--Cultivate--

[eyesofaproxy]

[When Wise was very young, or at least younger than he is now, he'd gotten lost in the forest outside Helios. He was only saved by a passing wandering cultivator, and to this day he's wanted to meet the man again to thank him. It doesn't matter that Helios fell and he and Belle moved to Yunkui Summit, he wants to find that man and thank him for what he did that day. He changed the trajectory of Wise's life, he's pretty sure, and he deserves to know that.

Granted, a wandering cultivator isn't why Wise (and Belle) is now the heir to Yunkui Summit, that is entirely because of Yixuan-shifu and their own unique abilities, but all the same. That man inspired Wise to get with Belle to create Phatheon, a nameless somebody who is able to hire people to handle things the larger temples and sects can't or won't.

Right now, though, Wise is not acting in the guise of Phaetheon. Wise is acting in the guise of a very annoyed older brother being strongarmed into going down the mountain for an annual check up, since apparently the doctors are all afraid of coming up the mountain after last year's run-in with Eous the spiritual monster rabbit. Cowards.]

I don't need to go right now, Belle, really.

Yes you do! And because there's bandits on the road, I even hired you a bodyguard!

Belle...

Comments

[fuegor]

[He's so fancy, that one. But he'll return the bow nonetheless. As for other places to be.]

I've got my own results to put in, but I'll stick around until Yixuan-shifu comes down.

[Maybe it went without saying, but he wanted to let her know that her disciples may be in danger.]

[eyesofaproxy]

Of course.

[It takes Yixuan a bit to come down, but when she does she has a few of the other disciples with her to haul everyone away. She bows to the cultivators.]

Thank you for your work.

[fuegor]

[Respect where it was due, he bowed to Yixuan.]

Don't mention it. You know I always bring peak quality.

[A little bit of levity knowing he's a repeat client. But on raising his head it faded pretty quick.]

One of the Exaltists tried to make his way up the mountain. Said Yunkui summit holds something precious that they need.

Naturally, I wasn't gonna let him slip past me. But you should know Wise and Belle might be in danger if they're targeting this place.

[eyesofaproxy]

[Yixuan frowns.]

Did they mention them by name?

[fuegor]

No, it's just a hunch. He's still alive and among the group being taken away.

[Lighter will describe the runner briefly, in case Yixuan had questions for him specifically. Or if she wanted to look into him more.]

[eyesofaproxy]

Thank you. How long will you be in the area, sir?

[fuegor]

I'll be in the area another week. If more work comes my way, it might be longer.

[From either her, Phaethon or other people.]

[eyesofaproxy]

Thank you.

[And off she goes to handle her business.

A day later, Phaethon's payment arrives for Lighter. Quite a bit of money, as always, and a jar of very fancy wine not easily found in these parts. The day after that, Lighter is summoned to Yunkui Summit.]

[fuegor]

[Phaethon as always bringing quality just like Lighter did. He had a good night of drinking with a few people he knew. He liked to share his spoils. It reminded him of times long gone.

But upon being summoned back to Yunkui Summit, he pushed through the wicked hangover to scale the mountain. It's a good thing he kept his eyes mostly covered. Not only did he avoid seeing blood and having his eyes hurt all the time from the sun but it also hid when he was oh so very eepy.

At least a mountain climb was a great way to wake him up. Morning cardio and all that.

Once meeting with the contact he bowed.]

Got another job for me?

[eyesofaproxy]

[Yixuan nods.]

I do. We looked into the man you said mentioned there being something important here at the summit, and you were right. We think he does mean my heirs. I'd like to hire you longterm, to protect Wise.

[fuegor]

[There's a huff of a laugh. He remembered Wise already had a problem with Lighter just being with him for an appointment. He's not gonna be too happy knowing he's got a full time bodyguard.

But at least Wise was pleasant to be around. Even if it's a job a bit too long term for Lighter, he'll do it.]

Good to know I was right on the money. Done, but what about Belle? Won't she need someone by her side too?

[eyesofaproxy]

Oh, she has someone. [Yixuan looks amused.] Her partner would sooner die than let someone hurt Belle.

[fuegor]

[Another laugh, hardier.]

Good to know! I guess it was a pretty silly question if her partner's that serious.

[Lighter could relate. He'd rather die than let someone else die because of him again.]

Alrighty then, leave Wise to me.

[eyesofaproxy]

We're preparing a room for you near Wise's now. This way.

[And Yixuan will lead Lighter to Wise's rooms, which are very near to Belle's in their own wing of the compound. It's quite, cool, and shady.

And the siblings are bickering in the yard, Belle swatting Wise with a fan while a woman in strange garb watches.]

[fuegor]

[Lighter followed and briefly sized up the woman in the strange garb. A fox woman, huh? Strikes him as similar to Lycaon but less... everywhere. It was just a brief look, though she likely noticed him and did the same, before his attention turned to the bickering siblings.]

Whoa there, he must have really ticked you off if you're batting him that much.

[Have you considered saying hey what's up I'm here now Lighter? You know, being normal about it?]

[eyesofaproxy]

[No one seems to mind that he isn't normal about it, as Belle just keeps swatting Wise.]

He stole my lychees!

I did not! Those were mine to begin with! In the green bowl?!

[fuegor]

Hah, I know I'm meant to be your bodyguard gongzi, but I don't know if I can keep your sister from kicking your ass.

[He's a good guy, really. But he does try to settle the matter.]

Lay off him a little at least, Belle. He's delicate. I'll replace them myself.

[eyesofaproxy]

--oh, you're the bodyguard Shifu hired?

[Wise looks up from where Belle has finally given him a break, huffing and going over to her partner...who offers a lychee. Siblings.]

[fuegor]

That's me. Looks like we're gonna have a lot of time getting to know each other.

[why must you phrase it like that]

[eyesofaproxy]

[At least Wise's pink cheeks can be blamed on yelling at Belle.]

Sorry about this. I'm sure you have better places to go.

[fuegor]

Don't worry about it. A job is a job. And I don't mind keeping you company, anyway. As long as I'm here you'll be good.

[And knowing they're a target of the Exaltists, Lighter would rather stay close...

He had the passive thought that he ought to contact Phaethon and his other contacts on their movements. It would keep things safer. Phaethon had a hand in everything and the keepers of Wolfblood Inn, well. Lycaon had loose contact with that one guy. His ex-lover? Who knows.]

[eyesofaproxy]

[The deal between those two is something not even the gods understand.

Wise just nods.]

Well, thank you. Oh, the woman with Belle is a guest from across the sea and Belle's partner Miyabi.

[fuegor]

I see. I've got a feeling with her protecting Belle I won't have to worry so much. And that means I can focus on you the entire time.

[LIGHTER.]

[eyesofaproxy]

[Sir. Sir. Are you even aware of what you are saying?!

Wise just blushes a little more, rubbing the back of his neck.]

Y-yeah. Anyway, your room should be clean. I'll show you, and if you need anything else we can get it taken care of?

[fuegor]

[Nope!]

Sounds like a plan. I'm a pretty simple guy, though. Hell, I sleep on the ground more than I do on the bed so if I have that at least then I'll be right as rain.

[Such is the life of the unaffiliated cultivator. But it was the life he chose for himself. A life he deserved really. Most of the money he got went to other families. Sometimes he'd spend a night or two at the local inn. But he led a simple life.

At the very least upon going deeper inside he finally removed the bamboo hat. He only removed it indoors, so Wise hadn't seen him without it yet. Still, a loose headband and his fringe still mostly covered his eyes. His hair was just allowed to flow more freely.]