Call Me Out - Once Upon Post-Game Threads!

[vogelfrei]

McGillis will spend the majority of his time with Hamelin, Jack and Yuri - they will establish a real household in the Beldam dimension as soon as they are capable of using those powers properly. Come visit! Or plot something else out with me under AppleBlossoms!

Comments

[gemuinemanagement]

[McGillis and the rest of the Grimmhaus are welcome in Suga's world, although Suga does ask for a heads-up so he can make sure C-ta and Pericles are Elsewhere. That said, he has no control over what anyone else in the village decides to do that day. Normally that isn't a problem because hardly anyone ever visits the museum, but-

McGillis enters the museum to find an older, portly man speaking to Suga.]

When will you give up and let this place be torn down already? You have to know you're not wanted here. Although I don't know if any other village would be willing to take someone like you-

Excuse me. I have a visitor.

[It's clearly not the first time Suga's had a conversation like this - he doesn't look upset, mostly just tired.]

Hello, McGillis. I'm sorry to make you wait, but can I wrap this up first...?

[vogelfrei]

[ It feels strange to do courtesy visits with his murder victim, but nothing has been anywhere close to normal in months now. House Grimm has somewhat calmed down by now and worked out... well, at least their short time plans, so there's a lot more time for check-ins with everybody else. McGillis does not doubt that before long most of them will lose touch, but... for now, the traumatic experience they shared is binding them all together for better or for worse.

McGillis, in all his imposing height, does walk up to Suga with natural ease, only raising an eyebrow at the angered stranger. ]

I don't mind waiting, but it does sound like this affair has reached a standstill already.

[gemuinemanagement]

[The official looks up - and up, geeze, what kind of giant is this guy - and loses some of his nerve. It's easy to speak his mind around Suga, who only has a fake sword to threaten people with, but this guy looks like he wouldn't be any bit hampered by that.]

This conversation isn't over.

[The man leaves in a huff, and Suga sighs.]

Thank you for that.

[vogelfrei]

[ McGillis watches the man scuttle off with his eyebrow still up in the air. A tasteless person like that is a dime a dozen but still unpleasant to encounter. ]

I hardly did anything.

[ His expression turns into a thin smile as he faces Suga again. ]

No improvement to the rumor mill then, even now?

[gemuinemanagement]

Even if I told them how I got my voice back they wouldn't believe me, just like they haven't believed anything I've had to say for the last decade. I didn't bother explaining.

It doesn't matter. I have things I have to do here and no one's opinion of me is going to change that.

[He's used to it, even if it is still a little tiring.]

[vogelfrei]

I'm now going to suggest you at least fight back and make them avoid you instead, but I assume that is not advice you are amenable to.

[ It's just what HE did when everyone hated him. Break a few kneecaps, maybe kill a person... it helps. ]

[gemuinemanagement]

Most of them already avoid me unless they want something that I'm in the way of. But I appreciate the advice?

[vogelfrei]

Ah.

I'm glad to hear that performance was an exception then. I only caught the tail end of it, but such a thing is always grating.

How are you doing other than that?

[gemuinemanagement]

I'm doing well. Yuuta's thinking about going to college - maybe for journalism? - and I'm very excited for him.

Oh - I have something for you.

[Suga retrieves from his desk a bracelet made of a light blue stone, glowing faintly.]

End of a Fairytale ~ An Unforgettable Beginning to a Memorable Time

[biyishuangfei]

[ So, the two said their goodbyes when the time had come.

Huaisang definitely was crying tears of happiness at the moment even though he tried his best to hold them back...the tears being happy because he knew he'd see McGillis again.

Upon his return to Qinghe, Huaisang also made his disciples and the elders who were already freaking out worry even more because he promptly fainted upon arrival. Look, he is a relatively delicate man, and after the excitement left him he had no energy reserves whatsoever. So he spent 1-2 days in bed, but you better believe he got a lot of painting done in the meanwhile, read McGillis' original farewell letter, and wrote some poems.

Wei Wuxian (the one from his current time) and Lan Wanji also visited him on account of dealing with his disappearance and he had a chance to bridge some of the gap between them.

But funnily enough, as soon as McGillis makes his appearance in Qinghe (let's say nearby the gates of the clan residence), it takes a shockingly low amount of time for Huaisang to be seen running visibly out of the gates and towards the blond. As if he sensed something new in regards to someone's spiritual energy or was alerted by his ... 'birds' (it was both, in a way.)

His disciples and servants AND advisors are exasperated because they were concerned about his disappearance and him just going out without protection all of a sudden without explaining anything...but he can't help it!! ]

McGillis! You're here!

[ Hope he's prepared for Huaisang to go in for an embrace. Sure he's been planning on dropping by to see McGillis himself soon but plans got derailed for awhile since he had to catch up on a lot of Sect Leader duties. Alas. But that doesn't matter now!! ]

[vogelfrei]

[ As expected, McGillis finds himself sticking out like a sore thumb. He'd briefly entertained the idea of obtaining Chinese robes for this visit but discarded the thought pretty quickly. No way he'd be able to pass for a local... That had certainly turned out to be true. Not that he minds turning heads. He's not here to integrate and start a new life, he's here to see one person and one person only.

It had been odd to think of meeting him again. During their time in Aira Niluc, not a day had passed without talking to Nie Huaisang. This man he'd never seen before had become a staple of his daily life and then, just like that, vanished from it once again.

Nie Huaisang was like a ghost of tenderness, like a still-remembered fever dream. McGillis would have been content to keep him in his heart like that forever, a pristine and well-preserved maybe.

And yet, he's followed his energy and made his way into a different world entirely, covered in the necessary glitter and holding a small gift bag of candies. While he's still busy wondering how to find Huaisang at all in an entirely unfamiliar place, a shout of his name cuts all contemplations short.

He is reminded of Almiria, the way Huaisang flies towards him and makes him worry that he might just trip. And as if he were being greeted by Almiria, McGillis shows no hesitation in opening his arms for Huaisang, lifting him up and then spinning him around. ]

Careful now, careful now...

[ Is it safe for them to be out here like this? Will it cause nasty rumors and trouble for Huaisang if the nature of his relationship with this stranger becomes clear? McGillis doesn't know and still buries his face in the crook of Huaisang's neck for just a moment, breathing him in. It still feels just right. He'd been worried about that. ]

I'm here. I did promise I'd hurry.

[ It still took a few weeks, but not an eternity at least. ]

[biyishuangfei]

[ Huaisang holds on tight, soft and light laughter leaving him, and his thoughts are relatively simple as he's spun around in the arms of the man he loves. All he can think in this moment is that he's here over and over again. It's been really such an oddity acclimating to McGillis not being around to speak with.

An oddity he doesn't think he would be able to get used to no matter how much time passed.

Already he's going through his head what they're going to be doing here. Enjoying their honeymoon here, and maybe teaching him some things that will stick with a lot of effort and practice. But, one thing at a time. ]

You certainly did! I'm so happy to see you again. You know, I missed you so much that I don't think mere words could express it...

[ His fingers from one hand move to lightly comb through the other's hair, which has always been far shorter than his but still within reach given where the blond's buried his face. A gentle smile makes its way across his face soon enough when he pulls that hand back to rest it where it was before—around the other man. ]

I can't wait to show you around. You should also tell me about your little adventures here or there.

[ Around this time, a couple of his disciples come into view but they just hang closer to the gate out of respect for the two's reunion. ]

[vogelfrei]

... I missed you as well.

[ McGillis says is quietly, as if a little hesitant, but these are words he can return in earnest. 'I love you', that might take some time, but 'I missed you', 'I am committed to you' and 'I want to make you happy'? Those are truths that he can whisper, first attempts at understanding what it truly is they are doing.

It takes another moment until McGillis can pry himself away from the embrace. ]

We've had... quite a time, being four people in a time period none of us are familiar with.

[ A storybook heroine, a fairy tale, a fractured soul and a man from the future enter a McDonald's... McGillis shakes his head lightly, that kind of stuff is for later. ]

But nothing will have me being a fish out of water as much as this place. I know nothing and I am going to enjoy the tour all the more for it.

[biyishuangfei]

[ The words are spoken quietly, but ever are they treasured by this Sect Leader, because those little things are still just as precious to him. It helps that deep down he also feels that someday, he'll also hear him say those three little words.

And as far as Huaisang is concerned, they have more than enough time to one day realize that moment. But right now? This is more than enough. ]

Well! Consider myself expectant to hear what the four of you had gotten up to. Don't skimp on the details unless it involves something gross.

[ Like bugs! But, anyway, he'll be making a 'come' gesture as he starts his way back to the gate. ]

Come this way, then. We can start a tour right away, and of course there are a few trusted disciples who will be attending to us. After the tour of the main hall and the immediate surrounding area, we'll sit down to eat. Also, at some point I think I'll have you look over some fabrics so that you can pick out an outfit? I'd be a poor host and partner if I didn't gift you some appropriate clothing, you know.

[ He'll take a moment to tell the small contingent of said disciples briefly that McGillis is his ~fated partner~ and he anticipates the utmost respect where he's concerned, as well for one of them to make the necessary arrangements. It's very brief, and Huaisang's tone is very happy and light, but there seems to be a little...hmm, something to it as well? Maybe just that it carries a certain expectation that his word is to be followed, and any deviation may be met with more than just tears. Anyway, the one disciple told to make 'arrangements' does run off, but generally entering through the gate accompanied by the remaining two disciples is mainly an uneventful affair. As an aside, the disciples of course respectfully bow to the two, stating that they are generally here to 'Assist Sect Leader Nie and His Partner if either has any further requests of them'. But they don't do anything else just yet.

Anyway, welcome to Qinghe! Specifically, the Unclean Realm. Right away, the main training hall (which is different from the main hall) is rather visible, alongside what look to be varying states of obviously Chinese architecture/buildings and connected houses, for generations of the Nie household but for also guest disciples/disciples who aren't blood related as well. ]

[vogelfrei]

[ His 'fated partner', hm? That's what they're calling it? McGillis can't help raise an eyebrow at that while Huaisang isn't looking but if any of the disciples noticed, they know well enough to pretend not to.

There is a strange line between continuing their play and becoming more honest with one another and it is not one McGillis is sure how to walk yet. They won't be able to be pretend-lovers anymore. From here on out, standing in the middle of Huaisang's reality, they're the real deal.

McGillis breathes in deeply as he steps through the gates and for a long moment he is silent as he takes in the atmosphere. The Unclean Realm is a bustling world that is far from anything he's known, removed even from the worlds he would commonly run to in the storybooks.

This is a new beginning. This is Huaisang, all of it, and he'll allow himself to melt into it. ]

That seems like a much better idea than myself poorly assembling a shoddy approximation of this place's fashion. I did think about that but I decided to spare you the sorry sight.

[ What fine architecture... The more McGillis looks the more his deep musings get replaced by simple boyish curiosity and it shows in the way he paces over the area, glancing here and there. ]

[biyishuangfei]

[ It means McGillis is with him until the end. Or rather, a cultivation partner, essentially. No one will ever come closer, and everyone knows this.

...Yes, he's still such a romantic, sue him. Well, it's very much not inaccurate at any rate, and when he teaches McGillis how to cultivate it's not like anyone would've known to think otherwise. Not that anyone dares to in the presence of their Sect Leader, for fear of tears or the rare display of the Nie Sect Bad Temper™.

He can't wait to explain this world to the blond man in front of him. Including this as well. ]

I'm sure it wouldn't have looked that bad? Then again, I don't really know whatever you may have glanced over might've looked like before coming here, so...

[ He'll smile softly to himself as he notices how McGillis looks at their surroundings in wonder. Huaisang then ushers him gently towards the training hall first to show him some of the disciples who were doing their sword drills with the sabers. With a very strict instructor overlooking those training.

No one seems bothered by anyone watching; it's common for people to stop and look. And those from the Nie Clan are very proud of their saber technique*.

*Nie Huaisang is an outlier and should not be counted. ]

Did I ever tell you how the Nie Sect started?

[vogelfrei]

[ McGillis is only too happy to look in on the training. Though it reminds him of the fencing classes he attended as a child, the actual movements are nothing like what he'd practiced then. They are intriguing to track, but his attention is dragged back to Huaisang's face instead after only a moment. ]

You did not. And more surprisingly, I don't think I've asked even though I do love founding stories a great deal.

[ Maybe it is for the best that they didn't cover that topic yet, though. It feels more atmospheric to listen to such history when you're at the place in question. ]

High time to remedy this. How did it start?

[crimson_flamel]

[Edelgard arrived at the house an hour or so ago, over a month after the collapse of the killing game. She and McGillis had been in communication over this for a little while. Her visits to the house were less frequent than planned, due to the amount of work she had to do to manage certain matters of state and intrigue in Fodlan herself.

She looks toward him, her arms crossed. She looks... stressed. She's always come here looking stressed ever since the game ended.]

You'll be pleased to know I'veI've signed the necessary paperwork. As soon as you step into my world, you will officially be recognised as Sir Fareed of the Imperial Household guard.

Ready to go?

[vogelfrei]

[ McGillis meanwhile is certainly looking a lot better than he did at the end of it all. What had been complete devastation has turned into a low key optimism towards the future and a strange measure of comfort in the present. Living with the people who he won't call friends is working out well for him.

Today, he's deliberately dressed in Victorian clothing again, like he always used to be during the game itself. He figures that won't stick out too badly in Edelgard's world, at least. ]

I am. So long as I check in with the famiglia regularly, I am free to remain as part of your entourage until the training segment is completed to satisfaction. Sir Fareed won't disappoint.

[crimson_flamel]

Excellent. I will also be regularly checking in on Yuri and the piper, so there will be no shortage of opportunities to check in on your house. [Because she still has no fucking clue what a famiglia is, you weirdos.

She shifts and stands up straighter, pivoting herself in the direction of the gateways.]

I'll give you a moment to say your goodbyes, and then Garreg Mach monestary awaits. We will be entering the headquarters of one of my greatest enemies, so I'm sure I don't have to tell you to be careful. It's just also where I go to school.

[She has a school festival and a coup d'etat to run.]

[vogelfrei]

[ At this point, does anybody know what a famiglia is? Their use of it doesn't seem to have that much in common with mafia anymore, that's for sure...

The explanation of Garreg Mach makes him chuckle though. ]

I've always found school to be a hostile experience, but this feels a little more extreme.

[ He'll wave properly to the people who have come to see him off and then join Edelgard by the stupidly glittery portal. ]

I will be careful. Nobody's word in that world matters to me except yours.

[crimson_flamel]

[Edelgard gives a brief wave over to the others, before nodding, a small satisfied smile on her face.]

That's certainly good to hear. [Your betrayal track record is a bit mixed, McGillis.] I think we can be off, then.

[She hates these glittery portals, but at least there's bathhouses around town and one in the monastery itself. She steps through, with one last glance at the world that she is leaving.

She has made this trip a dozen or so times now, and it is still deeply disorientating to step through these magic gateways and come out the other side worlds away with nothing but glitter to show for it.

When she does land, she lands in a clearing in the forest, around an hour's walk away from the monastery proper. She finds her footing quickly and gracefully. She turns and checks to see if McGillis followed her, and if so, he has not fallen face first into the mud or something. Not that that's particularly likely to happen, but it is a concern of hers.]

[vogelfrei]

[ Please disregard any past betrayals and elect to simply trust his promises now, that is surely a reasonable thing to ask of you. At least he does mean it. Something would have gone very wrong in communication between them if it turned out that Edelgard's goals for that world are not aligned with his own moral compass.

Jumping through the portals is always a little weird to McGillis as well, even if they do it quite often. The first time passage to a world he has not entered before is also always exciting though. There is so much to know and see in the multiverse that he simply never anticipated and the part of him that is still adventurous and curious is living.

Landing in a forest might not be immediately fascinating, but he still takes a long glance at the flora first of all to check for any immediately visible oddities. ]

We have arrived safe and sound, Lady Edelgard.

[ ... is that how he's supposed to address her? Better to work it out right now. ]

[crimson_flamel]

[The flora of this land is almost all extremely close to what McGillis would expect of Earth or even of the game they were in, except just the tiniest bit off. They're named different things, they grow differently, they bloom flowers differently, they're a slightly different shade. But otherwise, it's extremely close.]

Good to hear. It would be very unfortunate if the multiverse decided this was the time that our trip was unsuccessful.

[She brushes off any twigs or leaves from her hair.] Hubert, my right hand, will be staying at a campsite nearby, he's... eager to meet you, though fair warning, he will not be quick to trust. [Putting it lightly...]

[vogelfrei]

I think 'I met this man during an interdimensional death ritual and he was actively working with the perceived enemy' is hard to upstage as far as untrustworthy entries into your entourage go.

[ McGillis does have some self-awareness about this. Hubert is extremely valid. Of course, McGillis won't trust him either because he has very little interest in being eliminated due to being perceived a threat to Edelgard's safety... ]

Have you told him any of that truth?