Fic Update Thread 57: Varieties of Fandom Experience

[Mamorien]

Threads of Destiny (original English xianxia) 428-Shenglu 7.

They crossed the main road and strolled down the grassy slope toward the yet undeveloped section of the lakeside. Meng Duyi did not not hesitate to let his feet squish into the dark mud on the shore, to push through the rushes that grew there, and to let the waters lap over his ankles. She followed him, though her steps were lighter, leaving the mud untouched and the water rippling gently under the soles of her boots. Zhengui remained behind them, respectfully… or bashfully? Either way, the mud steamed under his tread, and he did not follow them further onto the lapping waters.

Meng Duyi only stopped when he was knee deep in the waters, planting his sapling-like stick in the mud. He closed his eyes, and breathed deeply. The lake’s qi responded. Moisture in the air was taken in with his breath, cycled through his meridians, and then exhaled, dense with his own qi, a gift freely given to the lake and a greeting all in one. She felt the water ripple in contentment.

"Fortune favors you to find such a calm and kind lake in these harsh lands," the geomancer said. "Even the spring melt is but a lapping ripple to this one in these lands where the ice never vanishes fully."

"I have been most honored that she has accepted us so kindly on these shores and raised bounty from the depths for our benefit," Ling Qi acknowledged. "And so, I want to ensure that she is properly honored in turn."

https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/21188/...-shenglu-7

Then, in Chapter 32 of The Villain Wrangler (DC edition), Danny Johnson becomes The Human Martianhunter.

"Hey, this is Danny Johnson. Uh… this number was under the name 'Batdad,' so am I correct in presuming this is Batman?" Sure, he knew Batman was Bruce (or Bruce was Batman, whichever way it went), but just in case it wasn't the right number, Danny didn't want to be hunted down by the Dark Knight of Gotham.

There was a deep sigh on the other end of the phone. "Yes. What do you need, Johnson?"

Danny got straight to the point. "Why was I sent a request for Martian Manhunter?"

"Because you've been able to convince some difficult people that what you're doing is for a good cause."

He rolled his eyes. "You say that like you heroes can't be just as difficult as villains."

"I meant the media," Batman deadpanned.

"Oh."

"Manhunter might be part of the JL, but unfortunately a lot of people are put off just because of his appearance," the other man explained. "If you've managed to create good PR for Bane of all people, you can do it for Manhunter."

"Oh," Danny repeated blankly. "Um… thank you."

"It is what I pay you for," Batman responded dryly.

"As far as I'm concerned, Bruce Wayne signs my paychecks."

Danny would swear until his dying day that he heard Batman chuckle. "Have a good day, Johnson." The phone clicked as he hung up.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/957843.../161273953