![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
[closed]
WHO: Shen Qingqiu and Ardyn Izunia.
WHERE: The Izunia Residence (that sounds so fancy).
WHEN: Before the party.
WHAT: Two villains making a cake and quest start for a redemption arc for Ardyn!
WARNINGS: Spoilers to Scum Villain and FFXV, I suppose!
[ Well, this is a fucking thing that I know about a person.
When he thinks back to how Ardyn looks, he didn't think that he seemed like a BOSS character. If anything, he probably is a mid-tier boss like Prince Berkut. Which means a redemption arc is still possible! It wouldn't be possible in the world that Ardyn came from due to the fact that no one really cares if a mid-tier villain redeems themselves or not. And that's usually because those characters are pretty one-dimensional.
But there is also something else he hadn't thought of at the time. Ardyn may come from a time period before all that shit happened. If that's the case, well, that makes this redemption shit even easier! In short, he has given himself quite the pep-talk about how he is going to ensure that Ardyn is pulled from the ranks of villain.
What better way to do that than have him make a cake for someone else? He covers his face with both hands and wants to sit down on the front step of the house. It really can't be that easy. But with the power of God and all my trope-knowledge, I will save you! Breathing in deep, he stands up and brushes off his robes (adjusting how he looks to appear as elegant as possible) before knocking. ]
WHERE: The Izunia Residence (that sounds so fancy).
WHEN: Before the party.
WHAT: Two villains making a cake and quest start for a redemption arc for Ardyn!
WARNINGS: Spoilers to Scum Villain and FFXV, I suppose!
[ Well, this is a fucking thing that I know about a person.
When he thinks back to how Ardyn looks, he didn't think that he seemed like a BOSS character. If anything, he probably is a mid-tier boss like Prince Berkut. Which means a redemption arc is still possible! It wouldn't be possible in the world that Ardyn came from due to the fact that no one really cares if a mid-tier villain redeems themselves or not. And that's usually because those characters are pretty one-dimensional.
But there is also something else he hadn't thought of at the time. Ardyn may come from a time period before all that shit happened. If that's the case, well, that makes this redemption shit even easier! In short, he has given himself quite the pep-talk about how he is going to ensure that Ardyn is pulled from the ranks of villain.
What better way to do that than have him make a cake for someone else? He covers his face with both hands and wants to sit down on the front step of the house. It really can't be that easy. But with the power of God and all my trope-knowledge, I will save you! Breathing in deep, he stands up and brushes off his robes (adjusting how he looks to appear as elegant as possible) before knocking. ]
no subject
Ardyn has no idea. He's actually hoping Shen has a recipe. For once, a stroke of good luck would be nice.
The knock at the door pulls Ardyn from his thoughts, the ex-chancellor of Niflheim opening it and giving his guest a welcoming bow and a smile.]
I'd say it was a pleasant surprise if I didn't already know you were coming over. Please, come on in.
[ Ardyn's own abode looks exactly how it did when he arrived; barely touched, sans a small pile of rocks on display in a corner.]
no subject
[ He slightly bows his head in greeting before entering. Shen Qingqiu keeps himself from sighing as he looks over the state of the house. Come on, dude. This is your living space, even mine's more lived in than this! ]
I see that you still have your collection. Not yet gone to painting with them, ah? [ Walking over to the small pile of rocks, he gives them a small smile. Like, how does a person even go like, 'Hey, I heard you were a fuckface back home, wanna talk about it?' His eyes roll as he decides to not say that outright. Ping, idea! ]
How are you settling in? Everything going all right?
no subject
The rock comment gets a small laugh of amusement.]
I don't believe I have the required materials to be painting them yet; though if I find a marker of sorts I'll be sure to give them faces at least. [ Probably stupid faces of people back home so he can throw the damned things at them. He has no idea that there's a redemption arc in the planning for himself, though the idea that Shen has come over just to make cake is a curious one. Someone always wants something; that's the way the world goes and Ardyn answers the question easily enough.]
As well as can be expected; being stuck in such a place will take a toll on most so I am merely finding my own way without being a problem for those who wish to find one.
[ It's so easily said, so blasé. But then Ardyn has no idea he'll be getting shot later on by one of the guys from back home, so that's something.]
no subject
He schools his expression as he continues to stare down at the rocks with a look that can only be described as aloof and refined. It is thanks to the world that he now has a new fan that he is opening and closing at his side. A nervous habit that he picked up, but it apparently often looks more like he's contemplating something serious rather than trying to settle his emotions. ]
Those that would wish to cause a problem, ah? That would mean those that are at war with you, hm? [ Um, but we should probably start making that cake and do the cake-making while having this discussion. After all, he won't be able to kick me out if we're elbow deep in cake batter! ] This humble one remembers so there's no need to go further into it and drag up anything unpleasant.
[ Which is also a green light to start whining and monologuing your issues, got it? He tosses his hair over his shoulder as he walks back toward Ardyn. ] Shall we start baking, then?
no subject
The mention of the war gets a small nod from Ardyn and when Shen mentions how there's no need to go further he simply drops it. For now. Be careful what you say, Shizun, this one will only tell what he wishes to and not a word more.]
Actually, I do have something to admit, something terrible.... [ Ardyn falls silent for a moment, putting a hand on his chest in the perfect image of contrition as he lets the words sink in.] ..... I've never actually made a cake before. I sincerely hope you have.
1/3
no subject
no subject
Shen Qingqiu has always had people cook for him. He can't say that he knows much about anything when it comes to baking or cooking, but so long as there's some recipe, he will be certain to figure it out.
He steps back as he stares at Arydn similar to how a cow looks at an oncoming train. ]
I'm certain we can figure it out. [ He has the audacity to say. ]
no subject
This cake, if anything, is going to be a testament to sheer willpower in the end. If it survives and doesn't deflate with a whistling noise. That and if they don't burn the kitchen down, a kitchen that is currently as clean and unused as the rest of the house in Ruga. At least Ardyn has the chance to look a tad guilty when he walks over to the small kitchen area.]
If I'm remembering it right, it's a mix of butter, eggs, flour and sugar. As to the amounts I'm not too sure. Perhaps I should send a message on the forum to ask if someone knows?
no subject
[ He gives a small nod as he follows Ardyn into the small kitchen area. His head slightly bows a little as he tries to remember anything about cakes. Desserts aren't all that popular back in the novel world and it's been close to six years since he's been in his own. He didn't have much of a sweet tooth, then, either. ]
And frosting is made with ... sugar... and ... [ Tapping his chin with his fan, he looks back towards Arydn. ] Fluffy white... paste? [ One ancient man is doing better than the other in this department. ]
no subject
When was the last time he'd ever eaten cake?]
We can try that first. Though for frosting I couldn't say what fluffy white "paste" is. I was always under the impression that icing and frosting were ready made with water or something along those lines.
no subject
[ He sets his fan down on the counter before holding his hands out and flexing his fingers. Fuwafuwa! Like that? Staring at Ardyn, he turns away immediately after to pick his fan up. If the System was awake right now, it would definitely scream something about that! Even if he is many years past worrying about being OOC, that definitely is not a gesture that a person should just do, okay?! ]
With water, hm? I wonder... Water and ... sugar... that doesn't sound... there has to be something that makes it white... then adding coloring?
[ He keeps prattling on about that bit but he suddenly realizes that the strong demonic energy that he's feeling is coming from Ardyn himself. What the fuck, my guy!! Shen Qingqiu initially thought the feeling he got around him was coming from the dragon scales, or mistaking the energy from his own poisoned state.
And even when he entered the house, he thought there had to be some other reason. This is not the demonic energy of a low-tier villain! This is seriously high, high amount of energy here! What the hell?! WHAT THE HELL?! ]
no subject
I think now is the time to bite the bullet on this one as they say. Otherwise the party will go on past us without a cake in sight. I shall ask on the forum and see what people say; my pride can take it.
[ He's already making a move to go to his laptop, only glancing over at the Shizun as he talks, unaware that his casual daemonic energy is causing a scene somewhere.] There are people in this place who can cook, I'm sure they'll take pity on us so there is little reason to fret about it just yet.
no subject
[ He offers a small smile to Ardyn before his expression slides back to something more neutral. This energy--seriously! Are you a demon?! Mentally, he holds his chin as he remembers what he was told about the country that Ardyn is the chancellor for apparently involved themselves in research with demons. Or wait, daemons?
His head tilts slightly as he muses more about it. Could it be something like that? Could they have done experimentation on him? There's really no way to -- his head lifts up as he decides that he could do something like that. But, again, they'll have to start making the cake before he can just suddenly go: "Ah! That's strange. What is all this energy floating around." ]
no subject
[ It's not exactly good manners to be tapping away at the laptop in order to ask if anyone knows how to make a cake, but it's the only way to get to where they need to be. As Ardyn waits for an answer he wonders what they should be conversing about. This person standing in his house is an interesting one from what Ardyn has seen with his own eyes and some of the comments he's received too have been eyebrow raisers.
Maybe if he starts with the blunt stuff first it'll make the rest of the day easier.]
Forgive me, I am forgetful in my later years and I fear I am treading the line of prying too much. How was it you said you were getting rid of that poison from the scales back when we first met?
no subject
Through lots of bullshit and understanding the loopholes in a system that an author didn't realize. Shen Qingqiu knows better than to bring all that up since he realizes how absolutely mad it sounds. ]
Through cultivation. [ Clearing his throat, he knows that probably isn't the best sort of answer. The way the man is dressed looks more like some JRPG so he absolutely won't know anything about xianxia novels. ] Cultivation is understanding the energy within yourself. It is coming to understand that flow and learning to control it.
As such, I command the energy within me to expel the poison that is within my own body. [ Fucking goddamn shame that it couldn't do anything about that poison in my meridians, but so long as it's a non-magical poison, I can bullshit my way around it. ] It's something that I can do for others, too. In circulating energy through them... I can heal them.
[ He looks down at his hands. I'm real glad that I decided to ask Mu-shidi about that, because otherwise it's a real crap-shoot! ]
no subject
[ Ardyn glances on over, eyebrows raising at that answer. He'll always question things but this sounds about right, even if he doesn't know anything about cultivation he has an idea or two about things running through one's system. At least it sounds enough that there's no argument against it, no facts to use in retaliation.
The healing comment gets the smallest of laughs, a cross between some dark humour and a scoff. Healing people. Never did him any good and there's a small, internal debate on if he should point out as such. No-one knows his history though, not yet and Ardyn is more intent on keeping it that way even if it means acting stupid.]
That's a big task to put upon yourself, healing others. Useful, though. [ He pauses, not at all concerned by the fact that not only is he radiating dark energy by default, but the fact he's currently standing over a park bench that's placed by his laptop.]
Two eggs, equal amounts flour, sugar and butter. Icing uses icing sugar. There may just be a cake at the end of this, edible too.
no subject
[ He offers a single nod. I mean, I'd show ya, but you're ... yeah, let's not. Again, it seems like he's just sitting on a lot of things that he wants to say. WHY IS THERE SO MUCH DEMONIC ENERGY FROM YOU?! Oh my god! Is this Easy Mode?! I don't need this sort of OP help!! I get it! I get it already, okay?! Snapping his fan out, he waves it casually in front of his face. ]
It's no big trouble for me. [ Where you getting that idea, Sonny Jim? ] Looking after others is just part of life. A person cannot do anything on their own so a little assistance is not a big deal, ah?
[ He pauses to look at the park bench. Dude, what the fuck? Did you steal this? I mean, you have a lot of rocks, so I'm going to assume the scales told you to take a bench. I'm only surprised that you stopped at one. Was it too heavy? I haven't tried to carry a bench, so I couldn't tell you. Then, again, cultivators have like ridiculous strength. We're so ridiculous when you get down to it. Even more so when Airplane never fully understood our limitations.
His chin lifts a little when Ardyn speaks again as he finishes his inner monologue. ]
It seems like that is, indeed, what is going to be created. [ He rolls up his robes and carefully ties the ends back. Getting fucking serious now! ] Shall we get started?
no subject
Ardyn wonders if Shen Qingqiu truly believes what he says. People can remain on their own, not everyone needed help. Was it truth or simply someone trying to be nice here? It's hard to tell and the ex-chancellor gives a small, benign nod back. Sure thing, if you say so.]
That or pancakes it would seem. [ Ardyn is already folding his own sleeves up. Right. Cake. How hard can it be?] I think we should double the amount and make two. That way should one of them decide to move on to the next cake realm by deflating, then there's a back up.
no subject
[ He is offering a lot of positive reinforcement, because he doesn't know what the fuck he's doing so it's only right to make two just in case. To concentrate one’s strength and resources on one thing will only lead to trouble. ]
... One feels we should whistle as we work. [ Shen Qingqiu makes a light joke as he takes a step closer to Ardyn. Humming a little, he's attempting to appear nonchalant about everything as the creation process begins -- cracking eggs, adding sugar, the montage beings!
Only, he interrupts it by lightly resting his hand on his companion's shoulder and attempting to draw in some of the demonic energy that Ardyn has. It is just like Easy Mode, right? It just feels like it's a lot but it's not really--HOLY SHIT! THIS IS A LOT OF DEMONIC ENERGY! He immediately lets go and steps back.
Hello. I wasn't doing anything. So he tries to convey with an aloof, elegant expression, but he feels a splitting headache start to assault him. Shit, FUCK! This is what I get! Mixing genres is a bad idea and he mixed genre magic!!
At least, he keeps his poker-face as he attempts to figure out what to do about what he just did! ]
no subject
[ The reference goes right over Ardyn's head and he's already mentally shrugging it off. Sometimes people have their own little things; apparently Shen Qingqiu likes to whistle as he does things. Strange, but not the weirdest thing Ardyn has ever seen.
There's little reason to suspect anything when they other closes in, Ardyn too busy wondering if he's even got all the ingredients required for said cake to hand. So when Shen Qingqiu puts a hand on his shoulder it's no big deal; he doesn't feel any kind of energy transfer or realisation - at most the daemon blood in him briefly seems to skip a beat before settling. If there's any suspicion as to if Shen Qingqiu has noticed anything, Ardyn is keeping it under wraps for now.
Doesn't mean he's not going to glance over, eyebrow raising as he wonders as to what's going on now. Seriously, this place is bizarre.]
Don't worry, this cake will be fine as long as we keep watch when it goes in the oven.
no subject
[ He opens up his fan to cover the lower-half of his face. It's the best that he can do as he attempts to try to figure out what to do about the amount of demonic energy he absorbed. Great! Fucking great! Could he actually be a BOSS?!
Hiding his hand behind his back, he flexes his fingers a few times to get the feeling back into them. He has a mild headache but that's fine. Minor issue, really! The main one is what to do about what he's absorbed. It isn't a lot, per se, but it's enough to feel uncomfortable. ]
One hopes. Ah, lemme handle warming the oven, hm? [ Shen Qingqiu doesn't think that he should let his sudden ailment be too noticeable. It might end up spelling some trouble later. Or presently?! The me from two minutes ago is feeling a little unhappy about--wait! His gaze shifts back to Ardyn as he can't help but worry about a person having that much demonic energy inside of them. That... really can't be good for anyone, right? Right!
Walking over to the oven, he snaps his fingers. He blinks as nothing happens at first. Your mother! He snaps his fingers harder and a small flame is produced. Huffing to himself on the inside, he uses the flame to light the oven before coughing out a small puff of black smoke. He hopes it seems like it is smoke from the oven, as he forces the demonic energy out of his body.
Remaining kneeling in front of the oven, he presses his lips together and muses on what to say next. Right, that point. ]
Master Ardyn... are you perhaps... ill?
no subject
Or trying to.
He's already making a move to reach for some matches, pausing when the other asks his question. Ill? What makes him ask that? Ardyn is sure he doesn't look unwell and nothing he has said would give credence to such a thing. Unless — no, it's impossible. No-one should be able to sense the Starscourge in such a way.
Right?
The smile Ardyn puts on his face doesn't reach his eyes and he's making zero effort to make it that way either.]
Strange question. What makes you ask that?
no subject
Of course, he suddenly feels a cold block of ice manifest in his stomach. Wait, is this one of those BOSS reveals?! Where if I say the wrong thing that I'll end up in one of those situations? "Oh, you figured it out, I guess I'll have to silence you so no one else know"?! That sort of scenario?! FUCK OFF! He wonders if he could play it off as something else. The back of his neck starts to sweat but, thankfully, it's hidden under his long hair.
Wait a second. The designation for me is 'villain' not 'hero.' Shen Qingqiu calms his heart down as he realizes that if anything this will come off as two villains exposing themselves to one another. I really have to think of a better way to word that… there's fanfiction being written right now… In his mind, his head drops as he feels a piece of his soul fly out of his body.
Even if everyone else says that I'm no villain, even if they say that… I know what my character designation is, okay?! He's forgiven himself for what happened during the Immortal Alliance Conference; he is willing to try to like who he is; however, he had to admit that a part of him is not a good person and willingly sacrificed the happiness and trust someone had in him to save himself. If that's not the mark of a villain… even a mid-boss one… what is?!
With some confidence, he feels like he can stride forward into this scenario and come out unharmed. ]
I can sense it. [ He draws himself up, adjusts his robes in a nonchalant fashion. ] The energy within you … it's demonic in nature, isn't it? To have that much inside… I can only imagine that it can't be good for you.
no subject
No, it's nothing to do with shame, Ardyn knows what he is and has no qualms about it. He never asked to be immune to the Starscourge but after a few thousand years he understands that wishing it away won't do anything. At least if he tells Shen Qingqiu something he can control the information, make it an abridged version even. It's that or the young man goes and asks Noctis and crew. Whilst they don't know the truth either, their opinion of Ardyn is exactly constructive to keeping up the goodie facade in this place.]
It is, though it's more a disease than anything. It kills most and turns them into fully fledged daemons. In my case my genes are immune to it so it simply lingers.
[ Ardyn gives a slow shrug, spreading his hands as if to say "it's a mystery".]
no subject
He calmly pauses to look at his hand when he actually wants to wave it around -- run about in circles and scream about what he had just brought into his body! Also, what sort of fucking explanation of that! That's! Not! A! Reasonable! Answer! Mystery, my ass!! Shen Qingqiu eases his mind by saying that the two are cross-canon situations -- there is no way that he could turn into a demon (which is how he thinks Ardyn is saying it), okay!! ]
I see. [ Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!! He closes his eyes before he starts circulating that energy back out of his body. Rather than spitting out the poison, he releases it more like a plume of black mist. Gross, gross! I just had to get it out! Straightening, he realizes that looks rather bad. ]
I apologize ... I had attempted to heal you ... by taking in some of that disease... but I wasn't able to do much of anything, I fear. [ Just two villains, standing in a kitchen, explaining demonic energy 'cause they're both mid-bosses. Though, he's getting a sinking feeling like no matter how much he calls Ardyn a mid-boss, it won't be true!! ]