cuckoo-among-beasts

[cuckoo-among-beasts]

I began watching K-Pop Demon Hunters the other day, still haven't finished it (watched like 2/3). I might finish it eventually. It's an ok movie, but I kind of expected more with how much I've heard about it. Feels like it's just overhyped, imo, that it gets most of the "omg it's so good" just because it has k-pop in it.

If you like it, good for you, but it wasn't really my thing.

Love Derpy, though.

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"I've learned to not judge someone by their appearance, so when I noticed you didn't do anything with the intent to destroy, I thought it would be best for everyone if we talked first." Fighting a dragon is not an easy thing and could've cost many lives. Huaisang would prefer to avoid that.

Huaisang washed up and changed as fast as he could, wanting to return to his guest. Once he did, he was dressed in three layers of flowing robes in greens and greys with gold accessories adorning his body. The Nie Sect Leader was truly a sight to behold, almost like a heavenly being stepping out from a painting.

"Sorry for the wait," he said and walked over to a stone bench where he sat down. "You're allowed to change form again, just... keep it at an appropriate size, please," he said with a light chuckle, like he could almost read Sephiroth's mind. "This is my private garden. No one will come here without my approval, not even servants." it was his little haven, together with his aviary.

When his magic was called impressive the dragon returned the smile. "It's really just manipulation of my element with some illusion sprinkled on." Sephiroth said and they rode on. He listened intently to the sect leader, very curious to learn about these particular humans and what they do.

"So you're guardians of this land." That made sense as why they would come seeking him if his winds had been a danger to their people. "I'm very lucky you are kind and wanted to talk, things could've went badly if you hadn't." Sephiroth meaning that he could've been badly hurt or even killed by the cultivators, unaware that nearly all of them were thinking that he could kill them all at any time. He likely could but he held no malice in his heart and didn't want to harm humans.

The name of the province seemed to be unfamiliar to the dragon, he had been asleep for a long time so the land must have changed a few times since he was last around. They continued through the gates and Sephiroth was very interested in seeing so many people. When they waved he waved back but realizing that they were doing so to Huaisang he stopped and focused on riding, a bit sad they didn't want to greet him.

In the private garden he hopped off his horse and upon placing his hand on it's head it poofed back into clouds and dispersed back into the sky. When told to wait in the garden Sephiroth nodded. "I will stay here." He agreed. Though once alone he did explore the garden, wanting to have a closer look at all the plants and flowers that were new to him and giving them a sniff. The dragon was itching to go back to his normal form but stayed human as he wasn't sure where he was allowed to change.

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Rubbing his eyes, Huaisang then folded his leg more properly and accepted the food and water. "Thank you, daozhang." Taking a few sips of water, which was heavenly. "Tired, but better. Calmer. My memory of yesterday is a little blurry. I hope I didn't cause too much trouble." This Huaisang is much more well-spoken and he bows a little to show politeness, although with food and water in his hand, the bow is a little clumsy.

"Did the Wens trouble you while I slept?" He doubted it or he would've been dragged out and taken back to Nightless City. Huaisang had no clue that Xie Lian wasn't just an ordinary daozhang and could defend them both against the Wen cultivators, had they stepped by.

Taking one of the buns, he nibbled on it, not having much of an appetite, which isn't odd considering yesterday. Food was needed, though, so he ate anyway.

"Thank you for your hospitality. I will wash up and then be on my way. The longer I linger, the higher the risk you and this village will get attacked." Huaisang just hoped he would reach Qinghe before the Went sect found him. He wasn't a good fighter and he had no sabre nor a fan. If they found him, he would get taken or slaughtered and he knew it, but as much as he preferred to be sheltered and seen as useless, he wasn't about to let these innocent people get hurt due to him.

 Xie Lian chuckled a little awkwardly and waved the apology away. “No need to apologize!” I’m actually the one who needs apologizing, but what he doesn’t know can’t hurt him, right? He thought. “And there is no need to thank me either, just rest and I will make sure you’re cared for until you feel better.”

As Huaisang settled and fell asleep, Xie Lian grabbed some bowl with water and a piece of cloth, kneeling down with the fever ridden young man and cleaned his head from the fever signs.

Xie Lian would do his chores and repeated the care through out the day. As the other one finally woke up, Xie Lian was fixing up his altar and by then he also had some offerings that he could offer to Huaisang. Knowing now that he couldn’t give him his creations. It was the same with his mother’s cooking, not to this extreme, but it looked like this talent was one he inherited from her.

He gave the other a nod as he woke and instantly came over to offer him some water to drink and a plate of steamed buns. “These are fresh, the water and the buns.” He gave the other a gentle smile. “How are you feeling?”

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Everything with Hua Cheng was wonderful: the conversations, the silent presence, the hugs, the kisses, intimacy, even just lying sleepily in bed with him. Huaisang had never imagined he could enjoy every aspect of someone like this. So, yes, he did indeed make it harder for him to leave, even though he knew he had to and wouldn't actually try to stop him.

"You too, and I'll try to behave." If he didn't, would the Ghost King know and come and save him? Perhaps that's something he should eventually try, but this time, he would behave for Hua Cheng's sake.

The look of awe Nie had at the gift had him smiling fondly. Maybe cultivator's and heavenly officials have come to fear butterflies because of him. It was nice that this one liked his gift. Then instead of a thank you the ghost king was pulled into a kiss. Unexpected but he returned it without hesitation. He pulls the other man close as he kisses him deeply, Hua Cheng was a very passionate man that could steal one's breath away with his kiss.

When he did part from Huaisang's lips he chuckled lightly. "Making it even harder for me to leave, hm?~" He whispered with a smirk. "I'm going to give you so much trouble when I return." The ghost king playfully threatened with a chuckle. "Be safe my dear, I'll return soon."

[cuckoo-among-beasts]

R.I.P Freddy (21/12/2010 - 19/8/2025)

I wish I could've said goodbye, got a last little kiss, but at least you're not in pain anymore and got to go peacefully at the vet. I love you, my little dude.

I'm sorry you could never join me back to the UK, even when you tried to hide in my suitcase and I'm sorry I caused you to get sad and look for me each time I left. Thank you for all the laughs and cuddles. You were my sister's dog, but you have a very special place in my heart.

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Huaisang chuckles, well, it sounded more like giggling. "You'd think they'd bring out the best wine for an occasion like this, but Jin-zongzhu is too cheap for that." Not only was the wine not the best he knew they had, but he think that those on the lower level of seating got it watered down. What kind of host did that? "Not that it can compare to anything made in Qinghe," Huaisang added, clearly proud of his home area.

Before he can answer, Wei Wuxian was already drinking and his reaction made him smile. "Of course, da-ge isn't here to stop me." With that, he took the jug, drinking just as much as his friend. Many would assume Huaisang couldn't drink this kind of stronger wine, but for having a rather small build, he could handle his liquor well. Not as well as Wei Wuxian, but his drinking abilities was almost supernatural.

Looking at his friend, he continued to smile, passing the jug back to him. "There's a little more secluded area this way. Not far, just a corner hidden by bamboo that no one really uses." Of course Huaisang knows all the hiding places, even in Jinlintai.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry for what I said. No hard feelings alright. I'll give you my company, as we drink." Wei Wuxian didn't mean for his words to come off as if he was suspicious of Huaisang. Not at all, this was his friend and he kinda was just sort of teasing the other. He hadn't expected his words to be taken so seriously.

So he finally took hold of the jug and held it up, admiring it for a few brief moments. "This is going to be so great! Compared to what they had inside, I know this is going to be waaaaaaay better." Wei Wuxian grinned and than proceeded to rub the jug up against his cheek. Quick to realize how he was acting, he proceeded to open it up.

"Alright, so you want to take the first sip or shall I do that honor. You know what, i'll do it." So without another word, he took a few gulps before handing it over to Huaisang. "Ahhhh, that is GOOD! Your turn. And not small sips, take a great big drink. I'll be your company for awhile before I need to head off."

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"It's the truth! I was never meant to become the sect leader, but my older brother died early without an heir." Without knowing it, Huaisang had answered one of the General's questions. "I fear that my sect has declined due to me, but I'm doing my best." Not really the truth, but also not a lie and after Jin Guangyao's death, Huaisang had begun to strengthen the Nie Sect again. Slowly, but surely.

"No. No, that would be very bad. If someone from here came to my time..." Once again, Huaisang starts wringing his hand, all nerves. "They could destroy everything." Based on his shallow breathing and slightly distant gaze, it seems like the man is imagining the destruction of his home, and he is. Of course, it is all an act. He knows that no one will come through. His home isn't threatened, but he's not about to let Jing Yuan know that. Not yet.

Opening his fan, cooling himself down and having something to do without wringing his hands, Huaisang tries to calm down again. "I-I'm sorry. I'm really not a strong man. I apologise for being a burden for you, General." Well, that was actually true, he is indeed sorry for causing trouble.

Stay at rest?

"Ah, well, there is the mara-struck but--we... we'll circle back to that at a later date."

No need to frighten the poor man than he needs to. He was already like a skittish cat. Yet like nearly all Outworlders it is difficult for Huaisang to wrap his head around someone looking as young as Jing Yuan does but being anything but. It causes the general to chuckle good-naturedly.

"Er-no need to speak so poorly of yourself, my good fellow." How did a man like this end up being a leader of anything? He probably got trampled all over by others if he was always this meek. Not that it was necessarily a bad personality to have, but for a job like that... Jing Yuan didn't feel the stranger was cut out for it.

"Well, on our end, we shall keep searching. After all, can't have a time-travel anomaly just floating around for anyone to fall into, you know!" he attempted to joke.

[cuckoo-among-beasts]

Huaisang is still awake and well, so don't worry. However, I've just got a new muse that hit me quick and hard. Can't remember last time a muse hit me this fast and just sucker punched me in the face, so, Huaisang, like Nathanael and my superhero muses, will go back to being weekend only and I will then queue my replies. I will still check DMs though

For anyone wondering about the muse, it's Anaxagoras from HSR (link to his trailer), and yes, I'm behind in the story since I haven't found Amphoreus that enjoyable before (no spoilers if any of you are up to date).

[cuckoo-among-beasts]

Everyone stared at the newly created horse. None of them had ever seen something like this before, clouds turning into an animal. Yes, the horse looked odd if you gave it more than a glance, but not so odd it would be suspicious. Huaisang chuckled, smile widening a little and his green eyes sparkling with mirth.

"Impressive," he said, honestly meaning it. Some of his men nodded in agreement and a couple looked a bit scared, which was understandable. Who knew what power the dragon had when he could turn clouds into a horse?

"I am, yes. I'm the sect leader of Qinghe Nie. Qinghe is the name of this province, the area and Nie is the family name of those related to me by blood," he tried to explain, not sure how much Sepiroth might know. "We hunt ghost, ghouls, monsters, walking corpses and so on. Anything that are a threat to people. At least within Qinghe. Other sects take care of other areas." More politics than so was unnecessary.

Soon enough, they were by the gate, barely needing to slow down before it opened to allow them all inside the first courtyard. The guards in the tower having recognised Huaisang and the men he brought.

A few stable hands came out to take care of the horses. Nie Shuchang handled the disciples they had brought while Huaisang and Sepiroth could just continue further into the Impure Realm.

As they walked through courtyards, disciples and servants bowed to Huaisang and gave them all soft smiles, trying not to seem impatient, but all he wanted was to get to the northern courtyard, which was the private Nie family area. With few people left in the family, Huaisang almost had it for himself.

Eventually, they reached it and Huaisang's private garden. "Would you mind waiting out here while I change?" He wanted to put on something that was not meant for riding.

He tilted his head when asked if he could ride and looked to the horse Nie was on then at the others. "It would appear strange if I'm the only one walking. Let me just-..." Sephiroth raise his hand to the sky and swirled it in a circle, using his wind to guide down some clouds. With another swoop the clouds were formed into a general horse shape until the dragon was happy with it then the clouds became a spectral horse. When Sephiroth reached out to touch it's head it took on a solid form, looking like a white horse dusted with grey specks and had a pale brown saddle and reins.

The dragon smiled brightly with his magic and climbed onto the horse. The horse seemed to have a blank stare, with no thoughts or life, this was an artificial temporary creation. Now on his own horse he blended in with the group perfectly and followed along.

"So you are a leader of a clan? And you hunt spirits?" Sephiroth questioned as they rode side by side.

[cuckoo-among-beasts]

Hello,

Im not dead, just had a bit of a week. Hopefully, I'll be back here tomorrow.

[cuckoo-among-beasts]

AND THE STRENGTH TO BREAK THE CHAINS THAT BIND US. an independent, dash-only, private & selective roleplay blog for nata from monster hunter wilds. includes verses and aus for pokemon, httyd, and more. penned lovingly by neon. est. march 2025. || CARRD. || BLOG. || PINNED POST.

[cuckoo-among-beasts]

Multimuse superhero rp blog. Sideblog to goodheartedfool and written by Veri. Low activity.

Previously found on: nerdybirdboy, heroprogeny, concertedlysuper & hightechgenius

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I will be on Nat's blog (and my superhero mumu sideblog) this evening.

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Got myself a MDZS/CQL notebook. It's been on my wishlist for about 2 years. Wish there had been any Qinghe Nie ones or one for LXC, but there wasn't, so Jiang Wanyin and Yunmeng Jiang it is.

Got some freebie cards too. Not sure what to do with them, since I'm not really into the canon main ship. I love mdzs for the side characters mainly 😅🤣

And ignore my fat, ugly fingers.

[cuckoo-among-beasts]

Huaisang looked a little surprise when he saw the dragon's human form this time. The outfit had changed, making it look more like the ones he and his disciples wore. Good, because the previous outfit would've looked... odd. "It is suitable," he replied and nodded, looking over the man once more. "Do you know how to ride?" If not, he would have to ride with someone. Huaisang isn't tall enough to have the man in front of him and having him behind him didn't feel safe.

"Nothing. They will not ask. I am the Sect Leader." Had he not said that? Maybe he had forgotten to mention it or maybe Sephiroth didn't know what kind of power that brought? The guards would simply open the gate and let them in, recognising their Sect Leader and not wanting him to wait.

Sephiroth enjoyed the ride and seeing the land from ground level, it was quite beautiful and very different from the mountains. He wondered how much he had missed out on while slumbering and wondered if he would've continued to sleep if he hadn't been unintentionally woken up. He stayed on the sect leader's shoulders until he was told he had to transform. The little dragon wiggled free and made a big leap, before hitting the ground there was a poof of white smoke like a cloud and Sephiroth stood in his human form beside Nie's horse.

His clothes this time were a bit different than before, mimicking the style of what he had seen of the cultivators were wearing. The colors still mainly being black, white and silver. His long silver hair partially pinned up similarly to the others. "Is this suitable, Huaisang?" He asked and proceeded to walk beside him. "What will you tell the people in the guard towers?"

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"That's good," Huaisang replied, smiling at the little purring sound. How cute. He noticed the air changing too and he guessed that was the small dragon too. Small now, at least. The true form of him must he rather big.

"Sephiroth..." That was not a name he had ever heard of, so the dragon must indeed have slumbered for a long time. "Thank you, it means 'cherish' and 'mulberry tree'," he explained. "I like yours too."

As they rode, they chatted a little, but the ride wasn't too long and they soon neared, Bujing Shi, the Impure Real and the Nie Sect's residence. "You need to transform now. After the next bend in the road, the guard towers will be able to see us."

"I will take my human form when you say so. I will be secret dragon." He said with a rumbling little purr, a gentle warm breeze would pick up around them as Nie had mounted onto the horse and they started their journey to the sect house.

The tail that was idly swishing stilled as he thought, it had been awhile since he had been around anyone who had used his name. "My name is Sephiroth, before I slumbered mortals called me the spirit of the northern wind. I feel I've been asleep for a long time, maybe a couple centuries..." He said and his tail resumed it's cheerful swishing. "Huaisang is a very pretty name."

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I have 0 threads with angst going on. I need this to be fixed. I love my angsty stuff. It's a huge therapeutic outlet.