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

Hee hee! I'm glad you have so much faith in my cooking.

[He's not like, a master chef or anything, but Sylvando has a few recipes up his sleeve that he's pleased with. This one feeds him for a while, so that's why he had it going. Of course, he's more than happy to share with his unexpected but welcome company.

He takes a spoonful as well and gently lifts it up to blow on it before putting it in his mouth. There's a thoughtful pause as he considers the flavors...and a nod is quick to follow.]

Yep, that tastes about right! What do you think, honey?

[He asks as if He Xuan knows how this usually tastes. But it's more to give him a little preview than anything.]

[ In retrospect, he should've at least tried to blow on it, but even with how hot it is, it doesn't stop him much. So much so, in fact...

...When Sylvando asks him this, he has managed to have a second scooping because he can't exactly help himself. He looks a little embarrassed, not just because he's being called honey again. So, you know, just give him a moment. ]

It tastes good, like I had anticipated. It's been awhile since I have had something...decent.

[ Can't get very many good meals when you're just trying to survive on hardly much of nothing. Better than being forced to go without in a jail, but only just barely. ]

[He Xuan takes that second spoonful before Sylvando can say anything, and though he looks a bit taken aback for a second, he's quick to brush it off with a laugh.]

It's naughty to double-dip, you know. [It's very light chiding, though. He's not actually upset.] Here, let me get you a bowl. I don't think it needs any extra stirring.

[As he's pulling bowls out of a cabinet, He Xuan mentions how he hasn't been eating well. It certainly explains a lot. He did look so desperate to get food in his mouth...]

I'm glad you said something, darling. I'll be sure to send home extra leftovers now. And of course, you're always welcome to come by for more meals. I don't mind cooking for two!

[There. Two nice bowls of steaming stew, ready to go. Sylvando tops them with a slice of bread each.]

Want to bring these to the dining area while I get us some water? Just be careful- they're hot!

[ He Xuan looks appropriately like he had his hand caught in the food jar at the light chiding, evidently still feeling remnants of embarrassment. But the fact that the other is clearly not truly mad at him does enough to ensure that he doesn't feel guilty, though an apology may have been on the tip of his tongue for a moment regardless. ]

Extra leftovers? And...you would cook for me?

I am afraid I am at a loss for words, but once again, I sincerely appreciate it. I...right, I've got it.

[ His cheeks remain warm from the all of this, and there's even a little bit of a tingle that goes all the way to his eyes. He hasn't experienced anything so kind in years. And for a human like himself, that is a long time.

But luckily he is composed enough to reach out to grab the bowls, carefully. Temperature still does affect him as he is now and he's certainly not wearing gloves; and he hurries on over to the dining area swiftly, ensuring to set the bowls down just as carefully as he had picked them up. ]

I would! I'm always ready to spread happiness, whether it's through dance or through cooking.

[Maybe he'll have to show He Xuan a nice dance sometime, actually. But for now, the poor man definitely needs food over some entertainment.

He's not very far behind with a glass of water in each hand, as well as the spoons they had used for tasting. He hands one of each to He Xuan and then takes a seat, offering He Xuan the other.]

Thanks for your help, honey! Feel free to dig in- I won't keep you waiting.

[ He Xuan has danced with, perhaps, two people here. Later on if Sylvando can convince him that will probably be a fun time. Right now is truly not the time, though speaking of good timing, he is looking up as the other returns with a glass of water and a spoon.

He carefully takes each glass and then the spoon within his hands. ]

...Of course, I'm happy to help.

[ That, he means by every sense of the word. Next, he goes about digging in right then and there.

He eats like he hasn't had a single good meal before in his life. Though that is an impossibility; before times went bad, even his parents were able to scrounge up at least something decent. A moment of pause before he clears his throat, needing to remember to slow down... ]

[It's hard for Sylvando to not watch this display; not with judgement, but with concern. He almost tells He Xuan to slow down himself before he does so on his own.

After taking a bite of stew, he speaks up about that concern. Part of this is to make sure He Xuan paces himself, but he also wants to know...]

You haven't been eating well for a while, have you?

...No, I haven't.

[ He Xuan lifts his face from the stew, and it's probably good that Sylvando asked him because he really is having a bit of a hard time keeping a normal pace in regards to eating. ]

It's been awhile since I've eaten something so filling. Even though I'd recently escaped from my imprisonment, where food was already lacking [ actually they tried to starve him to death, but, well. details. ] being a merchant hasn't been as profitable as I'd liked for it to have been.

Imprisonment...?

[He feels rude to be asking for more information since that couldn't have been an easy thing to deal with, but man. What could He Xuan have possibly done if this is before all of the ghost king business?]

[ ...He'll place the spoon down.

Telling this man what happened will undeniably be not the most easiest thing he has done, but after all the help he has given to him, it doesn't feel too difficult to say anything of it. ]

There was a period where I was imprisoned for attempting to challenge a prominent family after they had kidnapped two people close to me—my...childhood friend, and my younger sister. They died while they were kept in their household, and couldn't have cared less about it.

But, I hadn't the status to do much of anything to them, hence the position I wound up in.

[The horrific nature of that story washes over Sylvando like a tidal wave. He very nearly drops his spoon.]

Oh, sweet Yggdrasil... That's- [He hardly knows what to say.] That's so utterly awful. I'm so sorry, honey, I...

[Well, he did ask, and He Xuan kindly spoke up.]

I certainly hope that horrible family's comeuppance is a swift one. How could they do something so cruel to you and your loved ones?!

[ Sylvando certainly did!

Whatever the case, his reaction is amongst the normal side of things. And, honestly, though it doesn't change how horrid things were, he's grateful for that. ]

I hope so too. [ In the future, it will be. ] As for that cruelty, I've learned it comes all too easily to people. More than I ever imagined it would.

Perhaps most are like that. Eager to take and take even when they've had more than their fair share of gains. Maybe...it might be even the truth of human nature.

[He falls uncomfortably silent for moment. It's always been his intention to see the best in people no matter how much cruelty there is in the world, but he can't just say that to someone who has had to deal with the brunt of that cruelty.

After giving his response some careful thought, he glances back up at He Xuan with a resolute expression.]

It's true that there are a lot of horrible people out there, but I promise you, honey...there are just as many people trying their hardest to cast light into those deep shadows.

[If only every world could have its own Luminary.]

I'm afraid the most I can offer you here is relief from the injustices you've had to endure. With rest and recuperation, who knows...maybe you'll be able to take them on and then some.

[While he's putting all of his effort into sounding encouraging, he knows how He Xuan is now. It's easy to tell what happened there. Easy, and so very sad.]

[ ...Honestly, with Sylvando treating him as he does now, he can believe firmly that there is still good remaining in the world, albeit with a few number of people. Not that he believed otherwise, but this is just evidence.

He is a bit more scaled towards the jaded side now; not enough to suspect a helping hand, but the idea of there being so many kind people seems still difficult for him to accept. ]

Believe me when I say that what you can offer at this time is more than enough. More than what I expected of a stranger, seeing me like this...

But, I'll be certain to pay back what they've done, when I've the opportunity. Nothing will stop me from doing so. Nothing.

[ And they will pay, with their lives. He Xuan will carve it into their last memories that they should not have laid a finger on his loved ones, or abused their position so to take advantage so he would be the one to suffer for their crimes. ]

[Sylvando hears that conviction in He Xuan's voice and he knows there's no changing how things will end up for him. There's no preventing the ghost king's arrival. But maybe that was never in the cards. If anything, it solidifies the path that he need to take on this quest of his.

He needs to be there for He Xuan, and support him just the way he is.

He reaches his hand out to place over He Xuan's before reminding himself that he's basically a stranger to the man right now. His mouth hangs open for a moment before his hand retreats.]

I believe in you, darling. With all my heart.

[There's an awkward pause, before Sylvando lets out a humorless laugh.]

I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for our dinner conversation to get so heavy. But I do appreciate you telling me all of this.

[ There is indeed no shaking He Xuan's stormy course of vengeance and despair, though that is not to say that those along it don't deserve it. Because they do...

...With the exception of one individual who will be unfortunately caught in the middle, but that is a future He Xuan problem. For today, he is sitting in Sylvando's house, enjoying a well-cooked meal, and witness to his kindness. He watches the way the man reaches out to him, but He Xuan doesn't feel bothered, even if those fingers should touch his hand, however briefly. That is how he is showing his support, right? ]

Of course. Truthfully, the fact you were willing to listen to it at all shows that you've a strong element along to your kindness, but I wouldn't dare burden it with you anymore than I have.

[ He places the utensil down on the table, folding his hands respectfully, bowing his head slightly. ]

...And I appreciate that you would listen to me tell it.

I'll always be here to listen. Whether you need an ear to speak to or a shoulder to cry on, I'll be here. That's what friends do for each other.

[He can imagine saying something like that to the current He Xuan and the sort of reaction he'd receive for daring to call him his friend. But that's okay! He Xuan has let him in, and there's no going back now.

...ah, but he wanted to lighten the air, didn't he? He lets out a small sigh and tips his head to smile at He Xuan.]

You know how I said you were here before today? Well, I'd made it my mission to make you smile. I'm curious to know what you think of that.

Friends...

[ The word brings about a reminder of a sort to He Xuan and he will just look around the room without saying much of anything.

...

Strange, how since his arrival he's been hearing nothing whispering in his ear stating that some misfortune will occur to anyone he even remotely cared about. Or some kind of unfortunate happenstance unto himself, but regardless, he relaxes a bit all the same. He looks a little surprised about the comment regarding the mission portion, though. ]

...I'm not sure. Though, I wonder why you would accept something like that as your mission. There's nothing all that special about me to bother going through the trouble.

[Sylvando's answer to that question is swift and firm.]

Everyone deserves to have a reason to smile, darling. Though I didn't know it when we first met, I've since come to learn that your circumstances have made it very hard to find that reason.

[It was such a simple, innocent mission in the beginning when he didn't know any better. It's become so much more since.

He folds his hands together. Their food is going to get cold at this rate, but maybe telling his story might clear a few things up.]

When a terrible calamity befell my home world, humanity was brought to its knees. What was there to smile about when the world we once knew was gone and overrun with monsters? Even I was at a loss. It was such an overwhelming despair.

[...]

But I couldn't just lie there and accept defeat. I had to help bring back joy into a broken world, even if I couldn't save it on my own. Making others smile...that's my reason to keep on smiling.

[ He Xuan wonders if he should consider that this person knows things about him with some amount of skepticism that this is some sort of illusion or dream, but...he just can't. He's a very tired human man who has known nothing but literal suffering for the past two years and some. And right now he can tell Sylvando is a genuine person, from every little thing that he does; has even said.

All of this too feels real for it to even be a dream or anything else. That being said, he is definitely resuming eating at least a little in between responses. The hunger is real. ]

...A calamity.

[ He Xuan can only imagine how frightening it must have been. There are calamities back in his world, but they have not brought humanity to their knees, though he has heard rumors that there are those powerful enough to throw the entire mortal realm into peril. This one must have been one such indeed, because of the fact monsters were involved. ]

What you've said sounds apt, as you do seem like the type who would want to make people happy enough to smile, and perhaps feel safe. Even if I don't know you all that well yet. But, I also assume that since you seem so at ease despite being here after all of that, that situation was also resolved?

[Sylvando is thus saved from having to apologize profusely for He Xuan's food going cold--]

Yes. One that my companions and I sought...and failed to prevent.

[That's what made it particularly despair-inducing. To be so close to victory and yet so far. Having to watch his dear friend be manipulated into aiding the calamity's coming while he could do nothing to stop it.

Thank goodness he had someone there to bring him back to his senses after everything was said and done.

His demeanor lightens up significantly when asked about what became of everything- enough to finally return to eating as well.]

I like to make my feelings and ideals very clear. [...mostly.] But yes, the terrible fiend who caused the calamity was defeated after our little group did some regrouping and better prepared ourselves to take him on. It actually wasn't long after that I ended up here!

[He knows it probably sounds like he's spouting some kind of fairy tale when he talks about the calamity and Mordegon's reign of terror, but hey. Truth is stranger than fiction sometimes.]

[ A world filled with despair, overrun by monsters. Though monsters do exist in his world, he can hardly begin to imagine. How anybody managed to find any reason not to give up then must have been nothing short of a miracle. Or, perhaps, that is what is like to have people who will support one another in their darkest hour.

After all, from what the other male said, Sylvando certainly didn't do that all on his own. Though, there is certainly something good about elevating things back to the point where both of them can enjoy the food.

...Also was there a little pun he just snuck into what he just said there?? ]

Then, it does make sense that you're still at ease, if resolution to that catastrophe was found. This group of people must be your friends or allies. Can you tell me what they are like?

[ Honestly, it may sound crazy to the common person, but as a man in the pursuit of knowledge—or, rather he originally was—He Xuan likes to imagine that he is more open-minded than most. ]

[Maaaaybe there was a pun snuck in~ If he can sneak in some humor, he always will. ;)]

Both! [Friends and allies, that is.] I love them all dearly, and I'd be happy to tell you aaaall about them!

[And so, the next few minutes of the meal is spent on the main party of Dragon Quest XI.

Sylvando is quick to sing the praises of the Luminary- the figurehead of their merry little group, incredibly kind and heroic but also shy and quiet. A total sweetheart by Sylvando's standards, and someone who helped him through one of his toughest moments in life.

Next up is Erik, a roguish and snarky young man who was the first to help the Luminary on his adventure. He's fiercely loyal to those he holds dear, but he also has a prankster side to him. He and Sylvando didn't start off on the best foot, but they became fast friends.

Rab is the Luminary's grandfather and the former king of Dundrasil- a kingdom that fell to Mordegon years in the past. He's very knowledgeable about Erdrea's history and is an incredible mage, but he has a bit of a crude streak that Sylvando finds off-putting. Nevertheless, in many ways he's the heart of the group.

Jade is a princess from Heliodor, but was estranged from her father after what happened in Dundrasil all those years ago. She is a woman who you do not want to mess with, lest you want to fall victim to her martial arts! But despite her fierce fighting, Jade is very kind and empathetic to those around her.

Twin sisters Veronica and Serena are extremely gifted with magic. Veronica is more of an offensive spellcaster while Serena handles the heavy lifting in the healing department. The group would be in deep danger without their aid! Veronica is fierce and tomboyish, while Serena is sweet and gentle. They compliment each other perfectly.

Lastly is Hendrik, arguably the strongest knight in all of Erdrea and someone Sylvando knew when he was younger. The two of them were in training to become knights together, and though Hendrik struggled at first, he was able to overcome even Sylvando's skill with pure strength alone. Sylvando looks up to him a great deal, though he admits he enjoys teasing the overly serious, emotionally constipated knight just as much.]

And that's everyone! We all make quite the group, don't we?

[ Just like that, He Xuan is content to listen to Sylvando speak about his allies, his dear friends, and their roles in this rag-tag band that managed to conquer something like a devastating calamity which had humanity at its knees. As expected, these people are evidently normal ones, without any indication that they're anything else.

But, perhaps that is what makes the success a miracle all the same. For a moment, he closes his eyes, imagining each and every one of them in his mind's eye, before reopening them when finally Sylvando has come to an end. He's also managed to finish off his own food in record time to boot, but he certainly had been paying close attention to each and every single word falling out. ]

Yes, it sounds like all of you combined make for a lively group. A rather determined one at that, considering what you've all accomplished.

[ Back where he's from, He Xuan thinks with such a feat, each of them would have already ascended to the fabled Heavenly Court. So, there is a moment where his expression becomes thoughtful.

This Luminary, Jade, and Hendrik would likely be in the martial category. As for Rab, Veronica, and Serena, they would be elemental ones. Sylvando... he thinks he could be either or. Certainly none of them a Civil god or goddess. ]

Though, I'd be surprised if your friends didn't consider you the 'heart' of the group as well.

Tee hee! Determined is definitely the right word. We may have lost once, but we weren't about to just lie down and give up!

[Even if it seemed very, very enticing at first.

Sylvando goes to take a sip of his water after all of that talking, but then He Xuan continues and his eyes widen as he peers over his glass.]

Mm! [He finishes his sip and sets the glass down.] You really think so? I do try to put all of my heart into everything that I do...

[But he'd never make such an assumption.]

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