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β΅ hua cheng & xie lian
what about ohanaaaaaaaaaa
(Isn't it funny when MG life just aligns so everything that could possibly go wrong just goes wrong? Even when things seem good, they're never really good, not when that goodness is built on a deceit. And sometimes, you try to do something and
everything goes wrong
Again. Again. Again. And really, he has no right to feel like he deserves anything better when he's on the other side and everything is the result of his own actions but really, there's only so much a person can take before the weight becomes crushing.
During the trial, he'd seen fine enough, even with the questionable mark on his face that he refused to explain. And after the trial, he'd quickly retreated away but who could blame anyone? After a "right" decision that didn't feel so right? And maybe it was the stress of being suspected twice in two weeks getting to him? Even at the removal though, he hadn't really seem to be... focusing, though. Unable to watch, to really meet anyone in the eye, to really stand by anyone's side and even the happy ending isn't enough to bring him back from whatever he's lost in.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng won't be able to grab him right away. He's a flighty person and seems to slip away into a different locked room or another quiet corner through out the day until they're finally to grab one (1) very tired young man in the evening.)
everything goes wrong
Again. Again. Again. And really, he has no right to feel like he deserves anything better when he's on the other side and everything is the result of his own actions but really, there's only so much a person can take before the weight becomes crushing.
During the trial, he'd seen fine enough, even with the questionable mark on his face that he refused to explain. And after the trial, he'd quickly retreated away but who could blame anyone? After a "right" decision that didn't feel so right? And maybe it was the stress of being suspected twice in two weeks getting to him? Even at the removal though, he hadn't really seem to be... focusing, though. Unable to watch, to really meet anyone in the eye, to really stand by anyone's side and even the happy ending isn't enough to bring him back from whatever he's lost in.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng won't be able to grab him right away. He's a flighty person and seems to slip away into a different locked room or another quiet corner through out the day until they're finally to grab one (1) very tired young man in the evening.)
[ It's a combined effort that allows them to corner Claude - they make eye contact, and decide wordlessly how to go about this when neither have the luck to catch him where they can keep him. The concern is... palpable, in that snap of a look.
So Hua Cheng herds him, even if he doesn't realize that's what's being done, and does so that he can't go anywhere except to where he'll be received by Xie Lian. There's no threats, no bullying.
Just a quiet corner for the three of them to settle in, even if his escape is cut off.
It's time to talk. ]
So Hua Cheng herds him, even if he doesn't realize that's what's being done, and does so that he can't go anywhere except to where he'll be received by Xie Lian. There's no threats, no bullying.
Just a quiet corner for the three of them to settle in, even if his escape is cut off.
It's time to talk. ]
[ here's the quiet corner!! xie lian has a tea tray in his hands, and if he's been sort of shuffling around for the past hour with it, well ... don't judge him, alright?
the quiet corner this time is actually in the hallway near hua cheng's room, and xie lian gives claude a quiet nod as he is very gently cutting off his escape path. ]
...Claude, come sit for a little while with us. You look like you've been buzzing about all day.
the quiet corner this time is actually in the hallway near hua cheng's room, and xie lian gives claude a quiet nod as he is very gently cutting off his escape path. ]
...Claude, come sit for a little while with us. You look like you've been buzzing about all day.
(A a h,
There's a corridor. Nondescript but open and bright, filled with sunlight. Is it some sort of garden? A temple? He can't remember. The walls are bleached with light. There should be something there⦠color? What color were the walls? What was beyond those arches? It's missing. Something is missing. (What's missing?)
And tucked behind those arches, away from the outside, in the shadows that make up the inside, a boy finds himself against a wall. His robes aren't the same as the ones they wear in Fodlan. They're⦠different. That's all he knows about them. But this isn't in Fodlan. He knows that much. This is a faraway land, the name still fresh in his memory but this place is gone. (Where is it?)
The cornered boy braces a hand against the wall behind him. He glares up at the taller boys around him. Their eyes are differentβ shades of gold and brown like the earth while his are a bright green, like the forests, like the grasslands, likeβ
"The eyes of a weakling."
He's not. He's not weak, he snaps and when he's pressed further back into his cornerβ¦
Claude realizes his position now, caught between Hua Cheng and Xie Lian, herded into a corner away from where others can see. He hasn't felt this in so long. It had begun to feel like a memory.
A memory he still has. He still has this memory, even if he can't remember it all.
And he immediately begins to back away, trying to create a space between himself and them. Of course, it's too late and he only backs into Hua Cheng which has him looking for another escape. His eyes flash-- bright, defiant, the eyes of someone who knows he's caught and is willing to fight to get out of it. He lets out a laugh, forced and lacking,)
What's this?
(He's amused. He's so terribly amused. He's already trapped. There's no escape. Why? Why why can't he get away from anything here.)
I can't. (Please please just let him go. He can't sit still. He has to try... something.) I can't stay still.
And tucked behind those arches, away from the outside, in the shadows that make up the inside, a boy finds himself against a wall. His robes aren't the same as the ones they wear in Fodlan. They're⦠different. That's all he knows about them. But this isn't in Fodlan. He knows that much. This is a faraway land, the name still fresh in his memory but this place is gone. (Where is it?)
The cornered boy braces a hand against the wall behind him. He glares up at the taller boys around him. Their eyes are differentβ shades of gold and brown like the earth while his are a bright green, like the forests, like the grasslands, likeβ
"The eyes of a weakling."
He's not. He's not weak, he snaps and when he's pressed further back into his cornerβ¦
Claude realizes his position now, caught between Hua Cheng and Xie Lian, herded into a corner away from where others can see. He hasn't felt this in so long. It had begun to feel like a memory.
A memory he still has. He still has this memory, even if he can't remember it all.
And he immediately begins to back away, trying to create a space between himself and them. Of course, it's too late and he only backs into Hua Cheng which has him looking for another escape. His eyes flash-- bright, defiant, the eyes of someone who knows he's caught and is willing to fight to get out of it. He lets out a laugh, forced and lacking,)
What's this?
(He's amused. He's so terribly amused. He's already trapped. There's no escape. Why? Why why can't he get away from anything here.)
I can't. (Please please just let him go. He can't sit still. He has to try... something.) I can't stay still.
[ The thing about this is that Hua Cheng knows the look - knows it from experience, on both sides, the opressive feeling of being trapped in a corner and fighting with defiance in your eyes just as well as he does the hunter that's cornered his target. There's no pity in his expression as Claude bumps back into him, though. Not really any sympathy, either, or the same unkind intent that they're both familiar with.
He just looks impassively down at him, pulling out his PHS to unlock the door. It's easy to reach around him when he's already in this position, and his other hand reaches, settles, between his shoulders. No grip in his clothes, just a solid force. ]
If you won't stay still, then pace until you collapse - inside.
[ It's just a cage, isn't it, loathed little boy with mixed blood?
If anyone knows, understands, Hua Cheng does, even if there is no mercy with the sympathy. ]
He just looks impassively down at him, pulling out his PHS to unlock the door. It's easy to reach around him when he's already in this position, and his other hand reaches, settles, between his shoulders. No grip in his clothes, just a solid force. ]
If you won't stay still, then pace until you collapse - inside.
[ It's just a cage, isn't it, loathed little boy with mixed blood?
If anyone knows, understands, Hua Cheng does, even if there is no mercy with the sympathy. ]
[ oof.
xie lian has no pity, either, though to say he's impassive is completely wrong. rather, xie lian's eyes are kind where he stands in front of him, as they always are - full of worry and care. he's been keeping an eye on claude the entire weekend, watching his reactions (and non reactions), and xie lian, who has come to be so very fond of claude von riegan, cannot let him suffer, when he is clearly suffering so, so much.
the last thing that xie lian has ever done is stand by when people are suffering. to the ends of the earth, he will care for others - no matter what it takes to do so.
he nods to what hua cheng says, with a quiet ] Please. [ and sidles around the both of them, to push the door in and enter, holding it open to let hua cheng gently bully claude into the room. ]
xie lian has no pity, either, though to say he's impassive is completely wrong. rather, xie lian's eyes are kind where he stands in front of him, as they always are - full of worry and care. he's been keeping an eye on claude the entire weekend, watching his reactions (and non reactions), and xie lian, who has come to be so very fond of claude von riegan, cannot let him suffer, when he is clearly suffering so, so much.
the last thing that xie lian has ever done is stand by when people are suffering. to the ends of the earth, he will care for others - no matter what it takes to do so.
he nods to what hua cheng says, with a quiet ] Please. [ and sidles around the both of them, to push the door in and enter, holding it open to let hua cheng gently bully claude into the room. ]
(It's the same look that person gives him. Eyes that see everything, that just understand a person. Eyes that give sympathy but no pity. The eyes of a person who accepts people unconditionally, regardless of their faults.
It's nice? It's nice.
It's actually kind of nice, the way it reminds him of that person. Even if that person is gone. Missing. Would they ever come back? ... Why would they? He's just another student to them, isn't he? Even if they're alive (he believes in them. surely, they're alive) why would they come back to him of all people?
There's a force on his back and his legs move, letting himself be guided inside the room.
"inside"
Even if there are trees and water this should feel like he's outside... this is "inside." He's so very aware of that right now.
And he doesn't really sit or anything, instead, opting to just hover as close to the door, as close to the exit as they'll let him be. And he doesn't really speak. If he does
his thoughts wouldn't be able to keep up. That's dangerous.)
It's nice? It's nice.
It's actually kind of nice, the way it reminds him of that person. Even if that person is gone. Missing. Would they ever come back? ... Why would they? He's just another student to them, isn't he? Even if they're alive (he believes in them. surely, they're alive) why would they come back to him of all people?
There's a force on his back and his legs move, letting himself be guided inside the room.
"inside"
Even if there are trees and water this should feel like he's outside... this is "inside." He's so very aware of that right now.
And he doesn't really sit or anything, instead, opting to just hover as close to the door, as close to the exit as they'll let him be. And he doesn't really speak. If he does
his thoughts wouldn't be able to keep up. That's dangerous.)
[ A glance is given to Xie Lian as they come into the room, like the sentenced being lead to their final moments, but Hua Cheng lets Claude go where he wants to. The room is quiet, the radio off, so the only noise is that of the deceptive "nature" that is given to them.
He knows better than to let Claude get a chance for escape, so he also lingers near the door. Because at the first sign of an out... a deer will bolt, even if they freeze up, first, won't they? That's not something he wants to have happen, before they can talk to him.
But it's not - an interogation. Even if he's more cold to Xie Lian's warmth, the fact he's involved in this at all speaks volumes in itself. Ordinarily, this wouldn't be something he'd look twice at. Why do that, when it's someone else's problem, one that has stacked on them so obviously? Other people have rarely been his direct concern.
(Calloussness to cover caring, disinterest to distract from the helping hand he's offered. Concern being afforded to anyone but gege is a laughable thought, but here he is, anyways, after their tea on Tuesday, after the trial on Saturday, the execution on Sunday.
Because... he was in this position, once, wasn't he? He's had the fortune of a hand reaching out to him, warm and worried eyes filled with kindness, care, when it felt like the world did nothing kind for him.) ]
Claude.
He knows better than to let Claude get a chance for escape, so he also lingers near the door. Because at the first sign of an out... a deer will bolt, even if they freeze up, first, won't they? That's not something he wants to have happen, before they can talk to him.
But it's not - an interogation. Even if he's more cold to Xie Lian's warmth, the fact he's involved in this at all speaks volumes in itself. Ordinarily, this wouldn't be something he'd look twice at. Why do that, when it's someone else's problem, one that has stacked on them so obviously? Other people have rarely been his direct concern.
(Calloussness to cover caring, disinterest to distract from the helping hand he's offered. Concern being afforded to anyone but gege is a laughable thought, but here he is, anyways, after their tea on Tuesday, after the trial on Saturday, the execution on Sunday.
Because... he was in this position, once, wasn't he? He's had the fortune of a hand reaching out to him, warm and worried eyes filled with kindness, care, when it felt like the world did nothing kind for him.) ]
Claude.
[ the owner of that hand that reached out to hua cheng enters the room and does settle down. xie lian is as ever exerting an utter calm; even during emotion share week, his emotions were rarely particularly turbulent. he's long since learned to navigate his own stormy seas, and keeps his heart as still as water in the most dangerous of moments, though that water is perhaps less a tiny puddle and more so a wide, reaching ocean.
if anything were ever to define him, it's his compassion, and his care for other people, reflected here as he shares that same worried glance with hua cheng.
he's not sure what to say, at first, watching him. scared. afraid. lost. like a little boy who he held in his arms as the entire world turned against him. i'm not, i'm not, i'm not, that little boy screamed, and xie lian had held him as tightly as he could and shielded him from the way the world wanted to hurt him. you aren't a monster. you aren't. you aren't.
as hua cheng says claude's name, xie lian looks at him again, and then focuses back on the young man in their room, and his disposition. xie lian's voice is soft, thick with compassion - with concern, but with that steel resolution, too. the unbending vow of someone who has sworn to protect others with every single part of his soul, immortal or otherwise. ] ... You are safe in this room.
[ you are safe, with us.
can he reach out a hand to you, too? ]
if anything were ever to define him, it's his compassion, and his care for other people, reflected here as he shares that same worried glance with hua cheng.
he's not sure what to say, at first, watching him. scared. afraid. lost. like a little boy who he held in his arms as the entire world turned against him. i'm not, i'm not, i'm not, that little boy screamed, and xie lian had held him as tightly as he could and shielded him from the way the world wanted to hurt him. you aren't a monster. you aren't. you aren't.
as hua cheng says claude's name, xie lian looks at him again, and then focuses back on the young man in their room, and his disposition. xie lian's voice is soft, thick with compassion - with concern, but with that steel resolution, too. the unbending vow of someone who has sworn to protect others with every single part of his soul, immortal or otherwise. ] ... You are safe in this room.
[ you are safe, with us.
can he reach out a hand to you, too? ]
...
(He's quiet, letting the silence of the room settle. It isn't real. This artificial nature isn't real. But if he closes his eyes, he can imagine something real. An outside world, where things are big and everything else seems so small.
If he counts down from ten. If he takes a breath. If he listens to his name and listens to that promise...
Green eyes look up, focusing only Xie Lian for a moment. There's something lost but also something very aware in the way he watches him and then his eyes shift, just slightly to catch Hua Cheng in his peripheral. There's something... something turning. A thought? A plan?
And he takes a step further into the room and another until he sets himself down, legs crossed, back straight, shoulders tense. There's a certain upbringing at play, of someone used to putting on a front, keeping things together, appearing to be composed even when there's a heavy weight.)
Nothing is safe here.
(There are no safe places. Not this room. Not their relationships. Nothing.)
(He's quiet, letting the silence of the room settle. It isn't real. This artificial nature isn't real. But if he closes his eyes, he can imagine something real. An outside world, where things are big and everything else seems so small.
If he counts down from ten. If he takes a breath. If he listens to his name and listens to that promise...
Green eyes look up, focusing only Xie Lian for a moment. There's something lost but also something very aware in the way he watches him and then his eyes shift, just slightly to catch Hua Cheng in his peripheral. There's something... something turning. A thought? A plan?
And he takes a step further into the room and another until he sets himself down, legs crossed, back straight, shoulders tense. There's a certain upbringing at play, of someone used to putting on a front, keeping things together, appearing to be composed even when there's a heavy weight.)
Nothing is safe here.
(There are no safe places. Not this room. Not their relationships. Nothing.)
[ That - makes him laugh, humorlessly. Hua Cheng may have only one eye, but it's keen, and sharp, and he watches every move that Claude makes. It's a predator tracking, considering, but in this case... not attacking. There's no move to follow him, at least not yet. There's no tension in him. Because why attack something that you wish to protect, no matter how much you won't outright speak it?
Once he's at least settled, seated, he looks away from him to look at Xie Lian for another moment. Just a breath, and then he slowly tracks back to where Claude sits. ]
No, it isn't, is it? [ Because there's no greater reality, in the Realm, than knowing that nothing is quite as safe as you hope it to be.
But so many of them are still trying. Hua Cheng can only support them in these efforts, now, as he finds himself always at Xie Lian's side, caring about people here.
This person included. Unfortunate. ] What do you intend to do with that?
Once he's at least settled, seated, he looks away from him to look at Xie Lian for another moment. Just a breath, and then he slowly tracks back to where Claude sits. ]
No, it isn't, is it? [ Because there's no greater reality, in the Realm, than knowing that nothing is quite as safe as you hope it to be.
But so many of them are still trying. Hua Cheng can only support them in these efforts, now, as he finds himself always at Xie Lian's side, caring about people here.
This person included. Unfortunate. ] What do you intend to do with that?
(Trial over. Execution over. Nothing left to focus on so clearly it's time to find a new distraction or talk about feelings.
There are a bunch of papers on the floor, pens and stuff. The pterodactyl is sleeping in a blanket nest next to them. This is his proxy baby wyvern now. Too bad he doesn't remember anything about taking care of wyvern so he's starting off from scratch and has no idea what he's really doing!!! But so far, everything is fine. It's fine. He's a smart boi he'll figure it out.)
There are a bunch of papers on the floor, pens and stuff. The pterodactyl is sleeping in a blanket nest next to them. This is his proxy baby wyvern now. Too bad he doesn't remember anything about taking care of wyvern so he's starting off from scratch and has no idea what he's really doing!!! But so far, everything is fine. It's fine. He's a smart boi he'll figure it out.)
[ here, too, is xie lian, also settled in at the mess of pens and papers! he's got one in his hand, tapping it against his cheek. his ankylosaurus sleeps against his back, still, perfectly content. ]
I think I have a good memory to start. At least - for Miss Hikaru. I'd like to remember that she made prayers to the god of the kamidana downstairs by making an offering with a white flower, and that she continued to do so, all the way until the end.
[ at least he thinks so, anyway. ] It meant a lot to me.
I think I have a good memory to start. At least - for Miss Hikaru. I'd like to remember that she made prayers to the god of the kamidana downstairs by making an offering with a white flower, and that she continued to do so, all the way until the end.
[ at least he thinks so, anyway. ] It meant a lot to me.
[ xie lian isn't the person to handle this, he doesn't think. he knows when to step back, and - he knows san lang is more than capable. xie lian will let him talk, now, instead focusing on pouring the tea and getting that settled for them both.
nothing is safe here. perhaps so, but thinking in such ways is dangerous. ]
nothing is safe here. perhaps so, but thinking in such ways is dangerous. ]
(What words does he even say here? There are entirely too many in his head and it feels like he needs to really think about the questions being asked at him. He hasn't felt like this... in years. So hopelessly lost and alone with himself.)
I want to protect everyone.
(And as soon as the words spill from his lips, he wants to cringe because as much as he hopes for this. As much as he wishes for this--)
But I can't.
(There's no way. Every Thursday night, he falls into the same enchanted sleep and can't do anything to stop what happens. Every week, two people die and at best, they can only catch one person. Someone will always get away. If not both. They've already messed up once-- scapegoated one innocent person. Every week, it feels like they vote blindly.)
Keeping secrets, living each week with the dread of death, fighting and arguing for our lives every time... No one should live like this.
(It's a life he'd never wish on anyone. There are people in this world who suffer and in turn, don't care if others suffer the same but that isn't Claude. He's experienced this once before and the last thing he'd want is for anyone else to feel that. To feel this.)
There are... people here who are dear to me. More people than I started off with.
I want to protect everyone.
(And as soon as the words spill from his lips, he wants to cringe because as much as he hopes for this. As much as he wishes for this--)
But I can't.
(There's no way. Every Thursday night, he falls into the same enchanted sleep and can't do anything to stop what happens. Every week, two people die and at best, they can only catch one person. Someone will always get away. If not both. They've already messed up once-- scapegoated one innocent person. Every week, it feels like they vote blindly.)
Keeping secrets, living each week with the dread of death, fighting and arguing for our lives every time... No one should live like this.
(It's a life he'd never wish on anyone. There are people in this world who suffer and in turn, don't care if others suffer the same but that isn't Claude. He's experienced this once before and the last thing he'd want is for anyone else to feel that. To feel this.)
There are... people here who are dear to me. More people than I started off with.
Edited (let me have my puns) 2020-11-01 14:32 (UTC)
[ Hua Cheng's spinosaurus is the only one up and moving, but is - well-behaved, compared to how it's acted in the past. Just climbing on the bottom bunk, snuffling around, rummaging sheets. Its owner sits on the floor, not writing - drawing. He leaves the writing to the two of them.
Though he doesn't look up from his work, he does pause when Xie Lian says that. Then, he leans, so that he's pressed into his side for a moment, two, three. Afterwards he straightens and returns to his work. ]
She was from somewhere called Earth, before she was brought to Cefiro. A memory mentioned somewhere called Tokyo Tower, so I went looking through books in the shop - I think she's from Tokyo, Japan. [ tap tap goes the pen ] Her most treasured friend there was actually her dog, Hikari, her constant companion.
[ A click from the pen, and he turns his page around - a wolf-like dog stares back, depicted like he was caught mid-leap, fierce and proud like Hikaru would have liked to see, in an art style Xie Lian already knows, and one that Claude may recognize from the shrine's portraits. ]
Though he doesn't look up from his work, he does pause when Xie Lian says that. Then, he leans, so that he's pressed into his side for a moment, two, three. Afterwards he straightens and returns to his work. ]
She was from somewhere called Earth, before she was brought to Cefiro. A memory mentioned somewhere called Tokyo Tower, so I went looking through books in the shop - I think she's from Tokyo, Japan. [ tap tap goes the pen ] Her most treasured friend there was actually her dog, Hikari, her constant companion.
[ A click from the pen, and he turns his page around - a wolf-like dog stares back, depicted like he was caught mid-leap, fierce and proud like Hikaru would have liked to see, in an art style Xie Lian already knows, and one that Claude may recognize from the shrine's portraits. ]
Yeah, I remembered seeing Tokyo in one of her memories. She had brothers and two friends that were like sisters to her. They were from the same world.
(He never really got the brothers names... or maybe he will pending PCs still in progress haha.)
There were people important to her in both of her worlds and she loved them very much. She met a princess named Emeraude and her high priest, Sol Zagato. There was a guru named Clef, a blacksmith named Presea, and a prince named Ferio. There were two others named Lantis and Eagle.
(Ah, but there are some sad things there. A whole story that he promised her that he would remember.
He looks over at Hua Cheng's drawings. Yes, he definitely recognizes the style, even if he doesn't recognize the dog. That's new. Huh, he didn't know Hua Cheng could draw. It's better than anything he could do right now.
It's nice, he thinks, learning something new by talking like this. Even if Hikaru was often an open book, someone who opened up to others easily, there were still things he didn't know about her.
Also don't mind the few odd bubbles floating around the room that I am absolutely going to pop soon.)
I didn't know about Hikari.
(He leans over to get a better look and as he does, one of those bubbles wanders right into the side of his face--)
(He never really got the brothers names... or maybe he will pending PCs still in progress haha.)
There were people important to her in both of her worlds and she loved them very much. She met a princess named Emeraude and her high priest, Sol Zagato. There was a guru named Clef, a blacksmith named Presea, and a prince named Ferio. There were two others named Lantis and Eagle.
(Ah, but there are some sad things there. A whole story that he promised her that he would remember.
He looks over at Hua Cheng's drawings. Yes, he definitely recognizes the style, even if he doesn't recognize the dog. That's new. Huh, he didn't know Hua Cheng could draw. It's better than anything he could do right now.
It's nice, he thinks, learning something new by talking like this. Even if Hikaru was often an open book, someone who opened up to others easily, there were still things he didn't know about her.
Also don't mind the few odd bubbles floating around the room that I am absolutely going to pop soon.)
I didn't know about Hikari.
(He leans over to get a better look and as he does, one of those bubbles wanders right into the side of his face--)
(A bell rings, tolling a late evening hour and a classroom full of students gather up their books and belongings, tucking them away and storing them on shelves or in packs to take back to their rooms. Among them is Claude who had been sitting in the front row but immediately gets up onto his feet to help a woman clear off the chalkboard and put away some maps. He's too eager to help and immediately strikes up a conversation with her, smiling cheerfully as he begins to ask follow up questions about their most recent lesson. She's his teacher? She really doesn't look that much older than him but this curious, almost expressionless woman has nothing but his complete respect.
Some of the students leave the classroom, emptying out quickly while they chatter away about the upcoming ball. They can't believe the professor actually kept them in class this late. They need to prepare. Despite the complaining, no one really seems to be bothered. Really, everyone is all smiles as they leave.
A group of students linger around still, some of them watching Claude talk to the professor. All of them are interested and some of them are just... amused. They've never seen Claude like this with anyone else. he always seems to light up when he talks to the professor.
When he notices that the others are still around, he reaches to take the professor's hand in his own and pull her towards his friends. Maybe they're more than just teacher and student or an advisor and her young lord in training. It's hard to tell exactly when Claude is naturally a casual and friendly person but the two certainly seem close.
(( 6:23:00-6:26:35 ))
"The time has come for the annual ball. But first, an eve of merriment!" Claude laughs and the professor gives him a glance, a quiet smile on her face as she listens to Claude play dramatics for everyone's attention, "OK, I'll admit it. The Officers Academy isn't as uptight as I thought."
Everyone laughs. They're all too familiar with their leader's complaints about how uptight and boring life at the academy could be. It's always felt like he had his own reasons for being here and none of them were really included sitting in class, listening to lectures, and being groomed to be the leader others expected him to be. He was always here for something else... which often got him into trouble with the other teachers.
Hilda lets out a delighted squeal and the group break into excited chatter, talking about their plans for the night. The room is rowdy, full of life, and smiles all around as they jest and poke fun at each other. It only stops when Claude cuts in, speaking up to say something that they all quiet down to listen to.
"Everyone! Listen up. To no one's surprise, I have a brilliant idea." He grins, quite pleased with himself and winks at their teacher, "Teach, you'll want in on this too."
"This may sound impetuous. Perhaps irresponsible. Almost certainly impossible. But we're gonna do it anyway. In exactly five years' time, let's promise to meet again, right here at the monastery."
And yet, despite how bold and impossible he'd set it up to be, everyone is took quick to agree and express their support. Well, maybe it wasn't so impossible after all, huh? ... Nothing has felt impossible since he met her, he thinks, and he watches Byleth carefully, trying to get a read from her reactions. She barely reacts much at all, instead, taking in everyone else's reactions and Claude speaks to her directly, "And you, Teach? I guess it's hard to imagine that you'll still be teaching here five years from now... But I'm sure no matter where you end up, you'll come running at the chance to see your adorable little Golden Deer again, right?"
Right? Surely, he could expect her to be there when he needed her. She's different. She's special. He'd known it since the moment they first met and it only became more true the more time he'd spent with her. Every battle they'd been in together, every class they shared, all of their conversations, that moment she wielded that awesome sword of hers... she's special.
"Probably so." She replies simply as she considers his offer.
"Ahem... That was your cue to promise everyone you'll return. Go on, set a good example, Teach. If you promise, everyone else will, too."
Before she can even respond, everyone else is cheering again. It's a brilliant idea, one they all support. Eventually, Byleth seems to understand and she nods in agreement.
"The promise is sealed!" Claude exclaims, "That means we're all obligated to keep it. Five years from today, all of us will meet again at the monastery."
Claude levels eyes with Byleth. He can never read her. He never knows what's going on inside that brilliant mind of hers. "Don't forget it, Teach." He gives her a smile, thoughtful but true, "You and I will meet here again..."
The group begins to break up. One of them shrieks that they didn't realize how late it was. Claude lingers a while longer, to talk just a little longer. He hesitates, considering his next words carefully.
(There's a legend.)
(On the last night of the Ethereal Moon, on the same night as the ball... If a man and a woman go to the Goddess Tower and make a wish, it's sure to come true.)
She gathers up the last of her things and stops short of leaving, seeing that he's still waiting for her. She tilts his head to the side. Did he have something else he wanted to ask?
(Nah... Someone like Byleth Eisner wouldn't waste her times with silly fairy tales like that.)
"Hey, Teach, I'll see you at the dance?" She nods and he seems pleasantly surprised, "Really? I'll be keeping an eye out for you, then."
And he leaves. Actually, he dislikes these stuffy dances with all of their rules and certain company. It makes him tired just thinking about committing to a whole night of posturing.
But maybe...
(Everything feels possible.))
Some of the students leave the classroom, emptying out quickly while they chatter away about the upcoming ball. They can't believe the professor actually kept them in class this late. They need to prepare. Despite the complaining, no one really seems to be bothered. Really, everyone is all smiles as they leave.
A group of students linger around still, some of them watching Claude talk to the professor. All of them are interested and some of them are just... amused. They've never seen Claude like this with anyone else. he always seems to light up when he talks to the professor.
When he notices that the others are still around, he reaches to take the professor's hand in his own and pull her towards his friends. Maybe they're more than just teacher and student or an advisor and her young lord in training. It's hard to tell exactly when Claude is naturally a casual and friendly person but the two certainly seem close.
(( 6:23:00-6:26:35 ))
"The time has come for the annual ball. But first, an eve of merriment!" Claude laughs and the professor gives him a glance, a quiet smile on her face as she listens to Claude play dramatics for everyone's attention, "OK, I'll admit it. The Officers Academy isn't as uptight as I thought."
Everyone laughs. They're all too familiar with their leader's complaints about how uptight and boring life at the academy could be. It's always felt like he had his own reasons for being here and none of them were really included sitting in class, listening to lectures, and being groomed to be the leader others expected him to be. He was always here for something else... which often got him into trouble with the other teachers.
Hilda lets out a delighted squeal and the group break into excited chatter, talking about their plans for the night. The room is rowdy, full of life, and smiles all around as they jest and poke fun at each other. It only stops when Claude cuts in, speaking up to say something that they all quiet down to listen to.
"Everyone! Listen up. To no one's surprise, I have a brilliant idea." He grins, quite pleased with himself and winks at their teacher, "Teach, you'll want in on this too."
"This may sound impetuous. Perhaps irresponsible. Almost certainly impossible. But we're gonna do it anyway. In exactly five years' time, let's promise to meet again, right here at the monastery."
And yet, despite how bold and impossible he'd set it up to be, everyone is took quick to agree and express their support. Well, maybe it wasn't so impossible after all, huh? ... Nothing has felt impossible since he met her, he thinks, and he watches Byleth carefully, trying to get a read from her reactions. She barely reacts much at all, instead, taking in everyone else's reactions and Claude speaks to her directly, "And you, Teach? I guess it's hard to imagine that you'll still be teaching here five years from now... But I'm sure no matter where you end up, you'll come running at the chance to see your adorable little Golden Deer again, right?"
Right? Surely, he could expect her to be there when he needed her. She's different. She's special. He'd known it since the moment they first met and it only became more true the more time he'd spent with her. Every battle they'd been in together, every class they shared, all of their conversations, that moment she wielded that awesome sword of hers... she's special.
"Probably so." She replies simply as she considers his offer.
"Ahem... That was your cue to promise everyone you'll return. Go on, set a good example, Teach. If you promise, everyone else will, too."
Before she can even respond, everyone else is cheering again. It's a brilliant idea, one they all support. Eventually, Byleth seems to understand and she nods in agreement.
"The promise is sealed!" Claude exclaims, "That means we're all obligated to keep it. Five years from today, all of us will meet again at the monastery."
Claude levels eyes with Byleth. He can never read her. He never knows what's going on inside that brilliant mind of hers. "Don't forget it, Teach." He gives her a smile, thoughtful but true, "You and I will meet here again..."
The group begins to break up. One of them shrieks that they didn't realize how late it was. Claude lingers a while longer, to talk just a little longer. He hesitates, considering his next words carefully.
(There's a legend.)
(On the last night of the Ethereal Moon, on the same night as the ball... If a man and a woman go to the Goddess Tower and make a wish, it's sure to come true.)
She gathers up the last of her things and stops short of leaving, seeing that he's still waiting for her. She tilts his head to the side. Did he have something else he wanted to ask?
(Nah... Someone like Byleth Eisner wouldn't waste her times with silly fairy tales like that.)
"Hey, Teach, I'll see you at the dance?" She nods and he seems pleasantly surprised, "Really? I'll be keeping an eye out for you, then."
And he leaves. Actually, he dislikes these stuffy dances with all of their rules and certain company. It makes him tired just thinking about committing to a whole night of posturing.
But maybe...
(Everything feels possible.))
Edited 2020-11-03 07:30 (UTC)
(The memory is clear for them and yet, for himself? There's a big ol' hole in the shape of one particular person. The entire beginning and end of the memory is static and emptiness and all that he can really recall is the middle, a promise that he made to his classmates, his followers, and his friends.)
Ah.
(He brushes his face with his hand where the bubble hit him and shakes his head,)
Sorry... now really wasn't the time for that.
(This! Is! Supposed to be! About! Hikaru!)
Ah.
(He brushes his face with his hand where the bubble hit him and shakes his head,)
Sorry... now really wasn't the time for that.
(This! Is! Supposed to be! About! Hikaru!)
[ oh -
that feeling of warmth and fondness reminds xie lian of -
it reminds him of someone who he can't remember, either. it disappears as claude's warmth towards a teacher and a guide starts to fade from the outside of his memories, and xie lian blinks, sitting utterly still for a moment, his hand frozen on the paper. he takes a deep breath, in, and then out, to clear the static out of his own head.
...but, seeing his classmates and this important person... it's heartening, to know that at home claude is surrounded by those who care for him. xie lian has a smile for him, understanding, and he shakes his head. that feeling - that is one to hold on to. ]
...It's alright, Claude. They're difficult to avoid, and... I doubt Miss Hikaru would mind, that we're bonding.
[ that's said with a soft, warm fondness, too. not just for claude, but for the young lady who they have to return back - the girl they're doing their best to remember. ]
They all seem so very lively.
that feeling of warmth and fondness reminds xie lian of -
it reminds him of someone who he can't remember, either. it disappears as claude's warmth towards a teacher and a guide starts to fade from the outside of his memories, and xie lian blinks, sitting utterly still for a moment, his hand frozen on the paper. he takes a deep breath, in, and then out, to clear the static out of his own head.
...but, seeing his classmates and this important person... it's heartening, to know that at home claude is surrounded by those who care for him. xie lian has a smile for him, understanding, and he shakes his head. that feeling - that is one to hold on to. ]
...It's alright, Claude. They're difficult to avoid, and... I doubt Miss Hikaru would mind, that we're bonding.
[ that's said with a soft, warm fondness, too. not just for claude, but for the young lady who they have to return back - the girl they're doing their best to remember. ]
They all seem so very lively.
Edited 2020-11-03 17:15 (UTC)
[ me looking at the other things I have to tag like, this is fine
But Hua Cheng is - exhausted. The moment Claude comes into the room, it's evident. Even after a night of rest, it's still there, and for someone as observant as Claude who's spent a great deal of time with him will be able to see the pinch at the corner of his eye. But, that's probably fair, isn't it?
His left arm is gone, after all. His sleeve is pinned at the wrist against his shoulder, and that's it - nothing there. It's probably at Xie Lian's insistence that he's simply seated on the bed, legs crossed, PHS in his hand and daemon in its huli jing form curled up in the cradle of his legs.
Unlike with other people, it opens both eyes when Claude comes in, the right the same red that he's seen in the memories they volleyed back and forth. ]
We've got a lot to go over.
But Hua Cheng is - exhausted. The moment Claude comes into the room, it's evident. Even after a night of rest, it's still there, and for someone as observant as Claude who's spent a great deal of time with him will be able to see the pinch at the corner of his eye. But, that's probably fair, isn't it?
His left arm is gone, after all. His sleeve is pinned at the wrist against his shoulder, and that's it - nothing there. It's probably at Xie Lian's insistence that he's simply seated on the bed, legs crossed, PHS in his hand and daemon in its huli jing form curled up in the cradle of his legs.
Unlike with other people, it opens both eyes when Claude comes in, the right the same red that he's seen in the memories they volleyed back and forth. ]
We've got a lot to go over.
[ Listening, and watching, Hua Cheng thinks it best that Claude continues to set aside any belief in the gods. Perhaps at a glance someone would think that he would fit in with the Heavens, but with this -
No, that's not giving Claude enough credit. That's not taking into consideration the depths that contain the reality of who this person is, of the goals he has, the lives that he's been affected by and, in turn, those that he's affected. And once again, something about him resonates with Hua Cheng. There are... people here who are dear to me. More people than I started off with.
A dark laugh leaves him, low and quiet, as he faces that reality himself. But his gaze lifts to Xie Lian, for a moment. Just a decision's worth of time. ]
No one should live like this, and no one should die facing this fear, either. Even if there's a shadow being cast by the Realm, a limbo for people who are removed to enter, it's regardless a death that many aren't prepared for.
[ They can't all be like the Ghost King. They can't all be like any of the other immortals here, used to facing death, with contending with it, with accepting it around them.
A decision is easy enough. ]
You have someone from Swan willing to help you - I can't say I expected I would come to say I cared much about people, either, when we first got here, but I'm not particularly inclined to watch them suffer and sit idly by.
No, that's not giving Claude enough credit. That's not taking into consideration the depths that contain the reality of who this person is, of the goals he has, the lives that he's been affected by and, in turn, those that he's affected. And once again, something about him resonates with Hua Cheng. There are... people here who are dear to me. More people than I started off with.
A dark laugh leaves him, low and quiet, as he faces that reality himself. But his gaze lifts to Xie Lian, for a moment. Just a decision's worth of time. ]
No one should live like this, and no one should die facing this fear, either. Even if there's a shadow being cast by the Realm, a limbo for people who are removed to enter, it's regardless a death that many aren't prepared for.
[ They can't all be like the Ghost King. They can't all be like any of the other immortals here, used to facing death, with contending with it, with accepting it around them.
A decision is easy enough. ]
You have someone from Swan willing to help you - I can't say I expected I would come to say I cared much about people, either, when we first got here, but I'm not particularly inclined to watch them suffer and sit idly by.
(Me also looking at my backlog like haha...
After everyone's return, Claude had given Hua Cheng and Xie Lian some time to collect themselves. The two would inevitably need to talk and figure things out and after everything... well, something like that is personal and best resolved between two people instead of with a third party. All he did was promise to speak to them later, to leave them alone for now, and to be willing to open to them if they needed him sooner, the worry and concern evident even without the daemon at his side betraying him.
He notes Hua Cheng's appearance and it's only because the two are close that he speaks lightly,)
You look like you could use a nap.
(His daemon has gone from a dragon to a small stag deer, one that immediately betrays Claude and approaches Hua Cheng, as if to check on him and then moves towards Xie Lian, too. Claude, on the other hand, is as composed as ever, even if it looks like he might say something else at first, he nods,)
... Right. Straight to business, huh?
After everyone's return, Claude had given Hua Cheng and Xie Lian some time to collect themselves. The two would inevitably need to talk and figure things out and after everything... well, something like that is personal and best resolved between two people instead of with a third party. All he did was promise to speak to them later, to leave them alone for now, and to be willing to open to them if they needed him sooner, the worry and concern evident even without the daemon at his side betraying him.
He notes Hua Cheng's appearance and it's only because the two are close that he speaks lightly,)
You look like you could use a nap.
(His daemon has gone from a dragon to a small stag deer, one that immediately betrays Claude and approaches Hua Cheng, as if to check on him and then moves towards Xie Lian, too. Claude, on the other hand, is as composed as ever, even if it looks like he might say something else at first, he nods,)
... Right. Straight to business, huh?
[ it is probably not surprising that xie lian looks... fussy. very fussy. he's worried to pieces about san lang, and has been since yesterday, though his usual composure mostly seems to have returned with the dawn of a new day. he's sitting fairly close to hua cheng, though there's a respectable amount of space between them - his daemon, on the other hand, is nearly attached to him, tucked against the huli jing in his lap. it lifts its head to greet claude's deer as it comes by, and xie lian has a smile for it as he scritches the top of its head.
that smile extends to claude, too, warm and friendly as ever. ] Hello, Claude - I hope you don't mind. Both San Lang and I have a few things to share, as I'm sure you might too.
...I have a question for you, first - it's about your team. How many members did it have originally?
that smile extends to claude, too, warm and friendly as ever. ] Hello, Claude - I hope you don't mind. Both San Lang and I have a few things to share, as I'm sure you might too.
...I have a question for you, first - it's about your team. How many members did it have originally?
(The deer lets Xie Lian scritch at him and also moves to nuzzle its nose into his hand, sniffing at him and just... generally expressing what might look like concern. Dang, these daemons really do betray what you're feeling, huh?)
That's... something we're trying to figure out. Our guess is six or seven. Do you remember the rule about the leaders losing their powers if they lose enough people?
(The one that went into place shortly after Shima, a known fox was removed?)
It affected Fox. By then, it was possible multiple teams had already lost two members... so we can only really assume we lost more than that by then.
That's... something we're trying to figure out. Our guess is six or seven. Do you remember the rule about the leaders losing their powers if they lose enough people?
(The one that went into place shortly after Shima, a known fox was removed?)
It affected Fox. By then, it was possible multiple teams had already lost two members... so we can only really assume we lost more than that by then.
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