{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

[thescorpionking]

You know me. As does Zhou Zishu. Are you going to blow my cover?

[soakedinvinegar]

To what purpose? This is not our world. What happened there is of little consequence here.

[thescorpionking]

Shame. You could endanger me greatly. {Already there is one who seems likely to strike him.}

[soakedinvinegar]

I choose not to.

[thescorpionking]

Then I am in your debt.

[soakedinvinegar]

As long as you do not bring harm to anyone I care about, your secret is safe.

[thescorpionking]

I have no reason to harm your Zhou Zishu.

[soakedinvinegar]

And if there are more than him?

[thescorpionking]

I'll learn their names.

[soakedinvinegar]

Then, we have an accord.

[thescorpionking]

We worked well together before. I am honored.

[soakedinvinegar]

Have you chosen a new name?

[thescorpionking]

I might keep Xie. The question is: what do I pair it with?

[soakedinvinegar]

The name of something or someone who is important to you.

[thescorpionking]

Liu. {That is a name Kexing should know well.} Liu Xie. What do you think?

[soakedinvinegar]

(( Kexing blinks, genuinely surprised. Then a smile pulls across his lips. ))

Qianqiao made quite an impression.

[thescorpionking]

Yes. {He breathes and his head dips forward.} She taught me - as did her Mistress.

[soakedinvinegar]

Then you've been taught well.

[thescorpionking]

I wanted better for them. I'm sorry.

[soakedinvinegar]

(( Uh on, this will be where timelines diverge. This particular Wen Kexing hasn't lived to see all his allies dies, yet. ))

Beg your pardon?

[thescorpionking]

{Ah, this is an effect of the magic, isn't it? Xie presses his lips together sadly.}

They do not survive for much longer.

[soakedinvinegar]

(( Something wicked shines in his eyes, his very visage seeming to shift from the flirtatious Lao Wen to the fearsome leader of Ghost Valley. ))

Who dares touch them?

[thescorpionking]

You are not going to be pleased with me. {But what can be done? He gave Zhao Jing the poison and took over the reins.} I organized an attack on your Valley. The less men I must contend with for the Armory, the better.

[soakedinvinegar]

(( Kexing is seething. His eyes are wide and bright and filled with hatred. ))

[thescorpionking]

Yes, I expected you would feel that way. I'm sorry. I never meant for them to be involved in it. {He had let the men loose with a focus. What they did - the bloodshed and the violence - had been their desires taking shape.}

To be honest, the outcome shocked even me. Men can be worse than beasts.