#chill matsu

[flowerakatsuka]

i've been meaning to draw kuroba in the chill matsu style for a while now and finally found the motivation to finish the sketches i had sitting in my wips!

[chockmatsu]

THE SOCK GARTERS THE SUSPENDERS I KNEEL I KNEEL I KNEEL

[oh-gh0st]

doing my part for atstutodober O7

[carrionsong]

xime's inspiration/brain problems list :] JSVGNBYUS IS THIS ANYTHING.... does anyone understand. where am i

[cold-neon-ocean]

currently can’t sleep bc anxiety so I’m writing comforting brotherly Baatar and Bolin dialogue 

[flyingspicerack]

Cant believe i had a work meeting on my day off... But everything is coming up aero....

[number-cheetos]

°UOZAMATSU° // °WATERYMATSU°

hi i have to show an oc of mine, or at least, human version of it

[old art]

Waterymatsu is a water being who was found by Osomatsu in a river. It decided to copy Matsus appearance and live with them.

UOZA is the human version

The lore i have for now:

Matsuyo and Matsuzo ended up getting pregnant again 3 years after the sextuplets, even if they had 6 kids, they wanted to see if there was a chance of it being a girl. Uoza was born, but for mysterious reasons he was given as dead. Well it impacted the couple a lot but with time they got better. Apparently someone took Uoza out of the hospital and he went to adoption, jumping family to family.

At the age of 14, he was found by (guess who) 18!Osomatsu next to a river.

[well i didn't plain more details on taht backstory, but basically Oso brought him home and now he lives with them, being finally with his family]

About Uoza:

He is chill, quiet and clingy sometimes.

(when he was younger he would barely speak)

(mimic his brothers frequently)

Favorite food is grilled fish.

Likes to swin

Helps Mom with chores. it's neet and virgin? Yeah, but he does something and he will most likely help you if he's willing to.

Friends with Totoko. She gossips to him, talk about his interests and talks shit about the sextuplets while Uoza listens (Uoza's a very good listener 🫰) He also helps her with whatever she needs, but not like a servant, she treats him genuinely like a friend. (He only won't do anything against his brothers)

About 5 centimeters shorter than the sextuplets (Their canon height is 170cm)

Any pronouns (I'm using only He/Him on this post just for simplicity. You can refer to him w any or mirrored pronouns if you want)

Intersex

that's it bye

[inkyycapp]

Yokai!matsu kidnapping reader..? It ticks a few things at once. Oh! Oh! They're kidnapped cos they were found injured, but even after they've healed the yokai brothers (seperately) refuse to let them go.

Cough, cough. I love this, cough.

You're getting hcs too.

Ahem

Slight notice! I did some minor research for this, but even then I'm still unsure !! If anything is wrong please do tell me !!

(Uh so, really bad weather rn. Wifi going in and out and tornadoes lurking around, so, like that's rad ig !! Forgive me.)

Tw/Cw: Injuries, slight mention of blood, kidnapping, Stockholm syndrome if you squint, manipulation(?), desperation, spelling/grammar(?), probably a little or a lot ooc I'm terrible at telling !! Forgive me !!

Youkai!Matsu x Injured!Reader

( Yokai!Matsu but used Youkai for letter colors..:D )

Small reader context !!

For whatever reason you're in the mountains doing whatever your mortal self does up there. A sharp pain shoots through your leg causing you to slip. Your foot set off a bear/fox trap. A group of bandits or just overall bad people--who one would assume set the trap--find poor injured you.

You don't have much on hand. Maybe you have a weapon, maybe you don't. But, regardless of how hard you fight, there are just more of them the there are of you.

Osomatsu

Oni

-He doesn't hate humans, but he doesn't actively like them either. He's more neutral about it.

-Like, he wouldn't go out of his way to help/save them, that's way too much work for him. But, he also wouldn't go out of his way to kill someone unless they really pissed him off.

-Doesn't really understand humans, but somewhat understand and takes a small liking to bits of their culture and activities.

-Actually fairly in with the times, but doesn't really try enough to be in with the times, y'know?

-Obviously takes part in gambling with the humans regardless of the time period.

-He finds that you're injured and probably not going to make it out of the situation alive.

-While at first he's slightly indifferent about your situation, he recognizes you from the village below. He probably asked for money and you gave it to him, or maybe you work at one of the place he frequents, but for whatever reason, he may be persuaded to help.

-You're already unconscious and he can't help but feel pity for you. Pretty nasty leg injury. Maybe he should help.

-And, so, he does!

-After attending to your Injuries best he could, he decided to wait for you to come around. He'll admit, the patch up was sloppy, but it did the job, that's what matters.

-Eventually, you'd come around and find yourself face to face with the devil himself. Whether fearful or not, this would take some...adjusting.

-Compared to the known sterotype, he seems more lax and less...demonic.

-He finds you interesting. Somehow, that curiosity hadn't faded one moment since he's found you. Expect some questions personal, even perverted, or not.

-Dislikes when you get up or move around without his help. Though, more chill and just lightly scold you for straining yourself.

-Then, soon, one day you're all better. But, he doesn't want you to leave. How strange. He didn't think he'd be this...attached to someone like yourself. Not like that, bit it's weird to him.

-He had seen humans come and go--grow old and die. He's never been this comfortable with humans before he'd met you. He doesn't want you to leave. Will you ever see each other again after you part ways? Probably not, but he doesn't want to take that chance.

-So, you can't leave just yet.

Karamatsu

Shikigami

-Karamatsu loves humans/humanity the MOST out of this list. He often tries to be 'in' with the culture no matter the time period. He goes through many "phases" trying to be what the humans deem is cool in certain points of time.

-He loves to collect and tell stories that humans tell, though can sometimes stretch it a little for a more theatrical performance.

-He often tries to interact with people and walk amongst them. But, it usually never goes well.

-His brothers often tease, but he's restless in his search for a human Karamatsu boy or girl.

-When he found you in the snow plains, a red staining the snow around you, he didn't hesitate to check out the scene.

-A group of people trying to take advantage of a defenseless Karamatsu boy or girl !! Of course he felt the need to intervene and help the poor soul.

-He manages to scare off the bandits, but by the time he gets to you, you're already out. It pains him to see such a beauty in so much pain.

-Karamatsu, without so much as a second thought, takes you somewhere much safer. A nice small cabin deep in the woods. That's where he nurses injured you back to health.

-At first, you're probably shocked, but maybe around the first week mark, you'll probably get used to it. If not, don't worry! You'll have a long time to adjust!

-He's very curious about you and the humans you surround yourself with. His knowledge of the culture is a little outdated, not by much. Still, it's nothing compared to understanding the real thing.

-He doesn't like when you try to get up. You need to recover. You'll probably hurt yourself! Don't worry, he'll do it for you!

-Honestly, just wants you to be safe. By far, you're the first human that he's ever gotten this close with--both metaphorically and literally.

-He just wants to keep you safe. There are monsters lurking both human and spirit. Surely you know.

-Karamatsu had already taken a liking to you since he met you, but over the time of your recovery, he's grown too attached to let you leave.

-You'll stay, won't you?

Choromatsu

Tengu

-Also kind of neutral, more lenient towards pretty humans. It's so painfully obvious, his brothers tease him about it, though he's incredibly indenile.

-While claiming he doesn't have an obvious leniency towards pretty humans, it is obvious to literally anyone. Including the mortals down in the villages.

-Choromatsu won't go out of his way to harm anyone he considers "pretty or cute", though his idea of pretty and cute is complicated! Not always about looks, but mannerisms, actions, etc.

-He spots you before. And, he folds at first glance. It's not difficult to be encouraged to help you. You're practically a sparkly treasure to be collected and safe guarded.

-But, then he watches as you're injured self begins to get surrounded by the group that seemed to have caught you.

-Choromats had quickly intervened, chasing off the group (probably off a cliff), before returning back to you.

-Laying in the snow, you were out cold and didn't seem to respond at all, your pulse being the only thing noting you're still alive.

-Won't deny, he was absolutely panicking at first, figuring out how to clean your injures properly.

-Eventually, he does somewhat figure it out, and once you're stable he takes that time to breathe. And, well, admire your sleeping form. Not in a creepy way, but just studying you.I

-When you do come around, he's trying and failing with his words for a moment.

-Takes care of you, and while he does often nag you, he's more so worried about how your recovery is coming along.

-Tends to kinda hover, keeping a close eye on you, telling you to lay down and get rest and that he can do whatever it was you wanted to get up to do.

-Will refuse to let you get up and do anything for yourself. Why have you do it when you have him? A literal waste, really!

-Even if he sees your coming around and the healing process is moving quicker than he wants, he still refuses to let you do anything.

-Now comes the time when you're ready to leave the nest. Pun.

-He obviously begs you to stay, much without words. Choromatsu doesn't want you to go now that he's oh so attached! You can't go. You won't leave, will you?

-Please don't leave .

Ichimatsu

Kitsune

-Ichimatsu, opposed to Karamatsu, probobly hates humans/humanity the most on this list.

-Often times, he was the cause of some humans lost or missing on the mountain. Though, he wouldn't go out of his way for anything unless angered or maybe he just felt malicious that day.

-Humans find him captivating despite his dislike for them. Even so, he won't admit it, but they do fascinate him on some occasions.

-He spots the bandits first, then you after he gets rid of those loud bandits that woke him from his nap. He considers getting rid of you, too.

-But, you're asleep. And, it seemed your leg is caught pretty badly. It doesn't seem like you'll be able to move far with your leg like that. You'll probably be dead in a matter of hours. He doesn't have to do a thing.

-No, he doesn't feel bad for you. Not one bit. You're just an unlucky human caught by the foot like some poor rabbit.

-Ichimatsu does somehow end up carrying you off elsewhere--somewhere more comfortable. Don't be mistaken, he may be helping you, but no further than this.

-Once you're safe in the small cabin, he does the bare minimum with your injuries and once your stable, he leaves.

-You'll wake up alone, and it'll probably be like that for maybe a few hours before you're visited by a stranger.

-Ichimatsu takes care you you between visits, though he doesn't speak to you often. You're probably scared being so close to a monster like himself.

-But, you grow comfortable in his presence and attempt to talk to him. Something he finds real odd, but almost sweet. He still doesn't talk to you though, but he almost wants to.

-His visits grow more frequent, and he even began bringing you gifts. Like dead animals. But, it's the thought that counts!

-He ends up more attached than he would've liked to admit. And, unlike some people on the list, he's more blunt that you remain here with him.

-You'll be stuck with a monster trash like him, but at least here he can keep you warm and fed.

-You're staying put. There's no reason for you to leave anyways.

Jyushimatsu

Inugami

-Honestly, it doesn't matter to Jyushimatsu. He's fairly friendly to any and all who walk in his path. Many run, but it doesn't bother him much.

-Though, if he had to love one thing about them, he absolutely loves their sports and activities. Often goes with Karamatsu to go take part in "human activities".

-But as one can assume, they get comically outed.

-Is fairly kind opposed to some on this list. He won't go out of his way to harm humans regardless how he feels, though when it comes to helping it's a 50/50. Normally at least tries. But, if he doesn't like you, he'll probably just watch with a lead stare.

-When he found you in the snow, you were surrounded, and he had accidentally hit one of the people with a baseball. Completely by accident. But, kinda thinks maybe the accident wasn't that much of an accident.

-Ends up completely making a fool of the group when leading them away. But, he quickly returns to where you had been laying.

-Similar to Choromatsu, he panics at first and is so unsure about how to go about this situation. Obviously he doesn't want to make it worse, but he really doesn't want you to die.

-He carries you off to the small cabin to tend to your wounds. It's sloppy patch-job, but it's alright.

-Watches you while you sleep. Pokes you now and again. When you don't move for too long Jyushimatsu does tend to panic a little but settles when you finally take in that breath of air.

-When you do wake up, he's happy you're up and not dead. Sure, he may not feel too bad if you died, but only because he didn't have a close enough connection to care, but that wouldn't mean he wouldn't care.

-Jyushimatsu tries to stay the entire time your recovering. While he does hover a little, he's more considerate of your space.

-Does whatever he can to make you laugh. Whether it's acting out a skit, telling jokes or just being goofy.

-Doesn't care if it makes him look dumb. As long as he at least gets a smile out of you it doesn't matter.

-Gets way too attached way to quick. And, when you're all better, he gets a little (lying) clingy.

-Whines and may even howl like a kicked puppy. Might even do tricks if it gets you to stay.

-Don't leave yet!!

Todomatsu

Baku-Danuki

-Todomatsu doesn't hate them, but he doesn't care for them either, similar to Osomatsu. However, he's more in with their culture, more so than Karamatsu. Only because he thinks it's cute.

-Prefers some time period clothing to others and can tend to stand out, but language is definitely up to date.

-He views humans/humanity as beneath him, or simply to play into his enjoyment. He has no issues getting rid of anyone that doesn't gives him what he wants out of an interaction. Absolutely stone cold.

-He spots a few humans gathering around, and grows curious as to what grabbed their attention.

-Their wares seem to interest him. Then, there's you. After disposing of the others, he's left with unconscious you. What to do with you.

-Well, you could be useful. You'll pretty much be indebted to him for saving you. Or, at least you should be.

-So, he drags you away from the scene, tenderly caring to your wounds, putting on a sweet and kind persona.

-When you awaken, he greets you gently, coming forward as the one who saved your life after he found you on the brink of death in the snow.

-Skeptical or not, you come around and thank him however you would. Already gaining praise from you. Admittedly, the praise feels...nicer than it should. He brushes it off, what else can he get from you.

-He slyly asks you questions, gaining more information of your personal life over a week, maybe two.

-You get up to do something, and being the ever so kind savior, he takes you back to bed, doing the task for you instead. Not that he wants to. He's playing the long game with your little life.

-But, you thank him, telling him just how kind he is. Todomatsu can't help but grow addicted to that feeling. Being appreciated and validated.

-Slowly, but surely, he begins to grow a bit (a lot) attached. He didn't think it was possible. But, soon he doesn't see you as just a human, but as you.

-Once you get better, he does contemplate poisoning you to get you to stay. Not much to kill you, but enough so he could still take care of you.

-Todomatsu doesn't do it. But, he has heavily considered it.

-He will try his damndest to get you to remain in this little cabin with him.

-You can't go yet! You need him!

So funny that Osomatsu and Karamatsu are my favorites in general, but Todomatsu is my favorite to write for, and Jyushimatsu is my favorite to draw. What.

I still dislike Choromatsu. There is no reason for it.

Anyway if you're here, try Arizona RX Energy Herbal Tonic Tea. It's so damn good. That's all lmao !!

[thebardisabird]

Hello, I wanted to write something comforting because I was feeling sentimental so please take Matsus and some acts of self-care that they do for you: Osomatsu would make sure that you had something to eat/had some water. He's not judgmental if you forget, and he won't ask necessarily if you did or didn't so as not to put pressure on you. His way of making sure you're taken care of is letting you know he's grabbing something and coming back with something he knows you'll enjoy (with something to keep you hydrated). If you eat along with him? Great! If not, no worries, he'll stash it in the fridge for later. Point is to make sure you have some sort of nourishment. He'll even give you a little "Cheeeers~" with whatever drinks you have to show he's genuine, but that he's still your goofy Osomatsu. Karamatsu enjoys brushing your hair for you should that be something you're okay with. It's an act he's always enjoyed himself/has helped with his more anxious times when Matsuyo would brush his; if it's something you struggle with, fear not - he's got you. He does a pretty good job at taking care of his own hair so he's equipped to wash it and dry yours too if that's something you're interested in. If just a simple brushing sounds like a nice idea, then by all means, allow him to be of comfort to you. Don't be alarmed if he hums softly as he combs through your hair, it tends to be something he does when he's relaxed and using his hands for something gentle. He will check in with you to make sure he's not hurting you and every once in a while he may even ask to braid your hair if you have the length for it! Choromatsu will make sure you you have a comfortable space accessible always. If you're finding yourself overwhelmed in any way, Choromatsu does his due diligence as someone who cares about you and gets you outta there to get you to somewhere much more comfortable. Maybe that place is back home or a bookstore if you need something quiet. Should the quieter places not be good choices, maybe you'll go somewhere with a little more natural ambience like Akatsuka Park or even Chibita's oden stand. He's all about you feeling secure when you're out and about, especially when you’re with him. Ichimatsu strikes me as someone who is very much about you getting plenty of rest. Ichimatsu does not play about his sleep and he definitely does not play about YOU, so he's dedicated to making sure that you're well rested. Unlike how he treats his brothers however, he's much more softer with you. He'll lay down for naps here and there, patting the spot next to him so you can lay with him. He keeps things around the bedroom that he knows make you comfortable: certain scents, maybe a specific set of plushes/pillows, or even one of his hoodies if that makes you cozier. He's not pushy about when you sleep at night, but you'll find that he does little things here and there to gently coax you into better sleeping habits when he can. A big plus: he's a cuddler no less. So expect gentle back rubs as you snuggle or a little shimmy so he can hold you just a little closer while you both rest. Jyushimatsu is set on making sure you get fresh air. We all know that he enjoys being outdoors quite often; even if you're not the biggest on outdoorsy things, that's okay! He'll offer to just go on a walk with you or chill at the riverside and watch clouds if that's okay. His giant smile grows twice as wide when he sees the sun shining on your face, and seeing him happy makes it almost impossible not to smile back. He expresses how nice it is to spend time with you just being outside doing nothing and he finds little things to do or see within your comfortability that actually make your time outside worthwhile. Todomatsu helps you tap into your more creative outlets. Since he's got a resource to find things to do and places to go - he wants to help you take care of yourself by leaning into doing things that bring you joy. Do you enjoy painting? Perfect, he knows a place for that. Maybe you like baking or cooking? Come over, he'll have ingredients ready for you guys to make things together. If you like photography: wonderful, he does too and he’d be more than happy to show you some of the best sights to take pictures of. Anything that speaks to you creatively, Todomatsu wants to show that he completely supports you and enjoys being a part of the things you enjoy doing.

[rgco413]

Chill Matsu Mutsugo ✨ 100 Yen Shop Collaboration ✨ Transparents

Source

[flowerakatsuka]

💕 kuroba first date outfit

OC OUTFIT DOODLE ASKS!

the place kuroba and karamatsu go on their first date to is a pretty expansive garden and requires a lot of walking so the outfit they go with is on more casual comfy side. they definitely put how comfortable it is to move in to the test after having to outrun the rest of the sextuplets trying to sabotage kara's confession plans.

( also, i envision him wearing the outfit from the 2nd anime paradise cafe collab on that date. )

[sloppykyuu]

matsu brainrot right? yea hes all big n chill, but just imagine him being so horny n shit - but its just been the first few times to have sex with you, and absolutely being the great boyfriend he is, he doesnt know exactly the way to say he wants to fuck you in a loving n great manner - so just imagine, hes super horny n ur just in his lap facing him, playing w his hair but ur ass is jus all on his clothed dick like that n hes all hard. u being the best gf u are, begin to tease him, one thing leads to another, n ur hand is so lovingly wrapped around his cock - jus going up n down so sensually he cant help but wrap his arms around u and burry his face into the crook of ur neck. hes so quiet, trying to not let those sweet moans escape as ur soft hand, that feels 10x better than his calloused ones, is just making him feel so good - dont even get me started on the way ur jus cooing at him like a big baby 😭😭🤓

He's never felt so in love. Bathed in a low, golden light- his pretty girl sitting on his lap, fingers running through his curly hair, gently scratching his scalp. He's purring like a cat, eyelids hanging low and a lazy smirk settled on his lips. It feels so good and your plush ass nestled against his crotch only adds to the bliss.

"Mmm," The tip of his tongue pokes out to wet his lips. His lips lift into a smile when he hears you giggle at his soft moans.

"Feel good 'sei?" he nods his head slowly, he looks as if he's seconds away from passing out.

He thinks that it doesn't get better than this. Nothing could top this, until, he feels your hips shift forward slightly. Until he sees the way you're looking at him when he peaks an eye open and sees you biting back a smirk. He thought it couldn't get better until he really feels you roll your hips into his. Rubbing your heat right onto his crotch. The friction makes his head tip back, large, calloused hands slide up your thighs to grab at your hips to guide your movements.

A grunt grumbles in his chest when he feels your lips on his neck, gently nipping and sucking on the skin. Your hands move down his chest to his sweatpants and palm his clothed bulge. His hips jerk at the feeling of your hand stroking him. "Fuck," he's already sounds breathless.

His eyes roll into the back of his head when he finally feels your hand reach into his pants and pull out his hard length. His eyes open just in time to watch you spit onto the head of his cock before your thumb spreads it around the tip and down the rest of his length. He lets out of breathy moan when your hand slides back up and you set a steady pace of stroking him. "Fuck, baby- oh-," he pinches his eyes shut and brings his head back off from the couch to rest in the crook of your neck. "Please, fuck, please don't stop." he moans into your skin.

"Yeah? That feel good, baby?" you coo gently.

"So fuckin' good, so fuckin' good." he whines. His teeth gently sink into your neck, fingernails dig into the skin of your hips. He wishes it could last forever- your soft hand stroking him so much better than his own ever have, your quiet words in his ear guiding him to his all too soon release. Sticky, hot ropes of his cum shoot onto his chest and your hands and his body slumps even more onto to you as he comes down. His arms lift up to wrap around you body and pull you into him. Ignoring the mess he's made, just needing to be as close to you as possible. He'll worry about that later.

[oh-gh0st]

god...super annoying!!! imagine sharing a drink with your friend. scratch that best friend. scratch that boyfr

[osomatsuconfessions]

Trying to be positive here .

Always liked the Matsus cause they're more relatable for me then most main characters in anime. Not being particularly "good" but not evil, being kind of directionless, ect. They may not be perfect but could all have good traits for people who selfship. Oso's and Jyushi would both be tons of fun and make one laugh. Whether you share Choro's own interest or not, he'd understand and I think be supportive of your own hobbies. Ichi is good to chill and just be.(Also gotta love a man with a soft spot for animals). Maybe Totty on a relaxed outing or something. It's just supposed to be fun

.

[localgirlbecomesobsessed]

Cursed detective inc ™️

Xena gets injured and forced on bed rest for just one day…in that one day she decides to help the students of Darkwick…turning this inspector into a detective.

(Whoever you ship Xena with really)

This went a bit dark.

This came out a bit gory, it is a small horror story kind of? So pls don’t read if you’re triggered by violence or blood.

Contains:violence;death; murder; serial killer; blood;injury

“Stay in bed you absolute freak.”

Leo glowered at her as he caught her trying to move for the fifth time today, Xena frowned at him grumpily crossing her arms as Sho sighed in exasperation.

“You’re wounded.”

She sighed looking at her sprained foot in disdain as Leo placed a laptop in front of her. They’ve placed her in Leo’s bed for the day, both feeling slightly guilty as she sprained it doing a something for the two of them…how was they supposed to know a giant car wheel would come loose and roll straight into the ladder Xena was on, she was about to clamber onto Leo’s shoulders as the other was on Sho’s shoulders…they wanted to do a video for tiktok.

“Watch a movie or something, pro Nicky said you’ll be better by tomorrow so just fucking chill.”

He stormed out the door as Sho placed a platter of snacks beside her, gently taking her hand as he poked her in the face.

“Tis a scratch.” •_•

She mumbled leaning back onto the pillow as Sho shook his head in disapproval.

“You really are an idiot honour roll, I was really worried…I never heard you scream like that-“

She sighed again, she wasn’t expecting to be thrown off a ladder, the momentum made it so the scream she’d usually keep in when faced with these sort of things…it just slipped out.

“But I’m booooored Sho, can’t I help at the truck or something?”

She flopped backwards, closing her eyes as she avoided the very pointed look being thrown at her.

“Surely there’s some work the chancellor or one of the other pricks can give you?”

Work…

Xena was in deep thought as a grande idea sprang into her mind.

“Yep, there sure is…you’re right, I’ll be fine!!”

———————————————————Kaito looked at the new forum post with a mixture of horror and amusement as he quickly showed Luca, the other in deep meditation as he peeked an eye open at Kaito.

‘INSPECTOR AT YOUR SERVICE!

Need a mystery or problem solved, comment below and inspector Xena will look into it🫡

I won’t air anyone’s dirty laundry out for everyone to see but will leave a solved or rejected stamp under each plea; keep in mind I may reject it as well.

Luca raised an eyebrow as Kaito clicked on the forum, eyes widening at the stream of replies, some joking or asking if this was actually real and some were actually…serious.

‘I need help, I think my boyfriend Matsu is cheating on me, can you find out!?’

It was the first one with a solved stamp underneath it…kaito cracked up as he saw the request after that one.

‘Help!!!! My gf found out I cheated on her?!Can you fix it?!’

A big fat reject stamp glowed underneath the request as the person who asked for help commented a bunch of threats that Xena just replied with laughing faces too.

Oh god…this is gonna be trouble.

Kaito couldn’t help but think as he scrolled through the requests, surprisingly a lot of these were already solved, they were easy ones about relationships, problems that people struggled with in class, fights with friends…but then there was this one;

‘My friend went missing a couple of weeks ago…can you help me find her?’

The request was accepted and it seems Xena has paused the submissions as it was the last one there. There’s been no more movement on the page and Kaito couldn’t stop himself as he started calling Xena.The call that was immediately declined as he texted her with furious speed, deleting and resending the texts as he panicked.

Betty Crocker 👱‍♂️: want help??

That’s what he ended up with as he awaited Xena to read it, Luca finished his meditation and started reading through the forum on phone in a state of curiosity.

“She’s done all this since the morning?”

He asked amazed, the multiple cases being solved with actual people saying how happy they were its solved?

Queen🫥: can you check out someone called Jebediah Lucas? He was the last person to speak to the missing person; I went through her texts and he seemed to be the last person to meet her, after that it’s radio silence and Jebediah’s last location was the Frostheim dorms.

Kaito eyes widened as he realised what student she was talking about, jebediah was some mega rich kid who was already on thin ice for harassing female students in the dorm, he was meant to be on lockdown whilst the captain debated what to do with him…for the past couple of weeks.

Queen🫥:take Luca with you just in case, phone me as soon as you find anything.

Kaito was stressed as he and Luca made their way to Jebediah’s room, he was an arsehole…but surely he wouldn’t…he couldn’t-he’s in the academy how could he?

———————————————————

“Thank you for coming Kagura.”

Xena had moved herself to the common area, her foot propped on the table as she typed away at the computer.

Kagura Kinzuki, another hotarubi student with close relations to the victim (Amelia) Kagura who pleaded for Xena’s help and who was now currently sobbing as Xena read through the texts between Amelia and Jebediah.

“I-I told her not to come that night! That she should’ve stayed at the dorms…we sometimes hang out in the forest during the evening…”

Alan came over a bottle of water in hand as he handed it to the panicked student.

“what time approximately did you last see her?”•_•

Xena asked as she felt bile rise up in her throat…the texts started normal, he flirted-she rejected-he turned vile sending harassment on the daily, but…the ones right before she went missing. He had threatened to do unspeakable things to her, sent her weird torture videos saying he can cover it up and no one would care…

“Right before I went into the forest…so maybe-6ish?”

Xena nodded adding that to her document as Alan managed to get the young woman to calm down, Xena sighed as she plopped her laptop beside her, clasping her hands together as she leaned forward.

“Kagura, I…have you seen these texts?”

Kagura shook her head, she hiccuped as she tried to take deep breaths, her tear stained cheeks burned from the waterfalls that had previously burst from her eyes.

Xena had to be careful about how she goes about it, she had sent Kaito to check out Jebediah’s dorm but…she’s not sure what they’d find-if they find anything.

“I don’t-I couldn’t look when I found it in the forest-I tried to give it to the teachers but…the giant creature attacked when I was about too and everything-“

Xena cut her off, that damned idiot who ate the mermaid scales…Amelia would’ve disappeared a day before he turned into the Akira-esque monster.

“It’s okay, it’s better I have it than they do, I’m just sorry I didn’t do this sooner…”

If she had opened up herself to the students, instead of running around for the damned faculty maybe they would’ve been more likely to find her alive…or if the faculty actually brought her something like this to deal with instead of organising files then maybe…

Alan frowned but didn’t disagree, how could he?

“What’s Amelia like?”

She was careful in not using the word was, Kagura still seems hopeful that she’s still alive and Xena couldn’t bring herself to crush it, not without concrete proof…and she couldn’t help but think that not everything adds up.

Kaito and Luca still hadn’t messaged her back, she had messaged Haku about the student, he filed a report with Moby who said they’ll look into it. It seems to have fallen on the back burner whilst the events of mortkranken wreaked havoc amongst the school.

“She’s funny, sweet, really cute when she laughs and she always carried snacks with her I-she’s my best friend I can’t lose her..!”

She was sobbing again and an awkward Alan handed her some tissues.

Xena remained stoic as she nodded along before her phone let out a shrill cry, it was Kaito.

“Yo…don’t move and don’t touch anything I’ll be there-Alan…”

She gestured for him to follow her, guiding him to the kitchen as she leaned against the wall, her ankle felt like it was on fire , they both made sure to keep Kagura in their eye-line.

“Don’t let her out of your sight, I can’t risk her following and seein-”

She took a deep breath as Alan’s eyes widened with realisation.

They had found Amelia. ———————————————————

Kaito was trying to hold in the bile that was threatening to escape him as he heaved outside the dorm room, Luca patted his back as he frantically spoke to Thoma over the phone.

Xena came hobbling into the hallway with Hyde by her side as they both put on face masks, the ones with ventilators as they were definitely going to need it, they put on gloves and plastic boot covers, Xena struggling with one foot as the pain became too much.

“You okay?”

Kaito weakly nodded as did luca , he continued to comfort Kaito rubbing soothing circles on his back.

“We’ll be fine but-“

Xena patted Luca’s shoulder, the two maintaining eye contact as Hyde proceeded to call a team in to help lock the area off.

“Did you touch anything? See anything strange?”

Xena frowned as Luca shook his head, she was going to leave the two outside, so they wouldn’t have to deal with whatever happened in there again.

“The doors been barricaded with towels and air fresheners so the smell wouldn’t escape…they’ve been wrapped and sealed and the area hasn’t been cleaned.”

Lucas methodically went through everything he could remember, keeping up a calm demeanour despite the sick feeling grabbing at his stomach.

“It’s bad…there’s two-“

Kaito heaved again.

Kaito knew one of the girls…he had spoken to her just last week-so how?

“Maybe…get him out of here, alert Jin to what’s going on and I’ll handle things here.”

She tried to be kind when saying it but didn’t miss the way the duo deflated at her words.

“You guys did good work today, thank you so much…but please tell Jin, is Thoma on his way?”

They both nodded as they started walking off to the kings quarters. Xena sighed as she opened the door, Hyde joining her as they both physically gasped at the pungent smell overwhelming them.

“Who woulda guessed that the inspector turned detective case would turn out so…horrific.”

Hyde started to narrate trying to lighten the mood as the dark room embodied them, blood splattered across the room, sheets rumpled and destroyed with dried dark brown stains littered across the bed. The walls were covered in splattered blood and matter, the tightly wrapped bodies laid against the walls as Hyde handed her a pair of scissors, he had a mini kit with him so they’d be able to start investigating before the team gets there.

Xena tried not to breath too deeply as she started cutting the the ropes off of the bag, slowly unravelling it as a head of red hair peaked out from it. That sickening cold gut feeling sank to the pits of her stomach as the decomposing body of Amelia Sharr was revealed.

“Fuck sake.”

Xena angrily muttered to herself, she knew this wasn’t going to end well…but to see it in real life…she wiped the scissors clean with an alcohol wipe before going to open the other one,this one wasn’t wrapped as well as Amelias, if she looked closely she could probably see who it was from the shoddy way she’s been wrapped up, but she didn’t know who to expect when she opened up the bag, didn’t want to get to close…but she had too.

She didnt know how to handle the head of black hair popping out of the bag as Kagura’s face revealed itself.

“What the fuck?!”

She fell backwards, pain snapping into her ankle as she pushed herself away from the bodies.

“That-that’s the girl who came to me for help?!?”

She shrieked as she tried to calm down her overbearing heart as Hyde quickly pulled her up.

“Take a Moment.”

He ordered as he let go of her as she tried to stabilise herself, she touched each of her fingers, wiggled her toes and counted down from 20 as she started searching the room, pulling out anything and everything to get a clue as Hyde speedily called Sho to go get Alan.

Whoever was with him, definitely wasn’t Kagura kinzuki.

She searched under the drawers, only finding a basic notebook and school books as she continued, ignoring the stares from the dead girls beside her as she searched under the mattress.

Her fingers tracking under the bedding as she locked onto a small baggie, she held it out as Hyde turned on a flashlight and scanned the bag, it had strange blue pills in it, they had a strange shimmer to it and as Hyde pressed a flashlight against it…it moved.

“Shit…xena you said this was the last place Jebediah was?”

She nodded as she searched through his clothes drawer, she felt something hard underneath his pyjamas as she pulled out a well worn diary, she started flicking through it, a horrified expression taking over her.

“This is where I last traced his phone…should I try calling it, we might be able to locate it?”

She handed the diary to Hyde, rage flowing through her as she stepped out of the room, calmly grabbing a bag to put her gloves in as she stepped further into the hallway, slamming her fist into the wall. The things that man has wrote…the things he’s done, it was horrific and the fact he covered it up with money and threats, they should hope that someone else gets to him before she does.

The diary went into detail about the anomalies he’s taken and made into his playthings…how he got bored of hurting them and found a ‘docile girl’ to take their place…he had planned everything that he was going to do to her, Kagura was just a plus for him, the two were having a date in the forest when he grabbed them, spraying them with knock out gas and dragging them back to his room by using the yako mixture to turn them into small dolls.

But he failed to mention one thing, there was nothing docile about those girls, from the state of the room filled with broken lamps and moved furniture…they fought hard.

Hyde stepped out of the room, walking over as he gently leaned against the wall near her.

“It’s the hair of a Yako mixed with unknown substances…it can give the power to shapeshift.”

Xena nodded in agreement, deeply sighing as she brushed a hand through her hair in distress.

“He’s been parading as the girl he killed for weeks…so why kick up a fuss now?”

She put on another pair of gloves as she started calling his phone, storming back into the room as the loud vibrations beckoned her over, she found it hidden between the thin gap of the wardrobe and the wall.

She grabbed the tongs from the kit and put it into an evidence bag as she checked to see what sort of passcode it needed-it was a four digit code.

She whipped out her phone once again, sending a message to Leo;

John Xena-can you get me the passcode for Jebediah Lucas’ phone-it’s for a case 🫶🏼

She handed the bag to Hyde as she texted Alan to let her know if ‘Kagura’ was okay.

ALligator- she’s fine…she seems to only care about when you’re coming back though.

A shaky breath rattled its way out of Xena, Jebediah was waiting for her…he knows she knows…

She might just kill him.

Leonardo dick- it’s 8972, but also wtf are you doing ffs?! Why is Frostheim locked down?!???!

Hyde had already put an alert out, the framed art announcements telling students to stay in their dorms except vagastrom who’s about to be advised to evacuate the dorm and stay away. They’ve also alerted them that the entire school was on lockdown, if anyone tried to leave they’d be apprehended.

She sighed ignoring the text as she grabbed the bag from Hyde, who looked at her confused as she literally just handed it over. She typed in the passcode as she started searching through his phone, all his texts have been deleted, it was basically wiped besides…besides the videos.

He filmed all of it.

It seemed to be over three days of torture for each girl, he made one watch as the other begged for him to stop.

He wanted them to find the videos.

Hyde swiped the bag back before she could crush it to pieces, her anger emitting into the room as the team finally arrived, Yuri and Jiro came swooping in to analyse the bodies properly.

“I’m going back.”

She announced hobbling out the door.

Hyde looked at her in a mixture of amusement and disbelief, he didn’t move to stop her and instead watched as she’s unsteadily left the room.

Jiro and Yuri started the process of transferring the two girls to Mortkranken for a proper autopsy.

Hyde grinned as he texted Sho, alerting him to what his favourite honour student was doing.

———————————————————

The tricycle took her all the way to vagastrom, she was glad the tricycle was actually cooperating…though the clown horn that honked every few minutes was obnoxious.

She ungracefully got off the bike stumbling as she tried to quickly make her way into the shared common room. She was met with emptiness, no Alan-no Jebediah and no students?

She immediately tried to call Alan, but there was no answer. She then tried to call Sho, knowing Hyde called him, again no answer.

She checked the find my friend’s app in a state of panic as she tried to locate Alan…it said he was in the pit.

She marched off into the pit, ignoring the throbbing pain in her ankle as she tried to stealthily make her way in, sending her location to Kaito and Luca in the hopes that they’ll come as backup just in case something goes horrifically wrong.

As it always does.

Of course, as she walks into the room she spots an unconscious Alan with a furious Sho having a stand off with a maniacal Jebediah. He was waving a long knife in the air, peeled skin laid around him as he seemed to have actually shedded his disguise. Alan didn’t seem harmed just knocked out, no doubt he used whatever he used on the girls. They were close by, not in the caged section but just a little bit out of it, Jebediah was too caught up in his evil monologue to notice the new addition of the room.

…or so she thought.

“Inspector Xena! So lovely of you to join us~did you see my lovely display, what did you think? Impressive? Beautiful? Would you like to be apart of my next one?”

He dramatically swirled his arm in the air, making a point as he gestured towards her, she groaned as she walked over, grimacing as the closer she got the more dried blood she could see on the knife…and on Jebediah.

Sho made a move to take him down but stopped when he saw Xena hold her hand out.

“It was quite the display.” •_•

She clicked on her recorder, learning from Ritsu to always keep one on hand, she slowly walked closer towards them as she held her hands up, making herself seem less like a threat.

Jebediah giggled as he spun the knife, his pinky finger caressing the blunt side of the knife as he lovingly looked at Xena making it hard to keep the disgust from appearing on her face as she met his gaze. His long brown hair swaying gently as he moved closer towards her, as he came closer she could see the claw marks on his shirt, the blood and pieces of flesh scattered on him…those bodies were a couple weeks old but these looked fresher.

“It was quite a display…but was that you’re only one? Surely someone as talented as you doesn’t have just one piece to share.”•_•

She kept her face stoic as he gripped onto her shoulders, his face incredibly close to hers as the deathly smell of his breath swam around her, he clearly hadn’t washed or brushed his teeth for the past couple of weeks. The skin he’d been previously wearing seemed to have torn at his own, deep red marks from peeling it off combined with more claw marks across his cheeks…they seemed older, most likely from Amelia and Kagura.

“Oh my-you’re definitely not just a pretty face.”

He traced the knife over the scar on her cheek as she met his gaze, not backing down, it’s definitely not what she should be doing, he was like a wild animal and took her defiance quite hard as he pressed the knife harder into her cheek, trying to gain a reaction.

“Maybe I have a couple more…losers no one would particularly miss or notice missing~it’s why I thought you’d be a nice change of pace-they were just so dull to play with.”

He glared down at her, fury dancing in the flames of his eyes as his free hand twirled her hair loosely in his fingers.

“But you’re quick inspector~not as dim as I imagined…”

She tried to beat the fear down as it kept trying rise up within her, yet, it seemed he could see it within Xena’s very being as a cold and cruel smile graced his face.

“Get your guard dog to go in the cage like good pup and I’ll tell you where they are.”

His voice barely a whisper as he leaned into her. He spun and wrapped an arm around her waist as he turned his attention to Sho, who seemed frozen in place, fury and bloodlust swirling around him as Xena could tell Sho just might snap if this continues.

“Sho-go into the pit please.”

Her voice shook as she stared at him wide eyed, willing him to go in there as the Jebediah pressed the knife lazily to her jugular.

She needed to know where the others were, she couldn’t just leave the victims to rot away without being put to rest.

She could sense movement behind her, but it was only one person…Leo.

“You see I had to live as little Kagura for a while~I had to find something to do…turns out there’s some desperate people looking to connect in Darkwick~”

He pressed it a little harder, she could it was just about to break skin…she didn’t have a lot of time.

“How many?” •_•

Laughter echoed throughout the room as he released the knife’s hold on her, instead cuddling into her, his arms locked around her neck as he hummed amused…Xena thought she was going to sick.

“3 more~ but that got boring, I was going to do one from each house but I couldn’t do it from my own house of course, plus obscuary and jabberwock would’ve been a massive pain~”

So that must mean it’s vagastrom, mortkranken and sinostra.

“I can see the little cogs turning Xena~”

He giggled into her ear, tapping the knife’s hilt against the side of her head.

“I’ll tell you since you’re such a curious kitty, of course I already did Hotarubi~ I had one male student from mortkranken, one female student from vagastrom and oh~two male students from sinostra.”

She gulped as he slid his hands to her wrists waving them about as he smiled sadistically at her. Her heart was thumping so hard she didn’t know what would kill her first Jebediah or the oncoming panic attack.

“Where are they?”•_•

Her voice sounded strained as she tried to stop herself from just turning around and beating him unconscious. He was enjoying this too much and she couldn’t stand his hands on her, she wanted to rip them off and break him fingers one by one…that won’t get her the locations though, nor will that make him more comfortable answering her questions, though it would make things easier for her.

“Hmmmm~let’s see! Where are they? Why they’re in the Hotarubi forest my love-“

His hands slid down trying to grip her waist as he inhaled her scent…Xena couldn’t handle it anymore.

She couldn’t stand his hands on her.

She quickly stepped away launching a high kick right into his chest to put him off balance, she sweeped her leg under his as she slammed her stronger foot onto the hand holding the knife as he yelped in pain. She didn’t stop until she heard the sound bones crunching underneath her shoes, she collapsed onto the ground her knees hitting the concrete ground with a harsh thump the pain ricocheted throughout her but she didn’t have time to think about it. Jebediah tried to force himself up but Xena was too quick, swinging hard at him as his head bounced against the concrete floor from the impact of her punch.

She couldn’t stop after that…

She kept punching him, fists beating into whatever they could get too, she felt his nose crunch under her touch, his ribs snap as the flurry of punches become more frantic as the minutes ticked on…Leo watched wide eyed as he watched the girl before him lose control, his phone lowering as he turned off the camera, if she was going to kill him they needed deniability.

She could heard someone yelling in fury and it wasn’t until Sho pulled her off of him that she realised it was her. Her knuckles were split open as she pushed Sho away from her, she couldn’t have anyone touching her, she just couldn’t.

Not while she could feel those greasy grimey hands all over her.

Luca and Kaito were there too, pulling Jebediah harshly away from the scene and towards a furious Thoma and Jin.

He was still alive, gargling words as he looked terrified at how the events have gone down. Staring fearfully at the vengeful Jin, Thoma leaned down a gloved hand clutching at Jebediah’s chin whispering something as Jebediah screamed and tried to scuttle away, only to be stopped by a livid Luca who held him in place.

Hyde and Dante came with a security team as Jebediah got dragged away, Xena fumbled to grab her recorder as she struggled to get up, her ankle screaming at her not to move as Sho hovered around her.

She handed the recorder to Dante, who looked at her with worry deep in his eyes as he took it off of her, Hyde snatched it and shoved it into an evidence bag.

“We’ve got it from here.”

Hyde nodded at her as she wearily sighed.

“Shower, keep your clothes in a bag for us, we’ll get you new ones, we’ll reconvene tomorrow with the chancellor and go through everything. “

Xena numbly nodded to Dante’s instructions.

“You need a search party.”

She mumbled out as Alan clumbered his way towards her, Leo waking him up as he spilled water over him.

“I’ll do it, the Hotarubi forest?”

She glanced up at Alan wide eyed nodding as she opened her phone, starting a group chat with Alan, Haku and Subaru as she half explained the situation, proclaiming the need for a search party for the bodies.

“Haku and Subaru can help they can navigate the forest really well.”

Alan mumbled a thanks as he hurriedly marched his way out of the pit, embarrassed and upset about being knocked out, despite it not being his fault at all.

Thoma ordered Kaito to follow him to ensure the vagastrom captain didn’t get lost on his journey.

Leo sighed as he went to prepare a bath for Xena, who really didn’t know how she was staying on her feet right now, everything in her body was screaming at her to sit down but she just couldn’t.

An uncomfortable energy raced through her as she watched the three Frostheim students discuss something with eachother, worried glances turned her way as Jin approached them.

He glanced at Sho who backed away a little bit, giving them some space as Jin held out his hand, expecting Xena to take it, yet she shook her head him and watched him sigh nodding in understanding.

“You gonna stay here tonight?”

He asked gently, lighting up a cigarette.

“Yeah…are you guys going back to the dorms?”

He nodded, giving her a rare smile as Thoma called for him.

“You gonna be alright Xe?”

She gave him an awkward smile, running a thumb over her split knuckles, wincing slightly at the pain.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine…”

———————————————————

“You’re going to have to end the detective services you’ve offered the students Xena.”

She rolled her eyes fumbling with her bandages as she lazily laid across the armchair in the chancellors office.

Her sprained ankle that had gotten infinitely worse, hanged off the side as she rerolled the oversized mustard joggers, they were Leo’s and the softest things in the world.

“No.”•_•

She stubbornly said as she glanced over the infuriated chancellor, they’ve been in this meeting for several hours, going over the statements with each individual ghoul that was involved.

Alan, Haku and Subaru found the bodies in the woods, Zenji helping them as he called to their ghosts to lead the way.

Dante was going through all the paperwork and Hyde sorted things at Frostheim with Thoma and Jin.

“In fact, I’d like it if you brought issues like missing students and stuff like that to me.” •_•

She fiddled with the sleeves of her jumpers, it was one of Sho’s and now it’s hers, they must’ve given her the softest clothing to ever exist and she is 100% going to steal both items of clothing and she’s not sorry about it.

The chancellor spluttered at her request, Moby paused in feeding the cats as Xena continued to keep up a chill disposition.

“If we have the ability to prevent what happened yesterday, then we should take it! You can put a different house with me for each task to help garner a trust with the gen students as well as within the ghouls…” •_•

She folded her arms as the chancellor looked at her in disbelief.

“No one even-“

She interrupted him glaring at professor Moby, who visibly flinched, something that didn’t go unnoticed by the chancellor.

“Haku reported Amelia’s disappearance…to professor moby.”

Professor.Moby who did nothing, maybe too distracted with the other tasks and giant immortal being but that doesn’t really excuse it, it fell through the cracks in the worst way.

“Ahem, I see Xena, you can carry on your detective services…you can leave now, we’ll call you back if we need anything else.”

His brow was furrowed as he glared at Moby, who was visibly sweating. Xena got up wobbling slightly as exhaustion seeped into her bones.

“One last thing…I’d like to do a ceremony with Haku and Hotarubi’s help…for the spirits of the ones we lost.”

The chancellor looked at her in surprise as the soft tone danced throughout the room, even Moby turned to look at her.

“Of course, we’ll start the proceedings to organise it with the two of you later today.”

Xena nodded in agreement as she hobbled out the room, she could already hear the beginnings of the screaming match lecture that the chancellor was giving Moby.

Sho met her outside the room, the campus was on lockdown today, not that Sho would’ve left Xena’s side today. He scooped her up as she sighed leaning her head on his shoulder as he looked down at her with worry.

“I’m fine~ sorry you had to wait long! Hope you didn’t get too bored haha.”

He clutched her closer to him, not wanting to make her too uncomfortable. She was fine after the bath, well as fine as one could be after everything that went down…but she only seemed to want a select few people around her, Sho, Alan and Leo being the main three and only three she seems able to tolerate at the moment.

“I’m okay honour roll~I’ll always wait for you.”

She wasn’t prepared for the tenderness in his voice or the crinkle in his eyes as he stared down at her, she couldn’t help snuggling into him humming happily as they approached Bonnie, he placed her gently down as he put the helmet on her.

“I can do things ya know.”

She giggled as he clasped the helmet onto her, grinning cheekily down at her.

“Hmm guess ya could~”

He tapped the shielded bit of the helmet as he copied her, he slid onto the bike as she wrapped her arms around him as they drove their way back to the vagastrom dorms.

[diamond-dangeresque]

Day 1 — Race

1327AE, Divinity’s Reach

Chihiro sits on his family’s brownstone porch, dressed in a white shirt held together by leather strings and loose slacks, lamenting the heat of this summer season. The cup in his hand offers little solace of cooling as the ice inside melts and dilutes the chilled tea. His cherished violet blindfold sits around his neck, blocking sunlight but also soaking in sweat. In a few days the anniversary of the botched “Queen’s Jubilee” will come ‘round. Jennah will probably try to host it again, promising better security this time around. Human security specifically; clockwork knights will be toned down in favor of paid actors and actresses, a boon to the local troupes and the Tyrian Actors Guild both. There will be free food yet again. There will be free drinks yet again. Fun and festivities for all involved.

He wants nothing to do with this mess. Not since last year. Because of last year. Even with the profuse apology letter from the Queen herself, and the pretty bouquet she’s sent to go with it. It’ll be good mulch for the communal garden.

Instead, he heads back inside and lets his niece Matsu know they’re heading out in thirty minutes; she hollers back confirmation from somewhere on the second floor, no doubt picking out clothes she won’t sweat herself to death in. Good. He heads to the bathroom in the cellar, the coolest room in the two-story office-home by far, and gets ready to clean himself up. A good distraction from the heat. A great distraction from the festivities winding up in a few days. In the isolation of the bathroom, walls insulated thanks to dirt and stone and wood, Chihiro holds back an ugly sob. He smells the smoke again. The charred flesh. Sees the pieces.

No, he tells himself. Strikes himself twice on the cheeks, jaw tingling. Grandma told me herself. I keep going.

Keep going. Keep moving. Stay strong.

Hanae’s family moved to Kryta decades ago fleeing the persecution of the hermit empire. Their ancestors were heroes. Literal fucking heroes. Saved Cantha from Shiro. Saved Cantha again from Reiko. Aided the Sunspears when Nightfall opened portals all over Kaineng City. And what was their thanks? For the older sister to be chased out of her own home. According to Grandma, ‘Sumiko wasn’t even allowed to bury her sister, who died alone somewhere in Raisu Palace.’ And yet, where this would destroy most other people, Sumiko moved on. Kept moving. Decided Kryta wasn’t too bad and moved there. Settled down. Founded a nice family on the back of what wealth she could take with her. Left behind her old moniker of ‘Hero’. A cursed title best left buried.

(Well, buried until he dug it back up.)

The story of Sumiko Yadora, assassin-turned-monk-turned-hero, was one of many tales barked about during the Queen’s Jubilee. A grand celebration of “Humanity’s resilience,” Queen Jennah says. A microcosm of Humanity as a whole: perseverance through tragedy. Endurance through horror. Life past misery. Humanity’s story is one unending, one full of trials and tribulations, but always with an answer at the end, always with a resolution to the conflict ahead. Chihiro would almost buy the tale if he didn’t understand the Queen to be full of shit.

He takes a deep breath. In, out. In, out. Takes off his clothing with wanton care, but delicately undoes the knot of his blindfold and sets it on a table away from his clothes. Matsu and he would make their first of hopefully many yearly visits to Hanae, Niko, and Qin Xue at the Commons Columbarium over by the local temple of Grenth.

He hopes Matsu will be of strong enough will to see her aunty and her brothers again. He knows he won’t be. But he’ll try.