I'd like to creep into the wood And see the bonnets blue, And hear the bluebells ringing loud, I wish I could -- don't you?
t's another day, another month, and another time for people to show up in the well. You'd better go rescue them! Never mind the fact that you woke up with a flower in your hands.
It's probably fine. Don't mind it at all. It's not like it's hard to ignore a little flower.
(At least, not until the effects start to kick in. Better go rescue the people in the well before they do.)
Oh, right. Even the people in the well have flowers, so... things are going to be a little ridiculous very quickly, when all of those side effects kick in. Have fun!
Welcome to Awash's Twenty-fifth event log, everyone! Further information on this event can be found here at the OOC post. You are welcome to make your own logs and posts for this event!
If there are any questions, please ask them here. Thank you!
[ Luo Binghe glances at the newcomer, taking note of how bright they seem in comparison to the scenery. They must not be from here either and the mention of flowers has him casting the ones he's amassed to one side without a second thought. Those things! The reason why it's taken him forever to get out of that stupid well! A shameless, sneaky attack by someone who so far hasn't shown their face!]
Cursed flowers then. And this one is fine.
[ Binghe huffs, looking around to see if there's any sign of someone looking like they're casting something. Once he gets his hands on them..... Oh, right, someone is talking to him.] A few days is enough. You're new here too?
I am from another world, but I've been here for for over half a year. [ She replies with another nod, a hand going to her chest. ] My name is Pyra. And you...
[ She pauses. Now that she knows he's not injured, they can definitely speak more casually. ] You are... Luo Binghe, correct? [ She knows she's correct, and-- she wouldn't want to pretend that she hasn't seen him before, since that would be quite insincere.
Her tone softens. ] I recognize you... from Shen Qingqiu's heart.
[ The concept of other worlds isn't lost on the guy, not when he's a product of two worlds colliding! But the idea of someone gathering people from different worlds in one place is a bit much; it's almost like the Immortal Conference no-one asked for.
Wait, this little sister knows him? From Shen Qingqiu's heart?
Even Binghe can't help but stare in silence for a few seconds, slowly wondering if he's managed to fall into someone's dreamscape; it's looking to be the only explanation no matter how unlikely it is!]
Heart. [ She says again, more gently this time, before she decides to give more context. ]
About every month, there is some sort of... incident or event, sometimes two times. These flowers are one of them. A few months ago, our "hearts"-- were opened up for others into which to venture. [ She pauses, glancing at him to make sure he's still following. ]
I had stepped into his heart, and... [ Her expression falls somewhat, her eyes downcast, as if she's recalling something unpleasant. But the moment passes like the breeze between them, brushing at the ends of her short, cropped hair. A moment later, the frown vanishes, and she seems to be more at peace than a moment ago, as if lost to something nostalgic.
The events back then in his heart had been harrowing to witness, but it did bring her closer to him, and she had gotten to see a little more of the man, to understand him better. And perhaps she had somehow helped him. She hopes. ] You were there, in some of his memories. [ Not of them all good, and it had been strange that stepping into Shen Qingqiu's heart involved her taking on the guise of Shen Qingqiu himself, following (and ignoring) some "System". She had seen the moment Luo Binghe had been cast into the Abyss, she had heard the System scream at her to simply let it be. And she, posing as Shen Qingqiu, had thrown herself in after Luo Binghe to hold him as they fell, even as the system penalized her, taking her arm aright off. And then afterward.... afterwards, she had witnessed Shen Qingqiu's sorrow and regret of it all.
She has come to understand that his disciple is someone he deeply cares about-- the main point in which he doesn't believe he deserves a better future. ]
You are someone... that he believes he has wronged. You are someone who is boundlessly precious to him.
[ Her hand lifts to her chest, her smile quiet, appreciating. It's difficult not to admire a man who would give so much to another. It's difficult not to...
Her fingers curl slightly, and she raises her eyes. ]
...I'm wasting your time, speaking to you. Go to him, [ She encourages softly, earnestly. ] He is here.
[ Incidents? Events? It's a lot to try and keep up with in all honesty; that couple with an eventful time just trying to get out of the well and Binghe is already feeling frazzled. Everyone seems to be talking in riddles as if a place like this is completely normal.
And heart? Someone stepped into Shen Qingqiu's heart? Anyone admitting as such would get the same look from Luo Binghe, one caught between exasperation and curiosity. If he can't step into his Shizun's heart then why should someone else?]
Why are you looking into such a personal thing?
[ He can't figure it out. This person in front of him looks happy enough but every so often it changes, something unspoken lurking just out of sight. If he had any idea on what Pyra had seen there'd be a commotion; such things were personal to them both and the thought of someone looking upon it will never go down well.
Which is why it's a good thing Luo Binghe doesn't ask what memories, instead watching this new person's every motion. What she says sounds nice, he sure would like to go running to Shizun, but Luo Binghe understands that's not how it will work no matter how much he wants to.]
Such good words, but this one disagrees. Shizun does not believe that or he would have said so. Shizun is someone whose life is devoted to fighting demons and the realm they come from; precious is not the right word no matter how much this one would like to think so.
[ It's not even spoken as someone ultimately depressed but with a matter of fact tone, as if it's something Luo Binghe reminds himself of most days. He doesn't understand why Shen Qingqiu kicked him into the Abyss, he just knows it happened because of his heritage and even afterwards the other avoided him, even committing self-destruction just to get away.
No. These words aren't quite right, even if they're what Binghe wants to hear.]
Perhaps you misunderstand him or something Shizun has said so think before ordering, little sister.
[ She looks over him, respectful, noting how he seems conflicted. It makes her (non existent) heart ache, hearing a man believe that that the one who actually does feel so much for him and cares for him... doesn’t wish to see him. It’s a tragedy in the making, perhaps, had he been in his own world, with circumstance and fate paving a path of misunderstanding and conflict, when the two people walking theirs want nothing more to have their roads meet.
What else may she do but— ] My apologies.
[ She has nothing but sympathy for him. Sympathy and understanding, and she’s quite sorry for having come to know of him through another person’s heart. It feels as if she’s cheated, somehow, that she’s been made privy to something so deeply personal and intimate to him that he might not have shared otherwise.
She’s quite grateful that no one has stepped in her heart in the same manner, as her secrets have largely remained her own. ]
Maybe you will not believe that you are so precious to his heart. [ Doubt is is like a disease; it plants within and spreads surreptitiously throughout. The both of them may have had years, decades apart, to let the wounds in their hearts fester. It seems that neither have had the opportunity to let them heal. ] But because you are held so dear to him...
[ Pyra steps toward him, careful, her hand gesturing slightly to him. ] Will you believe that... you are already precious to me, too?
[ The nature of this question is rhetorical; he needn’t give his answer when she knows he has no reason to. However the kindness, the earnestness within her eyes cannot be mistaken, the want to help him so profound that it defies the humble context of a first meeting. He is precious to her, he has value, he is worth helping, comforting, and telling him that he is wanted here.
...She’s wasting his time still. Each second that he spends with her, he can be with someone far more important. This situation feels far too familiar to her; she’s intruding on something she has no right to be. Her hand drops to her side, idle. ] Rather than hear you are precious from me... you may be able to hear the very same from him, from his own lips.
[ The apology is taken with a small nod and a noise of acknowledgement. Luo Binghe is a stubborn creature, he had to be in order to survive the later years of his life and unfortunately it does not help when it comes to such things as this. Unfortunately as it stands, crossed wires and misunderstandings will be the cause of much chaos to come and this is most likely only the start. From Binghe's point of view he's correct and when he hears Pyra using the word precious again he folds his arms, looking as stubborn as he's feeling.]
You have still misunderstood something. This one knows, understands, his teacher. He may have said I was a good student but it no longer seems that way. Shizun does not suffer my presence lightly, take that from someone who has firsthand experience of it. I also cannot consider someone I do not know as precious either.
[ Things are spoken with an air of certainty as opposed to mean spiritedness; there's no bad thoughts or a wish to be cruel, it's simply Luo Binghe wishing someone would understand a truth no matter how harsh it is. It's a good job this is happening before the conversation he has with Shen Qingqiu on the network, the kind that goes awry the moment it starts and steadily spirals. From Luo Binghe's point of view they had only just started being able to talk again without Shen Qingqiu running away; precious is extremely far removed from that. No matter how much someone wishes for something does not mean it comes true and at the suggestion of speaking to his teacher Binghe shakes his head again, brow furrowed.]
I will talk to him when it is time to, but not to confirm what a little sister has said but to simply be sure that Shizun is okay here.
That thought may just be the impatience caused by her flower influencing her, but she would advise him to go to his teacher regardless. There are far too many missed opportunities in both homeworlds and here, it seems, that very few capitalize upon, and even more take for granted... with herself among them. She’d think it funny, were she more of a cynic. ]
You’re quite worried for him, aren’t you? He’s very fortunate, to have someone who cares so much.
[ It could also be possible that the two have been taken from different points in time. Pyra could tell him that Shen Qingqiu seems to be fine, that’s she’s even had the fortune to see him smile, but why would she tell him, when the two can actually be reunited? ]
This place.... [ Moving on, her tone seems to become almost wistful. ] Its ethos is forming bonds, bonds that... may restore color to the world. [ Her head tilts upward, her eyes lifting to the sky, thoughtful and, perhaps, fond, nostalgic. The day is bright, the sky is finally its traditional blue, but she remembers a time when it hadn’t been. But whether with color or without, beyond it lies the stars... Stars that she had once watched with him. ] He has many here who care for him, even if he may not realize it.
[ .......
Gaze returning to Luo Binghe, the corners of her lips quietly curl upward. ] I’m sure you’ll be able to find just as many here, too. Those that care for you, I mean. [ And as she’s said, she’s one of them already whether he believes her or not. ]
[ To Luo Binghe there's all the time in the world, in the sense that he doesn't intend to stay. He doesn't understand the full scope of what is going on in this strange place nor does he realise that there are timeline differences to take into account. He just understands that he has woken in a strange place, full of strange people and a distinct lack of colour in some things. His teacher is here and so there's only one obvious thing to do.
He glances up at the sky when Pyra does, hoping to find some information there somehow and only seeing the vast blue sky. Crimson eyes narrow slightly. He doesn't know who is in charge of this place but the person talking to him seems to know what's going on completely and are nice enough to be answering some things.]
Tsk, this one doesn't ask for people to care. I'll be finding Shizun and taking him home and no-one will get in the way of that. This one doesn't know what is happening in this place, but it was not asked beforehand. If Shizun also did not agree then there is no reason to stay.
[ Binghe looks down from the sky, glancing over at Pyra.]
Who are you that cares so much? You give your name and a lot of information that sounds nice even if a lot of it is wrong. Do you work for the ones in charge here?
[ Pyra blinks at him, seemingly confused at the question of why she cares... or that she might be working for their captor. ]
No, no. [ With a slow shake of her head, she lifts a hand up as if that alone might assuage his worries. ] I’m from another world just as you are.
And I-- [ A breath. ] Of course... I care. [ She admits, her expression heartfelt. It's obvious he doesn't believe her, her reassurance falling upon deaf ears. It saddens her, yes, but perhaps he'll come to believe that the one he cares for most, also cares for him-- with time. She can only hope. ] Being in another world, it can be confusing at first, and [ She bows her head to him, expression falling. ] I only wish to help.
[ Whether she actually does help... is debatable. ]
This world emphasizes the bonds that are made with others. Your friendships here-- matter. You, matter to them. And together, you may help restore color to this world.
[ Binghe isn't even sure how to articulate it right now. If someone was setting a trap (maybe even one of dreams) it would follow the logic of the current conversation to a t. Tell the person what they want to hear the most no matter how impossible it is, make them stay or let their guard down...
It's only because Pyra seems to earnest with it all that Binghe wonders if it's not something else. Had it been an attack it would have happened by now and so he opts to follow the conversation instead, a little relieved that the caring topic is being dropped. He has no concept of people caring by osmosis and the idea that people have heard about him so nicely from his own teacher is so far-fetched it's impossible to swallow.
Binghe lets a little of the tension out of his shoulders, joining the conversation again with a less aggressive stance.]
Why? Does this place not have it's own people to fight for it?
The local residents are all gone, although there have been times we've seen visions of them. There is a... defense force of some sort, although I'm not quite sure who is running it. When there is danger-- for example, there had been dragons that attacked the village a few months ago-- there are especially capable, strong people to defend the town and others. Your "Shizun" is among them... and I hope that you will be, too.
[ She begins walking, motioning for him to come along. ]
Luo Binghe.... If you do not mind, there is something I would like to show you. It will be helpful in coordinating with the rest of the residents there.
[ If everyone is gone then what's the point in restoring it? If no-one was to live in such a place then there seems to be a lot of effort being wasted. There's some kind of agenda going on here but it's not one Luo Binghe is smart enough to figure out yet, not when his mind briefly wanders, hoping that nothing bad has happened to his teacher in the meantime.
He gives a small nod to agree to follow, not commenting on the mention of defending the town and others. He won't idly commit to something until he's figured it out and when he follows Pyra it's not without a little suspicion; this place is just too strange!]
Of course, though I don't know what it is you wish to show that could be so important.
[ She begins leading him into Bluo, across some of the canals and past a few of the cursed trees. ]
There is a network where everyone can communicate with one another, like a forum... only electronic.
[ She recalls that his teacher hadn’t been so familiar with a computer, so she feels safe to assume that he isn’t, either. ]
You don’t need to know how it works to be able to use it. But on that network, many here share what they have discovered about the town, or ask general questions in a getting-to-know you fashion. The messages are public on this forum, but you can also privately message someone specific. Everyone is assigned a color hexcode as a username, and I am certain you will have one as well.
[ She steps over a root from one of the trees. ] There is a particular thread— er, conversation I believe you should see. [ ...That may make him at least believe her a little more when she says his shizun cares!! ]
Binghe can guess at the second word but the rest is - as Pyra rightly assumes - a mystery. There must be a point to it though, a reason as to why Luo Binghe is following this colourful person to a place he doesn't know.
It had better be good at any rate. Often Luo Binghe has been known to be temperamental and this sudden influx of information even has this heavenly protagonist student's mind reeling! He fusses with a black sleeve as they walk, sword sheathed at his back remaining quiet in the grand scheme of things.]
People discuss things on this "network" and identify each other as hecks?
[ Sounds useful but if everyone is standing around writing notes surely it would be faster to speak out loud??]
[ To his initial question, she nods with a quiet, respectful grace.... even if he doesn’t quite seem to understand completely. All he needs to know is that there is a network of public conversation, which can be used for exchanging information and emergencies.
And... ]
Mm... I could tell you, [ She pauses then, a hand moving thoughtfully to her chin. Whatever she’s mulling over doesn’t last long, and in the next moment she continues breezily, ] but in this case— [ She smiles softly. ] it would be better to show you.
[ It won’t be too long until they reach the porch of her assigned house, plain and quiet, but clean. Her laptop is situated on a chair outside, closed, and when they approach she nods to him again and opens up the computer. ] Just one moment.
[ Binghe quietly repeats the word hecks to himself, committing it to memory as he follows Pyra to her abode. He's not sure where they're going and occasionally he glances around at the scenery, noting just what does and doesn't have colour in this world.
Soon enough they reach the destination, Binghe making sure to look nothing more than neutral when he realises this must be Pyra's house. Just what was going on here? Did someone dare lead him by the nose to a trap or was this simply circumstance? Binghe is sure it's the latter but he still casts a wary eye as Pyra opens up the laptop.]
You live here?
[ Best to keep asking questions because right now Binghe hasn't the foggiest on what's going on. It's ask things or get bored and a bored half-demon lord is an awful one.]
Mm. Those that arrive here are given a place to live depending on their color: Ruga district for red, Flago for yellow, and Bluo for the blues. [ She has no issue with silence or with speaking, but since he’s inquired she will happily provide information.
Meanwhile her hand swiftly types a few keys into the laptop, entering her code and booting up the archaic home screen. She swivels the laptop towards him, pointing to the display. ] Your hex code is unique unto you; think of it like your second name that functions as an address over the network. Once you learn someone’s code, you can also privately message them.
[ She hovers the mouse over the network icon, clicking upon it to open the network in question. Pyra continues encouragingly, adding in a small smile for him. ] The interface is fairly simple to learn on one’s own, so I’m you’ll be able to get a handle on it very quickly.
[ Moving on... ] Anyway, this is the network that I mentioned. Everything here is documented, and you can access previous entries uses these keys here. [ She indicates with the pointer. ]
[ She begins scrolling down the page, clicking this entry by Shen Qingqiu. ] "EBF5FB"... is your teacher's hexcode. Shen Qingqiu's.
When you have the time, you should read over this entry. [ Her suggestion comes out soft and earnest. ] He mentions you in it...
[ Her eyes lift from the screen to watch his expression. Perhaps he won't be comforted now by these words on the screen, but she hopes he will after he reads them, when he has the time. Shen Qingqiu says such heartfelt things about him-- from saying that he wishes no harm to ever befall Luo Binghe, to how he regrets what he's done, how he truly hopes for his disciple's happiness, and that-- most tragically-- if Luo Binghe has any kind thoughts of him, that he is undeserving of them. And that's just under her own thread with him.
She... doesn't want such a misunderstanding to plague their relationship. She wants him-- no, the both of them, to be happy.
They have that chance here. They can have that happiness here. ]
See-- here. These are his words, this is what he has written. He hopes that you will find happiness, and that the bond between the two of you cannot be broken so easily. [ ....Ah. There it is again, that feeling that she's wasting his time. She still believes that such words should be said between teacher and disciple, and not second-hand from her. ]
[ It's strange watching Pyra scrolling through the network, watching as words pass by and go off the screen only for new ones to take their place. He's never seen anything like it and he even looks behind the lid of the laptop as Pyra searches for the post, making a quiet hm noise as he tries to figure it out.
This replaces paper? Do the notes go on there? Sounds like a lot of work still, when does everyone get to use this thing? Binghe doesn't see anyone else around so there's an inkling that he's still missing something in that regard.]
EBF5FB.... [ He's already committing it to memory as he squints at the screen, trying to see what it is that Pyra believes is so important. It doesn't take long for the young man to read the post part of it, fists clenching ever so slightly as he grinds his next words out. Reading such things is like a knife to the heart, a painful reminder of something Luo Binghe can never have.]
I don't wish to see the rest. Shizun did it because of my heritage. He said it clear as day and even when I came back he would never talk to me, always running away, doing everything he could to evade me at every opportunity. It's been more than five years and still he never says these things even to my face. These words look sincere but this one knows they are not true and I don't know what else to tell you other than that.
[ She may not know his entire story, but she knows enough that she wishes to help this young man. Just knowing how upset and torn over what he’s done to his disciple Shen Qingqiu had been within his heart, she knows that the two need much to reconcile.
She wonders what she can say or do to convince Luo Binghe that his teacher cares for him still, but she knows that it will never be that easy. This is ultimately a matter between the two of them, and she is an outsider once more.
But she will say this: ]
Your teacher is a good man. [ Telling another what she admires of Shen Qingqiu comes easy to her. The traits roll off her tongue like water over oil, sincere and sorrowful. She speaks with love, of course, with an affection that seems to conflict her. Pyra brings her hand to her chest, her eyes soft, her smile just a bit more peaceful. Just a bit. ] An... honorable, wise, and.... benevolent man.
[ Even if the words he had written over the network could have been nothing but woven fibs, there would be no denying what his heart had clearly shown. And... further down in another thread, Shen Qingqiu even explains that he avoids him out of a want to not hurt him more. ]
[ Did he think Shen Qingqiu was lying? It's such a tricky question and something he gives more thought to than the comments on how good his teacher is. No-one needs to tell Luo Binghe how amazing Shen Qingqiu is, he sees it every waking moment.
Lying though? It's tricky. Everything points to the man lying; what he says can't be true because his actions have proven otherwise over the years. And yet just the thought of calling Shen Qingqiu a liar galls Binghe to no end. His teacher wouldn't lie like that!
It's a dilemma, one that has Binghe frowning to himself, lips thinning as they press together. ]
I don't know. The words are nice to read but his actions are completely different to any of that.
[ Binghe folds his arms again, staring at the laptop with just a little distrust.] Why would Shizun say such things to strangers?
[ He looks conflicted from the question, and that— well, she’s sorry for that, but only wishes him to have hope. That’s the most important part. ]
Here, his actions have shown him to be nothing less than kind. Troubled and— [ A breath, a smile, a shake of her head. ] far too selfless, at times... but kind. [ It must be a kindness that he can have too, now that he is here. ]
As for why he would tell others... I cannot speak for the man, but perhaps— it is because he has friends here, those he cares about and loves....and with whom he may confide.
[ Pyra closes the computer with a click, closing her eyes. ]
Luo Binghe, I hope you too will find such... good friends here.
[ Again the words are nice but it's just difficult to place them together with the Shen Qingqiu that Luo Binghe knows and understands. He's known the man since he was a young child and (despite a rocky start involving a cup of tea) things had been okay until the issue of heritage had come up. Binghe still keeps the scar above his heart where Shen Qingqiu's blade had cut into him at that moment, refuses to heal it away. It's a stark reminder and when looking at the words on the laptop again he briefly rubs a hand over it before shrugging.]
Cares about and loves....?
[ Why can't he have that? Even now in a strange place, seeing such strange things, Binghe can't help but wonder why it's everyone but him. It sets his teeth on edge in a way he can't describe; how much of himself does he need to tear apart to get a good word out of his teacher??]
Enough! I don't want good friends here, or people to love and care for. If Shizun is here then I'll be taking him home!
[ She appears surprised at his outburst... perhaps he doesn't want to see kind words spoken of him by someone he cares about? But then--.... perhaps he truly doesn't believe in them.
It's a sad situation all around. ] ...I'm sorry. [ Her tone is nothing less than sincerely apologetic, her gaze lowering. She wants to help, but-- perhaps this just isn't the way. Perhaps it simply isn't her place.
But what's even more tragic is that this young man doesn't even wish to have other friends, which is critical in a realm like this one. ] I.... hope you can do that-- find a way back home. It is what many here have been searching for themselves.
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t's another day, another month, and another time for people to show up in the well. You'd better go rescue them! Never mind the fact that you woke up with a flower in your hands.
no subject
Cursed flowers then. And this one is fine.
[ Binghe huffs, looking around to see if there's any sign of someone looking like they're casting something. Once he gets his hands on them..... Oh, right, someone is talking to him.] A few days is enough. You're new here too?
no subject
[ She pauses. Now that she knows he's not injured, they can definitely speak more casually. ] You are... Luo Binghe, correct? [ She knows she's correct, and-- she wouldn't want to pretend that she hasn't seen him before, since that would be quite insincere.
Her tone softens. ] I recognize you... from Shen Qingqiu's heart.
no subject
[ The concept of other worlds isn't lost on the guy, not when he's a product of two worlds colliding! But the idea of someone gathering people from different worlds in one place is a bit much; it's almost like the Immortal Conference no-one asked for.
Wait, this little sister knows him? From Shen Qingqiu's heart?
Even Binghe can't help but stare in silence for a few seconds, slowly wondering if he's managed to fall into someone's dreamscape; it's looking to be the only explanation no matter how unlikely it is!]
From Shizun's what? This one misheard.
no subject
About every month, there is some sort of... incident or event, sometimes two times. These flowers are one of them. A few months ago, our "hearts"-- were opened up for others into which to venture. [ She pauses, glancing at him to make sure he's still following. ]
I had stepped into his heart, and... [ Her expression falls somewhat, her eyes downcast, as if she's recalling something unpleasant. But the moment passes like the breeze between them, brushing at the ends of her short, cropped hair. A moment later, the frown vanishes, and she seems to be more at peace than a moment ago, as if lost to something nostalgic.
The events back then in his heart had been harrowing to witness, but it did bring her closer to him, and she had gotten to see a little more of the man, to understand him better. And perhaps she had somehow helped him. She hopes. ] You were there, in some of his memories. [ Not of them all good, and it had been strange that stepping into Shen Qingqiu's heart involved her taking on the guise of Shen Qingqiu himself, following (and ignoring) some "System". She had seen the moment Luo Binghe had been cast into the Abyss, she had heard the System scream at her to simply let it be. And she, posing as Shen Qingqiu, had thrown herself in after Luo Binghe to hold him as they fell, even as the system penalized her, taking her arm aright off. And then afterward.... afterwards, she had witnessed Shen Qingqiu's sorrow and regret of it all.
She has come to understand that his disciple is someone he deeply cares about-- the main point in which he doesn't believe he deserves a better future. ]
You are someone... that he believes he has wronged. You are someone who is boundlessly precious to him.
[ Her hand lifts to her chest, her smile quiet, appreciating. It's difficult not to admire a man who would give so much to another. It's difficult not to...
Her fingers curl slightly, and she raises her eyes. ]
...I'm wasting your time, speaking to you. Go to him, [ She encourages softly, earnestly. ] He is here.
no subject
And heart? Someone stepped into Shen Qingqiu's heart? Anyone admitting as such would get the same look from Luo Binghe, one caught between exasperation and curiosity. If he can't step into his Shizun's heart then why should someone else?]
Why are you looking into such a personal thing?
[ He can't figure it out. This person in front of him looks happy enough but every so often it changes, something unspoken lurking just out of sight. If he had any idea on what Pyra had seen there'd be a commotion; such things were personal to them both and the thought of someone looking upon it will never go down well.
Which is why it's a good thing Luo Binghe doesn't ask what memories, instead watching this new person's every motion. What she says sounds nice, he sure would like to go running to Shizun, but Luo Binghe understands that's not how it will work no matter how much he wants to.]
Such good words, but this one disagrees. Shizun does not believe that or he would have said so. Shizun is someone whose life is devoted to fighting demons and the realm they come from; precious is not the right word no matter how much this one would like to think so.
[ It's not even spoken as someone ultimately depressed but with a matter of fact tone, as if it's something Luo Binghe reminds himself of most days. He doesn't understand why Shen Qingqiu kicked him into the Abyss, he just knows it happened because of his heritage and even afterwards the other avoided him, even committing self-destruction just to get away.
No. These words aren't quite right, even if they're what Binghe wants to hear.]
Perhaps you misunderstand him or something Shizun has said so think before ordering, little sister.
no subject
What else may she do but— ] My apologies.
[ She has nothing but sympathy for him. Sympathy and understanding, and she’s quite sorry for having come to know of him through another person’s heart. It feels as if she’s cheated, somehow, that she’s been made privy to something so deeply personal and intimate to him that he might not have shared otherwise.
She’s quite grateful that no one has stepped in her heart in the same manner, as her secrets have largely remained her own. ]
Maybe you will not believe that you are so precious to his heart. [ Doubt is is like a disease; it plants within and spreads surreptitiously throughout. The both of them may have had years, decades apart, to let the wounds in their hearts fester. It seems that neither have had the opportunity to let them heal. ] But because you are held so dear to him...
[ Pyra steps toward him, careful, her hand gesturing slightly to him. ] Will you believe that... you are already precious to me, too?
[ The nature of this question is rhetorical; he needn’t give his answer when she knows he has no reason to. However the kindness, the earnestness within her eyes cannot be mistaken, the want to help him so profound that it defies the humble context of a first meeting. He is precious to her, he has value, he is worth helping, comforting, and telling him that he is wanted here.
...She’s wasting his time still. Each second that he spends with her, he can be with someone far more important. This situation feels far too familiar to her; she’s intruding on something she has no right to be. Her hand drops to her side, idle. ] Rather than hear you are precious from me... you may be able to hear the very same from him, from his own lips.
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[ The apology is taken with a small nod and a noise of acknowledgement. Luo Binghe is a stubborn creature, he had to be in order to survive the later years of his life and unfortunately it does not help when it comes to such things as this. Unfortunately as it stands, crossed wires and misunderstandings will be the cause of much chaos to come and this is most likely only the start. From Binghe's point of view he's correct and when he hears Pyra using the word precious again he folds his arms, looking as stubborn as he's feeling.]
You have still misunderstood something. This one knows, understands, his teacher. He may have said I was a good student but it no longer seems that way. Shizun does not suffer my presence lightly, take that from someone who has firsthand experience of it. I also cannot consider someone I do not know as precious either.
[ Things are spoken with an air of certainty as opposed to mean spiritedness; there's no bad thoughts or a wish to be cruel, it's simply Luo Binghe wishing someone would understand a truth no matter how harsh it is. It's a good job this is happening before the conversation he has with Shen Qingqiu on the network, the kind that goes awry the moment it starts and steadily spirals. From Luo Binghe's point of view they had only just started being able to talk again without Shen Qingqiu running away; precious is extremely far removed from that. No matter how much someone wishes for something does not mean it comes true and at the suggestion of speaking to his teacher Binghe shakes his head again, brow furrowed.]
I will talk to him when it is time to, but not to confirm what a little sister has said but to simply be sure that Shizun is okay here.
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That thought may just be the impatience caused by her flower influencing her, but she would advise him to go to his teacher regardless. There are far too many missed opportunities in both homeworlds and here, it seems, that very few capitalize upon, and even more take for granted... with herself among them. She’d think it funny, were she more of a cynic. ]
You’re quite worried for him, aren’t you? He’s very fortunate, to have someone who cares so much.
[ It could also be possible that the two have been taken from different points in time. Pyra could tell him that Shen Qingqiu seems to be fine, that’s she’s even had the fortune to see him smile, but why would she tell him, when the two can actually be reunited? ]
This place.... [ Moving on, her tone seems to become almost wistful. ] Its ethos is forming bonds, bonds that... may restore color to the world. [ Her head tilts upward, her eyes lifting to the sky, thoughtful and, perhaps, fond, nostalgic. The day is bright, the sky is finally its traditional blue, but she remembers a time when it hadn’t been. But whether with color or without, beyond it lies the stars... Stars that she had once watched with him. ] He has many here who care for him, even if he may not realize it.
[ .......
Gaze returning to Luo Binghe, the corners of her lips quietly curl upward. ] I’m sure you’ll be able to find just as many here, too. Those that care for you, I mean. [ And as she’s said, she’s one of them already whether he believes her or not. ]
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He glances up at the sky when Pyra does, hoping to find some information there somehow and only seeing the vast blue sky. Crimson eyes narrow slightly. He doesn't know who is in charge of this place but the person talking to him seems to know what's going on completely and are nice enough to be answering some things.]
Tsk, this one doesn't ask for people to care. I'll be finding Shizun and taking him home and no-one will get in the way of that. This one doesn't know what is happening in this place, but it was not asked beforehand. If Shizun also did not agree then there is no reason to stay.
[ Binghe looks down from the sky, glancing over at Pyra.]
Who are you that cares so much? You give your name and a lot of information that sounds nice even if a lot of it is wrong. Do you work for the ones in charge here?
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No, no. [ With a slow shake of her head, she lifts a hand up as if that alone might assuage his worries. ] I’m from another world just as you are.
And I-- [ A breath. ] Of course... I care. [ She admits, her expression heartfelt. It's obvious he doesn't believe her, her reassurance falling upon deaf ears. It saddens her, yes, but perhaps he'll come to believe that the one he cares for most, also cares for him-- with time. She can only hope. ] Being in another world, it can be confusing at first, and [ She bows her head to him, expression falling. ] I only wish to help.
[ Whether she actually does help... is debatable. ]
This world emphasizes the bonds that are made with others. Your friendships here-- matter. You, matter to them. And together, you may help restore color to this world.
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It's only because Pyra seems to earnest with it all that Binghe wonders if it's not something else. Had it been an attack it would have happened by now and so he opts to follow the conversation instead, a little relieved that the caring topic is being dropped. He has no concept of people caring by osmosis and the idea that people have heard about him so nicely from his own teacher is so far-fetched it's impossible to swallow.
Binghe lets a little of the tension out of his shoulders, joining the conversation again with a less aggressive stance.]
Why? Does this place not have it's own people to fight for it?
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[ She begins walking, motioning for him to come along. ]
Luo Binghe.... If you do not mind, there is something I would like to show you. It will be helpful in coordinating with the rest of the residents there.
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He gives a small nod to agree to follow, not commenting on the mention of defending the town and others. He won't idly commit to something until he's figured it out and when he follows Pyra it's not without a little suspicion; this place is just too strange!]
Of course, though I don't know what it is you wish to show that could be so important.
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There is a network where everyone can communicate with one another, like a forum... only electronic.
[ She recalls that his teacher hadn’t been so familiar with a computer, so she feels safe to assume that he isn’t, either. ]
You don’t need to know how it works to be able to use it. But on that network, many here share what they have discovered about the town, or ask general questions in a getting-to-know you fashion. The messages are public on this forum, but you can also privately message someone specific. Everyone is assigned a color hexcode as a username, and I am certain you will have one as well.
[ She steps over a root from one of the trees. ] There is a particular thread— er, conversation I believe you should see. [ ...That may make him at least believe her a little more when she says his shizun cares!! ]
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Binghe can guess at the second word but the rest is - as Pyra rightly assumes - a mystery. There must be a point to it though, a reason as to why Luo Binghe is following this colourful person to a place he doesn't know.
It had better be good at any rate. Often Luo Binghe has been known to be temperamental and this sudden influx of information even has this heavenly protagonist student's mind reeling! He fusses with a black sleeve as they walk, sword sheathed at his back remaining quiet in the grand scheme of things.]
People discuss things on this "network" and identify each other as hecks?
[ Sounds useful but if everyone is standing around writing notes surely it would be faster to speak out loud??]
What is it about?
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And... ]
Mm... I could tell you, [ She pauses then, a hand moving thoughtfully to her chin. Whatever she’s mulling over doesn’t last long, and in the next moment she continues breezily, ] but in this case— [ She smiles softly. ] it would be better to show you.
[ It won’t be too long until they reach the porch of her assigned house, plain and quiet, but clean. Her laptop is situated on a chair outside, closed, and when they approach she nods to him again and opens up the computer. ] Just one moment.
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Soon enough they reach the destination, Binghe making sure to look nothing more than neutral when he realises this must be Pyra's house. Just what was going on here? Did someone dare lead him by the nose to a trap or was this simply circumstance? Binghe is sure it's the latter but he still casts a wary eye as Pyra opens up the laptop.]
You live here?
[ Best to keep asking questions because right now Binghe hasn't the foggiest on what's going on. It's ask things or get bored and a bored half-demon lord is an awful one.]
1/2
Meanwhile her hand swiftly types a few keys into the laptop, entering her code and booting up the archaic home screen. She swivels the laptop towards him, pointing to the display. ] Your hex code is unique unto you; think of it like your second name that functions as an address over the network. Once you learn someone’s code, you can also privately message them.
[ She hovers the mouse over the network icon, clicking upon it to open the network in question. Pyra continues encouragingly, adding in a small smile for him. ] The interface is fairly simple to learn on one’s own, so I’m you’ll be able to get a handle on it very quickly.
[ Moving on... ] Anyway, this is the network that I mentioned. Everything here is documented, and you can access previous entries uses these keys here. [ She indicates with the pointer. ]
But what I wished to show you is...
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When you have the time, you should read over this entry. [ Her suggestion comes out soft and earnest. ] He mentions you in it...
[ Her eyes lift from the screen to watch his expression. Perhaps he won't be comforted now by these words on the screen, but she hopes he will after he reads them, when he has the time. Shen Qingqiu says such heartfelt things about him-- from saying that he wishes no harm to ever befall Luo Binghe, to how he regrets what he's done, how he truly hopes for his disciple's happiness, and that-- most tragically-- if Luo Binghe has any kind thoughts of him, that he is undeserving of them. And that's just under her own thread with him.
She... doesn't want such a misunderstanding to plague their relationship. She wants him-- no, the both of them, to be happy.
They have that chance here. They can have that happiness here. ]
See-- here. These are his words, this is what he has written. He hopes that you will find happiness, and that the bond between the two of you cannot be broken so easily. [ ....Ah. There it is again, that feeling that she's wasting his time. She still believes that such words should be said between teacher and disciple, and not second-hand from her. ]
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This replaces paper? Do the notes go on there? Sounds like a lot of work still, when does everyone get to use this thing? Binghe doesn't see anyone else around so there's an inkling that he's still missing something in that regard.]
EBF5FB.... [ He's already committing it to memory as he squints at the screen, trying to see what it is that Pyra believes is so important. It doesn't take long for the young man to read the post part of it, fists clenching ever so slightly as he grinds his next words out. Reading such things is like a knife to the heart, a painful reminder of something Luo Binghe can never have.]
I don't wish to see the rest. Shizun did it because of my heritage. He said it clear as day and even when I came back he would never talk to me, always running away, doing everything he could to evade me at every opportunity. It's been more than five years and still he never says these things even to my face. These words look sincere but this one knows they are not true and I don't know what else to tell you other than that.
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She wonders what she can say or do to convince Luo Binghe that his teacher cares for him still, but she knows that it will never be that easy. This is ultimately a matter between the two of them, and she is an outsider once more.
But she will say this: ]
Your teacher is a good man. [ Telling another what she admires of Shen Qingqiu comes easy to her. The traits roll off her tongue like water over oil, sincere and sorrowful. She speaks with love, of course, with an affection that seems to conflict her. Pyra brings her hand to her chest, her eyes soft, her smile just a bit more peaceful. Just a bit. ] An... honorable, wise, and.... benevolent man.
[ Even if the words he had written over the network could have been nothing but woven fibs, there would be no denying what his heart had clearly shown. And... further down in another thread, Shen Qingqiu even explains that he avoids him out of a want to not hurt him more. ]
Do you think he is lying?
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Lying though? It's tricky. Everything points to the man lying; what he says can't be true because his actions have proven otherwise over the years. And yet just the thought of calling Shen Qingqiu a liar galls Binghe to no end. His teacher wouldn't lie like that!
It's a dilemma, one that has Binghe frowning to himself, lips thinning as they press together. ]
I don't know. The words are nice to read but his actions are completely different to any of that.
[ Binghe folds his arms again, staring at the laptop with just a little distrust.] Why would Shizun say such things to strangers?
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Here, his actions have shown him to be nothing less than kind. Troubled and— [ A breath, a smile, a shake of her head. ] far too selfless, at times... but kind. [ It must be a kindness that he can have too, now that he is here. ]
As for why he would tell others... I cannot speak for the man, but perhaps— it is because he has friends here, those he cares about and loves....and with whom he may confide.
[ Pyra closes the computer with a click, closing her eyes. ]
Luo Binghe, I hope you too will find such... good friends here.
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Cares about and loves....?
[ Why can't he have that? Even now in a strange place, seeing such strange things, Binghe can't help but wonder why it's everyone but him. It sets his teeth on edge in a way he can't describe; how much of himself does he need to tear apart to get a good word out of his teacher??]
Enough! I don't want good friends here, or people to love and care for. If Shizun is here then I'll be taking him home!
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It's a sad situation all around. ] ...I'm sorry. [ Her tone is nothing less than sincerely apologetic, her gaze lowering. She wants to help, but-- perhaps this just isn't the way. Perhaps it simply isn't her place.
But what's even more tragic is that this young man doesn't even wish to have other friends, which is critical in a realm like this one. ] I.... hope you can do that-- find a way back home. It is what many here have been searching for themselves.