Apricity; _{/aˈprisədē/} (n.) The warmth of the sun in winter, a subtle warmth that kisses the skin with a softness unexpected in the season’s chill. A yearning for spring.

About.

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( I. ) GENERAL     Apricity is a zine focused on the relationship between Xiao and Shinra. It aims to portray a variety of their everyday life, casually intimate scenes, and highlight the loving bond between them. In addition to this, it aims to provide more insight to Shinra as a character.

( II. ) DISCLAIMER     This is an unofficial fanzine project. The world of Genshin Impact and Xiao belong to Hoyoverse. The content within the zine is unaffiliated with Hoyoverse. The only character that belongs to me is Igarashi Shinra.

This is the first time I attempt to make a zine. It is ambitious and I understand that. More than anything this is a passion project and a learning experience. [The friends that have offered to contribute are also aware of this fact.] Should this zine miraculously garner interest outside of my own, I will take into careful consideration on whether I am willing and able to accept the responsibilities that come with handling other people's money. If I do not feel capable of performing the tasks required, I will not offer physical sales of zine/merch.

( III. ) PERSONAL NOTE     I just want to give a little personal thank you to everyone who has ever shown interest in Xiao & Shinra. I also want to express my appreciation for everyone who has offered to contribute to this project of mine, out of pure love for me and towards the ship ♡ It has been such a sweet surprise and I hope I'll be able to fulfill this project in a way that everyone can be proud of.

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Schedule.

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_{This timeline is a rough outline of the schedule. It is subject to change, depending on how the project develops but, this is currently what I'm aiming for.}

Oct 23 - Dec 31 | Prepping
・Ares working behind the scenes to prep everything.


Dec 17 - 20 | Pitch Form & Assignment


Jan 5 | Creation Period Begins


Feb 5 | First Check In


March 5 | Second Check In


April 5 | Third Check In


May 5 | Final Submissions


May 5 - July 5 | Formatting
・Ares goes into formatting hell 🕊️


July 13 | Digital Release of Apricity
・If everything work out, the digital version of the zine should be available for viewing on my birthday! ♡


Physical Zine TBD
・Since I'm the only one anticipating a physical copy, the timeline for this is up in the air. Should anyone else want a copy (and I feel confident in fulfilling orders) then I'll look into it and get a timeline to share.

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I.
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✧. ┊Shinra is the youngest member of the Igarashi Clan, a small clan that works under the Tenryou Commission. It specializes in neutralizing filth/tainted beings within Inazuma via their ancestral blessing that has turned their bodies into purifying vessels. She is sent away from home during the beginning of the Vision Hunt decree and is left stranded in Liyue. Despite her unfavorable situation, she attempts to make the most of it and ends up living at Wangshu Inn. Over time, the people of Liyue come to recognize Shinra as a familiar face and one of Wangshu Inn's reliable helpers.❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。──────✧. ┊Shinra is a friendly person by nature, not shying away from complimenting strangers and entertaining a conversation with people from all walks of life. She believes in the inherent goodness of people, which at times makes her too trusting. However, one must heed the warning, "Thunder's might follows gentle bells." --As gentle and kind as she may be, it would be unwise to make an enemy out of the warrior. This saying also refers to hearing the chime of bells right before a lightning spear comes bursting through with a thunderous clap— thrown by none other than the Igarashi herself.❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。──────✧. ┊ As optimistic as Shinra seems, her time in Liyue proves difficult at first. She struggled with severe homesickness. The language, food and culture, although beautiful and unique in its own right, was not what she was accustomed to.Verr Goldet's goodwill of taking Shinra in helped ease part of Shinra's worries. She became well acquainted with the staff and began to find a place for herself within the community. Shinra takes great pride in helping the inn by keeping the surrounding area free of monsters and running small errands or expeditions. She meets the inn's own guardian, Adeptus Xiao, during one of her commissions and is instantly fascinated by the yaksha's battle prowess.Their first interactions were short and unintentional. Shinra was unaware of his status or residence at the inn and approached him casually to see if he might allow her to train with him. This of course, was shot down immediately. When she discovers her encounter was with the inn's adeptus, Shinra attempts to extend friendship towards him as a fellow "coworker." She admires Xiao for his dedication and martial skill, seeing him as someone she can learn a lot from. Xiao's previous interactions with her begin to make more sense when she learns of his karmic debt. Xiao and Shinra's conversations gradually work up to a budding friendship— one that Shinra made sure to take at Xiao's pace.

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I.
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✧. ┊Xiao is an adeptus, under the name Alatus, and the sole surviving member of the five foremost Yakshas dispatched by Morax to subdue the demonic spirits that plagued Liyue. He currently resides at Wangshu Inn and mostly restrains himself from large crowds and social interactions. One of the mighty and illuminated adepti guarding Liyue, also heralded as the "Vigilant Yaksha." Despite his youthful appearance, tales of his exploits have been documented for millennia. He is especially fond of Wangshu Inn's Almond Tofu. This is because it tastes just like the sweet dreams he used to devour.❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。──────✧. ┊Xiao is unfamiliar with many human customs and societal norms, often finding them strange, childish, or pointless. To others, he can come off as distant and intimidating. After meeting Shinra and the Traveler, he becomes slightly more relaxed, willing to learn customs and visit Liyue Harbor with them for their sake despite his reservations with mortal life.❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。──────✧. ┊While Xiao's callous exterior can make him appear intimidating, much of his outward personality stems from his reservations about the violent deeds he has performed and the loss of his allies over the course of the years. Deep down, Xiao is a gentle soul who is curious about humanity, but is hesitant to show that side of himself due to his past experiences and his karma-ridden constitution.Due to the nature of his work, Xiao typically avoids humans. Not only does he think his bloody past makes him incapable of fitting in, human souls are less robust than adepti's and his karmic debt taints his surroundings. As a result, few people even in Liyue know much about him or his role in protecting Liyue. Those who do know, as well as other adepti, call him the Conqueror of Demons out of respect.Upon meeting Shinra, a human with an ancestral blessing that allows her to absorb taint with little repercussions, he slowly finds himself with a friend he can approach. He was not immediately willing to befriend the Inazuman, but his coincidental run-ins with her and her presence at the inn inspired an inkling of curiosity to observe from afar. He does not fully share or understand the unwavering optimism Shinra has, but he can admire how easily she seems to connect with others and put them at ease wherever she goes. Xiao eventually becomes a recipient of this kindness she hands out so freely— something he considers not totally unwelcome but is hesitant to accept.

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