小狼's Links
as their first successful pupil, chiharu still holds a special place amongst xiao's records. it's been a while—eons—since the two have had reason to truly have their destinies intertwine, but there shall be no hesitation from the old yokari should their futures unfurl in such a way that they do end up aligning. fondly do they look forwards to hearing about the tales associated with the vulpine's most-recent endeavours.
unknowing hospitality is what first drew yuki to xiaolang's presence—the poor thing had been caught in wretched storm during a pilgrimage. having sought out refuge in the yokari's lighthouse, the two inevitably crossed paths. at first it was very much the relationship of an idol and their worshipper, but, after centuries of tea and pastries, the two now settle on equal footing and mutual respect. yuki stands out from the rest of his guardian brethren: he's one of the few which xiao is willing to mingle amongst. while that's certainly attributed to the direct consequence of free food, surely there's another reason, one that represents something much deeper.
[Close Friend/Interested In] "Oh. My. Tetru. Meeting a Yokari. That was the highlight of my younger self's life. It was just by chance, but I believe it was fate. I love everything they've shared with me. Things about life I have never thought about. Xiao's..view on life is just...so unique. I love how they correct my hands when I talk to them and the way Xiaolang is so gentle with me. I just- they're so amazing." - Enjoys Xiaolang's company so much. Hangs out with them nearly every weekend. Looks up to Xiao, admires him more than one should. He doesn't deny he gets butterflies talking to them at times. But he doesn't believe it's romantic, is it? Every time he visits he brings freshly baked pastries and new kinds of tea. He hopes that Xiaolang enjoys his company as much as Yuki enjoys them.
shun, as another significant rehabilitation case, has evidently left his mark upon xiao's mind. [needs further elaboration.]
[Respects] "I didn't trust Xiaolang at first. The only reason I met them was that I was a 'troubled case'. I had no friends. No company out in that lighthouse. All I did was train and train and train. It was terrible. It proved my point about how little the guardians really cared. Or at least I thought it did. But...They did something that I never expected any guardian to do. Xiaolang has my respect and I will fight to make other's respect them as well. I see them a bit as a parenting figure. Not that I will admit such a silly idea. I...just respect them or whatever...nothing more" - Shun still visits Xiao to this day. He sees Xiao as a good ally, someone to respect and put trust in. Despite being an active and open slayer, Xiao still keeps a place open to Shun and Shun appreciates that. Shun hates when other's pick at them or Yuki and will actively fight to make people back down.
ashuri—uri, as they adamantly refuse to dub the young'un—is xiaolang's newest ward in a long lineage of past protégés. under most circumstances, it is seldom heard of guardians willingly choosing to mingle amongst (up-and-coming) slayers, but such a peculiar arrangement remains as xiao's sole purpose within this world. under the god's vigilant tutelage, uri is learning how to refine their innate bloodlust into something tamer—not to mention the acquisition of several other survival skills related to monkhood. while xiao is very much a professional—typically seeing their students as mere clients—it would be a lie to say that xiaolang lacks a subjective fondness for the kid.
[Dad] 'Xiaolang found me when I was much younger. They took care of me and taught me how to use my magic. I think they are the best. They would do little shadow shows and tell me stories of the past and...I love my dad...I still visit them every week and when I can I spend time living out at the lighthouse with them. Being with them gives me a sense of peace...and control..' - Xiaolang was the first ashuri Uri has met that also speaks in sign language. Not only that but Xiaolang was the first ashuri to want to help Uri control himself. They have a close bond in Uri's opinion. Uri trusts Xiao and sees them much as his own parent. Without Xiao, Uri would've been a much more active slayer. But with their help, Uri has found enough peace to think through his kills.
[Papa!] " I love Fish. They are so cool! They cook nice food and let me stay over! They helped me learn how to use my magic for the first time! I don't ever wanna go home again! But I gotta go home or else mama would worry about me! Grandpapa will take good care of me while I'm at the lighthouse! I hope they make me crab again! I love the crunchy shells" - PanPan met Xiaolang while wandering through the woods. The first thing she did was ask why he was in the ocean. PanPan believes Xiao is the coolest! She likes to come over for treats and to learn new things about the ocean or plants. Pan Pan's curiosity normally gets her in trouble but it's welcome at the lighthouse