A/N: Another day, another redux. This time, starring the patriarch of the Shio Household, Xan. Out of all the original challenges, I think Xan was the most well-rounded, but I could improve both takes. Speaking of Shios, I should get to Kim at some point.
Anyway, let's begin.
A-B-C Challenge: Xan Shio (Original Take) (Redux)
A): Aftercare (What they do with their s/o after sex)
Xan's asleep. Despite having great stamina, he doesn't partake in intercourse often. The night is over when he's done.
B): Bodypart (Favorite body part of their s/o)
Breasts. Seeing as he's very young and has an innocent taste in sexual partners. (Only 20 years old in the original stories)
C): Cum (Where do they cum? How much?)
The custom back then was to finish inside the women. Xan is no different until he dated Shura, who taught him to pull out to avoid getting pregnant.
D): Dick (How well do they cope when sucked off?)
He doesn't cope well. Xan might lead the session in the wrong direction if he tries to get more involved.
E): Experience (How good are they in bed?)
He's only had sex with two different people, that being Shura and Setsuka. Shura drained him when they were together, but the sessions never amounted to much. He improved when he started seeing Setsuka, short as that relationship lasted.
F): Favorite Position
Spooning. Xan likes embracing his partner and has full consent to grope the tits.
G): Goofy (Do they crack jokes or are they serious?)
Baba and Kin have gotten Xan to soften up when around people he cares for. Otherwise, he's serious and isn't afraid of acting bitter towards anyone he doesn't like. With Shura, he's conflicted and can't bring himself to kill her.
H): Honesty (How honest are they?)
Due to being tasked with saving the world, if not reality, Xan doesn't have the time or luxury of lying to others. He remains cutthroat with his honesty, but no one asks him too many questions due to his age.
I): Intimacy (How intimate are they? Fav intimate activities/gestures?)
Xan's relatively new to intimacy in relationships. Both of his partners don't mind since they both found it cute. (Lucky him)
J): Jerk off (How often do they jerk off?)
Masturbating isn't his thing. Xan doesn't have time to pleasure himself. His partners would rather do it for him.
K): Kinks (Do they have any kinks?)
He loves motorboating his partner's tits. There were times when he fell asleep on Setsuka's rack when they were together. It shows his innocence.
L): Location (Where do they like to do it?)
Xan's pretty traditional with the location. He would be genuinely confused if you asked him to do it anywhere besides a bedroom.
M): Motivation (What turns them on?)
Xan doesn't know what his turn-ons are since he hasn't been in or had enough relationships to actively seek one. It doesn't help that both of his partners are aggressive in nature.
N): Naughty secret (What is the secret they keep?)
Shura was the woman he lost his virginity to. He couldn't have picked a worse first partner if he tried. The experience was scarring, so he tried to blank it from his mind.
O): Oral (Would they rather give or receive?)
Receive. Xan's not good at eating the box, so he won't bother. Setsuka has convinced him to do it more often to improve, funny enough.
P): Pace (Are they slow and sensual or fast and rough)
Neither. Shura taught him how to influence the pace to her liking while erratic and aggressive. Setsuka taught him how to slow down so both parties could be pleased.
Q): Quickies (Yay or nay? Their opinions on quickies?)
When Xan started having sex, the sessions were always quickies since he was a novice. However, by the time he started dating Setsuka, he had built a monstrous amount of stamina, thus adequately pleasing her.
R): Rounds (How many rounds can they go in bed?)
Involving himself with the Soul Swords gave Xan divine levels of stamina. Sometimes his partner would pass out before he got off, much to his disappointment.
S): Support (Do they help each other and/or praise each other during sex?)
It's hard for Xan to support his partners with being closed off romantically. Still, he makes the best attempt he can. As for in the bedroom, he's not too confident in his abilities but is reassured by his partners. (Shura and Setsuka)
T): Thrill (Do they like to try new things or stick to the same ol' routine?)
Not really. Basic is perfectly fine with Xan. Trying out new things might convert him into asexuality.
U): Unfair (Do they like to tease a lot in bed?)
Xan's an awful tease and too straightforward. He is good at foreplay, however.
V): Volume (How loud or quiet are they in bed)
He groans and moans loudly, much to his partner's humor. Xan doesn't know any better, so you can't blame him.
W): Wildcard (Random fluff or NSFW HC you have for this character)
Xan's a handsome man despite his sexual innocence. It's Link from LoZ levels of man pretty.
X): Xray (How big are they? Flaccid and Erect? Trimmed or not?)
Six and a half shower. Xan has a bush but trims there, so it doesn't grow too much.
Y): Yearning (How well do they cope when you or s/o are away and they're horny?)
Xan can wait. Hell, he waited 18 years before sleeping with his first partner. Then he waited two more years before going with another person.
Z): Zzz (Do they fall asleep straight after sex or wait for you or s/o to sleep first?)
He's asleep when it's done, regardless of the session was quick or lengthy.
Bonus Question: True Pairings (Who do you think as their creator would be best for him/her?):
My initial answer was to pair Xan with Cassandra, Xianghua, Kunimitsu, Shiki, Iroha, or Mina. I don't agree with any of those now. The original version of Xan is an interesting case since I didn't have an in-depth romance for him in mind. The very start of my time on FF.
Alwaysdoubted said in the original take that this Xan didn't necessarily need love, and I agree with him now. He had a very corrupted romantic life dating two women who both tried to kill him at one point or another. While Setsuka's attempts were Mitsurugi's fault, a spade is still a spade. At the end of the day, the best pairing for this take on Xan would be no one or an OC. Maybe my editor sees something that I don't.
Bonus Section: Questions from my Editor (Questions about the character that my Editor has.):
Has Xan's somewhat resentment simmered because of Kin and Baba?
I would think so. To Xan, Kin and Baba are the two first legit friends he had. He wasn't expecting them to stick with him during all the madness that ensued. But so much fruit was born from the journey. Kin got a hot ninja wife, Baba got her book, Xan got his peace of mind, a hero's welcome, and Setsuka. Xan was so sure he was going to do all of this alone but not shoving them away was arguably the best thing he ever did.
(AD: Kin and Baba did the entire world a favor by reining in Xan's hostile behavior)
How did Xan meet Shura and Setsuka?
Once again, a product of you only meeting me after I started GbNF.
In Tales of a Merc and Monk, how he met both were explained thoroughly. Xan met Shura when he was a duelist and compiled a 99-match winning streak. Some were against members of Japan's Coast Guard which branded him the notorious duelist in Japan. He met Shura and she was his hundredth victory. Yet he spared her after having enough of the bloodshed. They dated for a while, and Shura took his virginity. (I can count on one hand the women that were worse choices than her, but I digress)
Xan met Setsuka after the time skipped when he visited Shun and Kalina's home to pay his respects to the fallen Saint. (Kalina) Setsuka was tipped off by Shun who was corrupted by Elysium that Xan was Mitsurugi. He didn't want to hurt her, but she was adamant about killing him due to the identity mistake. So he sacrificed one of his Spadroons to silence her. She was an occasional member of the group and eventually bested Mitsurugi but spared him thanks to Xan's nature rubbing off on her. They dated before he was sent back to the past by Edgemaster and Olcadan.
(AD: I do remember bits and parts, but most of this was foggy in my memory. Which is why I asked for a refresher)
Who was Xan's biggest enemy in this take?
Zasalamel is up there. In both takes, his obsession with finding a way to permanently kill himself was key in throwing the world into chaos and ruining Xan's life. (though not as bad as the modern take of him) Though Algol and Azola are a close second and third. Algol for not staying dead and almost destroying the world because of his sense of entitlement. And Azola in corrupting Sophitia. One of the people this take of Xan respects and looks up to as a big sister figure like Taki. He and Taki made sure her death was slow and as painful as possible for the heinous act.
Does Xan consider Japan his refuge?
Up until Xan slew Abyss with his friends, Japan was the exact opposite. Due to killing the Shogun of Kyoto, Xan was part of the most wanted in Japan. He avoided the country and Kyoto like the plague until Baba's suggestion to go back and claim the Jyarukudai Villa. After killing Abyss, he went back to serve his punishment which would have meant death. Luckily for him, Toyotomi and Nene went around the country telling everyone who would hear the truth about what happened. When Xan returned, was greeted as a hero in Kyoto. In the sequel story when he was sent to the past, he can consider the Villa a refuge. However, it's one he can't really enjoy thanks to his job.
(AD: Completely forgot all about that. No wonder Xan avoided Japan like his life depended on it. Because it did)
A-B-C Challenge: Xan Shio (GbNF Take) (Redux)
A): Aftercare (What they do with their s/o after sex)
If you somehow sleep with Xan and aren't together, he may be gone when you fall asleep. He's been heavily scarred to the point where he's afraid of commitment.
B): Bodypart (Favorite body part of their s/o)
He doesn't have a favorite and cherishes his partner's entire body. If they have a preferred par, that's what Xan prioritizes.
C): Cum (Where do they cum? How much?)
When (or if) he orgasms, Xan shoots a lot. Being a few centuries older turned him into a master of not climaxing inside his partner. He'll only do so if somehow convinced to conceive.
D): Dick (How well do they cope when sucked off?)
Much better than his past version. Xan's not afraid of influencing where the blowjob goes and often does so since he knows how he likes this treatment.
E): Experience (How good are they in bed?)
Out of my OCs, this Xan is the undisputed master of sex with much practice throughout the centuries. He's just selective on who he does the deed with.
F): Favorite Position
Hugging with his partner's legs wrapped around his hips. Either being straddled or embracing and stroking them from behind.
G): Goofy (Do they crack jokes or are they serious?)
Xan is deadly serious in this take. He's very calloused with a dry sense of humor since it's deadpan sarcasm. Kim, Shana, or his partner are the only people who can soften him up, albeit slightly.
H): Honesty (How honest are they?)
Xan doesn't lie to anyone, straightforward and blunt with what he says. His demeanor and delivery have earned him some bitter looks, even heated arguments. (Ask Jade)
I): Intimacy (How intimate are they? Fav intimate activities/gestures?)
He's protective of his partners since they know of his vulnerabilities though they can capably defend themselves. As for PDA, you got a better chance of winning the lottery than Xan displaying some PDA. It's something his partners do not expect, but they don't complain 9/10 since he's probably stronger than they are.
J): Jerk off (How often do they jerk off?)
Xan still doesn't masturbate and doesn't see the point in doing so. If he wants sex, he'll come on to his partner or vice versa. They know he doesn't mind being asked for some alone time.
K): Kinks (Do they have any kinks?)
Being with Ivy for so long has turned him off to kinks. Experimentation is now a hard pass.
L): Location (Where do they like to do it?)
Down for anywhere, so long as Xan can be convinced they won't get caught. So it'll take a silver tongue to get him to do you in public.
M): Motivation (What turns them on?)
Women who know what they want and what they're getting themselves into. Xan doesn't look for romance since he's enough of a mess as is. If you know this and still want to be with him, he'll happily give you a chance. Unless you're Shana, then she'll never leave him alone.
N): Naughty secret (What is the secret they keep?)
While sleeping with Mileena, Xan once thought of Kitana instead, and it turned out to be their best session to date. (Now THAT's a secret!)
O): Oral (Would they rather give or receive?)
He can give and is much better at eating the kitten. For the most part, Xan will happily make his partner squirt with his tongue and fingers since he's numb to head.
P): Pace (Are they slow and sensual or fast and rough)
Can adjust accordingly. Xianghua taught Xan how to make love since they were borderline star-crossed. Ivy showed him how to best use his partner's bodies and taught him how to be more creative in the bedroom.
Q): Quickies (Yay or nay? Their opinions on quickies?)
He can't do quickies and lasts too long for that.
R): Rounds (How many rounds can they go in bed?)
Once, Xan and Ivy went at it for twelve hours nonstop. They made love all over the Valentine Mansion during a winter day. To keep warm, they said.
S): Support (Do they help each other and/or praise each other during sex?)
He's the Iron Curtain of Support and will ALWAYS be there for his partner. Much like his daughter and pet. Xan's also a heavy dom and submits to NO ONE. Even Ivy, whom he made a sub.
T): Thrill (Do they like to try new things or stick to the same ol' routine?)
Xan's down for trying anything. If his partner thinks it'll help their sex life, then why the hell not?
U): Unfair (Do they like to tease a lot in bed?)
Xan thinks he's still a terrible tease. In reality, he's masterful. Even someone as sexual as Ivy doesn't know what's coming next.
V): Volume (How loud or quiet are they in bed)
Xan is silent, only speaking when issuing commands to his submissive partners. He can also talk sweet nothings, a pleasant surprise to his partners.
W): Wildcard (Random fluff or NSFW HC you have for this character)
During that twelve-hour session with Ivy (which they dubbed the Midwinter Session), two of Ivy's maids joined in at their request. Ivy gave them both a pay raise and permission to sleep with Xan for their excellent jobs should he grant consent.
X): Xray (How big are they? Flaccid and Erect? Trimmed or not?)
He's still six and a half and trims down there.
Y): Yearning (How well do they cope when you or s/o are away and they're horny?)
Listen, Xan can wait. The amount of time he waited until another chance to sleep with Ivy has gone to decades.
Z): Zzz (Do they fall asleep straight after sex or wait for you or s/o to sleep first?)
Absolutely not. Ever since Xan became immortal, he's never felt tired after a session. It wasn't until he became more intimate with Mileena that he could sleep after a session since being with her gives him a sense of security.
Bonus Question: True Pairings (Who do you think as their creator would be best for him/her?):
Originally, I said Sindel, Sareena, Jun, Julia Chang, Millia Rage, and Litchi Faye Ling. I still stand by a couple of these, though there are some issues to sort out. Those are Sindel and Jun. The problem here is that Xan isn't keen on being a stepfather nor wants more kids since he has Kim and Shana. He also doesn't like dating a royal since that comes with its own set of baggage. (Though Kim is more than happy to be a princess through a technicality)
Jun is one of the best partners since she can ease Xan's mental pain. Still, even she has her share of problems. First, her feelings towards Kazuya. Jun was naturally drawn to him and eventually lost to fighting her baser desires. The two sleep together, which conceives Jin. Xan won't compete for a woman, especially when the competition is someone as evil and vindictive as Kazuya. His absolute way of thinking will cause Xan to kill Kazuya, which would drive Jun away. And don't get me started on Jin.
So who would work with this in mind?
Initially, Mileena wouldn't work since Xan doesn't believe in redemption arcs for people like her. He would've killed her without a second thought in any other continuity. But I decided to change that this time. I probably wouldn't have done it in hindsight, but it's too late to change now. Kitana would be a marvelous partner since she reminds Xan of Xianghua in terms of kindness. She also fits into one of two of his types in women. One who can balance Xan's mental health or someone who shares the same mentality on dealing with enemies - Kitana fits the latter. But dealing with Liu Kang would be arguably worse than Kazuya since they're on the same side. And Xan might do something he'd regret.
Xan's way of thinking wouldn't score many points with most of the Tekken ladies. Zafina and the Williams Sisters may be the only exceptions. I'd lean towards Anna since Nina is essentially married to her job. Zafina is similar but to a lesser extent. He wouldn't get along well romantically with either Julia or Michelle. Xan's all for peace, but there's a point where being diplomatic won't work. He'd probably make an inadvertent enemy of Master Raven. (Doesn't fit well with her anyway). Katarina would annoy him to no end, and Lili and Asuka are both minors. They'd both get on his nerves even if they weren't. (Lili especially)
Jun could pan out, but I already explained why I still wouldn't do it. If we include Unknown, the pairing would be tragic, and Xan's had enough sadness to last several lifetimes. He's friends with Yoshimitsu of his time and the present one, so he wouldn't mess with either Kunimitsus. The rest are either taken (Xiaoyu), have a ship with another character that makes sense (Christie) (Don't know if she's linked to anyone), are supernatural (Angel, Eliza), aren't human (Alisa), or won't work well with him period. (Everyone else)
Taki is a character that could work well, but she's paired with Kin. Talim would if she wasn't a minor. Ivy didn't pan out because she was too closed off even for him. Lady from DMC is my first pick for characters that would work with minimal to no opposition. That's the perfect amount of awkwardness for Xan since she's like his original take in terms of sexual innocence. He can break down the fortress and corrupt her in the best way. Loyalty is their strongest trait, so they would stand the test of time with minimal difficulty.
Baiken is another pick, and while I've been tossing her around in terms of OTPs, I think she'll work the best with Xan. They can bond over their love of swordplay, and Xan can tell her all about the 1600s to modern-day Japan. They're naturally bitter and can be angry at everyone else. How they express that anger will vary for great comedy.
Villainesses could fit well with Xan, but it would take some convincing third parties to make it work. As I've mentioned before, Xan doesn't believe in redeeming those who are inwardly malicious. For example, I don't have one, but maybe my editor does. (Nah, if Xan is that way, might as well keep it that way)
My Dark Horse picks include Shun Ying Lee from Urban Reign, Kaori 'Kojiroh' Sanada from Last Blade 2, Lulu from FFX, Ayane from DOA, Rachel from Ninja Gaiden, and Tsukikage Ran from Kazemakase. But I've talked for way too long so, I'll let my editor tell you what's wrong with my Dark Horse Picks if there are any.
Bonus Section: Questions from my Editor (Questions about the character that my Editor has.):
Who brought out the best and worst in Xan?
I think you already know the answer to this question given his backstory. Zasalamel practically ruined his life and had a hand in killing almost everyone he ever cared about in his time. Shun, Kalina, Amy, Cass, Siegfried, Shura. It was Xianghua and Ivy who eventually got him out of his stupor, so they're the answers for the former. Out of the MK cast, Kim is obviously the answer since he'd do anything to reassure her safety even if she's debatably stronger than him. Mileena's stubborn nature eventually warmed his heart again and set him up perfectly for Baiken who might as well be his perfect match.
(AD: Despite being a good match, Baiken still has her work cut out for her)
Is Xianghua still on Xan's mind though he's with Baiken?
Xianghua will never leave Xan's mind. You never forget your first love, after all. She was so adamant and loving to him even though we have little scenes with the pair. Xianghua was truly the light of his life until she passed away and he adopted Kim. Though Baiken brings a sense of camaraderie and cares for his well-being that rivals, if not surpass Xianghua. Yet, she may not know how to express her emotions in her own way.
(AD: Love like that never dies)
Would Xan prefer an Asian woman over anyone else?
Surprisingly, no. Xan subconsciously loves all colors on the spectrum. He may be reluctant to date a black woman since the first black person he met ruined his life and killed a majority of his friends. But the only thing that matters to Xan is your resolve. Stick by him and he'll do the same for you. As Jade put it, he's refreshingly old-fashioned. And a genuinely happy Xan will always lighten the mood, much like his daughter does 24/7.
(AD: Wasn't expecting that, but it makes a lot of sense)
Which version in your mind is better? Original Xan or GBnF Xan?
It's no contest. The GBnF take of Xan is the vastly superior version. He's a better construction of the general character. I like the references I gave him more than the original version, and his pairings made sense. He gave us Kim and Shana, and allowed me to bring Baiken into the story.
Though I'll never forget the original version since I had my first story with him and some of my long-time readers started my works with him as I did. Funny enough, in the final arc of GbNF, I was going to bring the original version of Xan as a cast member. I quickly nixed the idea as I never figured out how that would work since I don't plan on using Kronika in the story because she's shit.
(AD: Yeah, good idea not bringing in the original Xan as that would make things murkier in the end)