former-general-geshu-lin

[former-general-geshu-lin]

Aight, this is quite long and I'm still finishing the lore and how it'll connect to canon, so this is just the basics.

For reference, an image of what they look like (half body shot):

> Xing Yue, Midnight Rangers' Head Nurse

> She's roughly in her early 30's

> Part of the Midnight Rangers since she was 13, serving the General before Geshu Lin took over the title

> Isn't picky about her own medicine, but will try to make her more herbaceous ones taste good so the soldiers are willing to take it

> Resonator of the Spectro element, with a Tacet mark placement right where her heart is located, symbolising how every kind act she had done came from her very body.

> Enjoys the night underneath a constellation of stars while keeping guard of the tents with Geshu Lin

> She has seen the horrors of a brutal war over and over, which had caused her to be fiercely protective of those younger than her (most notably Jiyan)

(Alright, I’ll keep this for future reference. Thank you for the extra information!)

[former-general-geshu-lin]

The former general makes a rather disgruntled expression, uncrossing his arms in favor of gesturing to the rain around them with a sigh.

“My knowledge on the matter is, admittedly, limited. All I know for certain is that normally phantoms can only repeat moments that happened in the past, like replaying a hologram.” When Geshu Lin was alive, there was little research on the nature of the phantoms, and he hadn’t taken a particular interest in the rain anyway. He had no idea he himself would end up tied to it like this…

“In comparison, I can have new interactions, that’s what sets me apart. Other than that, I assume there aren’t many differences.” He elaborated, recrossing his arms as he leveled Kaito with his gaze, observing him for any further questions.

[The sky is grey with a promise of a potential downpour. A tall young man with black and blue hair can be seen practicing his swordsmanship, seemingly unaware of the change in weather.]

[His face is covered with a thin layer of sweat. Brows furrowed in concentration, the man goes through a few different sword forms, before weaving all of them into different combinations of attacks, unwavering in accuracy and speed.]

[He goes on for a while before he feels a drop of rain on his nose, snapping him out of his focus, which is shortly followed by many others. Letting out a tired sigh, he sheathes his swords, and swiftly gathers his belongings to leave. At that moment, as though time is being reversed, the raindrops begin falling upwards.]

“Retroact rain huh…haven’t seen those in a while.” the man muses to himself, looking up at the dark clouds.

[Sensing a presence a few feet away behind him, his swords are in his hands in the blink of an eye as he simultaneously turns around to face the presence, eyes trained on the presence for any sudden movement.]

~ @nautical-wildcard

[[To mod: Hiiii!! Love the way u write :D]]

As is the usual effect of the mysterious rain, occasional phantoms flicker into view for fleeting moments before vanishing again. One such phantom however, does not.

Geshu Lin silently phases back into the waking world, shaking off the lethargy of being in an insentient state for however much time has passed since the last rain. He has yet to decide if it is a blessing or a curse that his consciousness remains trapped in the fragments of himself left behind here. He’s leaning towards curse.

Taking a glance around, he sees a young man in front of him, who wields his blades immediately upon perceiving the phantom. Geshu Lin only stares back for a moment before speaking.

“…although it is good to be ready to fight, holding your weapon against me is rather pointless. I suggest that you don’t linger here longer than necessary especially now that the rain has started.” He looks back at the desolate surroundings as if to demonstrate his words, even if he didn’t doubt this man’s capabilities, it was still unwise to stick around.

[former-general-geshu-lin]

"Base camp..." She kinda knew what he meant but she was unsure. She narrowed her eyes in thought. She knows the closest base camp to here was in the area Norfall Pass, she's only be there like twice onc from the Act VI main quest and twice while hunting down exiles with Rover.

"Do you mean the one in the area of the Norfall Pass?" She prompted to make sure she wasn't thinking of the wrong one.

@teen-from-another-world/ Ying 🌸 Anon

“Yes, I can hardly think of another camp that would fit the description.” Geshu Lin answered curtly, glancing around the area that surrounded the beacon they were currently by.

“Once we get there, explain your situation to one of the recruits, they will send you to the city.” He explained, turning and heading in the direction of the camp, it was a bit further of a walk than the one to the beacon had been.

[former-general-geshu-lin]

It's early morning, Geshu Lin fell asleep accidentally on Jiyan's lap

[former-general-geshu-lin]

Throughout the physical examination, Geshu Lin does his best to not protest having the small child seated on his lap, though it is odd to be reduced to a chair of some sort, it isn’t the worst situation to be in so the general keeps complaints to a minimum.

Though he himself has no interest in specific medical terminology, having the boy’s conditions explained to him formed a better sense of understanding about the predicament.

The child’s squirming, however, is irritating and Geshu is thankful for the existence of sugar pearls because apparently they work wonders on restless children.

Hearing the medic’s observations, he furrows his brows and casts a skeptical look to the boy in his lap who looks back up at him with earnest confusion.

“Do these… lumps, show signs of potential development or are they in a state of dormancy? And if so, will they harm him?” Geshu prompts with a small frown, looking back up to the medics. He wasn’t a researcher, nor a doctor, it mattered little what the origin of the anomalies were, only that a child didn’t die for no real reason.

“The academy is likely a better place than here in any case, we cannot keep children on base regardless of their… unique circumstances.” The general affirms sternly, his golden eyes flickering back to the small head of white hair against his chest.

((Hi hi, this is my first time doing a rp so sorry if i'm a bit awkward 😭))

A few soldiers found a boy today.

Normally, that shouldn't be too much of a big deal, orphaned children weren't uncommon in war zones. They normally got treated before being sent to Jinzhou, where they were registered into an orphanage.

But this one?

He was frail, small and timid. But oddly agile. Because as soon as one of the medics took him to the infirmary to get a check-up, the medical equipment plus the overwhelming environment scared him and caused the boy to run off.

It was a wild goose chase, no one seemed to be able to catch the boy or convince him that there was nothing to be scared about. Not even Jiyan himself succeeded.

But when Geshu Lin got involved, the boy, who was currently hiding behind a small crevice that no else could get in, shuffled out rather quickly.

He eyes the tall man before him curiously, before holding out his hand and saying:

"Daddy...?"

((Pulls up with the 'found family' card on my fav characters))

-Akano

Geshu Lin had been walking while reading some reports on military shipments from Jinzhou when a small voice caused him to pause, raising a brow as he looked past the reports to see a tiny and rather frail child staring up at him with large, innocent eyes and holding out a minuscule hand.

He stared back quite intensely, the word ‘daddy’ ringing in his head before he frowned. “….I am not your father. What on earth are you doing here?” He asked critically, his attention completely diverted from the reports.

Apparently the soldiers had failed to inform him that they had found a random child.

[former-general-geshu-lin]

Geshu Lin listened to the young man’s explanation as to why he asked the initial question with reserved silence. He couldn’t argue with the points stated, and therefore chose to only arch a brow in reply. Kaito had remarkable observation skills.

“Hm. I retain memories from this form because I am sentient, unlike typical phantoms from the rain I am not restricted to things that occurred in the past— so yes, I don’t forget things once the rain stops, but I don’t ‘exist’ until the rain begins again.” Geshu added, sharing what little he knew of his current ‘condition’ in comparison to the effects of the retroact rain. His consciousness remained trapped, so to speak, so it was capable of forming new memories.

[The sky is grey with a promise of a potential downpour. A tall young man with black and blue hair can be seen practicing his swordsmanship, seemingly unaware of the change in weather.]

[His face is covered with a thin layer of sweat. Brows furrowed in concentration, the man goes through a few different sword forms, before weaving all of them into different combinations of attacks, unwavering in accuracy and speed.]

[He goes on for a while before he feels a drop of rain on his nose, snapping him out of his focus, which is shortly followed by many others. Letting out a tired sigh, he sheathes his swords, and swiftly gathers his belongings to leave. At that moment, as though time is being reversed, the raindrops begin falling upwards.]

“Retroact rain huh…haven’t seen those in a while.” the man muses to himself, looking up at the dark clouds.

[Sensing a presence a few feet away behind him, his swords are in his hands in the blink of an eye as he simultaneously turns around to face the presence, eyes trained on the presence for any sudden movement.]

~ @nautical-wildcard

[[To mod: Hiiii!! Love the way u write :D]]

As is the usual effect of the mysterious rain, occasional phantoms flicker into view for fleeting moments before vanishing again. One such phantom however, does not.

Geshu Lin silently phases back into the waking world, shaking off the lethargy of being in an insentient state for however much time has passed since the last rain. He has yet to decide if it is a blessing or a curse that his consciousness remains trapped in the fragments of himself left behind here. He’s leaning towards curse.

Taking a glance around, he sees a young man in front of him, who wields his blades immediately upon perceiving the phantom. Geshu Lin only stares back for a moment before speaking.

“…although it is good to be ready to fight, holding your weapon against me is rather pointless. I suggest that you don’t linger here longer than necessary especially now that the rain has started.” He looks back at the desolate surroundings as if to demonstrate his words, even if he didn’t doubt this man’s capabilities, it was still unwise to stick around.

[former-general-geshu-lin]

She was concerned about his expression, she hates seeing people upset or angry. She thought about changing the subject, but what to?

"I wish it was a certain length of time, but sadly it's an unspecified period of time." She let out a sad sigh.

-Ying 🌸 Anon

“…In that case, the best thing you can do at the moment is indeed to get to the city.” Geshu Lin reiterated with a huff. Though it dawned on him that if the girl wasn’t from this world, then she wouldn’t have a pangu terminal so travel by resonance beacon was essentially a futile endeavor.

He clenched his jaw in thought as his brow twitched in irritation before he sharply turned around. “In order to do that, you’ll have to go to the base camp, as I doubt the beacons will be of any use to you.”

[former-general-geshu-lin]

The former general’s brows knit together in mild confusion at the question, blinking at the inquiry with mild judgement and uncertainty. Of all the things Geshu Lin had expected, a question pertaining to Jiyan was not it.

Still, he answered with begrudging skepticism. “I would not go as far as to call us friends.” He supplied simply, elaborating on that notion would just be providing unnecessary detail. Besides, their relationship was complicated.

[The sky is grey with a promise of a potential downpour. A tall young man with black and blue hair can be seen practicing his swordsmanship, seemingly unaware of the change in weather.]

[His face is covered with a thin layer of sweat. Brows furrowed in concentration, the man goes through a few different sword forms, before weaving all of them into different combinations of attacks, unwavering in accuracy and speed.]

[He goes on for a while before he feels a drop of rain on his nose, snapping him out of his focus, which is shortly followed by many others. Letting out a tired sigh, he sheathes his swords, and swiftly gathers his belongings to leave. At that moment, as though time is being reversed, the raindrops begin falling upwards.]

“Retroact rain huh…haven’t seen those in a while.” the man muses to himself, looking up at the dark clouds.

[Sensing a presence a few feet away behind him, his swords are in his hands in the blink of an eye as he simultaneously turns around to face the presence, eyes trained on the presence for any sudden movement.]

~ @nautical-wildcard

[[To mod: Hiiii!! Love the way u write :D]]

As is the usual effect of the mysterious rain, occasional phantoms flicker into view for fleeting moments before vanishing again. One such phantom however, does not.

Geshu Lin silently phases back into the waking world, shaking off the lethargy of being in an insentient state for however much time has passed since the last rain. He has yet to decide if it is a blessing or a curse that his consciousness remains trapped in the fragments of himself left behind here. He’s leaning towards curse.

Taking a glance around, he sees a young man in front of him, who wields his blades immediately upon perceiving the phantom. Geshu Lin only stares back for a moment before speaking.

“…although it is good to be ready to fight, holding your weapon against me is rather pointless. I suggest that you don’t linger here longer than necessary especially now that the rain has started.” He looks back at the desolate surroundings as if to demonstrate his words, even if he didn’t doubt this man’s capabilities, it was still unwise to stick around.

[former-general-geshu-lin]

Is there someone that you might have been romantically interested in before everything transpired? Were you always so cold or was there a time when you were more relaxed?

Geshu Lin creased his brows together at the questions, finding them to be a tad annoying to answer, but he had little else to occupy himself with anyway.

“I had no time for romance, it would have only served as a distraction and an unnecessary concern to have…” He narrowed his eyes in thought again. “I don’t recall a time when I was ‘relaxed.’ You get more things done when you are strict with yourself.”

[former-general-geshu-lin]

Geshu Lin watches her go, very quick on her feet. Well, at least she’d be able to outrun most Tacet Discords…

He then went back to idly drifting through the rain, waiting until it eventually stopped.

A pink-haired child < @sciurus-lucens > roams the Desorock Highland, searching for something as she picks up rocks and puts most back down after a few seconds.

" No... no... Workable but low quality... "

Busied with her task, she doesn't notice the nearby phantom at all...

The rain wasn’t particularly severe that day, but strong enough to pose a mild hazard. So Geshu Lin was rather concerned upon seeing a… child, wandering around alone collecting what appeared to be random rocks. As much as he despised idle interaction, he couldn’t just allow a child to remain here of all places.

He phases over to her, slowly so as not to startle her, furrowing his brows further as he confirmed the fact that she was collecting rocks. “…This is no place for you to be, you should leave immediately.”

[former-general-geshu-lin]

Just wanted to say I love the way you write. I always loom forward to your updates and I have my notifications on for you. I like reading your interactions with all the different OCs and Canon characters. Do you think Geshu Lin is truly gone? Given how ambiguous they made his fate be.

(Thank you for the kind words!! I’m really glad people like my writing and the way I characterize Geshu Lin, I still sometimes feel like I’m not doing him justice, but I try my best)

(I don’t think he’s truly gone. A lot of my responses actually have little bits and pieces of my headcanon in regards to Geshu’s actual existence at the moment, which is rather complicated, I might make a more in depth post if people want to see all the technicalities I have worked out for his phantom state and all that. But for now— no I don’t think he’s gone, likely not all “alive” but definitely not gone for good)

[former-general-geshu-lin]

Is there anyone's life that you consider worth saving rather than sacrificing?

Geshu Lin considered the question for a moment, having an answer immediately but unsure of how to word it. “…It depends. If they are of more use being sacrificed, then no. But if they have untapped potential, then yes. I dislike being wasteful of resources and power.”

He thought a little more, pausing as his gaze flickered down. “In regards to specific people… Jiyan can do more while alive, I see no reason to discard him like one would with a regular soldier.”

[former-general-geshu-lin]

Think I can info dump on my oc so you'll have it easier to know what to expect?

(Sure, you can do that in an ask or messages if you’d prefer!)

[former-general-geshu-lin]

If it means anything, he isn't dead by the end of the encounter. His flamethrower is, though. He pulls the trigger a few times and even puts his face in front of the barrel, but still nothing happens.

He shakes his head like a wet dog before even thinking of leaving. He did win, so that means he has something to bring back to camp.

He attaches the overused flamethrower to his belt loop and staggers out of the cave, proud of himself.

-☾

Geshu Lin was still futilely searching the area due to his own annoyance with the situation, until he heard something that vaguely sounded like a conflict, turning his head to see the young boy practically hobbling out of a cave looking very much like he had just been tossed around by a TD and thrown in the washing machine a few times.

The former general’s eye twitched at the sight before phasing behind the boy with crossed arms. “And what happened to you?” He asked with strict disapproval.

[former-general-geshu-lin]

Geshu Lin’s momentary amusement was gone as quickly as it had come, replaced by a rough frown on his lips, the scar in the corner pulled down with them. Jiyan was defiant, perhaps it was denial, or naivety, he was young, that much remained true, the wariness that had settled in his bones did not yet show on the youth of his face. Geshu Lin couldn’t decide if he liked it that way or not.

“Written data is not perspective, physical graves are not perspective, each and every flower you bring for a fallen man is not perspective, Jiyan. Surely you don’t mean to say that we are all looking through a skewed lens?” He prompted, cocking his head with silent intrigue while his hand gestured to the Emortia flower behind Jiyan.

“Prices that nobody can afford must be paid, debts can be carried. What we cannot afford— is to lose.” The reminder was blunt, a hint of Geshu Lin’s personal manic obsession with winning showing in the flicker of his golden eyes before it melted back to a cold focus.

Though if they were speaking purely on how choices define a person, Geshu knew better than anyone. He existed as a concept— not a person, all that remained of him were fragments. His choices when alive shaped how he ‘lived’ in death, the way he was seen for how he acted as general were all results of his choices. He was well aware of his reputation. “There is plenty of thought in sacrifice. Sometimes, it is the only option.” He didn’t feel the need to elaborate, they were both aware of how he vanished.

Geshu Lin stared back as Jiyan took a step closer, silence enveloping them for a moment, the breeze ruffling Jiyan’s hair while it went right through Geshu— one of them still breathing, a future to be had. “Perhaps then, when you do fall, there will be more left of you than there was of me.” He paused, a small grin on his lips. “I look forward to it.”

It was that time of the year again when the lives lost on that fateful day were honored. Three years ago, many had lost their lives and yet, nobody seemed to honor the one who led the battle. While the circumstances surrounding the incident were still unclear, Jiyan knew that the former general did not deserve to be vilified. As he walked alone to the Crescent, he looked up at the overcast sky which seemed to mirror his melancholic mood.

Entering the statue of the Threnodian was out of the question but Jiyan layed a few Emortia flowers on the ground that overlooked the statue, as if to commemorate Geshu Lin's sacrifice. "We may have disagreed on a lot, but standing where you once stood with the position you once held, I know why you made the decision you took even though I still do not agree with it."

He didn't know why he was speaking to himself and why he was here. Perhaps the phantom he saw during the awakening of the Threnodian shook him much more than he'd like to admit. - @midnight-ranger-general-jiyan

The clouds above the barren landscape shifted with unshed rain, seeming to darken the further any willing soul dared to traverse further into the battlefield that was, for once in its history, devoid of combat.

On the outskirts, it seemed one such soul was willing to venture close. A light rain was beginning to fall, drizzling over the cracked earth. Yet the rain that fell here never seemed to have an effect on the vegetation— or the lack thereof.

The rain landed on the offering of flowers, pattering against the small petals of the Emortia before seeming to retract. The rain was weak, but that was still enough.

Geshu Lin faintly phased in and out of visibility, his conscience struggling against the phantom’s desire to simply reenact the same experiences and memories that kept him tied to this land. His presence was faint, but still there nonetheless.

He glanced to the flowers that Jiyan had brought, unsure of how to feel about the offering. It was the first anyone had brought in his name, and he narrowed his eyes as the rain picked up, granting him a little more control over his phantom form, though still restraining himself from speaking.

Instead, he listened, feeling a wry, crooked smile form on his scarred lips as he stood behind Jiyan, who looked as composed as ever despite Geshu knowing he was likely distraught on the inside.

He stayed silent for a moment more, the sound of rain around them. “…well. What do we have here? I suppose since you’ve proven yourself, I should be addressing you as General, Jiyan.” He murmured, his voice slightly distorted, sounding like an echo that had traveled through many chambers before being audible to human ears.

[former-general-geshu-lin]

Geshu Lin didn’t feel as though he had to make a point to enforce his own thoughts about having pointless interests, as she was just a child and liking squirrels wouldn’t impact her future too drastically…

“Handle the samples with care then, and hurry back.” He replied sternly, not wanting Sōngshū to linger around the area.

A pink-haired child < @sciurus-lucens > roams the Desorock Highland, searching for something as she picks up rocks and puts most back down after a few seconds.

" No... no... Workable but low quality... "

Busied with her task, she doesn't notice the nearby phantom at all...

The rain wasn’t particularly severe that day, but strong enough to pose a mild hazard. So Geshu Lin was rather concerned upon seeing a… child, wandering around alone collecting what appeared to be random rocks. As much as he despised idle interaction, he couldn’t just allow a child to remain here of all places.

He phases over to her, slowly so as not to startle her, furrowing his brows further as he confirmed the fact that she was collecting rocks. “…This is no place for you to be, you should leave immediately.”

[former-general-geshu-lin]

if you receive this, you make somebody happy! go on anon and send this to ten of your followers who make you happy or somebody you think needs cheering up. if you get one back, even better! (⁠•⁠ө⁠•⁠)⁠♡ <33!

“Another..? Who could possibly…..” He trails off, his hand on his chin as he narrows his eyes in contemplation.