video | un: guzhu

[soakedinvinegar]

(( The sepia-toned face on the screen is pale with dark, curious eyes. There's something in the curve of his lips that isn't quite a smile, yet it is. Overall it's a pleasant expression on a pleasant face. ))

I'm curious. Who else got up close and personal with the Emperor at his, ah, party.

Comments

[gentledawn]

I'm not as worldly or...bright...as you. I know I was taken advantage of.

[soakedinvinegar]

(( The heat of anger flares in his dark eyes. ))

By whom?

[gentledawn]

A man named Xue Yang. He isn't present. [He would know, surely, if he had arrived.] He is the reason Zichen lost his eyes, his tongue and his life.

[soakedinvinegar]

Should he turn up here, I will protect you both.

[gentledawn]

For what he did to Zichen, for how he tricked me, I want justice served.

[soakedinvinegar]

(( A single brow lifts, curious, but there's something of that viciousness that remains. ))

You want his life?

[gentledawn]

He owes many his life. [Even if the idea turns his stomach.] No prison has held him.

[soakedinvinegar]

Hell is a suitable prison for that sort.

[gentledawn]

I would...try to save him. But I can't bring myself to forget Zichen's pain.

[soakedinvinegar]

Some people aren't worth saving.

(( Spoken with all the venom of someone who spent their life seeking revenge. ))

[gentledawn]

... [That fact saddens him and he closes his eyes, pained.] Even if there is a small chance for redemption, I would try if I were not so...involved in his crimes.

[soakedinvinegar]

Oh?

[gentledawn]

He tricked me. I gave my eyes to my Zichen, so I couldn't see who I rescued on the side of the road.

[soakedinvinegar]

(( Darkness fills his already intense stare ad he simply offers as if discussing something mundane: ))

If he shows up here, I will kill him for you.

[gentledawn]

[The tone frightens him - for Kexing's sake, not Xue Yang's.]

You don't deserve his blood on your hands. I know what I must do, A-Xing. I can't be a coward.

[soakedinvinegar]

There is plenty of blood on my hands. A little more won't hurt. However, if you feel this is something you must do, I will respect that.

[gentledawn]

I will stop him. I will achieve justice for Zichen, for every victim and for myself. [And he will keep Xue Yang from harming his new dear ones too.]

[soakedinvinegar]

I have faith in you.

(( Not that he wants Xingchen out there killing people, however, dealing with the problem himself will feel more like justice than letting another do it. ))

[gentledawn]

I will protect you and A-Shu too. [His voice softens with obvious affection.] Not that you need it.

[soakedinvinegar]

Let us protect you, too.

[gentledawn]

I appreciate your care. [More than he can express.]

[soakedinvinegar]

(( Kexing nods with a low hum. Truly, it can't be helped. He's fiercely protective of those for whom he cares. ))

[gentledawn]

This is why I must kiss you frequently. [He is trying to be serious about this!]

[soakedinvinegar]

Are you trying to tame me?

[gentledawn]

I could never and I wouldn't want to.