jikan_network | {video: UN: Shuixian}

[ There's silence for a moment even as he leans back a bit, large dragon horns on display, and he watches the younger Nie on the screen. Of course, the light would catch the silver, black, and gold scales that run down the side of his neck too. ]

A-Sang?

[ Was this like A-Yao? He's not sure. ]

There are a few different places to explore. You could start with Yoshiwara, as there is a theater there.

[ The other might even run into a version of the Unclean Realm, where Mingjue and Jin Guangyao live too. ]

[Huaisang's eyes go wide and the color drains completely from his face. It can't be. It simply cannot be. Did he dare hope that what he saw in the display was the truth? His suddenly numb fingers nearly drop the device. His voice is a hoarse whisper when speaks and he stutters.]

Da... da ...Da-ge?

[He blinks back the flood of tears building. He must get himself under control. What could he say about his reaction? "Oh, well, for me you've been dead for several years and I've only just now laid you to rest and avenged your death?" That would be a lovely introduction, wouldn't it?]

A theater in Yoshiwara? That is good. I can look there. Perhaps they'll be presenting something worth watching. Would you, uhm, like to join me if they are?

[It's the best he can manage against the 1,001 questions and demands and declarations that rush to his tongue and threaten to spill out.

Nie Mingjue is alive. His brother is alive. He's wished for this for night upon countless night]

It's me, didi.

[ He also knows about his death. As well as the fact that it was his brother who had avenged his death. Or, at the very least, that's what the Huaisang who had been there before had told him. That he'd taken care of it. Something that actually hurts. His little brother wasn't meant to take care of it. He should've been able to give Huaisang more time with him. Maybe in Nippon that could change. ]

If there is something you wish to see then I will go with you.

[ Mingjue has actually gotten used to the finer arts while in this place. There was even an art room, that had belonged to his little brother, in the Unclean Realm. A room he'd locked off after Husiang's disappearance. ]

We have a version of the Unclean Realm here too. You have a room here, A-Sang, if you need a place to stay that isn't the starter apartments.

[ It was only himself and Jin Guangyao in the huge place. Lan Xichen used to live there too before the elder of the Twin Jades had been taken from them. ]

[Forgetting about the idea of theater, Huaisang focused on the fact that a replica of their home was to be found here. He didn't want to think too hard about the magic of this realm had managed that.]

Our home is here? My room? I ... yes, I would like to stay there. Given the choice between unfamiliar rooms or our home, even if it is a copy, it is an easy decision to make.

Da-ge, I ... (he takes a deep breath) I missed you.

[He caught himself before all the words came rushing out, apologies for taking so long to make things right, apologies for playing into the charade of being utterly helpless and tarnishing the Nie name in the process ... apologies for a hundred things.]

Then you are welcome to stay here.

[ It would be nice to have his little brother under the same roof. There was even an art room that Huaisang could enjoy. ]

I've missed you too, didi.

[ There's a soft smile, something reserved for a select few. Probably something Huaisang probably hasn't seen in years even. ]

While you're here you can show me a bit more of the art world.

[ He knows that's something that his brother had enjoyed before and if he still enjoyed it... well, he would try for his brother. Something that he should have done when they were younger. ]

[ There's really nothing to think about in the end. Given the choice of unfamiliar rooms tucked in with strangers on all sides or a replica of his home with his brother, there was no question. And this time they could be a family without the unrelenting responsibility of a sect to run a clan's welfare to see to. This could be the sort of life he'd hoped for when they were both young, before A-die had died. ]

I don't remember the way home. It really is inconvenient that memories don't transfer between one visit and another. Or could this device help me find my way home?

[He starts to turn the device in his hand then realizes that is disrupting the image being sent. A thought occurs to him and he once again laments not knowing what the other of him knew. It is as if they are at the mercy of some capricious trickster spirit.]

Da-ge, what of er-ge or Jin Guangyao? Are either of them here?

The device could help. However, I can come and get you myself.

[ He did not mind retrieving his little brother and bringing him back home. He does, however, take note of the question. ]

A-Yao is here, he lives with me. A-Huan was here but ended up leaving.

[ He'd actually made up with Jin Guangyao and so had Lan Xichen. The three of them had a good relationship and then the place sent Lan Xichen back home. ]

[The affectionate forms of the names is all Huaisang needs to know about the state of things. Does that mean he'll trust Meng Yao or whatever name he is going by? Of course not. Huaisang rarely trusts anyone anymore. With the only exception being his brother. They had been fooled, the pair of them, once before. It was not a lesson he cared to repeat.]

I would very much appreciate it if you came to get me, please. Even with the device, I think it would be easy to get lost. This city is even more confusing than Jīnlín Tái, in my opinion. And, well, I've missed you and I can't wait to see you again.

[ If it helped? When Guangyao first showed up in Nippon the elder Nie hadn't trusted the other either. However, Mingjue had been in the place for over a year and with the help of Lan Xichen, as well as a memory type sphere, things had changed. ]

Then I will come to you, didi.

[ Mingjue takes in the surroundings behind his brother before starting off toward Huaisang's location, keeping his device turned on as he heads toward where his little brother was.

When he does get there Huaisang would probably note that Baxia was nowhere in sight but there was a sword at the elder's side, one that was shining a bright happy blue. He really hated that this new sword changed color with his moods. ]

Da-ge!

[Without any thought whatsoever, he threw himself at Mingjue in a hug. Since the last time he'd seen his brother alive had been .... well ... surely the hug would be forgiven. After a longer moment than he intended, Huaisang steps back.]

It's very good to see you. I was worried that I would left on my own in this place. But then I discover that you are here. And I have been here before but left and have come back again.

[His fingers itch for his Shuixian, the bladed fan that had become his spiritual weapon in recent years. ]

I feel like you would be the only one to give the honest truth about my time here before. When we get home would you answer my questions?

[ The hug, itself, is unexpected and yet not at the same time. So when the other does hug him those strong arms wrap around his little brother before letting him go as he steps back. ]

It sounds rather complicated, I know. Though, I am happy that you're back.

[ He knows that his baby brother had to be confused by it all. Especially when he'd been there before. ]

When we get home I will answer whatever questions you have. Until then, lets just get you home.

[ That? It was the main concern at the moment. ]

Do you wish to stop by one of the vendors and grab something to eat before we return home?

[ If his brother was hungry then they could grab something from one of the vendors to tide them over. ]

[Huaisang thought for a moment before answering.]

I would prefer to go home first. It will be a relief to be surrounded by something familiar after the experience of the reoccurring nightmare. And to be honest, I'm curious to see how accurate a recreation our home here is.

[More than any of that, he needed answers, information. In the last years information had been the only thing that had kept him afloat. Whether that would be the case here or not remained to be seen. Regardless, he would not handicap himself needlessly.]

Then we will go home.

[ They could get something, or something could be made, once they returned home. Though, it doesn't surprise him that his brother wanted to see how accurate the recreation of their home was. The place, itself, was rather accurate to their home. It would not be long before they got to the Unclean Realm. ]

When we get there explore to your heart's content.

[ There was even a room strictly with Huaisang's paintings and supplies. He had never removed any of it. ]

[This was just what Huaisang had needed for so very very long. The solid presence of his brother at his side. The rock that had been there for him to lean upon no matter the reason. Had they had their share of disagreements in the past? Of course they had. Despite being brothers, life's demands had been different for each of them.

Yet now, Huaisang understood what it meant to have a sect, with families and towns and countless people, looking to him for guidance and protection. And so he could better understand what Mingjue had faced. And he'd done so with the added burden of the familial curse riding him. And with that thought ....]
Da-ge? Where is Baxia? Is it better now and you can bear to parted from her? Does Er-ge still have to play the cleansing music for you?

Weren't you here before...?

[Tipping his head to the side, a different sort of smile taking over the open and friendly one of just a moment before. ]

Perhaps you met another version of me from another point in my life? As I understood it, I would not remember being here previously nor would another of me remember this time. Is that not correct? I do thank you for making me aware that I have been here before. I will then be on watch for any previous interactions, friendships, relationships, or heaven's forbid, enemies I might have had in that other self.

I do hope that we were if not friends, then at least pleasant acquaintances.

...Well I certainly would like to think the same.

I mean we got intimate on several occasions.

I don't tend to do that with enemies.

Is that so? I look forward to renewing our ....friendship once again.

[While he'd had his fair share of hate sex, (really, who hadn't in the highly political cultivation world?)Huaisang wasn't keen on jumping right into that so soon after arrival. He'd like to at least make his own enemies first. ]

Perhaps you can help me. I hope you can. Is there anyone I might need to watch out for? Any one I had a less than friendly relationship with? I certainly don't want to find a knife in my ribs on some random afternoon because I wasn't being cautious.

[Koro can't help but smile a little. This version of Huaisang seems a bit more reserved, and that reaction was priceless.]

Hrmm...I don't think I can recall anyone off the top of my head that might give you problems.

[...What would Jiang Cheng think? Granted he wasn't dangerous or anything...still, Koro can only imagine how distraught the man might be. But he'll keep that to himself. He felt it not his place to share details.]

Oh, the "other" Huaisang had his own home, I believe. Are you aware? I'm assuming they'll probably let you have it.

Well that is reassuring to know. It will be much easier to settle in without having to constantly look over my shoulder. In truth, encountering friends and lovers will be challenge enough.

[He added the last with a little laugh.]

I have been made aware that a recreation of the home from my time has been brought here and that my brother is living there. I intend to see it and him soon. Though I feel that any claim to ownership could be rightfully lost and transferred to da-ge.

[Dage. That's a word he hasn't heard in a while. What a nostalgic feeling. But that's not the only thing that piques Koro's interest.]

Oh right, you have a brother here. I hope he's been treating you well.

[Come to think of it, the old Huaisang mentioned his brother a few times but Koro never met him. The demon finds that a little amusing.]

Well. Never mind all that small talk. I'm Korollan. Koro for short. I run a massage and spa parlor over in Yoshiwara. If you're having a stressful time trying to adjust to everything here, you could do worse than Midnight Rose.

A pleasure to make your acquaintance once again. I will make a note to visit your establishment soon.

[He's not entirely sure what a massage and spa parlor in this place would entail exactly but he doesn't imagine it would be too different from it sounds like.]

Oh, yes, my brother and I are reuniting very well. I'm expecting him soon. He's going to show me the way to the family home. I could probably find it well enough on my own but having a guide is so much better.

Do you like sweets? I can show you some very good shops with sweet treats!

Edited 2022-12-20 04:18 (UTC)

I do, in fact, very much like sweets. It would mean a great deal if you were to show me such a shop. Thank you.

[And thus Huaisang begins the slow process of making connections. Connections that could become friends but at the least would be sources of information.]

(( Will laughs quietly and shakes his head. ))

I'm sorry, you're probably more concerned with where you'll be staying. But it's important to know some fun things, too! My name's Will. You can let me know when you're settled and I'll show you a few places I've found.

Oh, I agree. One can't be focused solely on business and responsibilities. That being said, I do think I have my lodgings sorted in one way or another. Once I'm settled, I will gladly look forward to seeing what you have to show me.

I don't really have many responsibilities here. Just looking after my loved ones. It's nice to have so much time with them!

What an excellent way to spend the day I would think. I'm certain looking after your loved ones is more than enough responsibility and takes up plenty of time. In my experience it can be quite time consuming. Fulfilling but time consuming.

(( Will giggles softly. ))

Most of them are dogs.

Dogs are wonderful companions. I have ... er, perhaps had ... a friend who greatly loved dogs. Unfortunately he was unable to keep them as he would have liked. He did make certain his nephew grew up with one however.

Jiang Wanyin?

Yes, that's exactly the person. Do you know him?

(( A smile broke out over Will's face and he bobbed his head a few times. ))

Oh yes! He's my very good friend!

Oh that quite good to hear. Jiang-xiong is a very good person but I don't have to tell you that of course. I am quite happy for him.

Well, I'm glad he has more friends here. He deserves that.

[That the other person would say as much told Huaisang a fair amount about his personality.]

He does indeed.

Coincidentally, I love making friends~

My recommendation would be figuring out where you're going to live first. Once you're settled somewhere then it's easy to have somewhere to go back to when you're exploring.

They told you about the refugee places, right?

[He makes sure to look friendly because hey this is a new face and he should have someone friendly to get information from.]

Yes, I was informed about such places. It's my intention to claim one of the two room apartments for the time being whilst I get my feet under me. After that, we'll see what happens. Living within the city seems the wisest choice as it would be central to almost everything.

[Population hubs were always preferable when one wanted to get a true feel for the people that surrounded them.]

I am also interested in finding a good inn or wine house if possible. One can't be focused on responsibilities all the time, of course. Oh! Also any art shops. I don't seem to have been able to bring any of my art supplies with me.

[With a little self-conscious laugh he pauses and sketches a bow which doesn't translate all that well via the handheld device.]

Please forgive me if I am over demanding. There are just so many thoughts whirling about that I must not be making much sense.

[He nods as he checks things off on his mental list. Then he shakes his head with a smile again.]

You're not. I used to work for someone much more demanding than any of this so you're fine.

I can offer Pete's as a place for you to got to for drinks. We do offer wine there along with lots of other options. So you'll be able to relax there and if I'm working at the time then I'll take care of you myself. Otherwise Vegas and Porsche will be good for it.

[Let's see, art supplies...]

I don't personally know where the art shops are but we have someone living with us who does. He did the mural at the place I recommended to you and designed the place. Right now he's the only artist I know so I can put you in touch with him if you want.

[The reassurance was welcome as he noted each of the replies. Pete's for wine and hopefully gossip.]

I would be thankful for the introduction or a name so that I might make my own introductions. I've never done anything on the scale of a mural and I would be interested in discussing technique with him, if he'd been amenable to it.

[Yet another connection with the possibility of one more. Things were off to a wonderful start.]

He's very friendly. I have a feeling you're going to be friends with him in no time at all.

[He sends over Riley's contact information.]

You can tell him I sent you. I'll make sure he gets a heads up that someone is going to be contacting him. Between me with the drinks and him for the art, you'll be well taken care of.

This is a much better start than I'd dared to hope for. Thank you once again for all your assistance. I will be in contact with your friend as soon as I see exactly where my lodgings are. And I will by your bar soon.

Again, thank you.

[He offered another bow but managed it a bit better with the device in hand this time. ]

It's honestly my husband's bar. But I'm always glad to guide people there to support him.

[Because he knows that's more than Vegas has really had before.]

I'm Pete, by the way. Yeah, he named it after me.

[That his husband named the bar after him brought a thoroughly delighted smile to Huaisang's face.]

What a wonderful thing for him to do. It sounds like you have luckily found a very romantic person to spend your life with. Would that we all could be so lucky. I look forward to making my way there soon.

He's definitely romantic in his own way.

[His own...very special way.]

We'll look forward to having you though. Is there anything you really like to drink? If we don't have it I can look for it to make sure we have it or something similar on hand.

{video: UN: Shuixian}

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LMAO I'm so sorry for this guy

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