[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

I... I have ears. [He is afraid to show himself, but the ears are too long to hide. The tip of one can already be seen, fuzzy, white and shivering. When he finally sidles into full view, he reveals the effect Kizuna has had on him. Yes, those are white rabbit ears. He runs his hands over them, frowning in dismay.]

Are they...permanent? [To make matters worse, when he thinks of a certain soulmate, they spring upright in unison!] I can't walk around like this.

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[dayific]

Depending on who your gods are, that's entirely possible!

[ Assigning someone a soulmate isn't Sunny's purview, but she knows there are gods out there in the vast pantheons of humanity who deal in such matters. ]

[gentledawn]

If you ever encounter them, thank them for us.

[He gives her another bow to show his appreciation.]

My Master kept me on a mountain and, when I left her, I was unsure of my place below. Zichen proved that I was where I needed to be.

[dayific]

On the off chance I run into them in the heavens, I promise I'll give them your regards.

[ Of course, being from separate worlds and times might throw a wrench in that promise. Ah, well. ]

Why did she keep you on a mountain?

[ The use of the word "kept" is somewhat worrying, with little other context behind it. ]

[gentledawn]

Thank you, Lady. [His expression is warm as he straightens, pleased at the possibility.]

She rescued me when I was a mere babe. [Nothing good would have happened to him.] On her mountain, she taught me Cultivation. It was her wish that her students stay with her and continue to Cultivate in peace. I believe she feared the world.

[dayific]

Oh, I see. Then she took you in and taught you as an act of kindness.

[ That sounds much less worrisome than being "kept." ]

But you say you eventually left your Master's care, and then met Zichen?

[gentledawn]

Yes. I doubt I would be here without her.

[Orphan children do not fare well. He likely would have died as a baby.]

I did. She said if I did, I could never return.

[dayific]

[ That sounds a bit strict, but... It's not Sunny's place to judge. ]

Do you regret leaving?

[gentledawn]

[Baoshan Sanren is strict, but for a good reason. She knows the ills of the world and she bonded with her pupils.]

Sometimes.

[dayific]

[ She's silent for a moment, not wanting the conversation to take a turn towards the depressing, but... ]

How have you changed and grown since you left? What have you learned that your master couldn't have taught you?