Fang x Mai

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Mai Bảo-Châu

Mai Bảo-Châu [Means "A Precious Blooming Pearl]
Since all Sino-Asian characters have their family name as their first, I did the same for Mai.I created Mai based on my own experiences, my heritage, and around Fang to compliment his characteristic/appearance. For Mai, I wanted her to struggle with her family's "curse". AKA, a metaphor for generational trauma. And for her to break the cycle on her own. The idea I have planned for Mai is that she slowly is able to have a much looser grip from the curse due to her being apart of the Sandrock community. I don't want her healing to just be ALL from Fang but from the people in Sandrock that she interacted with and bond. I took inspiration from my own time and experience in the Simprock community since it is very healing for me being there.Mai's appearance is more goth due to her exploring and trying new styles to show off her individuality while still keeping her Seesai heritage close. She's able to find her own style thanks to Nia. Mai does care about her appearance a lot due to her mother's lectures and reinforcing on how appearance carries a person a lot through life and so on.Mai's Family Curse, History, & BackgroundMai's curse starts to become more apparent during her pre-teen years. Each cursed descendent triggers for the curse is different but the only similarity is anger. Mai never has the luxury of getting to feel angry or let her body feel any sort of release from it. She has to bottle her emotions up all her life to protect others. Hence why she always look so lifeless or is very nonchalant with her interactions with others. Mai has tried to live a normal life, dating.. Friendship. But most just ended very short due to most not understanding her or just giving up on her. Nia being the only person still sticking by her.Of course, Nia at the time wanted to "fix" Mai. Mai calls her out on this and sense hesitation in Nia, telling her to stop pursing her romantically just the fact Mai doesn't want to hurt the only person who is still by her side. Especially if the person had any hint of hesitation due to their knowledge of Mai's background and family's curse.Eventually with the help of Mai's close friends, Vivi in particular, she started to let herself to love and be loved by Fang. Mai began to have more life in her face along with expressions. Shocking many locals in Sandrock but they are all happy to see more life in her.For her family's curse and it's history, Mai and her father are decedents of a clan that is almost completely wiped out during the calamity. Their people dealt with war and even being hunted into near extinction, their women and children being stolen and men slaughtered. I based this off of some Vietnamese folklores and tales, with Mai's ancestors using their own blood and decedents to carry out their vengeance for what happened to their people. And it will always be the first born who has to carry this burden. Those who knows that they have this in their blood ALWAYS drown the first born at birth, even if they don't have the curse themselves. Or they get taken away by higher Seesai authority to be used as child soldiers. These children are wanted not for their curse to be studied but for their inhumane strength when they go into a bloodlust state. 1 of these berserkers can equal to a whole army if given the right tools and weapons. Those who possess this curse will occasionally hear the voice of their ancestors edging them on, to kill, to slaughter, to get revenge for their people.. To give into the anger and grief.Mai's father, sadly, was a victim in this but was able to escape intact. Despite him being able to win his freedom, he still had to fight his family's curse from running rampage in his blood and overtaking him. Mai's father trying to fight against all this anger he felt during his time being under the authority of these callous government official. Not wanting to hurt any innocent while also not wanting to risk being recaptured, he escape south of Seesai. Where he met Mai's mother. A famous performer in the south who is known for her elegant singing and dance. Her singing and songs calmed his bloodlust. Eventually both falling in love with one another and had Mai. Despite this invisible rule that Mai's father had hanging over him, he refused to drown his first born daughter. Instead, wants to give her a chance to prove everyone that they can fight this.Soon after, Mai's father side of the family found out and threatens to take Mai and him to the authority for they are scared of what both of them are capable of. This made Mai and her family escape to Highwind, leaving their home behind. Mai's parent wanted to prepare her if she ever was possessed by the bloodlust. Her mother taught her how to sing her songs and how to play Seesainese instruments since that is how her mother was able to calm her father. With her father, he taught her martial arts. Along with how to train the mind, the body, and the soul. Due to the fact that the curse is VERY brutal and taxing on a person. If the person's body, mind and soul are not prepared for when the curse takes over, it can literally destroy one's body beyond repair or they can die from how much the curse pushes a person's body past the limit.Hence why Mai always seem so emotionless, cold, and unresponsive. She is scared to trigger her ancestor's wrath and anger if she were to show any sort of emotions. Even if its happier ones, she still wants to be careful and tries not to be too close to anyone in fear of it leading to negative emotions. Her previous experience with her cousin made her more recluse and careful. Mai losing control during a heated argument with her cousin, with her cousin trying to subdue and calm her down. Just for their eye to be taken from Mai. (This cousin is going to be the governor of Evershine.) Mai still feels bad to this day for what she has done and for her tearing apart whatever family her and her parents had left.Mai being reserve and quiet is her trying to protect others. Even with her trying to live a normal life, a few of her exes has tried to egged her on to see what this "curse" was about. One in particular finding it amusing, liking a more "fiery" and "spicy" side of Mai. This relationship alone destroyed her with not only her ex crossing her boundaries but also cheating on her to elicit more reactions out of her. Mai being single for 4 years after that.During her time in Highwind as an adult, she was a Civil Corp member thanks to her father's teachings and training. Making it easy for her to join. Despite what others may think of her.. She still wants to help others and have shown through her actions. Even if its through small acts of kindness as a Civil Corp member. This made her popular in Highwind as this silent but a gentle member whose beauty is a bonus to many. Her being bombarded with many heart knots after its been known that she is single and on the market, from secret admirers and from people she has saved. Of course, she rejects every single one. Even feeling a bit of a dislike for heart knots in general since it feels like a mind game to her. Mai quit the Civil Corp when she got into an accident that destroyed her arms. She saw many doctors and most made her healing worse and worse, to the point where it became irreparable. Her having to live with their mistakes with chronic pain and permanent scaring on her arms.She can still use her arms but not to the full extent without feeling pain. Mai having to buy painkillers constantly to combat this pain for her work and to function. (When she is in her bloodlust mode, her arms are nearly destroyed from the pain and the muscles ripping.) Mai did became depressed for a period but her parents and Nia encouraged Mai that there are other paths. Mai's father helped her learn kick boxing and taekwondo. With Nia pushing her to join the Builder's academy!After some years in Highwind and her being a builder for less than a year there, she wanted a quiet life away from the city and people. Mostly to protect them but to have her own peace and mind to herself. Seeing a contract for Sandrock, she instantly took it in a heartbeat. Setting off to start a new life in a new city.

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Fang & Mai's Relationship

Fang & Mai's Dynamic & Acquaintanceship ft. Gwys((Gwys is another builder who belongs to WintersCreation. She and I have decided to merge our builder's world jointly and have beautifully incorporated our characters together.))I wanted to explore their dynamic a little differently compare to what I've seen from others. Like I mentioned above, I wanted Mai to compliment Fang as well but to also have her own individuality. I took the motif of Yin-Yang with Fang and Mai to heart. Them being different from one another but yet so similar. Them complimenting each other and finding balance to make their relationship work. They are a HUGE slow burn, and when I mean slow burn.. I mean SLOW as fuck with how awkward and reserve they are due to their upbringing with Seesai culture. (Which is perfect because I am a sucker for a good slow burn romance.)When Mai and Fang first met each other, they did not get along with one another. Mai assuming that Fang is another quack doctor and Fang being a bit unsettled by Mai's presence. Mai eventually tried his medicine and found it to be more effective than her previous prescriptions. Of course, her disdain and resentment for doctors in general still is present. Even if she doesn't talk much to Fang, he can feel it. This also made Fang's sister, Gwys, grow a dislike for Mai at first.With Mai occasionally coming to his clinic for restocks on medication, bandages and gauze. She does bond with X a bit, since she feels that animals are far less judgmental compare to humans. Even if X seems rude at first to her, she found him charming. Catching Fang's curiosity, only for a little bit when she does stop by. Mai also learning from Arvio and the others that Fang is a lonely man who keeps to himself just like herself. Eventually after months of their rocky acquaintance stage. Mai and Fang became friends and rapidly became very close friends after the opening X gave them both. X seeing how much of a kindred soul these two are.Fang & Mai's FriendshipDuring their friendship, Fang would hint/pester Mai to let him give her a check up. Since she never got a check up from him since they first met. Mai with her fears and doubt, would make excuses and dip out of the clinic whenever Fang brings it up. Fang is worried for her and wants her to be healthy but feels he doesn't know much of his favorite person. Then one day, Fang almost got seriously hurt but Mai stepped in to save him. Only for her to give away that she felt pain surging through her arms. Fang noticing it and calling Mai out. Being even more persistent and assertive that he must give her a check up.Mai does give in and lets Fang perform his very first check up on her. When Fang saw Mai unwrapped her bandages, he sees her arms are full of dark scars all over. A bit shocked and taken aback, he reassures her that she is safe with him and that he won't do anything she doesn't like. Especially when Mai kept flinching at Fang's touch. During this moment, I made it tender, warm and intimate with them both. Even if they both have realized their feelings for one another during this moment, they refuse to speak out "I love you" due to their own darkness. Mai telling Fang about her medical history and her past with her previous doctors. Fang is visibly upset by this. But Mai tells him that it's all in the past and nothing can be done now. Fang keeping his thoughts to himself does want to help her in anyways he can. Secretly researching a way to help her with her chronic pain.As their friendship deepened even more, whenever they went out on a friendly date. Fang would purposely walk slow when Mai escorts him back home. Fang wanting to spend more time with her as much as he can due to their profession keeping them both busy. Both Mai and Fang even finding excuses to see each other often. Even if they both are very secretive with how they feel about one another, they still want to be in each other's company.Mai occasionally would give Fang and X "left overs". It's not just another excuse for her to see Fang again but to show that she cares and wants to feed him. Fang cherish this gesture dearly. Since the meal she cooks for him are all traditional Seesainese food. (All vegan of course!)Fang would find himself making an excuse to see Mai as well. May it be picking herbs near her home or trying to make conversation with her when she visits his clinic. Hoping she would stay longer and chat with him. Even sending her medicines he made himself with a letter attached to X, to make sure she is well and healthy. (He finds himself bashful around her occasionally but won't admit it.)

Fang & Mai's Romantic RelationshipMai and Gwys started to become friends, even developing a sisterhood with each other during the martial arts tournament. When their relationship deepen, Gwys started to pick up on how both Fang and Mai treated each other. It may be subtle to others but to her.. She can tell there is more going on than them being friends. Gwys teasing and joking to the both of them individually that she would be the best wing-woman for them. Mai would stare at Gwys with a deadpan. While Fang would be uncomfortable. Regardless of Gwys' attempt to get these two obvious lovebirds to be together, she and X would find themselves observing the two of them acting more than just friends when they're both alone with one another.Then one day while Mai was having tea with Vivi, talking about life and other mundane topics. The old woman noticed a lot of things despite her old age, not even anything can hide from her sights and instincts. Vivi would tease Mai about her seeing someone and Mai would always deny it with her deadpan face but is internally dying from embarrassment. The old woman calling her out that nothing can be kept a secret from Grandma Vivi! Especially when it comes to love. Vivi passes on her wisdom along while encouraging Mai to not be afraid to love and how Vivi also noticed how Fang looks a bit more liver when they're together. While Mai seem to have more life to her than being this emotionless woman when she's with Fang. Vivi telling her that life is too short and it's best to pursue things than have regrets. This gave Mai a push to start to live her life a bit more. To love someone despite her own darkness and fear. After multiple failed attempts to verbally confess to Fang, she resorts to what she hated most. The heart knot.Mai remembering one of her conversation in the past with Nia, "I don't understand it, why don't you just go up to the person and tell them how you feel instead of this mind game?". Just for it to bite her back in the butt. Of course, things went down with Words To Betray My Heart. Mai is very patient and understanding through this whole ordeal, not even being pushy but giving Fang all the space he needs. Then the last check up, after a heated argument from them both. Mai felt her tears welling up. Her accidentally blurting out, "Fine! You'll never see me again.." Rushing out of the clinic, with tears in her eyes.Gwys coming back home to the clinic after a commission, noticed that Mai is running out with tears down her face. The other Seesainesse woman tries to call out to this gothic woman but Mai just kept running. Gwys who developed a deeper bond with Mai, understood that this woman is closed off and is reserve with her emotions. But storms in the clinic to scold Fang, just to find out that he is too visibly upset by the event. Gwys not wanting her brother to mess this up, wanting him to be happy as well. In spite of how obvious with how Fang feels about Mai, he refuses to let himself hurt her with his past.
Mai went to Vivi's home for some consoling and venting to her what happened in those days. Vivi comforting Mai and giving her some encouragement while telling Mai to not give up on Fang like how her previous lovers gave up on her. Telling Mai how both Fang and her are brave enough to try to love each other. Despite opening up to the possibility of being hurt. Saying that the both of them came from a place of hurt but the fact they both are even willing to slightly open their heart to love does mean something. Saying its understandable for them both to be scared of love and fear of losing each other. Mai understands this and does calm down. Thanking this elder woman for comforting her while also giving Mai another perspective on this situation.Mai does then give Fang some space for a few days, not visiting his clinic. Needless to say, she had to restock on her medication and supplies but was too awkward and wasn't ready to go back to the clinic to see Fang again. So she just have Arvio fetch it for her instead from the doctor. Fang learning about this and is very hurt by it. Another instance where Mai would notice Fang walking around in town, then avoiding him despite him trying to wave at her. Even at the Blue Moon when she's talking to Owen, she would make an excuse to leave when she notice Fang arrives. Not even making eye contact with the man. Despite Fang not wanting to hurt her with his own past and trauma, preferring to love her at a distance even. He can feel his heart tearing apart from her avoiding him.Then Fang decided to muster the courage to talk to Mai, and maybe resolve this.. Maybe they can go back to being friends. A lie he tells himself as he head to her home. But his anxiety and worries hits him with the train scene. Thinking Mai left Sandrock, especially with her being distant and cold towards him for the last few days. The scene ensues, with Fang opening up to her but with Mai not wanting to give up on Fang.. Reaches out to him in an embrace. Then Fang and Mai ends up being together, finally, after months and months of them denying their own feelings for each other. After all the days passing of them refusing to utter the words "I love you" during their friendship.. It felt like a relief to the both of them to be able to love and be loved by one another. Mai never have told him yet about her curse but does try to find the time to tell him since he opened up to her about his dark past.Fang and Mai's relationship is a bit comical at first, this being Fang's first relationship and Mai having previous experience but stumbles and gets shy around Fang. Even with her harden and cold exterior, she does slip up and gets bashful around him. Others who are lucky to catch a glimpse thought their eyes were playing tricks on them!Mai would often give Fang kisses on his cheek before she leaves to work. Always leaving a black lipstick mark on his face for others to see when they visit him for a check up. The whole town knowing that these two are an item with Cooper boasting that he always knew all along but was being a good man to keep his nose out of their affair. He secretly wanted them to be together and would gush to Mabel about it secretly.They don't get their fist kiss after a month into them dating. Mai trying to initiate a kiss but always end up kissing Fang on the cheek instead. Fang does get a bit disappointed with the last fail attempt but wants Mai to go at her own pace. Fang does occasionally space out, daydreaming how her lips would feel on his. X does encourage Fang to take initiative for their first kiss. (Referencing "Kiss The Girl" from The Little Mermaid. Go X! Get his ass.)Mai does curse at herself for not being able to kiss Fang. Asking herself, "What the hell is wrong with me..? I had experiences before why is this any different- No.. Fang is different from the rest.. I just don't want to mess it up.." Catching herself in her own thoughts when Fang's slightly disappointed face popped into her mind. Feeling that she might be failing as a girlfriend already. Mai prepares herself mentally, since she also wants to kiss Fang as well.The next day, Fang asked Mai out to watch fireworks that night. Both enjoying the moment faraway from the town, with just the two of them nestling together on a picnic blanket. Mai looking up in awe while Fang inches closer, pulling her close to him. Looking down at her, hinting and asked.. "May I..?" Mai knew where this is going and confirms with "Mhmm." Both sharing a passionate first kiss with Mai leading, while the fireworks go off in the background. Fang pulling away to see her reaction just for Mai to pull him back in for another kiss. Fang collapsing on top of her while they kept kissing one another under the lighten up starry sky.Fang comes home late that night with lipstick marks all over his face and neck. With Gwys standing in the corner, questioning him why he returned so late in the night. Fang, not looking at Gwys to hide evidence of his saucy night with Mai. Answers her that he had an enjoyable date with Mai and that time passed by so fast that he didn't realize. Quickly going to his room to clean up after Gwys gave in to his excuse.There is sexual tension between Fang and Mai while they're in the dating stage, but they always quickly shut it down if it gets too close or intense. Mai understanding Fang's past and wants to go slow with him. While Fang knowing Mai's past, wants to make sure she feels comfortable and safe with him. When its just the both of them, Fang and Mai are very touchy with one another. Not sexually but they just enjoy holding one another and giving each other kisses.Mai tends to go off and be far away from the town to sing to herself to help calm her bloodlust and quiet her ancestor's voices. Mai accidentally starting a rumor in Sandrock that there is a sad singing ghost lady. She does play it off that she is a bit spooked by it. Fang and X got concerned and asked her about it. Fang is worried that Mai is actually scared and just putting up a front. Him and X went to check up on her later that day, just to hear the singing. X following the voice, thinking its Mai and Fang follow suits. Both finding Mai, sitting at the edge singing Seesainese songs. Bringing nostalgic memories for them both while they are entranced. Watching silently until she finished. Mai finished her singing when she heard Fang's footstep and quickly gets up and is shocked to see them there.They both bonded over Mai's singing and her growing up with Seesai customs because of her parents. Even asking Fang and X to keep her singing a secret since she rather no one else knows it. Rather, she wants her singing to be her only special thing for herself and for both Fang and X as well. Mai finally mustered the courage and told Fang about her dark past and family curse. Especially Mai not wanting to rely on someone else to calm her bloodlust like how her father has to rely on her mother's singing and warmth to calm his.Fang reassures her that he still loves her. That he has heard tales of her clan during his time in Seesai. Comforting her that he never seen her exhibit any sign of a violent nature. That he will be by her side, no matter what and that he wants to help her bare the burden as well. They both share this tender moment before they go back to Sandrock together, hand in hand.With them dating for a long time now. Fang has hinted that he wants to marry Mai. Mai is oblivious and doesn't pick it up, at least that's what he thought at the time. Which leads to Fang incorporating their culture to hint his desire to marry her by gifting her a customized swan hairpin with jade beadings on it. Hoping she understands the symbolism and significance behind it. After a month, Fang gets a bit fidgety and nervous that Mai may not understood the meaning. He confronted her about it and Mai, playfully plays dumb and told him she immigrated from Seesai and hasn't fully immerse herself in their culture.Fang, being sheepish explains to her the cultural meaning behind the hairpin. For Mai to slip up and chuckle, teasing Fang how cute it was to see him with that reaction and that she knew the meaning the whole time. Fang tries to tease her back as well but is a little pouty. Mai confessed that the last few months, she did have a ring prepared but didn't know how to bring it up to him. So, she showed him the ring that she also got custom made for him and with them both excited to marry one another.With the event of Logan and the Duvos invasion coming near. They both decided to get married on paper to not stress each other out and to make sure that Mai's family is safe. Mai sent a letter out to her parents, not detailing too much but telling them that she have found someone. Including details of her reasoning and why her and Fang decided to get married on paper to not only to keep her family safe but to keep their marriage on the down low. Just in case the Duvos invaders decide to use their marriage against each other.

Duvos Occupation & Mai's HealingDuring this time, Fang and Mai made sure to promise each other to be safe and to not do anything stupid. Both are very over-protective of one another but know that the other will be careful. When Mai and the Civil Corp were caught and thrown in jail. Pen came in and threaten Fang's life if Mai ever pulled anything foolish. Pen did a through deep dive into Mai's background and knowing how ridiculously strong she can be when he became her sparring partner during their duration of their "friendship". Including details of her family history and her true nature.After being sent off to do her builder's duty and Stev watching over her. She can feel other eyes on her from other troops, watching her every move.Mai's curse started to rampage badly, she hear her ancestors telling her.. "Kill Duvos", "Slaughter them all", "They took our women and children", "Killed our men", "Duvos", "Create an ocean of their blood" over and over in her head, whether this was true or not.. Her ancestors were trying to get under her skin and play with her empathy. Stev does snap her out of her trance. Commenting that she was spacing out. Mai is cold and harsh with Stev at the beginning but she slowly warms up to him. Mostly the fact she knows that he was only ordered to do this and that he's just another unfortunate soul who got caught up in this. With Stev opening up to Mai about his life in the Duvos Empire and how he feels insignificant to this existence. Mai and Stev developing an unlikely friendship.The fight at the church, Mai couldn't contain her curse and went crazy with slaughtering many Duvos soldiers. Logan was the only one who noticed that something was off about Mai, with how she was cutting the soldiers down like ribbons while her arms were twisting inhumanly.Even with her lack of control of her body, she witness the horror that her ancestors forced her to do and watched all the life she has to snuff out for their vengeance. Memories flooding her mind from when she was a child and her father training her. Regardless of his stoic demeanor, her father broke down in front of Mai. Venting to the small child that he both feels conflicted about Mai's existence. That he feels responsible for making her suffer with bearing the burden of their ancestor's wrath, that he should've drowned her at birth. While also feeling guilty for having these thoughts, wanting his daughter to live and to prove everyone in their family that they can overcome this. Mai remembering her father telling her that she will walk a very lonely and painful path alone until she finds a way to quell their predecessors who are hellbent on destroying everything and everyone.Unfortunately, Stev was caught in the cross fire and Mai had her sight on the man. Stev trying to defend himself against her but slipped on a corpse where Mai pounced on him. Ready to slice his head off clean until he begged her to stop. Mai was able to stop her arms just a mere inch from his neck before she slowly regain control of her body again.Mai gets off of Stev, dropping her daggers and apologizing over and over as she backs away from him. Slumping down in a pool of blood. Shell shocked at how many people she has killed in such a short time.After Logan and the rest have defeated Commander Lefu and the rest, Fang rushes out of the church to find Mai. Slumped on the ground still and looking at her bloodied hands. Fang rushes to his wife, checking her over to make sure she wasn't hurt. Mai looks up at Fang with those same soulless eyes that he first saw her with. Fang held her close to him. "..No one will hurt us anymore. We're safe now." Cradling her in his arms until she snaps out of her shellshock and began to sob in his arms and held him back. Her knowing how much Fang hated violence but for him to comfort her like this just breaks her. The very first time that Mai has ever cried her heart out, releasing so much emotions and anger she had bottled up her whole life. This is the true start of Mai's healing her generational curse and trauma. Trusting others, opening up to them, and not being afraid of herself.

Fang & Mai's Traditional Seesai WeddingAfter the Duvos Invasion, Mai sent a letter out to her parents, even updating them about her relationship with Fang and them wedding soon. Mai telling them that it's okay for them to miss it and she promise to send wedding photos to them! Her loving parents decided to stop by at Sandrock as a surprise! Startling the soon the be wedded couple. Mai's mother being overly affectionate with her daughter and happy to see her finding someone to settle down with. While Mai's father bonded with Fang, being the father figure that Fang never had in his life.During Mai's parents visit and them helping the couple prepare for a traditional Seesainese wedding, there is a lot of healing for both Fang and Mai. Mai's parent adoring Fang and is thrill to have him as their son-in-law. Mai would introduce her mother to Vivi, an elderly figure who has helped her during her stay in Sandrock. Both Mai's mother and Vivi hitting it off and bonding over their time with Mai while creating a beautiful, red, Seesai wedding dress. With Mai standing as the model as they decorate her like a doll. In this scene, Nia, Grace, Unsuur, Wilson, and Gwys are all there to get their outfits created since they are Mai's brides women. Gwys and Mai's mother bond over how Gwys should never be ashamed of her losing and being out of touch with her Seesai heritage. That things were out of her control and she shouldn't feel any sort of shame. That she will help reteach Gwys her culture and is happy to also have her as a daughter.Fang and Mai's father went to see Sarnai. Mai's father payed respect to her while bonding with Fang about his late mother. Fang opening up to the man, telling him how Mai would talk about her father to him a lot. Giving Fang a general idea on to how to become a father. This touches the old man's heart, Fang noticing a slight relief from his father-in-law as well. Then, Mai's father came up with the idea of framing Sarnai so that she can also be apart of Fang and Mai's wedding and tea ceremony. Fang happily agrees and smiles at the older man.Another day passed when Mai went to go out to get a breather from all the practice they had to do for the ceremony. Fang accompanying her and they both bond over her parents and how Fang feels happy being apart of a bigger family. That he likes her parents a lot. With her parents eavesdropping on these two lovebirds, hoping to understand more of their daughter's love life!The wedding day comes and the whole town of Sandrock is invited to witness a traditional Seesai wedding! All coming to witness a tea ceremony performed by Fang and Mai. To them seeing Mai's beautiful, red and gold wedding dress at the alter.When Fang and Mai were getting ready for their wedding, X delivered a flower to Mai and placed it in her hair. Telling her its from Fang. A cultural tradition from Vietnamese wedding where a man gifts his bride a flower of his choosing. The bride blush red and is happy to receive the gift from her husband.After Fang and Mai have exchanged their vows and rings. They both bow to one another, as Mai raises her head.. She felt a hairpin placed into her hair from Fang. The man looks down at his bride with a soft smile. Telling her that he kept this other hairpin for when they wed. A blooming lotus with pearls adorning it, to represent Mai's name. This hairpin he gifted her is his promise, devotion and eternal love for her. Mai tears up and they both kissed at the alter. Everyone clapping, cheering, and crying at this union.

Fang & Mai's Marriage Life + ChildrenMai and Fang's marriage life is slow at first but they slowly start to break in and get even more comfortable with one another. Both having a peaceful and mundane married life together but yet are very content with it. They don't exhibit much PDA besides when they're alone together somewhere or at home.Fang would occasionally gift Mai beautiful Seesai hairpins during their marriage. May it be a random gift, her birthday or their anniversary. Mai would have a large stash of all these beautiful and elegant hair pins to wear.Mai also teaches Fang how to cook as well, helping him make different meals and being proud of him when he does make something on his own! Usually in the morning, Fang would make coffee for Mai. Just the way she likes it. With Mai's homecooked meal, Fang has gained a bit of that "happy marriage weight." But he does workout when he can to keep his body healthy, however he does look a lot healthier and filled out with more hearty meals from his wife.As for their sex life, it took them a while to open up to it. Mostly the fact there were a LOT of miscommunication and both side wanting to be considerate of one another. Until one day, Fang caught Mai pleasuring herself to his old shirt. She got embarrassed and locked herself in their closet, never coming out until nightfall. Crawling into bed, in hopes that Fang is asleep and doesn't bring this up. (He was awake that whole time.) Then the next day, they both had the talk and agree to try it out tonight. Mai taking the lead and helping Fang where he's lost with. Eventually when they had more sex, Fang grew a lot more confident and wants to dominate Mai. Mai doesn't mind at all and let's him take control. Something that he lacked his whole life while with Mai, she wants someone she trust to take control of her. (Literally the only person she'll ever let to dominate her in the bedroom.)As their married life progressed, both are much more open with one another and their communication is a lot better as well. Fang now understanding the extent of Mai's family curse and what to expect when they have their first born child together.When Talon arrives, there was a LOT of tension with Mai and him. Talon threatening Mai. Understanding who she really is and her background. When Talon was bed-ridden, she retaliates and threatens him back for being a horrible father and man.As Talon was suffering from his disease and insulting Fang. "You proved something to me, Talon." those words leaving Mai's lips and continuing. "You try to act like some loving father but you never loved Fang. You're so bitter where you want this to fail so your own son will be frustrated. What kind of father wants that for their own child?"Talon trying to defend himself, "You- You don't know what you're talking about.. I lost so many- Hng.""Calm down, Mr. Talon and listen. You claim to love Sarnai and Fang but yet you abandon them. Fang never had a childhood his whole life.. No, you robbed him of that. Yet you try to crawl your way back into his life like a parasite to "play happy family". That everything will go away with a little bit of money. But, you cheated on her and brought nothing but a broken home. You've neglected Fang, called him a liar when he needed his father.. All those pain that you've inflicted on him.. Those scars, my husband still carries those to this day.. I don't care if you're the "Iron Talon". You're nothing but a pathetic man who will lose everything with the path he choose. And yet he still wants to reap a reward for all the destruction he caused. I despise men like you.." Those cold words leaving her lips.After Talon got his treatment, there were a lot of awkward tension between the two. Talon giving his blessing to her but she just stares at him with her cold, lifeless expression.When Talon's letter arrived for Fang with the money. Mai read it and just rips it up in front of Fang. Fang concerned that his father might have said anything offensive but Mai just said that she's "done entertaining that pathetic man."Then Talon sent another letter but addressing to Mai, saying how he knew of her nature and her people. Mentioning how he will try his best to help those who were taken to become test subjects or child soldiers. Since after meeting Mai, an accursed, he sees that people can change. Which moves him. Mai almost ripped the letter apart but she kept it to show to her own father later.Fang and Mai have children after the incident with Talon. Both feeling more of their better selves and healed from most of their past. They have three children in total. I have them named their children after plants in both Chinese and Vietnamese. Thao An meaning peaceful herb. Beihe meaning elegant lily. And Ai Hoa meaning Flower of Love.When Fang and Mai joined Logan's crew, Mai learned long range weapons to ease Fang's worries. Even though she preferred close range combat, she rather have Fang feel worried free. She crafted with other weapon smiths to create a sniper rile that suits her. After training for a long time with her new weaponry, her accuracy and clean kills landed her the title "The Death Bringer". Fang being well known and revered as a doctor in the land, he is known as the "Life Mender." Both Fang and Mai being known as the Life and Death couple. Although this does get Mai a lot of hate and insults thrown at her from the Church of Light with her using these weaponry, even if she has saved many Church of Light members. You will usually find her stationed near the outskirt of villages and town while she waits for her husband to heal any injured citizens.Mai and Fang had their third child when they went with Logan and his Monster Hunting Guild. During their travel to hunt monsters and to help any villages nearby, Fang is always worried about Mai and her being pregnant on the road. Mai is nonchalant with it but is more careful when she is more along the line with her pregnancy. Logan does freak out a lot with Mai showing more signs which also stressed Fang out. A few months before Mai giving birth, both Fang and Mai returns to Sandrock to prepare the birth of Ai Hoa.Fang & Mai's ChildrenThao An is inflicted with the curse but his upbringing is shown much more love and care from both Fang and Mai. Mai training Thao An the way her father taught her while also giving him wisdom that she learned during her time in Sandrock. Fang is a very attentive father, making sure that Thao An is mentally sound and has a good childhood. When Thao An reached pre-teen, they took him with them during their travel with Logan and the crew. To watch over him and to make sure he continues his training with Mai. Despite being named "peaceful herb", his personality is a 180. He is loud, rebellious and wants to know how to fight. He looks up to Logan a lot. Thao An later grows up to be a beautiful man who enjoys a good fight and hunting monsters. With his curse, never ever surfacing due to Mai and Fang's love for him.Beihe, is very quiet and timid. She enjoys reading and being considerate of others. She doesn't talk much but when you approach her and ask about her interest, she would talk for hours about her favorite subject! Beihe wants to follow into her father's footsteps and heal others. Beihe does grow up to become a handsome woman, but a bit icy after experiences with difficult patients.Ai Hoa, is a very bubbling and cheery child. She enjoys collecting herbs for her father and seeing new things. She is always eager to explore or to hear stories from faw away lands. When Ai Hoa grew up, she became a builder like her mother so she can travel and see new lands, while also be able to help others.

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Additional Details, Cultural Nuances, & Symbolism of FangMai

Additional Notes Regarding Fang & Mai with Themes/SymbolismWhen I wrote Mai and fleshed out her character. I played around with the idea of Life and Death motif with both Fang and Mai. Fang being a healer and mender while Mai brings death and destruction. However, both respecting the opposite of what they represent. In some of Fang's dialogue, he knows death is inevitable and as sorrowful his views are.. It's almost as if he acknowledge death itself and regard it as apart of this cynical life. Mai on the other hand, she respects all walks of life. Despite her nature and what flows through her blood, she appreciates life and what it offers. Even fighting with her ancestors for control of her body so she can protect life itself. (With Mai fighting with her ancestors for her bodily autonomy, it could be a metaphor how women lack rights over their own body as well.)I had written Mai's journey with her struggling with having control of her own body and constantly in survival mode. May it be her fighting for control from her ancestors from using her body as a weapon of destruction, incompetent doctors who forced her to live with their mistakes, and past lovers who don't respect her as a person. Mai finally having trust in someone like Fang, a doctor, with her autonomy is another step to her healing even if its a slow start.In addition with Fang and Mai being on the opposite side of the spectrum with their symbolism and themes, they still have similarities to one another. Like Yin and Yang. Both knowing the path either it be chosen or forced onto them, that it will be a grueling and lonely one. Both walling off people, being reserve, and have this icy exterior. Deep down, these two individuals seek some sort of companionship in this cold cage they built for themselves. As much as they deny it, they are both lonely souls who do eventually find one another. Respecting, admiring, and even falling in love with each other.I have wrote a lot more than what is presented here. I want both Fang and Mai to struggle together, to grow, and find balance and peace together. I used experience with past relationships, friendships and bonds that I have forged over the years. A common theme of not giving up on each other and wanting the best for one another. Since relationships in general does take work and sometimes you can grow a lot as a person from people you are close with. And I do see me and those close to me with Fang and Mai a lot, which makes it easier for me to flesh these two's relationship. There will be struggle in their relationship. Even both being adults who seem mature and full of wisdom, they still have much to learn about each other and what to overcome together. It may seem boring to some but to me, I want to channel my own life experiences through both Fang and Mai.The more I wrote these two's dynamic, the more symbolism I added for them. Be it from both Chinese and Vietnamese mythology, history, cultural nuances, or even superstitions. It helped me explore these two a lot along with their psychology. With Mai, I based her off on many powerful and strong female warriors from both Chinese and Vietnamese history and mythology. Women who stands up for what is right, getting things done, witty and clever in the world of man, and still keeping a balance of both their masculine and feminine side.((Also I wrote Mai the way she is because of the fact how I hate how Westerners write Asian women. Especially Vietnamese and Chinese women. With them either being that token friend, an exotic damsel that needs saving from her own culture, or just straight up evil who is against white protagonists. Making them one dimensional and is only known based on their stereotype.))