.:An Adventure to Remember:.

[filialdeception]

Who: Meng Yao, Subaru Akehoshi, Rantarou Amami
What: Some basic lessons are happening in the background, but some (mis?)adventures as well. Surely nothing will go wrong in a wonderful place such as this? Other than MY growing premature grey hairs. Either way, it's Exchange Program time, bby.
Where: Lanling Proper, and Koi Tower.
When: October 11th - October 17th.
Warnings: Potential death which will happen regardless and/or violence. Disturbing themes may be mentioned because JGS exists and golden end Lanling is still questionable. Just happier.

WELCOME TO LANLING—



The city is home to what is currently the largest cultivation sect around. It is prosperous and filled with many smiling faces. There are children who run through the streets, shop owners showing their wears, and people frequenting the establishments—inns, restaurants, you name it.

At the heart of the city is an important compound, Koi Tower. It seems to unfold before anyone who comes near it majestically, starting with the stairs and ending with the peerless infrastructure. It's terrific state is more than can be described in mere words, needless to say.

There are various gardens here or there, filled with a majority of the sect's symbol and flower—Sparks-Admist-Snow white peonies.

There is also one lotus pond located on the premises, but that is located somewhere towards the inner families' lodgings, and anyone passing through had better be someone who is part of the Jin Sect or a servant lest they wish to get into trouble.

As expected there is a magnificent reception area, a banquet hall, and another more extraordinary garden that houses a painting well done by a cultivator of renown. Said cultivator can be found around the city at certain points.

On the flipside, there are cultivators who are rather stuck up, though that goes the same for a good amount of the residents. Though the Sect Leader, Jin Guangshan is rather insufferable even if he is unfortunately talented at conducting himself with grace. Then there is Jin Zixun, who is neither graceful nor talented, but far more easy to encounter.

There is also, of course, the Treasure Vault. Another place that is actually guarded periodically though there are some dips in security due to the overconfidence the people have here.

Though even in this idyllic setting, there are places of ill repute if someone were to go looking around. Such as where others would sell weapons or other...things that are illegal or frowned down upon supposedly in Lanling. Hidden deep within the forest nearby that is essentially also part of Lanling, there is even a strange training ground that has been sectioned off by members of the Jin Sect. Going further where that is concerned is something that should be avoided lest anyone would want to experience a rather trying time, putting it very lightly. At the very least they'll shoo any wanderers away as long as they don't cause trouble or try to truly sneak in.

This is a city of golden times. But it doesn't mean that is the case for those outside of it or not caught within its golden age.

But whatever the case, their ends will be the same. Though, before that, shouldn't they enjoy their time while they still can?

Comments

[sisters]

( amami is and looks wholly unimpressed with the correction, but guess that's what he gets for trying to meet subaru on his level. he's not even going to try and give his argument here, or hide his irritation either, just kind of sigh and bite his tongue, hands resting on his hips, because honestly? it's frustrating. give him a minute though, and he'll nod. )

Yeah. Yeah, that's what I was getting at. ( close enough, anyway. )

They don't need something like that. It doesn't matter how much light it gives off at the time, since that'll just mean it feels darker once it's gone.

[starrypoint]

[CRYING PLEASE HE'S JUST A BOY WHO LOVES THE STARS wouldn't have given this reaction to keigo smh]

I won't leave them.

[that's said sure enough, confidently enough, even if... even if he doesn't exactly have a choice in the matter if someone's determined enough to end his life.]

I promised I wouldn't break their heart, and... they gave me that knowin' full well our positions, y'know? I know that even if I repeat next year just to spend more time with them, [because amami doesn't need to know right now that that is something up to debate anyway,] I might not be able to continue that, and one day I'll have to graduate or leave 'em by dying anyway.

[even if it was something heat of the moment, it wasn't him who asked of it from keigo -- keigo's the one who decided that's what they wanted to do, knowing that subaru knew that they liked him and that he liked them too, and maybe they can feel like it's a mistake at some point and be the first to back out... subaru wouldn't even blame them for it, either, but--]

But until that day comes, I'm gonna make them smile and feel warm and safe, I'll do everything I can to make sure their trust wasn't worthless.

[filialdeception]

[ He'll smile and nod, at both things, really.

Truly, there are many who have glanced upon demonic cultivation by now and considered it.

Well, probably not if they're a Lan or a so-called model cultivator. He follows the shift in changing topics easily, however, seeing no need to linger on it himself. He trusts that Amami wouldn't do something reckless with them while they're here, so he has no worries. Which is probably saying a lot considering how little trust he places in people in general... ]

Yes, we were. Ah, speaking of which, I made sure to finish up preparing some tea and some snacks since we're probably going to be at it for awhile. I hope they are to your liking...Amami.

[ There are, of course, enough portions for Subaru because Meng Yao is thoughtful like that, but hey. He goes to get some cups and places it on a table nearby them, pouring the sweet and high quality tea without even thinking too hard about it. Not a drop spills as he rights the teapot once he's done. ]

So for now we'll start off with talisman work. But if you're diligent enough, I'll see if I can squeeze in a few extras beside that after we're done, if you're interested? Generally, I'd like for us to focus on this for just shy of a week, but it'll only be a couple of hours.

[ Here is where he begins to detail on how writing out talismans can and may work. He'll more or less instruct Amami to copy the same characters that he does for now. Though he does inform him of their meanings as he more or less communicates the intention is important, and he can very well use his own language when they're not in Lanling because he doesn't want any side-eying. ]

Does that all sound good to you so far? Please let me know if you have any questions. Even if they're outside of the lesson.

[sisters]

( there's an aspect of the offer that catches his notice, but more important for the time being is making sure that he properly compliments the tea once he's taken a sip — discerning taste, he'll call it, because it's easy to tell that the quality is nothing to scoff at.

but to his credit, he'll be plenty diligent with a topic of study like this. the things that are practical, where he can really see the applications of the material — those are the things that hold his attention best, after all. his calligraphy isn't something he's practiced with too much formality though, and he seems to have some trouble with capturing the type of loose, effortless, but still nimble strokes he's going for — grimaces as the energy comes out more "clumsy teenager" than he's really all too fond of, but otherwise picks up on the meanings themselves easily enough. seems like he'll be taking the question period seriously too, judging on the absent hum he gives at the offer.

so he pauses momentarily, tapping one end of the pen in his hand against the surface of the table in absent thought — and it's quite a bit of thought from the looks of things. his eyes linger on the last talisman he'd tried to draw out, and maybe he's wondering if he doesn't need to angle the brush differently to get this particular character to thin out the way he wants it to, but what he actually comes out with is: )

How about Rantarou?

( he lets it hang in the air a moment, the question he's decided on, but elaborates rather quickly — leaves only just enough time that it doesn't feel impatient when he continues. )

Well in the end it's up to you, but after what we've done together, I dare say that a camaraderie formed between us.

( and seeming rather amused now, he glances up to gauge meng yao's response, a smile equal parts playful and uncertain across his lips. )

[sisters]

...

( he wants to scold subaru — wants to real bad, to be honest. does he really get what he's saying he did, and what he's trying to claim he's going to do to fix it? because, to amami, it just doesn't feel like that cuts it. it feels like that's the same thing he's going to be getting on subaru about a lot from now on, because the other already seems to be making a pattern of it so far. )

Is that all?

[starrypoint]

[amami out here making subaru a better man]

... Okay, so, what else should I do?

[because um

he doesn't have the best example to follow for stuff so he's sincerely curious here]

1/2

[filialdeception]

[ Meng Yao is able to easily observe the other's efforts easily, given how close they are together, and he's glad the other is taking this so seriously. He can't say he knew how the other would take to the lessons, even if he suspected that he would give the proper amount of focus on them.

Then, Rantarou presents his question, and it's far from what he expects.

For a moment, surprise overtakes Meng Yao's expression and he almost spills his tea all over himself because he had been about to take a sip, though thankfully he rights himself quick enough so instead it's only a drop. Though, words do fail him for a second more. ]

2/2

[filialdeception]

Of course! Rantarou—ah, sorry, give me a moment.

[ He's happy. It's a nice, warm feeling that spreads to his face and lights up his eyes. Then his expression evens out to something sheepish as he composes himself. It's such a simple thing, but Rantarou offering is surprising to him (perhaps it shouldn't be, given what they faced together, however the fact is that it is.) ]

You can address me as casually as you would like...or, still the same. I don't mind either way.

I'm also grateful you decided to come on this journey as well. There are familiar faces, but it's not the same, when they don't recognize you. Though, I can't say I've had much of a chance to take a break of sorts with anyone I know, even back home. I'd always been busy performing tasks of some kind and it wasn't something I'd considered possible.

My apologies for rambling on a little, I'm afraid I have been unable to help myself. Though I hope I haven't disrupted the lesson too much...

[sisters]

( it's pretty impressive, the amount meng yao's been able to do so far to set this up, considering it probably just started as an absent middle of the night conversation. not that amami's opposed to turning it into action — listen, at the end of the day, sometimes the best ideas are the ones that might sound a bit out there at first, and sometimes you're a teenage boy and stealing from the rich and corrupt to give to the poor and needy sounds cool as hell. at least he's doing a good job of keeping himself calmer, even if he can't help a soft laugh at that. )

Haha, don't get too excited. ( teasing, he gives a glance in subaru's direction. ) You're not going to be the one keeping it at the end of the day.

( or, well, maybe a little — maybe they deserve a nice meal after their accomplishments, but nothing too grand. what're they gonna use it for when they head back anyway? keep dreaming, subaru.

in any case, he'll give a nod as he turns his attention back to meng yao to answer for himself. )

Yeah, just let us know if there's anything to be careful of.

( 'cause, y'know, magic and all that; it wouldn't sound too out there to him if there were some kind of traps he and subaru couldn't see. )

[sisters]

( warm, huh. yeah, amami's cheeks are feeling pretty warm right about now too, but it's a visible relief when the other accepts the offer, and it turns out to be a good kind of surprise he's shown. amami almost has to laugh — resists the urge to though, grinning wide as he leans back from the table a bit. )

Don't worry about it, A-Yao.

( his gaze flickers back over at this, measuring, 'cause he's pretty sure he's caught on here, but he also knows he's not exactly a native who can say with certainty. he might need to adjust. )

If anything, I'm probably the one who dragged us off topic. Plus, I should be the one thanking you for letting us come with. Not sure who else would've had me, and maybe I'm just not used to staying in the same place for so long, but it's been nice to get out of there.

( since it's not like heading back to his "home" was on the table — not when the only listing he recognized was a certain ultimate academy for gifted juveniles. )

Anyway! I guess we're keeping you kinda busy here too, aren't we? With the lessons, tours, and... ( the camera cuts to the messes amami and subaru have probably gotten themselves into so far, some of which seem to have needed meng yao's help to clean up. ) Well, it'd be nice if we could set aside some time for a real break. What do you say?

[filialdeception]

[ Once his survey of his companions seems to be that they're doing more than adequate, Meng Yao does feel a teensy bit sense of relief go through him. Though he allows himself a little amusement at Subaru's exuberant comment and the follow up from Rantarou, and he does turn back to the green-haired male, nodding. ]

I'll keep an eye out for any odd surprises that may be difficult to miss.

[ Though Meng Yao is not anticipating anything complex—such is the arrogance of the Jin Sect—there still may be something sneaky around here. Koi Tower is, and always will be, a den of vipers despite it all.

With that, he goes to be the first to open the doors, holding a single finger as in a 'wait' so he can gaze over the room quickly. He doesn't find anything immediately suspicious even as he nudges a priceless golden vase (what a waste of money, god) and so after about a few more minutes he'll user them in with a wave of his hand.

They'll be able to see various items and objects here or there. Along with, uh...a lot of gold coins, which is what Meng Yao is heading to first to examine that closely.

But essentially there's loads of jewelry that's gold, including armor, and other ridiculously expensive things that should've never been created (silly little idols, small monkey statues, whathaveyou.) Though of course not everything in here is gold, there is just a lot of it. Jin Sect is the definition of filthy rich, folks. He then takes out a rather small bag, and he speaks up once more: ]

It also goes without saying to be careful of traps that aren't of a spiritual nature. Though, I didn't see anything that'd activate as soon as an intruder steps in...and we should probably be in here for only thirty minutes at the most.

[filialdeception]

[ A-Yao.

It's been awhile since he's heard someone call him that. The Lan Xichen that is here doesn't know him, and was never rescued by him—they'd never had the chance to become friends. He believes he didn't know how much he missed hearing it until now. And it feels right to hear the other say it. ]

...Then, I won't. I'm also grateful that I've allowed you this opportunity.

[ He states softly, accepting of the name Rantarou will call him just by his answer. And at the proposal of a real break. ]

I don't think I've had a chance to take a real break, yes. Honestly, I'm wondering if that's something I can even really manage, since there is always something around here that catches my interest. [ He can't help but laugh a little here. ] But, it's not impossible, right?

[ He also has definitely recalled when he's had to bail the other two out of trouble, though he's smiling, finding himself amused despite it all. ]

There's more than enough time to just relax, or spend some time just sitting around outside together and enjoying a meal in a nice open space. Though Lanling is a large city, there are places where you can enjoy nature that haven't been monopolized by the Jin Sect...if you know where to look for them.

[starrypoint]

[subaru would've stuck his tongue out at amami for the reminder, but nonetheless--

it's a lot easier to get into a vault full of treasure than he thought possible, but those of who he's had the... pleasure... of meeting in the sect did seem pretty full of themselves; no one would dare to raise a hand nor go against them, much less want to take a peek into something so important and wealth-filled as this.

which is a damn shame, because it's so glittering and sparkling and bright it make subaru's heart stop and then start again, shifting impatiently on his feet as meng yao does his initial judgement and then follows up with words of discretion-- yeah yeah yeah okay he hears that in one ear at least before he throws himself into one of the piles of things, nearly missing gutting himself on a decorative sword as he rolls around with a laugh.]

Ahaha! Oooh, oooh, this is such a dream come true~! I never thought I'd see the day I could actually roll around on a pile of treasure!

[he's having fun... he'll actually collect some in like ten but let him relax and live his best life]

[starrypoint]

[sometimes beating someone's face in is the solution. it's fine.

also please teach subaru how to wield something]

Heheh~, thanks for the vote of confidence. ♪ The sky shines brighter when it's got a lot of stars in it, and hope's the same way -- it doesn't matter if it's a dim light or one that's bright all on its own, they all come together to make a sight worth looking forward to!

[which is something he and komaeda can debate endlessly on but whatever. subaru breathes out, feeling lighter than he did before, and wonders again how he'll approach about it with amami... who he really should have told in the first place, but had a feeling it wouldn't have ended up so well.]

I feel a little better now, too~. I knew it was a good idea to talk to you, Maimai, you seem pretty reliable. ♪

[starrypoint]

So a spirit gun's not out of the question...

[but it'd take a while, probably... subaru doesn't have a while like that... so he'll stick with talismans and maybe try and do whatever amami learns too because he wants to matchies with his newest bff]

I guess it's kind of like the magic Natsume does, then~. He says you have to draw it out too, but I've only been able to do it, like, once.

[... every time he tried after he couldn't get the same spark and it sucks]

[starrypoint]

[subaru listens well, steps closer when meng yao speaks lower, getting the feeling the words-- yup, definitely not something you shouldn't be saying too loudly in the city that owes a lot to them. as expected, people are different everywhere... based on how they're treated, how they've been raised.]

So we got lucky, huh?

["lucky"........]

Okay, so, two questions: are all the supernatural creatures they're against like, ghosts and stuff? And... [because he'd noticed the color change, but he wasn't sure,] Are you part of the same sect as Gutsy?

[because yooooooo they could not be more different. join the gusu lan instead]

[sisters]

A meal, huh. Why don't I put something together? If you're taking a break, it's the least I can do to keep some of the work off your hands.

( he might not look like it, but that is one of the first things about himself that he mentioned to meng yao. showing off a little might not be such a bad thing. )

Oh, and if you have a favourite dish, let me know. I should be able to make it — well, the style might end up different, but...

( while he has a pretty broad pool of familiar recipes to draw from, even he can't expect them to have stayed the same between a period like this and the time he comes from. though, actually, maybe if he asks around to some of the locals about it...

but now's not the time for that — he'll set himself back on track before he lets himself get too distracted. )

We'll call it my way of saying thanks.

[sisters]

If this is what they want, then I'm not going to stop them — someone like me doesn't have that right.

( who is he but some guy to them, really; the title of "older brother" is something they gave him — something they're trusting him with. he won't betray that trust by taking something else away from them, but he doesn't want to take it so lightly that he isn't acting serious about what it means for him to look after them either. to protect their happiness without restricting their freedom. it's a difficult line to walk, but amami will meet subaru's eyes even so. measuring, trying to gauge the weight of the conviction behind those words. )

I won't tell you to stop either, 'cause there's no need to hurt them unnecessarily, but... Look before you leap, I guess. You're worried about time, and I get that, just make sure you don't make your decisions based off of it.

( even if he's worried about graduation and repeating years, and amami's pretty sure third years don't even get that chance to repeat generally, but that's a conversation for a different time — even then, that doesn't change what he's trying to say. )

A grand romance sounds nice on paper, but I'd much rather someone patient be there for them when they need. It's more important to be understanding and appreciate the little, everyday things — to make sure you're never taking them for granted — than it is to make something "special".

( because that's the part that amami wants to make sure is treated right; no matter how things wind up, and he's not so naive as to believe that every set of school year sweethearts will last forever, he just wants to make sure... that they never feel as if they aren't worth every second of attention or affection they're given. )

[starrypoint]

[amami would understand, if he knew why time was something to be worried about-- but that's not a conversation subaru's ready to have with him right now, and thankfully after the exchange he'll resolve to take it easy and enjoy life with keigo at his side while he's still very much afforded that chance. but a lot happened to build up and then slide onto him the past few weeks and it's

exhausting in a way, maybe komaeda was onto something in the crawlspace, in the bathroom, but subaru won't give it another thought as he hears amami out.]

I know.

[it's quiet, serious in the same way subaru was back in the nurse's office, the gravity of it the same. the only difference is that he's smiling, but it's not like the bright beam he usually gives -- it's a brilliant, sort of relieved kind.]

It's enough to just be there for them, and that's what I intend to do. 'Course I don't know everything about them, or what they might've gone through before they ended up here same as us, but I won't turn away even if I learn and it's not something I like. 'Cause... before anything else, Ama-chan, no matter how much I like them or they like me -- Keigo's a precious friend to me.

[and he'd never turn his eyes from a friend in need, not even one he's just newly made the way it'd been with amami.]

[sisters]

Right. Well, you better keep that in mind then...

( since, even if subaru might be saying the kind of things that amami can't exactly shake him down for here, he just can't get over the uneasy feeling that twists in his stomach. uncertainty and apprehension, all tied in a neat little bow as it makes itself comfortable inside of him. and you know, even despite subaru's words, amami does still have one thing on him that perfectly justifies his concern. that, despite the wry smile plastered over his features, still gives way to a low voice as he continues on. )

'Cause if I ever hear a single word about you bringing this ( — and he'll lift the paper-wrapped book in his hand for emphasis here — ) kind of thing into that friendship, we're gonna need to have another talk.

( said in such a way that subaru should easily be able to get the idea that by talk, amami really means "talk". )

[starrypoint]

[mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm wow how we are going to ignore that later!!!! what amami doesn't know... will not hurt subaru ☆]

Hahaha, you're definitely a big brother, Ama-chan~. I can totally imagine Sally~ getting mad about that too, even if he's trying to be a little hands-off with his little sis... I got you loud and clear though, okay?

[filialdeception]

[ Meng Yao wonders if his mother (who has likely reincarnated by now) could have ever imagined a scenario where he'd be raiding the Jin Sect's vault with his fellows.

He checks the spot of gold coins carefully, and meticulously to the point where someone might call him overly cautious but he's just...like this. And he wants to be sure that he doesn't set off any traps if there any. That'd not only be embarrassing as all hell but he'd never forgive himself because he's his own worst critic, etc., etc. ]

Please don't roll around in the pile of treasure. It doesn't sound all that comfortable and you might get hurt.

[ He states lightly and with a small air of amusement because he is sure Subaru won't do it, but...!! ]

[filialdeception]

[ It's a shame he's actually related to that guy too. ]

Yes, we did. Though Jin Zixun is one of the most...offensive of them all, I can't say running into even the sect leader would be better.

[ That is definitely not a nice way to talk about his father, but nobody knows that he is, so what's the harm? No one can call him unfilial, though paradoxically he still desires for the man to recognize him as his son nonetheless.

...An impossible task because the man doesn't even know of his existence or his accomplishments, so it's essentially a problem for future him when he gets back home for real. ]

Right now? ...Yes, you can say that. But back home that isn't the case.

It's to our benefit that I've entered as a guest disciple, so that's essentially the only reason I've decided to do so. Not only does it ensure we have a good amount of money to live here, but I can even work on my own cultivation properly.

[filialdeception]

That's a rather eloquent way of putting it, I think, and I do believe I agree, Akehoshi-xiong.

[ He smiles brightly at the compliment. ]

I'm just glad to be of assistance wherever I can, especially to those who need it the most. All things considered, I believe at some point I might give you some pointers on how to wield a weapon. The school is a rather dangerous place and if there's going to be a confrontation involving this, well...it's for the best you know how to defend yourself properly.

[ There is something to be said of knowing how to use your fists as well, but having a weapon gives you an edge. Even if it's a small one. ]

[filialdeception]

I...

[ Eating a meal made by Rantarou in Lanling... he doesn't think he wants to refuse, even if part of him is so used to being the one to do preparations in any given situation that he finds himself a little surprised by the offer. Not to mention he is doing this to thank him. But, maybe he does deserve to be treated for once.

It's a little nice, actually. ]

Ah, well—I would love that, if you don't mind doing so. I'm also not a picky eater, though I might be partial to spicy foods. [ Even if he's from Yunping specifically, he's a Yunmeng native at heart. ] And...well, I do have a liking towards seafood as well, so either of those two elements will be more than enough. But, really, whatever is easiest for you, since I don't want to make this difficult at all what with you going through the trouble.