.: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]

( maybe... it's a difficult answer to mark, because subaru's language is colourful and expressive, but amami's concern is making it difficult to gauge just what he's expressing with those words. his expression pulls into a grimace, and he glances back to subaru again with a look that's more troubled than anything. )

Sparkling, huh... But they've...

( been through a lot, is how the words finish in his head — of course they're the sun itself, with the way they light up the darkness for amami, but there's so much more to them than that. even so, he shakes it to dismiss the thoughts. it's not the direction he wants to start with, so he takes back the arm that subaru obviously doesn't want there, 'cause it's not like it makes a difference now that they're somewhere more private anyway. he uses that hand to rub at the side of his neck instead as he thinks on how to re-approach things. )

What I mean is, I need you to take this seriously.

( like that, maybe... he considers it a bit, and keeps going. )

I don't doubt that you think you are, Akehoshi-kun, you don't seem like the type to do things half-heartedly but... Uh, maybe that's why I'm so worried, I guess. I mean, well... it's the stars for you guys, yeah? ( it's the ocean that he shares, but the stars — he can borrow those for now. ) You could say it's like... how the stars that burn the brightest, they burn out the quickest too.

( and even that — even the burning out would be fine, except that what they leave in their wake is... )

[starrypoint]

[... amami and komaeda are alike in a way and he doesn't know if he wants to laugh about it or not.

he'll keep it in mind though.

It's based on mass, actually, not brightness. The more mass, or the bigger the star is, the quicker it'll go through its fuel and then ka-BLAM into a supernova, which'll either turn into a neutron star, a black hole, or into nothing at all.

[............................]

But I know what you mean, I think. Heat of the moment sort of stuff...? Something that'll burn out as quick as it caught flame or whatever?

[the poetry books...]

[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.

[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?

[sisters]

( yeah, just keep thinking that.

but it's... a nice compliment, he thinks. something in him feels warm and soft, and a feeling like pride expands in his chest. though outwardly, he does look a bit embarrassed. )

You think so? Truth is, I'm not really sure what I'm doing, it's just...

( ... )

I know I'm not their brother, but I still feel like I have to protect them, no matter what. So even if it's you, Akehoshi-kun, I won't make any exceptions.

[starrypoint]

[aw... even if it's him. it's a promise, but it still warms subaru to the core.]

You're so mean, Ama-chan~, you should give a little leeway to your friends...☆

[but he's just teasing a bit, elbowing... away...☆]

I'm surprised you say you dunno what you're doing though, 'cause I sorta got the vibe you had a younger sibling or two.

[sisters]

Oh? Where'd you get that idea?

( his eyes are wide with surprise, but also a bit of curiosity. well, it's true that he's used to taking care of himself, but he's not really sure what constitutes the vibe of looking after younger siblings too. )

But nah, I'm an only child. Always wished that I had some growing up though — somebody to play with, y'know.

[starrypoint]

[...?

subaru tilts his head at amami, then frowns a little.]

Ama-chan~, you shouldn't joke around. I'm the only child between us, y'know? That's why you said it was different between you and me, 'cause I only have someone back home who I spoil rotten.

[sisters]

Did I say something like that? ( he looks at subaru, clearly caught off guard, but... ) It does... kind of feel like I might've, but that doesn't make sense.

( maybe he's overreacting, but he can't help it; uncertainty leaks into his voice, his expression, and even underneath it, something more urgent. though he does make an attempt to cover it up, however poor. he smiles towards subaru — something that can maybe be mistaken as apologetic but, really, is almost pleading. )

I mean, I'm telling the truth. That's not... that's not something you can just forget, right?

( you agree, don't you? )

[starrypoint]

It's not.

[... that's something he knows for sure. unless... it works the same way as keigo's totems, giving up something important for something else in return -- but amami wouldn't give up the memories of his siblings, subaru thinks, not with how impassioned he seemed about it, how briefly happy...]

I know you wouldn't lie to me, [or at least he believes that, since he won't count lies of omission as true lies,] but you definitely said that.

[sisters]

( for a long moment, amami is silent. looking to subaru, eyes searching. for what he doesn't know; it's not that amami wants to doubt him, but...

this isn't something that he wants to accept either.

and he's trying to remember, he really is, but no matter how he grasps at the words, that conversation, it feels soft around the edges. something he can see the presence of, but not clearly enough to make out the form. he tries to take the specifics in his hands, but only find his fingers curling around empty air as the smoke dissipates instead. in contrast to the crystal clarity of the rest of their words, despite that the other isn't wrong, he can tell, there's something in those words that feels intangible to him — separate and far away from him now.

that smile that lingers on his lips turns cold and bitter. )

Guess it really is like that in this place too...