lαn sízhuí (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
deferences) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
houseofsushi2020-05-22 10:34 pm
deferences) wrote in houseofsushi2020-05-22 10:34 pm
Entry tags:
- lan sizhui,
- open,
- rp
Ordinarily, when Lan Clan is called in to handle a problem, it's because said situation became so out of hand, the locals need outside help to deal with whatever has beset them. Although most of the information they've been given is based on rumors, Lan Sizhui takes immediate action and decides, with his fathers busy and uncle otherwise indisposed, he'll address the issue directly; a ‘fiend’ of some sort causing inconveniences among the people, he's been told, yet nobody who has come forward possesses actual details of said ‘crimson demon’.
This will prove far more difficult than other missions he's accepted, but certainly not for the usual reasons that night-hunts are arduous.
Sizhui's arrival is mostly kept secretive (to the point he's exchanged his all-white outfit for plain, common-looking robes), this way he can work and there's less chance that the creature will catch on to the fact it's being hunted, even if Sizhui's still got his doubts about the whole thing. That isn't his place, however, so he tamps down any uncertainty then begins his project.
It takes three whole days for him to finally come up with something; the location of the demon's lair. Goodness, what more could he ask for at that point? Being handed this golden opportunity, it almost seems too good to be true, but it's the best lead he's had since he got here. (Therein lies a new problem though: how does he get there without anyone noticing?) He could, of course, cobble together an invisibility array, something that'd cover him just long enough to sneak up and catch the monster off-guard—
No, he thinks, there could be another way, right? A few long moments of contemplation and some minutes later, he's set out on horseback, galloping the two or so miles outside of town toward where the woman had marked on his map. ‘Careful you don't fall victim to trickery, young man.’ She'd warned, leaving him clutching his evidence like a lifeline, impulsiveness irresistible, despite the ominous words.
Which isn't at all what he's thinking about the moment he rides up to the house, eyes widened in surprise, but it's instantly cut short by rising anxiety. Don't be fooled, Sizhui reminds, taking a slow, deliberate breath that he exhales in a huff, hoping he's steeled himself enough to face whatever (or whoever) awaits him just beyond a quick stride across the yard and a door.
He draws ever closer, fingers clenched around his sword's sheath, the opposite hand at his side twitching nervously, completely prepared to draw his weapon if the need arises. Once he's only an odd amount of feet away, the cultivator stops, squares his shoulders and calls out, “Is anyone there? If so, present yourself.”
This will prove far more difficult than other missions he's accepted, but certainly not for the usual reasons that night-hunts are arduous.
Sizhui's arrival is mostly kept secretive (to the point he's exchanged his all-white outfit for plain, common-looking robes), this way he can work and there's less chance that the creature will catch on to the fact it's being hunted, even if Sizhui's still got his doubts about the whole thing. That isn't his place, however, so he tamps down any uncertainty then begins his project.
It takes three whole days for him to finally come up with something; the location of the demon's lair. Goodness, what more could he ask for at that point? Being handed this golden opportunity, it almost seems too good to be true, but it's the best lead he's had since he got here. (Therein lies a new problem though: how does he get there without anyone noticing?) He could, of course, cobble together an invisibility array, something that'd cover him just long enough to sneak up and catch the monster off-guard—
No, he thinks, there could be another way, right? A few long moments of contemplation and some minutes later, he's set out on horseback, galloping the two or so miles outside of town toward where the woman had marked on his map. ‘Careful you don't fall victim to trickery, young man.’ She'd warned, leaving him clutching his evidence like a lifeline, impulsiveness irresistible, despite the ominous words.
Which isn't at all what he's thinking about the moment he rides up to the house, eyes widened in surprise, but it's instantly cut short by rising anxiety. Don't be fooled, Sizhui reminds, taking a slow, deliberate breath that he exhales in a huff, hoping he's steeled himself enough to face whatever (or whoever) awaits him just beyond a quick stride across the yard and a door.
He draws ever closer, fingers clenched around his sword's sheath, the opposite hand at his side twitching nervously, completely prepared to draw his weapon if the need arises. Once he's only an odd amount of feet away, the cultivator stops, squares his shoulders and calls out, “Is anyone there? If so, present yourself.”
It's not the first time Arataki Itto has found himself hunted, of course it always ends up the same way. The hunter becomes the hunted until he's had enough fun and ends the game. It makes no difference to him when these pathetic excuses for cultivators and exorcist all have the same weak abilities. They hardly make fun sport at this point.
Of course as a demon whose amassed much he's also found those who are worthy of working for him. He knows an empire of one will never last, his gang always warns him of those coming close. One such member was the kind old woman said cultivator approaching had spoken to. She had taken Itto in as a child when his parents were murdered before him and he had shown that kindness by always protecting her. She had already warned him of the man arriving but she had told Itto more of him, how beautiful his new prey was.
Interesting. When he felt the approach of this "beautiful man" he went to hide, staying in the shadows of his home to get a better view of this stranger. It was of course hard to hide his size but he knew all the best spots, he built this home afterall.
Careful to make his steps silent he trailed behind as the man explored his home. Beautiful didn't do him justice. This man looked so fragile and delicate and yet walked with such determination and grace. Like a kami descended from the heavens. He was stunning. Itto wanted to play with this one for sure.
"Is this how you greet all lords? You just barge into another's home?" His voice was deeper than he normally held it, appearing behind the smaller man from the shadows. His own body nearly towering over him. "Did you come to slay the dreaded beast, little cultivator?"
Of course as a demon whose amassed much he's also found those who are worthy of working for him. He knows an empire of one will never last, his gang always warns him of those coming close. One such member was the kind old woman said cultivator approaching had spoken to. She had taken Itto in as a child when his parents were murdered before him and he had shown that kindness by always protecting her. She had already warned him of the man arriving but she had told Itto more of him, how beautiful his new prey was.
Interesting. When he felt the approach of this "beautiful man" he went to hide, staying in the shadows of his home to get a better view of this stranger. It was of course hard to hide his size but he knew all the best spots, he built this home afterall.
Careful to make his steps silent he trailed behind as the man explored his home. Beautiful didn't do him justice. This man looked so fragile and delicate and yet walked with such determination and grace. Like a kami descended from the heavens. He was stunning. Itto wanted to play with this one for sure.
"Is this how you greet all lords? You just barge into another's home?" His voice was deeper than he normally held it, appearing behind the smaller man from the shadows. His own body nearly towering over him. "Did you come to slay the dreaded beast, little cultivator?"
Frankly, Lan Sizhui should've known better than to trust the old woman who had given him information. Nobody except her withholding particulars, waiting for the right moment, then divulging such details, especially pertaining to the oni's whereabouts? Someone who knew him, obviously. (He'll berate himself later when he isn't already focused on figuring out how to handle his current situation: luring said creature out of his home.)
He also should've been aware that approaching without at least setting a trap or two wasn't the wisest decision, but can he really be blamed if he wants to try something less aggressive first? He'd not drawn his weapon, he was staying in one place, and while it means he's quite easily crept up on, it also means he's shown some clear vulnerability here, which he hopes worked in his favor rather than against him.
Though his heart palpitates so hard, he can taste it, Sizhui's making no actual motion the moment he senses another's presence behind him, holding steady despite the urge to abruptly turn with sword brandished. Sizhui does take a slow, measured breath that he sighs right back out, his fingers cinching ever-tighter as he says first, “It depends, my lord,” and then his posture softens significantly, the fidgety hand at his side going motionless before tucking neatly behind himself, resting at the small of his back. “Do you need to be slayed?”
Or can they handle this differently, perhaps without violence? (Which, hey, he's hoping the whole ‘my lord’ thing and hand-behind-the-back gesture sort of add to his courteousness here!)
He also should've been aware that approaching without at least setting a trap or two wasn't the wisest decision, but can he really be blamed if he wants to try something less aggressive first? He'd not drawn his weapon, he was staying in one place, and while it means he's quite easily crept up on, it also means he's shown some clear vulnerability here, which he hopes worked in his favor rather than against him.
Though his heart palpitates so hard, he can taste it, Sizhui's making no actual motion the moment he senses another's presence behind him, holding steady despite the urge to abruptly turn with sword brandished. Sizhui does take a slow, measured breath that he sighs right back out, his fingers cinching ever-tighter as he says first, “It depends, my lord,” and then his posture softens significantly, the fidgety hand at his side going motionless before tucking neatly behind himself, resting at the small of his back. “Do you need to be slayed?”
Or can they handle this differently, perhaps without violence? (Which, hey, he's hoping the whole ‘my lord’ thing and hand-behind-the-back gesture sort of add to his courteousness here!)
So it would seem this cultivator is trying to butter him up. Well Itto isn't going to fall for the act bit he will indulge in it for sure. When his crimson eyes see thay hand go behind the man's back he reaches for it with his much bigger ones. He could crush this man so easily, magic or not. He knows cultivators are stronger than they appear but his own muscles aren't just for show. There's a reason he's wanted dead or alive, he's killed so many of their kind before.
"You humans would think so. I've never tasted human flesh yet there are countless stories of me eating them. I wonder what other lies are told of me. Am I hideous and feared too I wonder?" Itto chuckles a bit as he takes that small hand and leans down to kiss it. His fangs pressing against the skin.
He stays behind the other, not yet revealing his face but also not letting go of him.
"Are you planning to seduce me little one? You're beautiful enough for it. I wonder what these simple threads are hiding." He leans in then, breath hot against Sizhuis neck as he pulls him tight against his bigger frame. "I might let you have a look, if you tell me what you plan to do here, maybe even tell me one of those lovely rumors about myself."
"You humans would think so. I've never tasted human flesh yet there are countless stories of me eating them. I wonder what other lies are told of me. Am I hideous and feared too I wonder?" Itto chuckles a bit as he takes that small hand and leans down to kiss it. His fangs pressing against the skin.
He stays behind the other, not yet revealing his face but also not letting go of him.
"Are you planning to seduce me little one? You're beautiful enough for it. I wonder what these simple threads are hiding." He leans in then, breath hot against Sizhuis neck as he pulls him tight against his bigger frame. "I might let you have a look, if you tell me what you plan to do here, maybe even tell me one of those lovely rumors about myself."
Well, nobody can say he didn't try doing so, but with very little luck, it seems. He doesn't have to see Itto reaching for his arm to sense it; he notes the motion, swallows hard and clenches his fist against his back, but he doesn't flinch or jerk away, just stays still whenever Itto's hand comes closer, closer . . .
“Their bodies were never recovered, so what did you assume people might say about you?” It's not often victims emerged alive, after all, and with no remains to be found anywhere, of course individuals would assume the worst and spread fear throughout the town. “And I've heard both; some say you are hideous, whereas others say not so much, yet they all agree on one thing: you are feared.” Not by everyone, evidently, himself included. (Sure, he's anxious, but that's a different feeling altogether right now.) They're having a somewhat polite conversation, subject aside, and he thinks maybe the circumstances could be different—
Right up until Itto's hand actually takes hold of his and the oni leans down to kiss him. Both that and the scrape of fangs surprise him, it's the former making Sizhui's fingers twitch, his breath hitching at such an intimate gesture while he shifts the arm in an attempt to bring it to his side, finally accepting the latter could prove threatening.
His heartbeat skips a second time when the man's warm breath falls across his neck, brow furrowing with consternation as he's tugged against Itto's body, prompting him to shift his free arm, the still-sheathed sword tucking in-between them, not exactly a threat but definitely an impediment if Itto tries moving even closer. “Seduce you? Is that what you're expecting?” To think, Itto's looking forward to something like that from someone like him, of all people? How presumptuous of him, it almost makes Sizhui want to laugh. (‘Almost’ being the keyword here.) “They say... you have murdered almost everyone who has come to your door.”
“Their bodies were never recovered, so what did you assume people might say about you?” It's not often victims emerged alive, after all, and with no remains to be found anywhere, of course individuals would assume the worst and spread fear throughout the town. “And I've heard both; some say you are hideous, whereas others say not so much, yet they all agree on one thing: you are feared.” Not by everyone, evidently, himself included. (Sure, he's anxious, but that's a different feeling altogether right now.) They're having a somewhat polite conversation, subject aside, and he thinks maybe the circumstances could be different—
Right up until Itto's hand actually takes hold of his and the oni leans down to kiss him. Both that and the scrape of fangs surprise him, it's the former making Sizhui's fingers twitch, his breath hitching at such an intimate gesture while he shifts the arm in an attempt to bring it to his side, finally accepting the latter could prove threatening.
His heartbeat skips a second time when the man's warm breath falls across his neck, brow furrowing with consternation as he's tugged against Itto's body, prompting him to shift his free arm, the still-sheathed sword tucking in-between them, not exactly a threat but definitely an impediment if Itto tries moving even closer. “Seduce you? Is that what you're expecting?” To think, Itto's looking forward to something like that from someone like him, of all people? How presumptuous of him, it almost makes Sizhui want to laugh. (‘Almost’ being the keyword here.) “They say... you have murdered almost everyone who has come to your door.”
"Feared is a good thing. I rather be feared than loved, humans will use and abuse those they love." Itto doesn't move away, he let's go of the man's arm to instead hold his waist. Long clawed fingers able to almost entirely hold that waist, so petite.
"Do you fear me cultivator?" He leans in once more, body pressed tightly against him. Even with fabric separating them it's not hiding much to the imagination.
"The others have all been men who thought they would gain fame and fortune in killing a beast. I wonder if you are as selfish as then or if you will prove different. It would be a shame to waste such a beautiful body." With a sigh Itto let's go of him and steps back, turning fully to go to a nearby couch and lounging on it, clothed body fully on display as he flicks on a few candles to light the room.
"You may look at me, cultivator. Pray, tell me your name. I know you know my own already. I think it's only fair I know yours." He lounges as if he had nothing to fear, an arm draped over the back of rhe couch and one leg dangling while the other was pulled up and bent. With his bare chest out and low hanging pants the position was clearly showing off the muscles and markings all over him. His long white hair was even pulled up in a ponytail to expose more of his neck.
"Do you fear me cultivator?" He leans in once more, body pressed tightly against him. Even with fabric separating them it's not hiding much to the imagination.
"The others have all been men who thought they would gain fame and fortune in killing a beast. I wonder if you are as selfish as then or if you will prove different. It would be a shame to waste such a beautiful body." With a sigh Itto let's go of him and steps back, turning fully to go to a nearby couch and lounging on it, clothed body fully on display as he flicks on a few candles to light the room.
"You may look at me, cultivator. Pray, tell me your name. I know you know my own already. I think it's only fair I know yours." He lounges as if he had nothing to fear, an arm draped over the back of rhe couch and one leg dangling while the other was pulled up and bent. With his bare chest out and low hanging pants the position was clearly showing off the muscles and markings all over him. His long white hair was even pulled up in a ponytail to expose more of his neck.
Sizhui opens his mouth to retort, readying a clipped biteback about how ‘not all humans,’ but his attention is drawn down toward Itto's hands where they circle his waist, those long, clawed fingers practically engulfing his midsection. The oni truly could crush him, there's no denying this, and yet that hold doesn't seem wholly threatening.
“It is not the word I would use.” ‘Afraid’ means succumbing to said fear and, while he's nervous, he has steeled himself in the face of fear in preparation for whatever happens during their confrontation. (Idly, his mind wanders, noting Itto's body pressed against his own, the strength in his frame and how he could very well destroy him if he'd made even the smallest misstep—) And still, he isn't backing down, regardless of the bizarre shiver that zippers up his spine. “Anything I do is never for fame, it's to protect those who feel like they are being harmed.”
Once he's released, Sizhui breathes an audible sigh of relief, his posture slackening again as he spares a fleeting glance around them, lingering on the candles initially, but letting his gaze flicker to Itto after he's given the go-ahead. What he sees isn't a monster at all; Itto looks almost more human-like, aside from his horns, fangs, his height and the multitude of markings littering his body. He tilts his head, considering, eyes momentarily half-lidded when he gives another full once-over, then he's wide-eyed and alert only seconds later.
He lifts both arms, circles them in front of himself and politely bows, both hands clasped around his weapon. “Lan Sizhui, of the Gusu Lan Sect.” Then he's straightening upright, sword arm back at his side, the other hand curled into a fist resting across his middle, long sleeve curtained pristinely over his frontside. “Though I am curious why you would like to know my name when it seems you've already decided the outcome of this situation.”
“It is not the word I would use.” ‘Afraid’ means succumbing to said fear and, while he's nervous, he has steeled himself in the face of fear in preparation for whatever happens during their confrontation. (Idly, his mind wanders, noting Itto's body pressed against his own, the strength in his frame and how he could very well destroy him if he'd made even the smallest misstep—) And still, he isn't backing down, regardless of the bizarre shiver that zippers up his spine. “Anything I do is never for fame, it's to protect those who feel like they are being harmed.”
Once he's released, Sizhui breathes an audible sigh of relief, his posture slackening again as he spares a fleeting glance around them, lingering on the candles initially, but letting his gaze flicker to Itto after he's given the go-ahead. What he sees isn't a monster at all; Itto looks almost more human-like, aside from his horns, fangs, his height and the multitude of markings littering his body. He tilts his head, considering, eyes momentarily half-lidded when he gives another full once-over, then he's wide-eyed and alert only seconds later.
He lifts both arms, circles them in front of himself and politely bows, both hands clasped around his weapon. “Lan Sizhui, of the Gusu Lan Sect.” Then he's straightening upright, sword arm back at his side, the other hand curled into a fist resting across his middle, long sleeve curtained pristinely over his frontside. “Though I am curious why you would like to know my name when it seems you've already decided the outcome of this situation.”
Crimson eyes meet Sizhui's as Itto looks the man over as well. He's just as handsome from the front as he is behind. Those lips are truly lips screaming to be kissed and swollen with cock between them. Itto can't help but lick his lips as he looks the man over like an exotic dish laid before him.
"Lan Sizhui, just your name alone has my heart beating. What a man you are." He smirks as he taps at his raised leg for sizhui to come towards him, preferably and hopefully on his knees.
"Oh I have plans for you little one. I hope you don't have family, I will not be letting you leave to see them anytime soon. Not to worry, you'll be treated as a guest so long as you treat me kindly in return. Now come closer, I wish to gaze upon you more."
"Lan Sizhui, just your name alone has my heart beating. What a man you are." He smirks as he taps at his raised leg for sizhui to come towards him, preferably and hopefully on his knees.
"Oh I have plans for you little one. I hope you don't have family, I will not be letting you leave to see them anytime soon. Not to worry, you'll be treated as a guest so long as you treat me kindly in return. Now come closer, I wish to gaze upon you more."
[continued from here]
[wait, his being a man is concerning? that's gonna need some elaborating, sir matrim!
well, for whatever it's worth, he's about to find out what sizhui can do firsthand, even if it is something as simple as singing for now.] You do make a good point, it never hurts to just have fun.
Alright, I'll do it! Where would I be able to find you? [hopefully not caught up in another fight.]
[wait, his being a man is concerning? that's gonna need some elaborating, sir matrim!
well, for whatever it's worth, he's about to find out what sizhui can do firsthand, even if it is something as simple as singing for now.] You do make a good point, it never hurts to just have fun.
Alright, I'll do it! Where would I be able to find you? [hopefully not caught up in another fight.]
[ LISTEN, THAT'S AN ENTIRE FULL-DAY GENDER ESSENTIALISM SEMINAR AT LEAST...
Actually, it's not that complicated, not when Mat's feelings towards people of any make and model capable of wielding forces he's unable to defend against tend to overall hover inside the range of mistrust and wariness.
That said, he's not above chasing fun, as it were. And this easily waylaid compliance tempts him with the prospect of amusement. Enough to overcome his reluctance to give up the safe, neutral distance of a message exchange? Hm. But he'd hate to miss hearing him belt out some bawdy country ditties...
(This isn't a trap to get him in for an in-person lecture, is it? ]
Just go to the square. I'll probably be able to hear you from there.
Actually, it's not that complicated, not when Mat's feelings towards people of any make and model capable of wielding forces he's unable to defend against tend to overall hover inside the range of mistrust and wariness.
That said, he's not above chasing fun, as it were. And this easily waylaid compliance tempts him with the prospect of amusement. Enough to overcome his reluctance to give up the safe, neutral distance of a message exchange? Hm. But he'd hate to miss hearing him belt out some bawdy country ditties...
(This isn't a trap to get him in for an in-person lecture, is it? ]
Just go to the square. I'll probably be able to hear you from there.
[OKAY WELL maybe mat should just learn that not everyone wants to harm him? they might even want to befriend him or something, who knows! (it's sizhui, sizhui befriends everybody, so long as he gets the chance.)
besides, he wouldn't betray anyone's trust by agreeing to do a thing then changing his mind and doing an entirely different thing, no matter how much he may want to scold mat for the whole barfight incident before. no, actually, more of his focus has gone into the idea of singing for someone, and that's part of why his own apprehension flares up at the mention of going to the square.]
Hold on, am I singing for you or the whole town? Because there's one I'd much prefer over the other.
[and it isn't a trap, surprisingly, he's genuinely wondering about this singing stuff.]
besides, he wouldn't betray anyone's trust by agreeing to do a thing then changing his mind and doing an entirely different thing, no matter how much he may want to scold mat for the whole barfight incident before. no, actually, more of his focus has gone into the idea of singing for someone, and that's part of why his own apprehension flares up at the mention of going to the square.]
Hold on, am I singing for you or the whole town? Because there's one I'd much prefer over the other.
[and it isn't a trap, surprisingly, he's genuinely wondering about this singing stuff.]
[ Cujo started out sweet, too.
(And is it really raging paranoia if they are out to get you? Eventually even the most naive farm kid has to learn after nearly being led by the nose to his doom, and he never counted among the most naturally trusting.)
Stupidly reckless and prone to gall others, though? Hmm... ]
I thought as much, you seem like the type to go big.
[ The preferential option is a public performance, right? ]
(And is it really raging paranoia if they are out to get you? Eventually even the most naive farm kid has to learn after nearly being led by the nose to his doom, and he never counted among the most naturally trusting.)
Stupidly reckless and prone to gall others, though? Hmm... ]
I thought as much, you seem like the type to go big.
[ The preferential option is a public performance, right? ]
Edited (deleted my own subject line lmao) 2023-12-08 05:52 (UTC)
[wowow comparing him to a dog that went insane from rabies! (hopefully he never gets that.....
and no, sizhui couldn't judge him in that case, considering he's someone who constantly puts himself in harm's way because of his occupation.) it's also to protect other people, but details, right? it's fine.
it absolutely is not, unfortunately, so sorry there, matty.]
Admittedly, compared to my ability to play, I'm a bit more self-conscious about singing.
and no, sizhui couldn't judge him in that case, considering he's someone who constantly puts himself in harm's way because of his occupation.) it's also to protect other people, but details, right? it's fine.
it absolutely is not, unfortunately, so sorry there, matty.]
Admittedly, compared to my ability to play, I'm a bit more self-conscious about singing.
[ Hey, if it looks like a male channeler duck and quacks like a male channeler duck... well. History and statistics (and Mat's own personal grievances) aren't exactly working in the other's favor on that front, but if luck sees fit to shine on him, madness-induced, grisly deaths need not apply and he won't have to find out anything to do with said occupation.
The only victim may well just be Sizhui's dignity. ]
What? Really? [ Imagine it in a voice of guileless surprise, which is certainly how he'd sound were he to deliver it out loud. ] Not one for stage fright, are we?
The only victim may well just be Sizhui's dignity. ]
What? Really? [ Imagine it in a voice of guileless surprise, which is certainly how he'd sound were he to deliver it out loud. ] Not one for stage fright, are we?
l o o k . . . they can both be good boys for different reasons
deferences
2023-12-13 07:00 am (UTC)(link)
[he'll never, ever forgive this comparison if he finds out. for the brief time he's known mat, sizhui hasn't considered the thought he would have to use his abilities against him. for him? maybe, going back to the circumstances that started this whole conversation, but not against him. if there comes a time when he needs an exorcism, however, it might put things into a different perspective, and even then, he would do his best to remain nonviolent.
also: this wouldn't be the first time his honor has taken a hit, it won't be the last!
luckily, sizhui can imagine it, as he can believe mat would think it surprising, him having stage fright.] A little. Again, singing isn't one of my strong suits... but if it's truly what you wish for, I will do so in the square.
also: this wouldn't be the first time his honor has taken a hit, it won't be the last!
luckily, sizhui can imagine it, as he can believe mat would think it surprising, him having stage fright.] A little. Again, singing isn't one of my strong suits... but if it's truly what you wish for, I will do so in the square.
i love it, absolute perfection. some kinda mixed fantasy thing!!!
deferences
- 2023-12-18 08:11 (UTC) - Expandhaving caught some opening Untamed eps, a psa: bless u for this angel
taveren
- 2024-03-08 04:46 (UTC) - Expandoh my GOSH you have no idea how pleased that makes me 🥹 you finally see the boy...
deferences
- 2024-03-08 05:20 (UTC) - ExpandYeah. That's me. Bet you're wondering how I ended up like this.
infernaltouch
2024-01-24 06:26 am (UTC)(link)
Another day. Another month. Another year. Another century. Another who knows what. Koro tires of his work in hell. Tires of the screaming and suffering he's forced to hear, the pain he's made to cause. His wanderlust grows once again, and he leaves his duty. To smell the sweet smells of earth, to hear the sweet song of the wind, and the birds.
To taste the sweet flesh of adorable humans.
A portal opens in the earth, and the grotesque abomination crawls out from the abyss, disturbing the creatures nearby. For now, he is monstrous, his first step being to observe the environment and humans therein, so he may best take on their form. Well, he will always choose a certain form, but clothes matter, too!
It appears he is now in a forest. A beautiful place with bright and green scenery and clean air. Much lovelier than the stuffy, revolting place he calls home. He takes care to not be noticed, hiding when animals are near so he does not trigger their flight or fight with his demonic aura. All seems to be going well...until his gargantuan height disturbs the nest of a brooding waxwing, who proceeds to let her annoyance be known as she screeches and pecks at the monster that dares to startle her. The nest and eggs are fortunately fine, and Koro takes care to step away from it so he then may freely swat at the bird and move on his way. Alas, the focus on the accursed bird is his folly as his foot presses against what feels like a rope.
It's all a blur. Koro remembers the sound of something triggering, being swept into something, and then trapped.
Trapped. And danger. He feels like his power is being drained. When he comes to his senses, he finds himself encased in a net hanging on a tree. Talismans adorn the net, and it appears these talismans contained some sort of power.
Completely taken by surprise, he lets out a roar in confusion.
Night-hunting never changes. Sure, there's always variance in types of monsters, ghosts, demons, et cetera and so on, but there's always one thing that remains consistent: waiting until whatever creature it is to show themself.
Lan Sizhui isn't alone, there are younger disciples he and his best friend are training, but he'd convinced Lan Jingyi to stay with them while he scouted ahead to check if anything had changed. There's always a strange sensation in the air when something eventually makes itself known, whether outrightly or accidentally, and it seems like it's technically the latter in this situation, even if he himself has no idea of what's happened yet.
It's on the way when he hears the angry bird-calling, which immediately captures his attention, has him pausing in his movements to listen better and focus on where the noise is coming from. Near one of the net clusters, he thinks, and with that in mind, he begins rushing toward the area, sword in hand, prepared for whatever it is he's going to come across. Before he can reach, however, the sudden roar catches him off-guard, has him stopping, back-pedaling half a step and staring wide-eyed in the creature's direction. Never in his life has he heard anything like it, it's almost enough to make him rethink his choice to approach alone, but if he's correct, the sound almost comes across as distressed, and he truly believes one (or many) of the nets have done their job.
Sizhui's pace increases from before, he pushes a little qi into his legs to propel him faster and— oh.
Finally, he stops in the shaded clearing, eyebrows lifting high at the sight, his mouth faintly hanging open. Just as he'd thought, this isn't a monster he's witnessed before; it's something far different from normal, huge and thrashing within the confines of the spiritual net. Honestly, it's a wonder it can hold something so large, but that's what they were made for, regardless of something's size.
The soft snikt of his blade being drawn is all that comes from him initially, yet as he draws closer with the weapon raised, he does finally speak, “There's no use in fighting, that net won't break so easily.”
Lan Sizhui isn't alone, there are younger disciples he and his best friend are training, but he'd convinced Lan Jingyi to stay with them while he scouted ahead to check if anything had changed. There's always a strange sensation in the air when something eventually makes itself known, whether outrightly or accidentally, and it seems like it's technically the latter in this situation, even if he himself has no idea of what's happened yet.
It's on the way when he hears the angry bird-calling, which immediately captures his attention, has him pausing in his movements to listen better and focus on where the noise is coming from. Near one of the net clusters, he thinks, and with that in mind, he begins rushing toward the area, sword in hand, prepared for whatever it is he's going to come across. Before he can reach, however, the sudden roar catches him off-guard, has him stopping, back-pedaling half a step and staring wide-eyed in the creature's direction. Never in his life has he heard anything like it, it's almost enough to make him rethink his choice to approach alone, but if he's correct, the sound almost comes across as distressed, and he truly believes one (or many) of the nets have done their job.
Sizhui's pace increases from before, he pushes a little qi into his legs to propel him faster and— oh.
Finally, he stops in the shaded clearing, eyebrows lifting high at the sight, his mouth faintly hanging open. Just as he'd thought, this isn't a monster he's witnessed before; it's something far different from normal, huge and thrashing within the confines of the spiritual net. Honestly, it's a wonder it can hold something so large, but that's what they were made for, regardless of something's size.
The soft snikt of his blade being drawn is all that comes from him initially, yet as he draws closer with the weapon raised, he does finally speak, “There's no use in fighting, that net won't break so easily.”
Koro thrashes and growls, feeling himself weaken more and more, beginning to panic. It isn't until he hears the sound of a blade that he stops, silence filling the air, and immediately turns his head towards the source of the sound. Despite the sounds of distress, Koro bears a wicked, uncanny grin.
Then his draw slowly lowers, showing the abyss that is his mouth. No throat, no uvula. Just darkness.
The entire scenario is terrifying, and it only gets worse when a deep and terrifying voice emits from the abyss. His mouth does not move. His jaw does not budge. And yet, a voice is heard.
PRAY TELL, WHAT TERRIBLE BEAST RESIDES IN THIS FOREST THAT THOU MUST HUNT...WITH A NET SUCH AS THIS?
Then his draw slowly lowers, showing the abyss that is his mouth. No throat, no uvula. Just darkness.
The entire scenario is terrifying, and it only gets worse when a deep and terrifying voice emits from the abyss. His mouth does not move. His jaw does not budge. And yet, a voice is heard.
PRAY TELL, WHAT TERRIBLE BEAST RESIDES IN THIS FOREST THAT THOU MUST HUNT...WITH A NET SUCH AS THIS?
Terrifying doesn't even come close to describing what he's witnessing; it's unsettling, horrific, absolutely bone-chilling. Sizhui can feel the blood in his veins run cold and despite everything he's been taught, how to handle himself in this sort of situation, he wavers, takes a partial step back and swallows hard, his fingers tightening on the hilt of his sword.
It feels like he can't move, like breathing hurts, and if he weren't stunned into motionlessness, he would've reached into his robes, removed a signal flare and sent it off to warn his fellow disciples to come to his aid.
When the demon speaks, it's like a vice has seized his lungs, compressing them tight, tighter, squeezing all the air out in a slow, shaking breath. Run, run, run! His mind is screaming, warning him to get away while there's still a chance and warn everyone about what he's caught in the spirit net, yet he bravely (stupidly?) stands firm in the face of his fear.
“If—” his voice is a whisper, borderlining on inaudible, even, so he takes a couple of seconds to steel himself, to remember to breathe, and then he continues, “If you need to ask such a question, you haven't seen yourself.”
It feels like he can't move, like breathing hurts, and if he weren't stunned into motionlessness, he would've reached into his robes, removed a signal flare and sent it off to warn his fellow disciples to come to his aid.
When the demon speaks, it's like a vice has seized his lungs, compressing them tight, tighter, squeezing all the air out in a slow, shaking breath. Run, run, run! His mind is screaming, warning him to get away while there's still a chance and warn everyone about what he's caught in the spirit net, yet he bravely (stupidly?) stands firm in the face of his fear.
“If—” his voice is a whisper, borderlining on inaudible, even, so he takes a couple of seconds to steel himself, to remember to breathe, and then he continues, “If you need to ask such a question, you haven't seen yourself.”
...
Koro eyes the young man trembling before him, finally getting a good look once the chaos has subsided and the net is still. A great conflict of emotions create chaos once more in his head. Such an adorable little human, small and slender, adorned in familiar looking robes and lovely black hair. Oh how Koro melts, wanting nothing more than to take the human into his arms.
And yet, that fear in his eyes, that look of terror that he displays before the demon crates a sharp pain in his chest as Koro's body fails to comprehend the emotion of guilt that this demon is forced to feel. An emotion that demons do not have.
WHAT DOST THOU SPEAKEST OF, HUMAN...?
[Koro looks down onto his body, and lets out a small, brief roar in surprise.]
CONFOUND IT! WOE IS THIS ACCURSED BODY! WHEN HAVE I BECOME SUCH A MONSTER? WHAT GREAT SIN HAVE I COMMITTED TO RECEIVE SUCH PUNISHMENT?
...
I JEST. I KNOW ALL TOO WELL OF WHAT I AM, AND HOW I APPEAR. TIS BY DESIGN.
WHAT BE THY INTENTION FOR THOSE CAUGHT IN THY NET?
Koro eyes the young man trembling before him, finally getting a good look once the chaos has subsided and the net is still. A great conflict of emotions create chaos once more in his head. Such an adorable little human, small and slender, adorned in familiar looking robes and lovely black hair. Oh how Koro melts, wanting nothing more than to take the human into his arms.
And yet, that fear in his eyes, that look of terror that he displays before the demon crates a sharp pain in his chest as Koro's body fails to comprehend the emotion of guilt that this demon is forced to feel. An emotion that demons do not have.
WHAT DOST THOU SPEAKEST OF, HUMAN...?
[Koro looks down onto his body, and lets out a small, brief roar in surprise.]
CONFOUND IT! WOE IS THIS ACCURSED BODY! WHEN HAVE I BECOME SUCH A MONSTER? WHAT GREAT SIN HAVE I COMMITTED TO RECEIVE SUCH PUNISHMENT?
...
I JEST. I KNOW ALL TOO WELL OF WHAT I AM, AND HOW I APPEAR. TIS BY DESIGN.
WHAT BE THY INTENTION FOR THOSE CAUGHT IN THY NET?
Being stared at doesn't help the situation much.
Sizhui tries to at least maintain eye-contact despite the uncomfortable sensation, blood pounding in his ears making it all the more difficult, but he tries to tamp down the terror, to resist turning on his heel and booking it in the other direction. Fortunately, it seems as if the net will hold, no matter how large this creature is, and that's a bit of a relief while he tries to decide how to handle these circumstances.
If he weren't so scared, he might have actually laughed at the feigned surprise, and yet he doesn't waver. His shoulders do slacken the faintest amount, however, his head shaking at the demon's antics, a slow, measured breath passing his lips before he continues speaking.
By design? So, what, he would look different if given the choice? Something tells him otherwise.
It's only a few moments later that he realizes he didn't say anything, which prompts him to clear his throat, square his shoulders again and remark, “Exorcism,” comes first, followed shortly by, “Death.” And whatever that would mean for Koro, whether it'd be going back to where he came from or something else entirely.
A long, long pause and then, “But it could also depend on your intentions.” Benign creatures have been known to be let go or earn their freedom in ways before, this wouldn't be an exception.
Sizhui tries to at least maintain eye-contact despite the uncomfortable sensation, blood pounding in his ears making it all the more difficult, but he tries to tamp down the terror, to resist turning on his heel and booking it in the other direction. Fortunately, it seems as if the net will hold, no matter how large this creature is, and that's a bit of a relief while he tries to decide how to handle these circumstances.
If he weren't so scared, he might have actually laughed at the feigned surprise, and yet he doesn't waver. His shoulders do slacken the faintest amount, however, his head shaking at the demon's antics, a slow, measured breath passing his lips before he continues speaking.
By design? So, what, he would look different if given the choice? Something tells him otherwise.
It's only a few moments later that he realizes he didn't say anything, which prompts him to clear his throat, square his shoulders again and remark, “Exorcism,” comes first, followed shortly by, “Death.” And whatever that would mean for Koro, whether it'd be going back to where he came from or something else entirely.
A long, long pause and then, “But it could also depend on your intentions.” Benign creatures have been known to be let go or earn their freedom in ways before, this wouldn't be an exception.
Death is a meaningless word to him. Koro is death. He cannot be killed. Only sent back to hell where he will recover, and walk the earth once more.
Exorcism, however, hits harder. It's... humiliating. Koro has suffered countless banishments and exorcisms, each just as painful as the last. But usually he lasts at the very least a month before the humans discover his true form and send him back.
To be found and exorcised on the same day as he set foot on the Earth...truly it is humiliating. He is tired. He wants to love and hold and live so badly. To walk among humans, to learn from them, watch them grow, watch them evolve...yet to be turned away due to his destiny. To be hated and killed over and over again. He never asked for this.
Why is he forced to live this fate worse than death?
"MY INTENTIONS..." There is a defeated tone in his words. As if he believes that his he answers simply won't matter in the long run.
"I SIMPLY TRAVEL. TO ESCAPE THE HORRORS AND REPULSIVE NIGHTMARES OF HELL, AND WALK IN THE WARM EMBRACE OF EARTH. TO BEHOLD THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD. AND TO FEAST UPON THE SWEET FLESH OF BEAUTIFUL YOUNG VIRGINS SUCH AS THYSELF."
Koro probably should word his lust better.
Exorcism, however, hits harder. It's... humiliating. Koro has suffered countless banishments and exorcisms, each just as painful as the last. But usually he lasts at the very least a month before the humans discover his true form and send him back.
To be found and exorcised on the same day as he set foot on the Earth...truly it is humiliating. He is tired. He wants to love and hold and live so badly. To walk among humans, to learn from them, watch them grow, watch them evolve...yet to be turned away due to his destiny. To be hated and killed over and over again. He never asked for this.
Why is he forced to live this fate worse than death?
"MY INTENTIONS..." There is a defeated tone in his words. As if he believes that his he answers simply won't matter in the long run.
"I SIMPLY TRAVEL. TO ESCAPE THE HORRORS AND REPULSIVE NIGHTMARES OF HELL, AND WALK IN THE WARM EMBRACE OF EARTH. TO BEHOLD THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD. AND TO FEAST UPON THE SWEET FLESH OF BEAUTIFUL YOUNG VIRGINS SUCH AS THYSELF."
Koro probably should word his lust better.
[whenever sizhui first heard about the ‘calamity’ that had beset a nearby village, he didn't quite believe the rumors at first; surely they were tall tales and whatever it was is something that could be easily handled if time had been put into doing so. unfortunately, hanguang-jun had been attending to other things and with zewu-jun otherwise indisposed, that meant it was up to lan sizhui to do something to help the people that had come calling for their help.
he arrives at the inn early, before anyone else besides the innkeeper has awoken, finds his room and unpacks his things, taking inventory of everything while also going over the information he'd been given moments ago. again, sizhui doesn't think much of it at first, mostly because it seems like said fiend hasn't caused nearly as much trouble as other creatures have in the past.
this, however, means nothing in the grand scheme of things. it could mean the creature is waiting, biding its time, waiting for the right moment to strike and really cause damage rather than do a bunch of petty little things.
if that's the case, he'll have to make sure he's plenty prepared, warning signals to call for help included, which he's thankfully got plenty of for once. (whenever jingyi packs, they always seem to run out . . . ) there must be something to that, but it's not something he focuses on for long. no, he pours most of his focus into going out into the village and talking to people who are meandering about, setting up stalls for selling things or preparing to head out to go fishing. like before, he's told the same thing: a calamity has befallen them and terrible things have been happening, except when sizhui asks for specifics, he doesn't get even half as much info as he'd gotten from the innkeeper.
eventually, he does come across an elderly fellow who offers him some loquats alongside more solid information; something has been terrorizing people at night-time, which sounds about right for a night-hunting trip, but it's what someone saw fighting with the demon that has people up in arms, and that's where sizhui's come back around to the thing everyone keeps calling a calamity.
he thanks the man for everything, heads back to his room and waits it out until nightfall when lan jingyi and a couple of other disciples join him. once they're all together and set up, he leads them out into the village as prepared as they can be, ready to face whatever it is head-on.]
he arrives at the inn early, before anyone else besides the innkeeper has awoken, finds his room and unpacks his things, taking inventory of everything while also going over the information he'd been given moments ago. again, sizhui doesn't think much of it at first, mostly because it seems like said fiend hasn't caused nearly as much trouble as other creatures have in the past.
this, however, means nothing in the grand scheme of things. it could mean the creature is waiting, biding its time, waiting for the right moment to strike and really cause damage rather than do a bunch of petty little things.
if that's the case, he'll have to make sure he's plenty prepared, warning signals to call for help included, which he's thankfully got plenty of for once. (whenever jingyi packs, they always seem to run out . . . ) there must be something to that, but it's not something he focuses on for long. no, he pours most of his focus into going out into the village and talking to people who are meandering about, setting up stalls for selling things or preparing to head out to go fishing. like before, he's told the same thing: a calamity has befallen them and terrible things have been happening, except when sizhui asks for specifics, he doesn't get even half as much info as he'd gotten from the innkeeper.
eventually, he does come across an elderly fellow who offers him some loquats alongside more solid information; something has been terrorizing people at night-time, which sounds about right for a night-hunting trip, but it's what someone saw fighting with the demon that has people up in arms, and that's where sizhui's come back around to the thing everyone keeps calling a calamity.
he thanks the man for everything, heads back to his room and waits it out until nightfall when lan jingyi and a couple of other disciples join him. once they're all together and set up, he leads them out into the village as prepared as they can be, ready to face whatever it is head-on.]
[ immediately upon his arrival to this place, hua cheng understands that this is not his home.
it looks similar, true. the landscapes, the buildings, even the people bear striking resemblance to those who populate the nation of xianle, of yong'an, the territories that surround them. but there is no communication array here, no heavenly capital that hua cheng can reach, and, perhaps most importantly, no land of the dead to which he can return and find himself at home in paradise manor. he is a ghost king without a kingdom, a calamity stranded in a world different than the one that birthed him.
so he wanders a bit. he takes the main roads at first, until he realizes that there are far more cultivators in this world than there were in his, and that to those cultivators hua cheng's overpowering yin and resentful energy are causes for alarm; then he keeps to back roads, dipping into the forest when someone comes down the path and being mindful only to interact with those who have no golden core.
in the forests, sometimes, hua cheng finds monsters. monsters other than himself, that is: dead things, evil things, things that were once living but have been so warped by their own resentment that they've transformed into something else entirely. he does what he can to relieve their resentment, and kills them when that relief doesn't come. many of them are weak. some of them are strong, at least strong enough to make hua cheng have to work for the victory. all of them meet their end at his hands, one way or another.
it's no surprise when the night hunt comes. from what hua cheng has gathered over the past several weeks, night-hunts are common occurrences, hosted by cultivation clans when a particular threat grows too large to ignore. and in this case, the threat is hua cheng—not the demons he had fought, but hua cheng himself. (he hears whispers about demonic cultivation, something something—some trauma that this world bears scars from, although it's difficult to get the full story.)
in a way it's flattering that hua cheng might be considered so dangerous, although he has no intentions of hurting anyone. he watches from his own room at the inn as the clan members gather at the entrance to the village, then follows at a distance as they depart into the forest—stifling his qi as best he can, of course, so as not to give the game away immediately. eventually, he slips into the forest too, intending to give the cultivators at least a little run for their money. ]
it looks similar, true. the landscapes, the buildings, even the people bear striking resemblance to those who populate the nation of xianle, of yong'an, the territories that surround them. but there is no communication array here, no heavenly capital that hua cheng can reach, and, perhaps most importantly, no land of the dead to which he can return and find himself at home in paradise manor. he is a ghost king without a kingdom, a calamity stranded in a world different than the one that birthed him.
so he wanders a bit. he takes the main roads at first, until he realizes that there are far more cultivators in this world than there were in his, and that to those cultivators hua cheng's overpowering yin and resentful energy are causes for alarm; then he keeps to back roads, dipping into the forest when someone comes down the path and being mindful only to interact with those who have no golden core.
in the forests, sometimes, hua cheng finds monsters. monsters other than himself, that is: dead things, evil things, things that were once living but have been so warped by their own resentment that they've transformed into something else entirely. he does what he can to relieve their resentment, and kills them when that relief doesn't come. many of them are weak. some of them are strong, at least strong enough to make hua cheng have to work for the victory. all of them meet their end at his hands, one way or another.
it's no surprise when the night hunt comes. from what hua cheng has gathered over the past several weeks, night-hunts are common occurrences, hosted by cultivation clans when a particular threat grows too large to ignore. and in this case, the threat is hua cheng—not the demons he had fought, but hua cheng himself. (he hears whispers about demonic cultivation, something something—some trauma that this world bears scars from, although it's difficult to get the full story.)
in a way it's flattering that hua cheng might be considered so dangerous, although he has no intentions of hurting anyone. he watches from his own room at the inn as the clan members gather at the entrance to the village, then follows at a distance as they depart into the forest—stifling his qi as best he can, of course, so as not to give the game away immediately. eventually, he slips into the forest too, intending to give the cultivators at least a little run for their money. ]
[into the forest they go, the group of four initially sticking close together before sizhui suggests that perhaps they should fan out.]
Remember your signal flares, just in case. We'll meet back here.
[the other two split off rather quickly but it's lan jingyi who lingers longer than he needs to, mumbling about how they should stick together in case they can't handle whatever it is alone, but with sizhui's reassurance, he finally departs, leaving him standing alone in a thicket of trees. he glances around first, examining his surroundings, taking everything in before he decides to start moving, that way he can know where he has to return to once they figure out what it is that's haunting the place.
with sword in hand, he makes his way along the small path, pushing out his qi in an attempt to sense if anything is nearby, but to also perhaps entice whatever it is that's been skulking about into coming to him. demonic cultivation or no, he's as prepared as he can be, with the knowledge that he knows how to handle things himself, though if necessary, he can call upon his fellow clan members for help as needed.
after a while, sizhui does stop to take a break, placing himself atop a bent tree that's perfect for sitting. he heaves a sigh, slightly disappointed that whoever (or whatever) it is hasn't shown themself just yet, but he's determined to not give up so easily. they've only just begun, after all, and who knows what might happen when they're all split up like this.]
Remember your signal flares, just in case. We'll meet back here.
[the other two split off rather quickly but it's lan jingyi who lingers longer than he needs to, mumbling about how they should stick together in case they can't handle whatever it is alone, but with sizhui's reassurance, he finally departs, leaving him standing alone in a thicket of trees. he glances around first, examining his surroundings, taking everything in before he decides to start moving, that way he can know where he has to return to once they figure out what it is that's haunting the place.
with sword in hand, he makes his way along the small path, pushing out his qi in an attempt to sense if anything is nearby, but to also perhaps entice whatever it is that's been skulking about into coming to him. demonic cultivation or no, he's as prepared as he can be, with the knowledge that he knows how to handle things himself, though if necessary, he can call upon his fellow clan members for help as needed.
after a while, sizhui does stop to take a break, placing himself atop a bent tree that's perfect for sitting. he heaves a sigh, slightly disappointed that whoever (or whatever) it is hasn't shown themself just yet, but he's determined to not give up so easily. they've only just begun, after all, and who knows what might happen when they're all split up like this.]
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