{Video; UN: gambler}

[thescorpionking]

{He looks like a shell of a man, pale and perfect, but...empty. Nearly empty. This is what happens when someone is used and used for years on end without a shred of gratitude or genuine affection thrown into the mix. And now...}

The thread that joins us has snapped. {Xie closes his eyes, privately mourning, before he focuses on the network, sharp and alert.} I am interested if anyone recognizes me?

{Or is this truly a new beginning? The Glazed Armor hangs heavy around his neck and he wants to laugh...and cry.}

What good are names anymore? I could call myself anything...

Comments

Video; un: supercoolguy

[protectorofsmiles]

What are ya talkin' about? Can't quite understand what you're goin' on there...do ya not have a name?

Video

[thescorpionking]

I was called Xie Wang or...Scorpion. {And "Xie Wang" just means Prince Xie.} It has never been complete.

[protectorofsmiles]

Scorpion huh...wow, that sounds cool! But I'm assumin' it's not a name ya wanna stick with...

Does it mean anythin'? This name...Scorpion?

[thescorpionking]

It was given to me for a purpose. {And it brings up old memories that cause him nothing but pain.}

Yes. {His smile is dangerous.} What do scorpions do?

[protectorofsmiles]

Erm...make high level intelligence potions?

I only ever hear of 'em in passin' mention by alchemists. Not sure what they even are! I know they're ain't plants, that's fer sure!

[Video] un: fated

[fated_dance]

[ This is a face he hadn't expected. Zishu wonders if he was the one to start the time loop of their world - but dismisses it. He knows he himself doesn't look all that well, though he improves by the day - aside from the nails. And at least he's attempting to look normal, a small bowl of soup sits before him, and a bottle of wine beside it. ]

Then choose your new name, and live for it.

[Video]

[thescorpionking]

Zhou Zishu... {As if he can forget that face. Scorpion isn't angry at him; they both have their reasons for seeking a way into the armory.} Feeling under the weather?

[Video]

[fated_dance]

[ He could probably find the materials to disguise himself if he really felt like it~

But why bother? Especially now. He could ignore that question, and ends up shrugging a shoulder. ]

It doesn't matter.

I mean it. Choose a name you want to reach for, and live for it. This is the place for it.

[Video]

[thescorpionking]

{No, no no, that would be a shame. Such a handsome face shouldn't be hidden! And what is there to fear now that Zhao Jing is silenced for good?}

What do you know about this place? You seem so optimistic.

[Video]

[fated_dance]

[ Stop sounding like Kexing! ]

Enough to say avoid the clinics if you can, but most people aren't bad.

Text | un: crypt_thing

[bloodyroses]

Honestly, if you want to change your name, this kind of situation is really the best time.

Text

[thescorpionking]

I'll have to think about it. Nothing sounds right.

[bloodyroses]

Dude, take all the time you need.

I mean, I've never thought about changing my name before, but it sounds like the kind of thing you don't want to fuck up.

[thescorpionking]

Precisely. I need one that resonates with who I am. I can't walk around with one that sounds foreign to my ears.

{Names are special. He wants one that he responds to instinctively.}

[bloodyroses]

You should make a big list of all the ones that sound cool to you and try them.

Maybe like, go to a cafe or somewhere that calls out names when your order's ready and order using one of the names?

And then see which one feels right.

video | un: guzhu

[soakedinvinegar]

(( Wen Kexing's image on the screen looks just as smug as ever. However, there's a touch of something softer in his eyes. Sympathy perhaps? He knows a little something about starting a new life... sort of. ))

You can choose more than just a new name. A whole new identity could be yours if you want it.

video

[thescorpionking]

{There are so many dangerous men in this place! Xie feels like he has been backed into a corner. Thank the gods he always has his stinger poised.}

Is that what you would suggest? Are you speaking from experience?

[soakedinvinegar]

I wasn't always Wen Kexing.

(( So, yes. He's speaking from experience. ))

[thescorpionking]

You had another name? What was it?

{What? He can be nosy especially if there is distance between them.}

[soakedinvinegar]

I'm not going to tell you that. Suffice it to say, changing identities is simple, especially in a new place where few know you.

video; un: tryharder

[concussionprotocol]

Have you forgotten your name? Or is it something else?

video

[thescorpionking]

Something else. {He sighs, smiling.} I want a new beginning.

[concussionprotocol]

[ She offers him a light smile. ] Well, you are in a different place, so the opportunity is there. Of course, the opportunity is usually there, no matter where you are.

[ A pause, and then: ] I took a name once, to honor a friend.

[thescorpionking]

But it is far more complicated in certain places. {He can't pretend he isn't the Scorpion King, for example, back "home".}

Do you still use it?

[concussionprotocol]

I do. I have no family name, [ that she remembers, at any rate ] so I took the name of a man whom I admire. I still use it, when I'm asked for a family name.