September Catch-All [Open]

[pureyang]

🧙 WHO: Chongyun and YOU!
⚔️️ WHAT: Catch-all for September!
🕒 WHEN: All the month of September
🗺️ WHERE: Around places
⚠️ WARNINGS: CW: Branding/tattoos in one prompt

Another Year Around The Sun [Takes place September 7th]
[It’s on this day that Chongyun wakes to a particular feeling. He has been keeping track of the days as best as he can, lining the days of Camelot to the days of the Teyvat calendar, and he realizes that today marks a particular occasion. For today, were he back in Liyue Harbour, would mark his birthday. A day that, were he home, his friends would no doubt drag him all around the harbour, offer him a few gifts, and dine with him to help him celebrate (and knowing Xingqiu, try to slip him some sort of spicy food to make his Yang spirit spike). It would be a day of fun, even if a little overwhelming.]

[But that’s not the case this time around. Because the friends he would normally spend the day with aren’t here. And that weighs more heavily on his mind than he realizes.]

[He tries to not let it affect his day, and while he’s not about to go ask people to offer him birthday wishes, he does decide that today is a day he can offer himself some small indulgences. So, with his Familiar, he goes out and treats himself, in a sense. He stops by one of the local restaurants to order a meal for himself, spending a little more than usual. He takes a walk through one of Camelot’s open parks. He goes window shopping in one of the markets, and even picks up a few items he normally wouldn’t spend the money on. He treats himself to an ice cream sundae later, and when the clerk discovers it’s his birthday, they give him a discount.]

[For those who see him out and about, they my notice his little extra indulgences he’s taking on this day, but may also notice the slight melancholy expression on his face.]

Training
[Even though he doesn’t have his thaumaturgy and exorcism skills available here, Chongyun still adheres to a rigorous training regiment where he can. So for those who visit the Red Spring for training, they could find the young exorcist going through his own personal training, usually from morning until sunset on some days.]

[He usually starts out with some meditations, and then goes through his exorcism mantras and martial arts warm-up routines. Each move deliberate, each gesture and hand placement deliberate. When he’s done going through his mantras and warm-ups, he’ll start practicing with his magic, particularly his Siphoning magic; he works at pulling magic from one of the training dummies, channeling it through his hands, then through his body, then out again. Then, after a brief break for lunch, he’ll move on to practicing with his claymore, a blade that seems far too big for one his size to wield. But he does so with ease and precision, even if it looks like he struggles to lift the blade at times.]

[All in all, it seems very structured and focused training. If you are in need of a training partner, Chongyun seems like a good, dedicated partner to practice with!]

Shear Determination
[Shearing sheep should not be this difficult. It seemed like an easy enough task, and Chongyun is not opposed to some hard labour such as this. The small size of the animal is one thing, but when Chongyun approaches one of the sheep and it suddenly breathes a jet of flame at him, he lets out a yelp and leaps back, surprised.]

[Chongyun stares at the sheep as it goes about to grazing, the grass near him singed by fire. He lets out a breath, turning to his partner.]

This… this might be harder than anticipated. If only I still had my Vision powers…

Pain Tolerance/Caring Badass (CW: Branding/tattoos)
[With the Autumn Equinox approaching, Chongyun felt as though he should help with the preparations. The binding ceremony seemed surprising, but the notion of guiding spirits back to the underworld and protecting those who have passed on… those fell in line with his own role as an exorcist, did it not? So he felt that if anyone should help, it was him.]

[Pain is not something he is unfamiliar with; what makes him worry is the heat. His congenial positivity always struggles in heat, and despite his preparation when the searing heat hits his back, it’s not long before his Yang energy spikes, causing him to pass out well before the branding is done.]

[Receiving the tattoo itself wasn’t too bad. But afterwards, Chongyun wakes up, looking very flushed and feverish.]

H-Hot… it’s really hot…

[Sounds like the hot magic from the tattoo was too much for his Yang energy to handle and he’s gotten overheated. He’s going to need some extra help keeping his temperature cool while he recovers.]

Wildcard
[Got an idea for a thread with Chongyun? Feel free to write your own starter, or PM me or poke me at pocketnoivern with an idea for something!]

Comments

Shear Determination

[scriptwriter]

[For this quest, Kotarou saw this as easy money! The sheep looked cute, but going in for a petting show wasn't what he was going for right now. He had to sheer these animals for what they were worth. He figured that this quest would be easy...

However, one of the sheep had caught onto his bad intentions and breathed fire onto his butt while he was in the middle of attempting to reel one of them in. Chongyun will hear a big 'Gyaaaaaa!' as Kotarou is patting his flaming ass down and rolling around in the ground. Eventually, he stops and lets out a whine as he lets flat on his back.]

Uuuuu.... T-These damn sheep are really gonna get it...! Don't tell me they can smell greed!

[pureyang]

[The yell catches Chongyun's attention, and his eyes widen when the boy goes rolling to the ground. He hurries over to him, kneeling down beside him.]

Are you alright? Are you hurt??

[He can ignore that strange comment about greed for now, until they aren't under literal fire.]

[scriptwriter]

N-No, but my pride was damaged a bit! I didn't think the fire was that bad.

[He lets out a big sigh, but he's totally okay. Just a bit shaken up.]

So you're tackling this crazy quest too? Glad that I'm not the only one who's after some lambchops.

[pureyang]

[He's glad that he isn't hurt, and he offers a hand to help the guy to his feet. But he looks back at the troublesome sheep.]

I am. I did not realize it would be so daunting. Rgh, if only I had my Vision powers, this would be a cakewalk.

[scriptwriter]

[Pulled to his feet, Kotarou also looks over to the sheep. He felt that this wouldn't be easy even with his own original powers.]

Vision powers? Are you saying that you could've hypnotized them with your eyes or something like that?

[pureyang]

Ah, not quite... a Vision is an elemental power gifted to people in my world. The Vision I was granted was Cryo, the power of ice. If I had such power here, this would be easy, but unfortunately my magic is more geared for a supportive role.

[While the sheep smugly goes to much on some grass, Chongyun hums in thought.]

Perhaps if we were to combine our powers together, we would have a better chance of containing one? Or, perhaps one of us could keep the sheep calm while the other sheared it?

[scriptwriter]

I see. I think I get the jist of that. So it's basically a superpower that you're talking about.

[Which Kotarou completely understands from his own perspective. He's also humming as he's thinking of a plan.]

That sounds like a good idea. My two magic specialties here are light and blood. Blood won't be useful here, but I might be able to cook up something with light magic. What exactly are your magical powers?

Pain Tolerance

[floatsaway]

[In all honesty, this sort of thing was a bit outside Ochako's comfort zone. Once she realized the full scope of what was required for people to do, she...kind of chickened out, in a way. But, at the least, she's helping with the recovery process for those that actually take on the spirits, and is quick to jump to her feet to help someone who very obviously looks to be ailing.

A cool, damp towel is placed gingerly on the back of the young man's neck, and Ochako hovers her hands over where the brand still mars seared flesh, making it look red and raw. Her fingertips glow a pale, icy blue-almost white, and a cooling mist seems to waft from her palms as she brushes them through the air. Never touching, but just close enough to sooth some of that burn.]

Here...that should help a little bit. I'm not sure if there's any aloe, but I can ask. I-I'm sorry, but I don't have healing magic, but I do have some medical experience. Would you like some water? There's plenty to drink, and I don't mind bringing you some.

[pureyang]

A-Ah...

[Chongyun is definitely looking worse than most of the others who had gone through the tattooing process; his body temperature is high, he's covered in sweat, and his gaze is glossy and unfocused. He almost looks like he's suffering a severe case of heatstroke more than a little burn.]

[The cool cloth on his neck makes him gasp, and the cool thrum of icy magic over his skin makes him let out a shaky sigh. Even his breath is warm.]

I-I’m so warm...

[floatsaway]

[Oh, that is actually really concerning. Ochako hates tearing others from their work, but she's got to let them know that this is a priority case here. Calling out to alert some of the more advanced healers, she does what she can with her own knowledge of emergency first aid. Her mind processes at a rapid pace and Ochako seems to instantly trigger into Hero Mode, and her body is a flurry of movement.

She's removing the outermost articles of his clothing to alleviate some of the warmth they provide (don't worry, she's still kepeing him decent), then racing to grab more towels and submerging them into some cool water, wringing them out and hurrying back. Those damp towels are then draped over his flushed body and she creates a breeze with her elemental magic to start the evaporation process to help lower his body temperature. It's taxing, and Ochako is also starting to sweat, but she looks determined.]

You're going to be alright. Can you drink? I'll help you.

[pureyang]

[The frigid magic and damp towels would probably be too much of a temperature change for a regular person, but Chongyun lets out a relieved sigh when he feels the sharp cold against his heated skin. Already, he can feel some reprieve from the heat, a bit of clarity returning to him.]

[He blinks wearily at his helper, his brows furrowing.]

Drink..?

[Now that she mentions it, his throat is terribly parched. He swallows, feeling like he's been in a drought for ages.]

Water... p-please...

[floatsaway]

[It is a bit vexing, but then again, this seems more severe than Ochako's ever seen before in terms of heatstroke...and she has to wonder if this boy's got something biological about him that sets him off so bad in extreme climate changes. Tsuyu is the same because of her quirk - the colder temperatures she has to really bundle up tight, to avoid slipping into a frog's natural hibernation instinct. This appears to be something similar, but she can't be sure until he's more put together.

Thankfully, he seems to be coming to enough to speak more than slurred sentences, so that's a big help. Ochako offers a reassuring and gentle smile, nodding her head and rushing off to fetch him a cold glass of water from the pitchers that are around.]

Here...can you hold it? Do you need me to lift you up? [Because she most certainly will, in any way. If it means lifting his head or torso up, holding the glass for him, whatever. This is the responsibility of a Rescue Hero - offering support to those that are in need.]

[pureyang]

P-Please...

[Whether that was meant for help holding the cup or lifting up was unsure; perhaps he needs a bit of help with both. But regardless, with her help or not, once he's sitting up he will grasp at that water in a surprisingly tight grip, and drink down the water like a dying man in the desert.]

[The cool water feels so refreshing, and he lets out a breath once the water is drained. He still looks a little out of it, but he turns his bleary eyes to Ochako.]

Thank you...

another year around the sun

[concierto]

[While Chongyun is out and about exploring the day for himself he might noticed a small squishy little ball floating and following him. Soon enough, the little blue seelie will make itself known and start to squish and sit on top of Chongyun's head. Like it's making this boy's head its new perch for the day.

Go about your day, birthday boy! Even if this little blue seelie is seemingly not letting you be alone to do it!]

[pureyang]

[The little blue seelie does eventually catch his eye and draw his attention. It especially catches Xue's attention, the snow fox chirring a little and trying to sniff at it. With a hand to hold the fox against his shoulder, Chongyun stares in surprise.]

A seelie..?

[He thought they only existed in Teyvat? Was this someone's familiar? Still, despite the surprise he feels, he does offer it a small smile.]

I did not expect to find such a visitor today. What are you doing here?

[concierto]

[In return the little one seems to make a few squeaky noises. Pushing itself affectionately up against Chongyun's cheek without any regard for the fox on the boy's shoulder. It seems it wants to be the boy's companion today.

It also seems that seelies might just exist in this world. But only because there are others from Teyvat that have wished them so.]

[pureyang]

[Oh, well then... Chongyun isn't used to such affection, but it does make him chuckle softly, a small smile on his face.]

Well, if you would like to accompany me shopping, I won't say no.

[Beside him, Xue chirrs, wagging her tail. He reaches up to give her a scritchy on her head.]

I've heard that seeing a seelie on your birthday is a sign of good fortune... perhaps this is an auspicious meeting.

[concierto]

[There will be a small swirl of wind around the seelie that tousles up Chongyun's hair. The little one must agree!]

Ahh! Hello there, Chongyun!

[There's Venti.]

Seems my familiar has picked you as a companion today. Did I hear you say that it's your birthday?

[pureyang]

[That little tousle of his hair makes him chuckle, but he blinks when he hears his name.]

Huh?

[Chongyun looks up in surprise, and... oh, it's Venti. From his hood, Xue yips in greeting.]

Ah, is this your familiar? I was wondering where a seelie had come from...

And, ah... yes, you heard correct. Today is my birthday.

Another Year Around The Sun

[rotacalamitas]

[Bennett had been rushing around town for the sake of a birthday today, putting on the finishing touches of a gift he was preparing. But unfortunately, it wasn't Chongyun's birthday he was preparing for. Regardless, it's in transit from one location to another that Bennett has the good fortune of running into Chongyun.]

--Hey, Chongyun! Fancy running into you here, huh?

[pureyang]

[Chongyun had just been examining a small shop that sold what looked like odd potions and charms, but he looks up when he hears his name. And seeing Bennett arrive makes a small smile appear on his face.]

Ah, Bennett. It's nice to see you. Are you out running errands?

[From his shoulder, his frost fox yips in greeting. Hello!]

[rotacalamitas]

Yep. [Bennett offers Chongyun a cheery grin. He was pleased to see his newfound comrade today.] I was cutting it pretty close, but I got everything done I needed to!

[Meaning he got Razor's present all ready.]

What about you? What brings you into town today?

[pureyang]

I am glad for that, then. It feels good, completing all of your tasks the day you intend to.

[Chongyun nods and smiles to Bennett. At the question, he shifts on his feet, resting a hand on his hip.]

Oh, well, I was just doing a little window-shopping myself. I normally don't make frivolous purchases if I don't have to, but I figured that today would be okay to indulge a little bit. One should treat oneself kindly on their birthday, after all.

[rotacalamitas]

[Bennett feels his heart stop dead in his chest for just a second, at the revelation of today being Chongyun's birthday. He considered the two of them friends and yet, he'd never even bothered to find out when his birthday was! Some friend he was, huh...

No, no! He can salvage this! He just had to be honest and upfront and yet still find a way to do something for him.]

Crap, today's your birthday? I had no idea! You've gotta let me treat you today, then, I'll buy you dinner! [Hopefully, Chongyun hasn't eaten yet. Though, that would be his luck, huh...]

[pureyang]

[Chongyun gives a start at Bennet's sudden offer, and he holds up a hand and shakes his head.]

O-Oh, no, you don't have to go through all that trouble! You didn't know, and you probably have your own errands to run. Really, it's quite alright if you don't.

[He shifts on the spot, looking away a bit.]

To be honest, I... am not sure if I am up for a big celebration this year, what with me being here instead of in Liyue Harbour.