#also quick story about my xiao summons

[autumnpens]

✧ sweet indulgence ✧

Characters ◦ Kazuha, Xiao, Venti, Heizou, Aether, Wanderer (anemo boys my beloved!!)

Warnings ◦ fluff, modern AU, Wanderer is referred to as Kuni, gn reader

Thoughts ◦ Idea from the candy necklace thing from a few months ago, which is when I wrote it, just never got around to posting it ;-; tell me if this is mischaracterized pls

Words ◦ 730

Kazuha-

Would notice the smell immediately, but not the origin

“Do you smell something sweet? Like.. hard candy?”

You turned him, giving him a smile before pulling a bit at the necklace

“..oh.”

“Do you want some?”

He blushed, avoiding your gaze

“You don’t have to take it off for me, it’s fine, don’t bother-“

“You can just.. bite it off you know”

Oh Archons help him, his poor chivalric heart is going into shock

You pulled the string off your neck and into the air, not wanting him to feel uncomfortable

He took the string, biting off a few pieces before placing it back on your neck

“You’re almost as red as your hair, are you okay?”

He nodded before thanking you for the candy, letting you resume your story from earlier while he quietly stewed in his embarrassment

Xiao-

Would notice it immediately- he knows every detail of your appearance, therefore notices anything out of place

“What is that?”

“Huh?”

“On your neck— a choker?”

“Oh, yeah! It’s made of candy. You want some?”

You didn’t have to ask twice, he was already tilting your head to the side and biting a piece off

He was very quiet and very red after, but thanked you for the candy nonetheless

You, for one, were also quite red

Instead of being quiet, though, you just started talking despite your flustered state, leading him to stare at you without you noticing

He had always liked seeing you talk

Venti-

Knows exactly what it is— what can he say, he’s online a lot

“Ooh, is that one of those candy necklaces? Can I have a piece?”

“Yeah, go for it.”

Takes it by the string and nibbles a piece off, but doesn’t pull away from you before leaving a quick peck on your neck and blowing air into your ear

“Ah- Venti!”

“Ehe~ Thanks for the candy!”

Heizou-

He’s a detective, he’s gonna notice it fast

“That’s a candy necklace, yes?”

“Mhm.”

Doesn’t even wait for you to ask if he can have any, he just goes in

Leaves the left side of your neck with the white string and a few small but quickly forming bruises

“Archons, you didn’t waste time there, did you?”

“You had planned that, didn’t you? You knew you’d see me and just wanted to be a show off, hm?”

“Either way, you fell for it.”

“How can I not when it’s you?”

You paused, heat creeping up your face. You had gotten progressively more flustered with your boyfriend before turning away, giving his shoulder a shove, which made him laugh at your state.

“Fine, you win”

Aether-

Gets very awkward about asking, summoning the courage for somewhere around an hour 

“Can I see your necklace?”

“Hm? Yeah, sure” You smiled, almost sending him into another panic

He’d dealt with countless terrifying situations with a stone-cold demeanor, but when it came to you, he was utterly defenseless

Takes the elastic between his fingers, biting a few pieces off and placing it gently back on your neck

He doesn’t pull away from you before giving you a quick kiss on the cheek, though

“Thank you.”

“You’re so red, Ae.” He gave you a sheepish smile, something that made your face about as red as his.

Wanderer-

Notices it quickly, just doesn't say anything

He's not a child, he doesn't need candy

It would be nice, though... especially coming from you

Thinks about asking a lot, never does—his gaze lingers, though

Internally kicks himself for it

"Kuni?"

That boy whips around so fast the moment his name falls from your lips

Looks like a lost puppy almost, at your side in an instant, yet quickly resumes his faked indifferent demeanor

"What do you want?"

"I was going to ask what you wanted. Is this what you've been looking at so much?" You asked, fidgeting with a piece on the string

"What do you mean? I look at you all the time."

"You do?"

Fuck. Well, he's just dug himself into a hole with this one.

Tries to play it off, fails miserably.

You offer him the candy anyway, with some teasing, and he takes it silently, a barely noticeable tinge of pink veiling his cheeks before he turns away, tilting his hat down to cover his now burning face as his hand slips into yours.

[pockydays]

i think i didn't send my last ask properly? or maybe tumblr ate it lol. it was five am and i was vv sleepy i apologize. congrats on keqing! i've heard that she's vv powerful and when i used her during that one event, i liked her playstyle a lot! one of the 5 stars im hoping to get from the standard banner. also inazuma comes out tomorrow! times moves so fast T - T i still remember genshin community asking for inazuma and not having an answer lol. kazuha's leaf animation is so cute but its too short for absolutely no reason at all smh, mihoyo do better/j

azhdaha isn't as hard if you have a good shield character/healer or maybe even a bow user! though it is quite challenging, it isn't impossible. you just need to dive head first and continuously attack while making sure ur hp isnt too low. about the story quests, take ur time! even a week later they would still be there so dw. i can kinda relate to my teapot lolol only one of the islands are filled to the brim and the others are left empty T - T too lazy.

im ar53 now, really shows how much genshin i've been playing considering i joined at xiao's banner huh. i made an alt acc a few days ago and im planning to main amber 😼. she isnt bad, i think at the time, new players don't really know what artifacts do and weapon whatnot. the most she hit is around 500? keep in mind 3 star artifs and 3 star weapons so yeah, shes good. is there any inazuma character ur looking forward too? i was planning on skipping ayaka but chongyun, ningguang and yanfei T - T might spend like 15 pulls before saving up for yoimiya/xiao so wish me luck! hopefully i wont lose the 50/50

i'm so sorry luna,, i did get it but i still had quite a few others in my inbox before i decided to just call it a day and get some sleep before i run in the morning - i should be the one apologizing T_T again i sincerely apologize for that

i used to remember when almost everybody loved keqing and now everyone hates her because she ruins ppl's pity :") tbh i liked her less after i found out how hard it was to build her but maybe i'll consider making her a dps after i build diona and ningguang

and about the azhdaha, i'm planning on building diona for that but that would mean i would have to switch my favonius warbow between her and venti Q_Q i still don't have sacrificial bow for her or stringless for venti so we love that :D

and i relate sm i'm only on trust rank 3 and i never go to my serenitea pot (ig i'll have to start doing that once 2.0 comes out for the gardening system rip)

and you're already at AR 53 ????? omfg that's insanee i could never o.O i'm only at AR 55 and i've been playing since venti banner ahhh (i made an acc when the game first came out but my mom made me delete it,, then once i found out how popular the game was i redownloaded it lmfao)

ayaka banner and weapon banner really tempting me rn because i really want yanfei and some more ning constellations would be great too <3 i am in desperate need of a stringless so i can give that to venti and switch favonius warbow off of him to build diona :| all the other weapons are pretty okay too

i also wanna pull on yoimiya banner for sayu so i can have a full anemo team to do the noblesse domain - a healer is much needed for my artifact runs there :,) paimon without the mo

anyways good luck with your pulls!! i probably won't have any considering i only have enough primos saved for 10 pulls but i believe in your magic fingers >:)

[apompkwrites]

love in their own way || albedo, childe, xiao, zhongli

masterlist characters: albedo, childe, xiao, zhongli genre: fluff summary: in which their s/o's aren't as forward about their emotions, but still manage to have their little tells that express their love. notes: i hope this meets the request! i had a lot of fun writing this! i just want the boys to be happy :)

albedo -

i like to think albedo is secretly clingy but doesn't allow himself to show it to anyone.

naturally, it's just because he's always holed up with his work.

when he consciously does it... it's because he's nervous.

remember the end of his quest when he's talking to himself at dragonspine?

that's why he's nervous.

anyway!!

he's not too bothered by the fact that you're more reserved.

he has a lot of work so he can't really dwell on the idea for too long.

just you being there when he's working is good enough for him :D

as we all know, this boy is very into experimentation and learning.

so trying to decipher your minuscule facial changes is actually really interesting to him!

he has a bunch of notes just on the little details he can find about you.

and since he's so observant, it doesn't take him long to realize that there are certain signs that only appear around him.

he'll notice them when he's painting you.

whenever he's waiting for results, he'll use the time to draw you <3

because he's done this, he practically has you memorized.

so imagine his surprise when he sees your expression change whenever he leaves your sight.

it takes him a while to actually be able to see this, but i'm sure it's because of timaeus and sucrose.

after all, they're around you a lot whenever albedo is busy.

they probably take a picture to show him something they did while he was gone and that's when he notices.

he doesn't even have to look at a different picture of you.

he can just tell you look different.

the little crinkle next to your eyes was gone.

your lips were more pursed than usual.

you now had a crease in between your brows you didn't have before.

the next time he sees you, he'll hold up the picture next to your face to confirm they're different.

he wants to ask why there's a "clear" difference in your appearance but he already knows why.

he'll ask you just to be sure, though--

your cheeks get a tiny tiny bit darker when you answer wholeheartedly.

it does make him chuckle when he hears that you're so smitten for him in your monotonous voice.

the picture sucrose and timaeus took isn't his favorite of you, so he ends up taking a new one when you two are both exploring dragonspine.

it's a reminder of how much you really love him <3

childe -

out of the four boys here, he's definitely (in my opinion) the most affectionate.

like, this boy will take whatever he can get to just hold you for a second.

especially if you're also from snezhnaya but came all the way to liyue to keep him company.

he's very family-oriented as we've seen, so he treasures these relationships.

now, with an unaffectionate s/o?

honestly, i don't think he'd be too upset about it.

like i said, he really treasures these familial relationships.

because of this, it's his top priority to make sure you feel comfortable in the relationship.

he won't necessarily keep his distance, but he won't be too clingy either.

he'll stand right beside you, enough to where you can almost feel his skin touching yours.

as for your expressionlessness...

it'll take him a bit to really understand how you're feeling.

it's a lot of communication because he doesn't want to mess anything up.

near the beginning of the relationship, he'd ask how you're feeling and if there's anything bothering you.

but once he finally notices the subtle differences in your face, such as a slight eyebrow raise or a tilt of the head, he'll be able to read you easier.

nothing too complex, but just enough for him to tell your emotions.

there is one subtle change that he always looks for, however.

he's realized, with the help of zhongli of course, that there is a specific characteristic that only happens when he's in your line of sight.

your lips are normally pressed in a fine line.

however, around him, the corners lift up ever-so-slightly.

the only reason he's able to see it is that he'll catch himself staring at your lips because he wants a kiss :)

once he sees that, he starts noticing your little quirks whenever you're around him.

you'll lean closer to him as you're walking through liyue harbor.

your eyes start to soften as he talks on and on about his day (and complains about scaramouche--).

he loves the idea that all of these little details about you only happen around him,

it makes him feel... important.

and loved.

even if he holds back from touching you, he'll settle for seeing your cold exterior melt around him.

xiao -

he's not too well versed in affection...

i mean, he's the vigilant yaksha that is known for being stoic just like you are.

you two are basically carbon copies of each other.

no affection and no clear expressions of love.

people (who know both you and xiao) often forget that you two are actually together.

like, they just think you two sit in silence when you're both tired of dealing with people.

they... aren't necessarily wrong.

the two of you are often found sitting at the balcony looking over liyue.

sometimes you bring him almond tofu to share :)

it's very rare for the two of you to actively show your love for each other, mainly because you both know your feelings.

although... xiao does have those moments.

it's not like he's completely oblivious to the whispers about you two.

and on the days where his karma acts up, he gets insecure.

he's... really scared that one day you'll leave just like the others.

it doesn't matter if you're a mortal or an adeptus, he's scared that one day he'll wake up and you'll be gone.

and if that ever comes, he's scared you'll pass on either doubting your feelings or his.

it doesn't help when he notices the difference in your attitude and appearance when he's around.

his first instinct is that he's doing something bad.

either you're angry or upset at his mere existence...

verr goldet's the one who has to explain why you seem different.

she's quite observant on her own, especially because you're the first person that xiao actively enjoys being around.

she'll be the one to tell him that it isn't because you're mad at him.

you have minuscule changes because that's how xiao makes you feel.

you're so soft around him and she can tell just from the small interactions she's seen of you.

for example, when you're talking to the chef downstairs, you have the same expression that xiao has when he's talking to people.

you're annoyed but you know how to handle it.

but when you're around xiao, it's like everything that bothers you disappears.

it's like you're in your own domain whenever he's around.

nothing else matters except for him.

and even if she's relying on small observations and pure intuition, she can tell that the changes are good.

your eyes that seem to look anywhere besides the person you are talking to are completely different from the ones that seem to only focus on xiao.

your normally stiff body relaxes every time you summon xiao at the balcony.

the tiny smile that graces your lips when you disappear to the top of the inn for hours on end.

verr goldet's explanation calms his heart.

his worries seem to disappear and the next time he sees you...

this is the one thing his karma can't take away. he'll be sure of it.

zhongli -

zhongli is also another person who isn't well versed in relationships.

although he isn't as inexperienced as xiao, it'll take some time for him to figure it out.

he's not someone who craves affection like it's the only thing keeping him alive.

he definitely would appreciate it but he completely understands that it isn't something you tend to give.

so instead, he'll show his love in the smaller things.

such as telling you stories, sharing tea, going out on walks, etc.

he's another person who is very observant, especially in people close to him.

his storytelling friends often ask him about your relationship with one another.

they try to bring it to his attention that you may not be as interested as he thinks you are.

of course, he'll simply laugh them off and tell them that they should listen to the person who knows you best.

he'll turn those questions into a big story and explain how they're mistaken about you.

he's never actively told anyone this, save for hu tao who tries to bug him into telling her, but he'll tell them about all of the tiny details that tell him your feelings.

when you're feeling upset, you puff out your cheeks a small bit.

when you're angry, your glare hardens at whatever is making you mad.

when you're happy, your lips part slightly.

when you're in love... well, that's a detail he'll keep for himself.

he's quick to say goodbye to his peers, practically rushing back to your shared home.

he's greeted by you as soon as he opens the door.

your stoic expressions... would be exactly the same to anyone else.

but to him, it's like you've lit up like a small puppy seeing their human parents come home after years.

you don't run up to him, but you turn to look at him and away from the book on the table.

he'll greet you with a quiet nod, pulling out the chair and sitting next to you.

he'll take the book from you, taking in your appearance for a moment.

your shoulders relax by a hair and you move your chair an inch closer to his.

you don't lean your head on his shoulder but you lean towards him as if you were about to.

it's these moments that make everything worth it to zhongli.

here, in your home and in your life, he's simply zhongli.

the man you fell in love with and allowed your reserved self to open up to.

and he would trade anything just to have these moments with you.

[dreamrecorder]

Three - Family in the Inn

Zhongli witnesses the love Xiao deserves.

Two

A bit heavy at the end- i teared up at some point ksks ill add the cut thingy when get my laptop

Starting from the earliest memory your mind can remember, you've already heard stories of the god that ruled over your home land. From your mother, your father, from the merchants and adventurers resting within the inn. You often heard how the Geo Archon would always fly above the lands, overseeing the safety of Liyue- in the form of a great and majestic serpentine dragon. To protect the land, the Archon will not hesitate to strike down his foes with his spears made of stone! Spears that were huge as mountains and can shake the very core of the earth! A fierce god he is, but to his people, the Archon is just and kind. For he has guided Liyue for a thousand years even before Liyue was founded.

Those stories always left you in awe, your mind conjuring up imaginations of a mighty dragon soaring up high in the sky!

~

"Bai, I can't sleep…" You whined loudly to your black cat with gold eyes and a white diamond spot on its forehead. But alas, the cat can't understand you, simply giving you a somewhat dismissive meow. You puted at its direction. It was always like this if your brother wasn't able to tuck you to bed. Without his voice lulling you to sleep, right now you're vibrating energy.

"I wanna play…" You mumbled but then an idea popped up. With some effort, you hopped off your bed and went to the door. A bit of a struggle because of your height, but you manage to reach the doorknob and get out of your bedroom to the lobby. Bai was following close by.

With quiet footsteps, you went to the balcony and called in a whisper of excited glee-

"Thousand Winds?"

Just by those two words alone, the breeze picked up and your ears were then filled by the joyful voices of the wind. To emphasize that happiness, you were carefully lifted up from the ground and twirled you a bit, leaving you in a fit of giggles.

When the wind calmed down, they asked, The Little Wind calls! What is it do you want little kin?

"I wanna play!"

And play they did without a care for the world. Usually these wind spirits were careful when their brother Demon Wind is around- but with him gone for now, these spirits have different ideas. Little Wind do you want to fly like us?

You didn't even miss a second to say yes. After all, you've always dreamed of flying! Just like the stories you heard about your Archon flying up high in the sky!

!!!

"If I can fly, I might get to see Rex Lapis! Please please pleaaaase Thousand Winds, I wanna fly!"

The wind spirits cheered in delight, their whispers growing louder by the second. The breeze grew stronger and stronger around you and soon enough you were lifted off the ground as anemogranas surrounded you. You'll get to fly! How exciting!

At that age, you were unaware of the dangers that lie ahead- all too buried in that naivety and innocence that children possess. 

Rather than flying- it was more like gliding. Of course the wind spirits had some sense not to put you in harm's way! Flying requires some force to make you go higher- as for gliding, a gentle breeze simply does the trick.

It was a slow descent and you were amazed all throughout! You could see the entire Dihua Marsh along the ruins that littered around! You were amazed how the stars and the moon seemed brighter and closer now that you're up in the sky! The feeling of the rushing wind on your skin! It was cold but you didn't care! 

Every now and then, the spirits would suddenly nudge you up higher, rewarding them with your joyous scream and laughter. 

You landed softly at the concrete ground, near a statue. Curious, you noted that the statue was of a man sitting on a throne. This was the first time you've seen this statue but you could feel something from it. Geo? And the statue's hooded eyes, you felt like you were being watched through them.

This, Little Wind, is the statue of the Geo Archon.

The wind whispered with respect but you- you were puzzled.

"I thought the Geo Archon is a dragon? Can he turn into a human, like me?"

You could hear the wind laugh gently, the breeze ruffling your hair. Suddenly, the wind sounded older, wiser. A story for another time, little one. It's about time you went back home.

Again you whined, but the spirits promised you flight and that's all what you needed to be convinced. The spirits and the anemogranas alike were about to lift you- but a voice stopped your tracks.

"Yo kid! You seem lost!" The voice was heavy and gruff.

You turned around to the voice's direction and you were greeted by a burly man who wore a staw hat and some kind of black cloth wrapped around his neck.

"I'm not lost, sir." You replied politely, slowly taking a step back. You noticed how the air stilled. Tense. But of course, the man is not convinced. Seeing how he kept walking to you, you were starting to become scared, but you remembered the words from your brother, Always keep calm-

"Are ya sure, kid? We're kinda in the middle of nowhere. No houses and all that. How 'bout I help you get home?" The man offered cheerily. The forced kind with another sure step towards you. But that was what doomed him, the winds were quick to blow him away and you were surprised!

It wasn't a big distance, and the man was quick to recover. Instead of a cheery smile on his face, it was of anger and that was when you became really scared. "You!" He barked as he walked to you again with equally angry steps. "You're coming with me brat!"

If you find yourself in danger- don't hesitate to call my na-

"That's enough." A man's voice spoke- clear and commanding. The man stood next to you as he landed a reassuring hand on your shoulder. It was brief moment, but he also made sure to give you a quick gentle smile your way. You… you trusted this man with amber eyes.

"Who the hell are you?! I've got no business with you!"

"And you also have no business with this child for I am her guardian." The man replied smoothly as he simply stood his ground with you, despite the other now seemingly ready for a fight. Feeling the anger, you tightly clung onto the newcomer's coat and hid behind him. On his back, you were met by a Geo Vision.

"Like I'd believe you! Just swooping in and play hero huh rich guy!"

The Geo user sighed, and the next thing you knew, the man summoned a spear out of thin air! "I have no intentions of fighting you. But I promise you- You will suffer the wrath of the rock should you choose to continue this behavior."

His voice was light, but you noticed the silent message under his tone. The would-be kidnapper shivered at the amber gaze and decided, that it was wise to back off- Not without leaving a few curses that is. 

"He's gone now." The man spoke gently as hebturned around to look at you. Oh how his heart softened, seeing your frightened look and teary eyes.

"You're safe, I promise you. My name is Zhongli." 

Zhongli? You heard this name somehwere, but you couldn't pin point where or when… still a bit shaken up from whay happened. Remember, Little Wind. Zhongli was mentioned in passing a few times by your brother. Perhaps this is the very same Zhongli your brother speak of…

"Umm…" Your voice squeaked, "Do you.. do you know my brother?"

At that question, Zhongli confirmed that you are the rumored little sibling of Xiao. It would have been delightful to meet you on different circumstances, but he was glad nonetheless to save you from the previous situation.

"May I know the name of your brother, little miss/sir?"

"His name is Xiao." You replied and Zhongli noticed a bit of happiness in your voice.

"I do know you brother, quite the stern one, too. And he will be stern with you if he learns what happened here and you going out during the night. Does he know that you're out right now?"

With that question, you finally realized the gravity of the situation. You left during the dead of the night- without permission whatsoever! Oh no, I'm in big trouble… What if you made them worry? You were so far away from home! All these thoughts made you start tearing up again and Zhongli was quick to notice. He was about to speak up and console the little one when a gush of air stopped him. And that very same gush of air made you tear up some more and clutched on Zhongli's coat.

"Name, where have you been?" Xiao's voice was calm- but he's not the perfect brother nor human. There was something in his tone that suggested he was clearly not pleased about the situation. You could feel his gaze boring onto your back.

With a bit of coaxing from Zhongli, you faced you brother. "I-I'm s-sorry, gēgē…" Your voice cracked as tears started to blur your eyes. But your brother was not yet done.

"Name, do you have any idea how worried our mother was when she found out you were out of bed and could not find you anywhere in the inn?"

The thought of your mother searching all over you made you tears form more. "I- I do."

"Do you really?" 

It was a sharp question without even missing a bit, and that was the starting point for you and for him. Even Xiao winced at his own words, he swore he'll have to make it up to you later- but for now you had to understand. He remembered the panicked face your mother wore with tears threatening to fall. He remembered her panicked voice when she called for him. He remembered the worry he felt and the dip in his stomach when she said you were missing.

"I-I'm so sorry, gēgē. I-I was just p-playing. I d-didn't want you and mama t-to worry…" You couldn't meet his eyes.

Worry?

"Just. Playing? Name, you left home in the middle of the night- when dangers are high- just to play! Name, you could have gotten hurt! We were not just worried, Name- we were scared that something might have happened to you!" 

Every word he spoke- his voice rose higher- not being able to contain the pits of his negative thoughts. Every word- it was like a stab to his heart. But he had to be firm.

"I will ask you again, Name. Do you really understand what you did and their consequences?"

And thay was the breaking point and the night was filled by you whimpers, your wales, and your aplogies. Your shoulders began to shake and tears flowed freely and lungs struggling for breath. "I-I'm sorry, gēgē- I-I shouldn't h-have left h-home! Pleas-se d-dont stay m-mad at me… I p-promise i-it-t won't happen aga-ain- I-I'm s-sorry p-please don't h-hat-te m-me.

You kept going with your rambles and your tears. And for every whimper you released, Xiao was close to breaking too. The brother lost count many times you've repeated your mantras- but he decided- I can't do this anymore. Not with you crying breathless. He'll talk to you about this when everything's calm- his emotions and yours.

With swift steps and sure movements, Xiao pulled you into a hug and your cries grew louder. "Just don't do that ever again, okay.." He said gently but voice cracking, leaving a kiss on your forehead as you nodded readily. Once your cries have calmed down, Xiao carried you to his arms followed hy him wiping away your tears.

"Name."

"Y-yes?"

Your eyes met, and the anger was no longer there, but instead worry and love.

"I love you."

You could feel his genuinity. The words brought a smile to your face, albeit small. "I love you, too, gēgē."

Xiao smiled and left another kiss on your nose. "Sleep now. You had a long night and way past your bed time."

You didn't even protest, you were out like a light bulb as you comfortably laid you head on his shoulder and closed your eyes- not missing the golden dragon floating behind the man who saved you.

~

The walk home was silent. A teleport would be quicker, but Xiao didn't want to disturb your sleep. It was an awkward walk to say the least. Him carrying his sibling, along with the last of his tears stinging his red eyes, all while his master accompanied them home.

But Zhongli- Zhongli was amused. Amused with the blooming dynamic siblinghood between you and Xiao. But he decided to hold his tongue. He knew Xiao was still wrapping his head around what had transpired. Still he does leave a praise to reassure Xiao that everything will be fine.

"You're the best brother your little sibling could ever ask for, Xiao. Remember that."

A/N: Welp ksks lots of loose ends if you squint ksks- like example the tone of the wind spirits, the cat and such

Taglist: @hanniejji @suckerforgenshinboys @arson-frog-art @anime-read-write-repeat @kryzi @riiasekai @sweetstrawberrybabe

[badlydrawngenshin]

okok heres my dumb wishing story: so i started playing right as hu taos banner was ending and blew all my wishes (bout 30 or 40 i think, cause i got c1 diona, sayu, and thoma ) and then spent SO MANY wishes on the standard banner trying to get qiqi. one guess who i got instead...ill give u a hint: he has red hair and hes a bitch

now since xiao's banner is coming up i'm for sure pulling for him (as an anemo polearm he completes my team perfectly) and ive saved up SOO MANY primos, i think like 40 or 50 pulls in all?? but i'm so worried that i'm going to lose the 50/50 because i've never seriously pulled for a character before. i don't even know what pity i'm at by this point... i got skyward spine off the standard banner somewhere in there but i don't know... i just don't know

in case i do lose the 50/50, what are some quick ways to get primos besides whaling? just doing daily commissions isn't really enough, and for the story quests i'm stuck at baal's boss battle since i actually suck at this game ; w ; do you know any summoning rituals either? i think they're dumb tbh but my friend has c2 kazuha and c4 jean. i'm willing to try anything at this point

If you’re ever curious about your pity, you can always check the wish history on the banner to count.

In terms of getting primo, there’s definitely a lot u can get from just exploration honestly, especially as a new player. If you have the treasure compasses from reputation rewards, those will help find chests a lot faster. Or you can use Hoyolab (mihoyo’s sorta like news app) which has a map and locations for Luxurious and Precious chests and other stuff. Plus Theres a daily log in, which occasionally has 20 gems

Shrines, finding seelies, doing world side quests/ story quests/ hangouts, and achievements. And I think the adventure handbook also gives primos too? (I don’t remember tbh it’s been like a year since I opened it). Plus there’s the Frostbearing tree and Sacred Sakura tree, so upgrade those if u haven’t.

And if you’re feeling real confident about your builds, try out a couple floors of Spiral Abyss, because they do give out a really nice amount of primos. And I guess if ur willing to spend some money, buy welkin and/or bp (but u have to log in everyday for welkin)

That’s all I can think of from the top of my head rn, but yeah. Early game has a lot of stuff, and next patch is lantern rite, so there’s probably a good amount of primos from there too. i dont have any summon rituals lmao, they all somehow lead to diluc..I think just having really low expectations works though in my experience haha! But yeah, hope that helps in some way! Hope u get ur Xiao!

[xcrystalzero]

all the things i believed

pairing: xiao x reader

summary: you've only seen the boy who lives in the apartment one over from yours a few times, but you knew the look of someone who wanted to seem intimidating when you saw one. so, why was his music taste so adorable?

alternatively, xiao thinks that the apartment walls are a lot thicker than they actually are and accidentally exposes the fact that he's not nearly as angsty as he wants everyone to believe.

note: soft xiao makes me way too happy. also, here is xiao's playlist! i recommend listening while you read :) if you guys like it, i'll make playlists for my fics more often!

"I'll miss you!" Your roommate had her arms wound tightly around your torso and it didn't seem like she planned on letting go any time soon. She was also squeezing just a tad too hard and it was starting to hurt.

Gingerly, you patted her on the shoulder, subtly attempting to pry her off of you with your other hand. "I'll miss you too... But remember, it's only two weeks and then you're back!"

That only served to make her pout even more as she finally pulled away "Two weeks is so long though! How am I going to survive without you and your brownies?"

"Hah, so you're really only worried about not having brownies huh?"

"You know that's not what I meant!" she whined, causing you to giggle slightly. Honestly though, there was no way anyone watching could possibly think that she would only be gone for two weeks. Your roommate had decided that she needed three full suitcases and the world's largest carry-on purse for her little trip, and you were honestly a little worried about it.

"Ahem..." Your bonding moment was promptly interrupted by a soft but very present voice directly behind you. Whirling around, you came face to face with a vaguely familiar figure.

It was the golden eyes that caught your attention first. Even in the strange fluorescent light of the hallway, they almost seemed to have a light of their own, a hypnotizing sort of gleam that you couldn't bring yourself to look away from. Of course, the rest of him was no less than stunning either. Dressed head to toe in black with his angular features and lean build, he was striking.

His eyes widened slightly as you turned towards him though they settled fairly quickly back into what you could only assume was his trademark glare.

"Just... trying to get through." His voice was gruff, but much softer than you had anticipated. Perhaps even gentle?

Oh yeah, that was how you knew him! Your schedules must have been somewhat similar since you were sure you passed him at least a few times a week. You had never talked but you were pretty sure you had seen him going into the unit one over from yours quite a few times.

So this was your neighbor huh? He was cute, if a little intimidating.

"Oh sorry!" your roommate chimed in. "We were just leaving, we'll get out of your way!" She began to scoot her bags to the side and you quickly joined in, wheeling one of the suitcases to the side, though you couldn't seem to keep your eyes off of the guy. Every time you looked away, it was as though your gaze was drawn back towards him by some unnatural force.

It helped that he seemed just as awkward with the whole thing as you did, alternating glancing between the you and your roommate, the floor, and his phone. As soon as there was enough space for him to squeeze by, he did, mumbling a quick thanks as he made his way down the hall, unlocking his door and disappearing into his apartment in what felt like a second.

After a moment of silence, your roommate piped up again. "He's cute!"

"He can probably still hear you!" you whacked her across the shoulder, causing her to pout in your direction again, though the teasing look never left her eyes.

"He's kind of your type too isn't he?" she all-but waggled her eyebrows in your direction to which you rolled your eyes.

"Aren't you already late for your flight"

"Oh shit!"

~~~

The apartment felt so strange when you were alone. Usually around this time of night, your roommate would have come banging on your door to join her for her late night rom-com marathon or to help her chose an outfit or the party she was going to. Tonight however, everything was quiet.

With a sigh, you slumped over onto your bed, scrolling aimlessly through your phone in hopes of finding some sort of entertainment.

That was when you heard it. The soft sound of an instrumental through the wall, slowly building in volume as you assumed whoever lived in that room turned up the volume.

"40 days and 40 nights... I waited for a girl like you to come and save my life..."

Aww cute, love songs! Had you been busy or doing literally anything else, you might have been annoyed, or at least a little worried about exactly how loud they had to be playing their music for you to be able to hear it. As things stood though, it was a welcome distraction.

"You were out of my league, all the things I believed, you were just the right kind yeah you were more than just a dream..."

Oh yeah, you knew this song too! There was a sort of second timbre to the sound and you wondered if the person playing the music was singing along as well.

Wait, who was playing that music. Judging by the sound, it was likely the unit one to your left where their wall joined with yours. The unit one to your left...

Multi-colored hair and golden eyes... The cute guy? Pulling yourself immediately up into a sitting position, you pressed yourself to the wall before immediately realizing how crazy you were acting.

He was just playing music, that wasn't anything weird.

"Romeo take me, somewhere we can be alone..."

Taylor Swift. He was playing Taylor Swift. At that, you started laughing. Wow, appearances really could be deceiving huh? You sighed as you leaned with your back against the wall, letting the vibrations from the music soak into your very being.

You were sure that you'd heard music coming from that unit before but he wasn't usually loud at all. Maybe something was different today? Maybe you'd ask him when you next saw him. And maybe, he'd actually want to talk to you when you did.

Or maybe not.

So for now, you let your head rest against the wall, letting the music and soft singing lull you into relaxation.

~~~

That was it, you despised public transportation. All you wanted was to get out of your apartment for one day and take your work to a nearby cafe. So of course, when you ran outside to catch the bus that came once every hour, the bus driver looked you straight in the eye as he closed the door right in front of you and drove off. And then for good measure, it started raining.

You sighed, burying your face in the backpack on your lap. If the bus app was right, which it rarely was, there was another bus you could take arriving in the next few minutes, so maybe this wouldn't be as awful as you thought.

The sound of footsteps entering the little bus stop booth got your mind off of your moping as you raised your head just enough to peer over at who it was that had just joined you.

Oh. Standing there, hood pulled up over his multi-toned hair and seemingly permanent scowl fixed on his lips, was your hot neighbor. Your hot neighbor with very interesting music taste if last night told you anything.

Since nothing could go right for you, the moment that you looked at him, he looked at you, meaning the two of you got to share a few agonizing seconds of awkward eye contact before he pointedly turned away with a soft "tsk". That being said, you were sure that you weren't imagining the slight tinge of shock you had seen in his gaze for a moment.

"You've got good timing, there's one coming in like 5 minutes." You had no idea how you had managed to get the words out without stuttering or blushing the moment he turned back to look at you.

"That's good..." Yup, that was an expected response, and yet, you really just wanted him to keep talking. So this was the end of your story with the gorgeous emo boy next door. Relegated to exchanging conversation about public transportation and nothing more. It was really the wasted potential here that was killing you. So many cute interactions that would just never happen. Ah if only the bus would come so that you wouldn't have to wallow in your despair any longer.

"I... thought you were leaving yesterday?"

Oh? You whirled around way too quickly to face the man, causing his eyes to widen as he shifted away instinctually.

"Oh, I was just helping my roommate move all of her stuff," you managed to get out, summoning what you hoped was a non-nervous smile to your lips.

"Those were all her bags?" he seemed horrified, enough so that you couldn't hold back your laughter.

"I said the same thing! She's kind of insane sometimes but I love her..." Well, it was no or never. "I'm [name] by the way!" You smiled and extended a hand out towards the boy.

He regarded you for a moment with a look you couldn't put into words. After what felt like an eternity however, he gently took your hand in his own, holding it for barely a moment before pulling back again. "Xiao."

Xiao. There was a strange sense of relief that came with this new knowledge. Know that you knew his name, was it couth to ask him what his favorite Taylor Swift song was? Probably not. But there was a chance that you might literally never be able to talk to him again... Meh, it was as you were thinking before right? Now or never.

"Hi Xiao. I liked your playlist last night by the way." The words came out more effortlessly than you had thought they would, carefree and teasing.

You were a little bit surprised though when you glanced back over at Xiao, only to find him eyes blown wide as a deep red spread quickly across his cheeks. "Y-You!"

"Honestly a pretty good curation! If a little unexpected..." You had no idea what it was about this guy but he really brought the snarky, teasing part of you out. Maybe it was the fact that while he usually looked cold and intimidating, blushing, embarrassed Xiao was strangely adorable.

"I thought you left!" Xiao blurted out. "I mean... There were so many bags... And your roommate said that you guys were leaving..."

You stared blankly at him for a moment before immediately dissolving into peals of laughter. Xiao had the gall to pretend to be offended for a moment before he looked away with a soft huff. "What..."

"You know, I kind of thought you were scary at first," you managed between giggles. "I guess not though!"

"Ugh, you're insufferable." Xiao rolled his eyes though you were sure that you saw the slightest hint of a smile as he did. "Why were you listening through the walls anyway?"

"Xiao, it was literally so loud."

"It wasn't that bad!"

"And I think I heard some singing too! Say, you in a band? Do you guys usually just write love songs?"

"I was not singing!"

There was a strange warmth in your chest as the two of you went back and forth. So things could go right for you after all?

~~~

Sadly, you and Xiao hadn't been going the same way, so when his bus came - before yours you might add - the two of you had parted ways. The sun had been going down when you made your way back home, satisfied with a productive day, though the memory of your conversation with Xiao was still taking up a lot more headspace than you would have liked.

So this is what it was like to simp for a guy? You weren't sure you liked it.

Setting down the takeout you had picked up on the counter, you crashed onto your living room couch with a low groan. Sleep would be nice right about now, but also, you had to eat and shower and clean...

"I wonder what Xiao's doing?" The thought appeared in your head suddenly and you almost smacked yourself right then and there. Why were you always thinking about him? You'd literally spoken to the guy once, and it wasn't anything special! Just some teasing and his little retorts... And his cute blush... And his little smile... And the way he pretended to be annoyed when he was clearly enjoying it... Wow, this was worse than you thought.

"CAN YOU FEEL MY HEART?"

You yelped, jumping up in your seat at the sudden noise, coming once again from the wall separating you and Xiao's units. You paused for a moment but before you could stop yourself, you were back up on your feet, making your way over and banging against the wall.

"You're not fooling anyone Xiao!" you yelled, not sure if he could even hear you. Apparently he could since the music stopped as quickly as it had started. There was a moment of silence as you pressed your ear to the wall, waiting for his next move. What you did not expect was to hear sound in the other direction. A knock on your door.

Confused, you made your way over, unlocking the door and pulling it open to reveal, Xiao? He was still wearing his giant black hoodie, though the glare was missing.

"Did you run out of sugar or something? Or fake angsty songs to play?" you questioned with a grin.

As expected, he let out a soft huff, turning his head away in fake exasperation. "You're a menace."

"So what I'm hearing is that you want me to send in a noise complaint!"

"You idiot... I'm just here to-" For whatever reason, he was blushing again.

"Here to?" you prompted, wondering if you should invite him in or offer him water or something. He was tugging at the collar of his hoodie too...

"J-Just here to say that if you're going to sit there listening through the walls, you might as well just come over..."

Did you hear that right? You stared at him for a moment longer, blinking slowly. This was probably a dream right? You were so tired when you got home that you fell asleep and now you were dreaming.

"I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to..." Or maybe not.

"You know, normal people just invite people over without pretending to be edgy right?"

"Shut it, are you coming or not?"

"Yeah yeah I'm coming. Oh yeah, I got takeout, I'll bring it. It's from that new place down the street, Wangshu Inn. Have you ever had Almond Tofu before?"

"... you're unbelievable."

note: i want a hot neighbor like xiao... i did have a hot neighbor who i did hit on, but then i found out that he had a girlfriend so i stopped... but xiao would be better.

[wesimpforxiao]

A spur-of-the-moment One-shot?

Be warned, heavy angst XD DISCLAIMER: DOES NOT PERTAIN TO SAY MY NAME AND I’LL BE THERE(and no I’m not killing anyone off in that story you guys can relax cuz it’s a promise!  I’d recite Teucer’s pinkie promise lines but I can’t remember them at the moment haha)  

....

What was it that you cared most about?  Was it the village you risked your life to protect?  The safety of your friends and family?  Him?  Or your own life?

You didn’t really have time to think of an answer when yet another blow crashed into you and sent you flying into the field.  The sickening crunch of bone as you hit the ground was probably heard by your offender.  One last shot.  One last shot.  You grit your teeth through the pain and sat up, shoulder slack from the impact of their last attack.

“DIE HERE!”  A mix of ice and flame torched your attacker, their screams echoing in the dead of night until they disintegrated into ash.  But just as you thought the torment was over, your gaze fell to the ever-widening gash at your side.  “Ah.”  It appears my delusion and vision outperformed this time.  A wry chuckle left your lips, and you sank back into the dewy grass that willingly soaked the blood up like it was an offering to the soil.

What did it all mean, in the end?

Hi, Xiao.  Your whispers of a greeting reached the ears of the yaksha, who was somewhere south of here.  I know it’s late, but I just wanted to say hello.  What good would it do to call your dear friend here?  You couldn’t feel your toes anymore; the tips of your fingers were becoming numb and the palms of your hands tingled.  I hope your day went well.  Have some almond tofu for me, would ya?

The arrogation of mankind won out yet again; this was a fitting end to your self-proclamation of godhood.  That yaksha of yours would probably remind you of it if he were here right now.  Truth be told, it’d be nice to have some company in your final moments, but it wouldn’t be right to have him witness the fall of another one of his companions.

Yet he knelt beside you anyway.

“Y-You shouldn’t be here,” a miniscule smile rose upon your bloody lips.  “My village isn’t too far.  Could you be a peach and make sure everyone is alright for me?”

Xiao’s fingers trailed to your side and peeled the fabric away from your skin, his face twisting into a scowl when he caught the glint of the delusion in your hand.  “You shouldn’t have tha--”

“Come on, you know I can’t...I can’t help myself.”  Your laugh turned into a coughing fit, and he retracted his hand.  He didn’t seem at all surprised to find you at death’s door; that’s how reckless of a human you were.

“The wound is too deep.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“It will be slow.”

“I know.”

“Are you in pain?”  How is she even conscious?

“I feel warm and fuzzy, nothing else.”  The yaksha observed your labored breathing for a moment, the sound of the crickets filling the gaps of silence.  “You should go.  I’d like...to die in peace.  Please.”

“Fool,” he growled.  “I will not.”  For he knew you well enough to know you wanted him, needed him here even though you said the exact opposite.  Just like him.  It was the main connection the two of you had; your minds both focused on protecting others by pushing them away.

“I’d rather not have someone,” a deep, slow breath, “watch me pass.”  He was getting a bit blurry.  “It’s creepy, you know.”  So sleepy...

“Rest here,” he encouraged with a hand warming your forehead.  He ignored the slight lump that had formed in his throat.  The death of a companion was never easy, but he’d have to bear it.  He will join his friends one day...but until then, this wouldn’t get to him.  It couldn’t.  He forced himself to hold your unsteady gaze and swallowed the hurt that began to constrict his chest.  You will not see me break in your final moment.  “Rest here, and die knowing I stayed with you to the end, friend.”

What a soft voice, a soft expression from your dear companion.  “...yes...”  You were determined to hold his gaze as long as your eyes allowed you to, and your hand met his warm one at your forehead.  “Th-Thank you, Xiao.”

The lone yaksha let out a long, heavy sigh after you took your last breath.

......

ALTERNATE ENDING (Cursing warning.  Also, this one is worse ;-;)

“Sh-Shit,” a half-hearted laugh left your lips when your hand retracted from your side to reveal a lot of blood.  “A-haha, X-Xiao’s gonna make a fuss about this.”  You forced yourself to lie down in the dewy grass, biting the inside of your cheek to refrain from yelping when your broken shoulder touched the ground.

Hey, Xiao.  You blinked the tears of both fear and pain away as you stared up at the night sky.  ‘Just breathe,’ you thought.  ‘No need to panic.’ But the searing pain within your stomach told you there was a need to freak out a bit.  You could only imagine how badly your organs were damaged...How was your day?  Sorry if my prayers are a bit repetitive.  It’s just nice to talk sometimes.

“Tch.”  Another wince of pain and suddenly Xiao was standing above you.  “Ah...you shouldn’t be here.  M-My village is...”

“Do not speak.”  The adeptus knelt beside you and peeled the fabric away from your stomach.  “Your village is fine.”

“Promise?”  Screw holding the facade, this hurt like hell.  You squirmed when his fingertips grazed you.  “Ngh! Stop!”

“The wound is too deep.”

“I know!”  Reality finally set in, and your breathing quickened in a panic.  At least the adrenaline numbed a little bit of the pain, but it paled in comparison to whatever damage was done to your stomach.  “F-fuck, get away from me.”  Your growl didn’t faze him, but something flickered across his face when you began to cough up an unruly amount of blood.

“It will be slow.”  His gaze caught yours. “Painful.”

“I-I know,” tears stung the corners of your eyes.  The pain was only getting worse.  “Please leave me to die here.  Go on, now.  You don’t have to be here.  Shoo.”

“Fool,” he sneered.  “Of course I have to.”  

“It’s creepy to watch me like this,” you forced a laugh, but more blood came up instead.  “Ugh...haah, it hurts too much.”  The yaksha stroked your hair somewhat awkwardly in an attempt to soothe you.  “X-Xiao...I...please end it.”

Xiao watched you carefully, his hand stilling.  “You want me to end your suffering?”

“Y-yes, please!”  Every breath invited a pain equivalent to being burned, every movement invited what felt like knives into your organs.  “P-Please.  I know...I know it’s a lot to ask.  But I’d rather it be by your hand.”

It wouldn’t be the first time he’s had to do this, but a pain still shot through him at the thought of your death.  He was looking forward to your endless bickering for the next several years, looking forward to savoring this last banter with you, but if you were in that much pain, so be it.  He summoned his polearm, and caught the brief panic in your eyes when you realized the blade was much bigger than you remembered.  “You’re certain?”

“Just...Just make it quick, please?”

He lifted you enough so he could envelop you in his embrace.  “Rest now, my companion.”

A sharp yelp echoed through the field as his blade pierced the center of your chest until it had pierced through the other side.  Your grip on his arm tightened for a few long seconds as you drew your last breaths.  “..th...thank you...”  His stiff stroking of your hair soothed your anxiety of letting go, but the stiffness wasn’t attributed to awkwardness of human contact--instead, it was grief.  Shock.  Sadness.  Whatever humans attributed this god-awful feeling to.

Yet another voice to haunt him.

So be it.

[nyerus]

MDZS  vs.  The Untamed

Differences between “Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation” (Mó Dào Zǔ Shī - 魔道祖师) and its live drama adaptation “The Untamed” (Chén Qíng Lìng - 陈情令)

(If you want to skip right to the differences, please see below the cut!)

I’ve recently fallen into the MXTX fandom by crying through TGCF and I’ve been delighted to see that I’m not the only one who’s been newly inducted. I've been seeing so much of the live action adaptation of MDZS, i.e. CQL, on my dash, and I'm so happy about it. After watching it, I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to make a post cataloging the differences between CQL and MDZS for those interested.  (ﾉ´ヮ`)ﾉ*: ･ﾟ The goal of this post is for two reasons: First, to help people who are totally new to MDZS and are starting out with CQL as their entry, and then reading the novel (or going to the donghua/manhua). This will hopefully help them get their bearings in regards to the fandom, so that they won't be confused when coming across certain content that isn't in the live drama. Second, this is to help folks who have already read the novel/etc to understand what's different in the live action, so when/if they choose to watch CQL, they aren't caught off-guard by any changes. (I won't get into the manhua/donghua in this post because it's already too long as it is.) Hopefully, this will also help bridge the gap between fans, so that we can have a fun and shared experienced over this incredible world brought to us by MXTX! This post is split into two distinct sections: one without any major spoilers, and one with spoilers. If you want to be as unspoiled as possible and just want to know the big differences between the novel and drama, please read only the first portion. The second //spoiler-filled// portion is divided into other major and minor differences, and is mainly intended for people who have experienced at least one version already. Additionally, if you are completely new to MDZS, there are things which may seem like spoilers to you, but happen in like the first page of the novel/in the summary itself (or in the first 10mins of the first episode), and will not be treated as such. I will do what I can to keep actual spoilers out of the first section….

Before jumping right into it though, I think it’s time to say that many of the differences in CQL are in large part due to the strict censorship laws that China has. Unfortunately, we just have to live with this fact. Thankfully for us, the creators of CQL have earnestly tried their best in keeping the major points and themes of MDZS in tact, and have really stuck to the spirit of the series. Kudos to them and the actors for their hard work!

SPOILER-FREE DIFFERENCES

There is no explicit romance between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji in CQL. They are literally called soulmates right in the CQL summary, and there are very obvious romantic undertones to their relationship in the drama—but there is nothing explicit on-screen. Naturally, due to censorship. While the novel has the two in an intimate (and very explicit) relationship where they end up literally married, the show tones this down to something more subtle. It’s still pretty obvious that they’re in love though. (Especially in the 20-episode wangxian special edition.) Also, they always seem to be sharing a room with one bed….

The plot is modified for CQL. In the novel, the plot revolves around Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji following an aggrieved spirit as they uncover the truth of what’s going on. In CQL, this was changed from the dismembered arm of said spirit to a sword, but it serves virtually the same purpose as it does in the novel. The other real major difference with the plot is that something known as “Yin Iron” is what drives a majority of the past’s plot. It has its origins tied to demonic cultivation, which I will explain more below. It doesn’t drastically change the actual plot itself, but does change some motivations, etc. This is not present in the novel.

Wei Wuxian is not the founder of demonic cultivation in the drama. Yes I know this seems whack. After all, the original novel is literally called Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation/Founder of Diabolism. But due to censorship laws, they had to change this. Wei Wuxian still uses demonic cultivation, and still invents many things (the compass, the spirit flags, the amulet, etc). He’s still shown as a prodigy—but demonic cultivation is a thing that’s been around long before the story takes place; it’s just that no one uses it except Wei Wuxian. The reason is the existence of the Yin Iron. It was something that was found and revered long ago, and is a source of dark power. Hence, why demonic cultivation already exists, but also why no one follows that path. The necromancy angle is also downplayed in CQL.

Wei Wuxian’s morality is somewhat different. Again, due to censorship restrictions. In the novel, Wei Wuxian is far more of a gray character who does some questionable things. He makes mistakes, there are things which are definitely his fault, and he has many things which he regrets. However in CQL, he is shown more as a victim of circumstance. He’s portrayed as a much more innocent character, who happens to be doing what’s right, and is just continually fucked over. He still does plenty of questionable things, but it’s less so than in the novel. In both versions, he is still Chaotic Good, just the novel emphasizes chaotic, and the drama emphasizes good. Also, CQL doesn’t really portray Wei Wuxian’s breakdown or deteriorating mental health before his death too deeply.

Wei Wuxian’s death in the beginning of the story is different. The novel is much more vague in this regard, and it is more drawn-out. I will return to this point later as well, in regards to spoilers. The live drama has a more… “peaceful” and quick type of death for Wei Wuxian, and given how it’s the very first scene that you see in the show, it may catch novel fans off guard. Still absolutely heart-wrenching though, especially when you see it play out in full later on.

The structure of the live drama’s narrative is different. While MDZS intersperses its main story in the present timeline with flashbacks (as do the donghua and manhua), CQL goes about it differently. After episode 2, CQL takes the viewer all the way to the past and goes through the entire timeline of events which happen leading up to Wei Wuxian’s death as seen in the first few scenes. From episode 3 to episode 33, you are firmly in the past only. Novel readers may find that this causes many things to be revealed quite early on. The change in structure is probably the biggest difference. From episode 33 and onwards, you are back to the present.

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji’s relationship in the present timeline is different to start out with. The novel has Wei Wuxian first operating under the assumption that Lan Wangji doesn’t like him. This eventually turns around, and deepens into a romantic relationship between the two. CQL on the other hand, has present-timeline!Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji having a much more tender relationship from the moment they meet again.

Wei Wuxian’s appearance remains the same after he is resurrected in the drama. While in the novel and other adaptations, Wei Wuxian takes on the appearance of Mo Xuanyu (who happens to look similar to a younger him, luckily enough), this does not happen in the drama. Probably done for convenience’s sake. It is never properly explained other than the fact that along with the soul-summoning spell, Mo Xuanyu did some other things to ensure that Wei Wuxian returned to what looked like his old body. (Some body parts snatching might’ve been involved.) Thus, Wei Wuxian hides his identity by wearing a mask.

Everyone looks the same as they did when they were teenagers. Again, probably just for convenience’s sake. They spend a lot of time in the flashbacks so getting viewers used to one set of faces, and then changing everything would be jarring—and also expensive to swap out actors. So despite a 16 year gap, everyone looks the same with no aging. #cultivatingimmortality

The time gap between Wei Wuxian’s death and resurrection is slightly longer in the drama. It’s 16 years versus 13 years in the novel. Unsure of why the change, as it doesn’t change much apart from serving to make some of the kids older. Some kids’ ages are also slightly altered. It’s not a huge difference and it plays virtually no difference in plot. Also, I can’t confirm it, but everyone seems to start out older as well.

Xiao Xingchen, Song Lan, and Xue Yang are encountered much earlier in the drama. Before Wei Wuxian’s death, the three of them are encountered in Yueyang before the start of the Sunshot Campaign. The rest of their story plays out after Wei Wuxian’s resurrection.

Jiang Yanli, Wen Qing, and Wen Ning attend the classes at Cloud Recesses. This gives them a lot more screen time. Elaborated in spoilers below.

Wen Qing’s relationship with Wen Ruohan is more antagonistic from the start. Just like how Wei Wuxian is shown more as a victim of circumstance, so is Wen Qing (and by extension Wen Ning). Elaborated below.

The next section is spoiler-filled. It’s divided into two parts: major and minor differences. Turn back now if you don’t want serious spoilers for either CQL or MDZS!!!

SPOILER-FILLED MAJOR DIFFERENCES

After the dancing statue/Dafan Mountain incident — Wei Wuxian passed out, and wakes up in Cloud Recesses in Lan Wangji’s room. Both of them know™ already. Thus, Wei Wuxian doesn’t even try to pretend that he’s Mo Xuanyu in front of Lan Wangji, but he keeps up the appearance for other people until he’s figured out. This allows the two of them to have a very private relationship with each other.

Also lending to this, Wei Wuxian dies in a much different way in the drama, and dies knowing that Lan Wangji cares deeply about him. Thus why their relationship on his resurrection is so soft. He knew that Lan Wangji protected him and tried to save him until the very end, and is far more affectionate as a result.

Speaking of his death…. In CQL, Wei Wuxian chooses to basically swan dive off a cliff after seeing the horrors in front of him. It has a very lucid finality to it, and feels as though he has decided that only his death can bring peace, and so he falls back off a cliff—only to be caught momentarily by Lan Wangji. He eventually wrests himself from Lan Wangji’s grasp and falls to his death as Lan Wangji (and Jiang Cheng) watches in horror. The novel is far more vague and hints that he met a more gruesome end.

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian essentially make up at the end of the drama—or at least end on decent terms by agreeing to put their past behind them and move on. Wei Wuxian wipes away a stray tear as Jiang Cheng cries in front of him in the temple. After everything is said and done, Jiang Cheng privately and quietly wishes Wei Wuxian well as he leaves with Lan Wangji.

Lan Xichen does not go into seclusion at the end of the drama. Despite his trauma, he’s relatively okay as compared to the novel. The drama doesn’t really comment on this aspect, to be honest.

In CQL, Jiang Yanli attends the classes at Cloud Recesses with her brothers. She is given extra interaction with Jin Zixuan during this. Yanli is in general given way more screen time in CQL. She is present during the destruction of Lotus Pier (she appears with Jiang Fengmian), and escapes with Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng to Yiling.

Similarly, Wen Ning and Wen Qing are also present for the classes at Cloud Recesses. This is where they first meet Wei Wuxian (and Jiang Cheng), instead of Wen Ning and Wei Wuxian meeting in Qishan later. This gives all of them a pre-existing relationship before the events at Lotus Pier. Jiang Cheng also harbors a tiny crush on Wen Qing for a little bit. #same

Wen Qing is handled with much more suspicion by Wen Ruohan and Wen Chao, and during the Sunshot Campaign, she is even locked up. She’s saved by Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng, but goes her separate way until Wei Wuxian encounters her again after becoming the Yiling Patriarch proper.

Mianmian is shown to be a part of the Jin sect in CQL, and is close to Jin Zixuan. She renounces her ties to Lanling Jin after everyone starts hating on Wei Wuxian.

Mianmian is also encountered in episode 1. She and her family replace the random farmer family they meet once they leave Gusu (for the second time) on their way to the Burial Mounds. The timing of this may also be different. This is because there is no real “epilogue” that takes 3 months later, like the final chapter of MDZS.

Mo Xuanyu was not ostracized for the same reasons as in the novel. In the novel, he’s also thought to be insane, but was thrown out because he supposedly “harassed” Meng Yao (i.e. had romantic feelings for him which were found out and he was driven out of Lanling). In CQL, he was thrown out for “harassing” Qin Su, but in actuality was only trying to reveal the truth about her husband, and was thrown out as an excuse to get rid of him before he became troublesome.

During the hunt in Phoenix Mountain, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian have a heart-to-heart, and establish that they do, in fact, care for one another. (I’m pretty sure they use the word soulmate here, but the subs are like “lifelong confidante” lol.)

The origins of the bunnies is different in CQL, and is tied to Lan Yi—an ancestor of the Lan clan (the one who invented Cord Assassination). Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji find a cave in Gusu during their classmate days, which holds the spirit of Lan Yi. There, she reveals information about the Yin Iron and that she is guarding one piece of it. After all this, Wei Wuxian looks after the bunnies after taking them out of the cave, and as he leaves Cloud Recesses, he leaves them in the care of Lan Wangji.

The Gusu Lan sect is less rekt in CQL, as many of them are able to hide away in the aforementioned cave during the destruction of Cloud Recesses. Su She, then a disciple of Gusu Lan, betrays them by telling Wen Chao that the others are hiding in the cave. He’s summarily kicked out. In the novel, he’s the one that tries to rat out Mianmian when they’re facing the Tortoise of Slaughter. (He is still the one who casts the hundred holes spell on Jin Zixun.)

SPOILER-FILLED MINOR DIFFERENCES

In CQL, after his 33 lashes, Lan Wangji goes into forced seclusion for 3 years first. And then his 13 years of playing Inquiry start. Extra depressing, but it doesn’t change anything else.

The ghost baby that Wang LingJiao sees is replaced with a dismembered eye. Still gory. Don’t really know which one is worse…….. Her death is definitely less gory in CQL, though.

The Stygian Tiger Amulet was made of the strange weapon found in the Tortoise of Slaughter in both the novel and drama, but in CQL, said weapon was actually a fragment of the Yin Iron.

CQL shows a few scenes of Wei Wuxian when he first gets tossed into the Burial Mounds.

Lan Qiren is the head of the Gusu Lan sect, all the way through the story in CQL, including the end. Lan Xichen is never referred to as the sect leader.

Gusu Lan's rules are a little less strict in CQL. And co-ed classmates and cultivators seem to be the norm.

This post is certainly not 100% complete, as it’s just what I managed to pick up as I watched/read and remembered to note down. But if you have questions or comments, please reach out to me and I’ll do my best to answer! I hope this is as accurate as possible, but since I’m flying off memory...  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Take care, all! Feel free to drop into my DMs and scream with me!  ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ✩‧₊˚

[shinobirain24]

Water and Ice- Chapter 11: Ransom

Vytyl Festival

A match where a young man with rusty red-brownish hair. And brown eyes, wearing a black tank and green jeans, and a caped draped on this right arm. Standing with three other huntsmen students against another team of four.

"And here we have Team VSTI, a team who attended Atlas Academy. Featuring their leader, a young man who led his missions into victories. Very smart and quick at his feet. Better watch out, cause he's poisonous. The one, and only, Carlos Vega!" Came to the announcement. A young Carlos then smiled and waved to the crowd. Holding a rose from his teeth.

Female students then get a glimpse. Then he turns to each of them and winks at them. Making the girls either heated from the sight of the student, or fainted. Some however, are disinterested as some regarded him as a show-off. Team RWBY watches, not that they cared as they just want to enjoy the tournament.

"What a show-off. Who does this guy think he is?" Blake complained. Disgusted of how much attention he's getting.

Carlos then spots Weiss and smirk at this opportunity to throw the rose directly at her. Making his supporters jealous. Weiss then catches it. Ruby then spoke up. "Well, Weiss. It looks like he has a thing for you." Weiss is also dismayed for the way he looked at her like he have know her. She drops the rose and walks away from the audience. "Hmph!" She stormed off.

Sometime after the match. Weiss is walking into the Amity Arena to find her friends after recuperating from the nightmare she hated most. That is when she accidently dropped her scroll. "Why, every time?" She sighed. To her shock, A hand reached to her scroll first. "Please, allow me." A male voice offers.

"Oh, thank you." Weiss replies as the man handed back her scroll. "I thought I..." She gasped when she looks up to get a good look at him. Carlos Vega. The heir to the Vega Corporation that invested in dusts, rivaling the Schnee Dust Company. "Y-you!" Weiss exclaimed.

"Pardon me, I believe we have yet to formally been introduce. Miss Schnee. I am Carlos Don Vega." He bowed in respect. "It's a pleasure." He takes her hand and attempts to kiss it. But she pulls it back.

"Um...Thanks." She said awkwardly. She has the need of running before things get too awful. "Well, I have to get going then. My team is probably worried about me." She takes her right foot to get away, but Carlos stopped her in front.

"Please stay a bit longer, mi belleza de nieve. I just wanted to speak to you."

"What is it that you want? So that you can just leave me alone." Weiss demands. That is when he pulls out a rose and holds it in front of her eyes. "The moment I saw you, I knew there is a favor I would like to ask of you."

"And what is that?" Weiss is startled when he pushed her to the walls. "What the-?! What do you think you're doing?!" Weiss yells. And saw the smirk on his face. It didn't look good to her.

"The moment I saw you, I knew we are meant to be one."

"Being one? Oh please, that was plain corny coming from you." She snarked. "And heck, I don't even know you!" She tries to push him away, but to no avail.

"What I meant to say is, I am going to make you my bride." He said. She is appalled for what he said to her. Normally she would turn down every suitor her father picked for her. "Get it in your head, Vega. Your attitude towards women is unacceptable and appalling." She refused. "And I refused to give myself up for a spoiled snob like you."

"Hey Weiss, is everything okay here?" Asked a blonde teenager with gauntlets. Yang Xiao Long. She could see what was going on. "It's fine, Yang. Just some loser who is very delusional." Weiss responded with her arms crossed. Yang then grabbed the back of his neck collar and led him away.

"Alright pal, you had enough fun for one day." Yang then drag him away. Much to her relief.

Weiss cracked her eyes open from that memory. She was about to get up from where she was lying. At the same time she felt weak from all the poison. Falling back down in some bed. She looked at her lower body to see that she is no longer wearing her huntress gear. But rather a white dress with frills at the bottom. And a silver hairpin in her hair. When she looked around, she was sitting on a bed. She is in a room, where there's a dresser. A window where she can see the ocean. She could tell she's on a yacht. "You have awaken, mi belleza de nieve." Weiss gasped to see the man she has always hated.

"Stop calling me by that creepy nickname, my name is Weiss." Weiss scorned. But he ignored that comment. "And, why am I in this dress?! It's awful!" Disgusted being changed into a dress, which reminds her of the rules she have to endure in the house.

"But you are very lovely by that furious look on the face. I hope you can forgive me after our meeting with your father." Carlos tries to kiss her hand again. But Weiss lashes out at him. Showing no interest to submit. "Could you get any more stubborn? You should appreciate that I am giving you the luxury that you deserved."

"I have no interest in living the life of luxury. Neither is the money. Whatever scheme you have here, Vega. It's never going to work. So good day." Weiss began to summon her glyph. But it was no use when it her aura flickered. And her Myrtenaster was already confiscated while she was unconscious. Darn it, he took my weapon.

"Oh, I forgot to mention, your aura somehow saved you from the poison. So you got lucky. However, at the cost of your use of semblance. As long as it is in your body, it was no use." Explained Carlos. "This way, you will honor me by paying the debt." Weiss blinked, she didn't remember anything about a debt. She knew her father has shady businesses, but never in her life she knows about a debt. But it's all connected to her father. "What debt? I don't recall agreeing to this."

"You'll see when your father gets here himself. Oh, there he is." He glanced at the doorway to see Jacques Gele. Formerly known as Jacques Schnee after being married into her mother's family. The results of her family turmoil. She no longer fearing his presence. All she ever has towards him is hate. "Weiss, how a pleasure to see you again."

"How did you get out? You're supposed to be in prison." She snarled. Having the smug on his face. The reason she put her father arrested was because years back, she found out he was running as a candidate for chairman in the council of Atlas. The only crime he committed was conspiracy with murder, by making a deal with a mad scientist, named Dr. Arthur Watts to help him win the election by having an assassin to murder supporters of his rivals to rig the votes. After winning the election, Jacques however, was busted due to having blind spots of hidden cameras.

"Is that any way to address your father?" He retorted.

"You are not my father, you're just a coward who uses his own flesh and blood as pawns." Weiss points his finger at him. Showing him no mercy for all he has done. "It's no wonder Winter left you." She huffed. But her father has other plans, he still somewhat find her useful even if he took away her inheritance. "I know you're still angry with me, but I have other plans to make your life better."

"Is this about the debt you are ordered to pay? If so, I want no part of it."

"Actually, you are part of it. You want to know the reason I was able to convince your grandfather to let me take over the company?" Weiss never want to hear about it, but she grabs the only thing they haven't taken yet. An earring her sister had gave her that also serves as a recording device, should anything happens. As her father continues to speak. He walked towards the window. While speaking to her. Having to be tired doing nothing after sitting in a cell. "You see, I have an old friend who hired me in the place in the Vega Corporation. Montero Vega. That would be Carlos' father. Do you remember him?"

"Yes, just this one time in one of our after parties." Weiss replies.

"You see, he and I go way back. When I was a lad, I have no use of living, until he offered me a place in his company. All was successful, he and I have a lot in common with. It was thanks to him that I have become the high-paid man in all of Atlas. With all the money he paid me, it was enough to convince your grandfather to let me marry your mother as a requirement to take over his company. The poor fool was so weak, he was too desperate to find someway to manage a company. He doesn't know how his daughter will survive. And that's how it all came to this." Jacques explained his story.

"That company never belonged to you to begin with. Mother was still studying back then before she can inherit the business. Grandfather only let you marry her because he was worried for her. Even if he regretted that day to put her in serious misery. At least that's what he told Winter, she was the only person to have confide in him because she never trusted you." Weiss hissed.

"Later on, Montero and I have met again, only to remind me about the debt since I already borrowed his money. Of course, I invited him to your 7th after party of the concert you sang that night. Before I have the chance to speak to him, I noticed his son Carlos taking in interest in you. But you didn't noticed. No matter if you turn him away. He's not taking no for an answer. Then it hit me an idea, why paying up the debt with money, if I can arrange you a marriage? When I told Montero about this idea, he told me that he can accept this as a payment if I can set you and Carlos to make a business joint between both of our companies. And at least he accepted. Sadly, he died in illness. Leaving the debt in his son's will."

"So you sold me out, didn't you?!" She growled. Over the past years, she never thought that her father would put her in a debt. That crosses the line when he would go this far. But far worse when he escaped. Winter would never consent this arrangement, and neither will her mother. But unwilling to voice out because of the fear he would do something to her daughters and son. "As part of the deal, after Carlos is very kind enough to let me escape from prison. And to take back the company. It's ashamed that your sister never knew of his status as she was too busy teaching her students as headmistress to the academy."

"Winter would never let something like this to happen." She snapped. But Carlos took a step closer to her. Weiss stumbled back to the dresser. He lifts her chin. "I'm afraid you don't have a choice. You see, I have already found the individual responsible for the embargo sinking. Whose surname is Vasilias." Weiss gets shaken, she refused to believe this as a weapon for the ransom. "You see, I ran into him when he came out looking for you. That fool didn't know what hit him. But somehow he figured I was right behind him, and surprisingly, he surrenders." She inquired to herself, silently for why would he turn himself in.

"Don't believe me? I'll show it to you." She pulls out his scroll that features security cameras. There he clicked on a window where it was all black and white. But there a person has arms tied between the walls. And he was bleeding badly from all the beating he has taken. There was a muscular man punching him in the stomach. When he move away from him. Weiss is terrified that the man getting lashed out was Neptune. "No, Neptune!" She whimpered. Covering her mouth. Then Carlos leans over her shoulder and whispers to her. "I'm afraid you have no choice but to accept me into your arms. If you do, then I'll spare his life by turning him to your sister. And if you refuse, then I'll have no choice but to drown him into the bottom of the seas." He then walks out the door with her father giving her a smirk. "You have one hour to decide." Carlos waves before exiting. "Feel free to roam around the boat. Just so you know, I have my security team around in case you tried to escape."

What am I going to do? I cannot let him die, Vega will kill him. Weiss then slid against the dresser in distress. Tired of all the threats that's been going on. First She and Neptune are being hunted. And now he's been held hostage as ransom for her to agree to an unwanted marriage. Back as an heiress, she can be a bit of a complaint. But this time, she has to be considerate of others. She will never forgive herself if those she cared about have died because of her. Risking herself is the only option she has to set Neptune free. For him to run and hide without her.

Neptune is in another ship. Restrained by corners of left and right by ropes tied to his wrists. His Tri-hard have also been confiscated. His head is lower from all the infliction he received by all the beating. For that, there are bruises from the upper body, to the lowest. Never in his life he had endure, aside form fighting the Grimm.

What were they planning to do to Weiss? Why do I get the feeling that this is the wrong ship? He thought. He then thought back to the time he saw the figure in the hood and mask. Something in his eyes didn't feel right to him. When he was at sword point by the enemy. Something about that guy felt familiar to me. But where is this coming from? But he has some connection to the Red Eye. Don't worry, Weiss, I'll get you out of this. He thought.

Then the ship shaken with the sound of a boom, there was an explosion imploded from somewhere near the empty room. Through the doorway, all the guards are running the same direction to the exit. The alarms blared in red. "Um, hello?!" He called, but they ignored him. The he saw water leaking from the hall. "Uh oh..." He eye-widened in fear. "Oh no...water...Anything but that!" He moves in sideways to break free from the ropes. But they were too tight, his hands started to leak blood from the rasp of the ropes. "Hey! Anyone here?! A5 least help me out with these!" But the pain stings him so much, he passed out. "Gotta get out...of here...got...to..."

Jacques and Carlos are standing behind the rails of the yacht staring at the ship where Neptune is being held. Jacques is tapping his foot. Looking at his watch for the remaining time limit for Weiss to decide to give herself up or face the consequences. Carlos still hold the trigger to wait for the decision. However, despite the choices he have given her, he is still tempted to press the button to watch the explosion. Then it was too late. Weiss have exit the door to confirm her decision.

"Alright, Vega! You win. I'll do it if you just let him-!" Weiss was interrupted by the explosion as Carlos have already triggered the bomb. To her horror, the ship was burning in flames. There are guards on lifeboats. And Neptune was an exception. "Neptune!" She screamed. Grasping through the rails in bitterness. Tears are running, but instead she has them in full hatred.

"You monsters! You'll pay for this!" Weiss lets her fury out by creating a projection of the ursa. But it failed as her aura shattered.

"Did you already forget that the poison stops your semblance from activating?" Weiss still glared at him while thinking of a way to escape. "It's no use to save him now, it looks like you're about to be mine after all." Said Carlos when he was about to step towards her. Weiss was about to make a run for it. Climbing onto the rails to jump off the ship. Regardless of the height, to save the man she have grown to care for. "What are you doing? This is suicide, and you know it." Said Jacques. Hoping to bring her into his side. But Weiss turned in defiance, and told him, "I would rather drown than to let Neptune die." And with that, she jumps off. The explosion just went on early, which gives her enough time to dive into the sea and swim to the ship. Carlos then turned to three of his guards.

"You idiots, stop her!" They went after her to prevent her from escaping. But they came to late as they were far from the spot and Weiss successfully leaps off.

Weiss then climbs into the ship using the remaining lifeboat still attached to the lever. She made it to the top of the boat, which can lead to the room where Neptune is. First, she had glanced at the weapons. Her Myrtenaster, and Neptune's Tri-hard in a laboratory. She picks them up as needed for their next fight. In a desperate speed, she comes across every room. The dining room, the lounge, nothing came in. The lower she went, the higher the water rises. The last stop, is the boiler room. There she peaked through the window. Luckily, Neptune is nearby.

Walking on water while opening the door. Dealing with the velocity of the substance. "Neptune..." Weiss spoken while rushing towards him. Moving her arms and legs through the water while it has yet to have risen. Neptune then wakes up hearing her voice. He lifts his head. He thought it was his imagination. "W-Weiss...Is that...you?" He stammered, while still enduring the bruises. Instead of focusing in the water, he focused on Weiss as she embraced him in relief. She then breaks from him and saw the scars he has. "Oh my god. What have they done to you?"

"Forget about me, and get out of here. I can't swim and you know it." Neptune refuses. But Weiss determines to escape with him. Knowing she cannot let him live in fear forever. "Stop talking like that. I am going to get you out." Said Weiss. She then unties him, while catching him before he could fall. He fully regained consciousness. "Just followed my lead, okay? I'll bet this'll be the time for me to teach you to swim." The water then rises further near the ceiling. Flowing along with Weiss and Neptune as they held onto a pipe. They know they couldn't last long if they stay there. "When I give the word, keep kicking. And don't let go of my hand." Weiss instructed. Neptune then gets a grip that he didn't have any other choice but to follow along. And puts his goggles above his eyes. "Do you trust me?" Weiss asked. And he nods.

"I do."

"Okay, take a deep breathe." Weiss told him, and they held their breathes for as long as they can. His ears then got clogged by the water. But it didn't matter to him as long as he could see with the goggles. Weiss held his hand to lead him to safety. As instructed, Neptune kicks up and down to keep moving. This is the first time he felt calm about being in the water. When they reached the higher floors again, they resurfaced from the water. They breathed after reaching the stair. They coughed when some of the water got into their mouth. But more importantly, they survived. "Are you okay?" Weiss asked.

"Yeah...Definitely." He replies.

"Good, let's get out of here." They climbed onto the stairs and reached the balcony of the ship. They reached the the last lifeboat and float away. Weiss then looks at Neptune with a stern expression. "What were you thinking?! I told you to stay behind and you nearly got killed! Do you have any idea how scared I got?!" Weiss then teared up looking at the bruised state he has. "This is all my fault, isn't it? I already dragged you into this, didn't I..." She rubbed her eyes. Feeling guilt that someone could be targeted, all because she is pinned into bounty. "I think it's best if I...stay away from you...while you get as far away as possible..." Neptune ignores her arguments, and instead pulls the back of Weiss' head close to his and kisses her. Weiss tried to pull away, but she gave in. They closed their eyes and break away to look at each other.

"Do you think I am the type to leave you behind?" He asked, but Weiss didn't answered. "That was very brave of you back there. I never thought you can take that risk. I learned today that I will no longer live in fear. I would give anything to save those I cared about. Especially you." Weiss then placed her hand on the back of his hair. "I'm just happy that you're alive. I'll never let anything happened to you either." Then a gun was pointed to Neptune's head. Which they jumped by the sudden movement. "Such a sweet moment. Too bad it's never going to last long." They looked up to see Jacques and Carlos in speedboats with a bunch of bodyguards ready to fire.

"Come along, Weiss. We have a debt to pay." Jacques said before turning to the blue-haired huntsmen. "Either it's that, or the blue-haired boy, gets it." Neptune bites back by pointing his rifle to him. "Try me, old man!" Weiss interrupts by lowering his gun to prevent Neptune from getting injured any further, as he was already punished enough as it is. "No, don't do it." Weiss pleaded quietly. Before he could protest, Weiss explained to him. "Father has made it clear that he's not going to stop until the debt is paid. I can't let him get his way to kill you." His eye widened to hear that the man standing before him was her father. Weiss secretly gives Neptune her rapier before they get caught.

"Wait a minute, you're her father?" Neptune asked. "You're supposed to be in prison."

"Isn't it obvious. The reason I have to sent my future son-in-law to capture you, because I knew my daughter would refuse to give in for a debt." Jacques explains while brushing his mustache. Neptune turned to the so-called suitor of hers. And recognized the uniform he is wearing. "Wait a minute, you're from the Atlas Military. How did you not get caught." The heir of the Vega Corporation has chuckled brushing his hair. He's not taking the situations very seriously in the name of the will his father. Neptune didn't like the fact that parents would use their sons and daughters as debts. "I don't want you around her anymore. If you dare to interfere, I won't let you off easily." Before Neptune can fight back. Weiss gets up and responded to them. "No one's dying today. Because I'll come with you." She insisted. Neptune then grabs her wrist to stop her from taking risk. "Weiss, don't do this. Are you crazy?" Neptune protests. But she pulls away and spun to him. "I have to, I cannot let anyone I cared about getting killed. It's my job as a huntress to put others first. You need to focus on finding your brother and bring him home."

"Hop on, mi belleza de nieve." He reached out his hand, and Weiss reluctantly has hers over his and got into his boat.. Neptune watches Weiss being sped away. Weiss then stared at Neptune, knowing that she might not see him anymore if nothing is done. Neptune won't forget his promise to continue searching for his brother. But he cannot let Weiss submit to her enemies either. "Weiss, I promise you. I will get you out of this!" He promised.

[ijustwantdumpling]

Modaozushi Fanfic Recommendation.

Since I can’t get enough of this novel, might as well pampering/hurting my self more with an outstanding fanfic/canon divergence of this great book. Even the live action and the anime version still nor gonna stop me from these beautiful handmade story by all the fans of Modaozushi.

This recommendation will be focusing on our WangXian couple

 1.Cure by Yukirin_Snow 

Description : It was meant to be a consult, simple, quick, to tell the family and patient that there wasn’t much he could do. Even after all the other doctors, the tests, the treatments, and the huge stack of documentation on his desk that told him this poor patient could only remain comfortable until his final moments.

So how had it ended up like this?

(It was well written and you could see how well researched this fanfic is. I Spent my night in tears reading this beautiful fanfic. tips : prepare some tissue and we gonna go on emotional roller coaster.)

status : Multi-chaptered / Completed

2. SanRen by Kyogre

Description : Leaving YunmengJiang in an effort to curb the tensions in the Jiang family, Wei WuXian becomes a rogue cultivator.Even without the support of a sect, he is a rare genius whose name will become known across the cultivation world and whose techniques will influence the course of a war.However, what influences his own fate is a chance meeting that becomes the first step toward love.

(a canon divergence, but at least everyone alive here.)

status : Multi-Chaptered / Completed

3. My Immortal by Jaywalker_Holmes

Description : Wei WuXian had thought his troubles had ended after the mess with Jin GuangYao was sorted out, and that he would spend the rest of his life happily with his beloved Lan Zhan, double cultivating and rebuilding his golden core. However, fate had other plans. Mo XuanYu's frail body could not contain his increasing power, and an inevitable cultivation accident occurs, sending Wei WuXian to his six-year old body, just before Jiang FengMian found him. Will the YiLing Patriarch have a happier life this time around?Inspired by Evanescence's song, which will be reflected in the chapter titles.

(A time travel series! there’s a heavenly beast and everyone is alive and thriving also what I really love the most is soft hearted madam Yu and a creepy/psycho wen ruohan who’s everyone number onecenemies but at least he didn’t die so we could actually know what was he’s motivation actually is or.. just him being psycho)

status : Multi-Chaptered / Completed

4. Loneliness Knows My Name by  Jaywalker_Holmes , Treef

Description :  AU after the First Siege of Burial Mounds. Wei WuXian didn't die, instead he was saved by someone everyone thought was already dead - Wen Ruohan. However, no one knows this (since Wen Ruohan is apparently great at faking deaths), so the cultivation world rejoices even as Lan WangJi desperately searches for his Wei Ying and finds a little child instead. Wei WuXian, on the other hand... 

(well.. can you imagine Wen Ruohan became Wei Wuxian grandpa? this definitely change everything.)

status : Multi-Chaptered / Completed

5. Night of Sixth Magnitude Stars by Leffy

Description : Lan WangJi gave him a disapproving look as they left the classroom. “You can’t be late every time.”Wei WuXian walked with light steps, seemingly in a happy mood. “They can’t fault me if I want to spend more time with the only student who really listens to me.”Lan WangJi followed reluctantly, because Wei WuXian always made him follow, even when he was driving him crazy.

( A modern AU! at first I was hesitated because I was to used with the time setting in the novel but my hesitation was just a complete stupid waste of time because this fanfic definitely GOLD)

status : Multi-Chaptered /Completed 

6. Blink  by Menuridae

Description : “So on Saturday night, while you are having the time of your life on a date with your hot, hunky, handsome soulmate, I have to go on a date with a rich young master who sounds like a literal stick in the mud whilst pretending to be you?"Mo Xuanyu's family has set him up on a blind date with a rich young master after learning he is gay. However, he already has plans for that night. Instead of going on the date himself, Mo Xuanyu enlists Wei Wuxian to go as a substitute. Wei Wuxian must act like his best friend for the night before kindly turning down Mo Xuanyu's date.Only, Wei Wuxian finds out that turning down Mo Xuanyu's date is possibly the hardest thing he has had to do in a long time.

(single parent LWJ and we should thanks Mo Xaunyu for he is actually our savior)

status :Multi-Chaptered /Completed

7. the nights are long (but the years are shorter) by hyunbyun

Description :  Wei Ying and Lan Zhan come to terms with the fact that A-Yuan really is grown up.

(WangXian became a soft parent and somehow I pictured my parent actually felt the same in each year I grew up.)

status : Oneshot 

8. Ten miles of Lotus Flowers by Yukirin_Snow

Description : He was a mischievous fox spirit, wreaking havoc where he went, about to depart on a journey that would span centuries.He was a heavenly prince, a proud dragon destined to ascend the throne to become emperor.Neither expected their paths to collide over the span of three lives.

(A/B/O Dynamic and Mpreg. very well written and my heart broke most of the time thankyou very much but it’s happy ending tho)

status : Multi-Chaptered / Completed

9. Switched by Shorimochi 

Description : When an actor transmigrated into a fictional world, and a fictional character transmigrated into the real world.There are a lot of things Xiao Zhan could do - sing, dance, act, cook, draw - but not fighting cultivators, and definitely not summon an army of corpses! Most importantly, how can he handle being around Wang Yibo's fictional self when he knew the man had been fantasising about him since fifteen?Wei Wuxian swore just a few minutes ago he was still out there, destroying the Wens who had taken away his home, but when he opened his eyes he arrived at a dreamland where there are moving pictures, metal carriages, and people are so rich they poop in a beautiful white porcelain throne. Also, why does the Lan Zhan he saw smile so often and talk so much?

(LWJ reputation was definitely tainted! I laugh so much but this ff is actualy genius. let’s see how Xiao Zhan, a real life actor who played wei wuxian and who knew  better about how his character specially the story line trying to save that massive bundle of trouble)

status : Multi-Chaptered / Completed

10. Don't You Like Me (MDZS Edition) by Shorimochi 

Description : Wei Wuxian was just an ordinary teenager at Gusu Academy. He hung out with friends, break the rules at least once a day, and banter with his roommate, Lan Wangji at every opportunity he had.Life had been normal, until his grandfather passed away and left him an ancient relic that gave him the Yin eyes, causing him to be able to see and communicate with ghosts. Wei Wuxian was horrified to discover that everywhere around him, there were ghosts invading his space, even watching him shower! He wasn't able to sleep, eat, or study properly - until one day he accidentally touched Lan Wangji skin-to-skin, and the ghosts simply disappeared. Hmm?Wei Wuxian discovered that a simple brush of hands closed his Yin eyes for five minutes. A hug, fifteen minutes. Exchanging saliva? (Don't ask how)... Two hours. And so he began sticking close to Lan Wangji for as much and as long as he could.Until he got kabedon'ed by his roommate.LWJ: You try to touch me at every opportunity you have. You like me, don't you? WWX: ... (Unable to answer because of the curse of the seal) LWJ: I like you too. WWX: ??!Based on a novel of the same title.

(A modern AU, a have good laugh also wei wuxian was very meanie to our soft hearted lwj.)

status : Multi-Chaptered / Completed 

11. no other cloud compares to you by ectocosme

Description :  Divine beasts sometimes fall in love with humans. Half-divine beast most often than not. Dragons always. Wei Wuxian visits Cloud Recesses when he receives the first 'hail' of who will become his mate. At least, he is determined for them to become mates. But life does not flow as the river, it is a meandering stream easily disturbed.

(Wei Wuxian as a dragon! also wangji are just so stupid smh..)

status : Multi-Chaptered / Ongoing

12. Sky, Cloud and Lotus by Xantya24

Description :  Wei WuXian is an unruly omega that is mated to one of the Twin Jades of GusuLan, Lan WangJi an alpha. Till one day, they find out that Wei WuXian is pregnant. How will the new mated couple react to the news? It will be one hell of a ride. Raising kids is definitely different from raising buns buns. From morning sickness to weird cravings to mood swings to labor to sleepless nights. To new relationships being build to finding about love. Lots of angst and fluff also. Prepare for the feels.

status : Multi-Chaptered / Ongoing 

13. ShuangXiu by panda_desu

Description : Lan XiChen knows he must sound so stupid right now. He clears his throat. "I am sure this is something to expect from a married couple, but Wangji, I have to ask, how?"Lan WangJi looks impassively at Lan XiChen.

(mpreg but not abo dynamic but somehow it’s make sense! well at least for mdzs universe. love how the author deliver it and makes the theory acceptable so it’s not like wei ying getting pregnant out of nowhere. loved it!)

status : Multi-Chaptered / Completed 

14. MDZS drabbles by Demon_neko97

Description :  This is just a collection of the prompt requests I receive on Tumblr. (The prompt request is already closed.)

(collection of drabbles, fluffy, funny, perfect for times when you just want to keep it light and better mood)

status : Drables / Ongoing 

15. The Light That Fails to Dim by glowingreverie

Description : Wei Ying lost his parents in a night hunt. Cold and alone, he wandered the streets of Yiling for nearly two years. However, one fateful night, a tall, scary man finds him and takes him back to a place he calls Qinghe. Later Wei Ying, now known as Wei Wuxian, discovers that that tall, scary man is not bad at all. And his cowardly brother makes an even better friend than he initially thought he would. With a content feeling in his chest every day, Wei Wuxian can only hope these peaceful, happy days with his new family will last until the end of time.Or, in which Jiang Fengmian is unaware of what happened to Wei Wuxian's parents and Nie Mingjue takes him in and the story continues from there...

(things really get different over there and I might say this is a great one. I just love nie huaisang so much fight me) 

status : Multi-Chaptered / Completed

16.Misunderstood by Silver_Flame_2724 

Description : There is something called a memory ball, or Jiyi Qiu, that shows the memories of a chosen person.In order to further incriminate the already dead Yiling Patriarch, the cultivation world decides to use this memory ball at the next Discussion Conference to show how evil the demonic cultivator can truly be.What appears, though, truly shocks them all.

(a cried a river. heartbreaking but satisfied just to imagine those guilty faces) 

status : Multi-Chaptered /Ongoing

17. Jiang Cheng and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Wedding by hyunbyun

Description :  An outside perspective on modern! Lan Zhan’s and Wei Ying’s wedding through the eyes of local poor soul Jiang Cheng.

(Heartwarming, it literally bring smile to my face and this is just so good. you have to read this one) 

status :  Oneshot

18. Family - Mating Season by Laxruar

Description :  Fairy isn't a good dog.

(Laugh my ass out, literally!) 

19. Instagram Husband by hasu, ofishenod

Description :  Wei WuXian was on a mission to become Instagram Famous, so he did what he did best: dragged Lan WangJi (and many unwilling others) into his misadventures. Or, 5 times Wei WuXian had Lan WangJi take photos of him and 1 time Wei WuXian took a photo with Lan WangJi.

(if I don’t get the lan wangji for my wei wuxian, then what’s the meaning of this life?!)

status : Oneshot.

20. The Tale of Snow Wei by scrayjes

Description :  

 Snow Wei is a powerful warlock; The mage is as strong-willed as can be; The prince should watch his anger; The donkey should roam free.

(wei wuxian as a snow white? yes. )

status : Oneshot 

21. Response by  Aki_no_hikari

Description : What if Wei Wuxian hadn't been silent to Lan Wangji's Inquiry? Part 2: Featuring A-Yuan

(a-yuan T.T loving it!) 

status : Multi-Chaptered 

22. Some of You by Tangerinechar

Description : It can’t be that bad, he thinks. There’s no way he would have done that. But the doubt still lingers, turning into full-blown anxiety as he scrolls down his twitter feed, finally arriving on his latest tweet.

Lan WangJi ✔ @lan_wangjiSome of you have never fallen in love with a boy only for him to go missing after his parents die and pine away for three years waiting for him to come back, then continue to pine when he’s back after you realize you’re too scared to confess, and it shows.23,043 retweets | 73,328 likesLan Zhan’s face pales and he buries his head in his hands, letting his phone drop on the table.

This is bad.This is very, very bad.-Or, Lan Wangji gets drunk and tweets a love confession, Wei Wuxian panics, and all of twitter decides to matchmake Lan Wangji and his mystery guy.

(wei wuxian is that dense! smh) 

status : Multi-Chaptered / Completed

23. asymptotic by chinxe

Description : The members of the Lan Clan have never been particularly well-known for their good judgement when it comes to matters of the heart.Which is why it should come as a surprise to no one when Lan Wangji falls in love with an actual ghost.

(”wei ying is wei ying” lwj just so hopeless when it’s about wwx)

status : Multi-Chaptered / Completed

if you already read all of those fanfics above then congratulation! you’ve already going through a high level of mood changing, tear jerking, blood pulsing, head aching, tooth aching fluff and thousands more feelings! what a ride!. 

[furederiko]

Watch out! Brother-feud stings!!! Also, Stinger and Champ tackle their conflict upfront! Only on the 13th episode of Kyuranger...

- Our Malistrate of the day, is Nodiskush-Indaver (a nice choice for English name by Over-Time). Eventhough he seemingly acts like a judge, true to his namesake, he's only all ears without giving any care to his people. A sarcastic jab towards real life parliaments, perhaps? Our new Menaster, Scorpio doesn't like that. He thinks true dominations should be... harsher. And so, he strikes Nodiskush-Indaver down to inflict his venom, turning him into a mindless violent zombie. Infighting among Jark Matter? Not sure. Either that, or Scorpio is just plain ol' twisted. - Pyxis Kyu Globe needs to be recharged, so the quest for Argo Navis needs to be put on hold for a while. Sounds like a good time for Commander Xiao to announce that Kotarou will be going to the Rebellion HQ for basic training. Aaaaw... Then again, this development might sound small, but it's rather important. First, I've always assumed that the Orion is the only Rebellion team. So it's a pleasant surprise to know that it is just a cell, and that there's a bigger organization working on the other side of the galaxy (though I can't help but wonder how they will perform without any Kyurangers). Second, this works as reminder to the show's young audience, that studying is important. And third, it also serves as a convenient excuse to have Kotarou exiting the team temporarily. For what purpose? Well, I'll get back to this later. - No time to waste, because people are turning into zombies on Earth! And powerful ones too (goodness, so many extras this time! LOL). Aside from Lucky, Hammy, and Xiao, our away team consists of both Champ and Stinger, with the former still acting hostile towards the latter. Will we get any closure to this one-sided feud? Obviously, because Stinger easily recognizes something familiar about this kind of attack. When Hammy gets affected by Nodiskush-Indaver's strike, and has her mind-controlled, Stinger uses this opportunity to test his theory. He uses his... stinger (redundant much? LOL) to strike berserking Hammy once again. And she is healed! Does this mean his poison neutralizes the disease? Yes, because it confirms that the one turning people into zombies is his own brother's. NOTE: By the way, there isn't any new Kyu Globe debuting in this episode, but several old ones make their return. Taurus Black uses Aries Kyu Globe to put Zombied-Chamaeleon Green to sleep, while Scorpius Orange uses Scutum Kyu Globe to create a shield-barrier for the 'Zombies'. As I've always said, these Kyu Globes are truly convenient. - Speaking of Scorpio, we get a little flashback of his transformation into a Sith Lo... I mean, the Dark Si... whoops, monstrous form. Apparently, Don Armage played a role in it, so this new form was never his true body. As much as I'm relieved to know that Stinger isn't likely to have a monster form as well, I've become far more curious about the mystery of Scorpio's mask. Why would Don Armage needed to give him one? It feels weird that he has to hide his true face. Kylo Ren much? There must be a reason... or is it really THAT hideous? Hmmm... - The other Kyurangers (sans Raptor, who's piloting the Orion) joins them with the hand-made antidotes for the victims. Stinger shares the story about his big brother's betrayal to them. And along the way, he eventually reveals the truth about Prof. Anton's death. Turns out, when Champ saw Stinger using his stinger on Anton, it was nothing but a failed attempt to save his life. The true killer was none other than big bro assassin, Scorpio, who had left the premises when Stinger arrived. Well this is a surprise, because I certainly didn't expect it to play out like that. Regardless of who actually did it, Stinger still feels responsible for it, because he could have prevented that. And that's the reason why he never told the truth to Champ, who is obviously angry to hear the truth. - While the Kyurangers head out in groups to heal the victims, Kotarou confronts Stinger about his true intention to locate Scorpio. The boy might be the youngest member of the Rebellion, but he's certainly very bright and can see right through others. In this case, Stinger's hidden desire to save his big brother. This is a wonderful scene, thanks to the strange brotherly bond/parallel between them. Beside, Stinger's actor can totally sell the emotion, and that helps a lot. Definitely the best actor of the show so far. Being connected to Stinger, Kotarou's character gets properly elevated as well. Proving that he's leagues above the previous child Sentai heroes, through sheer brilliance and empathy. - Concurrently, Xiao helps to calm down Champ, who's still pissed of by being kept in the dark. Confirming that my speculation about them was true, Xiao reveals that Stinger was indeed the first Kyuranger he has ever discovered. Yep, after 13 episodes, we finally get to see Stinger's origin story! Thus, Xiao already knew about Stinger's personal quest, and has kept it hidden (rather awkwardly LOL) all these time. Just like Kotarou (no wonder these three are a set to form the second mecha, right? ), Xiao also suspects that Stinger is looking for a way to save Scorpio. But really, through this very simple gesture of respecting Stinger's privacy and not revealing the truth before him, Xiao also demonstrates why he's worthy of his place as a Commander. He might be wacky, and can't be taken seriously most of the time, but he's still a wise leader. - The episode's biggest but pleasant surprise arrives soon after. Champ takes Prof. Anton's words at heart, and decides to... aide Stinger on his journey! "You should quit trying to carry it all by yourself", he said. A compelling statement that in a way, speaks about him as well. Thus after 12 episodes, Stinger finally shows off a smile (or a smirk, if you're being so nitpick-ish about it). This is genuinely awesome. How so, you ask? Great action aside (that neat trick with Kyu the Weapon? Amazing!), we get to learn more depths to Stinger and Champ this episode. It's clear now, that Stinger is the type of tsunde... er, reserved guy who keeps things to himself, including his burden. We also get to see that despite being a fighting robot, Champ has a heart as big as his body. His mind might be set on vengance for his creator, but that doesn't stop him from opening up and relate to Stinger's struggles. I'm also really glad that it's not Lucky who gets to 'partner' up with Stinger, and instead someone who previously had a beef with him. This unexpected pairing is certainly something to look forward to in the coming episodes. One that it is amplified with the fact that Scorpio is showing off an air of ambiguity. Making it hard to predict whether he's truly a bad guy or the opposite, and what kind of closure will come out of this. - Zombied-Nodiskush-Indaver turns giant, so Ryutei-Oh is summoned. Ursa Minor Voyager is proven to be useful once again, to distract the Malistrate from excreting Zombie toxic. But then out of the blue, his Consumarz tags along! Obviously, that's just a valid excuse to let Kyuren-Oh join the fight, and to combine into Ryutei Kyuren-Oh. The 8-Voyagers combination only debuted last week, so it still needs plenty of screentime! No complaint on that. Observing the battle from afar, Scorpio 'Rider Kick's a Zombie Jark Matter. Possibly to demonstrate his merciless might to the audience. Aside from looking cool... LOL. - Speaking of Ryutei Kyuren-Oh, let's get back to the (possible) reason why Kotarou needs to exit temporarily. As we all know, this mecha combination only requires 8 pieces, leaving out 3 Voyagers from the formation. I'm certain, there are people (like yours truly? ;D) who are critically questioning how to make good use of this... limitation. I believe this is where the writers decides to conveniently make a good excuse for it. Aside from Kotarou who will depart to train, Stinger and Champ will also be temporarily gone from the team to pursue Scorpio. Do the quick math, and yes, there's only 8 Kyurangers left! See? Nice excuse. Which means, now there's no longer any reason to keep the active members from being utilized in the upcoming mecha battle. I can already see Balance and Naga taking over the limbs part for Ryutei-Oh, while Raptor functions as Champ's replacement in Kyuren-Oh. Convenient switch, isn't it! - Kotarou's temporary-farewell party feels a bit lonely, because his big bro Stinger has already gone ahead with Champ in their quest to hunt a rogue scorpion. But the boy once again proves that he's an excellent character, with a mature moving speech that beats Xiao's karaoke at any level. LOL. Seriously though, this boy will be dearly missed *sobs*. Meanwhile, there's a heartwarming feeling upon seeing Stinger and Champ dramatically heading towards the sunset. Particularly with Champ being strangely excited with his new partnership. They even get to highlight the ending dance together! Aaaw... SO SWEET. Let's just hope their personal mission won't take much of this odd couple's time from the show... NOTE: Speaking of the ending, yes, its dance choreo apparently has been officially altered. No more hip-trusting starting from episode 12. Which going to take some time to get used to, because dancing-along to it feels a little awkward now. I mean, Champ can't even raise his hand up in the chorus (thanks to his body-suit)! Bummer...

Overall: Remember my complaint about episode 11? How it felt overstuffed and Stinger's part was seemingly underhanded? Well, turns out, the payoff for his story was meant to arrive in this episode! Yep, Lucky took a back seat (he's being the odd man out too!), as the plot was entirely focused on Stinger, and those who are close to him: Kotarou, Xiao, and most importantly, Champ. It's due time that the rift between them got addressed, and I'm glad it was done this early. Because it led us towards a sweet development!!! Gaawd, I genuinely LOVED that moment. Wonderful touch! But really, the stand out element of this episode came in the exploration of its characters. By digging deeper in the true personalities of our heroes, as well as giving a nice backstory to one of the villain. The reveal of Prof. Anton's death felt natural, and I suspect we're going to see more importance behind this incident in the future. Lastly, it's getting even clearer that this show definitely works in the Kyoryuger-style, where its extra members didn't stick around, but they came in and went off for external missions. This approach might not be favored by everyone, but it's a personal favorite of mine. It showed the scope of the story, and opened up potentials to various directions. Especially when we're dealing with a large cast that could feel crowded or overwhelming to some.... Next week: Dances with Wolves!!! And a Space Star officially debuts...

Episode 13 Score: 8,4 out of 10

Visit THIS LINK to view a continuously updated listing of the Kyutama / Kyu Globes. Last Updated: May 2nd, 2017 - Version 19. (WARNING: It might contain spoilers for future episodes)

All images are screencaptured from the series, provided by the FanSubber Over-Time. "Uchu Sentai Kyuranger" is produced by TOEI, and airs every Sunday on TV-Asahi. Credits and copyrights belong to their respective owners.

[forgetspecifics]

Murphy’s Law: Stupid sexy grin™

Rated M

Story summary: Because anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.

Mutual pining, mutual sexiness. Slight AU.

Chapter summary: 1. Blake wants Yang in her pants, and has a difficult night concerning it.

AO3: http://archiveofourown.org/works/9450161

FF.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12335981/1/Murphy-s-Law

Chapter 2: With friends like these

Chapter 3: Rainchecks, refunds and returns

Chapter 4:  ... --- ... ---... / ... - --- .--. / --- ..- .-. / ... . -..-

Available below

Blake was pissed. Though, she wasn’t exactly sure why; nor could she bring herself to waste time figuring it out. All she knew is that it was because of Yang. No, that gave the blonde too much credit. It was, undoubtedly, Yang’s fault.

Except that didn’t help the fact that it was entirely, one hundred percent; not Yang’s fault, and that she was being melodramatic – but Blake wasn’t about to go back and admit that to her.

As she slammed the door to her apartment, locked it behind her, and threw her keys somewhere in the vicinity of the cat head-shaped bowl that Ruby had made for her; she stalked directly to the kitchen to get an almost criminally large glass of red wine to nurse on the couch in the dark – and cursed her incredibly forward and incredibly attractive friend for ruining the excuse she had for not crossing the line entirely and just sleeping with her.

Because that was the thing; Blake had been ebbing on the edge of caution and keeping Yang at bay, even if they both knew that it was going to happen eventually (or, alternatively, that they simply wanted it to).

The flirting was friendly at first, and Blake had no problem with it. Then it was casual; she flirted back in her own dismissive, dry way that always elicited that stupid, sexy grin from Yang. Then Blake realised that Yang was flirting exclusively with her. Then she realised that was exactly what she wanted.

Maybe she couldn’t explain why she was prolonging the inevitable, but maybe she didn’t want to. Maybe she just liked the way things were. Maybe she preferred the thrill of the chase, and maybe that was due to being part cat. Maybe.

So when Yang had asked her, admittedly while not entirely sober; why she hadn't had a chance 'at that Bellabooty' yet, Blake simply gave a coy smirk and fired back, “What makes you think you had a chance in the first place?”

Such a challenge was not to be met with disappointment, and the fiery girl accepted it with glee. Blake was considering dropping her hard to get act, perhaps in favour of something that involved being a bit of a tease. After all, this part was half the fun. She thought that tonight, finally, she could just have enough to drink to disguise and excuse her eagerness.

Yang then did something she was not expecting – though she probably should have – unable to resist temptation, the idiot came up with all the wrong words that she obviously thought were good enough to get Blake into her bed.

“Blake, when're you just gonna admit that you want me? You really need to stop...pussyfooting around!”

Not even a second had passed and Blake was pocketing her things and abandoning Yang, her drink, and leaving the bar mumbling something that sounded like 'absolutely braindead goddamn shithead'. The bartender; one of Yang's acquaintances, whistled lowly and quipped, “Your jokes reallyare shit, blondie.”

Yang’s disappointed expression had quickly turned into a scowl. “Cram it, Junior, and get me another drink before I remodel your club again.”

Her threat earned her another Strawberry Sunrise – of course, Junior put the little umbrella in it – which she promptly flicked at his face, but her accuracy was not at its best; to her chagrin it ended up bouncing off his chest. To his chagrin, Yang subsequently sat there for the next hour sulking in between five more stupid drinks with stupid umbrellas, until he half-assedly encouraged her to either pursue Blake or to just give up and go home (read: 'get the hell out of my establishment').

Thus the streets of Vale housed a stumbling Yang Xiao Long. Eventually, she found the building she was looking for – at least that was what Yang hoped it was – that held the woman she was looking for.

Blake was halfway through her wine; she definitely was still pissed (whether that meant angry or drunk was up for debate).

She contemplated calling Yang but couldn't find it in herself to actually regret her reaction to the feline-themed joke made at her expense (no matter how much her lust regretted it). Then again, Yang had no idea that people still bothered her about her exposed cat ears; Yang was all too accepting and loving of them herself. Yang had no idea that it actually still bothered her that much as Blake always shrugged it off in her presence.

She also contemplated digging up her favourite romantic novel (Ninjas of Love wasn’t erotica no matter how much Yang argued it to Blake. It was, however, the “filth” that Ruby claimed it to be) to quieten her frustrations, that may or may not have been very sexual in nature. Some small part of her – the part that insisted she had overreacted in the first place, and argued said frustrations could have already been solved if she had just agreed with Yang and asked her to take her home in the first place – also knew it was a possibility that Yang would show up of her own accord anyway, or at least if Blake made a booty call. But, no, she’d never live that down. But, yes, because then she’d be happy that at least they’d have finally done it(and any smugness could have been erased with even more doing it).

Her apartment’s front door then started sounding a lot like drunk Yang mumbling. And usually, her front door didn’t proclaim that it missed out on a ‘sexy piece of ass’. As much as she enjoyed the flattery, as much as Yang was oblivious that she had heard it (of course she heard), Yang was most likely very drunk. It felt almost criminal to want her right now – having sex with a drunk person; having sex with someone while drunk – didn’t sound like the best experience. And, oh, did she want the best experience.

As her Faunus eyes spied the door handle jiggle (in a feeble attempt), and then, the mail slot open with force as Yang shoved her hand through it, Blake noted to herself that Yang probably still had the capacity to give her a pleasurable experience and should probably open the door. She had even resorted to flat out thumping into the door with her body; her tall, muscular, curvaceous, downright unfairly attractive body.

Fuck. Blake didn’t even have a chance. There was no part of her that didn’t want to fuck Yang right now. All four of her ears could hear her own frustrated growling.

Apparently Yang heard too, as the exclamation of ‘shit when did Blake get a dog it’s going to bite my tit’ and heavy and fast footsteps fading into nothing suddenly brought the growling to an abrupt halt. Pleasurable experience aside, Yang was too out of it to remember Blake didn’t even like dogs. And so she tried to convince herself to let the idiot go.

At last Blake settled on drinking the rest of that big-ass glass of wine – because something needed to finish tonight – and resigned to think of everything not sexy and blonde for the next half hour. When she got to bed, however, that was a different thing. Maybe she’d have the willpower to just fall asleep, and maybe she’d be lucky enough to have a fulfilling dream experience instead.

With that prospect in mind, the now empty glass was deposited in the kitchen for a quick getaway to the bedroom. Blake had almost shuffled to awaited bliss when she was bestowed a new disturbance. This one sounded like metal clunking and a struggle at her lounge window that looked upon the alley below. It also sounded ridiculous, but, alas her night vision allowed her to see none other than Yang trying to yank the window open from the fire escape.

Of course, the window was locked. Of course, at this point, she wouldn’t put it past the determined woman outside to break and enter – even if Blake one hundred percent wanted her to, she didn’t want a broken window that badly – which lead to her quickly unlatching the window before any more openings of her apartment could have Yang’s hand shoved through it (because that hand needed to be put to better use, to be frank).

This meant that her anticipated dream sex was now being replaced with the possibility of real sex. Blake was still on the fence about that, though. She knew that she had to give Yang the benefit of the doubt and entertain the idea that Yang had not dedicated all this time and effort to just to sleep with her.

On second thought, that sounded exactly like something Yang would do. Still, benefit of the doubt, right?

As the pane of the window was wrenched up, and a stupidly alluring ‘nailed it’ floated inside, Blake summoned all the self-control left in her desperate body. As a toned leg that went on for days (seriously, it lasted longer than she could ever hope to in bed) slid in, followed by a head of mussed golden hair, she felt her self-control waver.

As Yang’s head collided with the partially open frame with a resounding thunk; as the rest of her fell through without any grace (let’s face it – she didn’t have much grace when sober, anyways); it was funny enough to forgive her for bad choice of words earlier.

Because in truth, she already had. Yang was probably left quite confused, considering past cat puns were met with a much sassier retort that outwitted her. They exchanged banter frequently, not out of malice, but out of friendship. Blake was comfortable with Yang being able to speak to her freely, they understood each other on a level she never would have dreamed of.

Yang viewed her as an equal, she knew that; Blake felt a little guilty that the actions of a few had caused her to give the cold shoulder to somebody she trusted.

“Heeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyy, Blake.”

“Hello, Yang. I’m surprised you came back,” she began to help her fallen friend up from the floor. “After all, you didn’t want your boob to get bitten.”

As Yang’s warm hands gripped her for balance, she gave a sheepish laugh. “Well, I did. Just…not by a dog,” Blake felt her face flush and Yang gave a smile that was entirely unapologetic. “I also realised you would never own a dog halfway up the fire escape.”

It was Blake’s turn to smile. “So, you started climbing up with the belief there was an angry dog here?”

“Well Blakey, I couldn’t just give up without knowing whether or not I hurt you,” the look in Yang’s eyes was one of concern, which then closed briefly in remorse. “I’m sorry for being an idiot.” And then one of her warm hands was touching her face, brushing her hair away from her eyes. Blake then wanted to experience that kind of tenderness, instead of what she was fantasising about before.

Oh, how ironic Yang’s apology was.

“No, you’re not an idiot, Yang. I ruined the moment. You didn’t mean it like that. You never do.” Blake grasped the hand that was touching her distractedly before it induced any more thoughts about skipping to the good part. “I’m sorry. I let what other people say get to me and took it out on you. Wrongly.”

Yang led her over to the couch in the light of the moon, gesturing her to sit. “Hey, I get it. Buuut we both did dumb things. I’m a little drunk because I was frustrated, and didn’t chase after you,” as Blake settled down, she pulled Yang closer. Which Yang easily obliged.

Yang shouldn’t have to chase after her. Not anymore, at least. “I’m glad you eventually did, Yang,” Blake was very glad. “Were you going to give up if I hadn’t opened the window?”

Her raised brow was accusing. Yang laughed that time, unashamedly. “I was going to get in here somehow. The window seemed like a better thing to break than your door.” Blake laughed along with her, embracing Yang around her neck and steadily leaning back into the soft cushions. This was what she wanted. Yang, in her state was not catching on; Blake tugged her a bit more into following her down.

Yang’s arms finally shot down to support her torso; Blake felt Yang’s lower half finally join her own. Apparently, she had forgotten entirely what this whole ordeal was about. “What’re you doing, Blake? I admit that I was going to break in, and you don’t even care,” Yang’s surprised eyes squinted down at her face questioningly, “Are you okay? I thought I was the one that hit my head!”

As much as Blake was getting impatient, she was happy to play along. This was the flirtatious crap they had been doing all along; this was the teasing she revelled in; this time she would finally find out what Yang Xiao Long was really like.

She deliberately ran her hands into the neck of Yang’s clothes. “You did Yang. After you shoved your hand through my mailbox and banged on my door,” Blake then gave her the smirk. The one reserved for Yang. “Seems like my apartment got more action from you tonight than I did.” Blake raised her knee, adjusted it, until her thigh came into contact with the apex of Yang’s legs.

Yang’s world came to a standstill as her inebriated brain caught up with what was happening. Blake’s knee. On her. A satisfied groan escaped from her throat. “Oh. So you- wait. Did you make a joke?”

“A joke is all you got from that, really?”

“I like jokes, Blake! Especially dirty ones. Especially dirty jokes from you,” Yang raised herself free of the pressure on her centre – Blake was quick to throw her a displeased look – but Yang was just as quick to manoeuvre her hands underneath Blake’s ass and lay completely on top of the Faunus.

Blake felt her back arch of its own volition, the grip Yang had on her easily taking her mind into a foggy haze because this was actually happening. The slow grind back down onto her thigh, and the way both their shirts had caught up to allow bare slivers of skin to touch was enough.

In an instant Blake had cupped Yang’s face and brought it hastily to her own, in an instant they were finally kissing. It was warm and slow; it was hot and fast – which one they preferred was the battle that their tongues were trying to decide.

Blake was unable to really process anything but the mouth on hers and the hands desperately squeezing her behind – they were pulling her up while Yang pushed down just as hard – and the minute movements the woman on top was making served only to excite her more.

She had barely noticed that she was not actually breathing until Yang abandoned the kiss to gulp in air. She had the stupid sexy grin (that should be trademarked, honestly) going again. “Why haven’t we done this before?”

Blake had hardly breathed herself as she replied, “This isn’t going to happen if you don’t keep going.”

Yang set back to work, hurriedly burying her face under Blake’s chin and laying down some tongue work that she was certain would be better applied something called the clitoris. Although, it was delightful where it was as nonetheless. She may have been rough and boisterous at times, but Yang was undoubtedly good at teasing her by changing pace - with the measured and deliberate kisses and licks she was giving Blake now, she was looking forward to every intimate moment they could share together – though she was awfully quiet.

Taken by her racing thoughts, Blake hadn’t realised that Yang had stopped. Though she could feel steady humid breath under her human ear – at least she isn’t dead – for once, the brawler was still. Overcome by emotion, maybe?

“Yang?” Blake carefully removed her fingers that had found their way into Yang’s blonde hair. Nothing.

Absolutely braindead goddamn shithead – she fell asleep.

“Fucking hell.”

That part of her that knew she should have slept with Yang a dozen times already – one of those times being about an hour ago – said ‘I told you so’.

Notes:

I really feel like this was unfairly cut short - but in its imagining, it was going to cut off before anything sexy even began. Never written anything like this before, but I actually really enjoyed it. I busted it out in less than a few hours, which I am happy about. Now I'm just fighting an internal debate whether or not to write the follow up (it'd probably take awhile). I guess you should let me know!

This was also titled 'Fight, fight. Kiss, kiss.' until I realised I kept mentioning the stupid sexy grin. This also was the first Bumbleby story I started to write (two months ago, ew).

Please leave any thoughts, I'd love to read them (any criticism is welcome).

[furederiko]

Today is January 8th, and this is my first official post of the year 2018! NOTE: Because obviously that incidental late-night half-asleep New Year post did NOT count LOL

I'm going to kick-off the year with something Kyuranger related, but it's not about that explosive new episode that hit broadcast yesterday (in case you missed the note, there was no episode on December 31st). Something special instead: the Summer 2017 Movie "Kyuranger the Movie: Geth Indaver no Gyakushuu"! Here goes...

- Since a Super Sentai solo movie is usually double-billed with its Kamen Rider counterpart, the duration gets to be rather short. Particularly when compared to a season's Returns V-Cinema or Versus Movie. The same thing is happening to Kyuranger, as this August 5th, 2017 movie is clocked at only around 33:45 minutes (logo intro and the 01:35 ending dance included) having to share its theatrical running time with "Kamen Rider Ex-Aid the Movie: True Ending" (as seen on the trailer above). That is the reason why the chain of events have to immediately start with a bang... - By bang, that's literally! The intro showcases a galactic (and uncommonly hectic) spaceship battle between Kyuranger's Voyagers and a horde of Jark Matter fleet around the deadly Geth Star (a very obvious nod to a weapon with similar name in "Star Wars"). And more importantly, Commander Xiao Long Bao gets shot to a seeming demise by the story's major antagonist Geth Indaver (played by Ryou Tamura), who might or might not be homage to a famous Mandalorian. Don't look for any explanation on how or why Xiao is even aboard the planet-sized battleship, this movie demands us to just follow along. All we are privilege to know is that Geth Indaver wants to collide the Geth Star and Earth, just to obtain the Destroyer God Kerberos. - I believe the intro is meant to be a 'the plot thickens' twist right away. Unfortunately, in a way it feels nothing more than a mere petty ruse to give a sense of purpose to the team. If not to move forward the plot, of course. LOL. No really, when everyone in the ORION is looking sad and depressed prematurely coping the loss of Xiao, I'm rolling my eyes instead. Come on, does anyone actually believe this is happening for real? Remember the sci-fi death rulebook, if there's no corpse then death remains a huge question mark. Especially when we know for sure that Xiao is still safe and sound at least until episode 44 *grins*. NOTE: Seeing this through home video doesn't help either. However, the sequence might have been 'shocking' and worked differently had I seen it in the Summer as it was intended to. So I guess there's that. - Lucky gets a premature rousing (or intended to be one, at least) speech that they need to continue what Xiao would have wanted: not give up and try their best to save Earth. Thankfully, Raptor had conveniently able to tap on Xiao's conversation with Geth, and discovered Geth's ambitious goal. Stinger is well-informed about the myth surrounding his objective. Kerberos is a destroyer of planet that consists of three components/heads: Dober, Husky, and Bull. All of them are actual varieties of dogs, in case you're wondering. - Lucky realizes one easy logic: since Kerberos has the ability to destroy a planet, it will be able to strike down Geth Star as well. That means the Rebellion only needs to revive and take over Kerberos to basically save Earth. To do so, they require three sealed Kerberos Stones from the uncharted territories of Cerberus System. These items have to be acquired before Geth Star reaches Earth, which is only 72 hours away. Wait a sec... if the keys to summon Kerberos can be found in ANOTHER star system, what's the purpose of Geth Indaver's globe-shattering assault on Earth then? Hmmm... Trivia: Similar to Argo Navis, Cerberus is not part of the 88 Modern Constellation System. According to Wikipedia, Cerberus is a defunct or obsolete star system whose star members have since been included into the Constellation Herakles. Ironically, the creature used as a Constellation is NOT even the famous Three-headed Gatekeeper Dog of the Underworld. It's an entirely different three-headed SNAKE that the mythological hero defeated. I guess dogs sell better than snakes, huh? - Team sans Raptor nor any of the newer members splits up into three, and heads toward different locations. Lucky and Garu arrive on Planet Husky, and need to defeat one of Geth's men by the name Kaaru Indaver in a motorcycle racing match. Lucky utilizes the #62 Auriga Kyu Globe, and... turns Garu into one furry motorcycle. LOL. They equip Antlia Kyu Globe's power to outspeed Kaaru Indaver and secure the first red-colored Kerberos Stone. - Stinger, Champ, and Hammy arrive on the snowy Planet Bull, only to discover that it's a secret... Jark Matter MMA Tournament Stadium. Hey, I thought this Star System is supposed to be a dangerous place? Oh well, Taurus Black has to wrestle his way against gorrilla-esque Oumo Indaver to obtain the blue-colored Kerberos Stone. I guess this serves as a quick fan-service to those who has been eager to see Champ in his original occupation prior to becoming a Kyuranger. Naturally the Jark Matter cheats, so Scorpius Orange and Chamaeleon Green slashes into the ring (the latter uses Cancer Kyu Globe to tear the wires away) and join the fight. Things become a bit messy that Oumo Indaver gets the chance to run off with the prize. - Spada and the BN-Thieves land on Planet Dober and easily discover the yellow-colored Kerberos Stone in an unknown ruins. But there's a surprise welcoming party who snatches away the treasure right away: Geth Indaver himself! We learn that he's a rather... BAFFLING antagonist who conveniently and casually shares his true humanoid identity. No kidding, Geth is a former Rebellion soldier and old comrade of Xiao by the name of Hoi-pyon... I mean Hoi Korou. He was exiled due to his dark obsession towards Kerberos. - Geth Indaver demands the Husky Stone to be handed to him, naming Earth as the rendesvouz place. If you're wondering why he doesn't choose a much safer place, then you're not alone. Geth and his men are risking their own life to get crushed by their own Geth Star, right? *sigh*. With only one hour away from collision, the Kyurangers decide to just go all out and fight their way to protect the planet. - Look who decides to show up during the fight! Ursa Minor SkyBlue who immediately deploys his Ursa Major Kyu Globe to gain the upper hand. Where have you been throughout the first arc, Kotarou? And there are more surprises. Commander Xiao saves the day! Cue failed-dramatic moment. Well, duh?! Did anyone really think he's actually dead? Nope, because apparently another member encountered Xiao drifting in space just in time to rescue him. WHO? Duh? It's Tsurugi, of course! Seriously, everyone seems to have forgotten about him and Kotarou to the point that it genuinely annoys me... *grumble* - Tsurugi also plays a part to deal with the next threat: Keroberos, which has been revived by Geth Indaver. He instructs Leo Red to use the Herakles Kyu Globe (the movie's official promotional item) and... well, reenacting the myth by practically 'taming down' Keroberos. The act officially turns the mythical beast into... the spring-green-colored Cerberus Voyager and awakening its accompaniment #111 Cerberus Kyu Globe. He then utilizes the Kyu Globe to form the annual movie-only mecha Kerberios. NOTE: Cerberus Kyu Globe goes by the number 111. What's the point? Well... it's unconfirmed and pure speculation until now, but 111 can be read as 'ONE ONE ONE' or 'WAN WAN WAN' in Japanese spelling. Guess what the latter means? 'WOOF WOOF WOOF'. That's onomatopoeic of barking, in case you still don't get it. LOL. Kyuranger sure loves its puns. - As Gigant Phoenix deals with giant-sized Oumo Indaver, Draco Commander settles his feud once and for all with Geth Indaver. All the while, Kerberios tries desperately to take down Geth Star. Yep, it's a triple-sized parallel battle! Thanks to Garu's suggestion (clearly based on personal experience) and undoubtedly sheer luck, Leo Red uses Shining Kyu Globe's Lunar Mode to turn the mecha into gargantuan size. What for? To block the Geth Star from obliterating Earth. - Does it work? Well duh, should we even expect otherwise? It even rather surrealistically transform Earth into a giant Earth Kyu Globe that pushes the deadly weapon away. All enemies are destroyed, which means Earth has been saved and its civillian can freely... hug it out. As for the Kyurangers? They decide to release the Kerberos Stones to their original locations (what a waste of resource!) and... celebrate in a Japanese festival. You know, that fun yukata-filled Summer-only ending sequence (aired from episode 22 to episode 27) we've all known and loved!

Overall: So... that was, uhm, fine, I guess? To be honest, reviewing or giving personal impressions on Super Sentai Summer movies is generally a somewhat tricky affair for me. Aside from one or two notable exceptions (Abaranger's fan service spree, or Kyoryuger's genuinely thrilling big screen feature to name a few), most of them ventured in the realm of mediocrity to 'just okay' at best. Much of this was caused by the limited duration, the production staffs involved, and many other small things. In Kyuranger's case, it unfortunately fell on the underwhelm side despite the series' overwhelming success. This movie suffered through a very thin plot that ridiculously didn't quite make sense. I think even the most simpleton would easily wonder, why would Geth Indaver try to destroy Earth in the first place, when he's busy fighting INSIDE the planet? In general, the stakes felt poor despite the situation being of catastrophic scale. The plot was basically a rehash of TV series' repeated story pattern (collecting elements of a thingamajig), but condensed into one single run. That's why everything felt rushed! To put it worse, it didn't exude the usual fun aspects and charm of a broadcasted episode, because everything just felt strangely serious and surprisingly lacked a heart and soul. Even the almost full (just 11 members, minus Tsurugi) team transformation and roll call (which usually got flashier in movies) looked bland and... generic. The TV series has done better IMHO! Don't even get me started on that failed emotional angle with Xiao, or how Kotarou and Tsurugi were just sort of... 'there' only when the plot required them to. Similar to "Episode of Stinger" V-Cinema and its coupling web-series, the placement of this movie in the timeline/continuity is... a little difficult to pinpoint. Still, judging from what I saw, this likely took place after the clash of Reds has been cleared out (in episode 24), because Lucky and Tsurugi seemed to be in a good mood with one another. The ending sort of suggested that this was the team's final mission to liberate Earth, but I doubt it took place after the Time Travel arc. That's when they left to explore other Star Systems to search for Don Armage's whereabouts, right? Overall, it was still a watchable movie and had its fun moments too. But overall? It's definitely not among Kyuranger's best, plagued by obvious flaws there were just too distracting to ignore. This was just on par with the mediocre to good episodes, but still ranks better than "High School Wars". I actually expected better, but things don't always go along with what we want, do they? *sigh*. Here's hoping the upcoming (assuming both will be produced), Versus and/or Kyuranger Returns V-Cinema will make up for my disappointment... Next: Back to TV, to its 1st episode of 2018!

Overall Score: 7,5 out of 10

Visit THIS LINK to view a continuously updated listing of the Kyutama / Kyu Globes. Last Updated: December 29th, 2017 - Version 3.10. (WARNING: It might contain spoilers for future episodes)

Trailer used above is officially available through CINEMA NAVI Youtube Channel. "Uchu Sentai Kyuranger" is produced by TOEI, and airs every Sunday on TV-Asahi. Credits and copyrights belong to their respective owners.