#in an exchange with rakan

[rebelquilled]

i think a lot about how xayah comes off older than she is... relative to human years, at least. yes, she's over 180 years old in reality, but by vastayan standards, she's only early twenties. like a number of other champs ( irelia for example ), xayah is thrown into war and chaos early on. and it forces her into a position she's both ready for and yet too young to truly have to bear. her voice lines and general behavior/attitude are that of... almost a military leader - someone older and more experienced. again, yes, she's technically got the literal years under her belt, but physically, chemically, and semi-mentally, her body has only aged so much. it comes off far clearer when she's interacting with rakan versus others. reading the stories and listening to her voice lines, she's this calm sort of anger. a poison, a sharpened blade... then turns around and interacts with rakan and we're reminded she's just a young woman trying to bring back a world that is dying. like you'll hear her laugh and tease with him and lapse her full on frustration into youthful spirit. it just really hits me on occasion while i'm writing her like. oh, birby, you only baby...

[circeyoru]

Shadow and Void = Requested

The Request

[Yandere!Sung Jinwoo x Enemy Monarch!Reader]

Part 1 (here) ― Part 2 ― Part 3

WARNING: This story is going to be heavy spoilers to people who haven't read the manhwa or novel but want to enjoy the anime for Solo Leveling. I suggest NOT reading if you don't want spoils. Plus you might not get the references if you have no knowledge of the manhwa/novel.

You, as the Monarch of Void and King of Mist, could be said to be the weakest or among the strongest. Weakest because you lacked the army like other Monarchs and the motivation to be more active in all things cruel. Among the strongest because your powers could single-handedly devour all the other Monarchs and their armies. For you essentially control space and could be dubbed a celestial being. 

Unlike the other Monarchs, you never joined in on the war directly, you merely managed some gates here and there and moved armies to level the playing field. All that to ensure you weren’t a target and wouldn’t be endangered. If you did at least something, the other Monarchs wouldn’t target you or name you a traitor and the Rulers will see you as too weak to bother. Because you were a Monarch unique from the others, you had a particular relationship with the strongest Monarch, Ashborn. 

To him, you were like a little sibling, in human terms. He looked after you and like having you around for nothing in return. In exchange for his indirect protection, you would help him with his army and lend your power to him. As best to describe your powers and abilities was that it was a supporter base, it was better for you to use on others than yourself. That was how you get by. The strongest Monarch would have a grip on you, in exchange for their protection you’d strengthen them. Once you were by Antares’ side, now you were on Ashborn’s because he never forced anything.

“I’m going to have a successor.” Ashborn told you one day. “Can you watch over them for me?”

“I’m a Monarch, Ashborn. I won’t help humans and only aim for my own survival.” You dully told them. It was true, even after the kindness and care Ashborn showed you, it wasn’t enough for you to change your ways for who knows how long. 

“I have a feeling you’ll change your tune later on.” Ashborn spoke with certainty.

You raised a vessel of your own, unlike the other Monarchs however, you preferred staying on Earth and away from the Monarchs. Humans were weak beings even with awakened powers. Their strongest —National Level— Hunters weren’t enough to take down a Monarch’s army, well, not that they were enough to put you down.

Over years, you’ve enjoyed the spoils of human society, moving from place to place and understanding their play. It was tragic to see them burn once your other Monarchs arrive to wreck havoc and the war between the Rulers and Monarch will commence again, but you weren’t going to try to put a stop to the war just because of some human inventions. It’s not like you can’t make it all again after the war. You knew the method so…

“Ow!” You accidentally bumped into someone. 

“Oh, I’m sorry.” The old looking man gave you his hand. 

You subconsciously took his hand and got to your feet, dusting yourself off once you were stable. When you looked over at him, your eyebrows furrowed. A light fragment. “You’re going to die a painful death.”

“Pardon?”

“Nothing.” You turned and walked into another direction. What would be the chances of meeting a sleeping light fragment? None. Because you’ve been very distanced from the Monarchs and Rulers, you figured they might have forgotten about you entirely. You lacked a presence to begin with anyways. 

Above all, you hated how you played a part in the betrayal of Ashborn. Both Rakan and Baran were idiots in your eyes, how could they just do that to Ashborn when he was against the Rulers like them? If you weren’t a passivist, you would have knocked them over. You looked in the distance before disappearing through a gate of your own creation, a misty surface, you wondered where or when Ashborn’s vessel would appear so you could stay by his side once more.

“Bring me to that light fragment inside that human.” Sillad, The Monarch of Frost and King of Snow Folk, demanded while you were enjoying a bowl of noodles in your apartment. 

You glared up at him, “Why? Did you get Antares’ permission to do it?”

“Since when does a Monarch need such a thing?” Sillad scoffed. “Are you still waiting for Ashborn to return? So pathetic. Antares’ waiting for you, you know?” He sighed and spoke his mind, “I’m doing everyone a favour by eliminating the light fragments before they become a hindrance. So?”

It was your turn to sigh, “Give me a location or description of the person…”

Sillad grinned. “Hunters Association, the Chairman’s office.” 

You landed at the top of the Hunters Association building while you placed the entire office in a separate location where no one could bother the two. So long as they don’t focus on the barrier that bounds the space, it will be unbreakable and maintained. The city is peaceful, but with Sillad’s appearance, you knew your days of leisure was done for.

It wasn’t long until your barrier actually broke and something crawled out of the broken glass wall. Your eyes recognized it as a giant ant in black colour with misty purple smoke patterns, it reminded you much of Ashborn and his army. Perhaps his vessel was finally complete and he’s back? 

Your thoughts halted as your eyes caught Sillad racing out to destroy the ant. You hummed and opted not to aid him and see the condition of the Chairman. You found him on the ground in a pool of blood, your indifferent tone rang in the room, “I told you you’d die an agonizing death.”

“Monarch… of… Void…” Gunhee choked out, you moved your feet away to avoid his blood. “You’re time for neutrality… ends now… You must pick… a side…”

“I don’t want to pick a side,” You crushed down, looking into his eyes, “It’s not my style.”

“Don’t be his enemy…” He advised. “If you do… Your fate… will be… death…”

Your eyebrows furrowed, so long as you hold the title of Monarch, you’ll be Ashborn’s enemy, right? By now, he knew you’re the one that gave those two idiotic Monarch the power boost needed to betray Ashborn. So there was no way you could escape your so-called fate with death. You got up with a chuckle, “I welcome Death with open arms. As long as he’s back, I’m grateful.”

Your snapped to your senses when you sensed an attack aimed in your direction. You panicked, how could Sillad do something like this?! There was no way he didn’t know you weren’t in the area, in fact, he’d expect you to check up on the Chairman after he left. What was his deal?!

Before you raised any defenses to protect yourself (and the Chairman indirectly), he got up and shielded you. You grasped and caught a glimpse of Ashborn’s vessel appearing out of thin air to deflect the blow. While Ashborn’s vessel was enraged for some reason and aimed another attack at Sillad, the Chairman’s form relaxed and leaned back into you, you hastily gripped a hold of him by the shoulders. By now, blood had soaked your pants and dirtied your form. You let him lay his head on your lap as you kneeled Japanese style on the ground.

“Let me try to heal you.” You raised your hand to his wound. If Ashborn came to protect this human or fragment, you’ll try as well. But try as you might, as a Monarch, you couldn’t heal a fragment of brillant light. 

“Beru!!” Ashborn’s vessel shouted and a giant ant, this time with a humanoid figure, appeared within seconds across from him.

“You called, My King?”

“Save him, at all costs!” The vessel ordered. 

Seeing some hope, you tried as well. The Chairman’s eyes peeked open weakly, at the healing received. But the giant ant called Beru spoke, “My King, my healing spell… Isn’t working.”

“Monarch of Void… You can stop too…” 

You flinched at his words.

While Jinwoo was troubled by the presence of another Monarch after the last one, he took priority in the Chairman’s survival. He took out of the <Holy Water of Life> thinking it might work. Yet, the Chairman grabbed Jinwoo’s hand and the potion, “Don’t…”

Your brain seemed to have disconnected from the situation while the Chairman was talking to Ashborn’s vessel. As much as you wanted to congratulate Ashborn’s return, you know how to read the room. Maybe he has grown attached to someone during his time on Earth. Odd that you didn’t, well, you did but it never lasted long due to the trials of a human life. 

You didn’t even register the Chairman advising Jinwoo to take you with him by his side. A heartbreaking moment that you couldn’t connect with emotionally, yet for some reason, water came out from the corners of your eyes. You blinked. Was this sadness? Guilt? Why were you feeling such emotions or why was your body reacting in such a way? Was it because Ashborn’s vessel was feeling the same and you’re mimicking?

Why?

Why??

WHY???

“Ahhh!!!” Daggers pierced into your shoulder and knee joints, pinning you to the wall like a doll. Your head dropped down in pain and exhaustion. “Ashborn… You’re really mad at me… Aren’t you… I deserve this…”

The vessel raised a brow, “Why are you calling me that? I’m not Ashborn.”

You looked up at the vessel with dull and almost lifeless eyes, “You’re right, you’re not him, but his vessel. Your days are numbered…”

“Why do you say that?”

“Ashborn will take over your body once its ready for him. He’ll make his return. So for now, I’ll stay by your side until he is back.” You spoke monotonously. “You can torture me or ask my anything, it’s not like it matters if you’re disappearing soon.”

Note: This request is a bit on the complicated side and I honestly have no idea how to do though~ Haha. This is a bit of a test to see if you guys like this one and if not, it won't continue. Do let me know your thoughts!

Circe Y.

My Works: MASTERLIST

[infintasmal]

Rakan - Riot Verses

*Most verses are linked with Xayah as their skins are often released in pairs. However interactions with other character can of course occur without Xayah's presence or (if shipping is of interest) in verses in which they do not meet. Feel free to talk to me about it. Below are his standard, as Riot writes them (mostly) skin line verses.

Standard

Rakan can be seen in towns across Ionia, dancing and singing for the enjoyment of others (and himself, of course). He's long since left his home lands in order to learn more about the invading humans in hopes that he can draw their attention to the plight of the wild magic and the vastaya. He's vibrant, loud and always on the move. Most recently, he can be found with Xayah and her freedom fighters. He loves her more than even himself and is willing to do anything for her and their people.

Cosmic Dawn

Rakan is the dawn itself, a sun rising above the horizon. He dances through the cosmos, bringing light to the darkness, following forever after the shadowy dusk ahead of him.

Star Guardian - Corrupted

When their last mission went south, Rakan and Xayah were left to die. After watching Xayah take her last breath, Rakan followed shortly after. But the two were soon revived in the shadow of the Twilight Star, filled with hatred and resentment toward the team that abandoned them. And while Rakan laments his death, what he truly cannot forgive is watching Xayah fall before his eyes. Even in their second life, she struggles with her corruption and Rakan mourns his lost love. Now, he'll do anything to keep from losing her to the darkness completely, even if it means defeating his former friends.

*a verse after he 'redeems' Xayah but is still corrupted is also available

Star Guardian - Redeemed

Rakan's attempt to sacrifice himself in order to save Xayah is short lived but not entirely unsuccessful. She manages to track him through the cosmos and through the light of the First Star, his mind is freed from the darkness. He's now returned once more to the light, reunited with his home once again.

Elderwood

Rakan is the young fey prince of the Elderwood's Seelie Court, the Day Court. A monarch in all senses, he's endlessly curious about the world beyond his kingdom. Most recently, he's been meeting with the Unseelie Night Court's Princess Xayah, a rival turned lover. While his people object to the union, wishing to remain within their brightly lit dream, Rakan can't help but be drawn to that which he doesn't know. Perhaps a dance partner is just what his kingdom needs.

Arcana

A resident of the poorer Lower World, Rakan's life was simple. So long as he had his music, he was content, even as he existed underfoot of the Archetypes. But after a chance encounter with the Higher Arcana's Xayah, he is anything but content. Not until they can be together. And even if the world itself should rewrite the patterns set before them, he won't stop until he's beside her, following her in their forbidden dance.

Broken Covenant

Rakan once lived contently as a poor thief, eking out a simple existence with his lover Xayah. But his antics brought him too close to the sun and he soon found himself at Vladimir's mercy. On the verge of death, Xayah pleaded for his life. In exchange for Vladimir's mercy, Rakan was revived as a Neverghaast, a being not quite dead but hungry for the Breath of Life, Aspira. Xayah, to pay her debt, spies on the world above. And Rakan, now trapped in the shadows, fears the monster he's becoming.

Dragonmancer

The only thing Rakan has ever taken seriously in his life is his love. While seeking new strength and new dances, he is swallowed by the darkness of his worst nightmares. But no shadow can hold his brilliance for long. Thinking only of Xayah and the life he longed for fighting beside her, he emerged victorious and banished the shadows away. The Devotion Dragon, watching from on high, saw a kindred spirit in Rakan and granted him power to match his soul.

Modern (Musicverse or other similar riotverses)

Rakan learned to dance before he learned to walk and he's been moving ever since. Now, he lives life to the fullest, a full time dancer combining the traditional dances of his heritage with a more modern twist. He has an avid social media presence, performing anywhere from clubs and theaters to street corners and protests. He believes dance and music are forces to bring people together. And if he can use his powers of beauty and theatrics to help his renegade girlfriend fight against The Man, then all the better.

[charmerquilled]

I still need to get my basic thoughts together soon for the entirety of the verse. But for now, my main thoughts are centering around the fact that Rakan is definitely on some kind of tight 'metaphorical' leash by Vlad. Because Vlad could've let him DIE, but saw a perfect opportunity at hand for an exchange. And unfortunately, Xayah had to take the debt since Rakan was possibly dead at the time. But it wouldn't surprise me if Vlad would hold that over Rakan to ridicule and shame him. Gain some semblance of control on such a newly formed Neverghaast. I definitely don't think he would have any care for the lhotlan as he refers to him as an 'idiot' in his BC description. He probably treats him more like a beast to be controlled than an ally. Makes me wonder if the magic that Vlad used to resurrect him could also mean that he could control Rakan at certain points in time...Just blabbing out thoughts 🤔

[apothecaryscript]

Episode 23 : Balsam and Woodsorrel / 第23話『鳳仙花と片喰(Hosenka to Katabami)』

鳳仙(フォンシェン)「♪ねんねこね…ねんねこよ…あのこはいずこと…ないている…」

Fonshen “Nen’nekone… Nen’nekoyo… Ano kowa izukoto… naite-iru…”

Fengxian “♪Sleep, my baby, sleep. Where is she? She cries.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「お相手できないでしょうか？」

Maomao “Oaite deki-nai deshoka?”

Maomao “Would you join me for a few games?”

羅漢「ん～っ！断る理由などなかろう。可愛い娘の頼みとあらば…」

Rakan “Nnnn! Kotowaru riyu-nado nakaro. Kawaii musumeno tanomito araba…”

Lakan “How could I possibly decline a request from my lovely daughter?”

猫猫「勝負は変則なしの5局勝負。つまり、先に3勝したほうが勝ちです」

Maomao “Shobuwa hensoku-nashino go-kyoku-shobu. Tsumari, sakini san-sho shita-hoga kachi desu.”

Maomao “A best-of-five match, no special rules. In other words, the first to win three rounds is the victor.”

羅漢「ハンデはどうする？どの駒を落とそうか？」

Rakan “Handewa do suru? Dono koma’o otosoka?”

Lakan “How about handicaps? Which pieces should I drop?”

猫猫「必要ありません」

Maomao “Hitsuyo ari-masen.”

Maomao “There’s no need for that.”

壬氏（もらっておけばいいものを…）

Jinshi (Moratte-okeba ii-mono’o…)

Jinshi (She could’ve just accepted.)

猫猫「それより、賭けの褒美を決めませんか？」

Maomao “Sore-yori, kakeno hobi’o kime-masenka?”

Maomao “More importantly, let’s place a bet. A reward.”

羅漢「それは話が早い。私が勝てば、うちの子になってくれるね」

Rakan “Sorewa hanashiga hayai. Watashiga kateba, uchino koni natte-kurerune.”

Lakan “Great, right down to business! If I win, will you come live with me?”

壬氏「なっ…あっ…！」

Jinshi “Na… A…!”

高順「何も口を出さない約束でしょう」

Gaoshun “Nanimo kuchi’o dasa-nai yakusoku desho.”

Gaoshun “You promised not to interfere.”

壬氏「しかし…！」

Jinshi “Shikashi…!”

Jinshi “But―”

猫猫「構いません。ですが、雇用中の身ですので、年季が明けたあとになりますが」

Maomao “Kamai-masen. Desuga, koyochuno mi-desu-node, nenkiga aketa atoni nari-masuga.”

Maomao “I don’t mind. However, I’m under hire right now. You’ll have to wait until my contract expires.”

羅漢「雇用中？ほんとに雇われているのかい？」

Rakan “Koyochu? Hontoni yatowarete-iruno-kai?”

Lakan “Hired? You’re actually employed right now?”

猫猫「はい」

Maomao “Hai.”

Maomao “Yes.”

羅漢「へえ～…」

Rakan “Heeee…”

Lakan “Huh…”

壬氏「うっ、うう…」

Jinshi “U, uu…”

猫猫「その代わり、私が勝てば、緑青館の妓女を一人、身請けしてもらえないでしょうか」

Maomao “Sono kawari, watashiga kateba, Rokushokanno gijo’o hitori, miuke shite morae-nai-deshoka.”

Maomao “In exchange, if I win, could you buy out a courtesan at the Verdigris House?”

羅漢「ふーん…何を言い出すのかと思えば」

Rakan “Fūn… Nanio iidasuno-kato omoeba.”

Lakan “Of all the things you could ask…”

猫猫「誰とは言いませんが、やり手婆が年頃の妓女を片付けたがって��ますので」

Maomao “Dare-towa iimasenga, yarite-babaaga toshi-gorono gijo’o katazuke-tagatte-imasu-node.”

Maomao “I won’t say who, but the old lady wants to get rid of an aging courtesan.”

羅漢「そう来たか…それでいいと言うのなら、飲むしかないのだがね。それだけでいいのかい？」

Rakan “So kitaka… Sorede iito iuno-nara, nomu-shika naino-dagane. Sore-dakede iino-kai?”

Lakan “So that’s your first move. If that’s what it takes, I suppose I must accept. Is that all, then?”

猫猫「では、ルールを後2つ」

Maomao “Dewa, rūru’o ato futatsu.”

Maomao “I’d like to add two more rules.”

壬氏（匂いからして、きつめの蒸留酒か？）

Jinshi (Nioi-kara-shite, kitsumeno joryu-shu ka?)

Jinshi (From the smell of it, that’s a distilled hard liquor?)

猫猫「フフン」

Maomao “Fufun.”

壬氏（ものすごく嫌な予感がする…）

Jinshi (Mono-sugoku iyana yokanga suru…)

Jinshi (I have such a bad feeling about this.)

羅漢「それは何だい？」

Rakan “Sorewa nan-dai?”

Lakan “What is that?”

猫猫「少しなら薬です。三口も飲めば、猛毒になりますけど。小瓶の液体を3つの杯に入れて、どれに入れたか分からないようにします。勝負一回ごとに、勝った方が１つ選び、負けた方がそれを一息に飲む。これが一つ目のルールです」

Maomao “Sukoshi-nara kusuri desu. Mi-kuchimo nomeba, mo-dokuni nari-masu-kedo. Kobin’no ekitai’o mittsuno sakazukini irete, doreni iretaka wakaranai-yoni shimasu. Shobu ikkai-gotoni, katta-hoga hitotsu erabi, maketa-hoga sore’o hito-ikini nomu. Korega hitotsumeno rūru desu.”

Maomao “A medicine, in small amounts. Three sips turn it into a deadly poison, though. I’ll pour it into three of these cups, then make it so that we can’t tell which is which. After every match, the winner picks one cup, and the loser drinks from it in one breath. That’s the first rule.)

壬氏（えぐいことを考える…）

Jinshi (Egui koto’o kangaeru…)

Jinshi (What a brutal rule…)

猫猫「そして2つ目は、たとえどんな理由があろうとも、試合を放棄したら負けということでお願いします。よろしいですか？」

Maomao “Soshite futatsumewa, tatoe donna riyuga aro-tomo, shiai’o hoki shitara maketo-iu kotode onegai shimasu. Yoroshii desuka?”

Maomao “The second rule is that no matter the reason, if a player abandons a match, they lose. Do you accept?”

羅漢「うむ…構わないよ」

Rakan “Umu… Kamawa-naiyo.”

Lakan “That’s fine.”

壬氏（これは、揺さぶりか？確かに普通の相手ならひるむかもしれない。しかし…相手は奇人と言われる軍師殿である。ただの揺さぶりで心乱れるとは思えない…一体何を考えているんだ…）

Jinshi (Korewa, yusaburika? Tashikani futsuno aite-nara hirumu-kamo shire-nai. Shikashi…aitewa kijinto iwareru gunshi-donode aru. Tadano yusaburide kokoro-midareru-towa omoe-nai… Ittai nani’o kangaete-irunda…)

Jinshi (Is she trying to shake him? I guess a regular person would be scared by that. But… This is the famous weirdo strategist we’re talking about. I doubt he’d lose his composure from being pressured this way. What is she thinking?)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「うん…」

Maomao “Un…”

羅漢「うーん…ん～んっ　んっ」

Rakan “Uuuun… Nnnnnn. N.”

猫猫「ぷは～…」

Maomao “Puhaaa…”

壬氏（また負けた…！これで2連敗だ。象棋(シャンチー)で負けなしの軍師殿に挑むのだから、多少は心得があるのかと思いきや、ルールを知っている程度で実戦の経験はないようだ…。既に２杯…おいしそうに飲むせいで、毒入りかどうか、傍目には分からない…）

Jinshi (Mata maketa…! Korede ni-renpaida. Shanchīde make-nashino gunshi-dononi idomuno-dakara, tashowa kokoroega arunokato omoi-kiya, rūru’o shitte-iru teidode jissenno keikenwa nai-yoda… Sudeni ni-hai… Oishi-soni nomu seide, doku-irika-doka, hatame-niwa wakara-nai…)

Jinshi (She lost again! That’s two games in a row. Since she chose to challenge the invincible chess master in chess, I thought she had some skill in the game. It seems like she just knows the rules and has never played a real game before. Two cups… She drinks it so eagerly, I can’t tell if it’s poisoned or not.)

猫猫「３戦目も、私からでよろしいですか？」

Maomao “San-senmemo, watashi-karade yoroshii desuka?”

Maomao “May I play first in the third game as well?”

羅漢「ああ、いいよ」

Rakan “Aa, iiyo.”

Lakan “Sure, fine by me.”

壬氏（一体何を考えているんだ！３戦目の結果も見えている。もし、既に飲んだ２杯が毒入りだとすると、3杯目を飲むのは危険すぎる…この状況、羅漢はどこまで読んでいるのか…ん？）

Jinshi (Ittai nanio kangaete-irunda! San-senmeno kekkamo miete-iru. Moshi, sudeni nonda ni-haiga doku-iri-dato suruto, san-baime’o nomu-nowa kiken sugiru… Kono jokyo, Rakanwa doko-made yonde-iru-noka… N?)

Jinshi (What in the world is she thinking? She’s not going to win the third match, either. If the two cups she already had were poisoned, drinking a third would be too risky. Did Lakan predict this situation already?)

猫猫「詰みです」

Maomao “Tsumi desu.”

Maomao “That’s checkmate.”

壬氏「なっ…あ…」

Jinshi “Na…A…”

羅漢「参ったよ」

Rakan “Maittayo.”

Lakan “I yield.”

猫猫「お情けでも、勝ちは勝ちということでいいですね？」

Maomao “Onasake-demo, kachiwa kachito-iu kotode ii-desune?”

Maomao “A win is a win, even if you let me win, correct?”

羅漢「ああ。間違っても、娘に毒を勧めるわけにはいかんからね。どれを選んでくれる？」

Rakan “Aa. Machigattemo, musumeni doku’o susumeru wake-niwa ikan-karane. Dore’o erande kureru?”

Lakan “Yes. I can’t risk feeding my daughter poison. Can you choose a cup?”

猫猫「好きなものをどうぞ」

Maomao “Sukina mono’o dozo.”

Maomao “Please take whichever one you like.”

羅漢「薬というのは、味はあるのかい？」

Rakan “Kusurito iu-nowa, ajiwa aruno-kai?”

Lakan “Does this medicine have a special taste?”

猫猫「一口飲めば、嫌な味だと思うでしょうね」

Maomao “Hito-kuchi nomeba, Iyana aji-dato omou-deshone.”

Maomao “One sip and you’d notice that it tastes bad.”

壬氏（羅漢は2回まで負けることができる。そのうち一つでも味が違えば、娘に毒が及ばないと分かるだろう。そのためにわざと負けるとは…やはり、抜け目のない男だ）

Jinshi (Rakanwa, ni-kai-made makeru kotoga dekiru. Sono-uchi hitotsu-demo ajiga chigaeba, musumeni dokuga oyoba-naito wakaru-daro. Sono tameni wazato makeru-towa… Yahari, nukemeno nai otokoda.)

Jinshi (Lakan can lose up to twice. If even one of those cups has a different taste, he’d know that his daughter can avoid the poison. He really does know what he’s doing, losing on purpose to do that.”

羅漢「うん、ではこれを。…ああ、嫌な味だ…」

Rakan “Un, dewa koreo. …Aa, Iyana ajida…”

Lakan “This one, then. What an awful taste.”

壬氏（毒入りだ…これで薬屋が3杯目に毒を飲む心配はなくなった。それは同時に、羅漢がこれ���上負ける必要がないということ…薬屋に勝ち目はない…）

Jinshi (Doku-irida… Korede kusuriyaga san-baimeni dokuo nomu shinpaiwa naku-natta. Sorewa dojini, Rakanga kore-ijo makeru hitsuyoga naito iu-koto… Kusuriyani kachimewa nai…)

Jinshi (It’s poisoned! Now there’s no risk of the apothecary drinking the third poison. That means Lakan no longer needs to lose on purpose. The apothecary has no chance of winning now.)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

羅漢「私が勝てば、うちの子になってくれるね」

Rakan “Watashiga kateba, uchino koni natte kurerune.”

Lakan “If I win, will you come live with me?”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

羅漢「それに、暑いな…うう…ううう…あっ、ああ…」

Rakan “Soreni, atsuina… Uu… Uuu… A, Aa…”

Lakan “Also, it’s quite warm out.”

壬氏「これは一体…一杯では問題ない薬なのだろう？いくら憎らしいからと言って本当に毒を盛るなんて…」

Jinshi “Korewa ittai… Ippai-dewa mondai-nai kusuri-nano-daro? Ikura nikurashii-karato itte hontoni dokuo moru-nante…”

Jinshi “What’s going on? I thought one cup of it was safe! Did you actually poison him?! Do you really hate him that much―”

猫猫「薬ですよ。酒は百薬の長と言いますから」

Maomao “Kusuri desuyo. Sakewa hyaku-yakuno choto iimasu-kara.”

Maomao “It is medicine. Alcohol is the king of all medicines, isn’t it?”

壬氏「酒？どういうことだ？」

Jinshi “Sake? Do-iu kotoda?”

Jinshi “Alcohol? What do you mean?”

高順「壬氏様」

Gaoshun “Jinshi-sama.”

Gaoshun “Master Jinshi,”

壬氏「あ…」

Jinshi “A…”

高順「酔っているだけのようです」

Gaoshun “Yotte-iru-dakeno yodesu.”

Gaoshun “It seems like he’s just drunk.”

壬氏「は？」

Jinshi “Ha?”

Jinshi “Huh?”

猫猫「下戸(げこ)なんですよ、この人」

Maomao “Geko nan-desuyo, kono hito.”

Maomao “He completely abstains from alcohol.”

壬氏「そういえば…いつもジュースばかりで、酒を飲むのは見たことがないな…。では、さっき入れた液体は？」

Jinshi “So-ieba… itsumo Jūsu bakaride, sake’o nomu-nowa mita-kotoga naina… Dewa, sakki ireta eki-taiwa?”

Jinshi “Come to think of it… He always just drinks fruit juice, I’ve never seen him drink alcohol. So, what was that liquid earlier?”

猫猫「アルコールです。さてと…さっさとこの男を運び出して妓楼の花を選ばせましょう」

Maomao “Arukōru desu. Sateto…sassato kono otoko’o hakobi-dashite girono hana’o erabase-masho.”

Maomao “Spirits. Anyway… Let’s drag this guy out of here and have him pick a flower from the brothel.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

羅漢（生まれた時から、人間の区別がつかなかった。乳母と母を間違えるどころか、男女の区別もつかなかった。父は私に呆れ、これでは役に立たぬと、愛人のもとに通うようになった。母はそんな父を取り戻そうと必死だった。そんなわけで、名家の長子でありながら、手すさびで覚えた碁と象棋にのめり込み、奔放に生きることができた）

Rakan (Umareta-toki-kara, ningenno kubetsuga tsuka-nakatta. Ubato haha’o machigaeru-dokoroka, danjono kubetsumo tsuka-nakatta. Chichiwa watashini akire, kore-dewa yakuni tatanu-to, aijinno motoni kayou-yoni natta. Hahawa sonna chichi’o tori-modo-soto hisshi datta. Sonna wakede, meikano choshide ari-nagara, tesusabide oboeta goto shanchīni nomeri-komi, honponi ikiru kotoga dekita.)

Lakan (From the day I was born, I couldn’t differentiate between humans. Not only did I mistake my nanny for my mother, I couldn’t even tell men and women apart. My father believed me to be useless, and ran off to his mistress in disgust. My mother was desperate to get him back. Because of that, despite being the eldest son of an important family, I was able to live freely, devoting myself to go and chess, which I learned in my spare time.)

羅門「顔ではなく、声やそぶり、体格で人を覚えるんだよ。お前なら、象棋かな」

Ruomen “Kao-dewa-naku, koeya soburi, taikakude hito’o oboerun-dayo. Omae-nara, shanchī kana.”

Luomen “Differentiate people based on their voices, behavior, and build, instead of their faces. In your case, you can use chess pieces.”

羅漢(叔父貴だけは自分を理解してくれた。要領は悪いが優秀な叔父貴のおかげで、次第に人の顔が駒に見えるようになった。叔父貴が車に見えた時に、やはり優秀な男なのだと再確認できた)

Rakan (Ojiki-dakewa jibun’o rikai shite-kureta. Yoryowa waruiga yushuna ojikino okagede, shidaini hitono kaoga komani mieru-yoni natta. Ojikiga shani mieta tokini, yahari yushuna otoko nanodato sai-kakunin dekita.)

Lakan (My uncle was the only one who understood me. Thanks to my uncle, who is clumsy but very intelligent, I gradually learned to see people’s faces as chess pieces. When I started to see my uncle as a Chariot piece, I reaffirmed that he is indeed a great man.)

羅漢(成長してからは、武の才はないのに、家柄のおかげでいきなり長を任された。自分が弱くとも、部下を無駄なく使えばお釣りが来る。人が駒となる象棋は、何より面白いゲームに違いなかった。仕事でもゲームでも無敗が続く中、付き合いで行った妓楼で、噂の妓女と対決することになる。無数の白黒の中、そこだけが鮮やかに輝いていた)

Rakan (Seicho shite-karawa, buno saiwa nai-noni, iegarano okagede ikinari cho’o maka-sareta. Jibunga yowaku-tomo, buka’o muda-naku tsukaeba otsuriga kuru. Hitoga komato naru shanchīwa, nani-yori omoshiroi gēmuni chigai-nakatta. Shigoto-demo gēmu-demo muhaiga tsuzuku-naka, tsuki-aide itta girode, uwasano gijoto taiketsu suru kotoni naru. Musuno shiro-kurono naka, soko-dakega azayakani kagayaite-ita.) 

Lakan (After I grew up, thanks to my family name, I was suddenly assigned to lead a squadron, despite having no talent in combat. Even if I was weak, I could more than make up for it by using the men under me effectively. Most of all, playing chess with human pieces was the most fun game I had ever played. As I continued my lossless streak in both work and games, I followed my colleagues to a brothel to take on a famous courtesan. In a world full of black and white, that was the only bright color I saw.)

羅漢(女の名は、鳳仙。妓楼で負けなしの妓女と、軍部で負けなしの自分。どちらが負けても、観客は面白いことであろう)

Rakan (Onnano nawa, Fonshen. Girode make-nashino gijoto, gunbude make-nashino jibun. Dochiraga make-temo, kankyakuwa omoshiroi kotode-aro.)

Lakan (Her name was Fengxian. The undefeated courtesan of the brothel, versus me, undefeated in the military. The audience would have had a good time no matter who lost.)

羅漢(確かに強い。けれど、所詮は井の中の蛙(かわず))

Rakan (Tashikani tsuyoi. Keredo, shosenwa ino nakano kawazu.)

Lakan (She’s strong, but she only fights in her own small world…)

羅漢(負けた…それも圧倒的に。こんなに負けたのは、いつ以来だ？)

Rakan (Maketa… Soremo atto-tekini. Konnani maketa-nowa, itsu-iraida?)

Lakan (I lost. I was absolutely thrashed. When was the last time I lost so badly?)

羅漢「フフフ… ハハハハハ…！あ…」(ああ…人とは、こういう顔をしているのか)

Rakan “Fufufu… Hahahahaha…! A…” (Aa… Hito-towa, ko-iu kao’o shite-iru-noka.)

Lakan (Ah, so that’s what a human face looks like.)

羅漢(まるで、鳳仙花の実のような、触れたらはじけそうな、人を寄せ付けない目)

Rakan (Marude, hosenkano mino-yona, furetara hajike-sona, hito’o yose-tsuke-nai me.)

Lakan (Her defiant eyes, like a balsam flower that would burst if touched…)

羅漢「フフッ…次は負くるまい」

Rakan “Fufu… Tsugiwa makuru-mai.”

Lakan “Next time, I won’t lose.”

羅漢(それから、ひたすら碁と象棋を繰り返すだけの逢瀬が、何年か続いた。妓楼で生まれた鳳仙は、誇りだけを固めたような性格だった)

Rakan (Sorekara, hitasura goto shanchī’o kuri-kaesu dakeno ousega, nan-nenka tsuzuita. Girode umareta Fonshenwa, hokori-dakeo katameta-yona seikaku datta.)

Lakan (For several years after that, we continued to meet to play go and chess. Fengxian, who was born at the brothel, had a personality that was almost purely made of pride.)

鳳仙「母はおりません。私を産んだ女ならいますが。花街では、妓女は母になれませんので」

Fonshen “Hahawa ori-masen. Watashi’o unda onna-nara imasuga. Hana-machi-dewa, gijowa hahani nare-masen-node.”

Fengxian “I have no mother. A woman did give birth to me, but in the pleasure district, a courtesan can never become a mother.”

羅漢(才能ある妓女は、ある程度人気者になると、売り惜しみが行われる。鳳仙もその一人だった。きつすぎる対応が万人向けではないものの、一部の好事家に受けていたらしい。次第に値もつり上がり、三月に一度会うのがやっとになった)

Rakan (Saino-aru gijowa, aru-teido ninki-mononi Naruto, uri-oshimiga okona-wareru. Fonshenmo sono hitori datta. Kitsu-sugiru taioga ban-nin-muke-dewa nai-monono, ichibuno kozukani ukete-ita-rashii. Shidaini nemo tsuri-agari, mi-tsukini ichido au-noga yattoni natta.)

Lakan (Once a talented courtesan gains popularity, the brothel becomes reluctant to sell them. Fengxian fit that profile exactly. Her harsh attitude wasn’t for everyone, but she became the favorite of several dilettantes. Her prices gradually rose, and I could only afford to see her once every three months.)

羅漢「鳳仙花と…何だ？それは」

Rakan “Hosenkato… Nanda? Sorewa.”

Lakan “Balsam flower, and… What’s that?”

鳳仙「片喰…別名ねこあしです。解毒や虫刺されに効く生薬だとか。鳳仙花と同じで、成熟した実に触れると、種がはじけ飛ぶんです��

Fonshen “Katabami… Betsumei neko-ashi desu. Gedokuya mushi-sasareni kiku shoyaku da-toka. Hosenkato onajide, seijuku-shita mini fureruto, Tanega hajike-tobun-desu.”

Fengxian “Woodsorrel, also known as cat’s foot. I hear it’s a medicine that helps treat poisons and insect bites. Like the balsam, touching a ripe fruit causes the seeds to burst.”

羅漢「ほう、それは面白い」

Rakan “Ho, sorewa omo-shiroi.”

Lakan “Interesting.”

鳳仙「次は、いつ来られますか？」

Fonshen “Tsugiwa, itsu korare-masuka?”

Fengxian “When can you come next?”

羅漢「ん？また3か月後に」

Rakan “N? Mata san-kagetsu-goni.”

Lakan “Three months from now, as always.”

鳳仙「分かりました」

Fonshen “Wakari-mashita.”

Fengxian “Understood.”

羅漢(鳳仙の身請け話を聞いたのは、その頃だった。鳳仙の値は、好事家たちの競り合いでつり上がっていった。武官として出世したものの、異母兄弟に跡継ぎの立場を奪われた自分には、到底太刀打ちできる額ではなかった)

Rakan (Fonshenno miuke-banashi’o kiita-nowa, sono-koro-datta. Fonshenno newa, kozuka-tachino seri-aide tsuri-agatte-itta. Bukanto-shite shusse shita-monono, ibo-kyodaini ato-tsugino tachiba’o uba-wareta jibun-niwa, totei tachi-uchi dekiru gaku-dewa nakatta.)

Lakan (That was when I heard about Fengxian being bought out. Fengxian’s price was being hiked up by the dilettantes competing against each other. I was on a good career path as a military officer, but since I’d lost the title of heir to my half-brothers, her price was well outside my reach.)

鳳仙「たまには賭けをしませんか？」

Fonshen “Tama-niwa kake’o shima-senka?”

Fengxian “Would you like to place a bet, for a change?”

羅漢「ん？」

Rakan “N?”

鳳仙「あなたが勝てたら、好きなものを与えましょう。私が勝てたら、好きなものをいただきましょう。お好きな盤を選んでください」

Fonshen “Anataga kate-tara, sukina mono’o atae-masho. Watashiga kate-tara, sukina mono’o itadaki-masho. Osukina ban’o erande kudasai.”

Fengxian “If you win, I will give you anything you want. If I win, I will take anything that I want. Please choose a board.”

羅漢(ふと悪いことが頭をよぎった)

Rakan (Futo warui kotoga atama’o yogitta.)

Lakan (A terrible thought crossed my mind.)

鳳仙「碁でよろしいですね？」

Fonshen “Gode yoroshii desune?”

Fengxian “Go, isn’t it?”

羅漢「ああ」

Rakan “Aa.”

Lakan “Yes.”

鳳仙「梅梅。試合に集中したいから」

Fonshen “Meimei. Shiaini shuchu shitai-kara.”

Fengxian “Meimei, I want to concentrate on this game.”

梅梅「はい」

Meimei “Hai.”

Meimei “Yes.”

羅漢(気づけば、手が重なっていた。鳳仙からは、甘��言葉も何もなかった。自分もそんな柄ではなく、ある意味、似た者同士の2人だった)

Rakan (Kizukeba, tega kasanatte-ita. Fonshen-karawa, amai kotobamo nanimo nakatta. Jibunmo sonna gara-dewa naku, aru-imi, nita-mono-doshino futari datta.)

Lakan (Before I knew it, our hands touched. There were no sweet words from Fengxian. I wasn’t the type to offer any, either. In that way, we were quite similar.)

鳳仙「碁がやりたい」

Fonshen “Goga yari-tai.”

Fengxian “I want to play go.”

羅漢(自分とて象棋がしたいと思っていた)

Rakan (Jibun-tote shanchīga shitaito omotte-ita.)

Lakan (I’d been thinking about how I wanted to play chess, myself.)

鳳仙「♪ねんねこね…ねんねこよ…あのこはいずことないている…何にも知らず…小鳥たち…お空に遠く…飛んでった…」

Fonshen “Nen’nekone… Nen’nekoyo… Ano kowa izukoto naite-iru… Nan-nimo shirazu…kotori-tachi…osorani tooku…tondetta…”

Fengxian “♪Sleep, my baby, sleep. Where is she? She cries. Little birds are so innocent. Off they fly to somewhere far.”

羅漢(その3か月後、優秀だった叔父貴が失脚した)

Rakan (Sono san-kagetsu-go, yushu-datta ojikiga shikkyaku shita.)

Lakan (Three months later, my supposedly intelligent uncle was ousted from his position.)

羅漢の父「後宮の医官になったと思ったら、追放だと？！一族の面汚しだ！」

Rakan no chichi “Kokyuno ikanni nattato omottara, tsuiho dato?! Ichi-zokuno tsura-yogoshida!”

Lakan’s father “First you became a doctor in the rear palace, and now you’re exiled?! You bring shame to our family!”

羅漢(優秀なのに、相変わらず要領が悪い)

Rakan (Yushu nanoni, ai-kawarazu yoryoga warui.)

Lakan (For all his intelligence, he really is clumsy.)

羅漢の父「お前は、やつと親交が深かっただろう。家を出て、しばし遊学しろ！」

Rakan no chichi “Omaewa, yatsuto shinkoga fuka-katta-daro. Ie’o dete, shibashi yugaku shiro!”

Lakan’s father “You used to be close to him. Leave the house for a while, go study abroad!”

羅漢「遊学？」

Rakan “Yugaku?”

Lakan “Study abroad…?”

羅漢の父「念のためだ」

Rakan no chichi “Nenno tameda.”

Lakan’s father “Just in case.”

羅漢「しかし…」

Rakan “Shikashi…”

Lakan “But…”

羅漢の父「何だ？」

Rakan no chichi “Nanda?”

Lakan’s father “What?”

羅漢「いえ…何でもありません」

Rakan “Ie… Nandemo ari-masen.”

Lakan “No, it’s nothing.”

羅漢(親であり、上司である父に逆らえるはずがなかった)

Rakan (Oyade ari, Joshide aru chichini sakaraeru hazuga nakatta.)

Lakan (There was no way I could speak up against my father, who was also my boss.)

羅漢（同じころ、身請け話が破談になったと鳳仙から文があり、私も半年ほどで戻れるだろうと高をくくっていた）

Rakan (Onaji koro, miuke-banashiga hadanni nattato Fonshen-kara fumiga ari, watashimo han-toshi-hodode modoreru-daroto taka’o kukutte-ita.)

Lakan (Around the same time, Fengxian wrote to me that her buyout agreement fell through. I assumed I would be back in six months or so.)

羅漢(その時は…まさか戻るのに3年もかかるとは思いもしなかった)

Rakan (Sono Tokiwa… Masaka modoru-noni san-nenmo kakaru-towa omoimo shinakatta.)

Lakan (But, back then… I had no idea it would take three whole years for me to return.)

羅漢「あ…鳳仙からの文が、こんなに…」

Rakan “A… Fonshen-karano fumiga, konnani…”

Lakan “So many letters from Fengxian…”

羅漢「あ… ん？」

Rakan “A… N?”

羅漢「ん？土くれ？」

Rakan “N? Tsuchi-kure?”

Lakan “Mud?”

羅漢「いや…小枝か？しかも、2つ？…違う、これは…」

Rakan “Iya… Koedaka? Shikamo, futatsu? …Chigau, korewa…”

Lakan “No, a branch? And there’s two of them? No, this is…”

羅漢(指切り…そんな呪いが流行っているのは知っていた。身請け話が破談になった原因…あの袋に入っていた

もう一つの小さな指は…なぜ気づけなかったのか！)

Rakan (Yubi-kiri… Sonna noroiga hayatte-iru-nowa shitte-ita. Miuke-banashiga hadanni natta gen’in… Ano fukuroni haitte-ita mo-hitotsuno chiisana yubiwa… Naze kizuke-nakatta-noka!)

Lakan (Finger severing… I knew that was a popular way to curse someone. The reason why her deal fell through… The other small finger in the bag… Why didn’t I notice?!)

羅漢(碁と象棋しか頭になかった。こんな簡単な答えにすら、辿り着けなかった！)

Rakan (Goto shanchī-shika atamani nakatta. Konna kantanna kotaeni-sura, tadori-tsuke-nakatta!)

Lakan (All I had in my head was go and chess. I couldn’t even reach that simple conclusion!)

羅漢「フォ…鳳仙は？！」

Rakan “Fo…Fonshenwa?!”

Lakan “Where’s Fengxian?!”

やり手婆「お前…！鳳仙ならもういない！今さら何しに来たってんだい！3年も放っておいて！価値が落ちた妓女がどうなるかなんて、知ったこっちゃないんだろ！」

Yarite Babaa “Omae…! Fonshen-nara mo inai! Ima-sara nani shini kitatten-dai! San-nenmo hotte-oite! Kachiga ochita gijoga do naruka-nante, shitta-koccha-nain-daro!”

Madam “You! Fengxian is gone now! Where have you been all this time?! You left her for three whole years! You don’t care one bit what happens to a worthless courtesan, do you?!”

羅漢（少し考えれば分かったはずだ…身請けの破談、その原因は…鳳仙の腹には…！）

Rakan (Sukoshi kangae-reba wakatta hazuda… Miukeno hadan, sono gen’inwa… Fonshenno hara-niwa…!)

Lakan （If only I’d put even a little thought into it! The reason why she wouldn’t get bought out… The reason was in her belly…）

羅漢（店の名を汚(けが)し、信用と価値が地に落ちた妓女が辿る末路…夜鷹(よたか)のごとく客を取り、いずれ…）

Rakan (Miseno nao kegashi, shin’yoto kachiga chini ochita gijoga tadoru matsuro… Yotakano gotoku kyaku’o tori, izure…)

Lakan (By soiling the name of her brothel, her trust and reputation fell to nothing! All she could do was to take customers like a streetwalker, and…)

羅漢（どんなに嘆いたところで、時は戻らない。何もかも、短絡的だった自分が招いたことだ…）

Rakan (Donnani nageita tokorode, Tokiwa modora-nai. Nanimo-kamo, tanraku-teki datta jibunga maneita kotoda…)

Lakan (No matter how much I lamented, there was no way to turn back time. It was all my fault, for being so short-sighted.)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

羅漢「ああ…ここは？緑青館か？うっ…うう…」

Rakan “Aa…Kokowa? Rokushokanka? U…Uu…”

Lakan “This is… The Verdigris House?”

梅梅「お目覚めですか？」

Meimei “Omezame desuka?”

Meimei “Are you awake?”

羅漢「ああ…梅梅」

Rakan “Aa…Meimei.”

Lakan “Meimei.”

梅梅「どこぞの貴人の使いの方が連れてきたんですよ。それにしても、ひどい顔色…赤いと言うか、青いと言うか」

Meimei “Dokozono kijinno tsukaino kataga tsurete-kitan-desuyo. Soreni-shitemo, hidoi kao-iro… akaito-iuka, aoito-iuka.”

Meimei “Some noble’s servant brought you here. Your face looks terrible. I don’t know if it’s more red or blue.”

羅漢「私とて、こうなるつもりはなかったよ。まさかあんなに強い酒だとは思わなくてね」

Rakan “Watashi-tote, ko-naru tsumoriwa nakattayo. Masaka annani tsuyoi sake-datowa omowa-nakutene.”

Lakan “I didn’t think I’d end up like this, either. I wasn’t expecting it to be such a strong liquor.”

梅梅「フフフフフ…」

Meimei “Fufufufufu…”

羅漢（梅梅は昔、鳳仙のもとで禿をしていた。梅梅とはよく遊んでやった。筋がいいと褒めたら、もじもじしていた）

Rakan (Meimeiwa mukashi, Fonshenno motode kamuro’o shite-ita. Meimei-towa yoku asonde-yatta. Sujiga iito hometara, moji-moji shite-ita.)

Lakan (Meimei used to be Fengxian’s servant girl. I used to play with her a lot. When I complemented her talents, she seemed abashed.)

羅漢「そういえば…」

Rakan “So-ieba…”

Lakan “Come to think of it…”

梅梅「どうかなさいましたか？」

Meimei “Doka nasai-mashitaka?”

Meimei “What is it?”

羅漢「いや、何でもない」

Rakan “Iya, nan-demo nai.”

Lakan “No, nothing.”

梅梅「はい、どうぞ」

Meimei “Hai, dozo.”

Meimei “Here you are.”

羅漢「ああ…ぶーっ！がっ…苦っ…！何だこれは…！」

Rakan “Aa…Buuuu! Ga…Niga…! Nanda korewa…!”

Lakan “Yes. So bitter! What is this?!”

梅梅「フフフッ、猫猫が作ったそうですよ」

Meimei “Fufufu, Maomaoga tsukutta-sodesuyo.”

Meimei “Something Maomao made.”

羅漢「んっ…」

Rakan “N…”

猫猫「混ぜ混ぜ、混ぜ混ぜ、混ぜ混ぜ…」

Maomao “Maze-maze, maze-maze, maze-maze…”

Maomao “Mix mix, mix mix, mix mix.”

羅漢「そうか、猫猫が…」

Rakan “Soka, Maomaoga…”

Lakan “I see, it was Maomao…”

梅梅「それと、こちらの箱も猫猫が…」

Meimei “Soreto, kochirano hakomo Maomaoga…”

Meimei “Also, Maomao left this box for you.”

羅漢「枯れた薔薇？」

Rakan “Kareta sobi?”

Lakan “A withered rose?”

梅梅「たとえ枯れたとしても、形を保つことができるんですね」

Meimei “Tatoe karetato-shitemo, katachi’o tamotsu kotoga dekirun-desune.”

Meimei “Even when withered, it can retain its shape.”

禿「梅梅姐さん」

Kamuro “Meimei-neesan.”

Serving girl “Big Sis Meimei.”

梅梅「あ…失礼します」

Meimei “A… Shitsurei shimasu.”

Meimei “Excuse me.”

(Continue to episode 24)

[thetoxicgamer]

League of Legends Caster Gifts Player Skin to “Atone” for Hots Sins

Despite Blizzard terminating support for Heroes of the Storm last year, it is still thriving, although many devoted MOBA players have switched to League of Legends. Trevor "Quickshot" Henry, a Riot Games caster and LEC star, recognised one lucky player and gave them a skin and champion as an apology for causing havoc in HotS. In response to the player’s Reddit post about trying out League, Quickshot writes “want a free champion? After reading all the replies, let me know a champion and skin you’d like, I’ll gift it tomorrow. (DM me, but let the readers know your choice too). “Why am I doing this?,” he asks himself. “Whenever I got tilted in League, I played HotS to destroy kids and make my ego feel better. This is how I atone for my sins.” Quickshot does clarify, however, that “this is not something I’m ‘personally’ paying for – thank Rito and go hogwild. Something you’re intrigued by or the most expensive. I’ll add you to my friend list and send the gift once the timing window passes.” A group of heroes fighting against another group amid cherry blossoms with a stunning pagoda in the backgroundWhile the player initially declined (probably not wanting to casually accept things from strangers on the internet), upon realising Quickshot is affiliated with Riot they accepted the offer. Some jokingly suggested they ask for the fabled Black Alistar or a PAX skin – all of which are some of the game’s rarest cosmetics – but they settled on Gentleman Cho’Gath given their affinity for the top lane terror because “omg he grows.” For their champion, they chose Renata Glasc, Chem Baroness and powerful support. “I really like Glasc’s CC potential, especially after getting into Zilean. And Cho’Gath… well… it gives a top hat, monocle, bow tie, and a pipe. I’m not saying no.” Sadly, League of Legends is renowned for being pretty toxic. I only started in Season 10, and I vividly recall that one top lane game that put me off of playing the role entirely. I even took a break at the start of Season 12 because of how toxic I found the game, but this little exchange is proof that the vast majority of the people who are playing League just want to have fun. It’s a small yet powerful good deed, and it genuinely makes me want to dive into the game again. I won’t be checking how much I’ve spent on League of Legends when I log in next, though, but I will give our LoL tier list a glance to ensure that I’m maximising my supporting capabilities. Engage supports are meta again, after all, so I can’t wait to flex my Rakan. Read the full article

[fandomtrxsh19]

LEAGUE OF LEGENDS HEADCANONS BECAUSE I CAN

shyvana quietly growls to calm herself down, help with her anger, and other things

she can also shapeshift into something slightly more draconic, keeping the purple skin and scales, amber eyes, but adding dragon feet(give her dragon feet riot you cowards), wings, and horns. Kinda like she’s half transformed of you know what I mean

when she gets angry, smoke comes out of her nose, kinda she she huffs then smoke kinda

just to mess with Vi and Caitlyn, jinx sneaks into the headquarters and draws mustaches on all the pictures 

also she sometimes adds smoke bombs filled with glitter while doing her shenanigans

Whoever she sees Caitlyn and Vi being gay(which is a lot), jinx becomes the most annoying third wheel and is like “just fucking kiss already!!!“

Garen’s a protective older brother of Lux. Like, whenever Ezreal makes advances to Lux, he’s like “nice try, buddy.” Even Katarina’s like “she is so out of your league.”

Zoe, being the little shit that she is, spies on when ezreal and lux hangs out together. Garen’s oddly curious and just lets it happen

Once Neeko met Lillia, they instantly became besties. Neeko’s extremely curious about the entirety of Lillia. She also kinda helps Lillia be a bit less shy. It’s wholesome and adorable and RIOT LET THEM INTERACT THEYRE ADORABLE

let’s just say zoe has asked Lillia if she could ride on her back many times……….

One time, Rakan and Vi met, let’s just say they exchanged lots of bad jokes and puns, and completely annoying Caitlyn and Xayah

[cinnawrites]

Lost In The Forest

Summary: Xayah gets lost in the forest and stumbles upon the loveliest man she had ever seen. (Elderwood!AU)

A/N; Yes, this is a League of Legends fanfic,,, I love Xayah and Rakan, and I love the Elderwood skinline EVEN MORE so here we are!! I hope you enjoy!

The sound of birds chirping and the sweet smell of the forest manage to distract Xayah from her main quest; getting back home.

Xayah had no idea how she had gotten lost in the first place, but here she was, in an unfamiliar part of the forest she called home. She didn’t know if she was straying further away from her home, or getting closer. All she knew, was that the area was so colorful and blissful, she couldn’t resist venturing off further. Xayah made sure to make sharp turns whenever she seemed to get closer to the world beyond; she did not want to go back to that mess. 

Xayah continued on her way, stopping to admire the scenery. Perhaps it was unfamiliar to her, but it gave her a sense of belonging. She loved the smell of flowers filling her senses, as well as the sun rays soaking into her skin. Xayah spun around once, basking in bliss. She wasn’t one to do this normally, but she couldn’t help it anymore. She smiled as a butterfly placed itself gently onto her nose, tickling her ever so slightly.

Wait. A butterfly?

There were no butterflies near her dominion.

Those were only common… near her rivals.

Xayah quickly ran and hid herself behind a tree, successfully scaring off the gentle butterfly. A butterfly couldn’t have flown all the way to her dominion. It was rare. Besides, she should have seen many fellow moths by now if she were near home, but she hadn’t seen a single one. The beauty of the forest had made her forget about the rival dominion existing far off from her own. Xayah had walked straight to her enemies.

She shuddered. Never had she ever been stupid enough to come this close to being confronted by her rivals unwillingly. Was this of their design? No, it couldn’t be. It was all her fault for coming this close to death. Xayah wandered in the opposite direction, before stopping. Which way was home really? No direction could be safe.

Xayah’s thoughts were cut off by the gentle humming coming from far behind her. She tensed up and poked her head out from behind the tree. She saw many butterflies at first, then a boy emerged from the shadows of the trees. She gasped. He was beautiful.

The boy had many butterflies fluttering around him, he even appeared to be a butterfly himself. With orange wings framing his face, as well as antennae sprouting from his forehead, he couldn’t be anything else. He wore a confident smile on his face, brushing his hair back as he walked. He sat down in front of a tree, an area that seemed familiar to him. He rested his head against the tree trunk, the sunlight filtering from above basked his skin in a glow just as it had to Xayah’s. He continued humming, louder this time, while putting a hand out for one of the butterflies to rest on it. And so, one did. He flashed a smile, brighter than ever, making Xayah’s heart melt. She chuckled softly before quickly hiding back behind the tree.

Xayah had almost given herself away.

This boy was clearly none other than the Fey Prince Rakan. She had heard stories of him from her parents. How he was untrustworthy and a fool. He looked certainly like a fool, she thought, but not untrustworthy or any of the other rumors she had heard in her dominion. He seemed like a nice person. How strange.

She turns back to see him once more. To catch a glimpse of his beauty yet again.

This time, Rakan was standing off to the side. He was picking flowers. Xayah took the time to admire his cape, which resembled a butterfly’s wing, but was glowing teal towards the bottom. How peculiar, her cape was the same teal all over. He leaned down to pick another flower, sniffed it and laughed in satisfaction. Xayah turned back, covering her mouth with her hands and let out the softest, but sweetest giggle she could. She felt something strong about this man, something she couldn’t understand.

Was it love?

It couldn’t be. She shook her head, trying to ignore her feelings. She couldn’t possibly be falling in love with a man she had never spoken to before. An enemy on top of that? Forget it. She was just being silly, Xayah tried to convince herself. She decided to look back at the boy, thinking of him as a rival, as someone she had to hate.

But he wasn’t there.

Had he left? Had she missed him leaving? Xayah poked her head out further, trying to figure out where he could have gone, if he had maybe wandered off a bit further off, but he was nowhere to be found. She felt her stomach drop, she hadn’t expected him to leave so soon. Was she missing him? Missing her rival? She couldn’t believe it.

“Are you looking for me?”

Xayah yelled. And so did he.

Xayah turned to face him and quickly backed away, hitting her back against another tree. Rakan, the boy she was admiring for who knows how long, was now looking directly at her. Her face was filled with terror, so was his. They both effectively frightened each other. Xayah thought she had readied a weapon from her wing, but she didn’t. Rakan didn’t pull out any weapon either, but held his hands up to try and calm the girl down. Her breaths were shaky, but calmed once he had flashed her a sweet smile.

“Please don’t be so scared, I won’t hurt you,” Rakan said, gently approaching her. Xayah couldn’t back away any further and simply kept her battle stance, “You must be Xayah, from the other Fey dominion, correct? I’m Rakan. I promise, I have no intentions on causing you harm.

Xayah remained silent.

She stared him down, trying to figure out if he was really telling the truth. She didn’t want to believe it, but he was being completely honest. Xayah remained in her position, still not wanting to submit to him.

“Alright, that’s fair. I wouldn’t trust me at first either,” Rakan laughed, which softened Xayah’s expression a little. He kept his smile and pulled a bouquet of flowers from behind him, “I noticed you were staring at me and thought you may like these. If this doesn’t make you trust me I don’t know what will.”

Xayah looked at the flowers, eyes wide. This was the last thing she was expecting him to give her. This meant he knew she was watching him the second she had turned away from him sitting down. He only got up to gather her flowers, to offer them to her. She hesitantly reached out to them and grabbed them. She inhaled their sweet scent, and chuckled. Rakan chuckled too, his cheeks turning to a light shade of pink. She walked closer to him, now feeling safe.

“Well then, what is your name?” Rakan asked, though he already knew the answer.

“I am in fact Xayah, the Fey Princess,” She smiled. Hearing Xayah’s voice caught Rakan off guard, but he flashed her a toothy grin nonetheless, “Thank you for the flowers they-”

The sound of a branch cracking echoed, causing Xayah’s ears to perk up. She had just realized how long she had stayed.

Xayah turned quickly and ran off as fast as she could. She didn’t look back. She held on tightly to the bouquet of flowers. There must have been someone watching their exchange. Was this his plan all along? To seem innocent and then capture her? She didn’t want to think about it. She ran, and ran, until she was finally back home. She had gotten away and that’s all that mattered.

Well, almost all that mattered.

Xayah couldn’t help but want to see Rakan again. She wanted to see his soft smile and hear his sweet voice over and over again.

Perhaps someday, she’ll be able to stay with him with no risks. She’ll gladly wait for that day to come, no matter how far away it may be.

[date posted; 07.01.21]

[yourcutelittlegayfriend]

Heya Can I please uh Get a sett x vastaya reader Scenario where she comes to his pit to fight because she needs money to help her tribe get rebuilt?

Ok so first of all thanks for the request and sorry for a very very late post and second if you're like referring to rebuilding houses in a tribe you actually can't cuz vastayan people live harmony with nature so that means no cutting trees and you get your needs from nature....... but I'll think of something like a money crisis or something.

Yeah sorry.........again.

•=•=•=•=•=•

SETT X VASTAYAN READER

For many years, your people live in peace. away from the dangers of the outside world but that doesn't mean you were selfish and un-kind, instead they used magic not for fighting but to offer help to other vastayan, they would take refugees, heal them, and take care of other Vastayans that were scarred by the war.

Decades past many happened in Ionia but being seculded in the hidden forest in the land, generations of your tribe have forgotten what's the outside world like and believe that it's only a myth.

Then an unexpecting day came. Since your tribe offers help more and more Vastayans seek their hand for help and that cause a problem.

A big problem.

There was too much population and your home became overcrowded after a new tribe came, said they were attack overnight and barely survived, it was no problem in sharing and rationing your supplies but nature had given too much.

Being the Chief's eldest daughter you volunteered to search outside your hidden home to find a way to help them.

So with a heavy heart your family and people bid you good luck and safe travel.

Days past you discovered many things and places, you found different kinds of Vastayans, good and also bad people.

One day you came to a Forest market you ask many people but some spoke in a strange language while some walked away from you until you meet this cute Vastayan couple named Rakan and Xayah, you were surprised that they can speak (mainly Xayah) using the old Vastayan Language.

From Xayah's stories she is looking for her lost tribe and planned on making a rebellion or something? While Rakan only follow and support his lover.

You told them about your problem and they suggested that you go far towards the main city, you took the suggestion and thank them for their help, bidding them good bye you turned into leave but not before Xayah called you back.

"Hey not being a bother or anything but you said there was a new tribe that came to yours right?, Is there perhaps a man-." She then continued to explain a man who she claim her father and ask if he was in the same tribe, shaking your head you said that you haven't see anyone that look like her father.

"Don't worry Xayah I'm positive they're out there somewhere and you'll find them I believe in you, just don't lose hope ok?". You re-assured her as she thanked you.

"Here Y/N don't forget to hide does ears and tail of yours, they're a dead give away." She held out a dark cloak made from a smooth Ionian silk, after that you waved them goodbye.

"Good luck and don't get yourself killed kid!! See ya, Hey Xayah wait for meeeeee!!!." Rakan shouted before chasing after his beloved.

"You do know I'm quite older than you right?." You asked him well more to yourself before shrugging it off and beginning your journey towards the city in Ionia.

It took a whole day getting there making you arrived at night. you then wore the cloak Xayah gave you and blend in with the crowd, it was similar as back in the Forest market but instead of Vastayan or shape-shifters that was walking around it was full on strange creatures that you believe were humans like the elders told in their stories and unlike back home with of trees and nature instead it was this weird tall structures and no Vastayan in sight.

then your ears hear this wired clinking of metal that you decided to investigate, looking around you found the source and saw a human passing three of those round gold things in exchange for a fruit then you saw another and another.

It was some kind of currency just like yours but a little different.

You then followed a big human man that was carrying a huge sack of those while being vigilant, you then came across a much more big architecture with a lot of suspicious people entering inside.

Moving forward, you see the man you followed giving it towards a round hat wearing man and seeing that some were doing it too.

You perk up along with other people when you hear a feminine voice at the passageway then people run towards the voice being unlucky you got shove in, you tried squeezing your body in the crowd, few tries you finally reach the end but loss you footing, you catch yourself by slamming your hand in a flat wooden furniture.

startled the man and the woman who you believe was yelling looked at you with widen eyes they talked to you in a much more different language, you look at them dumbfounded before shrugging you shoulders.

The woman rolled her eyes before grabbing a hold of your right arm and pulled you, being curious you let her.

Walking deep inside you tried talking to her but she didn't payed you attention, a short walk you were then push towards an opening.

You stumbled before getting blinded by a golden light you raised an arm to cover your face, turning back you looked and see the woman on the tunnel motioning you to walk, looking behind you see a stone platform.

"Huh?." you pipe up looking back at her, you point yourself and then towards the platform.

She nod her head yes then showing you her thumbs pointing upwards before turning around and walked back, you look down at you hands and trying to copy what she did while walking towards the platform.

( ՞ਊ ՞）→ Sett's POV :

Another night with a line people that aren't strong enough to beat me.

"Welp who can say no to money anyway?." I chuckled cracking my knuckles and do small stretching.

I look below on the balcony to see a cloaked figure walking in the middle of the pit, I see their attention in their hands.

You're fighting me and you're already scared?, pathetic.

I scoff before walking back and down towards the pit.

A few seconds later I walked out and face them.

"Hey! you're the first contender?, Guess this will be an easy win." I stare at my clenched fist after wearing my golden brass knuckles.

Smirking I turned my head but to my surprise they we're still busy with the hands.

"Oi!, Are ya' listening to me or you're deaf?." I shouted by now the people were listening to me watching in interest.

I growled, losing my patience I stomp towards them right arm pulled back.

"I said are ya' deaf or stupid?." Reaching them I throw my right straight to there face. before my knuckles can touch there face they simply blocked it with their palm.

They looked up making me see their- I mean her face, she looked at me with her E/C colored eyes before glaring at me, She jumped back looking at her palm then back to me.

"Heh, good to have your attention. Now can you fight?." I punch my hand to my palm smirking, she tilted her head then she move to take off her cloak.

Once the clothing was off my widen when I see a pair of ears on top of her head like mine with a long thick fur tail swishing behind her.

"Vastayan?." I growled "then I guess I'll be lying when I say this won't hurt." I then charge at her.

We both begin to fight I keep punching her but she dodges fast while we were does this she keep talking in a weird ass language I can't understand.

She then growled in annoyance before tackling me with a surprising strength, strandling me she clunch the neckline of my clothes and smash her lips on mine.

I stared with wide eyes at her. the kiss didn't last long she quickly stood up and talk finally in a language I can understand.

"Sorry I had to do that it was the fastest way I can learn you language." She apologize before holding out her hand at me.

"Here let me help you." She said I grab it and she pulled me up without breaking a sweat.

•=•=•=•=•=•

"So your telling me? You came from your invisible home-."

"Hidden actually-."

"To find what exactly?." I asked feeling a tick mark growing in my forehead still feeling a little embarrassed from the kiss earlier.

"Something to help them like finding extra supplies using that." She pointed behind me and I turned my hand and see the money we collected from different bets.

"Ya want Noxian money?." I questioned

"If that's what you call it yes." She said without hesitation.

"Ha! Look girly I ain't a charity work I own that money and I'm not just about to give that to some Vastayan tribe, they can starve for all I care." I puff out my chest laughing at her.

"Fine then I'll do anything you want but in exchange I need a few sack of those what about that?." She growled not liking what I just said about her tribe.

"Hmm, guess I can't let a good deal like that fly away then exchange for maybe 5 of those you have to fight in my pit for a whole month, deal?." I hold out my hand.

"I do not know how long this month you are talking about but sounds delightful to me, sure!." She grab my hand tightly and shook it with great force.

"Ok! Ok! Stop it." I snatch my hand away shaking off some off the pain from her grip.

How is she so strong?!

"Be here tomorrow early in the morning then we'll talk business." I turned around walking away from her, but few steps away I can hear someone following me.

I look over my shoulder and see her behind me.

"Why are you following me?." I asked gritting my teeth.

"Well since we made a deal it's a tradition to follow the dealer for a better end of-". I cut her off.

"You don't have a place to sleep do you?."

"Yes! Can I sleep with you?". She didn't even feel ashamed of herself.

"OH FOR THE LOVE OF-!".

���∆•∆•∆•∆•∆•

Sett's a bit OP but...........

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.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Yeah I don't have a good reason

[charmerquilled-aa]

she gently plucks a feather from his cape, twirling it between her fingers and admiring the golden hue of it radiating like daybreak. similar shaded depths are narrowed as she contemplates her decision before taking a metal clasp and hooking the device to the binding around her shoulders, just behind avian skull adornment. feather is placed within the cold grip before she takes a twin from his cape, daring him to stop her with intense gaze. as it’s secured beside its companion, she offers the length of her cloak to him. “we shall always have a piece of the other, even when we’re apart.”

 Sun-caught feathers were NEVER plucked by another soul. If a stranger tried to take their prize without permission, they would’ve faced the wrath of burning flames. Yet... Xayah was no stranger. Rakan remained quiet as the first quill became her new possession. He observed the careful but gentle handling, and so much CARE was going into the placement. It was as if she was tending to a piece of art, and now it was adorned by all to see. Every part of the Lhotlan grew smug at that thought. The rebel wasn’t  one for public displays of affections, but this will suffice, and he grew excited. 

   With how they fought together at the bar fight. With how they admitted their love while violently DANCING amongst blood and the smell of sickness.

   They worked together as one, and the exchange of feathers displayed that as well.

 Strong body remained as still as a tree not swayed by the wind - a rarity for Rakan. Words were not needed, and breath was held, enraptured in her intense golden hues. Holy shit... he continued to get lost in them, and the golden one was FINE with that. Let him get lost. Let him explore every part of her. He wanted to know everything about her, and REMEMBER every part of her. 

   The Vastayan blinked back into reality when Xayah shifted, and beautiful magenta plumage were displayed for his taking. The rebel’s feathers absorbed the evening’s last remaining sunlight, and it felt as if she could BLEND within the beautiful painterly sky. He wouldn’t mind if feather quills rained down and stole his heart from his body in a quillstorm.   

   No further questioning was needed, and strong but delicate fingers plucked a quill from her cape. Soft. Delicate. How amazing that her feathers could change into such a grand weapon of her own design. A tip of Rakan’s finger carefully brushed against the EDGE, and rather than expending blood, he was able to appreciate the velvet like texture. The Lhotlan proceeded to take several as he had an idea, and with careful work, they seem to firework intensely but gorgeously from under the skull. A gorgeous intensity that suited Xayah well. It was ADORNED right above his chest and clipped upon the rope that rested around his neck. 

  “And with my feathers, I will always GUIDE you to the light, and with yours, I’ll never get lost under the moon’s  touch. I love you, Xayah, or should I finally say...  Miela.” He chuckled softly and proceeded to top the moment off with a kiss. 

[rebelquilled]

The young stone mage went through the movements her ronin Master had shown her. Stones followed, swirling and soaring around her, willed by her magic. Soon, the young student grew distracted, her movements turning into a dance, voice lifting into a quiet song. It was alright ; this place was remote and safe, far away from Noxians or townsfolk.

            HUMAN MAGIC WAS AN ILK. xayah's senses recoiled at the very presence of it. how they controlled it. for the vastaya, the use of magic was a conversation; an engagement. they SPOKE to the energy, to the land, and it worked with them. provided its strength into their being, their systems. vastaya were connected, part of it, so the result was harmonious exchange. there was no forcing as mages did. it was why when wild magic was released from quinlon prisons, there was so much destruction. the chaos took back a l l that people had interrupted its existence with. all that it had been driven to do with no will of its own. seeing that havoc, that explosion of colors and vibrancy and strength and retaliation... it revitalized her. literally and figuratively.

     such thoughts were burrowed away for the time being. even as the sensation of a human's magic was brought to her. it felt like a sludge carrying over her limbs, thick and slow, as though confused, uncertain. it wasn't in pain, it wasn't even necessarily fighting against it. if lhotlan was fully honest with herself, mages were not doing anything terrible, but their practice was not something of a personal agreement to xayah's expectations of life. at least many of them respected magic, balance, the land. it gave them s o m e meager advantage within her mind; and rakan was more inclined to trust them when they provided as such in terms of viewpoint.

             she held the twines of color briefly, watching them shiver in her hold, letting her know the direction of control. curiosity took to her mind, and talons played careful steps across the earth to locate the user. what she would come to find was not the expectation her thoughts had begun to craft, but apathy was held close to usually strained countenance. movement was taken to keep out of sight, almost a MIRROR of the girl's dance, easily striding and bending and sweeping in response to keep herself hidden; to prevent disturbance. though it eventually came to pause, and xayah would be found standing near directly in front, blush colored lips drawn back into sinister smiled greeting, entire form stiff and watchful.

      "what brings you out here all alone, little rock dancer?" shielded a threat for certain. but there steeled a moment to remind herself she ought not to stir trouble simply for the sake of trouble. it wouldn't hurt to determine any possible concerns that could impact her, however.

@weavewithin

[kittymunst3r]

“Xayah?” Rakan called out tentatively, his knuckle rapping against a closed wooden door. No answer met the Vastayan as he cracked open the entryway and walked into the dark room beyond. A strand of long blue-green hair fell over his eyes and Rakan pushed it away as he continued inside the dark sparring room. Weapons were haphazardly tossed about, training dummies reflecting a history of brutal damage. 

“Baby?” The man stood in the center of the room, his eyes looking around for any sign of his partner. Just as he turned to leave Rakan was met with a childlike giggle that drifted through the darkness. Instinctively Rakan felt his hands ball into fists of rage. “Zoe, what are you doing here?” There was a deep disdain in Rakan’s voice as he looked around for the child.

“Ohhh, Rakannn. That’s no way to talk to someone who saved your life,” a sickly sweet voice chimed. 

A bright purple ball of light appeared, illuminating the room brightly and casting long shadows from the targets up the walls. Rakan’s lips turned up in a grimace as his eyes met the cynical face of Zoe. Perhaps at one time Zoe was just an ordinary child, but now she was a creature twisted in darkness, her moon-like eyes reflecting irises of different colors that gleamed with madness. The ruffled purple dress she wore fluttered mutely in the air. 

“You’re the one that killed me to begin with,” Rakan said with venom.

“And I gave it back. That makes you mine-,” Zoe said with a grin. “You and your feathery mate.”

Rakan felt a dark rage inside him surge, a growl rumbling through his chest. His mind raced, urging him to do unspeakably horrible things to his captor. Destroy the child, Vastayan. For Xayah. For your people. For the realm. The whispers continued but Rakan ignored them, instead moving towards the exit. Rakan was sick of Zoe and her twisted games, he would get Xayah out of this place, take her home, remind her of the beautiful, wild magic there. Maybe- if he could just get away…

Zoe appeared in front of Rakan, blocking his exit with her small, floating frame as she met his eyes. A huff came from Zoe as her nostrils flared, arms crossed and looking as though she were the very picture of a child not getting their way.

“There is nothing you can do, Rakan,” the girl said, her face twisting into a smile as though to taunt him. “I’ve got my hooks deep in Xayah and soon-,” Zoe hovered a finger just above Rakan’s heart before pressing against his skin there which let out a bright burst dark purple and black energy. “Soon, they’ll be deep within you. I can already sense the darkness spreading there. Give in to the whispers, Rakan. They’ll set you free-,” Zoe began but was interrupted by a hard slap of Rakan’s hand.

“Don’t touch me,” Rakan snapped, his eyes burning furiously. “I will leave this place with Xayah. I will get her out. Even if it kills me… again.”

Zoe giggled at this exchange, the sound sinister.

“Oh, it will kill you,” Zoe spun around in the air and began to float away. “And I’ll make sure it hurts extra bad the second time around.”

Rakan exited the room, the door slamming harshly as Zoe continued to float around the sparring room. 

“Your old magic is fading more and more each day,” the young girl said, her tone both pleased and satisfied. “He can’t even sense you anymore. How wonderful!”

Xayah stepped from the shadows, her face looking crestfallen for a moment as anger began to shape her features. An occurrence that was beginning to happen more and more often.

“He’s holding on so hard,” Xayah said, a trace of admiration drowned in the annoyance. “You’re pressing him too hard though,” she said looking over at Zoe. “He needs time to realize I don’t need saving.”

Zoe shrugged, holding up her hands as she rolled around in the air.

“The sooner he joins us, the sooner we can make our move,” Zoe said impatiently. “You know how he doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

“I know that,” Xayah said, flicking her wrist and summoning a feather as she played with it. “But-,” and with a flash Xayah released the feather at Zoe, the object piercing the young girl’s violet dress and pinning her to a nearby column, “if a single square inch of Rakan is hurt,” Xayah moved effortlessly towards Zoe who looked on in surprise. “It will be you who dies this time, Zoe. Not him.”

[thegleamingquill]

On Mating

under the cut for obvious nsfw content but it’s also long as hell

There doesn’t seem to be enough content that explains Vastayan mating rituals, nor do they really describe their approach to relationships. Some interpret Xayah and Rakan’s relationship as a marriage (even though in their interactions, he’s always asking to marry her and she says ‘ask tomorrow’). So these are my headcanons for Rakan and some extension to Vastaya. As always, other Vastayan muses don’t have to follow my headcanon, yknow?

The Vastaya have different cultural practices from humans, of course. Different tribes practice differently as well. Depending on the tribe, they have concepts of gender and of sex that differs from the beliefs of humans.

As a whole, mating a serious process. For the Lhotlan, it’s something one does once and MAYBE twice in their entire lifetime. The entire mating takes a lot of magic (probably taking place outside) and can last a long time due to Vastaya having more stamina than humans. This is because mating is more than just sex, it’s a ritual. I had my Rakan do a modified mating ritual with a human - and yeah, I made it up mostly on the fly, but I also wouldn’t change it.

The partners kiss each other’s hand - each fingertip then a kiss to the palm and recite a vow as they place the kisses (my Rakan said “Bless the mind, the body, the blood, the soul, the spirit, and the heart. I vow myself wholeheartedly to you, [insert name] and may our love last as long as the magic flows through The First Lands”). Following the vow, they make a small incision in the palm along the heart line. For the Lhotlan, they will use their feathers and allow a drop of blood to fall on their own feathers. The partner will receive their feathers (hence implementing the wearing of each other’s feathers as reminders of each other) and with the drop of blood on the feathers, there’s a magical warmth to them. They are meant to be worn near the heart.

Following this part of the ritual, the fun part begins. As I said, the actual sex can last a long time. After the sex, they exchange the feathers and now they are officially mated. 

ok this was very long, i’ll cover actual non-mated relationships later. 

[rosywrites]

Deal

Fandom: League of Legends AU: Star Guardians Summary: Having already fallen and corrupted, there's really nothing else Xayah could lose. Except one. She strikes a deal with Zoe to salvage what's left dear to her: Rakan.

[AO3]

Word count: 1,175

“A deal?” Zoe exclaims with mock surprise. She twists through the air to swim to Xayah, approaching uncomfortably close. Her mismatched eyes seem to maliciously glimmer as she stares at Xayah upside down. “It better be a fun deal or I won’t be interested!”

Xayah’s eyes narrow in disgust at the child’s taunt. For a moment, she thinks it’s a bad idea. No, she knows it’s a bad idea. But the image of Rakan—her beloved, beloved Rakan—bubbles up in her mind, forcing her former notion deep down into the darkness. 

She was never one to swallow her pride for anything. Ever. But…

“This is already getting boring. Either you spit it out, or I go on my way,” Zoe says flatly, turning to leave. 

“Wait.” Xayah stops her in her tracks, but Zoe doesn’t turn back around. “It’s about Rakan.”

At the name, Zoe wheels back around and shoots up to Xayah’s face with an expression of interest. Maybe a little too much interest. “Oh, you mean your boyfriend? Yeah, what’s up with him?”

Xayah makes a quiet disgruntled sound before opening her mouth to say what’s on her mind. She averts her gaze to avoid Zoe’s unblinking eyes. “I want you to spare Rakan.” Not hearing Zoe respond, she continues, “If you spare Rakan from falling further, I’ll do whatever you want me to do.” Her hand that was already balled into a fist grips tighter, blood trickling down from her nails digging into her palm.

“And why would I do that, hm?” Zoe finally asks after what seems like an eternity of silence. “Having two guardians instead of one sounds a lot more appealing and useful, don’t you think?” She closes her eyes as she waves her hand in dismissal. “You’re gonna have to give me something better than that, Xayah.”

“Who said anything about letting go of him?” Xayah immediately responds. “Don’t think I’m willing to let go of Rakan either.”

Zoe smiles wider as her eyes snap open towards her in interest again. “I’m listening…”

“You’re not going to corrupt Rakan any more than this.” Xayah takes a deep breath. “Like I said, I’ll do whatever you want. Even if it means corrupting me completely and dragging me into your side. But you must never tell Rakan about this.”

“Aw,” Zoe squeals, “now that’s what I call true love.” She twists onto her back as if she’s laying on a couch. “But you realize if you’re completely corrupted, Rakan will still follow you, right? If anything, he’ll also end up corrupting himself because of it.” She smirks when Xayah falls silent. “Don’t you know what happens once you’ve completely turned? You’re on your own. You don’t care about anything else. All you want is chaos, to destroy everything and anything the First Star created. Rakan? You probably won’t even remember him or care about him anymore.” She starts to hum as she playfully counts the stars in the sky above. 

Despair. Hope. Combined together, that is all she needs to begin the corruption of a star guardian. As long as one has hope, it would turn into despair that would silent creep into their hearts. And the more hope there is, the deeper the fall into despair. Zoe has seen it shatter star guardians countless times.

Xayah was all too easy. All Zoe needed to do was prey on the vague idea of being abandoned by her own teammates to save themselves, leaving Xayah all alone to fall. Rakan, on the other hand, was the last person she expected to fall. But then again, watching his lover die must’ve been what sent him over the edge. That was enough to corrupt him as well.

“Do we have a deal?” Xayah suddenly asks, loud enough to pierce Zoe’s hums.

Zoe’s smile turns into a frown, her tune trailing into silence. She turns back to face Xayah, now upright in the air. “So I stop corrupting your boyfriend, and I have you all to myself. Is that it?” She scoffs when Xayah growls at her in discontent. “Okay, fine, fine. I will stop corrupting Rakan. In exchange, you will do what I want—even if it means corrupting you completely to my side. Also, I won’t tell him of our little conversation.”

“Do we have a deal?” Xayah repeats.

“Ah, ah, ah! Not yet!” Zoe taps a finger against her chin. “If you fail , I will corrupt you both and watch you shatter like all the other star guardians I’ve hunted down.” Her face darkens into black like the abyss, only a golden orb for her right eye and a white void for her mouth remaining. “I didn’t resurrect you for nothing, you know. But you’re just as disposable as any other star guardian I can get my hands on. One snap, and poof! You’re gone!” She begins to giggle as if she heard a wonderful joke.

Her voice is chilling, and it reverberates as if the entire universe is speaking with her voice in its own tones. 

“Do we have a deal or not?” Xayah asks again, a little frustrated this time. She takes another breath. “Please,” she forces out.

Zoe’s face reverts back to normal. She smiles slyly, lifting Xayah’s chin up to force her to look at Zoe. “Weren’t you ever told to maintain eye contact when speaking with others?” she says. “But, since you asked so nicely, it’s a deal.” She sees Xayah’s ear twitching incessantly and giggles. “I think I’ve made you swallow your pride long enough.” She evades a swipe of Xayah’s nails and laughs. “See you!” She dives into a portal and disappears.

Xayah exhales with a hiss, her rage still pulsing through her blood from the ordeal. She tries to hold herself back, but she ends up destroying a nearby pile of rocks in frustration. 

“Baby? Baby!” Rakan calls from afar. When he finds Xayah hunched over by some sliced up rocks, he rushes over to her side, thinking she’s injured. “You okay? You’re not hurt, are you?”

“No. I’m fine.” Xayah huffs. “Maybe just a little too angry.”

“Yeah, you get that way sometimes,” he says, earning a light slap on his chest. He chuckles, walking alongside Xayah on this desolate planet of rock and… whatever it is Zoe told them to come here for. “So, where to next?”

“No idea. I’m sure Zoe will tell us soon.” Xayah bites the inside of her cheek as she gazes at the starry sky. Her deal with Zoe weighs heavily on her mind, but it almost lifts a burden on her heart. Watching Rakan fall all because of her, it never left her. Even in her dreams, she sees the scenario over and over again. Unable to tell him to leave her so he could live. To save himself. 

She’s willing to go through whatever Zoe tells her to.

Just as long as Rakan will be saved, maybe even freed.

Watching him fall for her sake was hell enough. Nothing can compare to that.

[feycharm]

@featherstcrm​ asked: “ [ SLOW DANCE ] from the action meme. ”

     It’s been a long night. They’re both dressed up more than usual, exchanging their vastayan garments for more formal human dress and masks, appropriate for the event. Rakan can tell Xayah’s been seething, too; she hates it here. Hates humans and their curious stares and prying questions. Their work here—spying, mostly—mandates a level of politeness in order not to get thrown out, and he can sense that she’s been working hard to keep to it.

     Rakan himself has, of course, been mingling a fair bit better. He knows that he’s a novelty to these people, and even if the idea stings his vastayan pride a bit, it’s a small thing if they want to know about his homeland, or run a hand along the feathers of his cape. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, of course, and it’s not hard to sneak an ear into the gossip during these conversations, among the smalltalk and curious inquiry.

     He meets back up with Xayah at a side-table near the dance-floor around the end of the event, as things are beginning to slow down and the musicians are playing through the last few dances. The song is appropriately romantic—a human tune adapted from one of theirs, and a song he knows—and an idea springs into Rakan’s head. He takes her hand, making a sweeping bow and kissing the top of her knuckles lightly, before standing up and whispering into her ear, ❛ I know you hate the dress, but you look lovely, miella. You wanna catch the last dance? Might as well while we’re here, right? ❜

another old meme    »     not accepting

[raiko-exe]

Unconventional Arrest [Fanfic]

Featuring: Prince Rakan, Rogue Xayah Alternate Links: AO3 FFN Notes: Written as a gift for @isaboutime for the @bard-secret-santa exchange! I’m so glad I was able to write for one of my mutuals. While I’ve never written the lovebirds before and don’t typically write in fantasy settings, this proved to be an enjoyable challenge. Happy holidays, and I hope you enjoy reading! 🎄 🎁 Original Prompt:

Rakan/Xayah AU, where Rakan is a prince at a ball and Xayah is a thief, inspired by the phrase, The thief had stolen more than just jewels at the ball that night - she'd stolen the prince's heart, too.

Well this was awkward.

Some idiot, Xayah guessed the fat one with the beard walking away from the buffet table with a satisfied smile – had spiked the punch, and due to it, there was now a disoriented Lhotlan prince draped across her lap. Moreover, despite the fact that her reflexes had saved her from deadlier fates in the past, they had seen fit to sit back and laugh as he slumped against her mid-sentence.

A pity, he'd been tolerable company before things went south. It had only taken a particular sway of her hips to beckon him over, which wasn't a trait she'd normally attribute to an advocate of the people. He'd been in the middle of listing the service projects he had lined up next year focused in the lower quarters when his hand gestures became less controlled, threatening to knock his chalice off the table. A few more gulps had him nearly falling out of his chair as he described the members of the high council who opposed his ideas as 'grumpy old men,' before attempting mimic them with decrepit acting.

To an extent, it had been to her advantage. She'd latched teasingly onto his arm, expelling a small giggle while unfastening the cuff links from his sleeves below the level of the tablecloth. The next drink brought a glow to his face similar to the illuminated tree in the banquet hall, and while it made it easy to slip the rings from his gloved fingers, she'd known to edge out of her chair when he smiled and leaned in exceptionally close, comparing her eyes to a summer's day.

It's the middle of winter, you dolt. She resisted the urge to snap. She'd promised to be civil. She'd promised to try.

More fool she. The whole reason she was here was out of guilt, given the fact that Ahri had fallen ill the night before and they might not be able to eat next month if no one could take her place.

Now an unfortunate victim to a string of relentless compliments, Xayah decided she was going to find the one with the beard after this was finished and quietly impale them, because while her mission goals were mostly being met, she hadn't signed up to serve as some – some pretty boy's armrest.

Headrest.

Xayah's social graces were mediocre at best. Would it be appropriate to leave him be, she wondered? She didn't especially want to touch him any more than what it would take to quietly pluck the pins from his coat, but he was quite heavy, and still in her lap and–

The soft exhale of his laughter breezed against her exposed neck, sending a chill up her spine and her talons curling into the floor. The brooch she'd taken from his cravat threatened to fall from her grip before she could pocket it, warmth from her stomach rising to her cheeks.

Betrayed by reflex and body, Xayah inhaled sharply.

That was it.

She was never dealing with royalty again. Ever.

The thief could only blink as an equally well-dressed nobleman materialized by the table, expression warring between fear and resignation as the prince managed a too-cheerful greeting without falling completely onto the floor.

Shaking his head, the Shimon representative grabbed the prince by the arm, leading him away with a muttered apology in Xayah's general direction. Golden eyes followed the pair, watching in veiled amusement as the prince was presented with a phial filled with faintly red liquid. For the first time in her life, watching the effect of a healing potion was entertaining.

Xayah chose to permit the corner of her lips curling upwards as Prince Rakan looked from her, to Duke Something-or-Other, to the empty phial in his hands, to her, and back again, and – Ah.

Perhaps, she noted with a tinge of satisfaction as he brushed past her – feathers ruffled and irate as he crossed the ballroom towards the plump man unashamedly drinking from a full cask – she wouldn't have to impale anyone after all.

If appearances were anything to go by, the prince was about to do it for her.

Xayah took one last sip from her own chalice and and let her smile grow. The increasingly desperate shouts for help were a prime opportunity for her well-earned disappearance. She noiselessly snuck behind the line of spectators that had gathered to watch, finding the nearest terrace to make her exit.

Noiselessly shutting the doors behind her, Xayah considered that perhaps there might be something to this 'social life' sort of thing as she rappelled down into the gardens.

But more likely, it was the wine.

Xayah was hungover.

Very, very hungover, which made whatever the hell was tapping on her window even more of a nuisance.

"What?!" she nearly screeched, launching her pillow at the glass in futility. She rolled over in her bed, enduring another minute of incessant tapping before finally deciding to address it. Trudging over to the window, she unhooked the latch to reveal a messenger bird tilting its head at her. She blinked as the small creature took a few hops onto her bookshelf away from the cold, urging her to take the letter between its beak.

Giving a brief thank you in its native tongue, she suddenly recognized the royal seal stamped in wax.

A wave of nausea hit her. Had she been caught? Were they in some sort of danger?

Shaky hands tearing at the envelope, she unfolded a wanted poster from within, her own likeliness illustrated in portrait. The prince seemed to have a good memory, as the details of her hairpiece and gown were spot-on. He'd given her a much prettier expression than the one she wore currently, hair disheveled and face pale as she began to read:

Wanted – "Lovely Rogue"

For the crime of stealing the Prince Rakan's heart.

Reward: The dance I never offered you, and any gem of your choosing from the heirlooms taken, fashioned into a ring for your left hand at a later date.

Xayah read the statement again, and then a third time, slower, to be absolutely certain she hadn't mistaken anything.

Then, she laughed, shaking her head all the while.

Giving the messenger bird a pat on the head, she allowed it to perch atop her desk to wait as she contrived her reply. It gave a startled jump as the bag of jewels landed with a thump nearby for her possible consideration.

Fetching parchment and a quill from the drawer, Xayah sat down and began thinking of a more articulate way to say, try harder.