angryhearts | it's getting hot in here

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it's getting hot in here

SO (PLEASE DON'T) TAKE OFF ALL YOUR CLOTHES

Days are almost meaningless, here in Wonderland. With the eternal twilight outside the windows and many of the hotel's amenities open around the clock, it can be hard to keep track, can't it? But you must sleep, or at least return to your room, some time. It's on one of these times that you may begin to notice a faint sound coming from inside the walls. Or is it the ceiling? The floor? Something that sounds like scratching, or tapping, or the strained whir of machinery. Then it fades away. Whether it's moving on to another room or stopping entirely, it's hard to tell.

After a few nights, or days, of this happening, it suddenly stops. There's a brief period of peace, and perhaps you even get some rest. Then there's a series of thumps, sharp clicks and a loud stuttering sound that signals the hotel's air conditioning unit giving out.

At first it's not so bad. It's dark out, right, how hot can it really be outside? The air itself still seems to be circulating, albeit more slowly, but it's enough that you can breathe. But the heat seems to keep building, and building, the air hanging heavy and thick and leaving a lingering feeling that it's pressing down on you. Even sitting still no longer becomes enough to ease the suffocating heat.

The staff don't know what's happened to the air conditioner, when you ask. "Oh, that finicky thing", they say, as if it's a minor inconvenience. They assure you that the Queen's mechanics will have it fixed in no time — they always do. In the meantime, can they interest you in a refreshing iced tea? Perhaps a dip in the pool?

Is it your imagination, or do a few of the staff seem a little uncertain as they try to brush off your questions? A little less confident than they always have been before? Whatever their demeanor, it seems they still have no answers to give. The astute may notice that after a conversation with one of these staff, they can't seem to be found again.

As if that weren't enough, the scratching in the walls starts up again. With the oppressive heat, the rising tension and frayed nerves, is it any wonder that the staff might seem more apprehensive?

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT 06/11 - 06/13

Sleeping is probably hard enough, in a hotel where the activity never seems to cease. At least it's generally quiet in the upper floors, at least Oysters can turn out the lights in their own room and find some peace.

...usually, anyway.

At first it's only the faintest sounds, something only noticeable to those who sleep lightly. The staff, if asked, don't acknowledge hearing anything and seem politely concerned about anything disturbing the rest of their guests. Oysters may be offered ear plugs, or a device to listen to music, or a trip to the spa for relaxation.

Then it grows in both volume and frequency, disturbing even the heaviest of sleepers at night. Some staff still say they haven't heard anything, other staff acknowledge the sounds but brush them off, unconcerned. Every building has its quirks, after all! There does seem to be an increase in staff milling about, however, making it difficult for those who may want to look into things without being seen.

CLICK CLICK... THUMP
06/14 - 06/21

The fourth day of the event begins with a short period of blissful silence, quickly ruined by a loud, persistent clicking sound, audible in all parts of the hotel... And then an even louder THUMP as the air conditioning unit gives out.

At first, it's not terrible — the air is still circulating, and while the heat is uncomfortable it's not unbearable. As time goes on, though, the heat builds and builds, until not even staying in place will provide any relief.

The staff profess ignorance to whatever happened to the air conditioner, if asked — some more convincingly than others. They all offer iced teas for relief, and suggest a dip in the Pool of Tears, though those who seem uncertain when answering any questions will try to leave the conversation faster, and won't be easily found again.

While the iced teas are incredibly effective at helping to beat the heat, they once again seem to offer some strange effects — enough glasses, and Oysters will be overcome either with anger and irritation, or a sense of serene calm. Any little thing could set off an Oyster who's been affected by the anger-inducing tea; an Oyster who drank the calming tea is utterly unflappable. These effects persist for just as long as it takes for the cooling effects to wear off, at which point Oysters are left with a choice — deal with the heat, or take their chances with another tea?

And to top it all off, the scratching noise in the walls has started up again. The few staff remaining at this point are as unhelpful as ever, but they don't have the same infuriating calm to their answers — but who could blame them being a little nervous?

QUEEN'S ADDRESS
06/21

And finally, the tenth day brings relief in the form of a loud shuddering sound, and then the quiet whoosh of a working air conditioner. Over the course of the day, the Hotel gets progressively cooler, until it is once again at the comfortable, cool temperature Oysters had grown used to in their first month here in the Hotel.

It also brings an address from the Queen.

"Oh, my curious Oysters, when you try to play with that which you don't understand, you break things! Not to fear, all has been set to rights now that our dear Dormouse has fixed what some careless guest disrupted. If you wanted to play games, you should have simply said! I have a dear companion for you who is so eager to join in the fun."

The Queen will not respond to any messages sent back to her.

If you have any questions, please direct them to the OOC post here. RNG results for the off limits areas will be going out tomorrow, so if anyone would still like to sign up for those that hasn't yet please do so tonight!

PREMISE RULES FAQ TAKEN RESERVES APPLICATION MOD CONTACT HIATUS & DROPS WORLD INFO NPCS CALENDAR AC REWARDS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He's not in his room, in fact, he rarely spends time there, much more likely to be taking up space on Lan Wangji's floor or by the pool, but today he's at the bar, doing what every other resident seems to be, that is, attempting to keep cool. He wears a loose black tank top and a pair of red skorts, his hair tied up messily to keep it off his neck.

When he spots Xichen, he raises his cup in acknowledgement. It seems both of them are dressed a little more casually, but even so, it's hard not to be startled by any of the Lan sect in so few layers. Not that Wei Wuxian can blame him in the slightest.]

Zewu Jun! Here to cool off as well?

[ That is - a lot of skin oh no. He hasn't quite gotten used to holding conversations with people wearing such clothing, but he was reasonably sure he was making progress with at least making his inclination to stare resolutely at their face and no where else look natural.

It somehow feels different when it's someone he knows. When it's Wei Wuxian, and he manages to avoid blurting out has Wangji seen you only because he's well versed in situations where he has to keep his knee-jerk reaction to himself. ]

I was looking for you. [ And managing to mostly keep his composure, aside from his initial slightly embarrassed surprise. ] I wanted your perspective, on what has been occurring.

[ The checking on him part is something he can do with observation, resorting to asking directly only if he needs to. ]

[At least the surprise is somewhat mutual. He gestures to the empty seat across from him, waving the barkeep over in case he wants to order anything.]

Looking for me?

[The last time Zewu Jun had purposefully sought him out, he'd been trying to convince him to return to Cloud Recesses, to hide away from the world. There was no such threat here, at least, so he had to wonder what it was about.]

Aah, the heat and the strange sounds, right?

[He'd been slow to bring them up, just in case anyone else wasn't hearing them, but it'd been a buzz of conversation amid several hotel denizens.]

I'm afraid my usual methods of investigation aren't working here. I can't so much as activate a simple talisman. But I've been looking into things the old-fashioned way I suppose.

[ His eyebrows furrow for a moment, as he tries to think back to what Wei Wuxian must remember as the last time they had really had a conversation, and - ah.

Well. He hasn't changed his mind, around wanting Wei Wuxian to consider how his actions effect those who care about him, but the context for everything is different now, and he's not here for that, anyway.

He gives a nod at the clarification that Lan Xichen is talking about the strange sounds, and then listens thoughtfully. ]

I had an opportunity to observe you and Wangji investigating together, after your return. [ Oh, he did more than observe, there at the end, but laying claim to anything else when they worked so hard to lay the foundation while no one else believed them feels disingenuous. ] I thought I might offer my assistance, in whatever investigation you were doing here.

[Why is it that everyone he runs into seems to know more about him than even he does? Have experienced more of his life than he has? It's as frustrating as it is troubling and it feels like he has to live up to expectations he didn't even know had been put in place!

He takes a long drink, if only to consider how to best answer. His entire coming into being had been a mystery, honestly, why someone wanted him returned so badly they'd sacrifice their own body for it. And now Zewu Jun, popping up just to offer assistance like this...]

Ah... well. I guess there's no harm in telling you.

[He leans back a little, trying to at least feign a relaxed posture.]

I'm sure you've noticed, how the people who work for this place are growing fewer and fewer, yes? There are some areas in the lower floors that almost always have had several staff members keeping it under heavy watch. With them being so short-handed lately, it'd be a shame if no one was watching for a bit, don't you think? Who knows what kind of miscreants might take advantage of that?

[The smile he offers is slightly mischievous and inviting as he watches for Zewu Jun's reaction.]

[ Lan Xichen remains quiet as Wei Wuxian drinks, giving him the space to process his request. He suspects even if they were both caught up in memories, so to speak, navigating this would be difficult - even leaving out everything related to Jin Guangyao. Not in the least because he isn't even sure what this is himself, other than that Wei Wuxian's importance to Wangji is impossible to overstate, and Lan Xichen has always wanted to support their relationship at the same time as he's wanted to safeguard Wangji's heart.

Spending more time with Wei Wuxian without the constant undercurrent of the political atmosphere of their clans seems like the best way to accomplish both at the moment.

Then he smiles at that mischievous look, automatically ducking his head a little as if to hide his amusement. They aren't in Cloud Recesses anymore, where he has to be conscious of the kind of behavior he reinforces, but old habits are hard to get rid of. ]

I have noticed attending to whatever is going on seems to be more important to them than ensuring guests are not able to freely wander about the hotel. Is there one area in particular that has drawn your attention?

[The corner of his lips curve upward into a smirk at Lan Xichen's response. Maybe they haven't had more than a handful of conversations, but he's always appreciated that unlike so many other sect leaders, he listens. He and his brother seem to notice so much more than they say.]

I'm sure they have pressing business to attend to. It's unfortunate, but I've noticed one of the rooms on the lower levels has been woefully unguarded.

[He finishes his drink, sliding the glass aside as he glances back to Zewu Jun.]

Would you like to come with me, make sure no one tries to take advantage of this oversight?

[He'd been planning to go, either way, but having another set of eyes around couldn't hurt. Without waiting for a response, he slides out of his chair, tilting his head in the direction once, then leads the way.]

[ Pressing business to attend to, ah yes, an excuse that Lan Xichen is extremely familiar with. In this case, he suspects some of the hotel staff are more aware of what this business is than others, but that's an avenue he's currently exploring with Meng Yao. He has hope that between all of their investigations, they will at least uncover some small bit of helpful information.

He follows without hesitation when Wei Wuxian gets up out of his chair, falling easily into step with him as they leave the bar. He would feel slightly more comfortable if one of them had even the slightest bit of their abilities, but -

Ah. How to ask if Wei Wuxian has any access to his particular style of cultivation without giving away than Lan Xichen is aware he has no golden core to draw on? ]

You said you are unable to active even a simple talisman. I have spoken with Wangji and Meng Yao, and we are unable to access our spiritual energy at all - are your abilities similarly sealed?

[Wei Wuxian wears an easy smile as Lan Xichen follows him out of the bar, and slows his pace to walk side-by-side toward the lower levels. It's a bit of a relief, not only is it nice to have another set of hands, it's a lot easier to not look suspicious when it's just a couple of friends out for a walk.

It's only a handful of words, but it's hard not to pick them apart. Isn't it obvious that if he can't use talismans, any sort of cultivation would be similarly affected? And then to casually mention Meng Yao? Not Jin Guangyao? They seemed odd mis-steps from someone like Zewu Jun.]

Mm. It's unfortunate. Oh- but...

[Cultivation, demonic or otherwise, just wasn't an option here. He didn't have Chenqing, or even a simple bamboo flute with which to channel resentful energy, and while even a whistle could work as a crude means, that connection he'd had just... wasn't there.

Still, Wei Wuxian wasn't the sort to give in, just because certain powers were lost to him. If there was another way, he'd find it. And in fact, he'd at least a lead to follow in regards to that.]

...if we're looking for other options, some of the teas will grant new abilities, at least temporarily. Or maybe release the seal on our own? Finding which will have the desired effect is the difficult part.

[The emotional whiplash the teas had a tendency to give out might be worth it, if one of them granted power in exchange. Rather than explain, he gives a simple shrug, leading them to a stairwell. He glances around for any prying eyes before slipping through the door.]

[ It's not the least bit unexpected, that Wei Wuxian would analyze his words. Lan Xichen is well aware of both his intelligence and his inquisitory nature, and for a moment he is reminded of the time so long ago when they went to investigate the water ghosts together, and Wei Wuxian had so many pointed questions he avoided answering.

Many things have changed, but some things haven't.

It's less reassuring to know for certain that even Wei Wuxian's brand of cultivation is cut off from him - which means whatever method they're using must be more elaborate than simply sealing their spiritual energy and cutting off access to their golden cores - but his expression picks up in interest at that. ]

How - there are always new techniques, and I have heard of such a thing as a transfer, but to bestow abilities out of nothing - is that what they've done, stolen our abilities along with our emotions to use for their -

[ There's a stirring of anger there that's - unlike him, and he cuts off as he catches himself. He breathes out, offering Wei Wuxian an apologetic smile before he follows after him through the door.

He might have left it at that - they are busy, after all, and clarifying why he had used Meng Yao can wait - only he doesn't want what happened with Wangji to happen to Wei Wuxian. He doesn't look back over, though, instead taking in the long hallway they've slipped into, scanning for anything other than what appears to be a single door on the other end. ]

There is another discrepancy of time. Meng Yao remembers only up until the moment we prepared to part ways for him to become our inside informant on Wen Ruohan. [ There's a pause, then, ] Please don't call him Jin Guangyao or Lianfang-Zun when you see him, he will think you have mistaken him for someone else.

[ Something that he would have always asked, of course, because he would not want his friend to be hurt by believing that he had been forgotten, but now, well. Now there's even more motivation, until he figures out how to help combat the way Meng Yao allows resentment to build within him. ]

[Wei Wuxian is grateful that smiles have always come easy, whether he means them or not. If his usual grin looks a bit tight around the edges as Zewu Jun mentions transferring one's power, it vanishes quickly, easily explained away by the heavy subject matter and no other reason.

It seems Lan Xichen is caught up in his own anger though, an emotion that seems terribly out of place on his usual calm features. He nods]

Mm, from those I spoke with... the abilities were from others. People they knew, that is. And abilities unlike anything from our world. The same rules no longer apply here. What might've been impossible before, ah... very well may happen here, you know?

[It was ironic, perhaps, that someone so good at breaking conventional rules was now stuck in a place of such chaos, hoping for even the most basic rules of reality to apply. Alas.

The door, however, is shockingly unguarded. Not a soul in sight. Wei Wuxian picks up his pace, uncertain how long they'll have to try to open it. Processing that along with Zewu Jun's talk of Meng Yao, though...

It wasn't so hard to believe, but that was true of almost everything about Meng Yao. He was polite and unassuming, and easy to believe. Wei Wuxian couldn't deny his help in the Sunshot campaign had been invaluable, but it was hard to know where his alliances stood.]

Is that right? I haven't seen him yet, but I'm sure we'll exchange the usual pleasantries.

[The door, when he reached it, was locked, of course. If he had his talismans, it would be a simple matter to have one of his papermen slip under the door, but now he had to resort to more conventional methods. He braced his shoulder against the door, giving an experimental push. With enough leverage, they could likely break the lock.]

Lend me a shoulder, would you?

[ When he calms himself down, and realizes what he had said - he looks away, troubled by not only the sudden surge of anger but that there is no way for him to apologize. He shouldn't know why bringing up the subject of transferring power around Wei Wuxian would be especially callous. He could apologize for the heavy subject in general, or for the unnecessary anger, but it would be a hollow stand in for his real trespass.

So instead he says nothing, and tries not to be angry with himself for it. He is so good at standing by and saying nothing, isn't he? What's one more time. ]

There have already been a number of things here I would have previously considered impossible. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that this is another one.

[ So far, the only side effect he's had experience with had been a sense of calm that only became unnerving when it was over. The feeling itself hadn't been bad, it just - hadn't been his. And it had been difficult to care too much about anything, in that state, which isn't something he'd been a fan of.

It hadn't been bad enough that he hadn't risk having another cool down tea, now that he knew what the effect was and that it wouldn't happen every time - or at least, he thought he knew. ]

Of course.

[ His power may be sealed and his strength reduced, but his upper body strength didn't only come from his golden core. He has plenty left - even if he suspects most of his disciples back home would be surprised to see him use it to break into somewhere.

He braces his own shoulder against it as well, adjusting to account for where the force would likely to the most good, and then looks back at Wei Wuxian to wait for his signal before pulling back and pushing into the door, hard. ]

[That provokes a slightly more genuine smile.]

I can hardly fault you for being surprised. I feel a lot like a fish, who has only known rivers its whole life, suddenly seeing the ocean.

[It was enough to make a person feel small, knowing what greater forces were at play, knowing just how many other worlds existed beyond their limited scope. Trying to predict what came next was just as difficult.

Putting that aside for now though, he nodded toward Zewu Jun, before throwing his weight against the door. The flimsy lock doesn't hold against their combined strength, thankfully, though Wei Wuxian tumbles through the doorway and into the next area, landing hard on his side. A couple of bruises are a small price to pay for expanding their understanding though.

Luckily, there's not a legion of angry staff members behind the door. Just a long empty hallway, and another door at the end.]

Oh good. More doors.

I suspect that's how many of us feel. Perhaps we should follow their example, and group together to weather the changing tide.

[ He says it with a small smile, easily latching on to Wei Wuxian's rather apt metaphor. There is the hint of a playful tilt to the curve of his eyebrow, but he is being genuine. He's always supported collaboration - and if history has proven anything, it's only that remaining siloed never proved to work in any of their favors.

Another reason why he's here right now, breaking open locked doors, as it happens.

He was bracing himself for the door's opening, so he remains upright - though he does still stumble slightly through the doorway, catching himself on the other side.

Where there is - yes, only another door. Surprisingly irritating.

He leans down to offer a hand to help Wei Wuxian up. ]

It would be a good idea to keep track, if this is a method meant to confuse us.

[Zewu Jun seems to latch right on to the metaphor, returning one of his own. Wei Wuxian meets it with a lopsided smile as he takes the offered hand, getting easily to his feet and dusting off, no worse for the wear.

He didn't need to point out how working in groups rarely seemed to work well when he was part of them.]

Right. Maybe we can mark the doors we've passed?

[He pats his clothes, just in case he's left something in his pocket that might be useful for such a thing, but all his writing tools are back in his room. Blood is always an option, he supposes. Works well enough for talismans, in a pinch.]

If you'll check the one we just came through, I'll take a look at the next?

[He pads down the hallway, casting a look over his shoulder toward Zewu Jun. The door looks fairly like the one they just came through, though the lock seems a bit more complicated and sturdy. His hand slides over the doorknob, just to test how hard they'll need to hit this one, but it turns easily in his hand!

The room beyond looks simple and innocuous, not another long hallway, thankfully. And there's a few small cabinets to explore. He leaves it wide open as he walks inside, feeling no need to shout down the hall and alert anyone.

Besides, it's not locked, Zewu Jun can catch up easily, is the last thought he has before the door slams shut behind him.]

[ Well. Yes, there is that, and admittedly, Lan Xichen can't say it's not a little bit as a result of some of Wei Wuxian's own actions, but it isn't entirely because of them.

He had done remarkably well with the junior disciples from their various clans, after all.

But he will let it go for the moment, nodding his agreement to Wei Wuxian's plan and turning to examine the door they'd just broken into.

The only thing that he currently carries with him is liebing, and he risks damaging his xiao as much as the door if he attempts to use it to make a mark on it - but there are other ways to leave a sign.

He uses a sharp edge of metal from the broken lock to cut off the end of the sash around his waist, tying one end of it around both door handles.

Then he looks back up, just in time to see Wei Wuxian walking through the door at the other end of the hallway. ]

Wei Wuxian, stay -

[ - close to me, he means to finish that with, but then there isn't much point to continuing as the door has slammed shut behind him.

Lan Xichen is across the hall and at the door before he even consciously thinks about doing so, pulling liebing from the inner pocket of his clothing. He has no spiritual power to put behind it, but the instinct to grab it as he tries to open the door only to find it now locked is there anyway.

There is a small flare of panic that he does his best to ignore. ]

Can you hear me?

[He turns at the sound of the door slamming, and manages a couple of steps toward it, but it's gone. Only a smooth wall remaining. His fingers scramble over the surface, checking for any sign of a seam or crack that indicates the door, but before he can search for more than a few moments, the room is thrust into darkness. He can't so much as see his hand in front of his face.

Did Zewu Jun see him go in? No, that's a silly question, it was the only door, of course he'd realize he went in. He pounds on the wall, hoping the other can hear it, even if the door is no longer there from his side.]

Zewu Jun?

[He swears he can hear something muffled from the other side, but he doesn't have time to make it out before the darkness seems to waver, and a large eye appears, staring right at him. There's no... body attached, not a word spoken, but it stares all the same, it sees him, whatever it is.

Body parts and the macabre don't bother him so much, not when he's spent so much time reviving the dead and fighting corpses, but it's still unnerving. And a moment later another joins it, from somewhere on the far wall. They don't match, they're not even the same size really. But another joins, and another.

Whether they're only silent watchers, or a rising army readying to strike, he can't tell, but he fumbles against the wall again, pounding harder this time.]

Zewu-Jun!

[ He can hear muffled pounding coming from the other side of the door, which doesn't necessarily answer his question as to whether or not Wei Wuxian can hear him, but he's going to assume it means that he's trying to let him know he's still there.

Lan Xichen steps back to take a look at this door, noting with dismay that it seems much stronger, and the lock more complex, than the one they had just come through.

It doesn't dissuade him from trying to break it open for a moment, however, and it's with no hesitation that he angles himself appropriately and slams his shoulder into the door. And then pulls back and does it again, and again, but though the door creaks and shakes under the force of his blows, it remains stubbornly closed.

By now he can hear on the pounding on the other side has increased, and he can only assume that it means that something's happened to increase Wei Wuxian's urgency in getting out.

Anger boils back up, unexpected - anger at himself, for the moment. He's meant to be making it clear to Wei Wuxian that he supports him, that he will continue to support him - he will never forgive himself if he is unable to get him out quickly, if he only adds to the pain Wei Wuxian gone through.

If he costs Wangji his second chance.

He steps back to kick the door instead, chanelling the force of his anger into it, and on the second kick he manages to dent the panel of the lock just the smallest bit, revealing a peak into its inner workings. Lan Xichen shifts gears, focusing on it instead as he tries to shout through the door again. ]

Hold on, please, I will get you out.

[With no door and the encroaching darkness, it's hard not to be reminded of his recent imprisonment, stuck for hours, with no idea of when it would end, if it would end. Lan Zhan had seemed convinced that the first was a warning, and the second... well, if the eyes still multiplying across the room were any indication, it did seem like things had escalated.

So far, nothing had attacked, just like before. It was the solitude, the unknown, how long this might last, that was most difficult to deal with. Ah, and he'd said he would be careful.

Lan Zhan was going to be so mad.

And what about Zewu Jun? Was he okay? Had he been pulled away too? He really should have warned him of the possibility, but honestly he'd been more concerned with running into staff, like last time, than he was with rooms suddenly becoming prisons.

Just as he's about to slump against the blank wall, he startles when a heavy thump strikes against it. A second lands not long after, and a sliver of light breaks through the dark room.

This time the voice isn't muffled or far away, and it's clearly Lan XiChen.]

Zewu Jun! I... I'm fine, the room just shut behind me. If anyone comes, you have to run, okay? They're faster than you think and they'll take you too!

[He tries to keep his voice steady. If nothing else, at least Zewu Jun can escape, right?]

[ Hearing Wei Wuxian's voice from the other side of the door causes a spike of relief to cut through the anger he feels - but it's brief, considering that what he hears is Wei Wuxian telling him to run if someone comes.

When someone comes, because Lan Xichen has no doubt that whoever set this trap would be aware of someone setting it off, and would come looking to see who he caught before long. For the moment, the uncharacteristic anger that threatens to consume him is directed entirely towards whoever is trapping Wei Wuxian like this, but there is a shade of it left for that question itself.

He chooses not to dignify it with a response, instead keeping his attention on how to pry the lock panel apart. He looks around for something to use as a lever, but - there is nothing, no more than there was when he was looking for something to mark the other door with.

Well. No. There is one thing, and while Lan Xichen would not have risked damaging his flute simply to mark their way, getting Wei Wuxian out before someone finds them is another matter entirely. He wedges the instrument in the gap in the panel, braces himself in the doorway, and applies as much pressure as he can.

He can hear liebing strain, and he doesn't have to look to know that cracks are beginning to form in its frame, but he disregards that entirely when it proves successful, and the panel to the lock is pried off. Another kick to its now vulnerable inner mechanisms weakens its integrity even further, and Lan Xichen follows it up by slamming his shoulder into the door one more time - and, finally, feeling it give and break open. ]

[When there's no response, he feels a spike of worry. Are they already here? Have they caught Lan Xichen? A moment later though, he can hear the scrape of metal as something seems to give. He stands clear of the sliver of light, eyes flicking nervously between it and the ever-increasing watchers. There's hundreds now, all focused on him and his movements, though there's not so much as a sound from them.]

Zewu Jun? L... Lan Xichen? Is everything okay?

[A heavy kick thunders in response, and the sliver of light dances and widens for a moment. He's close. But what's going on, on the other side of that door?

He doesn't have to wonder long, as the door bursts open with a thunderous sound. Wei Wuxian doesn't hesitate. As soon as the door is open, he bolts toward it, nearly plowing into Lan Xichen as he does so. He nimbly sidesteps, without losing much momentum, and grabs at Zewu Jun's sleeve, trying to tug him along.]

W-We have to go.

[ No, everything is far from okay, but at the moment he's too preoccupied with trying to get Wei Wuxian out quickly to answer. Really, only some of it can be blamed on the tea - even without the strange anger pulsing through him, he would not be willing to abandon Wei Wuxian, and he would be intent on getting him out before anyone can come find them.

He only might not be quite so forceful about it.

When Wei Wuxian rushes out and sidesteps in, Lan Xichen stays where he is, just in case someone is following him. He holds Liebing up as though it was his sword, and he could use it to shield Wei Wuxian from whatever may have trapped him in there. He is beyond trying to conceal the anger he feels, and it's likely apparent in his expression.

The tug to his sleeve works to get his attention, though, and there's only a moment of hesitation before he follows after Wei Wuxian. ]

Stay with me this time.

[ There's an undercurrent of anger, but it's fainter than his concern. Being angry at Wei Wuxian is different than at their captors, and in this, at least, he will try to restrain himself. ]

[He stutters to a halt when Zewu Jun doesn't immediately follow, and sees his defensive posture, waiting for whatever might follow, but there's only darkness, and the subtle reflection of those watching eyes. Luckily, Lan Xichen doesn't hesitate long, and Wei Wuxian keeps pace with him as they run down the long hallway and toward the exit.

Though he glances over his shoulder a few times, nothing seems to follow, and the eyes are soon far enough away that they fade into the darkness. He doesn't stop until they're well through the next door and into the safety of the hotel's more common areas. His heavy breathing turns into a rough laugh as he leans against the nearest wall in relief.]

A~ah... That could have gone better... I suppose...

[ The tentative dissipating of the adrenaline pumping through him when they make it out to something like safety without anyone following them, paired with Wei Wuxian's breathless laughter, might normally have made him smile in response. But even away from where they weren't supposed to be, he's still finding that he has to keep a tight hold on his nameless anger. He can do nothing more than give a shaky sigh of relief.

Yes, that could have gone better, and for a moment he looks apologetically down at the instrument he's still holding. As he suspected, there is a deep gouge at one end, and cracks fracture its frame.

Well. He can give it a proper apology later. For now, the more important thing is making sure nothing happened while they were separated, and he looks over at Wei Wuxian. ]

Are you injured?

[He lets out a shaky breath, trying to forget that dark room and all the intense eyes, focused on him, or think too hard about what might've happened, had Lan Xichen not been able to break him out. He'd had his first warning, what did the second lead to?]

Mm, no harm done.

[Just a little shaken up, but that's hardly worth mentioning. His eyes follow Zewu Jun's gaze, looking at the damaged instrument, and he winces. Ah. That was... how he'd pried the door open.]

And you, Zewu Jun? I'm sorry about your...

[He trails off. How would he feel if it was one of his spiritual tools? Broken like that? It wasn't like they could easily replace it, not here.]

SO (PLEASE DON'T) TAKE OFF ALL YOUR CLOTHES

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT 06/11 - 06/13

CLICK CLICK... THUMP 06/14 - 06/21

QUEEN'S ADDRESS 06/21

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CLICK CLICK... THUMP
06/14 - 06/21

QUEEN'S ADDRESS
06/21