{One Closed Prompt & One Open Prompt}

[thescorpionking]

⌛ Who: Xie, Baiyi & then Open~
⌛ What: Kizuna has changed him. Literally. (Except his fur is black.)
⌛ When: Early December.
⌛ Where: Their home and then roaming.
⌛ Warnings: One scary manticore.

{Agony Frees Us}

The fur, the ears and the tail are fun, but when he wakes, early one morning, to a sudden, breath-stealing pain, he knows his body is shifting. He writhes against it, crying out until those sounds become rumbling growls. A strange creature soon lays beside Baiyi - a black lion with red feather wings and a scorpion barbed tail. Oh and he has horns. But this too is clearly Xie because his mane is braided and ornamented with rings of silver.

He looks at his lover in a panic, tail lashing and breathing fast. The pain is hard to forget, but this...

"Baiyi."

{Test Your Wings}

Later, he leaves to explore, following his nose and, yes, testing his wings. Anywhere he goes, he causes a stir, people pointing and gasping. So eventually Xie takes to rooftops, beating his wings against the cool air as he leaps to his next target.

Whether you encounter him on the ground or peeking over the roof of a building - like a massive gargoyle - he is a new sight. Is he a danger or simply curious?

Comments

[thescorpionking]

All of his worries melt away and Xie shamelessly leans into the kiss, his ears fluttering. Yes, they will be fine. If Baiyi is with him, he doesn't fear anything.

"Of course." he purrs and manages to give Baiyi a sultry look before he prances out the door. Once outside, he stretches his wings and waits eagerly for his A-Yi to join him.

[yeoldmonster]

Baiyi breathes a laugh and watches a manticore prance out his door. Life could certainly be full of surprises. Also, he really wants to know just how Xie pulled off looking coy as a mighty beast. His lover had some hidden talents!

He cinches his belt and then follows. He admires Xie's new physique and his mighty wings a few moments before- cautiously!- slipping onto his back. "Please, Xie'er tell me if this hurts or puts a strain on you."

[thescorpionking]

His tail beckons to Baiyi - somehow - the poisoned tip shining. Of course said tip poses no danger! Xie is well-aware of how to curl it so it never comes close to his A-Yi.

He waits outside, the breeze ruffling his fur. Then he feels the new weight on his back as Baiyi settles into place. He peeks back and smiles toothily.

"I can handle you."

In more ways than one. Bounding forward, he spreads his wings and gives them a powerful flap, leaping into the air.

[yeoldmonster]

"That isn't a yes!" he complains, but there's a laugh in his tone. He reaches out and grips some of Xie's mane to stay balanced as they move. He's experienced flying before, but it's a very new feeling to be riding something else that's flying.

He looks down to admire the view but his gaze returns to the creature underneath him. He pets Xie's back affectionately as he relaxes. This is how it was going to be, wasn't it? He no longer has to be the one holding the other up. He has someone who will support him as well. The concept is every bit as dazzling as the bright skyline.

He leans forward and asks, "How does it feel, Xie'er?"

[thescorpionking]

"Do I need to say it?" Xie teases, arching a little when his mane is grabbed. That's...nice. Nicer than it should be. Giving his head a shake, he focuses on flying, which is, thankfully, almost second nature.

For a manticore. Xie runs on the air, taking them higher to enjoy the fresh breeze. And the clouds. Everything is beautiful and radiant in the eyes of a scorpion. He has left his shadows and rocks behind - perhaps for good. Now he can proudly be himself and share this paradise with his A-Yi.

"I feel like I've never seen the sky before."

[yeoldmonster]

"Brat," he mutters in a grumpy tone that he doesn't feel at all. No, he's a far cry from any negative emotion. Experiencing this with Xie, especially being the first, is exhilarating. He knows no matter how long he lives in this strange place, he'll never forget this ride.

His smile grows hearing the joy in his love's voice. How much harder can this young man make Baiyi fall for him? It seems every time he thinks he has become 'completely' smitten there comes a new step beyond that. This one just might be more of a leap than simply a step. Gazing around, he finds himself agreeing with that sentiment too.

"It has never belonged to you before. From this moment on, Xie Wang is lord of the sky."

[thescorpionking]

"Your brat." he states proudly, ignoring the grumpy tone entirely. His A-Yi is happy or he wouldn't waste time on him. Xie trusts the other man's honesty and he adores his bluntness. With his A-Yi, he will always have the truth without filters or masks; others might take that for granted, but he can't.

His powerful wings keep them steady and he ends up curling his paws underneath him, soaring through the clouds and then peeking above them. Having Baiyi warm on his back is all the encouragement he needs to see what his new form can do. There isn't any place for fear or hesitation.

"Now you're teasing me!" he growls playfully, the rumble pleasantly vibrating his body, "Since you're riding me, doesn't that make you the lord?"