#〉ugly facts of a fate torn apart〈 — ≋ ⌜he xuan headcanon⌟

[queensconquest]

INSIDE THE MUSES’ MINDSCAPES

Naturally  this  will  be  a  LONG  post  ,  so  the  descriptions  shall  be  placed  under  a  read  more  so  i  don’t  take  up  the  entirety  of  the  dash.  Essentially  however  ,  these  are  the  landscapes  of  each  muse’s  mind.  Meaning  that  if  you  /  your  muse  were  to  step  inside  my  muse’s  mind  (  and  not  just  a  memory  )  ,  this  is  the  scenery  that  would  greet  them. Each  muse  will  be  bolded  &  in  caps  for  theoretically  easier  looking  if  you  want  to  find  a  specific  muse’s  mindscape  ,  but  when  in  doubt,  ctrl + f  also  works  to  navigate.  I didn’t do any of my request muses, but if you’d like to see theirs, you’re welcomed to say for me to in my ask and I will! Or if you’re also curious about why a muse’s mindscape is how it is, I can elaborate there too!

Please enjoy and thank you for reading any of the ones you do, I hope you like them!

HORN SKULD - Stepping into her mind is stepping into a medieval-esque garden. There are rows of shrubs and carefully tended plants, flowers always in their prime and a beautiful fountain in the middle of the garden area that beckons for one to sit. There is a calm elegance to it that is refreshing to the soul. Birds sing in the flowering trees somewhere and the temperature is neither too hot nor is it too cold, but the perfect temperature with a gentle breeze every now and again. You feel content here.

BYAKKOMARU -  It is a location that the demon himself is not entirely sure where it came from (in truth it came from forgotten memories of his life as a human). Sunlight fills a perfect spot near a crystal clear river that soon turns into a waterfall. Peering over the cliff edge reveals a hidden city below. It’s name does not come to mind, yet the heart knows the necessity to protect it. Or at least what is inside it; those that hold value to the tiger. It is a sanctuary and a safe place that he will not allow any threat to enter, because to access it you must cross the demon himself. A fierce protectiveness burns in your chest.

BASTEYA IRCLU -  Rather than a stagnant location, Basteya’s main space is that of a Great Western Railway Hall class locomotive in the passenger cars. There’s no one else on board, yet whenever one wants for something, it is there. But rarely is focus within the comfortable passenger train. The focus is outside, which often displays various places that Basteya has been and where he wishes to go again or is frequently thinking about. However, when accessing his memories, the outside of the train turns from landscapes to ‘ previews ‘ of the memories till it stops at where he wants. It makes you want to travel and explore.

CHROLLO LUCILFER - Chrollo’s shifts a bit from time to time. But often his landscape is foggy. Sometimes one will find themselves outside on a path that leads deeper into the fog. One may occasionally pass through gardens or graveyards on the way through the winding path, or even occasionally through the streets. Other times, one may find themselves standing atop towering buildings gazing at the city lights below shining through the dreary weather, idly watching. The other occasional place is a gothic cathedral with ornate stained glass windows and rows of empty pews. Outside of the fog obscures the rest of the world, and somewhere music occasionally drifts softly. The wood creaks in greeting if you sit down. Yet no matter what place you find yourself at, there’s always the sensation that there’s something you need to find, something that slips through your fingers. A vague sense that you are something else in this landscape, a wandering ghost that never quite can settle.

KALLUTO ZOLDYCK -  His shifts and changes with age and moments. Often, it is like standing atop black water. It is dark above and dark below, but you never fall nor get wet. Each step however sends ripples across an invisible surface. Sometimes there is an item or figure in the distance ; most often Kikyo or Illumi ( and later the Troupe) and sometimes there’s a cherry blossom tree nearby, petals fluttering around gently in an unfelt breeze. Climbing up the tree offers safety, and climbing to the top reveals a beautiful star riddled sky full of endless possibilities. But do not look behind you from where you appear, or the shadows might latch on and threaten to drag you down.

SUWA - The first thing that registers is how cold it is inside his mind. It is a frigid cold and there’s a sense of heaviness in the air, like a weight pressed down on one’s shoulders. A glance around reveals a person standing up to the top of their ankles in blood extending as far as the eye can see  — which isn’t far because of how dark it is. A pitch black darkness that surrounds everything, other than for a single white star high above like light seen from the bottom of the well. But no amount of reaching or walking every brings it closer. Wandering around only brings more horrors from piles of corpses to items floating on the surface of the blood like a hairpin or ruined stuffed animal rabbit. And somewhere deep inside there’s something roaring and chains straining - but nothing ever comes beyond the increasing feeling that you should not be here.

LUCIFER - Fittingly the most celestial appearance of all the mindscapes. Here one is surrounded by dazzling displays of the universe, of galaxies and nebulas. Here one is neither floating nor standing, but existing with everything wrapped around you and an ability to contort and shift the space into whatever one wishes for it to be. There is endless possibilities and no restrictions in this space. Only the freedom to do as one wills. Occasionally the space may take a specific scene if it is willed, but often it is beautifully abstract, where stardust spills through fingertips. It is an overwhelmingly inspiring and freeing spot to be. You feel invigorated.

FENRIR -  It is a snowy landscape with harsh winds that threaten to knock one over. But no matter where one turns, there is nowhere and nothing in sight, but there’s only a sense of resignation to this fact. Around the clearing are tall pine trees covered and snow, and every now and again there is the sound of his mother singing. But the cold hurts.  It  makes all the scars on the body ache, and a chain keeps coiling itself around your ankle no matter how many times you unwrap it and throw it away. If one walks far enough, they may eventually stumble upon a cave, and going inside there it is a fire to help warm your fingers, but it is fueled by hatred. It is not hard to fuel when the gods faces are carved into the wall and makes the hate twist inside your chest. 

STHENO - It’s a rough, jagged cliffside where lightening flashes through the sky and it rains. Danger is never far from each step that one takes while navigating the perilous landscape, although there are a few spots of safety that one can settle down in comfortably. But even then, dangerous is not so far removed as to be forgotten. Here there’s nothing  that offers comfort, but your heart beats in rhythm with the storm. In the distance you can see water tornados reaching from the black clouds to the raging ocean. Anger bleeds into the air and you can feel it trying to wrap around you.

RUFUS LOHR - Opening your eyes here reveals a sprawling library unfolding before your eyes. It extends forever as far as you can see, consisting of multiple levels and filled to the brim with various books. From where you stand on the top layer, you can see the the floors below. Books shuffle and move here and there, pens write in blank pages by an unseen force, and sunlight filters into the warm oak rows. It’s peaceful and enchanting. If you walked away from this main platform, you think you could happily be lost among the rows and rows of books. Stars are painted onto the high ceilings to mimic the night sky and every now and then there’s a gentle recitation of a poem from an unknown speaker who’s voice is always perfect for the piece. It brings out the inner bookworm.  

JACKAL - Open landscapes of the savanna lay sprawling out around everywhere, but ruins jut out from the ground here and there. In the distance smoke trails from an unseen source of destruction, and the scent carries. But it is not suffocating- rather it is an almost comfort. There is a need to move , to do something. Sometimes a figure appears, encourage mischief or chaos, the hunt. After a long day, the warm sun and sound of grass blowing is rather relaxing.

LING WEN - It is a small house, nothing elaborate or extravagant. And yet, it is clearly loved. There are poems written on napkins and small sheets of papers, stories in the works with half-filled journals, and books with pages well worn. High quality inks and papers lay waiting next to a fire that chases away the cold. Outside, winter blizzards blow and howl angrily, refusing to let anyone dare to come close to the lone house. But none of those harsh winds or heavy snows threaten the sanctity of the home. It is calm and quiet other than the crackling of the fire in the fireplace. At will, music may start but otherwise, it remains calm and undisturbed. It is cozy, a place full of passion that remains hidden from the rest of the world. After all, the weight of work demands priority. Yet this dust-free abode of the place indicates a still thriving passion in this harsh existence.

HE XUAN -  Most often, it is unsurprising to find themselves underwater within his mind. Yet there is no struggle to breath, no panic. Nothing but a sense of steady calm and the gentle sound of the waves above and fish of thoughts swimming around. At times, one may sit on the sandy shores and simply observe the dark skies- but if they’re clouds or the night sky is hard to tell. At least until feelings of pain or anger surge forth and the waves crash against you over and over again, dragging you into turbulent waters while thunder echoes in your ears. Down to the dark parts of the ocean, no matter how you fight the shadows tug and age old wounds bleed. But, sometimes it is you who flees into the shadows that hold you close and mute the noise of the world away. The ocean does not like to give up what it holds. Not even you.

THOTH - When one opens their eyes, they will find themselves staring down into a bright blue pond in a verdant oasis in the middle of the desert. Yet it is not the sun in the sky but a bright and full moon that is closer than it is in real life. It bathes everything in a soft, silver light and you can’t help but to sit down and enjoy the moment. Ibis stand at the edges of the water but they neither bother nor are bothered by your presence. A small temple stands a short distance away, visibly full of books and scrolls and the soft glow of lanterns. If you go there, you will find answers. But for now you just enjoy the moment. 

SEKHMET -  It is a dangerous feat to try to enter into her mind. Depending on what part of her is in control, the landscape can drastically differ. When she is slaughtering for Ra or the pharaohs, rivers of blood pour through the desert valleys. The skies bleed red and orange and vultures circle high above the battlefield. It smells of death and slaughter, and war drums pound somewhere in the distance, urging to continue the bloody feast and to devour meat and wine. Sometimes one is standing in the sand, other times one stands at the city walls, ready for the slaughter. Other times, the scenery is drastically different. Lighting fills the temples, and songs fill the air before a table of meats and red alcohols. Sometimes people appear to tell and act out stories before her. Another section of the temple is full of medical herbs and a calming atmosphere few often attribute to the goddess. There are also many sealed boxes. Instinctively, you know you should not touch them.

NAGARE HISUI -  His space resembles that out of the sci-fi genre. Screens full of information and data points, games, lists to do. Many of the screens are green or blue, and all appear before a gigantic tree that resembles that of the JUNGLE clan’s symbol. The tree is taller than you can see the top of, and one feels like a baby ant next to it. But  luckily it is distant so as to not be too overwhelming. Turning around however reveals the small room of the JUNGLE headquarters main area that is the same here as it is in life. Often those close to him are present, offering him insight. On very rare occasions however, this scenery may be traded for sitting atop the rooftop of Mihashira Tower at night, while all the city below is alive  and vibrant with colors and nightlife. It summons a feeling of change and optimism for the future - a desire for change.

YUKARI MISHAKUJI -  For the fascination of the beauty angel in vivid beauty, his mind is quite calm. Often the place most commonly depicted is a stone bench in a japanese garden in blossom. A mini-waterfall trickles softly over the rocks, and vibrant colored koi fish swim in the water with elegant grace. A tea set sits at a table, ready to be poured, and a set of calligraphy brushes and fresh paper sit in an elegant gold and black box to the side.  Often the sounds of guqin and/or flute music fill the air alongside the sound of birds. Sometimes there are guests, sometimes it is just him. It’s a peaceful, beautiful space with the skies painted pink and purples with the setting suns and the stars just starting to shine. On a rare occasion, this may be traded for relaxing on a boat drifting through a river of memories under a starry sky. It is always so beautiful and it hurts to look away.

AARAVOS - Rather surprisingly, his mindscape is not somewhere new or historic or fantastical or abstract. It’s almost an exact replica of his prison within the mirror. He does not mind it. Here there are books and places to wander, there is chess and a fireplace and comfort to relax in. The only difference is an apple tree in one corner of the room, towering and full of gold-colored apples he occasionally plucks.  He doesn’t need to escape or alter anything from reality or his mind. Yet even should he one day escape from his current prison, his mind will likely still choose to host the scenery of that familiar space. It is more of a home than any other place he has lingered. 

[queensconquest]

𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 (may be updated)

NETHER WATER MANOR- The main location of his domain and where He Xuan is most often found (if not swimming in the waters). It’s a large and elaborate palace, with a long staircase to ascend before reaching the front doors. As noted in the novel, it is extremely complex with a vast array of large and small rooms. Most of them are simply there for decorum and are left untouched. He Xuan mainly sticks between his room, the kitchen, and a very large library. Ming Yi was also contained in one of the large rooms and a few small rooms near the back for much of his time and they have remained how he had them. It is not as though He Xuan needs all the space.

As for the interior of the Manor itself, it is quite dark. Much of it is black or deep blues that are accented with gold, silver, or white. It’s clean and well-kept regardless of the room, everything rather exquisite and breathtaking but impersonal beyond He Xuan’s bedroom (located near the heart of the manor) and the library which contains countless shelves as well as desks and lots of He Xuan’s writings and maps of his territory.

THE WATERS -  The famous black waters that drag down countless shapes and creatures that have entered its waters. They are bone-chillingly cold at all times and always retain the pitch black color. However, for He Xuan and the entities in the water, they can see just fine in the waters. Excluding coffins, the waters will drag anything that touches its surface, living or nonliving, down towards The Deep. If even a drop of the water touches you/an item, the whole ocean will react and surge to claim it. The more one struggles and panics, the faster one will sink. The air above the water is also carefully monitored, and any flying will immediately earn hostile attention unless the one doing so has been exempted by He Xuan.

He Xuan spends a significant amount of time simply swimming or floating beneath the surface here. Here the young or grown but not yet ancient bone fish, dragons, and various other entities exist. Some are more hostile than others, but all are deadly. There are sections of ground beneath where things can occasionally get trapped or stop before they reach The Deep, but it is still extremely difficult to escape but not as impossible as The Deep.

THE DEEP - The place where everything that the waters drag down comes to rest for all eternity unless He Xuan moves it. There’s temples, weapons, lost items and knowledge, and countless skeletal remains. The waters down here are especially aggressive and ruthless and freezing in temperature. It is pitch black beyond the bioluminescence of some creatures and any light He Xuan creates. The creatures here are particularly aggressive as well, and many of the elder bone dragons and leviathans guard the area, though there’s a vast array of other critters as well. The mental pressure does many in, nothing escapes from The Deep’s clutches.

There is one particular temple in the depths that has a barrier around it. He Xuan set them up and inside is rather cozy with the blankets & cushions, the books sprawled everywhere. It’s his most common place to retreat to if he isn’t in his mansion but is actively retreating from the world. He often studies here and researches things he finds, and he only takes short naps inside. If he is hibernating, he always chooses to do outside it in the waters, often against the sand. Nothing will attack him, but if something unwelcomed comes near him, nearby creatures will often attack and he will awaken from his hibernation.

THE ABYSS - A location that is essentially only accessible to He Xuan. It’s a deep pit located even deeper than The Deep where the pressure is so intense that no other organisms resides in it. It is pitch black, and the mental toll it puts on anyone who might somehow survive the deeps is enormous. Even other Ghost Kings wouldn’t be able to endure it for more than a minute at most  unless He Xuan uses his powers to shield them. It is the deepest place He Xuan will retreat to when he really is trying to escape everything. Here it is easy to get lost from everything. He’s essentially unreachable here except for the communication array or if a Ghost King was stupid enough to try to dive down and forcefully drag him back up.

𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

THE CAVE -  This location is not actually in He Xuan’s location. But it can be accessed through a series of very long and complex underwater caves that art partially in his domain. His ashes are hidden away in a crevice in one of the many caves.

[queensconquest]

some  headcanons  for  hx’s  aquarium  modern  verse  bc...reasons    -  survives  essentially  on  coffee  and  microwave  meals  or  crackers.      -  smokes  but  isn’t  addicted  to  it  ,  he  only  does  it  when  offered  one  or  they’re  cheap  at  the  store.  it  just  lets  him  forget  the  world  for  a  bit.    -  regularly  sits  on the concrete wall next to the bay  at  midnight  /  really  late  hours    -  his  apartment  is  literally  terrible  &  he  knows  it  but  its  all  he  can  manage.  as  in  falling  apart  bad  but  what  does  one  do  yk?    -  he’s  named  every  creature  in  the  aquarium  and  yes  he  can  tell  them  apart  &  knows  them  better  than  the  biologists    -  especially  loves  the  shark/big  animal  tank  &  the  underwater  tunnel    -  much  like  canon  ,  hx  was  and  is  an  extremely  intelligent  in  academics  but  couldn’t  pursue  that  path  due  to  *waves hand at his life*  that  disaster    -  he  does  write  poetry  but  no  he’ll  never  admit  it    -  sometimes  he  can  be  found  at  the  library  if  not  the  aquarium  or  bay    -  His  ears  are  pierced  ( 2  in  each  ear )  and  his  right  eyebrow     -  almost  always  works  the  closing  shifts    -  100%  the  kind  to  blast  his  music  in  his  earbuds.  and  yes  he  like  wired  earbuds  over  wireless    -  it’s  not  uncommon  for  him  have  bruises  from  scuffles  though  they’re  always  hidden

[queensconquest]

when do you gaze at your soulmate?

when they’re sleeping

it's not just the way they're at rest. it's that they're at rest with you. it's not just that they're safe but that they feel safe enough to let you see them like this. it's trust and it's intimacy. and you're not sure you're ready for them to see the emotions in your eyes right now. they've been through enough. you both have. sometimes it scares you just how much you love them. it terrifies you that you feel happy as they lay there, eyes closed and hair a little messy. their features twitch and you know they're dreaming and it scares you because if you fall asleep too you won't have a nightmare tonight. you'll dream of them. or nothing at all. and either way it will make you need them more. and you're not supposed to need anyone but it's them. you want to hold them in your arms and never let go. you want to protect them but you know they want to protect you to. this is the kind of love you long for and it's the kind which will hurt if you lose it. but here you are anyway. it's too late now. you're glad it's too late to go back.

when they’re dancing

you're not sure if they know you're there or not. you're not sure if it matters. you watch them sway to the music, watch as they twirl around and smile for no one but themselves. they're free and laughing. they're alive and vibrant. they're everything you might never be except when you're with them. so full of life it makes something in your chest tighten. there are frown lines at the corners of your mouth but your lips are smiling right now. rare. and often, only for them. they have light in their hearts and some days you fear the darkness in you might swallow it whole. but they'd never let you walk away. so make sure the darkness inside you keeps all the other monsters away from their tender heart.

tagged by: stole it ~ tagging: just steal it cowards

[queensconquest]

   He  Xuan  prefers  to  sleep  in  total  darkness.  The  exception  to  this  is  if  its  raining  /  storming.  In  which  case  ,  he  wants  the  curtains  open  to  see  the  storm  ,  enough  so  he’ll  normally  get  up  to  open  them  even  on  a  low  spell.  But  otherwise  ?  Darkness.  He  can  sleep  with  some  light  on  ,  and  a  dim  light  really  wouldn’t  bother  him  ,  but  it  isnt  his  preferred  state.  He  likes  the  complete  darkness  /  minimal  light.  He’s  used  to  it  in  the  waters  after  all.

   He  also  tends  to  sleep  curled  up  tight  if  he’s  alone  OR  face  down  on  the  bed.  The  perks  of  not  needing  to  breathe  means  no  issue.  It’s  more  common  to  find  him  curled  up  on  his  side  and  wrapped  up  in  blankets  but  it  isn’t  uncommon  to  find  him  face  down  ,  especially  if  he’s  sleeping  for  a  while.

   This  only  changes  (  if  alone  )  if  he’s  sleeping  underwater.  If  he’s  sleeping  underwater  ,  he’s  usually  on  his  back  and  relaxed.  The  only  other  time  is  if  someone’s  sharing  his  bed  ,  in  which  case  it  more  depends  on  who  it  is  on  what  he’ll  default  to.  But  normally  he’s  either  curled  up  to  them  or  on  his  back  for  their  comfort.

[queensconquest]

“Pray Lord Scholar He watch over us and kill all the villains.”

   Being  worshipped  in  Fu  Gu  is  a  strange  concept  for  He  Xuan.  He  knows  he  was  meant  to  be  a  god  ,  to  be  worshipped  and  praised.  But  ,  as  we  all  know  ,  he  never  got  that.  Life  was  misery  and  suffering  from  the  moment  it  was  switched  to  him.  It  already  would  have  been  difficult  for  him  with  how  poor  his  family  was  ,  but  it  was  made  worse.  And  ,  as  other  headcanons  I’ve  written  about  discuss  ,  the  kind  ,  optimistic  side  of  him  died  with  his  father  when  he  was  his  last  remaining  family.  Instead  he’s  been  soaking  in  hatred  and  rage  and  suffering  for  centuries  as  a  Ghost  King.  On  top  of  that  ,  he’s  a  very  evasive  and  isolating  Ghost  King  ,  far  from  the  attention  the  other  three  calamities  have  gained  (  esp  Hua  Cheng  and  Qi  Rong  ).  He  interacts  minimally  ,  and  unlike  Hua  Cheng  ,  he  doesn’t  intend  to  have  followers  or  worshippers.

   And  yet  ,  Fu  Gu  continues  to  be  a  village  who  choose  to  worship  Scholar  He  (  unknowingly  Black  Water  )  and  pray  to  his  spirit  for  protection  from  those  who’d  use  and  terrorize  people  rather  than  any  god.  It’s  strange  and  he  doesn’t  understand  it.  They  don’t  have  pictures  of  him  ,  no  statues  ,  no  drawing  ,  nothing.  Not  that  He  Xuan  cares  ,  but  it  is  strange.  And  ,  naturally  ,  the  fact  they  celebrate  the  Bloody  Fire  Social  every  year  in  his  honor  is  definitely  something  that  adds  to  his  conflicting  feelings  on  the  matter.  But  he  does  ,  in  fact  ,  keep  an  eye  on  Fu  Gu  and  those  who  call  for  him.  But  it’s  a  strange  concept  all  the  same  ,  and  He  Xuan  does  not  seek  for  people  to  worship  him  at  all.

[queensconquest]

what chess piece represents you?

White Rook.

You are a White Rook. As a piece that can move inwards and outwards, you're a master of self-reflection. You know what needs to be done and when to do it. You're a protector, and would willingly take someone's place in danger in a heartbeat because you know you can handle the pressure. But even castle walls crumble. For all your chivalry and fortitude, everything must come to an end. Will you be there to see the final stages of the war? Or will you have already been discarded in the battle?

Black Rook.

You are the Black Rook. As a piece that can move inwards and outwards, you're a master of self-reflection. Being the black piece, you hide an inner beast within you. Perhaps you're one to rush headfirst into trouble, was it for a friend's sake? Or your own? Are you the overprotective type? Did you know your grip was that tight around someone's neck? For all your protectiveness and deliberate planning, you can't wash the blood off your hands that easily.

Black Queen.

You are the Black Queen. The Queen is the most powerful piece on the board, meaning you are strong in some aspect of your life. Physically, emotionally, mentally, one of these is your strong suit. The queen can move anywhere she wishes upon the board, meaning you have your hands full with all the different tasks and choices in your life. Being the black piece means you work more behind the scenes, working to make sure someone else's plans succeed, or pushing your own agenda. Just be careful who you trust, for all your cunning and beauty, there are reasons why queens were beheaded.

tagged by: @splitcards ( thank you ! ) tagging: @safaerax ( do it again :D ) , @thecursedpriestess , @zorkaya , @anomieheld , @ofsavior​ , @ whoever else!

[queensconquest]

   He  Xuan’s  hunger  comes  in  waves.  As  Hua  Cheng  mentions  ,  He  Xuan’s  stomach  was  ruined  in  life  due  to  his  suffering.  Much  like  the  tides  ,  He  Xuan  does  through  periods  of  excessive  eating  and  then  not  eating  at  all.   And  unlike  the  other  ghosts  we  see  ,  He  Xuan  continues  to  suffer  even  as  a  Ghost  King  with  this  misfortune.  

   He  Xuan  is  typically  always  in  some  level  of  pain  from  it.  It  can  be  soothed  or  so  low  that  he  doesn’t  really  notice  it  anymore.  But  as  he  starts  to  approach  his  need  to  eat  ,  it  grows  sharper  and  more  intense.  He  starts  eating  more  and  more  ,  although  He  Xuan  makes  an  effort  to  try  to  control.  However  ,  discomfort  ,  anger  ,  and  other  situations  can  send  him  into  gluttonous  frenzy  and  cause  his  need  to  eat  to  suddenly  speed  up  and  hit  faster  than  it  normally  it  would.  It  can  get  to  the  point  where  he  will  devour  other  ghosts  as  well  because  his  hunger  can  get  to  the  point  he  doesn’t  recognize  anyone  or  anything  besides  the  need  to  eat  and  stop  the  pain.  The  only  other  way  besides  He  Xuan  eating  would  be  if  one  was  to  use  their  spiritual  power  to  soothe  his  hunger.  The  only  ghost  that  He  Xuan  can  recognize  and  not  attach  in  that  state  is  Hua  Cheng.  No  other  ghost  is  safe  when  he  gets  into  a  frenzy.  If  you’re  close  enough  to  see  him  ,  you’re  close  enough  for  him  to  target  as  food.

   His  low  spells  of  rejecting  food  tend  to  be  much  shorter.  In  these  phases  ,  He  Xuan  typically  tucks  away  somewhere  and  doesn’t  move  or  he  sleeps  through  them.  He  can’t  sleep  through  his  hunger  phases  ,  but  he  can  these  low  spells.  He  isn’t  likely  to  answer  anyone  and  he  won’t  get  involved.  The  pain  makes  moving  or  doing  anything  hard.  Again  ,  this  pain  can  be  soothed  through  spiritual  power  but  overall  he  usually  recovers  from  these  times  much  faster.

   He  Xuan  is  unlikely  to  admit  when  things  are  getting  bad.  He  hates  sharing  it  ,  hates  he  still  suffers  in  death  with  this  ,  and  to  a  point  is  ashamed  at  his  hunger.  He  is  very  good  at  hiding  his  pain  and  suffering  until  it  gets  really  intense ,   at  which  point  he  tends  to  end  up  leaning  on  objects  or  doubling  over  or  grimacing.  It  isn’t  very  obvious  but  those  whose  who  know  him  can  definitely  start  recognizing  these  signs.

[queensconquest]

@aristarchos​ said: what’s their favorite dish to cook?  favorite dish to order out? what’s their love language? are they more likely to take the leader role or let someone else call the shots? what do they consider their worst habit? what would they do for a klondike bar? -- hx

( REALLY IMPORTANT CHARACTER HEADCANONS )

what’s their favorite dish to cook?  favorite dish to order out?      That  he  himself  cooks  ?  A  good  question.  It’d  probably  be  most  of  his  seafood  dishes  since  he’s  particularly  good  at  them  ,  though  he  also  enjoys  potstickers.  In  his  modern  verse  ,  he  has  a  few  pasta  dishes  he  enjoys  making  too.  He  has  some  dishes  he  enjoys  but  can’t  make  himself.

   In  terms  of  ordering  out  in  his  aquarium  verse  ,  probably  pizza.  It’s  fairly  cheap  and  he  can  get  a  lot  of  it.  Although  to  go  out  ,  he  would  love  Hibachi  because  its  so  much  food  and  he  can  get  all  sorts  of  things.  He’s  only  been  once  when  he  was  really  young  because  it’s  expensive  but  he  loves  that.

what’s their love language?      Quality  Time.  He  enjoys  having  that  presence  around  even  if  they’re  doing  separate  things  ,  but  also  enjoys  doing  things  with  them.  Even  if  it’s  just  laying  in  bed  or  going  out  for  a  meal  ,  just  having  company.  I  will  say  though  that  Words  of  Affirmation  are  extremely  important  to  He  Xuan  as  well  ,  to  know  that  he’s  cared  about.  He  won’t  look  for  the  words  and  he  won’t  ask  ,  but  he  really  ,  really  likes  to  hear  it.  And  sometimes  he  really  needs  that  reminder  because  the  doubt  and  uncertainty  can  start  gnawing  at  him.  A  lot  of  the  time  he....he  doesn’t  know  why  they’re  with  him.  It  fester  in  his  head.  And  once  they’re  established  ?  Physical  contact.  Not  all  the  time  though.  There’s  days  where  he  doesn’t  want  to  be  touched  or  can’t  do  it.  But  there’s  other  times  when  he  needs  to  just  be  able  to  sink  against  his  partner  ,  he  needs  them  to  help  ground  him  or  help  relax  and  soothe  him.

are they more likely to take the leader role or let someone else call the shots?      It  depends  on  what  the  situation  or  subject  is.  He  Xuan  is  more  a  lone  wolf  ,  he  doesn’t  particularly  work  with  others.  So  more  often  than  not  if  he  has  to  work  with  others  ,  he’ll  let  someone  else  call  the  shots.  Unless  there’s  not  a  dominant  figure  in  the  group  ,  then  he’ll  do  it  because  of  his  organization  and  detail-awareness.   But  if  he  disagrees  ,  has  a  better  idea  , or  its  an  area  of  his  expertise  ,  he’ll  take  the  leader  role  and  put  his  foot  down  on  the  matter.

what do they consider their worst habit?      Oh  he  knows  what  his  worst  habit  is.  Isolating  himself.  When  he  gets  too  overwhelmed  or  starts  to  doubt  things  and  hit  a  low  point  ,  his  instinct  tends  to  be  to  self  isolate.  It’s  not  good.  He  knows  that.  Especially  when  he  has  someone  who  cares  ,  but  he  can’t  help  it.  It’s  a  really  hard  habit  to  break.  Also  if  he  feels  he  might  be  a  bother  or  imposing  ,  he’ll  slip  back  into  isolation.  You’ve  got  a  30/70  chance  of  him  answering  if  you  reach  him  through  the  communication  array  ,  most  likely  he  won’t  answer  or  will  give  1-2  word  responses  if  he  does.  He  knows  it  only  makes  things  worse  for  himself  but  that  loneliness  is  familiar  in  some  ways.  

what would they do for a klondike bar?    Depends  how  hungry  he  is.  But  many  things.  He’d  do  many  things.  Or  use  a  clone  to  steal  it.

[queensconquest]

𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐌𝐄 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐀 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐘.

saturn

being a hard worker is, well, hard. but you manage it with an air of effortlessness that others admire, though sometimes you wonder if there's more to life than contributing meaningfully to society in the form of labor. you probably don't sleep much. you take pride in everything you do, and when you take on a task you do it to the best of your ability, never half-finished. you were/are probably described as mature for your age, and have had to take on heavy responsibilities as a child. you persevere despite all odds-- and even if others aren't proud of you, i am. however, deep inside you know you are tired, always too exhausted for meaningful relationships and connections with personal hobbies. my advice? take a break. you are deserving of rest. you have done more than enough.

neptune

you've been hurt, deeply. you're scared to make connections again after all that's happened, and you have a hard time believing people genuinely care about you. you tend to be a loner, struggling to fit in with acquaintances, and you probably feel like you're socially awkward. you're probably involved with various forms of art, music, or dance. you have detailed dreams and may be in touch with your spiritual side; the earth is your home and you feel most at peace in nature. your friend groups tend to be small, you don't interact with many people. though you've been hurt, you know that you still believe in the kindness of humanity. in the past or present, you feel like you haven't been loved the way you should be. despite all this, you are one hell of a light. the things you make are truly beautiful, and you are trying your best. you should be proud. allow yourself to be adored the way you deserve. i love you.

venus

loving and being loved fills you with purpose. a true believer in innate kindness, you bring peace and joy to those who are cared for by you. you wish to hold the entire world in your hands-- give warmth and compassion to those who do not normally experience it. your heart is full of tenderness, and you seek the good in everything and everyone. just dont let others take advantage of your generous nature. although you may think you're plain and nothing special, and you may feel lonely, you are one of a kind. even though people may not recognize your value now, you will find those who truly appreciate your presence. your ability to love is your greatest gift. love truthfully, passionately, and don't ever forget to extend that same love towards yourself.

tagged by: @goldencored ( thank you !) tagging: @ofsavior , @rengelyer , @seraphwishes , @thecursedpriestess​ , @windprose​ , @ whoever else !

[queensconquest]

Ling  Wen  doesn’t  hate  He  Xuan.  Despite  what  happened  ,  despite  the  painful  loss  of  Shi  Wudu  ,  she  cannot  be  upset  over  it.  After  all  ,  Shi  Wudu  knew  what  he  was  doing.  Actions  have  consequences.  Shi  Wudu’s  actions  brought  the  wrath  of  a  ghost  king.  That  was  always  a  possibility.  Ling  Wen  would  be  just  as  furious  as  He  Xuan  if  she’d  been  in  his  spot.

   She  was  shocked  even  she  was  fooled  ,  though  the  fact  that  “  Ming  Yi  “  aka  He  Xuan  is  mentioned  in  book  5  to  rarely  have  been  in  the  Heavenly  Capital  and  was  so  efficient  with  his  work  definitely  helped.  And  yes  she  is  a  bit  salty  she  wasn’t  aware  ,  though  not  so  much  with  the  clones  since  she  rarely  deals  with  registering  middle  officials  (  usually  the  lower  officials  of  her  palace  deal  with  matters  involving  middle  officials  ).  At  the  same  time  she  can  certainly  acknowledge  his  skill  and  admiral  patience  and  strategy.  

   He  did  what  he  needed  to  succeed  and  Ling  Wen  is  someone  who  can  personally  understand  that.  So  the  loss  hurt  ,  it  does  hurt  ,  but  she  holds  no  anger  or  ill-will  against  him.

   For  He  Xuan  ,  he  does  hold  some  resentment  towards  the  other  two  tumors  since  they  knew.  But  they  weren’t  and  aren’t  his  target.  They  didn’t  do  anything  personally  against  him.  As  such  ,  he  has  no  interest  in  going  out  of  his  way  to  harm  them.  He’d  rather  stay  in  his  domain  after  everything  that’s  happened  and  not  deal  with  any  future  dealings  with  the  Heavens.  

  He  ,  for  one  ,  had  enough  while  playing  pretend  for  so  long.

[queensconquest]

HE  XUAN  &  MING  YI

   He  Xuan  did  not  kill  Ming  Yi.  Hua  Cheng  even  throws  doubt  into  the  idea  that  He  Xuan  killed  Ming  Yi.  Rather  it  was  an  external  incident  that  forced  Ming  Yi  to  flee  and  then  his  demise.

   He  Xuan  made  (  or  rather  initially  forced  )  a  deal  with  Ming  Yi.  He  Xuan  would  take  Ming  Yi’s  place  in  the  Heavens  till  he  could  enact  his  revenge  against  the  one  who  had  stolen  his  fate.  In  turn  ,  He  Xuan  would  raise  Ming  Yi’s  palace  to  be  well  established  with  plenty  of  followers  and  wealth  so  it  would  be  easy  once  Ming  Yi  finally  got  to  go  to  the  heavens  once  He  Xuan  had  his  revenge.  This  way  they  would  both  benefit  from  the  situation.

    As  mentioned  in  one  of  my  short  headcanon  posts  ,  He  Xuan  was/is  a  great  academic  scholar  ,  but  engineering  wasn’t  one  of  his  studies.  So  it  was  up  to  Ming  Yi  to  teach  him  to  ensure  He  Xuan  could  properly  assist  his  worshipers  as  well  as  keep  up  the  illusion.  He  Xuan  very  quickly  became  good  at  it  ,  and  greatly  enjoyed  getting  to  learn  from  Ming  Yi.  He  found  it  nice  to  also  speak  to  someone  academically  since  he  he  hadn’t  really  had  an  opportunity  since  his  death  since  Hua  Cheng  ,  although  knowledgeable  ,  is  not  a  scholar  like  him.

   Initially  it  was  strict  buiness  /  captor  &  captive  situation  (  although  He  Xuan  always  made  an  attempt  to  keep  Ming  Yi  at  least  semi-comfortable  even  in  the  beginning.  )  Over  time ,  He  Xuan  genuinely  began  to  form  a  positive  view  of  Ming  Yi  and  enjoyed  his  company.  It  was  nice  to  be  himself  around  someone  else  and  to  talk.  He  would  ensure  materials  for  Ming  Yi  to  read  and  had  everything  to  be  comfortable  or  make  things  if  he  wanted  (  albeit  secretly  monitored  just  to  ensure  there  was  no  escape  attempt.  He  might  like  him  ,  it  does  not  mean  He  Xuan  lowers  his  guard.  )  Ming  Yi  became  one  of  the  few  people  besides  Hua  Cheng  and  Yin  Yu  to  know  He  Xuan.

   His  death  was  never  supposed  to  happen.  He  Xuan  was  genuinely  going  to  let  Ming  Yi  go  to  the  Heavens  ,  he  worked  to  keep  his  part  of  the  ‘  deal  ‘  for  Ming  Yi.  His  death  was  shocking  for  a  multitude  of  reasons.  But  placing  him  in  the  entrance  hall  in  fine  silk  robes  wasn’t  just  to  appease  his  spirit.  It  was  because  He  Xuan  genuinely  did  care  in  his  own  way  and  it  was  the  best  he  could  think  to  do  for  Ming  Yi.  

[queensconquest]

Anonymous said:  He Xuan what was your fiancé like?

   The  question  brings  the  king  to  a  halt  ,  the  question  heavy  in  the  air.   In  truth....he  hadn’t  thought  about  her  in  a  long  time.  Not  outside  of  his  revenge  and  her  terrible  fate.  One  she  hadn’t  deserved.  Especially  hadn’t  deserved.  His  expression  remains  blank  ,  but  after  a  long  moment  he  does  start  to  speak.

   “  I  knew  her  since  we  were  very  little.  She  was  kind  but  not  naïve.  Despite  the  scenarios  we  were  in  ,  she  could  see  and  make  the  best  of  everything.  She  rarely  complained  ,  and  if  she  did  it  was  on  behalf  of  others.  She  was  always  creative.  She  could  take  junk  and  turn  it  into  something  really  neat.  “  He  remembered  various  presents  she’d  given  him  over  the  years.  “    Compassionate  beyond  belief.  No  matter  who  you  were  ,  how  you  looked  ,  she’d  always  accept  you  and  show  you  kindness.  She  loved  to  make  people  smile.  Beautiful  both  in  appearance  and  personality.  “  

   He  Xuan  lifts  his  head  slightly  to  glance  at  the  clouds.

   “  She  always  believed  in  me.  Even  after  the  incident  with  the  scrolls  ,  she  was  proud  I  hadn’t  tried  to  bribe  the  officials  because  it  was  against  my  own  morals  at  the  time.  She  used  to  sing  too.  Especially  when  she’d  knit  or  clean.  She’d  try  to  when  cooking  but  she’d  always  end  up  talking  to  herself  through  the  process.  Despite  everything  ,  she  was  very  proud  of  everything  she  had  and  of  her  family.  “

   He  falls  quiet  ,  seemingly  done  speaking  on  the  manner  based  on  his  lack  of  further  comment.  

[queensconquest]

  He  Xuan  does  not  like  hot  temperatures  or  dry  atmospheres.  Although  he’s  drawn  to  sources  of  warmth  ,  he  doesn’t  like  overall  heat.  Banyue  Pass  was  hell  for  him  ,  although  he  can  handle  heat  and  dry  atmosphere’s  better  when  he’s  playing  Ming  Yi  and  forcing  his  body  to  replicate  signs  of  life.  In  that  case  there’s  a  bit  more  going  on  to  help  regulate  so  the  effects  of  heat  aren’t  quite  as  bad.  And  in  that  case  his  acting  was  a  higher  priority  than  his  discomfort.

  But  places  of  extreme  heat  or  dry  atmosphere  are  horrible  for  him  ,  especially  because  it  means  being  further  from  sources  of  power  for  him  and  therefore  even  weaker.  It  makes  him  irritable  and  more  snappish  as  a  result.  He  prefers  cool  temperatures  and  humid  atmospheres  because  a  lot  of  his  time  in  the  water  is  in  cold  waters  and  the  dark  depths  ,  although  he  doesn’t  mind  warm  waters  as  he  can  always  cool  them  if  he  wants  to  or  raise  his  own  temperature  to  make  it  so  it  isn’t  uncomfortable.  But  the  fact  it  is  water  and  not  air  makes  it  much  easier  to  handle  for  him.

   As  mentioned  though  ,  small  sources  of  heat  he  can  be  fine  with.  Curling  up  with  someone  if  they’re  warm  ( or  mimic  warmth  of  the  living  )  is  generally  okay  with  him  as  well as  blankets  or  fires.  The  important  part  is  his  ability  to  step  away  or  remove  the  source  of  heat  if  it  gets  too  uncomfortable  for  him.

[queensconquest]

   As  a  whole  ,  He  Xuan  is  rather  indifferent  towards  many  things  and  tends  to  keep  a  pretty  emotionless  expression  on  his  face.  Yet  ,  ironically  , it’s  also  the  easiest  way  to  tell  if  he’s  becoming  overwhelmed  (  except  for  anger.  Anger  means  he  will  rage  and  lash  out  viciously  ).  He  can  and  will  start  expressing  himself  ,  especially  the  more  comfortable  or  attached  he  gets  to  someone.  But  if  he  starts  to  become  overwhelmed  ,  he  will  start  to  hide  behind  his  emotionless  expressions  again.  Many  might  mistake  it  for  having  messed  up  and  displeased  him.  But  being  vulnerable  is  terrifying.  Being  KNOWN  like  that  isn’t  something  he  is  used  to  and  it  feels  like  a  danger.  So  he  tries  to  hide  it  ,  hide  how  vulnerable  he  feels.  But  if  you  know  He  Xuan  ,  seeing  him  go  cold  or  expressionless  if  he’s  been  emotional  moments  ago  is  a  big  sign  that  he’s  overwhelmed.  This  is  especially  true  when  it  comes  to  affection  and  love  or  gentleness.  He  doesn’t  know  how  to  deal  with  that  ,  not  really.

   He  also  has  a  habit  of  isolating  himself  at  that  point.  He’s  naturally  one  who  prefers  solitude  over  huge  crowds  ,  long  silences  don’t  bother  him  ,  etc.  But  when  he  feels  overwhelmed  or  his  presence  is  of  no  matter  to  someone  ,  he’ll  also  tend  to  retreat  to  himself  and  not  answer  attempts  to  reach  him.  Unless  you  literally  show  up.  Otherwise  he’ll  assume  it  doesn’t  matter  ,  you’ll  move  on  and  it’ll  be  fine.  

[queensconquest]

For  any  who  are  curious  ,  no.  He  Xuan  has  not  done  anything  with  his  ashes  beyond  hide  them.  They’re  not  turned  into  anything ,  they  aren’t  even  held  in   a  fancy  box  or  marked  place  or  anything.  He  simply  gathered  and  hid  them  very  carefully  that’s  all.