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psqqa · 3 years

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Nirvana in Fire Character Reference Sheet Roughly in the Order Those Characters Are Introduced

For @howdydowdy, as promised, and for anyone else who, like me, is terrible at names and needs some kind of “Who?? Ohhh right. That guy.” reminder.

Basically, my Nirvana in Fire Journey started with me watching half the first episode, being wildly confused, realizing I was in over my head re: names and thus deciding to go back to the beginning and watch it again But Taking Notes This Time. I watched the whole show with a notebook and pen at my side. I figured I may as well spare you all the labour by typing it up.

As more information was revealed, I often added it to a character’s initial note, but by and large I’m leaving those extra notes out so you can experience the joy and confusion and anguish of New Information yourself. The exception to this is generally a person’s name, title, and position. E.g. Duke Qing’s name, Bai Ye, isn’t mentioned until a number of episodes after he’s first mentioned, if I recall correctly, but knowing that the person named “Bai Ye” is the same person called “Duke Qing” is exactly why I took these notes for myself in the first place.

Basically this isn’t intended to be a character guide that lays out exactly who a person is, their relationships to the other characters, and their place in the story, but rather something you can look at whenever someone mentions a name that jogs your memory just enough for you to be able to place to person. Which is why the notes tend to be either the context in which the person was introduced or the relationship through which they’re introduced.

Some names and notes are inherently spoilers, but hopefully by virtue of the fact that this is broadly in the order a character is first mentioned/introduced, you can avoid spoilers simply by not scrolling down too far. For those persons where their name or an alter ego comes in significantly after their initial introduction and is a spoiler, they are listed a second time starting with the “new information” and with the note in italics indicating their original entry (there aren’t a lot of these, don’t worry).

I will readily admit that some of my handwritten notes are just a name and then a blank space because apparently I just never actually added a note for them. I haven’t bothered adding those people here. Yes it’s because I’ve forgotten entirely who they are, but I’m pretty sure that means you’ll be okay if you immediately forget who they are too. (That being said, I get the sense there are actually relevant people missing from this list. As the show carried on and introductions became less frequent, remembering them became less difficult.)

The List

Lin Xie –> Commander of the Chiyan Army

Lin Shu –> “Xiao-Shu” –> Lin Xie’s son –> Mei Changsu --> Chief of the Jiangzuo Alliance --> Su Zhe

Lin Chen –> Young Master of Langya Hall –> NOTE: The “Lin” of Lin Chen and the “Lin” of Lin Xie & Lin Shu are both written and pronounced differently. These people are not related.

Northern Yan’s 6th Prince –> Now Northern Yan’s Crown Prince

Minister Xu –> Da Liang’s envoy to Northern Yan

Prince Yu –> Xiao Jinghuan –> 5th Prince of Da Liang

Xiao Xuan –> Emperor of Da Liang

Empress Yan --> Prince Yu’s adoptive mother

Consort Yue --> Crown Prince’s mother

Grand Empress (Dowager) --> Emperor’s grandmother

Xiao Jingxuan --> Crown Prince of Da Liang --> metonym is “Eastern Palace”

Zhuo Dingfeng --> Master of Tianquan Manor

Zhuo Qingyao --> Eldest son of Zhuo Dingfeng --> guy on the horse and later the guy helping the old couple on the boat and later also the guy who calls Xie Yu “father-in-law” (I am telling you this specifically because I am not bad at faces but this guy added so much confusion to my life that was cleared up the moment I realized these people were the same person. And also because my mother is terrible at faces and for like 15 episodes every time he showed up in another random place I would say “that’s horse and boat guy” and she would say “wait what? really???” So I’m assuming at least one other person will share in this struggle)

Xie Yu --> Marquis of Ning

Qin Banruo --> Prince Yu’s strategist

Duke Qing --> Prime Minister --> Bai Ye

Ji Ying --> member of Double Sword Sect

Li Gang --> member of Jiangzuo Alliance

Fei Liu --> Mei Changsu’s bodyguard

Yan Yujin --> Son of Empress Yan’s brother

Xiao Jingrui --> Eldest son of Xie Yu

Mu Nihuang --> Commander of the army in Yunnan --> Princess of Yunnan’s House of Mu

Xie Bi --> Second son of Xie Yu & Xiao Jingrui’s younger brother

Mu Qing --> Mu Nihuang’s younger brother

Xia Dong --> An officer of the Xuanjing Bureau

Nie Feng --> Xia Dong’s late husband --> Vanguard General of the Chiyan Army under Lin Xie

Meng Zhi --> Commander of the Imperial Guards

Xuan Bu --> From Da Yu --> stronger than Meng Zhi

Gao Zhan --> Emperor’s chief eunuch

Fei Changshi --> Prince Yu’s guy out looking for Mei Changsu

Prince Jing --> Xiao Jingyan --> 7th Prince of Da Liang

Concubine Jing --> Mother of Prince Jing

“Xiao-Xin” --> Attendant to Concubine Jing

Grand Princess Liyang --> Xie Yu’s wife & Emperor’s sister

Eunuch Zheng --> Eunuch who is mean to Tingsheng

Prince Qi --> late Crown Prince of Da Liang --> Xiao Jingyu

Tingsheng --> servant boy caught reading

“Lao-Wei” --> Mu Qing’s subordinate of some kind

Wei Zheng --> member of Chiyan Army at Battle of Meiling (and survived)

Sima Lei --> member of Royal Guard --> Consort Yue’s preferred suitor for Mu Nihuang

Liao Tingjie --> Son of the Marquis of Zhongsu --> Empress Yan’s preferred suitor Mu Nihuang

Baili Qi --> Mu Nihuang suitor from Northern Yan --> A favourite of the 4th Prince of Northern Yan

Lady/Madam Zhuo --> Zhuo Dingfeng’s wife

Xie Qi --> Zhuo Qingyao’s wife & Xie Yu’s daughter & Jingrui’s sister

Consort Hui --> bullied by the Empress

Young Lady Zhen (I think is what my handwriting says) --> servant being sneaky at late dowager empress’s palace

“Wu-momo” --> older servant with the Bad Wine

Consort Chen --> now dead --> son was a rebel

3rd Prince of Da Liang --> Xiao Jingting --> Prince Ning --> disabled

6th Prince of Da Liang --> no ambition

9th Prince of Da Liang --> too young to fight for throne

Former Crown Princess --> late Prince Qi’s late wife

“Qi-momo” --> Grand Princess Liyang’s senior attendant

Gong Yu --> window lady who works with Mr. Shisan --> a musician

Mr. Shisan --> member of Jiangzuo Alliance --> connection to Lin family

Minister Lou --> Lou Zhijing --> Minister of Trade/Finance/Revenue/other words that mean “money” --> Knows about the corpse well --> Crown Prince’s faction

Zhang Jing --> Owner of corpse well house (Lan Mansion) at the time the corpses ended up in the well

Shi Jun --> Servant at corpse well house at relevant time --> has record book

Magistrate Gao --> Gao Sheng --> The Capital Magistrate

Princess Xuanji --> ruler of a previous dynasty --> founded the “Hong Court”

Minister Qi --> Qi Min--> Minister of Justice --> Prince Yu’s faction

Minister He --> He Jingzhong --> Minister of Personnel --> Prince Yu’s faction

Minister of Public Works --> Prince Yu’s faction

Minister Chen --> Chen Yuanzhi --> Minister of Rites --> Crown Prince’s faction

Minister of Defence --> Li Lin --> Crown Prince’s faction

Bai Xun --> Duke Qing’s brother

Lie Zhanying --> Staff Officer under Prince Jing

Qi Meng --> One of Prince Jing’s men --> fights Fei Liu and commits Great Offence

“General Bian” --> One of Prince Jing’s men

Shen Zhui --> Acting Minister of Finance

Princess Qing He --> Shen Zhui’s mother

Cai Quan --> Works at Ministry of Justice --> Did well-received report on the Bing case

Han Zhiyi --> Works at Ministry of Justice --> worked on Bing case

Zhang Jianzhen --> Works at Ministry of Justice --> worked on Bing case

Wei Yuan --> Works at Ministry of Justice --> worked on Bing case

Yuan Shiying --> Works at Ministry of Justice --> worked on Bing case

Qin Yue --> Works at Ministry of Justice --> worked on Bing case

Tong Lu --> Vegetable cart guy --> brother of one of the corpse well girls

Qiu Zhe --> Son of Count (Duke?) Wen Yuan

He Wenxin --> Son of Minister He --> dislikes Qiu Zhe

Grand Prince Ji --> Emperor’s youngest brother --> Owns hot springs

Yang Liuxin --> A dancer

Hong Xinzhao --> Has “understanding girls”

Xinliu & Xinyang --> Brothel sisters --> their younger brother was murdered by Qiu Zhe

Princess Consort --> Lanjin --> Prince Yu’s wife

Zhou Xuanqing --> renowned scholar

Li Chong --> former Imperial Tutor --> former teacher to Lin Shu

“Brother Zhao” --> Canal transport guy --> Jiangzuo Alliance

Lin Xiangru --> famous literary envoy

Marquis Yan --> Yan Que --> Yan Yujin’s father & Empress Yan’s brother

Lin Yueyao --> Prince Qi’s mother --> Consort Chen

Zhen Ping --> Jiangzuo Alliance --> sword challenger

Xia Qiu --> An officer of the Xuanjing Bureau

Xia Chun --> The most senior of the officers of the Xuanjing Bureau

Prince Jingli --> Consort Hui’s son

Yuwen Xuan --> Prince Ling --> A prince of Southern Chu

Yuwen Nian --> “Niannian” --> A princess of Southern Chu --> student of Yue Xiuze

Yuwen Lin --> King of Southern Chu --> Yuwen Nian’s father

Ouyang Chi - Head of CApital Patrols

Xia Jiang --> Head of the Xuanjing Bureau

Li Chongxin --> Schoolteacher assassinated by Zhuo Dingfeng

Jun Niang --> former member of “Hong Court” under Princess Xuanji

“Miss Liu” --> Granddaughter of former Chief Secretariat Liu Cheng

Wei Qi --> The general at Jiaxing Pass --> was Xie Yu’s lieutenant for years

Su Tianshu --> Chief of Yaowang Valley --> 7th on the Langya Rich List

Su Xuan --> Su Tianshu’s adopted son --> Wei Zheng

Yun Piaomiao --> Su Xuan’s wife

Concubine Xiang --> Prince Yu’s birth mother

Zhu Yue --> Head of the Review Court --> Prince Yu’s brother-in-law

Cheng Zhiji --> Elder Master of Feng Hall --> 75 years old

Princess Linglong --> A princess of the Hua Kingdom --> Princess Xuanji’s sister --> Concubine Xiang

Grand Princess Jinyang --> Lin Shu’s mother & Lin Xie’s wife --> Emperor’s sister

Yao Zhu --> Official Fan’s servant who knows The Secret

Official Fan --> Harbouring Xia Jiang

#nirvana in fire #it's an imperfect tool basically #but hopefully it's useful anyway #if there are any spelling errors #blame it on my handwriting #you don't want to know how much time i spent looking at these notes asking myself if something was a 'u' or an 'n'

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many-fandoms-lover · 3 years

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Neo Cortex pt2

There will be an alternate ending with this part.

......................................................................................................................................................

*After defeating both N.Tropies*

"Right!Now that we've wrended things, we can take you anywhere,anywhen...after we rest."-says Kapuna-Wa-"For now I can only get us as far as the culinary capital of the universe: Neon City!

"Hmm...nachos."-says Akano walking through rift with everybody.

*In Neon City*

"Do you know any good restaurants here?"-asks Cortex

"Yeah.One of them is quite nearby, why?"-says Tawna with curious

"Oh nothing.I just want to take this beautiful lady here..."-says Cortex as he points at you-"...on a date"

You couldn't hide your blush at his statement while the rest of the gang had quite dumbfolded faces.

*On the restaurant*

"Sooo, why so much fancy place for a date?"-you ask while sitting at the table with Neo.

"Why? Because you my dear, deserves the best."-he says taking your hand in his.-"Also as I said earlier I want to make it up to you our lost time.So I thought that romantic dinner would be a good start."

"Ohh. I didn't expect you are a romantic type."-you say and giggle

"I try. Especially for the woman I love such a long time and now she is sitting here with me."-says Noe and you colud see hearts in his eyes.

"Such a sweet-talker"

You both stared at each other for a while.

"Hmm...(Y/N)?"

"Yes?"

"Maybe it's not the time, but may I kiss you?"-he asks shyly

"O-of course. You don't need to ask"

You start to lean in and your lips met in short but sweet kiss full of love.

"I love you, (Y/N)(S/N)."-he says after breaking the kiss

"And I love you, Neo Cortex. No matter what happened. Let's eat and don't let Crash, Coco and the rest wait."

"Yes, right"

*Timeskip* with the guys

"I liked the pickled wumpa leaves"-says Coco

"So, (Y/N), if I can ask, how was your date, hmm?"-whispers Tawna

"You know, eating , talking, just a simple date"-you answer slightly blushing

"MMhhhmm."

You rolled your eyes and smiled at her remark.

"Oh Cortex you CAD! Why did you not see it before? Muahaha!"-says Cortex while taking Kapuna-Wa with him and run

"What is he doing?"-you asks with desbelief. While Tawna and Dingodile help Crash and Coco jump on the ship

"Tawna, I need to go with them"

"You sure?"

"Yes"-you answer and jump on the ship with Tawnas and Dingodiles help.

Before you can met with both bandicoots, you saw as they jump through the rift. You jump after them and immediately recognized the place, it was Cortex castle from that night when you run with bandicoots. While you were searching for any signs of Crash or Coco, the assistants took you and placed you in the cage.

"That's how I end? I was so stupid to believe yhat he is gong to change."-you say to yourself sitting in the cage and felling tears in your eyes.

"(Y/N), love, what are you doing here?"-you look up from from the place you are sitting and see Neo

"I can ask you the same question and don't call me'love'. What are you doing? I thought you are going to change for a better bud it was a lie.."-you say with cracking voice, avoiding his gaze

"Darling ,please, let me explain. Let's talk.."

"Now you want to talk! Ok, let's talk. I have one question."

"Yes?"

"Do you really love me or it was just a lie to manipulate us with thinking that you are a good guy?"

"Of course I love and I want to be with you. I love everything about you your eyes, your hair, your smile..."

"So, why are you doing this? Can we not go back to our future and lived there without this whole circus?"

"Maybe you are right. B-but this bandicoot... I need to fix the past."-he says opening the cage and running though the corridor.

"Neo,wait!"-you yell after him but he didn't listen. You've done one thing you could do right now, go out of the cage to find Crash and Coco and stop Cortex.'Why you have to be so stubborn Cortex?'

*Timeskip*After final fight with Cortex

"Not like this."-future Neo says lying on the floor before boxes lands on his head

"Hmm, must 've taken a hit to the old temporal lobe. But a fallen foe can only mean one thing...it came to blows and I WON."-his past self says before he ran to exit-"My new Generals first order of business will be to dispose of you."

"You..Stay"-says Akano crushing Cortex on the floor

"Ugh..what are you going to do to me?-says Cortex

"Nuh-uh-uh! Looks like somebody needs a little time out..."-says Kapuna

"...somewhere he can cause any trouble"-says Lani-Loli

"Enjoy the end of the universe!"-says Ika-Ika. But before they throw Cortex into the rift, you run to the room.

"Guys,wait! Leave him."

"What!? What are you doing, (Y/N)?"-asked Coco

"Maybe it will sound stupid but despite what he did I still love him, even when he broke my heart few hours ago because of this. I will take care of him."-you assure them

"Do what you think is right."-says Aku-Aku

"Thank you. Kapuna, can you and others transport us back to our times and drop me and Neo to mu home? It will be great!"

"No problem."

Before you go with Cortex, you turn around to the others.

"Guys, you are free to visit in any time you want. You know where to find me."

"Of course (Y/N) and thanks for the help."-says Coco

*Your house*( some random island)

"Oh thank you,(Y/N)..."-Cortex starts with sigh of relief

"Shh, don't say a word right now! I still consider if I want to slap you because of what you did or kiss you because I run at time to save you."-you say angry not looking at him.

"I would prefer the second option."-he whispers

"You want to know why I saved you, because I must be kind-hearted or stupid to still have a soft spot for you. Even when you broke my heart because of your ambition and stuborness."-you sat sadly at the table and stare at your hands. Neo seeing this came to your side, take your hand and give it the light kiss.

"I'm so sorry, darling. I didn't want to upset you. Please, my love, don't cry. I did what I did because I couldn't stand thwe thought I let you go that day and I wanted to get rid of this bandicoots and stop you from leaving."-Neo says

"But,I thought that you were happy that we reunite after this long time."

"I was and I am happy. Believe me. Now , I know that I was so selfish.And I only hurt you, the woman I love. Please, will you forgive, my love? I promise I will never do such things again."-he says while peppering your hand with kisses and squeezing it lightly.

You look at him in the eyes and see sorrow and regret. You squeezed back his hand which hold yours and curl lips in a small smile.

"Neo, honey. I believe you and I forgive you."-you say and lean in to kiss his cheek

"Thank you,(Y/N).For giving me a second chance."-he says with smile and kiss you happily giving you a hug. You hugged back and both of you stay like this for a while enjoying the moment. Until you decided to break the silence.

"So, do you want a small detour around the house? You will live here with me after all."-you say smiling at him

"I would be honored, darling."

*Timeskip* few months later

During this months Cortex did everything to show how much he cherish you and love you to prove that he is a better man. Crash and the others payed you a visit a few times and were in complete shock seeing as Cortex change his attitude.

Now you are sitting on a comfortable chair and read a book at peace. A the same time Neo is outside and hold a small ,velvet box with a beautiful ring inside in his hand. His head is clouded by many thoughts. 'If it's to early for this, if you say yes, what if you say no.'

You look up from your book and look at his back.'He stands there quite a long time. Is something wrong?'-you thought and stand to meet him outside.

"Honey, is everything alright? You stand here for a while. I'm started to worry."-you say with concern, walking to him. When he heard your voice, he quickly hide box in his pocket and turn around to face you with smile.

"My love, yes, everything is fine.You don't need to worry. I just need some fresh air that's all."-he say scratching the back of his neck

"Okaay. But please, tell me if something is bothering you."

"Actually there is one thing."-he say, taking your hands and kneel on one knee.Your eyes went wide and you stand still and waiting for him to continue.-"(Y/N), love of my life. I know it may be a little to early but I can't wait any longer to ask you this question. Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"

"Neo Periwinkle Cortex, of course I will marry you."-you say and kiss him. He kissed back and smile , showing you the velvet box and sliding ring on your finger.

"Just think.Soon we will get married and after that there will be little children running around the house."

"I thought, I am the woman in this relationship."-you laugh lightly at his comment.-"But, if you want to, we could speed up a little part with children."

"What!? Like, r-right now ?"-he asks with shock and amazement. You only nod, take his hand and drag him to your shared bedroom.

THE END

#neocortex #crash bandicoot #neo cortex x reader #game

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chaoticneutralwriter · 6 years

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13; Ramen and Chill?

In which you don’t realize asking someone to ramen had another meaning.

idol!Jimin x staff!reader

genre: fluff, comedy, slow-burn, lowkey sexual tension, pining, inner crack-drunk thinking, also most likely unrealistic portrayals of working this job LOLL but ramen and chill is a real thing.

word count: 5.5k (hohhh boyyy)

A/N: LATE LATE thing I meant to write for Jimin’s birthday cuz it’s the thirteenth installment and all dfkshgas btw this is a two-shot so ;D

If someone were to ask you how you’re feeling, your answer would probably be numb all over.

In fact, you think you might’ve lost all feelings to your body some time ago and you’re now nothing but a husk of the person you used to be… or maybe you’re just being overdramatic. Either way, you’re in need of your bed now (and maybe some room service).

You don’t know how long you’ve been standing for at this point, having lost track of the hours by the time you’ve reached your fourth glass of champagne. They’ve also stopped serving hors d’oeuvres long ago and your slightly muddled mind suddenly realizes this. Oh God, it thinks, surely the glass you’re holding is indeed your fourth one because anything beyond that you’re going to be in very deep sh—

“Are you alright Miss?”

An unfamiliar voice knocks you out of your spacing. You direct your gaze belatedly to the source and find a handsome but unfamiliar man peering at you, dressed to the nines much like the rest of the patrons in this grand hall. Your lips seem to quirk up in an autopilot response.

“Oh no I’m fine. Just a little worn out.” You say, shifting a little though that proves to not be a smart idea, feeling your red stilettos dig a little more into your already sore heels. Your impromptu companion lets out a light chuckle.

“That’s a shame. I was actually hoping to have a dance with you.”

You hold back a wheezing laugh by bringing your hand up to cover your mouth, hoping to come off coy instead. The event is quite formal but you haven’t seen many couples taking advantage of the string quartet up front (you think you’ve only seen at most three since the beginning of the night). Most of the esteemed guests here are more taken to climbing the social ladder than indulge in the live music (now that’s a real shame). Besides not being much of dancer, you’d rather not risk your life by trying to dance in the shoes you’re currently wearing. But you don’t express that.

“I’m not much of dancer so you would be sparing yourself.” You reply with a light laugh. The man lets out a slight laugh at your remark as well but then he shakes his head, eyes focusing on you.

“It would be a crime to leave such a lovely lady like yourself alone.”

Huh.

You’ve avoided interactions like these all night, being for the most part successful. A lot of the times you get out of it by swatting away any advances with obliviousness, having most of your attention to the expensive food being passed around on platters. Now you only had the alcohol; something you’d rather not have to take in excessiveness even if it’s just to avoid awkward situations like these (plus, you’d rather not land yourself in an even more awkward, not to mention potentially embarrassing situation). But this strange albeit handsome man is still staring at you, waiting for your response and you have not the strength to formulate one. Quick! Your mind screams at you, do something!

In two seconds flat, you bring your glass up to your lips, take one large gulp, emptying it, and with a short of breath, you say, “I think I might grab another drink.” And despite the pain gnawing on your heels and toes, you’ve never high-tailed outta there so fast, not looking back once. Your feet takes you off somewhere you’re not quite sure, just that it should be away from that area and hoping that you seem put together on the surface when on the inside, you’re dying because wow was your brain that desperate to risk potential, alcohol induced, humiliation to get away from a slightly socially awkward conversation? …Or maybe the alcohol has gotten to you already and this is the effect—!!

“Noona!”

Another voice cuts through your thoughts, this time one you do recognize. You stop in your tracks to focus your gaze and lo and behold, the members of BTS are within your sight, standing in a half circle just off to the side. You meander your way over, a little taken aback from seeing them since you’ve long lost track of them near the beginning of the night after they’ve done their initial rounds of greetings, swept away by the sea of people so eager to acquaint themselves with the leading figures in Korean music currently taking the world by storm. Nevertheless, you’re happy to be reunited and to see that they’re relaxed despite being bombarded by mobs of important people.

“Hey, didn’t think I would see you any time for the rest of the night.” You voice your thoughts; smile feeling less strained this time around.

Namjoon laughs, his dimples on full display as he nods his head in agreement. “Yeah, a lot of people wanted to talk so sorry if you lost us in the crowd.”

You wave your hand dismissively, “Nah, I’m sure you had manager Sejin to look after you. And I’m sure you can handle yourselves.”

“We’re actually going to head back to our rooms soon.” Hoseok says, and then playfully adds, “Suga-hyung looks like he’s ready to lie down any second now.”

Your eyes immediately land on the rapper and the first sounds of a giggle slips past your lips unintentionally when you see that even though he’s seems very put together, the look in his eyes says otherwise. He narrows them half-heartedly to your reaction, but the glazed over look and the slight droop made it all seem less threatening. But all jokes aside, you empathized with him.

“Thank God….” You sigh in relief. “I’m ready to sleep for a year. And my feet are killing me.”

“Are you okay, noona?” Jimin speaks up, glancing worriedly at your shoes at your mentioning them. “You can leave right now if you want. We have to say our goodbyes to everyone so that might take a while….”

Your mouth curves into a small, bashful smile, waving your hand again dismissively. “No, no I can handle it. Don’t worry.” You say, nervous chuckles mixing in with your sentences before you glance down self-consciously to fiddle with the rings on your fingers.

“But Hoseok is right, we’re pretty much done talking with everyone so we can find manager Sejin and start heading out soon.” Namjoon supplies as his eyes scan over the crowd for the man in question. He gestures with his chin after a while, spotting their manager not too far from where you were standing. Once manager Sejin makes eye contact with the group's leader, the process of saying goodbye to everyone in the room begins. You follow after them diligently as does manager Sejin, going from each group of people and offering a few words of pleasantry before ending with a bid farewell and a humble bow. You take to bowing to the esteemed guests as well after the boys finish, saying a simple ‘goodnight’ as does Sejin.

By the time you’ve arrived to the last bunch, your feet are screaming but like the entire night, you hide it behind a carefully placed smile.

“Thank you so much for having us tonight, it was an honour to have met you ambassador.” You hear Namjoon’s deep timbre from ahead of you as he addresses what appears to be an elderly man who’s smiling back at him warmly. He gives a hearty shake of the young leader’s hand and a pat on the shoulder, saying how it was their honour to meet the group. The ambassador and his posse all take turns shaking each member’s hand, heads bowing in varying degrees happening in succession. Once the handshake line finishes, the members move aside and you and Sejin follow after in a train-like fashion, allowing you two to come from behind to say your goodbyes to the group.

You flash what you hope to be an amicable smile and not a grimace like you felt it was, bowing to each individual as you go. You bobbing your head so repeatedly meant you didn’t recognize the last of the people in this group until they’ve caught you in front of them.

“Oh, miss!”

It’s the same guy you’ve escaped from earlier. You nearly trip as your bowing frenzy comes to a screeching halt, eyes going a little wide at this sudden turn of events because needless to say, you had not intended to see this man after that stunt you pulled. Straightening yourself, you take in his appearance again (indefinitely still the same as you have left him). God, you don’t even think you caught his name!

“Oh!” You say with a start before adding with a laugh (of disbelief), “hello again.” But then you pause in afterthought, “…or I should say goodbye since I’m leaving.”

This makes the surrounding group laugh, the man included. The attention makes your face heat up and you nervously smile along. His eyes focus on you again, a wide smile still on his face.

“I suppose you are right. I really wished I got to know you better, I don’t even think I got your name.”

This goodbye is dragging on longer than you want it to, plus it seems this handsome fellow has completely brushed aside your obvious, forceful exit with him earlier which is making you all the more wary. But there’s no escaping this time as all eyes were on you and you have to exude your best behaviour. So with a tight smile, you incline your head a little and give your name albeit reluctantly.

“A lovely name for a lovely lady.” And as if to place the cherry on top of it all, he reaches out to grasp your hand and place a soft kiss to your knuckles. You feel yourself stiffen, mind spasming to control your facial expression because no doubt you would have had the biggest grimace in life. Luckily, the elderly man whom you recognize as the ambassador sweeps in to your rescue.

“C’mon Mu-yeol, you’re gong to scare her.”

Another round of good-natured laughing, only the gag here is that you’re already spooked. Still, you make effort to chuckle to keep face before your hand is released and you take it back all too gratefully. You reiterate your goodbyes and goodnights again and you nearly whiplash yourself when you turn to your own group. It takes only a second for you to catch eight pair of eyes watching for you to know that they’ve probably witnessed the entire exchange. Your face heats again and you duck your head down as you scurry to fall in line.

The formal event that took place is thankfully located in a hall that’s very close to the hotel you were all staying at, probably a ten-minute drive. It’s nice but you think ruefully to yourself that the short time travel this time around is not in your favour; you’re willing to sit for three hours straight at this point, your feet hurt so much (ah, beauty really is pain).

You climb into the sedan the company has graciously provided for such an occasion, sinking instantly into the plush leather seats as the weight and pressure on your feet is alleviated for the time being. You watch through the tinted windows as the last of the boys climb into their own van and with the doors shut, the vehicle takes off with your own following after. As you’ve predicted, the ride was over before you so much thought to close your eyes for a nap.

The door is opened for you and you exit the car after thanking the chauffeur, spotting the vans’ own passengers make quick work of stepping out themselves. You fall into steps behind the group, Taehyung at your side who flashes you a boxy smile before asking quietly if your feet were still hurting (they were but you assured him you could hold out until you get to your room). You all crowd into the lift with Sejin at the front to punch in the correct floor. The doors slide shut and the elevator gives a heave as it starts its ascent.

“So….” Seokjin’s voice rings out from somewhere beside you but by his tone, you cringe already knowing where this was going without having to directly see his face. “Scored a date?” The entire elevator erupts with groans and offhanded complaints.

“Hyung I don’t think you were close enough to see how uncomfortable she was.” Taehyung comments exasperatedly as Seokjin puffs up in defense at the varying responses he’s received.

“I honestly thought he was being too intrusive for someone who just met noona.” Jimin remarks, disapproval clear in his tone and when he gets a light reprimand from Namjoon, his eyes widen a little in indignation. “Hyung he even admitted that he didn’t even know her name!”

“Guys can we not….? Nothing happened and…” You’re practically shrinking in on yourself as you mutter pathetically against your corner. “Jimin’s kinda right, he was a little…. weird.”

You could’ve sworn Jimin lets out a pleased noise but the elevator soon comes to a stop as it arrives on your floor. Everyone piles out, all voicing their plans of sleeping or taking long baths or ordering copious amount of room service. Manager Sejin tries to reel them in, shouting over their voices and reminding them not to go too crazy, that schedules were happening tomorrow. The hallway rings out loudly in agreements and choruses of goodnights as each member goes off to their own separate suites.

“Ah I can’t do this anymore.” You mumble disgruntled, not stopping to think as you steady yourself against the wall to reach down and begin plucking your shoes off. Jimin, whose room was down your way, stops alongside you to watch with amusement. Once the wretched heels were off, you exhale with relief as your sore toes touch the plush carpeted floor of the hotel hallway, free of their confines. The freshly dyed honey blond male finally lets out a hearty laugh when you turn back to him in question.

“What, they’re hurting.” You frown.

“No it’s not that noona.” Jimin giggles from behind a hand. “You’re small again.”

True to his words, you have indeed reverted back to your original size, head barely brushing his shoulder when before, with the magic of heels, you had reached just below his chin. You narrow your eyes slightly and huff, breathing through your nose but choose not to comment on his teasing, causing Jimin to laugh once again.

“What are you gonna do now?” Jimin asks as you continue your trek down to your respective rooms. Your strides are much shorter and slower than his but he makes the effort to match it, which you can’t help but find very sweet of him. Even more so when you realize he’s walked past his room and stops at yours.

“Kinda hungry…. Might order unhealthy amount of room service.” You say absently. “Or might get lazy and just make ramen.”

Jimin chuckles a little, making a noise of agreement as he nods. “Ah yeah, I might do the same too….” As he’s trailing off, you catch a mischievous twinkle in his eyes before he adds with a sly smile, “We should go eat ramen together.”

You blink, surprised by the invite and slowly but surely, your cheeks heat with a blush because…is this considered a date then? (No way that’s so stupid, is this allowed??). It’s so sudden that your mind has trouble processing it, evidently kick starting it into a full on mental gymnastic course and your slight pause causes Jimin to double over in laughter.

“Noona sorry I didn’t mean to startle you! I was just—“

“I mean, sure I guess?” You find yourself saying aloud, answering both Jimin and your own thoughts coincidentally. Now it’s Jimin’s turn to blink owlishly back at you, stunned into silence and you can’t tell in the dim light of the hallway whether his cheeks are pinker than they were before.

“Uhh…” Jimin stammers, suddenly shifting his gaze elsewhere with a nervous scratch of his neck. The change in demeanour throws you a little but you figured it’s because he didn’t think you would accept. Hell you didn’t think so either, however, the thought of having an eating companion this late into the night makes the image of eating instant ramen by yourself in your hotel room less sad.

“What? There’s nothing wrong with wanting to eat ramen together. It’s just us up here anyways.” You reason, because it’s true; this entire hotel floor is booked by the boys, the managers, and some of the stylists so not like there will be anyone who’s going to cause misunderstandings and rumours; you have their utmost trust. And besides, it’s just ramen.

He cards his hair with his fingers, eyebrows furrowed in contemplation before he’s subtly nodding to himself. “I mean, yeah…umm, so…? My room? Or yours…?”

You shrug because to you, it doesn’t matter. As long as you both got ramen and you voice as much. He bobs his head in affirmation, and then gestures to his room. You take the cue and shuffle back to his door when he abruptly screeches to a halt, eyes wide and slightly panicked.

“My room’s a little messy! Give me one minute noona!” He holds up his hands as if needing to stop you from barging in but you’re quite content staying put if it makes him happy.

“Oh, then lemme just grab comfortable shoes and drop these off.” You shake the heels in your hands, he nods and bolts into this room as you make your way back to your own, entering it and carelessly tossing the shoes to the foot of your bed and shoving your feet into the black ballet flats you wear on a regular basis. As you head back out, you pass by your own little ramen stash sitting on the mini fridge (a request made by the company, bless). You eye the variation; your staple kimchi flavour, tempura shrimp, and…. Oh.

You tentatively pick up the cup noodle that says spicy cold noodles. If you recall, Jimin actually talked about wanting to eat cold noodles earlier but had ran out. You take it with you as exit your room and before you know it you’re standing in front of his room, gently tapping knocks onto the deep, mahogany door. It opens a few seconds later, Jimin smiling shyly as he welcomes you in. He’s opted to discard his suit jacket, revealing the white silk button up underneath with a few buttons undone at the collar and cuffs. You regret not taking a look at yourself in the mirror before arriving here but then think there’s no point because he would still make you look like a potato; even with his hair mussed from no doubt running his hand through it so many times.

“You didn’t have to bring your own pack noona. I have plenty.” You hear him giggling as he walks over to the boiling electric kettle. You peer and catch the infamous red of Nongshim kimchi ramen as he’s tearing the last of the two packets, dumping them into the respective cup. “Unless you didn’t want kimchi flavour?” He freezes suddenly to give you a wide-eyed stare. You fly into action; waving your hands furiously and causing the cold noodle cup you’re holding to rattle like a sodium infused maraca.

“No! No, I love kimchi ramen.” You stop your flailing, side eyeing the noodle cup before awkwardly offering it to him. “I had spicy cold noodles but remembered you ran out of your own?”

Jimin’s grey-blue contact coloured eyes brighten instantaneously, mouth agape in a full, gleeful smile. Your heart does a somersault at the sight of it, biting back a smile of your own, as he takes the cold noodle cup like he’s been handed the chalice of life.

“Noona are you sure? I could’ve asked the managers to get some for me, since Jin-hyung stole my last pack.” The last part he mutters ruefully and your restraint crumbles.

“I’m sure. I don’t really crave for cold noodles that much anyways.” You chuckle. He shoots you another blinding smile, one where his eyes completely disappears.

“Thank you noona. But you should really try it with steak. It sounds weird but trust me, it’s surprisingly good!”

You’re skeptical about the steak and spicy cold noodles combination but find yourself lulled into enjoying the quiet conversations between you two as you wait for the water to boil. Once it does, Jimin pours the water in and the both of you migrate to the desk, settling in the chair he pulls up for you.

“So what did you do after we were finished greeting people?” Jimin asks, propping up a knee from his seat on the bed. You lean back in your chair with your ankles crossed, shrugging absent-mindedly.

“Just…keeping my small talk to a minimum and taking advantage of the free food and alcohol.”

He squeaks a laugh, throwing his head back before nodding in understanding. “Yeah, honestly I was getting pretty hungry by the time we got to the second last group.”

You hum in sympathy, reaching over to grab the wooden chopsticks to break and then the cup noodle closest to you.

“It hasn’t even been three minutes yet.” Jimin comments, watching you tear back the flap and begin mixing its contents. You pause, glancing up at him. He’s curiously looking at you, amused. You persevere albeit a little more self-consciously.

“I like it a little al dente.”

Jimin chuckles before taking his own cup and beginning to stir up the noodles as well. “Oh? Is that so? I like it more cooked.”

“Isn’t that soggier…?” The words slip out without thought as you take the first slurp. You refrain from moaning out in delight, the spicy flavour of kimchi hitting your mouth and the general feeling of having something warm and soupy after a long, tiring night.

“It’s soup ramen noona, the noodle would get too chewy if you don’t leave it for at least three minutes.”

You reply with a noncommittal hum (to each their own, you guess). A moment of silence where the only noises coming from you both is the slurping of noodles. After your chew, you lean back to take a breather before realizing, much to your slight contempt. “…. I think I’ve eaten more instant ramen ever since I met you guys….” And you don’t quite know how to feel about that. Jimin throws his head back in another bout of laughter, hand covering his mouth though you still hear him.

“Sorry. Did we ruin your healthy diet?”

“Not like it was healthy in the first place...”

“But I’ve seen you eat. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you eat anything greasy at all.”

Conversations continue to flow so naturally that it surprises you; sure your heart’s still pounding more than you liked it to but so far you haven’t broke out sweating. So you’re quite proud of yourself. That is, until there was a lull in the conversation, you taking your time to finish the remaining noodles and Jimin going unusually quiet.

“Noona,” His voice has a huskier quality to it; probably from all the spice in the ramen, but the volume of which he speaks makes it also sound a lot deeper than usual. It sends goose bumps across your arms and you curse at how exposed you are in your cocktail dress.

You give a hum that you interrupt with the clearing of your throat in between mouthfuls of ramen. You pretend nonchalance when your gaze locks with Jimin’s but your brave face almost immediately shrivels in on itself.

His cheeks have a sheen of sweat to it which he wipes delicately off with a finger, leaving a glow in its wake. He’s eyeing you, head cocked slightly back and to the side, deep in thought as if he’s debating with himself. A couple of times, he’ll open his mouth to say something before reconsidering, pondering some more. You start to get nervous, so you try to quell the feeling by playing with your chopsticks, scooping around for more noodle strands. You find a couple before Jimin finally decides to speak.

“You know…. If a guy ever asks you out for ramen, don’t go with him. Especially if you don’t know him well.”

Your eyebrows furrow because that’s definitely not what you were expecting him to say.

“Uhh…. Why?” You ask, bringing the cup closer to your mouth to catch the stray strands and a bit of soup.

Jimin gives you a distressed sort of look, running a hand through his hair again to dishevel it into a new style. He takes a breath in as if gathering his every wit as you, none the wiser, begin to drink your remaining soup.

“Noona,” He’s reaching out to gently pry the cup away from you, fingers enveloping your own firmly being too much of distraction to really register the rather serious tone he’s taken on. Jimin directs you so that you place the cup on the desk, so that now he has your full attention. You settle back hesitantly and wait for him to continue on pins and needles.

Another pause.

“Noona,” He tries again but as soon as he locks eyes with you, the words stop. He flounders but then wheezes an embarrassed laugh, covering his face with his hands. You wish you can join him (he looks absolutely adorable at the moment), but you’re too perplexed. You hear him mutter something behind his hands though you don’t catch it before he’s gathering himself again, clearing his throat with a resolute expression on his face.

“You know…. In Korean, when a guy asks you to eat ramen with him,” He says carefully. He takes a breath, steeling himself for what he’s about to tell you next. “It usually means…. something other than eating ramen.”

Something other than eating ramen…?

You feel your face pinch into a look of further confusion because what the hell is that even supposed to mean??

Jimin is still looking at you, trying to convey the meaning to his words but you’re just not catching his drift. You literally see the hope begin to die in his eyes.

“Uh…” He’s running his hand through his hair once more, cheeks suddenly flushed and you feel apologetic for being the cause of his distress but you can’t help it! What do you mean there’s something other than eating ramen when someone asks you out to eat ramen with them?!

He claps suddenly, startling you. Then he eyes you levelly despite blushing profusely.

“So…” Jimin’s voice comes out booming with false over confidence. You can only sit and watch with a mix of emotions; mild amusement, utter confusion and apprehension at what’s to come.

“When a guy…. is interested in a girl…” You’re hanging onto his every word but your brain goes and does a funny thing. It connects them, weirdly enough, to ‘the talk’. You know, ‘the talk’ parents usually give to their teenager about the birds and the bees. However, you could’ve sworn you’re talking about ramen here….

Unless…

No….

There’s no way….

You determinedly let Jimin continue, not wanting to jump to any crazy conclusions that your, now confirmed, tipsy mind is throwing at you.

“The guy usually wants to…umm…” He falters, fidgeting in his seat as he valiantly tries to continue if just for your sake, eyes looking away from you instead of at you, “Get close…?” Jimin finishes with uncertainty, and then coughs in embarrassment.

It's a very abstract way of putting it but like Scott Pilgrim’s ‘Gets it’ meter, yours flicks immediately to ‘Totally gets it’ and your mind is screaming, I TOLD YOU. Your mouth forms an ‘O’ in realization as your mind tries to incredulously comprehend the logic behind ‘let’s go eat ramen together’ equals to ‘let’s bang’.

But then that means— wait so earlier Jimin—?! And then you— !! So that’s why—!!

“O-Oh….” You utter intelligently.

“Y-Yeah…” Jimin murmurs back, head lowered and you can see the tips of his ear burning red. “I uh— didn’t think you would know about…that. So…. Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable because I just wanted you to know. Like I didn’t mean to— you know… Not that I—!“

You swear at that moment, blushing is infectious because now you feel your own cheeks flaring, heat practically radiating off of the surface of the skin as you rush in to try and save him from further embarrassment. “Yeah, no, no it’s okay! I would never have known otherwise so no, I’m not gonna take it personally…thanks though—for informing me that is!” Okay just stop talking now!

“O-Oh…” Jimin breathes in relief. “That’s— that’s good.”

You nod in sentiment, cheeks still burning but determined in pretending that it doesn’t exist. A heavy silence drags between you two in which you refuse to look at each other. Your mind is absolutely swimming with thoughts, not believing what had just happened but after minutes of disassociating, you absently whisper, “But what if I just wanted ramen?”

Jimin lets out a snort, having caught your dazed murmuring and swiftly uses a hand to cover his mouth. He’s double over on himself in his obvious effort of trying to restrain his laughing to the point he’s slowly curling onto the bed and just emitting squeaks. It makes a smile of your own creep up and soon, you find yourself quietly laughing as well.

“Ah, this is crazy.” Jimin blubbers out, dabbing at the inner corners of his eyes. “I don’t know what to say noona but it’s just…that’s what the kids are saying these days.”

“The kids…” You wheeze. “Like how old are they to be saying these sorts of things? Like how—?" You cut yourself off with a huff, too tired to voice out your thoughts on dissecting the origins of such a phrase. You eventually have your mind settle on equating it to something you’ve heard too familiarly at this point in your own circle of friends. You fall into a comfortable lull, head resting against your shoulder as Jimin quietly stacks his empty cup noodle into your own. You watch him neatly tidy everything, caught in a trance-like state at the way his body leans over slightly, allowing the light of the desk lamp to cast soft shadows and highlights on his face, emphasizing features you hadn’t necessarily dared to take the time to really look at.

Unconsciously your gaze drifts to his full lips, glossy with moisture as his tongue pokes out to lick at the corner absent-mindedly. How would it feel to kiss them….?

Your eyes widen at the stray thought, and that is your cue to take your ass to bed.

“Uh…” You vocalize, catching Jimin’s attention as he places the last of the plastic flaps into the cups, neatly folded. “I should go.”

You stiffly stand and Jimin follows suit with a nod of his head, ready to walk you out of his room.

“Yeah, you should head to bed noona. You should really get some rest after tonight.” He gestures for you to take the lead and you do so, beginning to stride around the corner of the bed.

“Thank you for the meal, you should also—!!”

Its here that something catches on your foot, so caught off guard that there’s no chance to save yourself from the impending fall. You distinctively hear Jimin’s exclamation as your vision tips southward at an alarming rate and then a firm grasp at your elbow. The next second, you feel yourself hit the carpeted floor with a thud, back beginning to blossom with a dull ache.

You let out a groan the same time a hiss emits from above you…. sounding so close that it seems to whistle in your ears.

Your eyes crack open, having shut on instinct upon falling, only to come nose to nose with the attractive honey blonde male that attempted to catch you.

Jimin is hovering over you, upper body held up by an elbow beside your head and an awkward arm braced against the TV stand. He’s so close that you feel strands of his hair tickling your own forehead; see the tiny freckles that dust just under his eyes through the sheer foundation. Your senses are overloading with him and it makes your heart palpitate. You don’t dare breathe.

“...Are you okay?” He speaks so softly the words ghost over you, making your lids flutter. You can only nod meekly, voice trapped in your throat. You’re so hyperaware of his movements that the slight tilt of his head causes every one of your nerves to freeze in anticipation.

What comes next is something you weren’t prepared for.

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outpostsofbabel · 4 years

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Demigods and Semi-devils, Chapter V (VII)

After the Crocodile God absconded with Mu Wanqing, Duan Yu had been plunged into a state of near-panic.

If I don’t go after that evil man and beg him to be my master, she may be killed. But how could I ever be his disciple? I’d have to learn that horrible neck-wringing skill. Even worse, he’d probably even find some necks for me to practise on. Well, he’s reasonable enough. Maybe if I get him into another debate, I can convince him to let Miss Mu go, without having to become his disciple.

Pacing up and down on the cliff, his stomach had begun to hurt again. Then he had a revelation. How could I have forgotten? In that cave, with the fairy lady, I already pledged myself as a disciple of the Carefree Sect. It’s not possible for such a disciple to switch clans. I’ll just have to tell the Crocodile God this, and explain it so clearly that he’ll have no choice but to say: “You have a point there.”

Then he thought: What if he asks me to demonstrate some of the Carefree Sect’s skills? He’ll never believe that I belong to that clan if I don’t know anything. Duan Yu then remembered the fairy lady’s instructions to practise the skills three times a day. Darn it, so much has happened that I completely forgot.

Feeling apologetic and slightly guilty, Duan Yu reached for the scroll. But the sound of footsteps made him turn around. His eyes widened in shock as he saw a group of people making their way up the cliff.

In the lead was Sikong Xuan of the Divine Farmers, followed by Zuo Zimu and Xin Shuangqing of the East and West branches of the Boundless Sword. Behind them were a mix of followers from both clans. How come they aren’t fighting anymore? Duan Yu wondered. Well, it’s a good thing that they’ve managed to bury the hatchet.

The two groups parted, forming a lane between them. They bowed, as though awaiting the arrival of someone very important. Then, in a green blur, eight more women arrived. Each was wearing a tunic of deep jade green, with a black condor stitched on the breast. They, too, stood four to each side of the aisle.

I am going to die, Duan Yu thought.

At last, another woman in green strode up onto the cliff. She was in her twenties and beautiful, although at that moment she looked more than a little annoyed. She glared at Duan Yu. “Who are you? What are you doing here?”

The words roused an unexpected delight in Duan Yu’s breast. She doesn’t know that Mu Wanqing and I were the ones who killed four of her people and masqueraded as emissaries from Lingjiu Palace. It’s a good thing that my tunic is now wrapped around Granny Ping, while Mu Wanqing’s is probably floating down the Lancang River. There’s absolutely no evidence against me at all.

“I am Duan Yu from Dali, and along with a friend, was guest at Master Zuo’s Wuliang Palace-”

“My friend,” Zuo Zimu interrupted. “The Boundless Sword Clan has now submitted to the authority of the Tianshan Lingjiu Palace. Wuliang Palace is henceforth known as Wuliang Cave. Make no further mention of Wuliang Palace.”

You figured out that you couldn’t beat them, so you surrendered and joined them instead, Duan Yu thought. Not a bad strategy.

“Congratulations!” he said. “Master Zuo has finally forsaken the dark and seen the light.”

Since when have I been in the dark? Zuo Zimu wondered. And what light is he talking about? But of course, he couldn’t say any of this out loud. He simply arranged his mouth in a smile.

“Your humble servant saw that Master Sikong Xuan and Master Zuo Zimu had a misunderstanding, and had hoped to help,” Duan Yu said very politely. “But unexpectedly, matters got even more muddled. I had, on the orders of Master Sikong, gone to retrieve a certain antidote. But along the way, I met a great villain known as the Crocodile God of the South Seas, or Third Master Yue. He had hoped to take me on as his disciple. I refused, but he would not listen to reason and dragged me up here. Stranded high above level ground, he insisted that I beg him to be my master. I was completely helpless.”

Duan Yu folded his hands in a courteous salute. “It is impossible for me to find my way down from such a steep and dangerous cliff. Madam, you asked me what I was doing here? I was waiting to die.”

He had, remarkably, managed to tell not a single lie. Both the beginning and ending of his little speech had been true, although he had omitted a good deal in the middle. Duan Yu thought of how Confucius had written the Spring and Autumn Annals, which chronicle a period of more than 200 years. It is not beneath a sage to omit portions of a narrative, he decided. Lying, now - that would indeed be beneath a gentleman.

“Hmph,” the woman said. “So the Four Brigands have made their way to Dali. Why did Third Master Yue want to make you his disciple? What’s so good about you?” She didn’t wait for Duan Yu to reply, but turned her gaze on the two other clan leaders instead. “He’s not lying, is he?”

“No,” Zuo Zimu said.

“Your Greatness, this fellow knows no martial arts at all,” Sikong Xuan said. “But he is always making a mess of things.”

“You said that those two villains who dressed up as my sisters had fled here,” the woman said. “But where are they? Young Master Duan, have you seen two women in green tunics, dressed just like my ladies?”

“Not at all,” Duan Yu replied. After all, Mu Wanqing and I are a man and a woman, he reasoned. I haven’t looked into a mirror for ages, so I can’t have seen myself. And as for seeing Mu Wanqing - why, she’s one woman, not two.

The woman nodded. “You,” she said to Sikong Xuan. “You’ve been a vassal of Lingjiu Palace for quite some time, haven’t you?”

“About... about eight years,” Sikong Xuan replied tremulously.

“And you can’t even recognise my sisters? Can someone like that really be of use to the Tonglao?” the woman snapped. “This year, don’t even dream of getting your hands on the antidote for the Mark of Life and Death.”

Sikong Xuan went a muddy, pale colour. Kneeling on the floor, he kowtowed repeatedly. “Have mercy, Your Greatness, have mercy.”

This old goat’s beard is still alive, Duan Yu thought. Could Mu Wanqing have given him a working antidote instead? Or did Lingjiu Palace give him some miraculous medicine? And what is this antidote to the Mark of Life and Death?

The woman ignored Sikong Xuan. “Take Young Master Duan down,” she said to Xin Shuangqing. “If the Four Brigands kick up a fuss, tell them to take it up with me at Lingjiu Palace on the Misty Peak. You people from the Boundless Cave are responsible for finding those two imposters. The nerve of them! Oh, yes. The two traitors - Gan Guanghao and Ge Guangpei - are to be caught and killed. If you run into my four sisters, tell them to return to Lingjiu Palace on their own. I’m not waiting for them.”

Xin Shuangqing acknowledged her orders, keeping her eyes lowered the whole time. The woman spared not a glance for the rest of the people gathered there, turning her back on them and leaving with her eight followers.

Seeing the nine women leave, Sikong Xuan leapt to his feet and sprinted after them, calling: “Your Greatness, please tell the Tonglao that I have let her down.” He turned and dashed towards the opposite edge, jumping off it and into the Lancang River below.

Everyone cried out in shock and alarm. Sikong Xuan’s disciples ran to the spot from which he had jumped, trying to save their master. But all they saw were the river’s roiling waves. Some tore their clothes, wailing in despair. Those from the Boundless Sword exchanged glances, each looking dispirited.

I am partially responsible for his death, Duan Yu thought, feeling more than a tinge of regret.

Xin Shuangqing pointed at two men from the Boundless Sword. “You and you,” she said. “Help Young Master Duan off this cliff.” The men were called Yu Guangbiao and Wu Guangsheng. They acknowledged their master’s instructions with a sharp bow.

It was with much difficulty and shoving from the two men that Duan Yu finally made his way down to level ground. Taking a deep breath, he made a respectful gong and called out: “Many thanks for your help. I bid you farewell.”

Duan Yu turned his gaze to the peak that the Crocodile God had indicated earlier. It’s going to be even harder for me to get up there. But I don’t suppose these Boundless Sword people will be nice enough to drag me up to the summit. Well, for Miss Mu, I’ve got to try my best.

“Not so fast,” Xin Shuangqing suddenly said. “You’re coming back to the Boundless Cave with me.”

“No, no,” Duan Yu said quickly. “I have urgent matters to settle, and I can’t follow you back. Please excuse me.”

The woman hmphed loudly and gestured with one hand. The two men flanking Duan Yu each grabbed one of his arms, marching him forward.

“Hey, hey, Brother Yu, Brother Wu,” Duan Yu cried. “What have I done to offend you? That lady asked you to bring me down off the mountain, and you have, and I’ve thanked you for it. So what more do you want?”

The men ignored him. Duan Yu had no chance of resisting them, and could merely follow them all the way to the Boundless Cave.

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kpoploverlove15 · 7 years

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100 Korean verbs part.2

Here is the second half of the 100 verbs list.

To start - 시작하다 (si-jag-ha-da)

To end - 끝내다 (kkeut-nae-da)

To thank - 고맙다 (go-mab-da)

To apologize - 사과하다 (sa-gwa-ha-da)

To go - 가다 (ga-da)

To come - 오다 (o-da)

To disappear - 사라지다 (sa-la-ji-da)

To worry - 걱정하다 (geog-jeong-ha-da)

To understand - 이해하다 (i-hae-ha-da)

To know - 알다 (al-da)

To not know - 모르다 (mo-leu-da)

To dance - 춤추다 (chum-chu-da)

To hurt, to ache - 아프다 (a-peu-da)

To be injured, to be hurt - 다치다 (da-chi-da)

To stand up - 일어서다 (il-eo-seo-da)

To leave - 떠나가다 (tteo-na-ga-da)

To return, to get back - 돌아가다 (dol-a-ga-da)

To fear - 무서워하다 (mu-seo-wo-ha-da)

To stop - 그만두다 (geu-man-du-da)

To play - 놀다 (nol-da)

To live - 살다 (sal-da)

To bloom - 피다 (pi-da)

To take away - 가져가다 (ga-jyeo-ga-da)

To do - 하다 (ha-da)

To forgive - 용서하다 (yong-seo-ha-da)

To burn - 타다 (ta-da)

To swallow up - 삼키다 (sam-ki-da)

To follow - 딸라오다 (ttal-la-o-da)

To lie - 거짓말하다 (geo-jit-mal-ha-da)

To beg - 빌다 (bil-da)

To wait - 기다리다 (gi-da-li-da)

To shut one's eyes - 감다 (gam-da)

To find, to look for - 찾다 (chaj-da)

To believe, to trust - 믿다 (mid-da)

To work - 일하다 (il-ha-da)

To raise - 올리다 (ol-li-da)

To shed, to spill, to flow - 흘리다 (heul-li-da)

To send - 보내다 (bo-nae-da)

To study - 공부하다 (gong-bu-ha-da)

To learn - 배우다 (bae-u-da)

To continue - 계속하다 (gye-sog-ha-da)

To congratulate - 축하하다 (chug-ha-ha-da)

To accept, to receive - 받다 (bad-da)

To fill, to fulfill - 채우다 (chae-u-da)

To shut, to close - 닫다 (dad-da)

To open - 열리다 (yeol-li-da)

To sing - 노래하다 (ni-lae-ha-da)

To dig - 파다 (pa-da)

To fall down - 쓰러지다 (sseu-leo-ji-da)

To stay - 모물다 (mo-mul-da)

#learn korean #learning korean #learn languages #learning languages #korean #korean language #language #한국어 #한국

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lesbloggerables · 7 years

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Nirvana in Fire Character Guide

First things first: Nirvana in Fire takes place in a fictional kingdom in about 6th century China. The kingdom in question is Da Liang (sometimes called Great Liang). As was the custom in the olden days, it exists in a state of near-constant warfare with neighbouring lands.

The capital city of Da Liang is called Jinling. That’s where most of the action takes place.

The country is ruled by the Emperor. This dude:

His name is Xiao Xuan, but hardly anyone ever uses it, so that’s not actually super relevant.

The emperor has lots of relatives: grandmother, siblings with their offspring, and children from his various wives. These people are relevant to the plot in different ways, so I’ll give a quick rundown, not in order of their importance. In fact, this whole character list is not in order of importance, since I expect the actual protagonist will only show up somewhere towards the middle ^^

Grand Empress: the emperor’s grandmother. Super old, forgetful, but still likes to be surrounded by young people and cares about all of her grandchildren, though she may not remember who any of them are. Likes giving them sweets and recommending marriage.

Dowager Empress: the emperor’s mother. She’s dead now and only appears in one scene, but that one scene is enough to conclude that she was a piece of work.

Grand Prince Ji: the emperor’s brother. Stays out of politics, prefers music, dancing and drinks.

The Crown Prince, Xiao Jingxuan: the emperor’s eldest surviving son. Really keen to keep his place as Crown Prince and eventually inherit the throne. Engaged in a power struggle with his half-brother Prince Yu, and as such makes sure to recruit supporters to his side. Cultivates a number of ministers in a quid pro quo arrangement. Resides in the Eastern Palace, hence references to his plots as “plots by the Eastern palace.”

Noble Consort Yue: the Crown Prince’s mother, favoured by the emperor for many years, which is one of the main reasons why her son is this high in rank. Manipulative, ruthless and much smarter than her son.

Empress Yan: the emperor’s wife, high in status thanks to her official position but lacking the emperor’s favour. Comes from a very respected family. Has no children of her own and so adopted Prince Yu. Likes power.

Prince Yu, Xiao Jinghuan: the sixth prince and emperor’s other very prominent son, fighting tooth and nail to supplant the Crown Prince and get to the throne. People say he resembles the emperor the most.

Prince Yu’s wife: confusingly calls the empress her “mother,” but that’s just a polite form of address. Her hobbies involve loving Prince Yu and helping the empress plot with him. Her brother is the head of the Review Court, which forms some branch of the judiciary. He’s a useful connection for Prince Yu to have.

Marquis Yan, Yan Que: the empress’s brother. Used to be great friends with the emperor in his youth, still very influential in court when he bothers to make an appearance, which is rarely.

Yan Yujin: the son of Marquis Yan, so the empress’s nephew. A wealthy youth with an amiable disposition and without a particular occupation, not bad at martial arts. Is into music and courtly gossip.

Concubine Jing: one of the emperor’s low-ranked concubines. Very mild and calm. Is a skilled doctor. Hobbies include making herbal concoctions and being more perceptive than people give her credit for. Mother of Prince Jing.

Prince Jing, Xiao Jingyan: a low-ranking prince, out of favour with his father the emperor. Has spent many years in functional exile on military campaigns. Known for his stubbornness and temper; unbending in his views on right and wrong. Dislikes scheming and strategists, because he blames the death of his childhood best friend, Lin Shu, and his beloved elder brother Prince Qi on a schemers’ plot.

Lin Shu, often referred to as xiao-Shu: Prince Jing’s childhood best friend and young marshal of the Chiyan army. One of the many people implicated in the rebellion case involving this army twelve years ago and sentenced to death for treason. Related to the imperial family through his mother, one of emperor’s sisters.

Grand Princess Jinyang: Lin Shu’s mother, the emperor’s sister. Committed suicide twelve years ago, once she learned her husband and son were executed for treason.

Lin Xie: Lin Shu’s father and Princess Jinyang’s husband. Commander of the Chiyan army, accused of rebellion and executed for treason.

Consort Chen, Lin Yueyao: Lin Xie’s sister. Married the emperor and was favoured by him. Best friends/all but sisters with Concubine Jing. Mother of Prince Qi. Committed suicide after his death.

Prince Qi, Xiao Jingyu: now-dead former Crown Prince. Implicated in the Chiyan rebellion case and forced to drink poison in his prison cell twelve years ago.

Consort Hui: yet another of the emperor’s many consorts and concubines. Timid and bullied by the empress. Prince Jingting’s mother.

Prince Ning, Xiao Jingting: a low-ranked prince. Due to unspecified health problems, is not fit to rule, so he’s out of the running for the throne. Not involved in politics.

For the record, the emperor has a few more wives and sons who are even less relevant to the plot and aren’t worth mentioning.

Grand Princess Liyang: the emperor’s sister, still alive. Lives fairly quietly and focuses mostly on her family. Thinks a lot more than she says. Married to Marquis Ning, has three children with him.

Marquis Ning, Xie Yu: prominent military man, commander of the Capital Patrols, which is basically an army responsible for order in the city. Trusted by the emperor. Has managed to maintain the appearance of impartiality in the power struggle between the Crown Prince and Prince Yu, but in actual fact he’s one of the main forces shoring up the Crown Prince’s side.

Xie Bi: the younger son of Xie Yu and Princess Liyang. Unwitting of his father’s allegiances, supports Prince Yu.

Xiao Jingrui: Xie Bi’s elder brother, the firstborn son of Xie Yu and Princess Liyang. Pretty great at martial arts, sensitive and loyal. Best friends with Yan Yujin.

His story involves complex not-quite-switched-at-birth shenanigans, so it’s unclear which family he’s related to by blood: the one of Xie Yu and Princess Liyang, or the Zhuos, a family of prominent martial arts experts. Since his birth name is unclear, the emperor gave him his own last name (Xiao). The emperor also decreed that both families should share him, which they amiably do. This has brought the families so close that now Jingrui’s younger sister from the Xie side, Xie Qi:

... is marrying Jingrui’s elder brother from the Zhuo side, Zhuo Qingyao:

Zhuo Dingfeng is Qingyao’s dad and Jingrui’s other father. He heads the very influential martial arts sect called the Tianquan Manor.

He and his family are part of the so-called pugilist world/jianghu, meaning the world of Chinese martial arts experts. This world operates outside normal society, but happenings in it are still known in the capital, since the martial experts are renowned for their badassery and useful to those who can strike an accord with them. The Tianquan Manor is one of the two powerful plot-relevant sects.

The other one is the Jiangzuo Alliance.

The head of the Jiangzuo Alliance is Mei Changsu, who is the actual protagonist of this story.

Despite his leadership of a powerful martial arts sect, he knows no martial arts himself and is physically frail. Also very clever. He engages in wearing lovely fur cloaks, ignoring his doctors’ orders and plotting from behind an impeccable poker face.

Fei Liu: Mei Changsu’s young and super loyal bodyguard. Exceptionally talented at martial arts. Is into protecting Mei Changsu, eating melons and arranging flowers.

Li Gang: Mei Changsu’s second-in-command, kind of. Runs his household and take care of a lot of things. Very loyal. Spends a lot of time worrying about Mei Changsu’s health.

Zhen Ping: a badass martial arts expert, part of the Jiangzuo Alliance.

Uncle Thirteen: a composer by day, a Jiangzuo Alliance spy master by night. From an entertainment house in the capital called the Miao Yin Court, runs a web of information that feeds back to Mei Changsu, with no one being the wiser.

Gong Yu: a renowned music performer working with Uncle Thirteen, both on the music and on the spying. Is also part of the Jiangzuo Alliance.

Tong Lu: another person working for the Jiangzuo Alliance. Pretends to be a harmless vegetable vendor, is actually delivering lots of information to Uncle Thirteen.

Mei Changsu is also friends with Lin Chen, this dude:

He excels at knowing things, healing people and shit-stirring.

He is the head of Langya Hall, meaning a kind of ancient Google. The people who work there collect and store all possible information, to then dish out to requesters for a price. They also publish annual lists of the awesomest fighters, most beautiful ladies, greatest scholars, etc.

Mu Nihuang: everyone refers to her as a princess, but she’s not actually the emperor’s daughter. She comes from the influential House of Mu in the Yunnan province and commands an army of 100,000 men, all very loyal to her. Her army defends Da Liang from an enemy country to the south, Southern Chu. As a young girl, she was betrothed to Lin Shu, and technically still is, but only because nobody bothered to break the engagement after his death.

Mu Qing: Nihuang’s younger brother, whom she practically raised. Adores his sister.

Meng Zhi: the commander of the Imperial Guards (basically, in charge of protecting the emperor) and the best fighter in the kingdom. Served in the Chiyan army for a while, but was transferred out before the shit hit the fan.

Lie Zhanying: Prince Jing’s second-in-command. Accompanied him on many a military campaign.

Qin Banruo: Prince Yu’s strategist. Clever, beautiful and ruthless. Maintains a spy network through a pleasure house she runs. Inherited the spy network from her teacher.

Duke Qing: an influential military dude and a major supporter of Prince Yu. At the very start of the show he’s already embroiled in a scandal over lands he has unlawfully appropriated, and the Crown Prince’s side is happily digging his grave so as to deprive Prince Yu of this powerful ally.

Xia Jiang: head of the Xuanjing Bureau, which is like the FBI? except if the FBI were loyal only and exclusively to the emperor. The bureau and its members pointedly take no part in the princes’ fight for the throne. The emperor places a huge amount of trust in Xia Jiang.

Xia Dong: an executive officer at the Xuanjing Bureau, a pupil of Xia Jiang. A badass investigator. Still loyal to the memory of her husband, Nie Feng, whose death via betrayal was one of the early acts in the Chiyan army rebellion case.

Xia Qiu and Xia Chun: two other major officers of the Xuanjing Bureau, also Xia Jiang’s disciples. Luckily, it’s not important to keep track of which is which.

Gao Sheng: the city magistrate who gets to investigate, like, crime in general:

Constable Zhang, the magistrate’s assistant:

Shen Zhui: a Ministry of Finance/Revenue official with a good head on his shoulders. It’s worth remembering him.

Cai Quan: a Justice Ministry official with a lot of feelings about justice. It’s worth remembering this one, also.

There’s also a whole bunch of ministers of whom we may as well keep track, though honestly it’s not always necessary:

Luo Zhijing, Minister of Finance/Revenue: supports the Crown Prince.

Qi Min, Minister of Justice: supports Prince Yu.

He Jingzhong, Minister of Personnel: supports Prince Yu.

Chen Yuanzhi, Minister of Rites: supports the Crown Prince.

Li Len, Minister of Defence/Martial Affairs: supports the Crown Prince.

Minister of Public Works: supports Prince Yu. (Apparently does it discretely enough that I don’t recall seeing him on screen ^^)

Minister Liu Cheng from the Grand Secretariat: stays out of the princes’ fight for the throne.

His granddaughter, Miss Liu, becomes relevant at one point:

Then there are the foreign powers:

Da Yu: an enemy kingdom, historically the biggest enemy of Da Liang, though they haven’t been any trouble for the last 12 years. They suffered a crushing defeat all those years back and have been sitting in relative quiet. We don’t trust them tho.

Hua kingdom: it no longer exists, because it was defeated by and assimilated into Da Liang some time ago. Some members of the Hua tribe are still cross about this. Notable personalities from there include the two now-deceased princesses, Princess Linglong and especially Princess Xuanji, who plotted fiercely for the kingdom’s resurgence.

Northern Yan: an enemy kingdom. Their previously unexceptional Sixth Prince was recently named the Crown Prince to the surprise of everyone around. The assumption is that some very clever strategist helped him onto the throne.

This warrior, Baili Qi, is from there:

As is this dude whose name I don’t know. He’s an official/diplomatic representative from Northern Yan:

Southern Chu: yet another enemy kingdom. Some 20 years ago, the prince of this kingdom was held as a hostage in Da Liang. He went back since and became the ruler. There are constant wars/skirmishes on that border, and Nihuang’s troops in the province of Yunnan keep them in line.

Duke/Prince Ling, Wen Xian is from there.

As is Princess Nian Nian, the ruler’s daughter.

There are of course more characters, but their identities are less confusing/less important to the plot, and I had to draw the line somewhere ^^ Hopefully, this already helps!

#nirvana in fire #lang ya bang #琅琊榜 #nirvana in fire character guide #this took a lot longer than i expected #hopefully this is accurate on all counts #some of those ministers were a pain to chase down #if there are things to fix please feel free to let me know!

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