#;m: c.alcharo

[guhamun]

@caemthe said (inbox):

When he heard that the Ghost Hounds' base was affected during a TD outbreak, he didn't have to think it twice before discussing the matter with administration and then sending two vehicles full of food rations and medics to the location to tend to the injured. He obviously went as well. The Ghost Hounds had been a great aid to the Midnight Rangers, especially with the more frequent TD attacks. If not for them, perhaps there would be more families going to Knell Square to pay their respects. So, even though the mercenary group affiliation to Jinzhou is a temporary one, it's near impossible to not see them as part of the city, just like all other citizens. "You'll have to forgive me for the delay, I came as soon as I was informed of the situation," was the first thing the general said upon arriving. He looked around, glad that the crisis was under control now, but there still was much that needed to be done. "You look close to overclocking, please take a seat, so I can treat you."

THE SITUATION AT THE base was now firmly under control, although the groans of pain from the wounded still lingered all the same. TD outbreaks came out of nowhere, and despite how he and his people were well used to situations like this considering these were a norm where they came from, one could never completely prepare for them when they did transpire. ❝Status report,❞ he spoke to one of his medics, gaze cold and tone just as frigid, nevertheless the older man was not the least bit deterred by this. Rather, they made to pull bloodied gloves from their hands, tossing them in a nearby wastebin before speaking.

     ❝There were a few casualties, but the death count is rather low.❞

     ❝How many?❞

     ❝Ten.❞

     Ten was still too many in his opinion, even if ten was indeed a low number from a logistical standpoint. Still, how unfortunate it all was. He said nothing, eyes narrowing slightly as he gazed upon the agonized breathing of one of his Ghost Hounds. The medicine they were given hadn’t settled yet, granted that he knew eventually they would either pass out from the pain or because those pills were quickly working through their system. There weren’t enough medics to tend to everyone’s hurts, but no doubt word had reached the Jinzhou about the situation. For all he knew, they were already on their way here. Turning away, he had just stepped out of the medical ward when the approach of vehicles caught his full attention. He need but offer a single glance at them to know where they were from. Though he shouldn’t be surprised to see that assistance had arrived, at the same time, he couldn’t help but feel this all the same.

     Mercenaries were disposable bodies. This was a cold truth they all knew. If any of  them died out there on a battlefield, they’d just be another corpse for the vultures. As such, aid like this was…peculiar to him. Why waste resources on outsiders that were merely hired hands? That was a question he would have asked himself had he still been new to how things worked around here. However, after staying within Jinzhou for as long as he had, he had come to learn that the people were just…like…this.

     It made no sense, really.

     Jiyan, even more so.

     ❝Your arrival is appreciated. My medics are a bit overworked at the moment, so they would be glad for the offered help.❞ His gaze slid from the General to the trucks, watching as food and supplies were already being unloaded with a speed he found rather impressive. Jiyan’s voice tugged his attention back before it lingered elsewhere for too long, his expression unreadable as he met with that unwavering gaze before a small, quiet sigh managed to slip from him. This was wholly unnecessary considering he has been on the brink many a time, but he knew there was little point in attempting to shoo the other away when he knew they would only stand firmer. Thus, without another word, he made his way over to a crate, taking a seat as was asked of him.

[guhamun]

@caemthe said (inbox):

It had started as a simple mission to investigate some ruins from a hidden research facility near the borders of Huanglong. The group dispatched for it was mostly patrollers, and a few mercenaries, mostly as a precaution in case TD had gathered there. It was supposed to be a simple mission, after all. Except that no one returned, and communication was cut. It went on like that for nearly 12h until a message was finally received. It was a weakened and fearful voice that said: ‘Please, someone save us.’ And that was the end of it. Communication couldn’t be reestablished after that. Once reinforcements were sent to the location, it soon became clear why it wasn’t going to be an easy rescue mission. Most of the floor had collapsed, revealing an underground facility that was barely hanging by a thread. Not just anyone would be able to get down there. On top of that, there were strange readings that made it impossible to guess what dangers lied ahead, and a strange level of static electricity coming from the underground facility. Jiyan felt responsible, so he said he would be going down. He expected to handle the rescue mission alone, but he couldn’t say he was surprised when he saw the mercenary leader waiting at the location. He knew that Calcharo always looked after his people. “The last and only message was received 3 hours ago. There should be at least a few survivors in the worst case scenario.”  Between the two of them, it should be a quick affair, but Jiyan could sense that something wasn’t right. But… ‘Please, someone save us.’ He would never leave anyone behind.

THE MISSION HE HAD dispatched some of his Hounds on had seemed simple enough. They were to aid the Midnight Rangers in their patrol and serve as extra protection just in case things intensified. Whenever TD were involved, one could never be certain how a situation might unravel. Thus, it had been wise of Jiyan to ask for his aid in the off chance that there might be trouble. However, what he had thought would be the case, turned out to be the opposite. Filled in on what had happened, it took no convincing for him to involve himself. Although his Hounds had volunteered to go with him, he refused to allow them to involve themselves when this was his failure to handle. The only thing he allowed from them, was to serve as backup in case the Midnight Rangers needed them. Going inside, though…that was up to him.

     Calcharo would put no other lives in danger when just his would suffice (it was easier looking after himself than multiple people anyway). Besides, Jiyan, no doubt, was already on his way to the location the distress signal had disappeared. And so, he waited. Arms crossed over his chest, he peered down that exposed underground facility, mind mulling over all the potential dangers that might be lying in wait. He wasn’t even sure if the one who sent that distress signal was still alive…or if anyone in that group was considering how long ago that last message had been. Regardless of this fact, he would see for himself what their end was…and bring back the dog tags of his men if that was what it all came down to.

     ❝You’re here.❞ Without turning to look at Jiyan, he had already known that they were present. Their footfalls, long since memorized. Turning away from sight beneath him, icy gaze came to fall upon the General’s features, his expression as solemn as his own. ❝Be prepared for whatever we encounter. I know you can sense that something isn’t quite right about this situation.❞ It was instinct that came from having to make quick decisions – of having to look five steps ahead of everyone else.

[guhamun]

@caemthe said (inbox):

[ cú ] It was a shame that the ghost hounds couldn't get information from their leader in this particular topic without being sent to run a criminal number of laps around their headquarters but, fortunately, he wasn't one of them. Sure, they might send Jianyu to run as retaliation, since they're standing next to him, but that's a sacrifice he's willing to make for the greater good. "So I heard everyone's favorite general was seen on different occasions with a man from the New Federation. On a date! Mortefi and Aalto don't really fit the description of the mystery guy, and I'm pretty sure I have ever spent time alone with Jiyan, so..." Ruby-like eyes were twinkling with mischief, the smile tugging at the sides. "Anyway, the flower arrangement you sent to his office was a nice detail. A little ominous considering the meaning behind some of those, especially since you only find them in the New Federation, but-" It was then that he paused and frowned as if he just noticed an important detail he had missed until that very moment. After a few seconds, he groaned and dragged a hand down his face. "Well, this sucks. Things are about to get real unsavory."

ARMS CROSSED, HE WATCHED as some of his more chatty Ghost Hounds were forced to run their laps. Anyone else who was remotely curious about a certain topic kept their distance and kept any questions to themselves. However, there was one individual he had little to no control over, and that was a certain wanderer who had become keen on traveling to these headquarters every now and then. ❝Jiyan would never go on a date. He’s too duty bound.❞ He most especially wouldn’t go off with some stranger he didn’t know well. Still, Calcharo was interested in knowing who said ‘mysterious stranger’ was. If it was not Mortefi or Aalto, then who else could it be? Cu wasn’t even in the equation, so he didn’t bother to even think it was them. Feeling the other’s eyes practically boring into him, he shifted his gaze over in their direction, eyes narrowing slightly. Rather than answer anything that was said, he shifted his focus to Jianyu. ❝Why aren’t you joining the others in their laps?❞ Jianyu opened his mouth to argue, but realizing this was a losing battle, groaned and turned to take his leave, albeit, not before throwing Cu a look.

     Eventually, just them and Calcharo were left – the sound of the wind blowing through nearby trees and ruffling silver flocks. ❝Are you done? Rather than gossiping, why don’t you find some other means to pass the time?❞ There was no answers given to anything that Cu brought forward, but that was to be expected of a man who hardly ever shared his thoughts with another unless given a reason to. Being prodded was not ‘good reason’, thus, he didn’t have to share anything that went on in his head. ❝I imagine the people of Huanglong have a plethora of issues they would like to have done, and since you like helping others, shouldn’t you get right on that?❞ In other words, the door for this particular conversation was officially closed.

[guhamun]

What's your role in the tragic play?

Misunderstood Villain.

prepare for an onslaught of both the most dehumanizing and hateful takes, and flood of thirst comments. you are chronically misunderstood. whether or not you're actually evil is debatable. you may be acting out for revenge, to defend someone you love, or even just to protect yourself. you're a pretty jaded person. you don't trust or even really like most people. maybe you did at one point. but that part of you is gone, and you don't go a single day without grieving it. you think a lot about what your life could have been. you're stuck in the past. you're angry and maybe you don't even want to be, but this is the only way you can see to survive. you're open, but less in a trusting way and more like a wound. you don't like to let people see you, but the hurt spills out of you before you can stop it. you're impulsive, even as you try hard to plan and prepare. maybe someday your side of the story will finally be heard. until then, you can convince yourself that being hated is safer anyway.

tagged by: @caemthe (ty liri! //////)

tagging: @visvivae, @pretty-little-teacup, @dayscorch, @soverina, @furiaei + anyone else just snatch it from me and tag me---

[guhamun]

The only n.sfw I have for this day is if your muse is the type who likes to tease and try to get their partner riled up, or acts like a brat in the bedroom, Jianyu and C.alcharo will let them have their fun for a bit so they can get their hee hee haw haws, but they're going to pay for it tenfold later on when they least expect it. They are both very patient individuals with very good memories, so they will not forget.

[guhamun]

Sometimes I stop and think about how pretty Cal is. He can kill you in 44543534 ways and most people probably don't stop to think, "wow what a beautiful guy!" considering his reputation, but he's just very aesthetically pleasing from the outfit he wears in Huanglong, his eyes, to his really long silver hair.

[guhamun]

I like the minor detail that C.alcharo is at the Moon-C.hasing festival, but only at very specific times and in a very specific place. Overlooking everything like he usually does, but not participating because I strongly believe that he does not really go into J.inzhou and tends to overlook it from a distance.

[guhamun]

@plenilunaris said (inbox):

In order to be in another's good side, one must play as per their rules. Such is the logic Jīnhsī follows after spending a moderate amount of time watching from the shadows, gathering information. And it's through the information that she had gathered that the man she would come to identify as the leader of the Ghost Hounds and the mannerisms he displays in public. If solitude is what the man prefers even in moments of jubilation and celebration, so will be the approach the lóngzhèn will take to slip by his side, hands clutching one another behind her back as she stops and throws at him a placid smile. ◜So it is you, the unknown variable I have trying to decipher all this time.◞ The reason behind her pursuit to meet this man in flesh stems from much earlier than she even began to investigate him, when she was studying the Midnight Rangers' deeds to seek anything she could do to further help them in their strife against the Tacet Discords. For that is her modus operandi, going ahead of what necessities may permeate and palliate them before they manifest. Jīnhsī has realized that unexpected results, while subtle, were brought with less help from the city when the Midnight Rangers would've otherwise needed it as per her own judgement. Which led her to make a few trips to the base on her own, and send Sanhua to inspect thereafter once she left in case there was something she missed. And with due time, it was as per her retainer's suggestion to further investigate this man that Jīnhsī conceded. To her surprise, there would come the day in which Sanhua's acute perception would bear its fruits, leading her to the missing variable she has missed. But no amount of help comes without a price, and the Lóng Maiden wouldn't have it any other way. ◜The assistance you have provided thus far to the Midnight Rangers is inestimable to Jinzhou.◞ She takes one step back to honor him with a respectful salute of her own that will linger for a few seconds by bringing one of her hands forward and close to her chest with two fingers. ◜I extend you my gratitude in its name.◞ Jīnhsī straightens and turns to have a look at the festive ambiance before them for a few calculated seconds of silence before silver eyes peer back at him. ◜If you permit me, may I ask your thoughts about the offering of an extended partnership with the Midnight Rangers? For a generous recompense in kind, of course. I shall allow you to name the price.◞ It's the least she can do to repay him retroactively for his deeds, after all.

CALCHARO NEVER PARTICUPATED IN the celebrations that took place in Jinzhou. He watched from a distance, a silent sentinel that most were not even aware looked after them. Such was what he had been paid for, after all, and he was nothing, if not dedicated to his job. The reputation of the Ghost Hounds was a varied one, but none could say that they never stuck to the conditions of their contracts, Calcharo, most especially. Despite him knowing that he was being observed and followed, he did nothing to prevent it. If anything, he was curious as to who would be courageous enough to tail him of all individuals. When he was alone with the sounds of jubilation now distant echoes, only then did he address his guest. ❝You should be more careful about who you follow.❞ Turning to look upon them, he was not at all surprised that it was she whose eyes he had felt even amongst all the chaos of festivity. No others had noticed him, the Mercenary Leader blending in with the shadows as if he belonged there, and yet during all of that, she too had been a part of those shadows herself.

     He was intrigued.

     Despite his expression giving nothing away to this fact, there was that hint of curiosity that bubbled within him as cold eyes continued to linger unwavering. The words that came from the Madam Magistrate’s lips had surprised him a little, if only because it was so…unexpected. Was that why someone as important as her was here with him? Alone, at that? To thank him? Calcharo was used to people in her position keeping their distance, only communicating through others rather than taking their chances with one who was surrounded by rumors that would make anyone intimidated to catch his gaze, let alone speak to him privately without protection present. ❝Ah…you can thank the General for that. It was he who reached out to me and convinced me to offer my aid. I just went where credits were flowing. Nothing more than that.❞ Truthfully, he did not believe that he deserved such a thing to begin with – gratitude, that is. He was not here for altruistic reasons as like most mercenaries, he only cared about what was put in his pocket.

     Huanglong paid him well, so he continued to remain for as long as the deal that was established remained upheld and respected. It was a simple, yet honest, exchange. Arms soon crossing over his chest, he paused, considering the question soon aimed in his direction. An extended contract… Heh, so that was why she, of all people, was here. Calcharo didn’t need to think too hard about what his answer might be. ❝You have my attention,❞ he replied after a moment, his head tilting back just a little. ❝Pay me what you see fit, and if I accept it, I’ll agree. If it’s too low, then no deal.❞ Was this a test of some kind? Perhaps. He wanted to see what she thought him and his people were worth. It was a cunning game, and knowing how sharp this woman was, he knew that she would more than likely be aware of it.

[guhamun]

[I love watching this video with Cal because it's so good fdsfdsfds. Makes me think of when I had to fight L.u Bu in W.o Long and if you didn't block / dodge like your life depended on it you were going to get murdered by him or his horse or both. Whenever I want to know how a character fights so I can remember how to write it, I look at a video.]

[guhamun]

[Something I really like about C.alcharo is that, despite how ruthless he is and prefers to be seen as because fear is better for business, deep down there is still softness beneath that surface in a way that most people will never be aware of. It's not something he actively chooses to acknowledge because softness in the world he came from was more detriment than anything else, but it's there in how he cares about his fellow G.host Hounds and doesn't view them as just tools to be utilized, as well as the quiet fondness he feels towards the people of J.inzhou. He's someone who has gone through it a great deal of his life in a way that you would think that would completely freeze him over, yet this hasn't. Not completely. Hope is a concept that he doesn't understand, but hope is also something that he, though may not admit it, is actively drawn to.]

[guhamun]

continued from [ x ] || @holyrisen

CALCHARO OFTEN AT LEAST announced his presence when he intended on visiting another, but if told he had to set an appointment…well…nine out of ten he would completely ignore this and bypass the whole process. The poor attendant was probably beside themselves right now with anxiety after having to deal with him and his casual disregard for anything they had said to him about Yoru being busy. As soon as he had stepped into the other’s office, no time was wasted in his approach; boots thumping heavily against the floor until it all came to an abrupt stop the moment the moment he was in front of Yoru’s desk. What words they had been about to say meant little to him, such made apparent by his hand reaching out, firmly bringing the other’s bright gaze to meet his own. Nothing was said for a time, though Calcharo’s gaze was no less intense than it had been. If anything, the slight narrow of it might as well be akin to a shout in a quiet room. ❝You have been on my mind.❞ The words were stated matter-of-factly, his tone betraying nothing in concerns to his thoughts.

     Yoru was bizarre to him for a variety of reasons, so that could have been what it was. He was nothing like the other diplomats who had hired him before, though their business was unsavory in comparison to the one in front of him. Whereas they were selfish, to say that Yoru was this in his gestures would have been a terrible attempt at character assassination. ❝Nothing about you make any sense to me. What are you hiding beneath your altruism…?❞ Calcharo said this, but he had observed them for a good long while now. Keeping up masks at all times was impossible. It would always drop out of habit, and yet Yoru was so…

     Something.

[guhamun]

Gentle people confuse C.alcharo so much, but they also fascinate him because he doesn't understand how people can be this way when all he's known is the very opposite of this. This is made worse if that person has been through various ordeals that would harden someone, but still continues to be kindhearted despite it all. For him, he feels like he will never be the person that he was -- that the one who came back from the 'dead' is a phantom of who he had been at one time. He can't be kindhearted despite having moments of being kind or sympathetic even if he doesn't see his actions as such, because for himself, he considers this a detriment with no actual benefits in the long run / can and will definitely be taken advantage of one day in some fashion or form. Thus he will do nothing to alleviate the image he garnered as being vicious or coldhearted save for little moments (like him giving V.erina those rare seeds) that only one other person, the one at the end of these rare moments, will know. If that individual said he did X thing for them just to do it, 99% of people aware of his reputation will probably not believe it anyway.

[guhamun]

Y.inlin and C.alcharo are those two muses I have that are not prone to trusting others. For Y.inlin, it's because it's her job to be wary as a slip can get her killed. That, and if she confides in someone, their life could potentially be in danger as a direct result. With Cal, on the otherhand, his upbringing, as well as what he's encountered as a mercenary, has made him just as wary and careful. However, what really sets them a part is that with Cal, you'll know where you stand with him. If he says something about himself - which is rather rare for him to do - it's honest and a sign that he trusts you enough to put that information in your hand.

With Y.inlin, this can be questionable. She could tell you a whole lot of nothing about herself and at the end of the day, you'll question whether you were told anything at all / whether she was honest as she's skilled at giving people the runaround out of necessity. Or, if there is truth in there, which statement was true, and which statement was not? This can make her come across as someone you shouldn't trust or should be careful around (she reminds me a lot of A.da Wong in R.esident Evil sometimes), which is why it's such a big deal that the R.over went along with her during her character event and why she in turn, trusts R.over.

[guhamun]

I have no energy for writing but I will ramble about C.alcharo and romance. Basically, it completely, absolutely escapes him – to no one’s surprise. He’s seen it in regards to others, but as for himself, it’s not something that has ever come to mind. Even crushes are pretty non-existent for him. He will find someone attractive physically or through their deeds / how they handle themselves, but outside of that, his interest in anyone to the extent of getting butterflies in his stomach / romantic feelings is abysmal. His lack of caring in regards to this stems towards it never being a priority more or less. He, for the most part, is always focused on his work, his Hounds, and of course, survival. As a result, anything else just doesn’t factor into his thoughts is cast aside. Thus, if he does get smacked with something, he more than likely will have a difficult time identifying what that is.

9/10 he’ll assume it’s the other attraction mentioned above: physical, or that person’s skills, and or mental fortitude impresses him. He's no stranger to being physical with someone, as exceedingly rare as those moments are due to his cautious nature, but things that involve softer affection wrought from love and care is something that he personally has not experienced or understands. Maybe he had once upon a time; however, C.alcharo doesn’t remember it, nor does he really care to remember it when it’s not important for the here and now – for the person he is now. If someone does intrigue him enough, he may ponder what he's feeling more and attempt to deconstruct it to see where his emotions lie.

[guhamun]

Was thinking about this today and got to type it out of my brain but like -- as much as C.alcharo can be alone and still thrives pretty well on his own, he doesn't like being alone. It's what he has become used to as a result of being basically on his own as a child, but just because someone becomes used to something, doesn't mean it's something they enjoy. The Underdogs were basically like family to him, and after being on his own for so long, there was probably some comfort in being able to rely on others as well as them relying on him. His G.host Hounds mean a great deal to him because in a way, they too are like family. If something happened to them like what went on with the Underdogs, he'd keep going but it'd be painful / he might be less privy to being around others.

[guhamun]

One of the most trusting things that C.alcharo can do aside from letting someone touch him, is sleeping near them, and staying asleep when that individual moves. It’s so simple, but for someone like him, that denotes a great deal of trust. He is an extremely light sleeper out of habit, so the slightest sound tends to wake him with his hand auto moving to the hilt of his blade as he often always sleeps with it nearby. However, when he’s somewhere safe / feels safe with someone, he’ll be more prone to not waking as quickly as he knows you won’t harm him, and you’ll have his back.