{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] 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.

Text | un: crypt_thing

[bloodyroses]

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

Video

[thescorpionking]

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

[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?

Text

[thescorpionking]

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

[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.

[Video]

[thescorpionking]

{Did he say anything about shoulder-blades?}

Clinics would be no help to me. {Thank...fully?} I admit, I do not know you well enough to understand your judgement.

[Video]

[fated_dance]

[ Zishu's eyes narrow very slightly at that. Not...suspicious, exactly. But there's something in those simple words that concern him. Somehow he doubts he'll be answered where just anyone can hear.

And so he does something that will likely get him scolded. ]

You are probably hungry. I have enough to share, if you are interested.

[Video]

[thescorpionking]

{He blinks at this unexpected turn, quickly sifting through the possible outcomes. He could die, he supposes, but that has stopped being a sharp, tangible fear.}

How am I to know you haven't some poison waiting for me?

[Video]

[fated_dance]

[ He raises a brow, smiling a little. ]

You don't. But there are things we should say that I am not sure you want widely shared.

[Video]

[thescorpionking]

...

{How can he argue?}

Give me directions. {He presumes the...apartments. What a strange abode!}

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. ))

[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]

You had another name? What was it?

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

[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!

[thescorpionking]

Do those exist? {He is amused, but also: where can he get one?}

They are insects with poisonous barbs on their tails and claws at the front. Most of their body is encased in a sort of armor, too.

[protectorofsmiles]

[Genbu will explain about potions later. Right now his mind or pretty focused.

On bugs.]

Huh, sounds like a diremite! Nasty buggers, they are, but luckily not too tough to fight! Just a few swings of my axe and they go down easy!

[A few swings of his axe!?? How big are these things!?]

Did...you sting people previously? Well...for a lack of better words.

[thescorpionking]

I would rather you not swing your axe at me. {Imagine the diremites working for you, Genbu! Scorpions can surely be as useful.}

I did. {With poisoned daggers. (A better capture of said scene.)} I had to quiet any danger.

[protectorofsmiles]

...Maybe I will, maybe I won't. Depends.

[The air suddenly gets tense.]

What do you mean by quietin' danger? You didn't...harm innocents or anythin', did ya?