[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen presents himself as neatly as he is able, his appearance immaculate right down to his horsetail whisk. Said whisk rests on his lap, his hands toying with it nervously.]

Greetings, fellow travelers. I am Xiao Xingchen. [He gives a small bow at the waist before straightening with a soft smile.] I am a Cultivator who is unaffiliated with any sect. For those who do not recognize the title, a Cultivator is one who can combat, silence or exorcise ghosts, demons or other monstrosities.

[Here, he pauses.]

I have heard that demons are present in our number. I mean you no harm as long as you remain peaceful.

Comments

[gentledawn]

Those who cause violence or mayhem should be held accountable. If that makes me presumptive, I accept it.

[gentledawn]

Yes. [The snow and ice don't know empathy or the cries of a small child. His parents (?) had at least wrapped him in blankets, which kept him alive until his Master found him.]

I don't think my parents could help it. [And he doesn't blame them.]

I was blessed! I was told my Master spoiled me in those early days.

[He had drank goat's milk and slept in the same room as her.]

No, I would never be a liar. Even if I tried, I think I would fail.

[gentledawn]

I might be able to help. My energy is likely more Yin oriented. It's possible I could forge a talisman or make an amulet to give you balance. We could try?

[gentledawn]

[A handful of years. Only a handful. So much happens in a short amount of time and it ages Xingchen; it wears him down. Right now, he is still bright and woefully naive.]

Nonsense. I'm sure you're very skilled. [He won't have anyone belittling themselves!] Then I can learn from you. I haven't met many monsters.

[Xingchen bows and smiles.]

Xingchen is fine with me too. It's a pleasure, Hijikata.

Video

[gentledawn]

[Does he belong to a criminal?]

Only the one I call home. [He's...known?] Did we meet somewhere else?

[pureyang]

Really? That's great! I would be happy to try it out. Honestly, I'm willing to try anything. I'm surprised I hadn't thought of a talisman myself...

[He scratches his head a little sheepishly.]

Back home, evil spirits are comprised of Yin energy, and so my Yang spirit ends up chasing them away before I can even arrive to exorcise them. It makes it difficult to get close to them to exorcise them with my clan's techniques. I must be the only exorcist who's never actually seen an evil spirit.

[gentledawn]

It keeps you safe. [And now he is wondering if he should balance it out.] Perhaps your energy is a blessing? We should consider this carefully. I don't want to put you in danger.

[pureyang]

[Keeps him safe? He hadn't thought of that before. He looks puzzled.]

But... I always viewed it as a hindrance. My clan has several exorcism techniques for banishing evil spirits, but I have never had a chance to use them. If I don't use my exorcism techniques, how will I know where I need to improve?

[gentledawn]

What if we diluted the effect of your energy just enough for you to practice? I can understand wanting to improve and I could accompany you in those moments. [Just to be extra safe.]

[pureyang]

Dilute it..? Hmm... it's worth a shot.

[He nods.]

I appreciate your insight on this. You must be a very knowledgable exorcist.

[itsmypower]

[It's not the criminal he's met.]

I only know I've recalled your name, somehow. "Xiao Xingchen", but just that. Someone important for a friend of mine.

[Because he'd searched for him.] His name's Xue Yang.

[mayoninofukucho]

[As polite and kind as ever... Hijikata really can't help but smile.]

Likewise. Oh, also if you need any help getting settled in, let me know! My homeworld is kind of like this one.

[Emphasis on "kind of". His Earth, after the amanto invasion, is incredibly advanced in its technology, but there are many differences. If anything Ellipsa reminds him more of Prismatica, if only for the futuristic city centre. But perhaps Xingchen won't need any assistance at all, given that he already managed to video-post to the network - once someone musters that they can usually also tackle TVs and coffee machines!]

[erschlagen]

Are you claiming your parents abandoned you because they had no other choice?

[That's a novel concept. It's a bit too kind in his opinion but won't voice it. Xingchen seems like a gentle soul. Therefore, it makes sense for him to assume the best in people rather than assume the worse like he does.]

You're too kind, you know that? Nevertheless, you deserved to be spoiled rotten after such a rough start in life.

[He finally lets out the tense sigh he was holding back. This conversation took a hard left he really wasn't ready for. However, he finds himself not hating exorcists as much because of it.]

Most folks when they lie, they can't look you in the eye. It's a dead give away for most people, including myself.

[slandering]

And we have circled back toward your own admission of violence. You should hold yourself accountable.

[gentledawn]

I understand what is violence and what is not. How can that be confusing?

[gentledawn]

I believe so. They could have been Cultivators too and perhaps pursued by something dangerous.

[Maybe it is too kind, but Xingchen isn't the sort to think the worst of anyone. Unless they are obvious about it, of course. His naivete can only stretch so far.]

I was very small and demanding, I am told. She created a pouch to carry me while she did her other duties.

[That amuses him since Baoshan Sanren is such an independent soul.]

I can look you in the eye. [Every single time.] I'll remember that about you, friend.

[gentledawn]

I learned from the best. I cannot say I know everything and some deeds are outside of my abilities. But this seems possible if we work together.

[gentledawn]

[Xiao Xingchen is a bit like a baby deer. A baby deer that can fight demons.]

Is it? How fortunate! I'm glad you won't have to adjust. [He, on the other hand, is...quite lost!] Would you mind...giving me some lessons? I won't take up too much of your time.

[Someone helped him with the communicator. Ahemahem.]

[gentledawn]

[...oh? Xingchen doesn't know Xue Yang any other way. Yet.]

What is the name of your friend?

[His world lurches and he tenses immediately.]

Is he present?

[itsmypower]

Xue Yang? ...No. I'm not even sure I've found the right you.

[But the least he could do was look!]

[gentledawn]

[He is obviously relieved.]

I'm not sure what you mean. I have only recently captured him.

[itsmypower]

[But why?]

What do you mean you "captured him"? What did he do?

[gentledawn]

Many horrible deeds. I suspect the other sects will see to his execution.

[Killing a whole sect is a problem.]

[mayoninofukucho]

Sure! I can come right over - or no, let's meet at the apartment building entrance.

[Lesson #1: Don't share your apartment number in an open network conversation after possibly having made some demonic enemies!]

Or we can meet somewhere in the city, if transport and whatnot is your priority.

[pureyang]

I think you're right. We can surely do well if we work together.

[He nods once more. Then, after a brief pause, he lets out a small breath.]

Honestly, it feels nice talking to a fellow exorcist. I've spoken to people here who don't seem to believe in evil spirits, or who come from worlds similar to this one. So being able to talk to another exorcist is quite refreshing.