on fire.
but, he's unharmed. despite his own best efforts, he's unharmed. okuni's voice startles him, and he jumps, head whipping around, hand to his gun, then stops. ] --Okuni?
[ that's genuine surprise in his voice. not just out of being startled. but jiang cheng had just asked about her whereabouts and he'd been worrying about that too.
to see her alive is--relieving. it's really relieving. his heart squeezes. he looks, for that brief moment, like a young, vulnerable son again, instead of everything he's been since this nightmare started spiraling. ]
xie lian is. well! he's in his office. he's alive, more or less pacing a hole in the floor, not quite meditating but absolutely looking at he's raring at the bit to get out of his office as fast as humanly possible. if things were normal, this is a day where he'd be at the ring, throwing punches, or the range, or out in the back with one of his swords, but nothing is normal and the whole world was, quite literally, on fire.
but, he's unharmed. despite his own best efforts, he's unharmed. okuni's voice startles him, and he jumps, head whipping around, hand to his gun, then stops. ] --Okuni?
[ that's genuine surprise in his voice. not just out of being startled. but jiang cheng had just asked about her whereabouts and he'd been worrying about that too.
to see her alive is--relieving. it's really relieving. his heart squeezes. he looks, for that brief moment, like a young, vulnerable son again, instead of everything he's been since this nightmare started spiraling. ]
[On Xie Lian's windowsill, precariously balanced right outside, as if it was placed to allow whatever whims of fate to decide whether or not he'd even see it - there's been a few items left behind.
One: a peacock feather.
Two: a lock - rusted, old. A lock that had been given by someone who did not believe in promises or in fate, but believed only in their own childish loyalties that could hope to withstand the tests of time or disaster. It's gone from the bridge now, instead delivered to Xie Lian. It's cut.
Three: a letter, written hastily, as though the author knew that he wouldn't have enough time to express everything - or perhaps enough courage is the greater concern.]
You need to start hating me.
I hate me a little, since I'm running out of time, and I still don't have the words to say to you. There are a lot of things that I should say to you.
Would you even want to hear them?
But I know you. You would. You'd say something stupid and sincere to me about how you'd always want to know what I want to say, if it's from me.
[The next words are scribbled out - but not entirely. The scribbles are rushed, but with enough focus, the words can be legible.]
I want to give you what you deserve.
You make it harder to leave.
The last time I promised you something, I fucked it up pretty badly, so I don't think I'll bother promising you anything anymore. It'd be nice if I could.
You will recover from this, and you're not allowed to be stupid, because I can't catch you anymore.
One: a peacock feather.
Two: a lock - rusted, old. A lock that had been given by someone who did not believe in promises or in fate, but believed only in their own childish loyalties that could hope to withstand the tests of time or disaster. It's gone from the bridge now, instead delivered to Xie Lian. It's cut.
Three: a letter, written hastily, as though the author knew that he wouldn't have enough time to express everything - or perhaps enough courage is the greater concern.]
You need to start hating me.
I hate me a little, since I'm running out of time, and I still don't have the words to say to you. There are a lot of things that I should say to you.
Would you even want to hear them?
But I know you. You would. You'd say something stupid and sincere to me about how you'd always want to know what I want to say, if it's from me.
[The next words are scribbled out - but not entirely. The scribbles are rushed, but with enough focus, the words can be legible.]
You make it harder to leave.
The last time I promised you something, I fucked it up pretty badly, so I don't think I'll bother promising you anything anymore. It'd be nice if I could.
You will recover from this, and you're not allowed to be stupid, because I can't catch you anymore.
[At some point in the night, a letter will end up in Xie Lian's reach SOMEHOW don't make me think sisi.]
Xie Lian,
I'm glad I can give this to you myself. With how things have been going, I was getting a little selfish and hoping you would be the one to find me, one way or another. I wasn't really looking forward to whatever I'd get if those kidnappers got their hands on me first! They'd probably make my corpse look stupid and my ghost will never live it down. I'd be the laughing stock of the entire afterlife... Or maybe an angry mob would do their work and I'd just be ripped to shreds on the streets. Wouldn't that be something?
Anyway, I think I owe you an explanation more than anyone. I'm sorry it had to come like this. I really did want to tell you back then, you know? The things I knew, the things I had done already. I should have had more faith in you. I didn't think you could take care of the situation fast enough or wipe the ring out, and that was a risk I wasn't willing to take.
Weeks ago, back when the kidnappers first started slipping up, I stopped one. Got into a fight with the kidnappers and the victims had the chance to run. I know you would have done the same. But the thing is, some people have more power to get involved without risk, and some people don't have that kind of protection. When you get involved, people see you. They know your face. They can find your name, where you live. They can hurt the people close to you. When they started to be bold and wander closer to the apartment, I couldn't allow that. I really couldn't.
And I couldn't allow people like that to live. Every week I learned some new, terrible thing. What they did on the streets was unforgivable. What they did in those warehouses was beyond unforgivable. They killed children. They killed so many women and children, and I could only think of how furious I was and how badly I wanted those warehouses gone. I don't think I need to say it, but I never had any intention of bringing you down or replacing you. I didn't want Xian Le to fall, but I won't pretend it was a concern at the time. There are a lot of things I regret, but I will never regret killing those men. I've known for a while that I'd probably either end up executed or tracked down and killed, but until then, I won't stop.
I'm rambling a little now, aren't I? This letter is already pretty long. Actually, I think you got an even longer one than Lan Zhan! I hope he doesn't get too jealous. I don't really know what else to say, anyway. "I'm sorry" doesn't feel like enough and I'm not sorry for all of the things I probably should be. I know losing people hurt you, even if they're rotten. Some people just deserve to die, though. I should know! Either way, saying sorry feels silly now.
So instead of going on and on about regrets and sorrys and all of that, how about a thank you instead? I haven't given you nearly enough over the years. So thank you for a place to be. Thank you for supporting us all, even if we didn't stay together. It's because of Xian Le that I met so many good people in the first place, you know? I've made more than my share of mistakes and I'd change some things if I could do them again, but not if it meant losing any of you. You, Okuni, Jiang Cheng, Baren, Wen Ning, Shinobu. Royce, Sephiroth, Ookurikara, Obi-wan, Itaru. Shigure, Kano, Nines, Chuuya. Lan Zhan. My children - my home in Middleton. I love Westside, and Middleton, and Eastside. Montevallo is a terrible place in a lot of ways, but I love it in a lot of ways, too. Thank you for giving me the freedom to walk away and try to build something new.
Please look after everyone for me. I know I don't need to say it since it's what you do. I really do think your kindness is a strength and I know you'll find a way to hone it. I hope no disaster ever befalls you or your family again.
If I can be selfish one last time, can you promise me to take care of yourself, too?
Thank you.
Yours,
Wei Ying
Xie Lian,
I'm glad I can give this to you myself. With how things have been going, I was getting a little selfish and hoping you would be the one to find me, one way or another. I wasn't really looking forward to whatever I'd get if those kidnappers got their hands on me first! They'd probably make my corpse look stupid and my ghost will never live it down. I'd be the laughing stock of the entire afterlife... Or maybe an angry mob would do their work and I'd just be ripped to shreds on the streets. Wouldn't that be something?
Anyway, I think I owe you an explanation more than anyone. I'm sorry it had to come like this. I really did want to tell you back then, you know? The things I knew, the things I had done already. I should have had more faith in you. I didn't think you could take care of the situation fast enough or wipe the ring out, and that was a risk I wasn't willing to take.
Weeks ago, back when the kidnappers first started slipping up, I stopped one. Got into a fight with the kidnappers and the victims had the chance to run. I know you would have done the same. But the thing is, some people have more power to get involved without risk, and some people don't have that kind of protection. When you get involved, people see you. They know your face. They can find your name, where you live. They can hurt the people close to you. When they started to be bold and wander closer to the apartment, I couldn't allow that. I really couldn't.
And I couldn't allow people like that to live. Every week I learned some new, terrible thing. What they did on the streets was unforgivable. What they did in those warehouses was beyond unforgivable. They killed children. They killed so many women and children, and I could only think of how furious I was and how badly I wanted those warehouses gone. I don't think I need to say it, but I never had any intention of bringing you down or replacing you. I didn't want Xian Le to fall, but I won't pretend it was a concern at the time. There are a lot of things I regret, but I will never regret killing those men. I've known for a while that I'd probably either end up executed or tracked down and killed, but until then, I won't stop.
I'm rambling a little now, aren't I? This letter is already pretty long. Actually, I think you got an even longer one than Lan Zhan! I hope he doesn't get too jealous. I don't really know what else to say, anyway. "I'm sorry" doesn't feel like enough and I'm not sorry for all of the things I probably should be. I know losing people hurt you, even if they're rotten. Some people just deserve to die, though. I should know! Either way, saying sorry feels silly now.
So instead of going on and on about regrets and sorrys and all of that, how about a thank you instead? I haven't given you nearly enough over the years. So thank you for a place to be. Thank you for supporting us all, even if we didn't stay together. It's because of Xian Le that I met so many good people in the first place, you know? I've made more than my share of mistakes and I'd change some things if I could do them again, but not if it meant losing any of you. You, Okuni, Jiang Cheng, Baren, Wen Ning, Shinobu. Royce, Sephiroth, Ookurikara, Obi-wan, Itaru. Shigure, Kano, Nines, Chuuya. Lan Zhan. My children - my home in Middleton. I love Westside, and Middleton, and Eastside. Montevallo is a terrible place in a lot of ways, but I love it in a lot of ways, too. Thank you for giving me the freedom to walk away and try to build something new.
Please look after everyone for me. I know I don't need to say it since it's what you do. I really do think your kindness is a strength and I know you'll find a way to hone it. I hope no disaster ever befalls you or your family again.
If I can be selfish one last time, can you promise me to take care of yourself, too?
Thank you.
Yours,
Wei Ying
[ Hua Cheng is both shameless and embarrassing on a good day, nevermind when something is Happening.
While his actions might force the other "gym" teacher out of the office, and he might have to rope a few students into helping (at the very least, keeping Xie Lian distracted and bringing him the things he needs), he doesn't care - this has to be perfect, as everything else needs to be when he gives it to Xie Lian. There's no shrine for him to give his offerings to, but he can do the next best (very extra) thing.
The only upside to them not rooming together is that he's free to work with Xie Lian none the wiser. He doesn't need to sleep as a ghost, and he's just fine with working through the night to make sure everything is complete in time for Xie Lian to come to the gym and his office the next day.
(This, of course, is where the students come in; various distractions to make sure that the morning goes smoothly for Xie Lian, but also to ensure that there's no disruptions before Hua Cheng is done.)
Every inch of all four walls is covered in white flowers of various kinds and sizes, spilling into portions of the ceiling and floor. Snowbells, poppies, daisies, baby's breath, anemone, tulips, gardenia, hydrangeas - all of them artfully arranged into abstract, beautiful patterns that swirl and whorl across the walls, creating paths on the floor, dusting the ceiling. The teachers' office faces much the same fate, as do the auxiliary rooms for classes, storage, and training.
And Hua Cheng, hair raven dark and clothes red as maple, sits amidst it all placidly, waiting, butterflies fluttering lazily through the room to add a little more, well. Muchness to it.
(Extra as fuck-ness, more like.)
Good morning, Xie Lian! ]
While his actions might force the other "gym" teacher out of the office, and he might have to rope a few students into helping (at the very least, keeping Xie Lian distracted and bringing him the things he needs), he doesn't care - this has to be perfect, as everything else needs to be when he gives it to Xie Lian. There's no shrine for him to give his offerings to, but he can do the next best (very extra) thing.
The only upside to them not rooming together is that he's free to work with Xie Lian none the wiser. He doesn't need to sleep as a ghost, and he's just fine with working through the night to make sure everything is complete in time for Xie Lian to come to the gym and his office the next day.
(This, of course, is where the students come in; various distractions to make sure that the morning goes smoothly for Xie Lian, but also to ensure that there's no disruptions before Hua Cheng is done.)
Every inch of all four walls is covered in white flowers of various kinds and sizes, spilling into portions of the ceiling and floor. Snowbells, poppies, daisies, baby's breath, anemone, tulips, gardenia, hydrangeas - all of them artfully arranged into abstract, beautiful patterns that swirl and whorl across the walls, creating paths on the floor, dusting the ceiling. The teachers' office faces much the same fate, as do the auxiliary rooms for classes, storage, and training.
And Hua Cheng, hair raven dark and clothes red as maple, sits amidst it all placidly, waiting, butterflies fluttering lazily through the room to add a little more, well. Muchness to it.
(Extra as fuck-ness, more like.)
Good morning, Xie Lian! ]
[ the great thing is that xie lian is completely easily distracted. this morning has been especially busy. he taught a course outside of the gym - the outdoor training area was perfect on a lovely day - and he's had students asking for his help for various things almost all morning. it's been nice, in a bustling sort of way. he does well at his busiest, and helping students is fun for xie lian, so he barely notices when he blinks and it's nearly lunchtime.
lunchtime! its one of the best parts of xie lian's day, mostly because it's a chance to catch up with san lang. after such a busy day, he just needs to pop in and grab his lunchbox, and then he'll meet san lang, and maybe they can eat in the courtyards today...? it's a nice train of thought, and xie lian is so distracted by it that he fumbles for his keys, opens the door to the gym, and nearly trips face first into a beautiful field of flowers.
wait. what? for a minute, he thinks he accidentally stepped into a transportation portal. xie lian blinks, shakes his head, and starts to look from left to right. no, this is... this is his gym, and it looks like there's been a massive bloom, indoors. it's--breathtakingly beautiful, each petal softly lit by the one before it, by silver butterflies that flicker light through the room. it'd be hard for anyone who didn't know any better this place was usually full of sweaty would-be assassin teenagers. instead, it looks like a paradise: a beautifully pure, perfectly blooming paradise. it's a lot. it's one of the most beautiful things xie lian has ever seen in his entire life.
set in the middle, a splash of blood red, a red like the crimson leaves of the maple trees of xie lian's childhood, is san lang. he sticks out like a sore thumb, and xie lian can't help the way his mouth forms into a surprised little 'oh' shape, as he connects the dots. this is why he was so busy this morning. this was... ]
...San Lang? [ he says, softly, more stunned than anything, before that little o finally closes and he has to suppress his smile. it fails, mostly--xie lian's eyes are lit up and his cheeks have started to take on a fetching shade of pink. he covers his mouth, briefly, trying to push back a rising tide of warmth that, as usual, he can't seem to beat. (and, briefly, the thought if san lang isn't going to like, murder him among this beautiful spread of flowers or something. he's pretty sure he isn't, but he'd probably thank him for it? welp.) ]
lunchtime! its one of the best parts of xie lian's day, mostly because it's a chance to catch up with san lang. after such a busy day, he just needs to pop in and grab his lunchbox, and then he'll meet san lang, and maybe they can eat in the courtyards today...? it's a nice train of thought, and xie lian is so distracted by it that he fumbles for his keys, opens the door to the gym, and nearly trips face first into a beautiful field of flowers.
wait. what? for a minute, he thinks he accidentally stepped into a transportation portal. xie lian blinks, shakes his head, and starts to look from left to right. no, this is... this is his gym, and it looks like there's been a massive bloom, indoors. it's--breathtakingly beautiful, each petal softly lit by the one before it, by silver butterflies that flicker light through the room. it'd be hard for anyone who didn't know any better this place was usually full of sweaty would-be assassin teenagers. instead, it looks like a paradise: a beautifully pure, perfectly blooming paradise. it's a lot. it's one of the most beautiful things xie lian has ever seen in his entire life.
set in the middle, a splash of blood red, a red like the crimson leaves of the maple trees of xie lian's childhood, is san lang. he sticks out like a sore thumb, and xie lian can't help the way his mouth forms into a surprised little 'oh' shape, as he connects the dots. this is why he was so busy this morning. this was... ]
...San Lang? [ he says, softly, more stunned than anything, before that little o finally closes and he has to suppress his smile. it fails, mostly--xie lian's eyes are lit up and his cheeks have started to take on a fetching shade of pink. he covers his mouth, briefly, trying to push back a rising tide of warmth that, as usual, he can't seem to beat. (and, briefly, the thought if san lang isn't going to like, murder him among this beautiful spread of flowers or something. he's pretty sure he isn't, but he'd probably thank him for it? welp.) ]
[Good afternoon! It's a fresh new week in this changing country. Are you ready to face it? Hopefully so, because starting Monday, 4/27 and lasting until the evening of Friday, 5/1, Xie Lian will be dealing with a pesky little problem...
Xie Lian's no stranger to helping his neighbors out with anything they may need! Such a magnanimous person surely has many fulfilling conversations in a given day. But this week, he will find himself hallucinating that the people he is talking to have gruesome sores covering their faces and bodies. The dearer they are to him, the more agonizing it looks, and the more pronounced their suffering is. Fortunately(?), these hallucinations last no longer than a few seconds at a time and occur somewhat sparingly throughout the day and night. However, no matter what magic trinkets or clever tricks he may try, it seems he can't shake these hallucinations for good until the week is up. How strange!
You're free to play with this effect as you please. Have fun! :)]
Xie Lian's no stranger to helping his neighbors out with anything they may need! Such a magnanimous person surely has many fulfilling conversations in a given day. But this week, he will find himself hallucinating that the people he is talking to have gruesome sores covering their faces and bodies. The dearer they are to him, the more agonizing it looks, and the more pronounced their suffering is. Fortunately(?), these hallucinations last no longer than a few seconds at a time and occur somewhat sparingly throughout the day and night. However, no matter what magic trinkets or clever tricks he may try, it seems he can't shake these hallucinations for good until the week is up. How strange!
You're free to play with this effect as you please. Have fun! :)]
[HELLO XIE LIAN you have a visitor!!! Lan Wangji is here, looking pretty much the same as he always does; his horns and tail are the same size they always are in this form, and while his wings vanish as soon as his feet touch the ground outside of the shrine, they don't seem any different either. In fact, the only change is a small ring on his pinky, an innocuous silver on the outside. Maybe something from his last shopping trip? HM.
ANYWAYS more importantly!! He seeks out Xie Lian as soon as he arrives, offering a bow of greeting.]
May I speak with you?
ANYWAYS more importantly!! He seeks out Xie Lian as soon as he arrives, offering a bow of greeting.]
May I speak with you?
[ it's been kind of an odd day. xie lian can't exactly put his finger on why, but nonetheless. he's spending his afternoon cleaning the stoop at puji, sweeping dust with a straw broom, and when he senses lan wangji's presence, he looks up to greet him.
there, on his face. three of them, staring at him--facsimiles of faces, gaping mouths, open eyes, horrendous pain stretched across every feature. it there for two seconds, maybe three, but xie lian flinches so violently he drops the broom, jerking back almost six inches with the force of it as his stomach drops into his gut. that was, that was--nonononono--
and then, just like that, it's gone. he blinks, stunned, hands still frozen in midair as he was holding the broom. xie lian's brain has to take a minute to wrench itself out of screaming overdrive, and he forcibly papers over the reaction with the mental equivalent of cement, his heartbeat pounding in his ears as he bends down to grab the broom. ] Ha--haha, young master Lan, you startled me.... I was lost in my thoughts, forgive me.
[ have you really gone so senile as to start hallucinating? he chides himself, straightening and plastering a smile on his face, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes as he bows his head in greeting, too. ] How can I help you?
there, on his face. three of them, staring at him--facsimiles of faces, gaping mouths, open eyes, horrendous pain stretched across every feature. it there for two seconds, maybe three, but xie lian flinches so violently he drops the broom, jerking back almost six inches with the force of it as his stomach drops into his gut. that was, that was--nonononono--
and then, just like that, it's gone. he blinks, stunned, hands still frozen in midair as he was holding the broom. xie lian's brain has to take a minute to wrench itself out of screaming overdrive, and he forcibly papers over the reaction with the mental equivalent of cement, his heartbeat pounding in his ears as he bends down to grab the broom. ] Ha--haha, young master Lan, you startled me.... I was lost in my thoughts, forgive me.
[ have you really gone so senile as to start hallucinating? he chides himself, straightening and plastering a smile on his face, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes as he bows his head in greeting, too. ] How can I help you?
[HOW BOUT THIS MONDAY, HUH...
Wei Wuxian is in the middle of another delivery, it appears! There are a few bundles tucked under his arms, and he's wearing sturdier shoes than usual, so it seems he's planning on walking for a while. But even the most important of errands can be put on pause for a little while okay, and when he spots Xie Lian on the same path, he deviates from his own with a grin and trots right on over. Nothing seems outwardly amiss at first glance, with the exception of his wings. As opposed to the last time they met, when they moved just as animatedly as his arms, they're folded pretty snugly against his back and remain still.]
Up bright and early as usual! [He'll say this even if it's fuckin 2PM, this boy has no sense of time.] Are you heading into town to collect more things for that little bag of yours? If you are, take a break with me! I was just thinking about resting, myself, and there's a little teahouse up the path and to the left that has the best red bean cakes!
[PLEASE HE HAS BEEN WALKING SO LONG HE'S SO LONELY AND HUNGRY.]
Wei Wuxian is in the middle of another delivery, it appears! There are a few bundles tucked under his arms, and he's wearing sturdier shoes than usual, so it seems he's planning on walking for a while. But even the most important of errands can be put on pause for a little while okay, and when he spots Xie Lian on the same path, he deviates from his own with a grin and trots right on over. Nothing seems outwardly amiss at first glance, with the exception of his wings. As opposed to the last time they met, when they moved just as animatedly as his arms, they're folded pretty snugly against his back and remain still.]
Up bright and early as usual! [He'll say this even if it's fuckin 2PM, this boy has no sense of time.] Are you heading into town to collect more things for that little bag of yours? If you are, take a break with me! I was just thinking about resting, myself, and there's a little teahouse up the path and to the left that has the best red bean cakes!
[PLEASE HE HAS BEEN WALKING SO LONG HE'S SO LONELY AND HUNGRY.]
[ after seeing lan wangji earlier this morning, xie lian figured he must have just been in need of a nap. the king of burying his trauma in a metal box in his mental backyard is at his finest, today, and xie lian is just going to pretend it was a weird mishap! haha, wow!
once he rises out of a short afternoon nap, though, it's on to collecting scraps. he's feeling refreshed, if uneasy, and with his trademark cloth sack over his back and his straw hat perched on top of his head to keep the sun out of his eyes, it seems like that was a one time thing. it's not completely unheard of for him to have flashbacks to xian le, after all... it's just been a few hundred years.
so, he won't take the familiar voice as a bad sign. he doesn't turn immediately the sound, but does call back to him. ] I haven't even been to town yet -- [ and when he turns his head, there it is again.
this time, though, it's worse. this time, there are sections of skin that look to have been sliced, where the sores grew back over, covering the path of their predecessors. once, xie lian had postulated the way to remove the infection was to cut it clean from the body, and it had worked for a very, very short time. too short. every other patient was like this--faces in clusters that almost resembled their family. black, grotesque human faces, with mouths that moved, sometimes cried, sometimes ate, sometimes begged out for mercy, --
fear flashes across xie lian's face, there and gone again as fast as the hallucination itself, but no less unfamiliar on the usually unflappable daozhang's expression. he grips the scrap bag he's holding so tightly his nails dig into his scarred palms, until the prick of the sensation of pain forces him back to reality, to the smiling, normal face of wei wuxian, chattering about something that he missed entirely while the entire world was trying to fall down around his ears.
xie lian blinks again; he tries to calm his heart with a deep breath. it's fine. it's fine. it's not real. ] I-- [ abruptly, he shakes his head, as if trying to clear something off. trying to make the mental image disappear.
what is going on?
he puts a smile on, sheepish, not quite there, and ducks his head. ]... I'm sorry, Wei Wuxian, was there... something you wanted? I didn't quite catch that...
once he rises out of a short afternoon nap, though, it's on to collecting scraps. he's feeling refreshed, if uneasy, and with his trademark cloth sack over his back and his straw hat perched on top of his head to keep the sun out of his eyes, it seems like that was a one time thing. it's not completely unheard of for him to have flashbacks to xian le, after all... it's just been a few hundred years.
so, he won't take the familiar voice as a bad sign. he doesn't turn immediately the sound, but does call back to him. ] I haven't even been to town yet -- [ and when he turns his head, there it is again.
this time, though, it's worse. this time, there are sections of skin that look to have been sliced, where the sores grew back over, covering the path of their predecessors. once, xie lian had postulated the way to remove the infection was to cut it clean from the body, and it had worked for a very, very short time. too short. every other patient was like this--faces in clusters that almost resembled their family. black, grotesque human faces, with mouths that moved, sometimes cried, sometimes ate, sometimes begged out for mercy, --
fear flashes across xie lian's face, there and gone again as fast as the hallucination itself, but no less unfamiliar on the usually unflappable daozhang's expression. he grips the scrap bag he's holding so tightly his nails dig into his scarred palms, until the prick of the sensation of pain forces him back to reality, to the smiling, normal face of wei wuxian, chattering about something that he missed entirely while the entire world was trying to fall down around his ears.
xie lian blinks again; he tries to calm his heart with a deep breath. it's fine. it's fine. it's not real. ] I-- [ abruptly, he shakes his head, as if trying to clear something off. trying to make the mental image disappear.
what is going on?
he puts a smile on, sheepish, not quite there, and ducks his head. ]... I'm sorry, Wei Wuxian, was there... something you wanted? I didn't quite catch that...
[ it’s a peaceful morning in the yamate mountains. birds sing as the sun inches higher in the sky, the leaves of the trees and foliage swaying gently in the breeze. it’s a day like any other, in forests that even the original xie lian may be familiar with by now.
odd, though, how some of the smaller tree branches seem broken, or how some of the bushes look a little trampled, heading off of the usual, worn path leading up into the mountains. surely that’s just the local wildlife at work.
the trail of blood droplets, might even go completely unnoticed, if xie lian isn’t paying attention. ]
odd, though, how some of the smaller tree branches seem broken, or how some of the bushes look a little trampled, heading off of the usual, worn path leading up into the mountains. surely that’s just the local wildlife at work.
the trail of blood droplets, might even go completely unnoticed, if xie lian isn’t paying attention. ]
[ luckily for both of us, probably, xie lian is a pretty observant guy, when it comes to anything that isn't like, hua cheng. the xie lian of xian le has had many years of tracking on his belt, and when he sees the trampled bushes in --wherever he is, this must be another nightmare--it only makes sense to follow.
he turns off of the path, and starts to follow the blood trail, keeping calm and trying not to disturb anything along the way. ]
he turns off of the path, and starts to follow the blood trail, keeping calm and trying not to disturb anything along the way. ]
[ The moon hangs full and bright in the night sky, air still and quiet, cold enough to see one's breath but difficult to tease apart from the low hanging fog of the forests of Yamate. Like a blanket, the clamminess clings to Minato's skin as he rubs his arms absently: they're slick with blood— less slick the more he rubs, and more sticky, drying out, soaking into his clothes.
He walks right past the water basin at Puji Shrine, dragging his feet until he stops in front of the offertory box, digging through his belongings to find a small coin bag and emptying its contents into the box- they too are coated with blood, and clank dully against the other coins already inside.
This should be enough, he thinks, as his head bows and eyes slide closed, lips mumbling a silent prayer.
Dear any god that will listen, his relationships are all fucked, please send help. ]
He walks right past the water basin at Puji Shrine, dragging his feet until he stops in front of the offertory box, digging through his belongings to find a small coin bag and emptying its contents into the box- they too are coated with blood, and clank dully against the other coins already inside.
This should be enough, he thinks, as his head bows and eyes slide closed, lips mumbling a silent prayer.
Dear any god that will listen, his relationships are all fucked, please send help. ]
[ having visitors to puji shrine late at night isn't all that strange, at least as far as xie lian could tell from his note, but the sounds of coins surprises xie lian from where he's preparing his bedroll for the evening. he stays silent where he stands, currently out of minato's sight, and pauses to try and listen to what he's trying to say.
...well? is he a god, or is he a god? xie lian taps into his newly accessible energy --thanks, strange country of koun!--and moves to make himself invisible to non-heavenly beings. that lets him walk up to the altar unnoticed, still holding his bedroll on his hip. godly, godly... unrecognizable. ahem. ahem! he tries to make his voice sound different, muffling himself with his hand and pitching it lower than usual. ]
Your offering has been received. [ a talisman paper will appear to float in front of him (xie lian is just offering it over with his hands.) ] Please write your prayer for-- [ .....?? ] --to complete your offering so I may assist you...mortal.
[ smooth. ]
...well? is he a god, or is he a god? xie lian taps into his newly accessible energy --thanks, strange country of koun!--and moves to make himself invisible to non-heavenly beings. that lets him walk up to the altar unnoticed, still holding his bedroll on his hip. godly, godly... unrecognizable. ahem. ahem! he tries to make his voice sound different, muffling himself with his hand and pitching it lower than usual. ]
Your offering has been received. [ a talisman paper will appear to float in front of him (xie lian is just offering it over with his hands.) ] Please write your prayer for-- [ .....?? ] --to complete your offering so I may assist you...mortal.
[ smooth. ]
[ three years later i write this dream sequence gomen
koun really is beautiful at night. serene. or - at least, it usually is. tonight, it's not so peaceful. tonight, there's a huge group of men and women gathering at the edge of the forest into yamate. they're shouting, riling each other up, waving torches in each other's faces as they argue.
the demon needs to be vanquished! if we let it roam, it'll take our children next! screams one woman, and a man next to her shouts, it's already taken so many and defiled them, left them in ruins! did you see what it did to the radish seller? we have to kill it!
a shout of assent rises up in the air, and some of the men brandish the shovels and pitchforks, ready for their hunt. in the trees nearby, a pair of yellow eyes watches the mob, and... just looks tired. ]
koun really is beautiful at night. serene. or - at least, it usually is. tonight, it's not so peaceful. tonight, there's a huge group of men and women gathering at the edge of the forest into yamate. they're shouting, riling each other up, waving torches in each other's faces as they argue.
the demon needs to be vanquished! if we let it roam, it'll take our children next! screams one woman, and a man next to her shouts, it's already taken so many and defiled them, left them in ruins! did you see what it did to the radish seller? we have to kill it!
a shout of assent rises up in the air, and some of the men brandish the shovels and pitchforks, ready for their hunt. in the trees nearby, a pair of yellow eyes watches the mob, and... just looks tired. ]
[ nothing like a good old fashioned angry mob!! xie lian hates this, thanks! he's walked into this dream from behind said mob, and watches it from a distance, his brows knit together, mouth pulling into a frown. he's not entirely sure what's going on, at least right away, and before he's even figured out that this is a dream, xie lian moves to action.
bursting out of the crowd comes a figure all in white. xie lian shoves himself into the space between the mob and the forest, currently unaware of the bright yellow eyes behind him. the daozhang xie would have done much of the same--xie lian's goody-goody nature has never left him, no matter the universe.
arms stretched out like a human shield, inadvertently placing himself between royce and a very, very angry group of humans, xie lian shouts to be heard over the din -- ] Please, don't panic! Like this you'll light the whole forest ablaze--does such senseless destruction make you any better?! Will you put someone to execution with no chance to plead their case?!
[ hi royce! this is your dream welcome to jackass ]
bursting out of the crowd comes a figure all in white. xie lian shoves himself into the space between the mob and the forest, currently unaware of the bright yellow eyes behind him. the daozhang xie would have done much of the same--xie lian's goody-goody nature has never left him, no matter the universe.
arms stretched out like a human shield, inadvertently placing himself between royce and a very, very angry group of humans, xie lian shouts to be heard over the din -- ] Please, don't panic! Like this you'll light the whole forest ablaze--does such senseless destruction make you any better?! Will you put someone to execution with no chance to plead their case?!
[ hi royce! this is your dream welcome to jackass ]
[hello, xie lian. there's something new in puji shrine on this fine morning, the day after the castle burned.
hovering around the place is a small orb of ghostly flame, roughly the size to fit in someone's hands if they held their palms together. the core of its flame is white, the edges of it red; it doesn't seem to mean any harm or to be at any risk of setting the place aflame, though. it's just... hovering idly around, with an almost nervous sort of energy to it.
when xie lian next enters, it sort of pauses, but doesn't try to hide-- the little orb floats in place, bobbing gently in the air.]
hovering around the place is a small orb of ghostly flame, roughly the size to fit in someone's hands if they held their palms together. the core of its flame is white, the edges of it red; it doesn't seem to mean any harm or to be at any risk of setting the place aflame, though. it's just... hovering idly around, with an almost nervous sort of energy to it.
when xie lian next enters, it sort of pauses, but doesn't try to hide-- the little orb floats in place, bobbing gently in the air.]
[ what a strange night. having finally gotten his name back and briefly checked out the castle, xie lian had crashed for a fairly early night. blessed without nightmares, finally, he's thinking he'll enjoy a peaceful, nice morning. maybe sweep the shrine, do some exercises, check in on his demon friends...
however! coming out of the shrine in the early morning takes him not to his chores, but --a ghost fire! oh! this world really is just like xie lian's, isn't it? with a soft noise of recognition, xie lian sets the broom he was holding down and hurries over, approaching and holding out his hands, though not reaching. ] ...Hello there! Are you still conscious in there, my friend? Or are you lost?
[ hopefully so. a ghost fire could easily become a resentful spirit, as much as it could move on... best to act quickly. ]
however! coming out of the shrine in the early morning takes him not to his chores, but --a ghost fire! oh! this world really is just like xie lian's, isn't it? with a soft noise of recognition, xie lian sets the broom he was holding down and hurries over, approaching and holding out his hands, though not reaching. ] ...Hello there! Are you still conscious in there, my friend? Or are you lost?
[ hopefully so. a ghost fire could easily become a resentful spirit, as much as it could move on... best to act quickly. ]
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