farsickooc | test drive meme #2

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*test drive meme

test drive meme #2

SCENARIOS

01. Settling In

It's been a couple of days since you have arrived and once the fatigue from that multiversal travel has been fixed there is a town that you should probably get acquainted with. At least well enough that you don't get lost every time you venture away from the inn where you are likely staying for the time being.

Down the narrow streets to the south where most newcomers first enter Gazin, the tradespeople have set up their shops. Armourers, blacksmiths, bowyers and carpenters can all be found there, as well a few shady types who cannot pass up the advantage of ripping off an unsuspecting person.

Heading east, one can find the two apothecary shops, a bakery, a herbarium, seamstress and shoemaker. There is also a medical clinic set up and is equipped to care for anything up to moderate injuries.

The northern part of town is the district that most people tend to avoid. It's smelly and dark and trouble lurks in every corner. It's hard not to get an uneasiness that feels like someone is watching you. If asked, most civilians will explain why it is called The Devil's Mouth.

In the west district, it is bright and cheerful and generally happy. Music and celebration seem to happen twice daily, every day of the week with Saturday being the loudest. During that day, the marketplace comes to life with vendors selling their fresh food or wares. In the evening, there's typically a firework show and maybe a drunken fistfight or two that ends with more drinking and some laughter. Sometimes, but not often, trouble from the northern district trickles into the west. Those slow festivities but not for long.

02. Exploring

You have heard people talk about the places beyond Gazin and now you find yourself itching to get out and see them. Be it Vasari Forest or Roselake, you and your trusty legs (or horse) plan to be gone for a week or more. One must always be cautious of the dangers while travelling, however. Bandits and rogue soldiers often cannot pass up the chance to take what isn't theirs. There are also creatures and monsters hiding in wait to curiously check you out or worse, hunt you for their next human-shaped meal.

But, that's all part of the adventure! Take someone along with you and maybe some weapons, too. Make sure one is made of silver.

03. Quest

The Druid known as Bhalris has contracted you to head into the Oren Mountains to find and pass a message along to the dwarf known as Brazmas Steelbelly. What Bhalris doesn't exactly explain is where Brazmas can be found, only giving approximate directions to a certain landmark where a series of clues will be revealed that start an interesting, though perhaps frustrating adventure.

Pay attention to the white raven and other animals along the way. They may be there to help with your journey. How do you tell them apart from the other wildlife that may or may not be dangerous? You can't.

Good luck!

04. Celebration

Impromptu parties are quite the norm in Gazin and it doesn't matter what the occasion is or who it is for. There's music, plenty of drink, dancing and good times to be had.

Let loose and have some fun!

05. Wild Card!

Want something else? Feel free to choose your own adventure or mix and match to create something completely different!

NAVIGATION

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[ A small mercy, to have his touch be accepted. But how much longer until the world crashes down on his head again? It's only a matter of time before Xingchen learns who he is. Who he really is.

But not having his hand go through the other's wrist is a blessing, too. This is real. Or a trick - but he's not seen many of those here. Monsters are more straight-forward here. At the reluctant agreement, he lets out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, and lightly squeezes the captured wrist before tugging again to encourage the taller man to follow. ]

He will! We - the three of us - lived together when you were here before. A- ...He won't be angry I'm bringing you home with me.

[ 'A-Lan' almost slipped out, how he's grown used to calling Song Lan. A familiarity that would give...a lot away. ]

[ Xingchen faces monsters, demons, spirits and the like without a tremble in his hand. The thought of seeing Song again, however, terrifies him. It isn't because he doesn't long to hear his voice, it's not that he doesn't think he deserves to be confronted, but it still hurts. No matter how much blame Xingchen accepts, the pain doesn't fade.

So, it makes little sense. As he's lead through an alien world, his confusion intensifies. Xue Yang has spent enough time around Xingchen to know how easily he's fooled so it's a harsh contrast to his doubt now. ]

I don't understand how that's possible. I... I've done very wrong by him.

[ The same thought is shared with Xue Yang when he thinks of when he'll tell Xingchen who he is. Last time...everyone else had done it for him. For now though, he has the delight and joy of gently guiding the blind man through the city, around any obstacle. Of getting to help him, even if it's not really necessary. He doesn't answer for a while, warring with himself how to break the horrible news.

When he's seated? They haven't left the old apartment yet, since the new house doesn't have a roof yet and he wants Zichen to rest peacefully and comfortably. So it's to his soon-to-be-ex employer's warehouse that he takes Xingchen. ]

Up a few steps, Daozhang...we're home! Well, until the house is finished. I'll describe it to you later!

[ The help is appreciated, even if Xingchen has a lot of practice moving around the world without the help of his eyes. Steps, particularly, can be tricky.

They make it inside without incident, and Xingchen claims the seat Xue Yang offers him. ]

You've been here long enough to build a house?

[ The smile comes as easily as ever. He's doing well for himself. It's good to know that he's building a better life than he had in Yi city. Xingchen found happiness there because of his companions, and he was fine with the little they had. Still, to hear how well his friend is doing in this new world warms his heart. ]

You've settled in well.

[ Xiao Xingchen has always impressed him - the grace, the skill, just how well he's adapted to life without sight...Kindness. Generosity.

Xue Yang loves his smile and laughter. He's missed it. He'd almost gone mad when Xingchen vanished, only Song Lan had managed to calm him down. And again, when Wen Qing had vanished - they'd wasted no more time to get married, then to start building a house. Marks of permanence to cling to.

The question has him smile giddily, giving the write a gentle squeeze. ]

I have a job here - so does Daozhang Song, but I'm probably going to find a new one soon. [ Only because it upsets his poor Zichen so much when he comes home wounded.

He fusses a little, making sure Xingchen is comfortable before plopping down near him, smile fading as he braces himself. ]

...I have. Daozhang...I...what I'm about to tell you will upset you, and I'm sorry. I'm...sorry for a lot of things.

[ It's going to come out anyway. Best do it himself, right? For once, he can tell Xingchen who he is, himself. ]

My name...is Xue Yang. I've done a lot of horrible things. I don't do that anymore. Daozhang Song...helps me in doing better.

[ Xingchen prepares himself, unsure of what he's about to hear. If his friend injured? Is Zichen hurt? What has happened while Xingchen has been out of contact with the two of them?

My name is Xue Yang.

It doesn't make sense. It's a name Xingchen is well acquainted with. They were enemies. Once, he'd wanted to help the man turn a new leaf, but the hatred had been so strong that the only answer was to turn him over to the other sects so that he couldn't keep causing havoc.

Why is that name coming from the mouth of his friend? A man he spent years building a life with? A man that has become near and dear to his heart? Xingchen isn't stupid, he knows this isn't meant to be another Xue Yang.

The confusion is too strong for him to process it for a moment. His mouth opens, but it's another few seconds before he speaks. ]

I don't understand.

[ He understands, but he wants to hear he misunderstands. ]

[ I don't understand. Xue Yang doesn't dare look away or close his eyes - is it better to watch as the trust vanishes from that precious face? Or look away and pretend...? ]

I'm sorry. I took advantage of you...before.

[ Eventually he pulls Jiangzai from his back and sets it in Xingchen's lap. Proof, and disarming himself, as he follows it up by placing his dagger beside the sword. ]

I...promised you before. It's a promise I still try to honor, Daozhang...A promise to do no harm here. You can ask Daozhang Song when he gets home.

He's...been teaching me. Been very kind...

[ A breath of a laugh shakes his shoulders. ]

I still don't understand how he can be so kind after all I've done to you both. But he is.

[ Hands feel along the hilt of the sword, his head shaking. That's impossible. This is impossible. This has gone from some kind of dream to a nightmare. The voice belongs to a precious friend, but it's saying those cruel words.

The sword falls as Xingchen stands, his head shaking. This is still impossible. They've spent years together. They built a life together. ]

That's impossible. Xue Yang... He wouldn't have shown me that kindness.

[ He hates them. ]

He wouldn't have shown Zichen that kindness. He...You?

[ Xingchen isn't weak of heart, but this is one area in which he falters. ]

[ He hates watching Xingchen shake like this. Because of him again. His fingers clench in rough fabric at his knees, twisting, agitated. Then he jerks up when the other man stands, Jiangzai forgotten as it clatters to the ground. ]

Daozhang - ! I...I didn't know what kindness was, before you showed me. You taught me. How to be kind. No one had ever done that for me before! You are kind just because that is who you are. That - it... [ He blows out a frustrated breath. ]

You are a rare man, Xiao Xingchen. [ Quieter. Softly. It hurts, but he wouldn't wish for Xingchen to vanish ever again. ]

So generous to strangers. You showed me how to be kind. You showed me so much. Both in Yi City and here. So when Daozhang Song came...and you didn't...send me away...I...we have forged a...friendship.

[ To put it so very mildly. He has to bare himself to this man again, he realizes that now. He hesitantly reaches out to try and tug Xingchen back down to sit. ]

I will never hurt you again. I will take Jiangzai and run myself through if you ask me to. I-I would take my own eyes out and give them to you if it helps.

[ How can the man he's learned to know and Xue Yang be one in the same? How can the kind stranger turned friend share the same body as the man who mercilessly slaughtered so many innocent people?

Xingchen feels the tug, but he shakes his head and backs away. He's disgusted with himself for having conflicting feelings at all. He knows the kind of man Xue Yang is.

Was?

He doesn't know that he's this man tricked him into killing so many other people. If he did, this would be even more difficult, the self-hatred even stronger. But isn't he the hypocrite? Even considering it knowing all of the lives Xue Yang has taken?

As if Xingchen's own hands are clean. ]

Zichen - Zichen has really forgiven you?

[ If Zichen can forgive him, when surely Zichen has been hurt the most, does it really mean Xue Yang has changed? What does it mean if he has? Should redemption mean nothing? Is punishment so much better than change?

What of their time in Yi City? The talks, their casual chores, the cooperation, the late nights spent by a warm fire? To Xingchen's knowledge, Xue Yang hasn't harmed anyone in that time. He's even helped in Xingchen's night hunts. ]

Was it all a trick?

[ Before Xue Yang can answer one question, Xingchen asks another. ]

Did you plan to kill me?

[ Mock him? Laugh at the lonely man who took so easily to a wounded drifter? ]

[ The refusal lances into his heart. But he doesn't push it. His hand drops listlessly back to his side as he shudders, shoulders slumping in misery. He'd done it again. Hurt someone so precious to him.

Deserved.

He doesn't deserve Xiao Xingchen's affection, much less love or trust. He doesn't deserve Zichen, either, and yet that Daozhang had married him.

Forgiveness? Breath escapes him explosively. ]

I haven't asked to be forgiven. I don't deserve it.

[ He sinks down to the ground. Discarded just like Jiangzai. Just like his dagger. It's where any dog deserves to be.

But he doesn't look away, even then, neck craning to keep watching the angel who's stalked his dreaming and waking moments.

He takes another breath. ]

But he has been...teaching me. He showed me my core, and his core. Has been teaching me to control my emotions, to better use my core. I'm...calmer. Thanks to him.

W-what do you want me to do, Daozhang? You can stab me. I won't harm you ever again. But I won't leave, either, not unless you tell me to.

[ And then those questions are asked and he makes a pained noise, one hand lifting to reach for Xingchen...only to drop back to the ground where he digs fingers into his thighs. ]

No! You - you healed me - you...saved me...I was...

I wasn't well. I did horrible things and...if I could go back, I would change...so much.

I-I will do anything you tell me to do...I don't care.

[ He wants to believe him. He doesn't want to believe him. There's a very real war going on inside of Xingchen. Xue Yang has done so many things, killed so many people. Do their lives simply get erased? Do their deaths not matter? Yet, what alternative does Xingchen wish to achieve? Does he want Xue Yang to die? Would that return a single life lost? Imprisoned? It would assure there wasn't more blood on those hands, but if he's really changed, hasn't that reduced the risk of violence?

It's all so confusing. The feelings he developed for his mysterious friends are real. The laughter, the delight, the gratitude he felt to have the man by his side. In those years, to Xingchen's knowledge, he hasn't resorted to his own ways. Now, to hear Zichen has been working with him, even with Zichen being the one who was hurt the most... ]

If...if what you say is true, I don't seek your death, Xue Yang.

[ Even those words are foreign on Xingchen's tongue, but he can easily hear himself say an alternative to the man who was by his side in Yi City:

It would pain me to lose you.

How can both of those things be true at the same time? ]

All I'd wanted was for you to turn your back on your ways.

[ To spot killing people. ]

Now, you say you have? And Zichen has seen it?

[ Xingchen has seen it.

While veiled in doubt, there's an opening, an offering in there, a relenting. Xingchen isn't sure how he'll handle the information, but it's not immediate rejection. ]

I can't...change what I did...Daozhang...I can't return any of the lives I took... [ His voice vibrates with regret and pain. Quietly, but there's painful honesty in his tone.

'I don't seek your death, Xue Yang.' His breath huffs out in a gasp and he wipes quickly at his face, shaking himself but forces himself not to leap up, to grab for Xingchen. ]

I have! You can ask anyone here! When I feel the need to kill, I tell Daozhang and we either hunt beasts together, or if he's not around, I find a lesser one to go after myself. Or I try meditation, but it's always more successful when he's with me.

[ There's actual pride as he speaks of his accomplishments. Of sitting on his violent tendencies or getting help when he needs it. ]

When I came here, I had Jiangzai, my dagger, and my Stygian Tiger Seal - I gave all three to you - you before, we came at the same time - when you found out who I am.

You gave me the first two back after making sure I was being honest in wanting to stay by your side without hurting anyone. [ That and the fact he kept getting hurt because of dangerous job and being unarmed during it was just plain stupid. ]

I haven't looked for where the Seal was put, it hasn't shown up.

[ This is actually the first time in months since he's even thought about the seal. ]

Daozhang...you showed me how to be kind...no one else had bothered before. Then Daozhang Song showed me more. I don't need Demonic Cultivation. I have so many reasons not to Cultivate like that any more.

[ If Xue Yang speaks the truth, there should be pride. Unfortunately, it's also true that the past can never be undone. How many times did he wish for Zichen's clan to be revived while knowing it could never happen, not in a safe or humane way? They both have to live with the burden of their pasts.

If he's doing good here? Now? Would it be better to have him dead than to have those he could help receive his aid?

He'd lied to him for years. Xue Yang didn't confess his identity before they met here. In a twisted, likely too-empathetic way, Xingchen understands. He was injured, needed aid, and assumed he would be turned away should his name be known. Yet, he didn't leave after, but he also made no move to harm him or A-Qing, either. Instead, he'd been their partner. Xue Yang claims Xingchen showed him kindness he hadn't known before. Wasn't it human to want to receive that kindness?

Still shaking, he finally sits back down. It's a complicated story. ]

I ask that you don't lie to me again. Trust isn't something that can be repaired so easily once it's broken.

[ Xue Yang said he would do anything. These are the only way Xingchen can see for them to move forward. ]

You've been doing well not to hurt anyone, but we've done things we can't undo. It won't be penance, but we can do good in this world. Fight by my side.

[ Even here, Xingchen will continue to help people. ]

If you truly will do anything, that's what I ask. In return, I promise to keep giving kindness even now that I know who you are.

[ His lips part to speak, then press together. Part...close. A war is waged within Xue Yang at the request. He wants immediately to agree whole-heartedly.

But there are secrets he keeps...in an effort to keep those few he cares about safe. Desperate to keep Xingchen alive - that desperation hasn't changed.

Eventually he sighs, sitting back on his heels. And it's easier to answer the request to fight at Xingchen's side, so that is what he focuses on first. ]

I don't want to hurt anyone. [ Utter honesty. He hasn't even had the urge to do more than glare at people sometimes. ] Not any more. No one here. And I want to fight at your side. There is a great deal of need for it, because of the monsters all over.

[ He smiles softly, gaze warm at the promise. ]

I can be good to you now, Daozhang. I know better how. I want to show you - I...

[ 'Don't lie to me again' nudges him to pause. And then shift gears back to what is truth and what is a lie by omission. ]

You can ask me anything. If you ask...I will tell you the truth. But Daozhang...if there is a truth I would rather you not know...can I...ask not to have to answer? It would only be to...try to...keep you safe. To keep A-Lan safe...

[ A truth he should offer up though. Especially since he finally slipped up. But his voice is so very quiet when he continues. ]

We...Daozhang Song and I...got married here...last month. He asked what I wanted for...the future...our future here...and said yes when I asked him to marry me. I love him, and he loves me. But we also...love...you.

Xue Yang.

[ It feels so odd to use the name for someone he considers a friend. In spite of that, it's no good to run from the truth. If they truly did have a chance at shifting their relationship, it has to be without pretense. ]

Thank you for wanting to keep me safe, but I'm not someone who can't handle the truth.

[ Xingchen can say that without a doubt because he doesn't know the severity of what he's done. Should he know, Xue Yang's worry would likely come to fruition.

Perhaps it's a blessing for them both when Xue Yang mentions his relationship with Zichen. It's certainly a distraction. ]

Married?

[ They've gotten that close? How much time have they spent here, away from their world? The relationship is deeper than Xingchen anticipated. His feelings are too hard to identify.

The last confession certainly doesn't clarify anything.

The pause assures he can find the right words to express how he feels. Xingchen has certainly felt those emotions for Zichen, and it would be a lie to say something hadn't developed for Xue Yang when they were living together in Yi City. However, it's not as easy as he wishes it could be. ]

If you and Zichen are happy, then I am happy for you.

[ Happiness is one of the emotions he feels. ]

As for my place in the relationship... [ His lips thin. ] Zichen and I parted with a lot of pain. I haven't seen him for years. The relationship you and I built... some of it was built with pieces I didn't know existed.

[ It's his confession that there was a relationship, that something did exist for both men. ]

I would like to get to know Zichen again, and to learn about the changed Xue Yang.

[ He feels his face flush at the thanks, and then pales when Xingchen declines the protection. Saying he can handle the truth. Xue Yang digs fingers into his thighs to hold silent against the flash of memory. Of a sword slicing tender flesh.

Followed by a sickening thud of a body to the ground. He watches Xingchen unhappily until the questioning moves on.

Then he relaxes again. Pain easing to warmth unbidden, even a shy smile teases at his lips as he thinks about the day he'd married Zichen.

Xingchen...happy for them. If they're happy. And then the confession has him jerk to his feet, though he stops himself from stepping close again. Only plops back in the chair he'd left a little bit ago.

He doesn't quite dare fling himself at the precious man as he had before. It's enough (or so he tells himself) that Xingchen isn't running away. It's enough he's not trying to stab him again. ]

You will see! He's not upset with you. I want - yes. You should. We won't force you just - let us...stay near? We've missed you.

[ Hope. That's what that confession lights in his heart. ]

Will you stay here with us? There's space, and you will see...there is nothing false about...any of this.

[ Will he stay? How much of his decision is emotional and how much is logical? Proximity means he can assure Xue Yang has really changed, and it's much easier than finding his place in this world alone. He can, he even has in some ways, but if they're all here, does there need to be such distance.

Still, it's also true that he wants to be near Zichen and the man who'd become his friend back in Yi City. Along with A-Qing, he was the thing that made life not so lonely. Even if Xingchen was fine accepting his punishment as an outcast, he's human, he doesn't want to isolated and hidden away.

They're married. Would he be a burden to a married couple? Obviously, there are some moments they should be allowed to have in private as a married couple. In spite of that, doesn't it really sound like they'd be happy if he stayed? Xingchen is modest and he holds no small amount of self-hatred for what he's done with Song, but he's not so self-hating that he thinks no one can enjoy his presence.

Finally, slowly, he nods. ]

If it really won't be too difficult for the two of you. Thank you, Xue Yang.

[ Proximity means nothing can be hidden. Xue Yang is much freer with affection and genuine delight just in living now. The villagers like him well enough, don't cause problems. It's only monsters or bandits that get the taste of his steel.

And he doesn't like the idea of Xingchen facing this world alone. He never has.

The eventual nod of agreement has him let out a breath, rather explosively, of relief. He could easily sob for joy, and another tear slides down his face - this time ignored as he draws in a shaky breath. But his smile is bright again. ]

No. It won't be difficult at all. [ His voice sounds tight with emotion. ]

N-! Daozhang! I am the one who should be thanking you! You're...giving me another chance. It means more than you...might realize.

[ So much more. ]

I can't ask that you change if I refuse to give you the chance.

[ Xingchen has killed before, even those outside of the manipulation, so it isn't as if he doesn't think there's a punishment that requires death. However, if someone can be reformed and they're never given the chance, it's possible that it would be a deprivation to the world around them. Xue Yang is powerful, and he can do a lot of good with that power.

Another side is more emotional, more vulernable. It's harder to kill Xue Yang now that he knows the person has also been a dear friend to him for years. It's a friend that would be painful to lose, though he's willing to do what it took if it came to that. Xingchen doesn't want it to come to that. This Xue Yang... he wants it to be real. It helps that Zichen really may have seen the change himself.

Reaching out, a hand lands on Xue Yang's shoulder. Though it takes a moment, his aim is uncanny considering his condition. ]

But please, don't prove me wrong.

[ For both of their sakes. ]

Because you are good and generous.

[ Affection and awe lace Xue Yang's voice. Along with honesty. That's how Xue Yang sees him, now that he's no longer quite so bitter and angry. Gazin has been a place of healing for this delinquent.

He hardly dares to breath, let alone move, when Xingchen reaches for him then rests a hand on his shoulder. His eyes grow wide and he waits. And the plea...he swallows heavily then tips his head to press his cheek to that precious hand. ]

I won't. I won't let you down ever again. But if I fail...I will disarm myself and face whatever justice you decide for me. Any punishment, I will accept it from you and A-Lan.

[ He won't fail. ]

[ A simple nod confirms that he would be forced to act should Xue Yang fail, but there's also something else that's true. ]

Xue Yang... If you've truly changed, in honor of the friendship we built even under deception, I don't wish to have to stop you.

[ So, selfishless, the plea was for him as much for Xue Yang. ]

This world. It can be a new beginning in many ways.

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test drive meme #2

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