{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]

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.

[soakedinvinegar]

Who did you send after my people?

[thescorpionking]

Qing Feng Sword Sect - and any others who wished to come along.

[soakedinvinegar]

Why? Did we not work well together?

[thescorpionking]

As I said, it wasn't personal. It wasn't even about you.

I thought your ghosts would be ferocious and kill the men who would do anything for power.

[soakedinvinegar]

There is only so much even the most ferocious can do when out-numbered.

[thescorpionking]

Unfortunately that is so. {And there is regret in his eyes.} You are welcome to do as you wish to me.

[soakedinvinegar]

(( There's a flicker os something hateful in his eyes before it fades. His jaw goes tense, though, and does not relax. ))

I have already given my word to you. For the memory of them I will do nothing to you.

[thescorpionking]

{The hate has been earned! Xie observes him, imagining easily how much it must hurt.}

There are other ways you can punish me, Ghost Lord.

[soakedinvinegar]

Perhaps one day I will.

[thescorpionking]

I will not deny you.