crescentview | Opening my eyes again in casted darkness... (January Catch-all)

Opening my eyes again in casted darkness... (January Catch-all)

🌊Who: He Xuan, and anyone else.
🌊What: Things happening; they're self-explanatory.
🌊When: January.
🌊Where: Varies.
🌊Warnings: Kidnapping, mentions of suicide & forced induction into harems; involvement of violence/murder. Anything else that may occur will be added or adequately warned for in the thread. TGCF spoilers, but since this already deals with memories, that's a requirement, really.

i. gravitation

[ No matter where He Xuan finds himself, whereas it's on the beach or somewhere else, there seems to be some kind of nonsense afoot. Some...feline nonsense at that.

They're all congregating rudely around him and he is essentially helpless to their attacks (cuddles and piling around his feet.)

He practically glares at anyone who catches him in the midst of this. ]

What?

ii. displacement

[ Ghost kings do not get sick, not really. But it doesn't mean that coughing or sneezing is an impossibility for him.

It just so happens he had grabbed something spicy from a restaurant and for some reason found himself sneezing due to some kind of pepper and now he's in the middle of a lake. Soon enough, he's grumbling, extricating himself from the water. What a waste of food. ]

iii. uncharted waters

[ In addition to those, anyone is free to encounter someone who seems to, for all intents and purposes appear to look like He Xuan, and is essence definitely still him. Yet, his appearance clearly differs in subtle ways. His skin isn't so pale, and his ears are not so sharp and he appears a little lost. Feel free to run into him like this, though he will be scrutinizing most people, and there appears to be a sword at his hip, which his hand is hovering on the hilt of. ]

iv. wildcard

[ Self-explanatory...! Open to things that are also not necessarily the above. ]

If you would like to plot with me, I can be reached on plurk @ leyfi, discord @ seraphkingdhaos#8538 and my plotting comment will be here.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ A small scoff of derision escapes He Xuan regardless, because while he will state that there is a portion he enjoyed, it is a different matter to say if he considered the stage portion of it 'fun'. ]

I could care less about people being upstage.

[ Though, hm. There is evidence to the contrary regarding this. He just assumes that nobody here is ever so brave to call him out in certain circumstances. This, being one of them.

That being said, he hears the tease in Sylvando's voice there. ]

Maybe I did enjoy the snacks the most. They're the most appealing thing about this nonsense.

[ He Xuan pointedly stuffs his face with some more food while still making eye contact. He is, perhaps, a disaster, and it is fine? ]

Edited 2023-01-08 15:56 (UTC)

Oh really?

[Sylvando's response is swift and practically dripping with skepticism, like he absolutely knows better than to believe the response he was given.

With a confident smirk, he takes a few steps forward, retaining eye contact with He Xuan as the man munches away.]

You sure seemed to find me appealing up there.

[There is, in fact, someone brave enough to call He Xuan out and Sylvando is putting him on full blast.]

[ ...that sure is a choking sound from He Xuan, help.

He's quickly looking around and there is the feeling that if he were not a ghost king, his face would be some manner of red by now. ]

...Y-you...

[ Apparently, he's really got nothing. He just blurts out: ]

It's not my fault you know how to dance!

[ Ah, well. He didn't mean to say that either. ]

[The most Sylvando will do for He Xuan's dignity is not laugh out loud, because this is exactly the reaction he was hoping for. Knocking the ghost king off kilter...how exciting.

And cute, but again, He Xuan's dignity.]

So I was right! [As if he takes it as an invitation, he slides into He Xuan's personal space.] I'm so glad you enjoyed my dance, darling. There was purpose behind it, after all.

[The purpose, of course, was to woo the audience, and that certainly seemed to pay off.]

[His smile softens as his casts his glance aside.]

I didn't think I'd catch your eye quite like that, though.

[ Refusing to make eye-contact when he comes up close to him like that, but he is thoroughly distracted from eating or reaching for anymore snacks.

Naturally that too is being quietly assigned blame to Sylvando. ]

I'd be surprised if there wasn't.

[ When he looks back in time to see the way cast his gaze to the side like that with that kind of smile, he'll add: ]

...You're difficult to ignore.

That's a very high compliment, coming from you.

[It's his job as an entertainer to capture an audience's attention and keep their eyes on him, so he's used to having this natural draw about him. However, a comment like that hits differently when He Xuan is the one to say it. Ever since Sylvando declared to make the man smile, he expected to be pushed away at every opportunity. And yet He Xuan has let him come around again and again, no matter how futile he finds the quest to be.

...and now they've arrived here. Sylvando can't say he expected his quest to lead him in this direction, but that's perfectly fine.

He tips his head back to meet He Xuan's eyes.]

You already know this now, but I couldn't help but catch sight of you during the dance. That was...quite a look you were giving me.

[One that he shared for that brief moment in time.]

[ It's not just that.

It is a fact that people here have been kind in their own way. But Sylvando... he remembers when the man saw him when he was in a disreputable state. When he knew nothing better. It'd be easy to have made him feel diminished in his presence, or anyone else's.

Yet, he still helped him. He Xuan is a difficult man, and he is a pain to deal with. Originally, he felt that allowing the man to come near him would show him how futile it is. He's good at pushing away others, even those he likes. But such kindness, and then witnessing the talent the man exudes...it's unmistakable that he feels compelled, even if he feels inclined to deny it. No matter what conversations may have preceded, and made him rethink his approach to all of this. ]

I saw you return my gaze, though I thought you might not dare speak of it.

[ When he says this, it is without a hint of mockery. Just the truth. But all the same confirming Sylvando's words. ]

[So he did see it too...

Sylvando's next exhale is a bit more audible than expected.]

Why would you think that? I'm not afraid to seek out answers- certainly not from you.

[While Sylvando would never downplay He Xuan's status as a ghost king, he has also never been properly intimidated by the man. When you've confronted the Lord of Shadows—the source of all of your world's misfortunes—you kind of become predisposed to other dark beings.

Of course, this isn't just about who and what He Xuan is. It's the subject, too. But Sylvando is probably the most open person here when it comes to dealing with and expressing his feelings.

That said... "Answers", huh?]

[ Well, this answer comes easily than any others. ]

Simply because of the type of person that I am. What I am.

[ He Xuan makes no secrets about how he is. In addition, Sylvando has mentioned he has dealt with a ghost king before—most people's dealings with such beings are not pleasant. Even if the other now could have figured that he had been human at a some time, the fact is the He Xuan that is sitting before him is not. He is a Calamity that, while isn't so inclined towards pointless slaughters like some others, has enacted cruelties in order to ensure that his vengeance has been achieved.

There had been no kindness in those acts. Doubtless that this ghost king that Sylvando has met may have committed terrible acts of his own.

So, for him, everything is simple when it comes to this sort of...reply. ]

[The ghost king that Sylvando encountered hadn't quite reached the stage that He Xuan is at now. Fortunately, they were able to help out before things got worse. But like He Xuan, Irwin didn't become a restless spirit for no good reason. There was a deeper darkness behind it all- both for the cause of his death and his prolonged suffering after. While Sylvando doesn't know if there's a greater force that's drawing out He Xuan's own misery or if he's far beyond any type of redemption that Irwin achieved, he doesn't feel deterred, nor does he fault He Xuan for wanting that revenge in the first place. What happened to him in life sounded utterly abhorrent.]

If I had a problem with who and what you are, I wouldn't still be on my quest in the first place.

[Just as to the point as He Xuan.]

You're worth the effort, darling.

[ He Xuan always expected that to change, when he knew more and more about him, or has seen more of him. Why wouldn't it? But, that's not the case. Far from it.

Anyway...the man is persistent. But, he thinks he likes it.

And then Sylvando says something like that. It's foolish, but he can't pretend not to feel anything when he claims that he's worth the effort, and it's embarrassing. Like when he couldn't take his eyes off of him. ]

...After everything that I have seen of you, I can't even claim that you're speaking those words just to say them.

[ It makes him feel good, saying that. But imagine him confirming so in those exact words? He can't spit it out like that. ]

But, fine. You'll keep trying, won't you? [ Then, he'll say softly: ] And get even closer to me, if you dare.

[Sylvando's close enough to hear those whispered words. In turn, He Xuan is close enough to hear the small gasp that escapes him.

It would probably be typical Sylvando fashion to get super giddy and excited to be making progress like this, but he doesn't go that route this time. His response is gentle- grateful to have that effort recognized.]

Of course I will. As long as you don't mind letting me in.

[ Does he mind? He has to think about that. He feels uncertain, but maybe he doesn't mind.

As theatrical as always, he thinks instead, of the other man's gasp to not want to dwell on the other subject for a moment. Though, that's a little endearing too in its own way. ]

...It's your fault that I'm considering it. But even then, you might regret it.

[ But, Sylvando has more or less stated or implied in some manner that he isn't afraid of him. He has little doubts still that the man is.

Yet, there is an easy way to settle that too. With one cold hand, he reaches out for one of Sylvain's hands, watching him carefully, to see if the other man will let him grasp a hold of it. It's also because he is thinking of the fact the man has shown interest in him in his own way. He doesn't think of himself as a blind fool, after all. ]

[He lets out a little laugh. He's obviously holding back, but even then, it's easy to tell how delighted he is.]

Do your worst, darling. The only regret I'll have is if I don't manage to make you smile by the end of the year.

[If He Xuan is doing one thing today though, it's surprising the heck out of Sylvando. He's going for his hand?! Making the first move, even?! That's...! That's more than enough to make Sylvando's heart flutter.]

Oh...

[The surprise manages to escape him as he looks at He Xuan's outstretched hand with wide eyes. It's definitely not a bad sort of "oh". Exactly the opposite.

There's no hesitation once the surprise wears off. He offers up his hand for the ghost king to take, and...]

Oh! You're so cold, even in the middle of summer... Here.

[He reaches up to cup He Xuan's hand between both of his own, like he's warming the man up from an outing on a cold winter's day.]

You wouldn't want me to do my worst.

[ Trust him when he says that.

Well, that's two hands gripping his own, perhaps unexpectedly. Eventually it does become a bit warmer, as a consequence of two warm ones around a singular colder one. And he observes it in what appears to be mild interest. Now he is reacquainted with liking the feeling of holding another's hand.

His golden eyes appear so cold as he continues to examine the strange image and then back into the other's eyes.

Then, He Xuan's gives a rough tug forward, bringing them closer for a moment, but with the other so near him already, this will ensure there's not much space between them. ]

Tell me about this ghost king of yours.

[ He's been curious, ever since Sylvando has mentioned that he has met one. ]

And tell me, what exactly is your next step involving this ghost king in front of you?

[Ah... Sylvando's grip on He Xuan's hand tightens for just a moment.]

If I'm going to get to get closer to you, then I must be able to handle it.

[That's not saying he wants to see He Xuan at his worst, but he just wants the other man to know that he's prepared for it should it come to pass. It's so incredibly important to be there for others when they're at their lowest.

The two of them don't have to dwell on this long though, because He Xuan continues to be full of surprises. The sudden tug startles him enough to gasp. He doesn't move to pull away, but he does go still for a moment as his brain catches up with what's happening.]

H-He... He was the last king of Dundrasil- a once thriving kingdom that fell in a single night at the hands of the Lord of Shadows. He tried to defend his family and the kingdom, but was betrayed by who he thought was an ally and was left to die alone at the hands of monsters. Not only was the kingdom lost, but so was the queen and also his infant son.

[Ugh, it hurts to even talk about this, even if it's all better now.]

As if that wasn't bad enough, when he came back as a restless spirit, he was preyed upon by a monster known as the Gloomnivore. It fed on his misery and suffering for seventeen long years before we finally got to him. It was...absolutely horrible. But thankfully, it was finally going to come to an end.

His son, who came to be known as the Luminary, survived that night all those years ago. It was thanks to the Luminary's power of light and hope that the Gloomnivore was stopped in its tracks. After we slayed the beast, King Irwin was finally freed and able to move on to the afterlife.

Edited (fixing terminology) 2023-01-13 19:47 (UTC)

[With that story told, he looks up to meet He Xuan's eyes.]

As for my plans, well... I'm certainly no Luminary, but seeing as he is one of my closest companions, I'd like to think he's rubbed some of his light off on me over the course of our adventures.

[Ah, Sylvando. As modest as ever. Like he hasn't always been blindingly bright on his own merits.

Using their close proximity, he leans in just enough so he's against He Xuan's body.]

You've been steeped in darkness for far longer, but maybe there's room for a little ray of sunshine to cut through.

[ ...Maybe He Xuan should have been anticipating that Sylvando would say something like that. That he must be ready to handle such a time, since he is looking to get closer to him. But, the fact of the matter is that a part of him isn't.

He wonders, when that time comes, if the other will be able to truly handle him then. He has an inkling that the other man will not back down easily, at least. Nor will he be quick to run away.

That may be enough. But, as it is, he first listens to the explanation given to him of this ghost king that Sylvando met. Betrayal, hm? That seems to be how it usually happens. Even more pertinent, though, is when he mentions this thing called the Gloomnivore—the creature feeding on negativity is something of a familiar concept. Though, the Reverend does it differently by far.

But by the time he's done explaining, now he understands that confidence. Freeing anyone from a monster like that is no easy task. He should know. ]

Or you should hope that he has.

[ He Xuan says, meaning, perhaps, to coldly tease, and very much allowing the other man to lean against him like that. He has already brought him close as it is, after all. ]

...Even if I can understand your confidence now. A monster like what you have described doesn't find defeat with ease.

Still, we will see. Stubborn as you are, I'm starting to learn that you won't easily be deterred by such 'darkness'. Though, of course, you run the risk of being submerged so deep that light will have a hard time reaching through.

[ His other hand reaches to rest gently against the other man's back. ]

[All of this feels so reminiscent of their first meeting, except this time it's so much more than lighthearted declarations. This has gotten very serious, including Sylvando's conviction in seeing this quest through.

Right, a quest.

It's so much more than just a silly little quest now, too.]

If it hasn't, then I'm certainly in trouble, aren't I?

[He takes the teasing with stride, as if it was fully serious. He even offers a little wink.]

I meant what I said about you being worth the effort. I'm certainly not afraid to test the waters, no matter how deep they get. Let's just hope I'm a good enough swimmer.

[It might a bit presumptuous to ask a ghost king to hope for something, but Sylvando knows that some part of He Xuan must want this to work out too. They wouldn't be here like this if he wasn't, surely.]

[ Ah, he absolutely can't help the dark snark back, in the face of that wink: ]

You would be.

[ This isn't exactly how he anticipated how his appearance in this competition would go. Not actual participation, but his willful commentary, and desire to mostly enjoy the food. Though, given what he's said already, he can't just say, 'Oops! I don't have eyes.'

Can he blame the goddess for this too?

Something tells him he can't.

But that being said, he eventually pulls back, and finally letting his hand slip away from the other male's hands. This isn't exactly the most private place, and he certainly hasn't forgotten that. ]

...You keep saying things like that, and you'll embarrass the both of us. If you're so confident, then you—how are you planning on taking responsibility for those words?

[ Are you going to dare take him on a date, Sylvando? ]

[He Xuan might pull away for now, but it won't be long before Sylvando reaches for that hand once more. After...a bit of dramatics, because that's just how he rolls.]

Funny you should say that... I actually came looking for you for a very specific reason, should certain feelings be reciprocated.

[With a brilliant bit of flourish reminiscent of his dance on stage, he droops into a bow.]

He Xuan darling, what do you say to a date? Just the two of us, good food and drink, and maybe a walk along the beach...?

[ Sylvando...please, never change. He is a little surprised, but perhaps that is part of the other male's charm. What is probably the best part about it is that he'll allow him to take it. ]

Hmph. Now it all makes sense.

[ Though, despite his words, He Xuan doesn't sound all that bothered by it.

It's good, he thinks, to know that's why he came over here. It makes things simple. Or, maybe it doesn't, because honestly, he isn't good with people. That's not something going to change over-night. But, quietly, though firmly he says: ]

...I'll accept. Whether it's tonight or tomorrow, either day is fine with me.

[ He feels a little embarrassed. The last time he did anything like 'dating', he was still a human. ]

[Wow! He accepted!! Sylvando certainly didn't expect "wooing the ghost king" to be one of his accomplishments(?) today, but he's not complaining. Though brimming with excitement, he's surprisingly calm as he raises He Xuan's hand in order to plant a gentle kiss on the back of it.]

Thank you, darling, you've made me very happy.

[Whether he intended to or not!]

Tonight, though? Really? I wouldn't have thought of you to be so spontaneous! That's fine though, I can certainly make it work. There's actually this recipe for two that I've been wanting to make... What do you say to some more of Sylvando's home cooking?

[ Sylvando should win an award of some sort, perhaps...and so, when the other man dares to kiss the back of his hand like that, he realizes how nice that feels—like the press of falling, light spring petals before the seasons turn to a biting chill. It's something that He Xuan believes is only explicitly recited in the land of fiction, where two people who have met when the seasons changed, and even though they couldn't be any more different...

And on top of that, hearing him say something like that? ]

I have?

[ Unexpected, though when he looks at the brightness coming from Sylvando, he doesn't see anything else but happiness and excitement on his face. He Xuan has nothing to say about being spontaneous or not. He figures that they have already so much time on their hands, so it doesn't matter 'when'.

Maybe the fact of the matter is that he can be embarrassing in his own way, faced with such things. ]

...I've had your cooking before. It would be foolish to say no. Will you make it a surprise or tell me what it is?

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