Untamed/MDZS catch-all

[ze_uwu_jun]

WHO: The Untamed / MDZS cast and friends (enemies, etc)
WHERE: Anywhere, everywhere, including their assigned lodgings and around all towns
WHEN: February
WHAT: Catch-all because the emotions never end
WARNINGS: The Untamed / Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation / Mo Dao Zu Shi spoilers; canon-typical violence; event-typical violence. Will add more if it becomes necessary

ooc: Go forth and do the things as they come.

Comments

A meeting (not too long after the conversation with Meng Yao): Xiao Xingchen

[ze_uwu_jun]

[ Xichen has not much coherent idea how to function right now.

So he turns to the thing he knows best, for all even that was tainted by malice in the man who chose to be Jin Guangyao's machinations. And while he can do some playing inside the house, he knows he probably needs more than that and his neighbors won't be happy. So he takes the xiao and makes his way to a park, anywhere he won't actually be disturbing people.

He sits cross-legged on a February-frosted bench. And plays, losing himself in the music. ]

[shuanghuas]

[ the strangeness of this place is not easily overcome; he has spent the better half of his time here learning to use new technology and nearly breaking or forgetting how to by the time he's figured out something new. it is exhausting and unwelcoming.

but the sound of the xiao, melancholic on the frosty february air is familiar. it calls to him, reminds him of everything that means home.

he walks blindfolded, allowing his senses to alert him to any obstructions. but in truth his pace is not perfectly steady. it is difficult when his 'blindness' has been but a few months.

the phantom ache of digging his eyes out remain.

still, he follows the music faithfully. snow crunching beneath his boots. he will not interrupt the mystery player but wait patiently for the music to end before greeting him. ]

[ze_uwu_jun]

[ Xichen was playing with his eyes closed, half meditating, definitely cultivating, so while aware of the approaching person - and even the pain in him - he only looks after the music is done. ]

I apologize if I-- [ disturbed you dies on his lips, and he rises smoothly, returning the greeting. ]

Daozhang. Are you-- please, come sit with me. Are you in need of anything?

[shuanghuas]

[ despite everything, xiao xingchen can still smile. the voice is foreign, but the cadence of it is pleasing and distinguished. he steps forward, careful with how he finds his way around. ]

Thank you for your kind offer, master, I was merely passing by and heard your music. I did not intend to disturb your playing.

[ he feels with his hands where the bench is, and then a few more touches determining the shape and where to sit. a respectful distance between the two. ]

[ze_uwu_jun]

You did not disturb me.

[ The reassurance is unhurried enough to be truthful, rather than a placation, Xichen's eyes a little wide before he realizes what he is doing and looks down. ]

Are you recently arrived? Are you in need of any assistance? None of us have been here long, but even a couple of months might make some things easier.

My name is Lan Huan, courtesy name Xichen.

[ Because he can recognize Shuanghua, and that leaves the younger man at a disadvantage. ]

[ Because ]

[shuanghuas]

[ he opens his mouth to introduce himself then closes it. how easy it had been before to say i'm xiao xingchen, a whole person, unblemished by the touch of the daily world.

but now all he can think is what follows and this is my friend, song lan. that part is now gone. this is a painful revelation in itself, he misses zichen and their parting words are so still ringing in his head as clear as lan xichen's beautiful music. ]

Sect leader Lan. [ because of course he does know that, he shifts slightly to bow, deep and formal. ] I am —

[ remembers lan wangji and wei wuxian, young and bright — ]

— Xiao Xingchen.

I would appreciate any assistance as long as it is of no inconvenience to you.

[ze_uwu_jun]

Xiao Xingchen Daozhang. [ Xichen reaches to raise him from the bow. He never did enjoy being paid too much obeisance. ]

I am glad to see you, and helping will be little enough trouble, I can assure you.

My brother and young master Wei are both here. For when you wish to meet them. But for now - have you had a warm meal since arriving? Is your housing convenient?

[shuanghuas]

[ he smiles, and sits back more comfortably. ] How fortunate that they are here, it must be a great relief, sect leader.

A warm meal no- but my housing is convenient enough. I - I do not know what to think about this place, mostly my thoughts have been on why we were brought here and how we could be of help.

What can you tell me?

[ze_uwu_jun]

It is, though the two of them remembering different things happening last, and both of them different from mine, makes things... a little complicated.

But I have faith that they will settle down somewhat.

We can talk while I do take you for a hot meal, if you wish? Just let me know.

This is one thing that is to be remembered of this world - people come with different things that have happened to them last, and sometimes, what we are able to do is... a little different. The... buildings are different, much of everything is different, but people are people.

There are few ghosts here, at least, other in one city, and there is much to learn. Though it is, as I am sure you have discovered already, rather loud... Hm.

Are there things you have encountered yet that you would wish to ask about?

[shuanghuas]

Does it mean there are a lot of secrets here? [ he has his own, of course.

and the thought of meeting wei wuxian and lan wangji when he's like this causes him a vague wave of anxiety. of not wanting to confront the past. ]

It is rather loud, though I do not mind it. As long as I can help others and keep busy, that will pass the time until - well, until something.

A few weeks ago, those things that interrupted the swearing in ceremony, what were they?

[ze_uwu_jun]

There are... fewer than we must expect, at least among those of our world. Three of us remember more than almost anyone else - then Wangji requested, or perhaps in at least one case demanded, an account of what happened, so that we are not...

Ignorant. Of the dangers we might face.

It is easier when we doubt each other less.

The things that interrupted the swear-in ceremony were, as far as I know, called Heartless. They used to be people from whom a certain someone removed the 'heart' - not the physical organ, but the ability to feel. Those Heartless were... the shadows that were contained in the heart removed. And could create other heartless from people.

Sometimes, the person without the feelings also remained. That was... not easy, for those who held them dear.

But that seems to have subsided, now.

[shuanghuas]

Is all of this normal here? The instability of the world - is that not dangerous in the long term? For the natives, I mean.

[ he folds his hands on his lap, rearranges them to hide his own uncertainty. he has more questions now but he also is afraid of the answers. he's become a coward since losing zichen, his eyes, his dreams. ]

[ze_uwu_jun]

... I would not know if it is normal, for I have not been here long enough to be able to tell, but - if we are being brought here, then there must be both instability and danger.

But it can be peaceful, often enough, and I do believe those of us who can try to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

[ There is nothing in Xichen's patient answer to suggest seeing the younger man as a coward. ]

Would you wish that we go seek that hot meal, now?

[shuanghuas]

Then if this world needs us, we must do our best to protect it and the people living in it. [ for him it is that simple.

he does not feel like zewu-jun's words have any other implications. he trusts the man to be honest and upright, that is his reputation and indeed, his voice is pleasing. ]

Ah, yes. Have you been assigned a job too?