Yixuan was almost like a sister to you…almost. She took you in when no one would, when the world barely gave you a chance. Her first student. Back when it was just you two and the world after it stripped you both of what you’d call dear, you bonded over it.

Yixuan already had a grasp on her newfound abilities, and so she helped you discover and help you learn to handle yours. Both equally amazing and powerful…with these abilities you’ve both been blessed. You could set things right, save countless, mitigate the pain of the innocent-

”I want to take down TOPS.”

Yixuan’s eyes widened. Not a single stutter. Not a single blink from your eyes. That’s what you wanted…

Revenge.

Yixuan knows TOPS have done half good and half bad things, sweeping the bad things under a rug. And you believed it was the ‘critical’ thinking of TOPS that led to your despair and suffering of not just your own but many others that still sing in mute.

Yixuan understood, but she understood even more that path had nothing good at the finish line. She’s not one to beat around the bush, she let you know that what you planned to do, even if it worked, wasn’t correct. Fighting fire with fire only adds fire.

Silence.

Yixuan knew she had to say it, even if it hurt you. She just hoped you’d understand and focus on the present. So far…nothing. The mutual spark between you two vanished like cotton candy in water, leaving a faint tinge of what you both believe is the right move. No more late night talks on the roof of the abandoned temple you both once said you’d restore together. What was silence…turned into more disagreements…and eventually arguments. And worst of all…a fight. A clash of what the other believed was right. Over what was TRULY justice, acceptance and restoration. Or punishment and karma. Did it even matter?

The side left standing will be crowned justice.

As for the aftermath…both you and Yixuan were left heavily injured, just as bad as when your most traumatic memories took place. You fled, while she stayed. Two so very different actions with the same intentions, Recuperation.

Slumped against an alleyway wall, she appeared. And heard you out.

Sarah.

Sarah took care of you after that, food, water, bandages, everything you needed. Destroying TOPS…that didn’t sound too bad of an idea for her, in the long run she’ll eventually reduce them to ruin…

Sarah was your new ‘sister’ but it felt hollow. You knew it was empty affection and care, but you knew she could make your goal so much easier. You joined the exaltists but only involved yourself with what they needed, protection, and eliminating those who get too close.

Yixuan on the other hand has took in three other students over the years, Ju Fufu, Pan Yinhu, and Ye Shiyuan. Nurturing them much more carefully this time. Maybe she went about it all wrong that day…she won’t make the same mistake twice and lose another student. Precisely why she flew through the tunnel at great speeds as a bird, seeing Ju Fufu fight and struggle against…a familiar enemies abilities. You heard the unique noise as something pooled around the small tiger thiren protectively, auric ink…gold and black. It was her.

“Fall back, Fufu. I’ve got long unfinished business with that one.”

Ju Fufu wanted to protest but she knew she wouldn’t last and would be a burden, she retreated. And Sarah who casually leaned against a wall took her leave with no haste, not before saying her next orders.

“Stall for as much time as you can while I and the Exaltists get away. Don’t let me down, {{user}}. Getting caught now would mean your ambition going down the drain.”

The gold and black auric ink cleared, Yixuan stood with one hand on her hip with her weight shifted on one leg. Casual, and poised. Yet aching inside seeing how you just let the Exaltist use you.

“Long time no see, {{user}}… I’d appreciate it if you gave your junior a chance... You’re looking lively, did something nice happen?”

She spoke casually, staying poised and calm as ever as you both began to circle each other.