xie lian is out at the beach, sitting crosslegged in the sand. he's been back to change clothes - his white robes are pristine - and he's holding what appears to be a few small sheets of paper in his hands.
there is a small fire burning in front of him, flickering light across the beach, and he is slowly dipping each of the papers into the fire, until they burn to ashes, saying something soft under his breath. he glances up, noticing someone else - and then offers a soft smile, nodding his head. ] Good evening, detective.
[ a little smile! ] I was ... well. In my homeland, it is quite common to burn paper money for the souls of the departed, so they may live comfortably in the afterlife. I don't have paper money, even though I scavenged for some, so... hopefully, it will be the thought that counts for Mr. Marius.
[ a little huff, as xie lian shakes his head, dispelling the notion and patting the spot next to him if he would like to sit down while they have this conversation…] That’s correct- his mother is my mother’s sister. Why do you ask…?
...Qi Rong has done many things in his life that are utterly cruel. The two of us were raised together, and my mother, I think, pitied Qi Rong for the life he lived before he came to us - therefore, she fell for his crocodile tears, or would rarely punish him for longer than a minute or two, even when the actions done would have normally been punishable by law, let alone by a parental figure. Over the years, I attempted to help guide him into better behavior through positive reinforcement, but, I failed.
...I do understand where she came from - that he is pitiable, in some ways - but his actions are utterly deplorable. And that stands for me far more than anything about whether we are related, or not.
[ it's complicated, but, xie lian does seem pretty steady in this decision. san lang, a ferret in his lap, chitters quietly and curls up tighter into a ball under xie lian's hand. ] That he harmed someone so brutally, but also - that he tried to implicate a child instead of himself is only characteristic of who Qi Rong is.
[These two are in the hotel lobby, where Xie Lian's been brought to a couch, where Kim finishes patching him up. Once he's done, he rises to his feet and steps away.]
... This will have to do. Let me know if you notice any signs of infection. And try to take it easy for the next few days.
[ this is fine! xie lian has been a very good patient throughout all of this - he holds very still and lets kim do whatever he needs to, barely flinching even as the needle digs into his skin. when he's stitched up for the most part, and bandaged, he glances up - coming out of something of a daze.
...thank you, Mr. Kim. [ xie lian does have a smile for him, a little sheepish, but grateful. ] I'll do my best to do so.
[ he
has protagonist disease so that's unlikely but that's okay. ] I usually heal quite quickly, at least.
I have, yes. The martial arts are something of a speciality of mine - to be honest, the moment that it was determined that only one of us could leave that strange blocked off area, Qi Rong did not stand a chance, no matter what sort of dirty tricks he used.
[ he's still just a little bit far away as he explains this, coming back properly to the present and rubbing his free hand absently against san lang the ferret in his lap. ] I have fought creatures like those spectres before, as well, though never without any of my spiritual powers. All in all, if that had to be the situation - then I am glad that it was me who had to carry it out.
[ he glances down at his ferret, for a moment - he chitters softly, butting his head into xie lian's hand. ]
...I feel a little more tired than I should, perhaps. [ though, that could just be from dealing with qi rong, honestly. he is exhausting. ] And San Lang has been less energetic. I think - based on what happened to Qi Rong, it's entirely likely that the spectres go after the human soul.
[ this poor regular man. xie lian doesn't seem to mind explaining, though, patient. ]
Well... it took away his willpower, which - I think that is directly tied to the human soul. That, and the spectres were particularly attempting to get to San Lang when I was in there, even more so than myself. [ his ferret turns his face into xie lian's hand, as he scritches at his head gently, soothing. ]
And both San Lang and Qi Rong's daemon were terrified of them. Plus, this connection that we have to these creatures...it just makes me think that perhaps they are intrinsically a part of us, is all. In my realm, we might consider it something close to a spiritual weapon.
Spiritual powers - in my realm, it is common for people to cultivate their qi, their spiritual energy. It is the energy that flows through the body and the planet, through the Heavens and the Hells - what makes up all things. It is usually cultivated alongside practices of martial arts, and is a skill that takes time to develop and master. With the proper training, you can utilize that energy for all sorts of things - not only for fighting - but, I often used it to fight demons and ghosts and the like, paired with my swordsmanship and martial arts skills.
[ absently, he touches his fingers against the bandage he wears around his neck. ] It is a highly useful tool.
This sounds a lot like... [He takes out his notebook and quickly flips to a page to check. This guy's been taking notes on everything, apparently.] Ah, there it is. I heard a young lady speak about "cultivators"... People who fight "evil spirits" and the like.
Is this what that title refers to? The "cultivation" of qi?
[He nods, and notes something. A connection made, a blank filled in. The pedantic satisfaction of a cruciverbalist.]
I see... I have noticed strange similarities like that, as well. My Suresne supposedly sounds a lot like what others call 'French.' I believe the victim, Mr. Pontmercy, spoke it.
[ xie lian does sound genuinely interested - a sort of gentle wonder crosses his face, too. ]
A-Qing said so many things that sounded familiar to me, but in reality, her world is entirely different from mine. As if they exist alongside each other - the same, but different. I suppose that has been one of the better things about being in such a strange place, that we've been able to experience so many cultures so very different than ours.
[ he laughs, a little. ] "Spiritual weapons" and all.
[ ! xie lian is here in the lounge with a blanket and a book, today, san lang curled up in a bunny form by his side. at kim's request, he glances up and offers him a polite smile and a bow of his head, warm as ever. ]
the look on xie lian's face suggests he has absolutely no idea what that means.
however, it's kim! so! he reaches into his sleeves and pulls out the walkie talkies - he's been keeping them handy. ] ...yes? I believe so? What... does that do, exactly...?
sure. he nods!!! he is happy to hand them over. ] I think that sounds very useful, Mr. Kim! Please, whatever you need to do - I am more than happy to oblige.
always the curious sort, xie lian can't help it! he scooches over to look, keeping a respectful distance but also peering at how kim makes them function. fascinating... ]
...Technology like this is quite normal for you, Mr. Kim, right?
[ he is a very good student!! very attentive and observant! ooo walkie talkies. ]
It seems very convenient. I suppose we have something similar... but, the idea of having a little device to do so with seems more magical, to me. It's a little funny how that works.
This is the first place that we've been that has felt very, very strange to me - Ankheen and Camebit alike were much like my home.
Both. The Central Plains get cold as any other region does, but - we rarely get to see snow! I've only ever seen it when I've traveled to a mountain, so that was all quite exciting.
[ xie lian sounds happy, as he's talking. ] I like to learn of new places. I grew up quite sheltered, Mr. Kim! And it took some time before I was allowed to leave the palace to train and cultivate. I still feel as though there are so many new things for me to learn, and so many different ways to experience how people live. It truly makes me happy - for all of the terrible things we have been through, there are light sides, too.
[ san lang makes an agreeing noise, too! ] And you, Mr. Kim? Are you used to it being so cold?
[That's a lot of enthusiasm. Kim sure can't match it, but he gives a little nod while he works.]
Yes and no. Winters in Revachol are a bit on the long side, and we get plenty of snow and ice. Some of the sea ice sticks around until about mid-summer, but generally, the ocean air keeps things from getting too cold or dry, like it is here.
[ xie lian is here in the park, laying down with his upper half propped up on a familiar looking tiger, staring up at the sky with his hands folded on his chest.
the tiger lifts its head, looks at kim...and then resumes grooming a white ball of fur that looks like it might be san lang. ]
[Kim's fiddling with a lighter, trying to light a cigarette he's holding with his mouth. He pauses at the tiger... but then resumes until he's got it properly lit.]
Good evening.
I was hoping to find you, actually. Got a message for you. Just a short one. [He's digging in his pockets.]
Miss Susato asked me to advise a few people that there are length limitations to the letters we send to the dead. 300 characters, including spaces. Apparently, something you sent to her got cut off partway.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
w0, saturday
xie lian is out at the beach, sitting crosslegged in the sand. he's been back to change clothes - his white robes are pristine - and he's holding what appears to be a few small sheets of paper in his hands.
there is a small fire burning in front of him, flickering light across the beach, and he is slowly dipping each of the papers into the fire, until they burn to ashes, saying something soft under his breath. he glances up, noticing someone else - and then offers a soft smile, nodding his head. ] Good evening, detective.
no subject
[Looking at those burning papers...]
no subject
[ a little smile! ] I was ... well. In my homeland, it is quite common to burn paper money for the souls of the departed, so they may live comfortably in the afterlife. I don't have paper money, even though I scavenged for some, so... hopefully, it will be the thought that counts for Mr. Marius.
Are you out for a walk after all of that?
no subject
And it's... just a short walk. To stretch my legs after being stuck inside all day. Believe me, I'll make sure I get some rest tonight. We all should.
no subject
....... It has been a very long day, hasn't it? [ god he is so tired. ]
no subject
[...]
Forgive me if this is personal, but you said that the perpetrator was your... cousin?
no subject
[ a little huff, as xie lian shakes his head, dispelling the notion and patting the spot next to him if he would like to sit down while they have this conversation…] That’s correct- his mother is my mother’s sister. Why do you ask…?
no subject
But are you... all right, with this outcome?
no subject
...Qi Rong has done many things in his life that are utterly cruel. The two of us were raised together, and my mother, I think, pitied Qi Rong for the life he lived before he came to us - therefore, she fell for his crocodile tears, or would rarely punish him for longer than a minute or two, even when the actions done would have normally been punishable by law, let alone by a parental figure. Over the years, I attempted to help guide him into better behavior through positive reinforcement, but, I failed.
...I do understand where she came from - that he is pitiable, in some ways - but his actions are utterly deplorable. And that stands for me far more than anything about whether we are related, or not.
[ it's complicated, but, xie lian does seem pretty steady in this decision. san lang, a ferret in his lap, chitters quietly and curls up tighter into a ball under xie lian's hand. ] That he harmed someone so brutally, but also - that he tried to implicate a child instead of himself is only characteristic of who Qi Rong is.
Week 0, Sunday
... This will have to do. Let me know if you notice any signs of infection. And try to take it easy for the next few days.
no subject
...thank you, Mr. Kim. [ xie lian does have a smile for him, a little sheepish, but grateful. ] I'll do my best to do so.
[ he
has protagonist disease so that's unlikely but that's okay. ] I usually heal quite quickly, at least.
no subject
Good. I did have the impression that you've seen a few battles before...
no subject
[ he's still just a little bit far away as he explains this, coming back properly to the present and rubbing his free hand absently against san lang the ferret in his lap. ] I have fought creatures like those spectres before, as well, though never without any of my spiritual powers. All in all, if that had to be the situation - then I am glad that it was me who had to carry it out.
no subject
[It's a lot to process. Especially the 'spiritual powers' part...]
You were in close contact with those creatures. Are you experiencing any ill effects?
no subject
...I feel a little more tired than I should, perhaps. [ though, that could just be from dealing with qi rong, honestly. he is exhausting. ] And San Lang has been less energetic. I think - based on what happened to Qi Rong, it's entirely likely that the spectres go after the human soul.
no subject
[He struggles to find his next words.]
I'm sorry, this whole... "spiritual warfare" thing is new to me. Why do you think this?
no subject
Well... it took away his willpower, which - I think that is directly tied to the human soul. That, and the spectres were particularly attempting to get to San Lang when I was in there, even more so than myself. [ his ferret turns his face into xie lian's hand, as he scritches at his head gently, soothing. ]
And both San Lang and Qi Rong's daemon were terrified of them. Plus, this connection that we have to these creatures...it just makes me think that perhaps they are intrinsically a part of us, is all. In my realm, we might consider it something close to a spiritual weapon.
no subject
You said that you had "spiritual powers" that could have been used to fight those creatures. Can you elaborate on those?
no subject
he nods, patient in his explanation. ]
Spiritual powers - in my realm, it is common for people to cultivate their qi, their spiritual energy. It is the energy that flows through the body and the planet, through the Heavens and the Hells - what makes up all things. It is usually cultivated alongside practices of martial arts, and is a skill that takes time to develop and master. With the proper training, you can utilize that energy for all sorts of things - not only for fighting - but, I often used it to fight demons and ghosts and the like, paired with my swordsmanship and martial arts skills.
[ absently, he touches his fingers against the bandage he wears around his neck. ] It is a highly useful tool.
no subject
This sounds a lot like... [He takes out his notebook and quickly flips to a page to check. This guy's been taking notes on everything, apparently.] Ah, there it is. I heard a young lady speak about "cultivators"... People who fight "evil spirits" and the like.
Is this what that title refers to? The "cultivation" of qi?
no subject
Yes, that's correct! A-Qing, yes? Her world is very similar to mine, I believe - we even speak the same language. I was a cultivator.
no subject
I see... I have noticed strange similarities like that, as well. My Suresne supposedly sounds a lot like what others call 'French.' I believe the victim, Mr. Pontmercy, spoke it.
no subject
[ xie lian does sound genuinely interested - a sort of gentle wonder crosses his face, too. ]
A-Qing said so many things that sounded familiar to me, but in reality, her world is entirely different from mine. As if they exist alongside each other - the same, but different. I suppose that has been one of the better things about being in such a strange place, that we've been able to experience so many cultures so very different than ours.
[ he laughs, a little. ] "Spiritual weapons" and all.
Week 5, Wednesday
Mr. Xie Lian. I was wondering if you have a few minutes to spare?
no subject
Of course, Mr. Kim. How can I help?
no subject
I just acquired a new pair myself. I was wondering if you'd be interested in seeing if we can put them all on the same frequency?
no subject
the look on xie lian's face suggests he has absolutely no idea what that means.
however, it's kim! so! he reaches into his sleeves and pulls out the walkie talkies - he's been keeping them handy. ] ...yes? I believe so? What... does that do, exactly...?
no subject
[Yeah, he should've guessed he'd have no idea.]
I mean making it so that all four devices can talk to each other, instead of just to their pair.
no subject
Oh! Like an open communication array.
[
sure. he nods!!! he is happy to hand them over. ] I think that sounds very useful, Mr. Kim! Please, whatever you need to do - I am more than happy to oblige.
no subject
[He'll just sit down on a nearby sofa and start fiddling with them here.]
I'm not a radio expert, exactly, but I think this won't be too difficult...
no subject
always the curious sort, xie lian can't help it! he scooches over to look, keeping a respectful distance but also peering at how kim makes them function. fascinating... ]
...Technology like this is quite normal for you, Mr. Kim, right?
no subject
Yes. Radios are the primary mode of communication where I'm from. I use them every day.
no subject
It seems very convenient. I suppose we have something similar... but, the idea of having a little device to do so with seems more magical, to me. It's a little funny how that works.
This is the first place that we've been that has felt very, very strange to me - Ankheen and Camebit alike were much like my home.
no subject
Is it just the technology that's different, or the climate as well?
no subject
[ xie lian sounds happy, as he's talking. ] I like to learn of new places. I grew up quite sheltered, Mr. Kim! And it took some time before I was allowed to leave the palace to train and cultivate. I still feel as though there are so many new things for me to learn, and so many different ways to experience how people live. It truly makes me happy - for all of the terrible things we have been through, there are light sides, too.
[ san lang makes an agreeing noise, too! ] And you, Mr. Kim? Are you used to it being so cold?
no subject
Yes and no. Winters in Revachol are a bit on the long side, and we get plenty of snow and ice. Some of the sea ice sticks around until about mid-summer, but generally, the ocean air keeps things from getting too cold or dry, like it is here.
w6, post trial
the tiger lifts its head, looks at kim...and then resumes grooming a white ball of fur that looks like it might be san lang. ]
... Good evening, Mr. Kim.
no subject
Good evening.
I was hoping to find you, actually. Got a message for you. Just a short one. [He's digging in his pockets.]
no subject
Oh. [ he sits up!! ] Of course... what is it?
no subject
no subject
[ whoops, ]
Oh... I knew that. Of course... how silly of me. I'll send her my apologies...
no subject
[A little smile.]