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spectrechosts · 18 days ago

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Bunker Buddies

I want to be done reuploading and all I have left is shorter stories I haven't touched in forever which means shit is getting CONDENSED into single posts so I can have all this done by Halloween.

This one might be my oldest series? It's about a polycule of rebel mech pilots. Probably too long to be condensed into one post honestly but I'm just barely squeaking in before my self-imposed halloween deadline so... it gotta. Six chapters.

The stench of garbage weed hangs in the stale recycled air of the bunker.

"-and it's just so cool, because it's like, you punch, and there's an explosion, and a giant spike shoots out-"

Kat paces the room, gesturing wildly as she extols the benefits of her newly salvaged weapon. Jade watches her from the bed through half-lidded eyes, held by Maya (already asleep) and Isa (not far behind).

"Pile in the bunker" Isa mumbles.

"-and people say that it's impractical because it's a melee weapon that uses ammunition, but the pile bunker-"

"Pile in my bunk in the bunker."

"Kat?" Says Jade, softly, but she isn't heard.

"-and besides, you never see people who only have guns get told that THAT'S impractical because of ammunition, so what's even the deal-"

"Talkin' about pile bunkers in my bunker bunk pile."

"Kaaaaaaat?" Repeats Jade, and Kat stops.

"Am I rambling?"

"Yes," Says Jade, "It's cute."

Kat blushes. "Sorry, I'm just excited."

"I know. The techs will have it installed tomorrow and we can go try it out, okay?"

"Okay."

"But for now…" Jade opens her arms expectantly.

"Cuddle pile in the bunker bunks with our pile bunker girlfriend." Mumbles Isa.

"You heard her. C'mere babygirl."

~~~

["Alright girls," Said Jade, "I know it's been a rough day, but let's try to relax and get some sleep."

A rough day was underselling it.

Isa scanned the tiny room. A single bed pushed against the wall and a desk in the corner were all the furnishings it offered. "Wow," she deadpanned, "this actually might be the shittiest place we've had to hide out in."

Jade sighed, exhausted.

"It's also the least compromised place, so I'm afraid it's this or a blindfold, a cigarette, and a gun barrel the size of your torso."

"I think they stopped giving out cigarettes at executions a while back actually." Maya said matter-of-factly, already stripping off her gear and getting ready for bed. "Blindfolds too. Makes it harder for us to look brave for the cameras."

"Well then, I guess this is positively lavish in comparison." Jade tossed her gear into a corner and sank into the bed, not even bothering to get undressed. "Requisitions says they'll see what they can do about the bed situation. Get us some mattresses at the least, we can sleep together on the floor. For now, pile in and try to get comfortable."

They were no strangers to fitting more people into a bed than it was made for, but this was pushing it. You could hardly fit two people in this bunk, let alone four.

"Kat, you're just standing there. Talk to us."

Kat snapped to attention, her mind miles away.

"I'm good, I'm uh- I'm just going to be in the hangar for a bit. Not tired yet."

"Kaaat," Jade said softly, "We have been awake for 31 hours. We were running for our lives for the vast majority of that time. Tell me what's up."

"It's- It's nothing. The room is cramped, I'm gonna sleep in my cockpit."

"Don't kick yourself out of bed on our account." Said Maya, "We can make it work."

"I'm not. I'll sleep better, you'll sleep better, we all need the rest. Goodnight girls." She said, and she trudged out on her own.

She didn't sleep.

Diagnostic readouts flickered across blacked out viewports like so many stars as Kat fidgeted in her seat. She was exhausted, but she was also particular about how she slept. The texture of the emergency blanket kept in her mech disagreed with her, and it crinkled when she moved. Back with the others would be no better; While she loved them, she also required a certain amount of space to herself that couldn't be given under the circumstances.

And so she sat in the cockpit, and she ran diagnostics, and she unfocused her eyes just right to pretend she was under the night sky and not a kilometer and change underground.

This was surprisingly relaxing, until someone started rapping on her windshield.

Kat jumped at the sound, and adjusted herself to look as though she were just running some late night checks (technically true) and was definitely wearing pants under the blanket (not true, she was half-clothed in a tank top and boxers). She flicked a switch and her viewports powered down and retracted with a hiss, opening her cockpit to the cool air of the hangar.

Kat relaxed when she saw that her visitor was only Isa, perched above her with a blanket draped over her shoulders. Her heart rate then spiked again when she registered that Isa wasn't wearing much else under the blanket, and her brain short-circuited trying to come up with any thoughts that weren't "oh my god", or "wait, was she just walking around tits out before she found the blanket?", or "oh my goddddd".

"Having trouble sleeping, Kat?" She said, and Kat nodded furiously, her brain too fried to form words. "Me too. Popped a combat stim a little before we got here just in case we couldn't stop." She opened the blanket to illustrate this, and Kat focused very hard on the injection site on her arm and nothing else not her smooth skin or the way her underwear hugged her hips or- focus, girl. Isa closed the blanket again and continued as if she wasn't casually driving Kat to hyperventilate.

"I'm amped. Could run a marathon right now if I had anywhere to go." She said, scratching behind her ear. Her energy wasn't reflected in her voice, but that was Isa. She had this unshakable aloofness that made her both an exceptionally reliable squadmate, and also really cool to Kat, who couldn't remain calm about anything to save her life.

"Anyway, figured you might still be awake and a 3/1 split didn't seem fair. Got room for one more?"

This was a tough question, because on the one hand there was not room for one more, and on the other hand she really, really wanted to say yes. It was a moot point, because Isa was already climbing in. She threw the switch to close the cockpit and joined Kat in the seat, tossing the emergency blanket away and sitting in her lap oH MY GOD-

Kat stayed completely still as the smaller girl settled in on top of her, and found her nose buried in hair that smelled of oil, and gunpowder, and a faint touch of citrus. Isa's body on hers was comforting, and yet mortifying, and Kat didn't know what to say or what to do with her hands or really anything besides desperately hoping that Isa wouldn't-

"So is that the gear shift or are you just happy to see me?"

Fuck.

"S-Sorry." She said, and Isa scoffed.

"You're allowed to think your girlfriend is hot, Kat." Isa said, and she gave her hips a wiggle that made Kat squeak in embarrassment. "It's encouraged, even."

"I know, I know, it's just-" Kat said, her face turning beet red as Isa continued to grind against her.

"Just what?"

"You know, Jade's my girlfriend and she's your girlfriend and Maya's and we're all four of us as a unit girlfriends and that's great but you and I have never really um, talked about us as a pair within the existing polycule structure."

Isa stopped and took a deep breath.

"Kat."

"Yes?"

"My darling Kat."

"Y-Yes?"

"My most adorkable of girlfriends. Are you asking me, right now, as I am coming on to you in the least subtle way I can, if I like you?"

Kat's face burned with shame.

"I just, I just like things to be clear." She offered up helplessly.

Isa took another deep breath, and exhaled shakily.

"I do like you, Kat, and I will happily discuss this with you at length some other time." Isa said, and she turned to straddle her face-to-face. Her voice was as flat as ever, but there was a fire in her eyes. "Right now, however, I'm high on military grade stimulants and if I don't do something with this energy I'm going to explode. So. I can get out of your hair and find someplace to do jumping jacks for the next hour, or I can ride you until we both collapse in an exhausted heap."

Kat swallowed hard.

"Maintenance techs'll get mad at us for making a mess in the cockpit."

"You can make a mess in my cockpit."

"That's… not an attractive euphemism."

"It really isn't." Isa agreed, wrinkling her nose. "I'll take the heat, are we doing this or not?"

"Where's Kat?" Jade asked, sitting down to eat breakfast with Isa and Maya.

"Disciplinary meeting." Isa said, between spoonfuls of oatmeal.

"What? Bullshit, what for? On who's orders?" Jade was out of her seat, ready to tear the facility apart to get her out of it, until Isa gestured for her to calm down.

"Tech officer. Improper use of a combat vehicle." She explained.

"Improper use of- Oh, that's where you went last night." Jade sat back down. "And you just let her take the fall for it?"

"She insisted." Isa shrugged. "Our stammering mess is a brave little girl scout when the chips are down."

"Speaking of." Maya nodded towards the door, where a disheveled Kat appeared and made her way to the table on shaky legs.

"Jesus, what'd they do to you?" Jade asked.

"Nothing really." Kat croaked. "Said since the mech is my property they can't stop me from doing whatever I want in it, but the techs would appreciate if in the future we would put a sock on the door so they don't get an eyeful."

"I get woken up by some guy who overrode the locks and saw my butt and somehow we're in the wrong, explain that."

"Okay, follow up question, what did she do to you?" Jade asked, gesturing at Isa with a spoon.

"You look like you got hit by a truck." Added Maya.

"Combat stim took three hours to wear off."

Maya snort-laughed, and Jade rolled her eyes.

"Isa those are for emergencies-"

"It was an emergency when I took it."

"It's true. If she had taken it just for that, Kat would be in the medbay." Maya got up from the table and patted Kat's head. "I'll find you some icepacks, lovergirl."

"She's- I wouldn't-"

She walked away, chuckling, and Isa's flat affect cracked just a little.

"I would not put you in the medbay!" She protested, her voice uncharacteristically shrill. "You're- You would have told me to stop, right?"

"You're fine, Isa." Kat said with a weak smile. "I'm just sore."

"Okay! Good." Isa said, sighing with relief and hugging Kat tightly.

"Ow."

"Sorry."

~~~

Maya's arm broke.

Which wouldn't be a huge deal, her augments were standard (if overdue for an upgrade) military tech from before she deserted, and replacement parts were a dime a dozen.

What was a big deal, was that Maya fucking hated being worked on, and refused to let any of the tech crew do silly things like "remove the arm" or "sedate her", and so they wouldn't work on her, and Jade had the know-how but got squeamish seeing the skin peeled off of her girlfriend's limbs, and so somehow Kat was the only person willing to do the repairs.

"I'm disengaging the link now, okay?" Kat said, gripping a socket wrench slotted into a port on Maya's shoulder, and Maya nodded, her eyes shut tight. She twisted, and Maya's arm went limp as she sucked a breath through gritted teeth.

"Okay, I'm leaving the wrench, if anything happens I can link it right back up."

"Yeah, mhm."

Maya was pale and drenched with sweat, a far cry from the hardened merc they all knew her as.

"I'm going to take the skin off now."

"Kat, don't-" Maya started harshly, and then caught herself and restarted as calmly as she could manage. "Don't talk me through it. Talk about anything fucking else."

"Sure, um, why do you have robot arms?"

"Standard military hardware. All the grunts get them. Why do you know how to repair robot arms?"

"Oh, uh, I mean I just read the manual, I've never really-" Kat started, and Maya tensed while she was removing her skin like a glove to reveal the synthetic muscle underneath, and Kat decided to pivot into a story that would perhaps be more comforting than 'oh, I actually have no clue what I'm doing'.

"I uh, my dad had this farm-"

"You're a farm girl?" Maya interrupted, and she was shocked, but she was amused-shocked instead of focusing on Kat picking through metallic strands of muscle-fiber, and so she continued.

"Hardly. Divorced parents. Spent Monday through Thursday on Tau Ceti f; Ever been?"

"Once or twice."

"So, Monday through Thursday there, in the city, and then Friday afternoons I'd get shuttled to one of it's moons, Tau Ceti f-3, to stay on my dad's farm."

Muscle-fiber all checked out, and she got to inspecting the actuators. Maya's breathing had steadied, even if she was still looking away and clenching her other hand into a fist.

"I did not take to farming well, and he did not take to having a gangly little nerd daughter well."

Maya cracked an eyelid. "He wasn't..?"

"Oh, no, I mean that hadn't happened yet at this part of the story but he was… fine. Didn't really get it but it was fine."

Maya's eye closed again, and Kat was somewhat tickled that Maya seemed ready to beat up her hypothetical transphobe dad.

"So yeah, did not like the farm. But he had this old industrial mech just rusting on the property. It was my granddads, hadn't run since before I was even born. I was fascinated by it, and so since I wasn't much help with anything else on the farm, he set me on getting it up and running."

Actuators were fine too. Faulty connection? She hesitated, but Maya seemed calm enough, and she had told her not to talk her through it. Maya winced as Kat started to decouple the arm from her shoulder socket, but didn't stop her. Kat kept talking.

"I was stoked, from then on every weekend I was working on the mech. Got all the rust off, started picking compatible components out of scrapyards, reading manuals when I was planetside."

The arm decoupled, and she placed it gently in Maya's lap and started inspecting the socket.

"And this took years, mind you. I was one teenager trying to repair a relic two days a week. Got into college, transitioned, and still every weekend it was back to the farm to work on it. I was living on my own at this point, the custody agreement didn't apply anymore, I just wanted to finish the damn thing."

Socket was fine, she'd have to take a look at the main control unit. She recoupled the arm first, for the sake of Maya's stress levels.

"Anyway, I finally get it running, all systems green, and the fucking thing still won't move. Screens just displayed a warning that the model was outdated and I needed to purchase a replacement. Which, fuck off?"

Maya smiled. "I don't think I've ever heard you swear this much in one conversation."

"Well, you're getting repairgirl Kat. She's gruff."

"I like her."

"You're not about to. I need to take a look at the control unit."

Maya bristled. "Gahh. Fuck, okay just turn the arm back on for a sec first."

"Sure." Kat said, and she slid the synthetic flesh back on to Maya's arm and twisted the socket wrench to re-engage the link. Maya wiggled her fingers, but the movement was jerky. "Yup," She sighed, "Still fucked. Control unit is between the shoulders, you'll be able to feel it over the spine."

"Got it." Kat said, and picked a scalpel off her tray of tools. She gently ran her fingers across Maya's well muscled back, feeling a slight bump no bigger than her palm between her shoulderblades. She made her incision.

"So, uh, I was already almost graduating with a comp-sci degree, I wasn't going to let some stupid DRM lockout stop me."

She peeled away a strip of synthetic flesh, and the problem was thankfully immediately apparent. A single red LED blinked at her in a line of green ones, and she checked the manual.

"One of your control chips is fried. I just need to turn the unit off for a minute so I can fab a new one and replace it."

Maya grumbled. "Don't wanna hear that. The DRM lockout, what'd you do?"

"Right, sorry. So the DRM lockout." She pressed a tiny switch, and both of Maya's arms powered down. She pulled the chip and checked the serial number, and punched it into the fabricator. "It was simple enough to get around. I did some research and the next time I visited it was trivial to hack past it and get the suit up and running." She paused for a moment, watching lasers etch tiny circuits into a new chip. "That's where I fucked it all up."

"Hm?"

"I didn't hack it right. Corporate security force showed up the next morning. The system had pinged them, I was in violation of the terms of ownership. 2.5 million credit fine for bypassing the lockout."

"Jesus."

"And- And we couldn't pay that. Not if we sold everything we owned. So they were gonna take me away, and I was screaming, and- and-" She had a white knuckled grip on the fabricator console, and her voice quieted.

"I didn't even know my dad had a gun."

The fabricator chimed, finished. Neither of them moved.

"He shot the one grabbing me, and the other three turned on him, and I just ran. Made it to the mech. They couldn't shut it off remotely with my bypass in place, small arms fire just dinged off it. It- It was just a small team sent to grab one farmer in the middle of nowhere. They came up in a van for fucks sake, they couldn't touch me. And they got back in the van, they tried to get away, and I just picked it up and I-I-"

Maya thumped her shoulder against Kat's back in an armless approximation of a hug. Kat hadn't heard her get up.

"It's okay, Kat."

She didn't know when she had started crying, but her face was wet with tears.

"They killed my dad."

"I know. It's okay."

"They weren't a threat to me. I could've ran."

"You don't have to talk about it."

"I want to. I want somebody else to know."

"Okay."

"I- The mech didn't have any weapons. It was for hauling, or building barns, or- I don't know."

She took a shaky breath.

"I just picked them up and smashed them into the ground. Again and again. For- For far longer than I needed to. The wreck was unrecognizable."

"We've all done things we regret."

"I know."

"I don't think less of you for this, none of us would."

"I know. But-"

"No buts. They would have put you in the dirt and never lost a minute of sleep over it."

"But I was so angry-"

"Because they ruined your life! Kat, I would have done the same fucking thing. Freaking out when some assholes show up and kill your dad doesn't make you a bad person."

"I know, I- I know. I just… I just needed to hear it from someone else."

She sniffled and picked up the new chip.

"Turn around, let's get you fixed."

Maya did as she was told, and Kat slotted in the chip and flicked the switch. Maya's arms came to life, and a row of green LEDs shone from the control unit.

"Okay. You'll need to get a medic to sew your back up, but everything looks good."

Maya flexed her arm and wiggled her fingers, checking everything was in order, and then wrapped Kat in a powerful bear hug from behind.

"Eep! Maya, you don't have to-"

Jade crashed through the door, with Isa hot on her heels. "What's going on!? Maya messaged us that there was an emergency!"

"There's no-"

"Kat needs huuuugs." Maya said warmly, and Kat wished she could break her iron grip and at least attempt to hide that she had been crying. Jade and Isa didn't need to be told twice, they were already clinging to her and reassuring her.

"It's okay, babygirl." Jade said.

"We've got you." Added Isa.

"Girls, really, I'm fine-"

"You need to tell her you loooooove her." Maya continued, and Kat turned red.

"Seriously-" Started Kat, who was then drowned out by a chorus of I love yous and started tearing up again.

"I… I love you too. I'm really lucky to have you all."

…

"Now please let go of me this is really embarrassing."

"Nope."

"Nuh-uh."

"Not gonna happen."

~~~

The logistics of funding a revolution were… iffy, at the best of times.

Thousands of mostly independent cells operating in the shadow of an empire that spanned dozens of planets did not lend themselves well to any kind of structured allocation of resources, nor any aboveboard method of obtaining those resources in the first place. If your unit was lucky, you had a pilot sympathetic to the cause who could "lose" shipments that might prove useful. Really lucky ones had fronts to funnel money in directly.

The cell Kat was a part of was not lucky, and so her and the other pilots were out knocking off cargo ships.

"Target should be in your visual range right about now." Isa crackled over comms. She was off on some hilltop with a better vantage point, while Kat, Jade, and Maya lay in wait. The ship came into view right on cue, and Kat booted up her engines.

"We have visual." Said Jade.

"Great. Hold there, I'm gonna put him down right next to you."

Kat could almost hear Jade rolling her eyes.

"We're exposed out here, just take the shot before he sees us."

"And make my favourite girls walk all the way to the crash site?"

"Isa."

"Jaaade."

"Isa, he's going to see us."

"Won't do him much good~" Isa said, singsong.

A crack like thunder, and the ship lurched. Cargo haulers like this weren't aerodynamic, they managed in-atmo flight through thruster power alone. Something that's much more difficult when a railgun slug the size of a fridge is suddenly embedded in one of your-

Another crack.

-both of your engines. The ship was coming down fast, right on top of them.

"Alright, I'm headed back to base. Trucks are inbound." Said Isa, the slightest tinge of smugness coming through her mic. "Have fun unwrapping your present girls, get me something nice."

She dropped out of the comms channel.

"I wish she wouldn't show off like this." Jade said, and Maya chuckled.

"Hasn't backfired on us yet. Any crew?" Maya asked.

"Just the pilot."

"Think he'll live?" Asked Kat, quietly.

"Through the crash? Definitely. Ship like this, pilot'll walk off without a scratch." Maya said, powering up her weapons systems ominously. "After that is up to him."

The ship slammed into the ground no more than 100 metres away from where they were waiting.

"How does she do that?" Asked Jade, exasperated.

"Explanations I've gotten from her include 'vibes', 'techno-occultist magicks', and 'eyeballin' it'." Offered Maya. She placed a metallic foot on the mostly intact cockpit of the wreck and flicked on her loudspeakers.

"Pilot, you have thirty seconds to exit your vehicle or we will remove you by force."

"That seems a little short…" Complained Kat, and Maya flicked her speakers back off.

"I'll wait longer, it just gets 'em moving."

Forty-three seconds later, a panicked man scrambled out of the smoking carcass of his ship.

"D-Don't shoot! It wasn't my idea, I swear!" He yelled, and Maya smelled blood in the water.

"What wasn't your idea?" She purred, and the pilot's panic mixed with confusion.

"You guys aren't cops?" He asked.

"Nope. What wasn't your idea?"

"Nothing, I-"

His words were cut off by the whirring of Maya's minigun spinning up.

"I couldn't quite hear you." She taunted.

"It's just a little contraband! Take it! It's yours! Container 17!"

"That's right." She cooed, and powered down her weapons. "Now get the fuck out of here before I change my mind."

The pilot started running,

"Alright." Said Jade. "Trucks should be here any minute. Start unloading cargo, make sure to nab container 17, we get first dibs on any good shit."

"This is the shittiest contraband we've ever found." Complained Isa, as she sorted through boxes of illegal brain implants. "Accounting implant, Marketing implant, Beginner's French? How are you going to get a brain implant to cheat at learning and only be a beginner?"

"I have…" Kat squinted. "Political Theory For Dummies? That can't be ethical, that goes in the trash pile."

"When you said you were bringing back contraband I expected drugs, or booze, or, I don't know, gay porn?"

"If that guy was hauling a full shipping container of gay porn I could not in good conscience rob him." Said Maya. "Hell, I'd give him a medal. He would be my hero."

Jade peeked her head in. "I've got a guy who says if we can get these offworld he's got a buyer. Pick out anything you want to keep and pack the rest back up." She said.

Maya stood up and raised her hands. "I think I have enough questionable metal in me. You girls have fun."

She and Jade left, leaving Isa and Kat to sort through their ill-gotten gains.

"You know Jade doesn't like your 'making the ship crash at our feet' trick." Kat said delicately.

"It's not a trick, you of all people should know that you nerd." Isa replied teasingly. "A cargo ship is as aerodynamic as a brick. If I know how fast it's going and I know how high it is, I know where it'll land if nothing's keeping it in the air. This is highschool physics."

"I understand how it works. She doesn't like how close you let the ships get before shooting."

Isa shrugged. "Jade worries too much. They're gonna call for help when they get hit whether they see you three or not. Factor in the extra time to get to the wreck, them potentially having a chance to take a defensive position, I see it as safer this way." She paused and held up a box. "Ooh, Indoor Agriculture! I could start my own grow op, get us something better than month-old stems."

"Please don't put the sketchy implant in your brain." Kat sighed. "And just tell Jade that you think your way is better, I'm sure she'd understand if you stopped framing it as something you do to impress us."

"Ah, but then she wouldn't be as impressed."

"She'd also have healthier blood pressure."

"I think it'd take more than that to fix her stress problems. Luckily for her…" Isa held up a box labelled 'mindfulness exercises'.

"Brain implant that makes you calm sounds actually horrifying."

"Yeah, I think we're done here. Let's go see if the food crates have anything good."

~~~

Jade trudged into their room and dumped her gear on the floor.

"Hey."

She jumped.

"Jesus, Kat! I thought you were all out scouting."

"Nope." Kat said, lounging on their mattress with a magazine. "Fuel line rupture, I'm grounded. How was the meeting?"

Every couple of months the scattered resistance cells would convene in a conference call and attempt to convince all the others that they had come up with a path to a successful revolution. As the leader of their strike team, Jade got the privilege of sitting in on these meetings.

"You may be shocked to hear this, but it turns out we're still vastly outnumbered and outgunned." She said, slumping into Kat's arms.

"Mm." Kat hummed, putting aside her magazine and running her fingers through Jade's hair. "Public opinion?"

"Varies. Lots of people know they're living in an evil empire, but don't wanna risk their necks."

"Same as always." Kat said, gently rubbing circles into Jade's back. "So what do we do?"

"Oh, I'm so glad you asked." Jade said, shifting to her side and pulling out a datapad. "I took notes."

"Uh-oh."

"Yeah. Up first, we have 'Full on assault on the capital'."

"I love plans where we all die."

"Followed by 'Put down our arms to get public opinion on our side'."

Kat scoffed, "That's a cop."

"Mhm. Next we have 'Research new FTL tech and get far enough away the empire can't chase us'."

"Unfeasible and doesn't actually solve anything."

"Yeah, you're getting the general vibe of these meetings." Jade said.

"What was our plan?"

"Captain didn't have one. Stay the course, I guess."

"What's yours?"

Jade was silent, for a while. Kat kept gently rubbing her back while she thought.

"Keep you all safe, I guess. Is that selfish?"

"I don't think so."

"It feels selfish. I should have an idea to actually fix things."

"Why?"

"I dunno. I want us to have a real life together."

"This feels pretty real."

"Yeah, but I mean like- One where people aren't trying to kill us."

"Me too. And we're working on it as best we can."

"Okay but-"

"No buts."

"-but I want to-"

"Destroy fascism by yourself?"

"Literally yes. I want to fix every problem and then there will be no more problems and then I can relax."

"Now who's making unfeasible plans."

Jade was quiet again, and slowly let herself relax into Kat.

"Were you always this good at this?"

"Fuck no, I think you three are rubbing off on me. It's weird being on this side of the conversation."

Jade giggled.

"Want to hear more plans? There are funny ones."

"Sure."

Jade flicked through several pages of notes.

"Kill everyone now."

"Classic."

"Ultrasonic weapons that make you feel slightly hungover."

"Sure."

"Usher in new era of intergalactic peace by inventing strap that gets tgirls pregnant"

"…Like just the strap does it? There's no surgical aspect?"

"Listen, I just write down what they tell me."

~~~

Kat had never expected to have three girlfriends, but then, she had also never expected to be an enemy of the state and well, life comes at you fast.

Jade had said she had something important she wanted to talk to them all about, so she hurried up to their quarters from the hangar. She walked in to see Jade and Maya sitting on their mattress waiting for her.

"What's up?" She asked, and Jade gestured for her to sit with them.

Maya took a long drag from her cigarette before responding.

"Jade's pregnant." She said, and Kat bluescreened.

Jade smacked Maya on the back of her head. "No I'm not, asshole. I'll say what's going on when Isa gets here."

"Oh thank god, this is no place to raise a baby. So many people are trying to kill us all the time."

The door slid open and Isa entered, and she asked "Why the serious meeting?"

"Sit." Jade said, which was a mistake because it gave Maya time to dramatically exhale another cloud of smoke.

"Kat's pregnant."

Isa narrowed her eyes. "What? No she isn't." She said, and then got a look at Kat, who was still white as a sheet from when Maya had pulled the same joke on her. "Wait, is she? Can that happen?"

"Yeah." Said Maya.

"No!" Said Jade. "Nobody is pregnant! You know, I had a serious thing I wanted to talk about."

"I'm sorry," Said Maya, chuckling and clearly not sorry at all, "Please go on."

Jade rolled her eyes and cleared her throat.

"I'll get right to the point. I love you all very much, I trust each of you with my life, I think we should get married."

The three of them were stunned into silence.

"Don't all say yes at once now."

"Married?" Said Maya.

"Yes."

"Can we even do that?" Asked Isa.

"Well, legally no-"

"I don't have a dress." Said Kat.

"I- You're getting bogged down in the details. The actual act of a wedding isn't important to me, we're all broke and living in a hole. I just want to call you all my wives."

"Ah." Isa pondered for a moment. "Yeah, sounds nice." She said, and pounced on Jade, kissing her. "I'm your wife now, no takebacks."

Kat scootched in to join the tangle of limbs. "Me too. That goes for you two as well, if you'd have me."

"Oh you know I will, my second wife." Said Isa.

They all looked expectantly at Maya.

"I have never considered myself the marrying type."

"She's hesitating. Wives, pout at her." Ordered Jade.

"-However," Maya added, before she could be submitted to a barrage of pouting. "If it's you three, and we're not getting all dressed up and kissing in front of our extended families, I think I could change my mind."

"Three wives?" Asked Isa.

"Three wives." Confirmed Maya, as she joined the pile. "You'd all be lost without your big tough butch around to ogle, I couldn't do that to you."

Kat had never expected to have one wife, let alone three wives, but again, life comes at you fast.

#mech pilots

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axl-ul · 3 months ago

Text

The Flight of the Western Crane: Chapter Eighteen

(A reupload/repost of my fic/dark retellingof Journey to the West which can be also found on AO3 under the same name)

(General info about this fic/wip/retelling is here)

****

Thankfully to the blessing of the storm, the serpentine streets didn’t reek with mustiness. Various pastries let themselves be known to all attendants equally; it didn’t matter whether they were right in front of them or observing the parade on the opposite side of the Jade Peak of Shufen.

Bajie stood next to Mei in anticipation when she pointed at a large stall hosting a long row of customers. Candied mandarins and cumquats gaped at them as if begged to be tasted. Once Márgerdra picked on their intentions, she firmly stood against another purchase despite her own itching tongue. Sanzang couldn’t be more grateful when Ol’ Sha’s head shone in the crowd like an unusual red beacon of a Persian lighthouse on a monotonous sea. The shy demon was basically running towards them, barely managing to keep his newly bought scripts and scrolls together under his armpits. Given his imposing stature, the comical scenery drew a chuckle out of few passers-by.

“I got a message from Brother Lie. The queen’s showing up later,“ Sha Wujing he wiped his large forehead with a piece of cloth given to him by the witch,“If anyone cares to wander a bit around you can. Just be here in two or so hours-“

“Alright, I have to answer nature's call. Anyone else with the same destination?“

“Kinda. I gotta pass water.“

“Could the two of you say it louder? I don’t think people around heard you well.“

“What is it now, blondie?“ Wukong rolled his eyes and leaned on Bajie’s shoulder,“We avoided the ‘bad’ words. We’re gentlemen.“

“Yes, dear,“ Bajie jumped in to join the defence, though both struggled not to break into laughter,“A real class…“

“Without an ass,“ Wukong finished the sentence, slapped himself on the rear and both demons started braying and guffawing.

“Cut it, both sides,“ Sanzang waved his arms and dragged himself, and thus their entire party, away from the centre of the street right under the patulous banyan. A dozen children, no more than ten, ran around, whooping and jumping. They started kicking a jianzi in a circle. The tiniest and most fragile-looking one bumped into the monk as she was about to retrieve the feathered toy.

“I’m sorry, mister,“ she peeped politely though her enormous eyes lingered on the young man too long to be considered within the limit of good manners. “Mister, would you like to become my husband? Not now but when I get older. I can play jianzi very well. I’ll be a good wife. By that time, you’ll probably be as dry as the apples we forgot and left in the sun last week. But you’re still better than most boys around,“ she rattled off and frowned back at an older boy who accidentally kicked away the toy.

The group laughed with the exception of shocked Sanzang. Even the Great Sage couldn’t help and chuckle. Coming closer, he nudged his master,“The kid’s got a bigger mouth than I did at her age.“

“And you, uncle,“ she averted her attention and pointed at Wukong,“said there would be the shadow puppeteers. Me and my friends can see none. Are you a liar?“

“Me and deception? Young lady, I would never,“ the monkey brought his hand to his chest. “As a matter of fact, my whole family was about to call the puppeteers as promised.“

“Uncle, don’t lie again. Is this handsome master your family?“

“Indeed he is,“ Wukong’s chest rose as he started boasting,“Can’t you see, little girl, the charm’s run in our blood for generations!“

Seeing the little girl with pigtails wasn’t the most trusting, he turned on his heel to face the waving group. “Here are my other two little brothers and my darling sister-in-law. And the lady with locks of pure gold, missy, is my precious wife.“

The girl didn’t hesitate just like before and ran towards Mei first, then she flung into Márgerdra’s arms. The witch’s eyes popped out. She found no other way than to bring the child up to her face. “Aunties are so pretty they could easily be princesses!“ Her tiny palms landed on Márgerdra’s cheeks and drew her nearer. “Though you look just as weird as Uncle Muhou,“ the girl whispered, still rather loudly, then giggled.

Neither Márgerdra nor Mei could help themselves but join. The witch’s hand rose to tickle the owlet,“Aren’t you one adorable mischievous lady!“

“Auntie, stop it!“ the child squealed.

“Are you still going to call me weird?“

“No! Never again!“

“Auntie Yaling will stop only if you invite us to the play,“ Mei joined and dishevelled the girl’s bangs.

“Alright, you win!“ the owlet cried for the last time before her feet touched the ground and she held onto her belly. Grabbing both women, her oval chin pointed at Wukong once again,“Uncle Muhou, lead the way!“

“Sweetie, why can’t you do it? We’re only visitors here,“ Márgerdra chuckled at the thought of a mere child bossing around the Great Sage himself. “Besides, what about your parents? Won’t they worry about you all?“

“Because Uncle said he knows the puppeteers. He’ll surely remember his way around. Mama and papa also don’t worry much. Everybody knows everyone here. The city’s celebrating, too. We’re allowed to hang around as long as we want! Guys,“ she called out,“let’s go!“

****

It was a peculiar sight to behold. Ol’ Sha sat down in the second row among the children. He darted whenever any character made even the slightest of movements and made notes into a journal. The smaller ones who didn’t find a seat in the first row used his gigantic stature as a way to gain a place with a better view on the colourful box with a translucent screen.

The shadows danced and fought and somersaulted from one point to another while the narrator’s winsome voice engaged the audience into the play of heroes. Once the monsters showed up, Sanzang and Mei quickly hugged each other, trapping two equally petrified children in between. On that occasion, the monk’s hat would fall deep to his face and tickle the princess. Immediately, their dismay would be washed away. Instead, felicity flew over to them. On the other hand, Bajie who sat only a few seats to the left salivated in his deep dream-like state whenever the hero’s sister or his lover showed up.

Out of nowhere, somebody slapped Pigsy on his nape, knocking down his cap. Quickly turning around, the gale of wrath remelted. It was Wukong’s tail that had hit him. The Big Brother Monkey roasted Bajie’s indelicate thoughts as easily as always. “I may be sitting up here in the tree,“ the imp uttered from above,“however, don’t think I’m clueless about your manners.“

“Big Bro, I didn’t do anything!“

“Shut up. There are kids around you. Behave.“ He planned to rebuke him further. But the weight of a small boy falling asleep on his shoulders suddenly shifted. Wukong rapidly grabbed the child and straightened up his spine. He let out some air through his nostrils. The boy didn’t wake up nor got hurt in the process.

Casting a side eye, there she was. Márgerdra’s lap was occupied by the owlet and her younger sister, both blinking scarcely. Wukong couldn’t decide whether it was because of the children’s background or whether they were just as exhausted as the boy on his shoulders. The excitement about the queen’s parade probably didn't allow them to doze off.

Inspecting further, he noticed that both girls had their hair remade by Márgerdra. She nimbly finished the owlet’s braided pigtail and tucked the small fringe behind her ear. By the start of the final act, the Wolf Witch brought her small coat over, a cushy and comfortable, though improvised, cover.

There. A single heavy beat against his ribs. Then another one. And another.

The boy started slipping, not a single reaction to the noise around. Soon, Wukong found himself holding him in his arms, snuggling to his auburn shirt.

The Wolf Witch reacted to his subtle shifting. Fearing he must have been cold, they started chatting what soon became friendly banter only they could understand fully. The delight in Wukong’s undertone neither Márgerdra’s subtle interest whenever her companion explained a character’s motivation or a tie to another legend slipped Pigsy’s perked up ears.

The weather affected most of them and so, Wukong had to jump down to carry a blanket over to his master and the princess. Before he sneaked away, the monkey demon asked,“By the way, you’re pretty good with kids.“

“You’re rather solid as well. I can see the monkeys calling you their Grandpa and these little rascals their Uncle.“

“I told you I love fun,“ the monkey grinned broadly. “To be frank, I’m glad to have a fellow Auntie. That little parley was really something. Did you pick up the skill around Mei?“

She briefly smirked but something inside remained freezing cold. Wukong didn’t know how exactly, but he felt it. He wished he could find the source of that ice. To seek out the truth and to melt it away.

“It doesn’t concern you,“ Márgerdra answered. The monkey demon stiffened upon hearing her terseness. Both had to come back to their senses, though, as the owlet complained about them interrupting the play.

The Great Sage hunched over and sneaked up on Sanzang. Now, he looked more like a tiger than a macaque. However, the monk was neither a prey or a naive owner.

“Everything alright?“

“Yeah, the play’s very entertaining.“

“That’s not what I had in mind,“ looking right and left, then up and down, not a single corner escaped his golden pupils. “How do you feel about meeting Her Majesty Spreads-Her-Legs, Shifu?“

“Wukong, be nice with this kind lady! I see your stances differ but keep yourself down.“

“That’s not a la-! Shifu, do you truly believe the queen’s nonsense? Do you even remember what’s said in our teachings? Can you read between the lines that the greatest evil hides under the clothes of kindness?“

“I know. My point is they don’t seem to be hostile.“

“‘Seem’ doesn’t equal ‘aren’t’.“

“Please, try to be nice with our hostesses.“

“Fine,“ the Monkey King put his hands up, seemingly backing down from his claims,“I’ll do my best. But this doesn’t change the fact that more men passed between those women’s legs than water under the bridges of Hangzhou, boy. Ow!“

Sanzang slapped the macaque’s back of the head and for a moment they focused on the play.

“I’m sorry, Wukong. I get what you mean. Would you like some, dad?“ Sanzang pointed towards a small basket with dried apricots. His master’s little joke stunned the disciple. Before Wukong had any chance to refuse, the narrator’s voice and the sharp howl of the erhu picked up on the strength. The shadows danced, the music died out and the crowd cheered. The story finally came to an end and even though it was fairly predictable with its happy ending, nobody complained.

All twelve children, no matter how sleepy, cheered upon the villain’s defeat. “One more tale!“ they all pleaded.

The puppeteers sized them up. They had to move their stall now as the parade kept approaching. Although the younglings and their persistence broke their hearts.

“Good friend, it’ll take only a minute or so,“ Bajie tried his honeyed words,“these youngsters wait all year round ‘til your show.“

“Indeed,“ even Sanzang jumped to the rescue. “Even though the innocence shouldn’t be spoiled and one shouldn’t keep hunting rewards for they’re earthly matters,“ his tongue almost slipped if it weren’t for a tiny squeeze on his forearm from Mei,“this is after all an enrichment of their cheerful lives.“

“Yes, mister puppeteer! Pretty please! Could you tell us about Yue Lao and the fox spirit lady?“ the owlet stood up in Márgerdra’s lap, rubbing her face.

“Not this again, Jingyi! Nobody wants to hear about all this lovey-dovey dumb stuff. What about all the monsters the Dragon Kings have to put up with?“

“It’s not dumb. You just can’t appreciate pretty things! Isn’t that right, Auntie?“

“What about Dasheng?“ another boy suggested. Some children fell silent, some gasped, some wondered and the others argued. The puppeteers started packing up more rapidly.

One of the older boys came closer and reprimanded his friend,“Don’t you know the adults don’t want us to talk about him?“

“I do. But I think he’s not that big of a boogeyman. He seems cool. And brave and strong! Don’t you know that he faced the Jade Emperor’s whole army by himself? That he refused to be treated the way he was just because he was a demon like us? He’s a-“

“He’s a monster killing us. He makes no difference between you and the fly you slapped a second ago.“

“But why? He’s a demon too,“ the boy argued back.

“Because a monk who thinks we’re evil tells him to slam our heads with the magical cudgel.“

“Is he really like that?“ Perhaps for the first time since they met her, Jingyi squirmed and briskly pressed her small frame against the witch. The Pilgrims as well as the princess remained silent, only daring to watch the ground beneath. Márgerdra gathered up her courage. Her eyes darted towards Wukong. He was standing in between her and the monk, surrounded by people, yet forlorn, unmoving in the frail light of the lantern hanging above. Only his chest heaved once in a while. He didn’t blink nor his lips quivered. The only thing that seemed to be alive within his presence were tiny flies flitting around. He was looking down to his feet. Despite the lack of shown emotions, Márgerdra sensed the tension within. The stone unravelled, revealing his shame.

“Precisely, my dear boy.“ As if it weren’t enough, the handmaiden with a beauty mark made her presence immediately. “The Kinbutcher is no better than the monk or the humans or the Celestials or Buddha. He is mighty, yes, indeed. Powerful and skillful and bold,“ she sighed and caressed her nape. The eyes under her heavily painted eyelids shone with unnerving lust. Márgerdra hoped to be wrong. But she knew better. “All he sees and thinks about are our sliced necks. Be like your friend here and remember those stories in the future.“ She patted the boy’s head and was prepared to make another announcement.

The Wolf Witch interrupted,“What if the stories lie? It’s happened many times that they like to exaggerate.“

“What would you know about it, Miss Yaling? Fairly enough, I doubt you’re familiar enough with the local legends.“ The emphasis on the last words was a clear message in between the lines for the Wolf Witch.

“I don’t dare to argue, Miss Yawen. Yet I’m certain that people anywhere and everywhere like to provide a show for the sake of it. It’s a simple principle of entertainment. Why would the Great Sage or the Tripitaka be different? You may believe in their goal or not. But condemn them just like that?“

“You speak as if you know them personally, darling.“

“I do not,“ Márgerdra put the two girls away from her lap and made her way to Yawen who cowered right away,“but I’ve lived through enough not to repeat such foolish judgement without proof.“

The she-wolf stared down the handmaiden. Yet, the two had to put aside their strife because the captain made himself known by his quick steps. The young man exchanged his armour for a more comfortable but still equally formal attire. However, the blade still shone at his side, prepared to be unsheathed in a moment of need. His hand in an elegant sleeve waved around as if he were lecturing the youngsters and not fellow adults. Explaining the plan of the parade, he began walking away and the rest followed.

“Uncle, are you okay?“

Wukong blinked several times. “Yeah, kid. Never felt better in my entire life.“ He forced a smirk and went after his group.

****

Locals and merchants from afar gathered up on the paved street, thus providing an obstacle and dividing the crew, although there was still some time left before the start of the parade. The chattering travelled fast, it infected everyone present in the wide street lined with brooklets, the artificial deviations of the river, from each side. Minnows swam with the current around lotuses and barclaya, the fan-shaped gingko leaves waved at them even at the slightest gust of the breeze. Their red fins easily created the illusion of long bright under the crystal clear surface lines thanks to their perkiness. The thick swarm of these tiny creatures scattered whenever playful children shoved their hands under the water. Rocks forming the old pavement became dangerously slippery because of the splashing. Wukong, who still retained the limping gait, nearly became one of the victims if Jun didn’t catch him.

“Master Huang! I thought you got lost. Don’t get me wrong but it was challenging to spot you,“ the captain looked down on the macaque,“I see you’re doing better now. I feared we may not actually duel.“

“Don’t worry. I’d never miss the chance for another match. When it comes to my leg, my beloved wife took care of me with the help of my little brothers.“

“Honestly, I’m glad you received a high-quality,“ Jun fixed his eyes on Márgerdra right when she bent over a bench of a stall in front of them,“help.“

The blood in the monkey boiled. No matter how much he tried, his left ear started twitching. To make things worse, Miss Yawen emerged from behind and made her way in between the two demons. As it became a custom, she hooked her arms around them, making the Captain of the Royal Guard and the Great Sage unwillingly press against her.

“What is it, Miss Yawen?“

“I’m simply curious how you two feel. The parade’s here and your face off is around the corner. Aren’t you excited, dear Master Huang?“

“I’d rather pass this question to the captain.“

“Thanks but there’s nothing special.“

“Guess we can agree on that one,“ Wukong uttered.

“Stop it you two. Always so humble and shy,“ Yawen cackled; such a sound made Wukong imagine an old donkey choking on an apple. Seeing the conversation wasn’t leading anywhere, she changed her tactics to make a further impression. The circular fan with a handle swished, a light breeze caressed the three people. “Oh my, is it just me or is it getting hotter?“

When Yawen let her cheek brush against Wukong’s biceps, he rapidly placed his hand above his brows,“Is that a cricket fight? I haven’t seen that in years. Little brother, look! It’s our childhood’s favourite hobby!“

“I think Miss Yaling and Miss Ah Xiuying are in need of help. Master Shui, shall you join?“

Jun used the moment of surprise and vanished from the scene as well, leaving infuriated Yawen behind.

****

The Eight Rules tripped over. Thankfully to Wukong, he regained his balance and he found himself beside a small shed. A circle of spectators, mostly men in their thirties, cheered as they rooted for one or another of the two crickets. Unlike the majority of the men, the referee, a rough-looking man with a dirty apron, sat silent on a stool, watching over the fight warily. “You wanna bet on one of those? Because we’re prohibited to gamble, Big Bro,“ Bajie pointed out.

“I know. I just needed to get rid of that viper. Man, I swear I’ve got goosebumps all over myself.“ The Monkey King shook when he looked back to see Yawen marching away off of the street, but attached his attention back to the black insects on the ground. “The one on the left with brownish legs’ gonna win.“

“That underdog?“

“He’s fierce.“

“Throw him at her when she comes. Maybe he’ll bite her ass off.“ Pigsy peeked behind,“That vixen looks like she’s up to something. I’ve got a bad feeling about this..“

“You bet. Like brother, like sister.“

A spectator on his right whistled with such great force that Bajie’s ears started ringing. The Eight Rules rubbed his neck and gathered up the courage to ask what had been gnawing at his mind. “Lady Márgerdra’s been swooning over you. I guess she sees something in you. “

“Nonsense. Stop it now, Daizi.“ Wukong felt his knees become wobbly and the heat creeped up to his cheeks and ears. “She’s a close friend.“

“Just that? From what I’ve witnessed she seems to be your type, as well.“ Wukong had already begun elevating his arm but Bajie stopped him in time. His expression changed. “Brother, I recognise what you hide even from yourself. We must obey the precepts. That means no relationships. But we also mustn’t lie.“

Despite the initial desire to walk away or yell and fight dissolved. Zhu Bajie’s voice was unusual. It was heartwarming, sincere and brotherly. Supportive but also reprimanding. Wukong suddenly felt as if it were him who was young and inexperienced with life.

“Do I look like I’m seeking counsel, Bajie?“

“You never do. Nevertheless, you don’t deny my claims.“

Wukong, who’d been observing and cheering on the cricket, halted. Clenching his fists and immediately relaxing them, he licked his dry lips over and over. It didn’t help much as the drought had already invaded the inside of his mouth and throat.

“Does she know she became dear to you? Don’t try to dodge the question.“

The Monkey King’s breath quickened. The world around was slowing down till it froze.

Wukong parted his quivering lips as he looked behind to find Márgerdra in the opposite direction. She was with the princess, his master and the captain, all admired the pottery. The captain sneaked his hand on the small of her back. Immediately, the monkey averted his gaze. Instead Bajie turned around right when the Wolf Witch temporarily leaned into the touch. It baffled the pig demon. But he recognised her disgust camouflaged as the cold when she pretended to borrow the Princess’ orange waistcoat, leaving the soldier with no choice but to retract his arm. Pigsy proudly tittered.

“No.“

“Then tell her the truth. For her sake. For yours.“

“How could I, Bajie?“ Wukong hadn’t intended to show any of his true emotions. But the despair crawled out on its own. Bajie was his brother, not only in teachings and arms. He was hearing his misery out, although the senior almost broke the supporting pillar when the side of his fist collided with it. What saved his steel face and iron reputation was the unexpected victory of the brown cricket and the fans cheering on their bets, thus muffling his cry.

“I asked this myself when I saw Chang’e and then Cuilan. Albeit I wasn’t lucky, at least I can help ya. Y’know, Big Bro, back then, I didn’t understand that love and care come from respect. And that, dearest brother, is rooted in honesty. Do you comprehend?“ Pigsy put a hand on Wukong’s shoulder while they walked around the small shed. There, out of the reach of the undesired attention of the possible onlookers, the Great Sage slid to the wet ground. He ignored the splinters sinking into his tunic and sleeves.

“I suppose. Shifu talks about compassion all the time. You know damn well I struggle with it. Yet with her, it doesn’t feel forced. But sometimes she’s one stubborn mule. And uptight! It drives me crazy. On the other hand, she’s witty. Sometimes, she chuckles at my jokes. The other time she scoffs. She’s so…“

“...complicated that you can’t wrap your head about it.“

“Exactly! She isn’t a Celestial fairy. Neither an evil temptress. She’s just… a woman…a broken one. And I guess I don’t want her to get broken even more…“

Bajie nudged him further to make Wukong come to terms with himself,“Do you know why?“

“She completes me. And I wish to complete her.“ He clenched onto the fine fabric covering his chest. “Around her, I feel as if I had really had a…“

His head lowered in between his shoulders. His arms wrapped around it, covering every inch like an ancient helmet of bizarre shapes. Wukong blinked a few times. In the darkness, a light shone on his sins. The mockery, insolence, murders and devouring. That monster, that strange, disfigured creature with its blank stare which had appeared in the Sage’s nightmare. Is he turning into it? Is it the inevitable end? There’s a saying that what goes around, comes around. Shall no Buddha or a Celestial or a saint or his dearest Shifu help? Will he help himself? Or will he hold her body as life escapes with her last breath? After all, this is what he wished for in the beginning.

“Wukong,“ Bajie’s comforting voice tore him away from the gloom,“today might be your last chance. Unless something screws up, I doubt you’ll share many private moments.“

“What about Shifu? Buddha? I swore to be a monk…“

“What the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve over.“

“Meaning I better lie to him instead? Besides, what if I scare her off? You know well I’m new to this.“

“No, don’t simply mention it. It’ll be fine. About the witch, she pretends to be vain. But she refuses even the captain’s attempts. That ‘hunk’ doesn’t seem to reflect her vocal message at all,“ Bajie laughed. His grin froze once he realised he might have said too much. Wukong’s entire face puckered as he tried to decipher his junior’s message.

The awkward silence didn’t last long. It all started breaking up as good Ol’ Sha squeezed his way to them through the crowd, the new scrolls stored in a satchel another bookseller donated to him after an absorbing discourse. “Hey, guys. I wondered where you went off to. Anyway, would you mind helping me translate these with Shifu? I don’t understand some words there… Big Brother Monkey? What’s got into him?“

“Someone's head over heels and it’s not me this time.“

“Oh, is it about the Lady Wolf Witch?“ Wujing carefully slid the scrolls into the sack hanging from his belt.

The monkey demon threw his hands,“How does he know?! Bajie?“

“Brother Wuneng sometimes can’t keep his tongue behind his teeth. I noticed some of your interactions, too,“ Wujing squatted beside the senior disciple to ruffle his already messy hair,“You’re one meek lamb around our dear Miss.“

Thinking the two finally calmed down, one last visitor peeped around the corner. In comparison to Ol’ Sha, Yawen wasn’t welcome and it showed on each of the disciples. While the handmaiden remained silent, Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing shuffled back into the street. Both had troubles to keep their grunts to themselves.

The Sage stood up with the same intention. Yawen’s palm on his ribcage changed that. He took a closer look at the demoness. She seemed different. More relaxed than by the start of the evening. There was a strange stench lingering around her as well. Wukong carefully stirred up the inner fire and let the sparks burn her image through his vision. Indeed, there were fresh traces of her twin.

“Dear, I’d like to invite you over.“

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.“

“I don’t take no for an answer, you know it, darling. I have a bargain for you.“

“You don’t say,“ Wukong barely contained his bitter laughter.

Yawen stood on her tiptoes. She practically spat out into his ear. “I know who you are. And I’m aware that you know who I am, too. We should stop beating around the bush, Qitian Dasheng.“

Sun Wukong’s skin turned ice cold.

“Don’t worry. I don’t wish to pose a threat to you. I’m not like my gege despite coming from the same blood. However, don’t try telling anyone. I have a few helpers around and I don’t wish for us to be disturbed. Is it clear? A business is a business, let’s keep it like that.“

“Private and straightforward.“

“Smart boy,“ she dragged her fan under his chin; his fur rustled under the tough material.

Wukong thought hard. On no account he wanted to put anyone under a risk. At the same time, he didn’t trust Yawen at all. In that moment he felt she managed to corner him. Or…?

“Deal. If you accept my condition.“

“Anything, mighty Dasheng.“ Her hands slid down his chest. Wukong felt the cutting pain of his clenching throat. His nails cut into his skin from the tight grip.

“The upper gardens. How secure are they?“

“Do you dream of seeing the wonder again? Did my initiation intrigue you?“

“Maybe.“

“If you insist,“ Yawen cocked her eyebrow and pursed her lips,“I bet you can get through the guards. Most of them will be present here at the parade anyway. It’s your advantage if nothing else. Once you’re in front of the gate, use this.“ Yawen took off one of her earrings and transformed it into a circular amulet. After casting a spell, a bird-shaped sigil appeared on the hoop and its gold gained a purple hew. “It should be enough to let you through the barrier.“

“What is it? A key?“

“An extension of Her Majesty’s permission. Just press it against the gate and let the energy flow through. Keep in mind, it’s not as powerful. Whatever you intend to do, make it quick.“

“How quick exactly?“

“Twenty minutes? Approximately?“

Wukong grabbed it and shoved the magical key into his pocket. Straightening up, his spine cracked and he got ready to leave. He wished to forget, to pretend it was all a bad dream.

Yawen sneered. She had to assure he remembered his promise,“The tea room in the eastern wing by the hour of the Rat, darling. Don’t be late.“

****

At first, the monkey thought a new day had already started. After his eyes got accustomed to the brightness he saw hundreds of onlookers crammed together like fresh fish in a harbour. The blinding light came from their lanterns - some hung on simple bamboo sticks, some were meant to be put on a water surface to float, others were waiting to be released into the wind. Many children, who had to sit on their father’s shoulders in order to see the upcoming parade, held onto them more tightly than to their wooden toys. Observing them while forcing his way through, Wukong noticed a few kites. Their wings and long tails carried patterns of azure feathers and scales. Around them fluttered glowing illusions of firefly swarms. “Must be a local thing,“ he thought.

It took him some time to find the rest. At last, he guessed the right direction when he recognised a head with short hair only his Master could possess. They were standing in front of a thick red rope which miraculously didn’t rupture under the pressure of hundreds of hands tugging back and forth. Undoubtedly, they chose the spot because of Mei who no longer needed to stand on her toes. The rising toe caps of her slippers with a silver fringe looked comical to Wukong, especially right next to Sanzang’s old straw sandals.

The cheerful tone of strings and flutes resonated for the first time just as the macaque stood by Sandy and Pigsy.

“Here they go! Quickly!“ Sha Wujing waved at his senior,“Look closely for the most skilled erhu player, Big Bro.“

“Isn’t that a bit vague description, Little Bro? There’s plenty of erhu players and all of them are equally exceptional,“ Bajie whispered back.

“His solo should start once the queen brings her elephant out to bless the locals. Apparently, the instrument’s sound soothes the elephant.“

“So that’s how we found the big girl in the first place. Somebody probably played the wrong tune during rehearsals“, Wukong crossed his arms. “Anyway, where’s our ‘noble’ cavalier?“

“Most probably where that viper. A part of the parade.“

“They’re coming!“ eager Tang Sanzang turned around. He only wanted to gently cover his disciple’s mouth since he deemed the discourse to be too loud. Yet, the hand shot out so abruptly it slapped against the pig’s snout. The shame made the monk’s lips form a thin line. Bajie squeezed his eyes upon the large sting spread around the jaw. He nodded to let the master know he accepted the silent sorry.

Musicians and dancers in unusual and colourful dresses approached. “The northern gate’s the starting point. They’ll visit each corner of the city and finish by the foot of the palace’s stairs where the queen would thank all her citizens and visitors,“ Sandy went on much quieter.

The elephant showed itself at last. A large red blanket with golden threads was thrown across the large back. On it, a wooden saddle with gemstones of green and azure blue carried the Mother of the Jade Valley. By her side knelt her brave nephew. Both were covered by dark blue capes with shiny silver threads and jade beads were bumping on their prideful crowns. They waved at the enormous crowd with winsome smiles. Wukong betted his neck that Jun winked at Márgerdra once he spotted her. On the hand, his grin soured when looking at the monkey.

“We got the chicken duo and the big girl. Lie should be somewhere around, am I right?“ the Monkey King did his best to find a distraction.

“Yeah. I think I got him,“ Wujing banged on his chest,“See that guy on the first carriage behind the elephant with chrysanthemums? The one with a few streaks of white in his hair?“

“Are you sure?“

“Brother, I’ve known him the longest from our group,“ the Friar Sand widened his eyes in disbelief upon hearing Wukong’s doubtful question,“Of course I’m sure! I’d recognise him even if going blind. We should start following them. We’ll snatch him at the end of the parade. If they start asking questions, I suggest Bajie handle the situation with his honeyed tongue. Maybe with a little help from Her Highness’ diplomacy.“

“You got the brains tonight, Little Brother,“ the monkey chuckled, not knowing what his junior disciples had prepared during his absence.

“Well, it means you’ll get some time to take care of personal business.“

Wukong’s gaze darted between his juniors. Then, he shook his head.

Left with no other choice, Pigsy nudged into him before tapping on Márgerdra standing in front of them. “Remember, at least once in your life, don’t be a liar, dear brother.“

The woman turned around. Wukong was prepared to point at his brothers, yet those were no longer in reach. Instead, they were asking Sanzang about his opinion on the show. Mei, an equally curious being, leaned towards them and attentively listened.

Wukong took a deep breath before he spoke up,“Would you mind a small walk?“

When Márgerdra raised her eyebrow, he added,“Boys found Lie. I thought that we may take a small break until the end.“

“As in only the two of us?“

“Yeah, I,“ the drought affected his throat once again, his heart raced faster than the Heavenly horses of the Jade Emperor,“wanted to talk to you. Privately.“

“We get privacy every night.“ Márgerdra tossed her head to get out the few streaks of her forehead. Though no sun was in sight, the humidity glued either hair of clothes on the itchy skin. She gazed back to the performers dancing as well as to the elephant vanishing in the distance. Perhaps she yearned to witness more of the unusual occasion. “Can’t it wait?“

“I’m afraid no.“ The Monkey King bit onto his cheek and tongue. “It won’t be long, I promise. Besides, I know a good spot. We can watch from there,“ he offered his hand,“So, are you coming with me?“

The witch examined the offered palm too long to his liking. The heat creeped up to Wukong’s head, he felt unstable in his own skin for the first time in his immortal life. At last, she accepted. Not wasting more time, the monkey demon led her away from the main road until he gained certainty about the place’s safety. “Are you still scared of the heights?“

“Kinda.“

“Do you trust me?“

“Something tells me not to answer that,“ Márgerdra replied, the suspicion sneaking into her voice.

Yet Wukong only laughed and swept her off of her feet, which caused Márgerdra to yell and claw onto him immediately. Both her hands transformed, the she-wolf didn’t care whether the fabric began to tear under her grip or not. “Sorry, blondie, but this is the quickest transport there.“

“You didn’t need to throw me like a ragdoll.“

“Sorry,“ he sat down on his cloud. “Given your last experience, I get you’re not a fan of this type of sightseeing. But you can peep out now. In case you want.“

The woman moaned and tried to adjust herself,“Only if you let me go. I’m no damn damsel.“

“Can’t do that. You’d fall through.“

“I don’t recall anyone falling to their death.“

“That was temporary and only to break the fall. Jindou Yu responds solely to me when travelling in a horizontal manner, not vertical,“ he explained, then nudged the witch’s head with his chin,“Gonna take a peek or not?“

The blonde exhaled and finally took a quick look. “They all look like ants. Strange glowing ants. It’s,“ lingering longer over the edge of the fluffy cloud, Márgerdra came to sincerely appreciate what the monkey was showing her - thousands of visitors tinier than the stars in the sky, even the elephant making its way through the main roads was barely a greyish dot,“nice.“ She drew closer to the monkey, her head found a nest in the curve of his neck.

****

The paths underneath curved like earthworms after the rain, the palace with the mountain looked like toys for children. The Wolf Witch noticed how the air changed as well. No longer heavy but feather thin, unbreathable for a human. Yet to the demoness it was a pleasant change when the breeze brushed through strands of her hair. She looked down again. The reds, blues and greys of the houses were soon replaced by the golden roofs and then rich green vegetation. Crickets chirped, water from pools splashed whenever a fin came up in a gracious dance of fish.

Finally, they landed on the shore of one of the five larger pools. “We’ll walk from here. Keep close to me. Most of the guards should be dismissed or slacking off. But y’know…“

“Just in case.“

“Yeah,“ Wukong chuckled and offered his shoulder,“you can lean on me if you’d like to.“

“Are you afraid of losing me?“

Upon hearing her playful tone, he could only respond by yanking her closer to him until they bumped into one another,“More than ever, Miss.“

Turning her head right and left several times, Márgerdra inhaled the moisture of the gardens. At first, she disapproved of the idea. Now familiarising with the grounds, it simply wasn’t possible to refuse. “Lead the way.“

He chose the side paths that led through bamboo groves or thick peony bushes. Churring nightjars took turns while playing hide and seek in the pines the same way the two demons hid behind a big rock overgrown with moss from a patrolling soldier. Wukong came to find out that the viper handmaiden didn’t deceive him - the guard was one of three who stayed on duty at the gardens. Watching him a bit longer, Wukong wiggled his fingers and blew in between the gaps of the hand seal. The guard’s feet slipped on the footbridge. He landed in the watergrass, yelling curses until his whole face turned red. Quickly, he rushed out and his soaking figure disappeared in the distance while his colleagues laughed at him.

The stunt amused Márgerdra, who put her arms on her hips,“I bet you it’s the only option to clear our way.“

“It is, blondie,“ Wukong stood up and faced the path on the left of the footbridge, which led to a stone zig-zag bridge with white rails,“Ladies first.“

“How charming of you,“ she tapped him in between shoulder blades and stepped on the bridge,“Until you make me fall, too.“

“Such a wonderful creature? I’d rather get struck by lightning nine times. This outrageous thought’s prohibited to true gentlemen’s nature. I’d never commit these heinous crimes!“

“I was of the idea you despise poetry,“ the witch chuckled. She patiently waited until the macaque ran up to her. Each new conversation flew more fluently and naturally than the previous one, this time was no exception. They laughed, sparkled with wit. The demon suggested to the witch to shut her eyes, claiming a surprise was ahead of her. Initially, the witch’s concern made her protest. But she found herself changing her stance again and let the demon blindfold her with her silky veil.

The murk embraced her. Yet no emptiness approached. With plenty of sounds and smells around, she was thankful to find Wukong’s palm to rely on.

Márgerdra felt unnerved, worried, though the inner turmoil had no relation to the thrill from the surprise. The place where their skins touched should’ve itched. Guilt bit her with each step taken although The last time she held onto somebody like this was none other than Ereanth. And yet, unlike him, Wukong wasn’t only walking beside. The demon stepped forward when she did, he waited when she stopped. For the entire walk, he stayed by her side and held her hand. The longer they walked, the more she thought and remembered.

No word could have described how Márgerdra felt when she for the first time in her long life met understanding and honesty. Something she only knew when she was at home. But that burnt down long ago. Finally somebody saw her as she was and would be. Wukong wasn’t her mirror even though she smiled when he did and he cried when she did. Neither was he Ereanth despite the shattered pieces of her husband the witch envisioned within the disciple. Wukong was more, his own person with flaws. Flaws that made him perfect. The Great Sage Equal to Heaven wore no shining armour nor rode a graceful horse across the sky. And that was fine with her. Because he achieved much more. He came to terms with himself.

They stopped. The room for Márgerdra to question her feelings ceased to be.

A jingle in the front. A hissing but not that of a snake. It sounded as if water boiled and tens of those droplets immediately fell down onto the live coals. Wukong shifted, carefully led behind what she suspected was a gate since the low thump was too powerful to belong to a simple wooden fence.

The Monkey King undid the knot, his breath tickling the Wolf Witch on the nape while his tail swished right and left like an odd fan. “You can open them now.“

Her cherry red lips parted slightly as a gentle smile drew itself under the warmed up cheeks, her lashes fluttered like butterflies.

In the silver moonlight, an enormous tree with snow white flowers stood, proud but gentle, powerful and welcoming. A familiar fragrance encircled the pair. Then she noticed more - a neighbouring fig tree, a smaller red construction and a rivulet occupied by fish, frogs and herons. Yet the cup-shaped flowers remained the centre of her attention.

As if he read her thoughts, Wukong said,“It’s a magnolia tree. I figured you’ve probably never seen one. A sparrow on the roof told me there might be one to visit.“ Seven heartbeats and still no answer. The Sage couldn’t blame her. He wanted the Wolf Witch to take her time, even if he were running out of his.

Her hand caressed the bark after taking several steps forward. Delight washed over the witch when she smelt one of the low hanging flowers. The fragile petals tickled her. At last, she answered,“The sparrow was right. Byzantine goblets, some divination and night embraces for instructions to these parts. The demon king gifted me several tokens of affection like that perfume as well.“

“I gotta give the guy credit. Giving you a horse would mean loads of dung to take care of,“ the monkey jested,“May I invite you to that lovely pavilion?“

As soon as she took a seat, he ran for the set and began the preparation. When Márgerdra acknowledged his stiff hands and a brief pause, he hesitantly agreed to her assistance.

While the pot boiled above the flame blazing from the monkey’s palm, he murmured,“Mar-ka. Már-ger-dra. Maaarrr-ka. Maaaaarrrrrr-ka.“ Before the witch managed to question, he quickly explained,“You said I can’t pronounce it. In my opinion, I did well.“

“If that makes you happy,“ she leaned back to watch the snowy flowers,“You don’t roll the ‘r’ properly.“

During their minor disagreement, Wukong unsuccessfully tried to convince giggling Márgerdra. The monkey even pretended to be offended when the witch labelled his attempt as adorable. “What about a deal? I’ll call you by a nickname of my own.“

“Another one? Fine, I’m listening,“ she perked up her ears.

Wukong shifted to pour her cup. He took his time to rethink the name. At last, he locked eyes with her. Softly, he said,“Mar.“

“Just Mar?“

“It’s catchy, classy, unique. Weird but worth remembering.“

“It has a nice ring,“ the Wolf Witch agreed and sipped her drink.

“Anyway, is it any good?“ He became even more pleased when the she-wolf praised the peach tea which, oddly enough, possessed refreshing lychee undertones. A pleasant silence fell over until Márgerdra asked about the fate of the family from the inn.

It took a while for Wukong to assemble a reply. No matter how much he tried, he saw how Márgerdra’s heart broke with each word. Although she didn’t break into a cry, her eyes still watered. He had to change the topic somehow. “That eyeliner survived my water attack but can’t handle a single tear? I told you to use mine,“ he rapidly blinked several times and waited. Indeed, she cracked a smile, even motioned for him to move closer and hand her a piece of spare cloth.

“Sorry,“ she sniffled,“I tend to be too sensitive at times but you’ve noticed that.“

“Nah, that’s fine. I’m quite the opposite. Cried only a handful of times and always for myself. Never shed a tear for another person, specially for a demon…“

At first, she kept quiet. Then she added,“I never saved anyone else’s hide.“

“What about Mei?“

“It often wasn’t just for her sake. Either my position or reputation would’ve been endangered. She’s a princess after all. Then you have basic reflexes. I don’t remember saving somebody purely out of selflessness. It’s always the dirty guilt that makes me come back. But only when the damage is already done,“ Márgerdra uttered. She drank her last cup and paused to gaze back at the tree. “Do you sometimes think of what it would be like to die?“

The monkey raised his brows not exactly sure what to say.

“I don’t plan to kill myself. I’m only curious since you’re immortal and I myself am rather old. So, what would you choose, Great Sage? How would you die?“

Wukong scratched his chin. “Preferably, I wouldn’t. That’s why I went through the ordeal of Yama’s bureaucracy.“ They laughed before he continued,“Something quick like getting my head cut off. Just imagine if my head grew back. The executioner would need to change at least fifteen blades.“

“That wouldn’t be exactly quick.“

“I know. But imagine the shock when witnessing my trick. Priceless. You?“

“Whatever it’ll be, I don't want to be alone. Not that there must be masses or weepers. Just…I wish someone’s gonna be there to let me know they cared. One person would be enough.“

The Monkey King let the topic silently go away prior to pointing at the graceful tree giant. “Mar, you see, up in the tree top. There’s a spot.“ She barely blinked, yet nobody was in his seat next to her. Led by intuition, the witch stood up and while calling his name, she circled the tree. A head with a pair of eyes equally sharp as the rocks sticking out of the city’s river hung upside down from a branch,“Wanna join?“

Márgerdra watched as he stretched out his hand. At last, she accepted. The macaque made sure her dress didn’t snag as she ascended. They settled down on racing to the top. Wukong thought the victory was his, however a slim hand offered itself upon his arrival. Breathless and shaking his head in disbelief, he accepted Márgerdra’s hand.

“You can’t take all the medals for yourself. If the motivation’s right, I always win,“ she notified him with a wink.

“Let’s go. We mustn’t miss the blast.“ He set out first but Márgerdra overtook him. That sight of her mesmerised Wukong. The demoness was in her best mood, she hopped to the edge of the massive bough like a little girl. Every step was solid, precise and confident, backed by years of experience and trainings. She even danced to the music below for a while during her wait for the monkey. Her body waved so elegantly it made Wukong think of the sea waves he crossed when seeking the Way. Wukong didn’t fight the chuckle when he saw her spin around for the last time. Even more, he applauded her craft.

When he caught up, the witch already sat and swung her legs. Her eyes were gazing below where the colours and sounds mixed profoundly. The water and air lanterns had been gradually released. The kites finally flew high up in the sky, their fireflies became the new stars. Márgerdra was surprised to clearly recognise an upbeat tune as well as to dissociate the elephant as a head of the great snake made of the procession slithering through the city.

She whispered,“It’s wonderful.“ Her head lowered until it found comfort in her left palm.

“Yeah, it is.“ At first, Wukong admired the view with her. But he soon caught himself watching her bathing in the moonlight. The branches created a perfect background for her frame which caused his heart to drum rapidly against his ribs. Upon inhaling the fragrance of the flowers and her body, Wukong imagined lying down and falling asleep next to Márgerdra.

“What did you want to talk about?“ the advisor locked eyes with him and the disciple thought his heart was about to jump out his throat.

“I guess I forgot, sorry.“

“Sure thing, tough guy.“

“At least we got an extra nice view, right?“

“Those boogeyman tales, I hope you’re not thinking over them. Or that name.“

“What?! No, not at all, blondie…“ the Monkey King halted.

“Monkey, I saw how you froze multiple times.“

Márgerdra fell silent, she didn’t want to push him. The situation was already uncomfortable. Even the wind seemed to have ceased.

“You’ve seen it. You witnessed it,“ he quivered like a leaf in the late autumn, his whole face twisted,“I wished death upon you. Yama knows damn well I’ve wished death upon my Shifu many times too and the boy barely knows the deal ‘round him! Bajie, Ol’ Sha… I even forgot about Lie. I didn’t bother about my family. That we were bound by fate? Destiny doesn’t exist. The boy was thrown into the lion’s pit and that lion’s me because nobody else was left to do the job!“

An even longer and more agonising silence. Wukong’s upcoming statement took Márgerdra’s breath away. “The sins I’ve committed, I’m no better than the vipers. Equal to Heaven? In their eyes, I’m pathetic. Ought I save the people with Shifu? People I used to eat? A demon king? For Heavens’ sake, I murder my own. The skin of a brat I wear is a cover for an old traitor… I’ll always remain a fiend, a criminal. I should’ve burnt in the crucible-“

“Wukong,“ Márgerdra interrupted him. He was so fragile and small as he hunched over, so exhausted and miserable. Her heated palms embraced his left hand that lay beside him. It brought the demon’s attention to the demoness. She continued softly,“You don’t have a reason to trust me. Tell me, though, do you believe me? If so, hear me out. At first, our strife was undeniable. But we moved forward. I know the cruelty you presented wasn’t you. It’s just a mask you created. Those kids loved you, your grandchildren admired you, your Master and brothers and even Mei adore you. All of you have matured, you included. That brat or an old guy, he became a man.“ Carefully, her hands slid up to the sides of his neck and held it for a while to let him adjust to the foreign pressure,“You’re a good man, Sun Wukong.“

“That requires a heart and a soul. I have only rock and dust inside.“

Márgerdra’s fiery willpower took over. No longer asking for permission, the demoness put her ear on the macaque’s chest. His body went numb but he patiently waited. As if his arms gained a will of their own, they moved up until they reached the blonde head and the delicate shoulders to stop there. Wukong tenderly, though still with a tinge of hesitance, embraced Márgerdra just as she sighed the warmest words ever spoken to him,“Your heart…it sings delightfully…“

As she straightened up, Márgerdra discovered how close they were. Her heart started pounding as well. Yet, for a different reason.

“Mar.“ There wasn’t much time left, he heard another scowling guard. He gathered the courage and proceeded to speak,“I do remember what I wanted to tell you. No way I want to force you. I just want you to know that…“

“Yes?“ Márgerdra twitched. She began to get more flustered the more he spoke.

“Under that icy surface, there’s a burning passion. You’re one of the people I respect. I know you carry a great burden. I wish to carry it with you, to help you the same way you help me. Without you, some things wouldn’t be complete. You matter to me.“

“Mar,“ a faint smile brought the few wrinkles,“I fell for-“

Citizens lit up the firecrackers and the thundering boom reached over the whole valley.

“Your clone!“ suddenly Márgerdra yelled out and briskly pulled Wukong’s hands down, “You didn’t use it, did you?“

“You forbade me to do so.“

“We should get back. Somebody may notice we’re not present,“ the witch pointed her finger down,“What are you waiting for? Come on! We must meet your brother.“

Left with no other option, he joined the she-wolf and sneaked past the patrol. During their quiet ride, he couldn’t help but notice the witch didn’t allow him to hold her further than beyond securing her from the fall from the Jindou Yu.

****

The elephant stopped on a podium in front of the palace stairs. The whole place was decorated with yellow chrysanthemums, red ropes, azure, turquoise and emerald flags and complicated knots hung from the old houses like in the rest of the city. The buildings that were closer to ruins the other day, now transformed into vibrant palaces of their own.

Shufen stood up in her seat and started thanking her subjects right after a representative of the folks expressed the general gratitude. Her slim arms spreaded above her great jaded crown. The glory the queen held was immense. Her powerful voice captured everyone’s attention. It seized them and didn’t let them throughout her whole speech. She invited the crowd to pay its respect to the monk’s plans to improve the settlement. A handful of eunuchs dragged him on the stage next to the elephant. After mentioning the past struggles and how easily they overcame them, Shufen made a last note,“Tomorrow, as it became our good custom, the Spring Guardian shall hear out my prayers to grant us a proper reward and secure another successful year. I also wish for you to listen carefully as I, Queen Shufen, have an announcement to make. Until then, however, rejoice! Drink, dance and sing as much as you can!“

Jun finally unsheathed his sword and assumed a ceremonial stance to bless the people along with his aunt,“Mother Queen Shufen, from the Heaven and Earth’s will, blesses the Jade Valley, the Jade Peak and its people with health of steel, plates full of food each day, children most filial to their parents and the bravest flames in their hearts as not even the Celestial army could tear our paradise down for it is under the protection of the Azure Crane Dynasty!“

Firecrackers were set off as the sentence finished. The crowd cheered and the elephant trumpeted. Right away, an enormous firework flew into the sky. Its orange, red, yellow and green darts parted ways to paint an image of a giant one-eyed bird.

Sanzang had to shrug as he gazed into that blank single eye. “Amitabha.“

“Have you just said anything, Master Shui?“

“Your Majesty! I haven’t noticed you came down from your seat,“ the young monk stuttered, wiping the sweat off of his brows. He couldn’t keep his hands from his apron and so he incessantly smoothened out the fabric.

“Master Shui, it is my duty to make myself known when it’s needed and invisible when it’s unexpected. A king must never become an easy target. Anyway, did you enjoy yourself?“

As the two spoke, Ao Lie finally reunited with his long lost brothers behind a big cart with wine pots aloof. “Big Brothers! Your Highness!“ He hugged them tightly before he began in a hushed voice, “Fine, listen. Tomorrow, I’m performing at the main celebration at the main palace. We should have a better chance to join our forces there since I’ve heard something big’s around the corner. That crane guy apparently caught the bandit boss.“

“Brother Wukong’s working on that already,“ Mei told Lie. “By the way, do you happen to know something about the Spring Guardian?“

“I’ve heard a thing or two. And I guess I actually may possess some knowledge of him.“

“Him?“ Bajie, Wujing and Mei asked altogether.

“Yeah,“ Lie heroically put his hands on his hips,“Dad and uncles told me a lot about our family. The guy seems to be a family. A cousin. A distant one, but still a cousin. If I could locate and meet him, maybe he could let us through the mountains or just straight up take us to the Broken Lantern.“

“Brocade Lantern,“ Mei frowned. She scorched Bajie when the pig cackled.

Wujing paused and rethought the proposition,“How do you know he’ll agree? It looks like the demon queen and your cousin go hand in hand.“

“I,“ Lie’s rare optimistic mood dissolved and his gloom returned,“forgot about that. But we share the same blood. He should come to senses once he sees me! By the way, where’s Shifu? I’d like to say hi to him… Your Highness, what is it?“

“Nothing, just that I’m a fan of your mastership in music. Your piece was excellent! And you’re so handsome tonight as well!“ Mei beamed at him and even clasped her tiny hands. The dragon-horse had to turn away to hide his blush. Ao Lie became immersed in his thoughts. He had so much to say.

All of a sudden, Sandy’s index finger darted up,“Brother Lie, I do remember you having a few strands of white hair, but not this much! Something happened?“

The question made Lie recall his most important discovery,“Where’s Brother Wukong? I must talk to him. And to the rest of you, as well. We may be in a much graver danger than what we thought. Somebody’s with the bandits and I’m certain he plays the bigger game. Don’t let him fool you. He looks like-“

Pigsy was prepared to utter a remark when he leaned against the cart. His shirt got stuck in a gap. The rest tried to free him, but they accidentally loosened the red rope securing the pots. An old man with white beard too neat to be an ordinary citizen cried out to alert the passer-bys. Jun rushed into the crowd to save three children. Yet he didn’t manage to grab a fourth owlet, a little girl with red ribbons tying her pigtails. From the depth of the crowd a woman leapt out. Her light garment swayed like a mysterious mist as threw herself and the child aside. Meanwhile a man with a thick bamboo stick masterfully shifted the course of the wine pots which reminded of a flock of furious bulls soothed by their grazier.

“Guess this belongs to you, kiddo,“ Wukong turned to squating Márgerdra and the owlet and handed her a little doll. The child promptly hugged her toy. She thanked them, then ran towards her worried mother to snuggle and to praise Auntie and Uncle.

Wukong turned on his heel and pretended to secure the cart with the main erhu player. In fact, both demons used the chance and secretly greeted each other.

Meanwhile, Márgerdra stood up with the help of the captain. “Thanks for saving those children. I don’t even want to imagine what could’ve happened.“ The she-wolf made a step forward since she intended to properly smooth out her clothes. Yet, she found herself falling into the soldier’s arms. Apart from her, a manly voice behind her yelled out.

“Miss Yaling, are you alright?“ Jun’s brows faintly raised as his inner satisfaction reached him. The situation’s development gratified him until he noticed what made the woman lose her balance.

Márgerdra and Wukong turned and noticed that one of the red ropes tied around their ankles during the chaos and bound them together. Both tried to untangle the knots but were unable to do so. One of the citizens suggested cutting it but nobody seemed to possess a sharp item. The butcher had no reason to be located in this part of the square either.

Wukong, still sitting on the ground and tugging the thread, looked at his juniors, silently pleading them. Yet, Lie stood by his master and asked for permission of Her Majesty to visit the scholars since they piqued his interest. Bajie, Wujing and even Mei intensely stared at the monkey and the witch. The three looked entertained, they snuggled together like toddlers. Inconspicuously, he shook his fist at them. At that moment, Jun cut the rope with his ceremonial sword upon Márgerdra’s request. The thick thread fell apart. The two ends drifted further apart when people began moving around.

****

Wukong wasn’t able to fall asleep that night. Everything irritated him, whether it was a fly of an owl, the thrum of the river, late chats of the servants in the halls or a simple mosquito on the other side of the bedchamber. He was constantly switching sides. If only Shifu’d managed to persuade the queen. Ultimately, he decided to leave the bed.

The floor was particularly cold and the stars shone bright through the windows. The Monkey King watched the moon. A single narrow cloud flew past it. Besides it, nothing crossed the round face. It was similar to the man with the long white beard. Scratching his right shin, Wukong’s nails grazed a rough object. He forgot to remove the rope earlier and now he couldn’t care less about it. “Damn that viper and whoever snitched on us,“ he murmured while biting on the nail of his thumb, a poor substitute for a straw. He narrowed his eyes and listened to the depth of the space. The numbers’ value was slowly reducing until he came upon number one. With his now slow paced pulse, the demon pulled himself up and set out.

Passing by the bed, his eyes flashed by the witch. She was squinting even in her sleep. A thin trickle of blood came down her nose. Wukong briskly checked her temperature. “Not again. Not now. Please,“ he muttered and switched her porcelain pillow for a colder one. His eyes slid down until they reached her bare feet. There, she too had remains of the same rope on her. Yet hers differed. Tangled around her left ankle, it was significantly thinner, the knot tighter. It’d probably cut into her skin over time. The monkey wondered. “Why didn’t you remove that bothersome stuff? Did you forget about it? Or…?“ he shook his head and gave the moon the last glance,“What am I saying? It’s the hour of the Rat, I better get going.“

In front of the bedchamber, a short eunuch was standing. Once the door shut, he politely greeted the Sage. Wukong easily sensed that under the courtesy, the man with deep-set eyes wasn’t there for a pleasant conversation, nor to show Wukong the way in the palace maze. Ironically, the macaque was glad as without him he’d take a wrong turn at least three times.

The monkey’s bare soles left foot marks on the polished wooden floor. Wukong didn’t care, though, as they vanished as soon as they had come to an existence. Yet, they and the eunuch followed him like the shadow his figure cast on the uneven surface of the walls. The halls of the palace truly differed. Some were an unpolished grey of the mountain, the others were shining carved marvels from malachite and azurite, a colour that also painted the many hanging drapes and even the queen’s garments.

The way came across as unending. While he expected many stairs on his way, the monkey had a tough time believing anybody’d slog to the wing to drink a simple beverage. Wukong had never been one of the anxious kind. Yet the higher they ascended, the tighter the walls and the smaller the ceiling appeared. Not to mention the room was in the most remote area. Because of that, he decided to take two stairs at a time. At last, he spotted a door. The eunuch gave him a farewell and left him to run up the last segment and to nearly bust the door.

Warily, he leaned over the ancient frame to check the inside. Apart from a single window on the opposite wall, two large shelves storing various clay containers by his right and left and two low armchairs with a chaise surrounding a rarely used table, nearly nothing was worth mentioning. Yet, Wukong had to correct himself as he noticed snacks neatly laid out on silver trays alongside a clay teapot. Knowing he had to take a risk, the Monkey King stepped in.

As he did, the door shut itself. Two hands rested on his shoulder. “Here you are,“ Yawen said and tucked on his jacket,“Let’s take this off of you. It’s summer and you dress like in the middle of the winter, you silly hunk.“

The monkey’s head swooned. His nose picked up a smell of resin incense. “What do you want?“ the Sage asked, although he knew the viper wouldn't express herself easily. He turned around and took a closer look at the room. The wall he now faced was covered in paintings of dancing women and men. Following the scenery to the left, he discovered a yellow folding screen where Yawen surely resided until his arrival.

“Firstly, don’t be rude and take a seat.“ The monkey collapsed on the chaise under the sudden pressure from Yawen’s hands. “I’ve started the tea preparation. It’ll take only a while. Until then, try these. I made them myself.“

Wukong grimaced at the tray of unfamiliar clams served with steamed vegetables. Yawen had to use plenty of garlic due to the meal’s strong smell. “What’s that?“

“A geoduck clam. Don’t you like to try?“

“Since you’ve found out who I am, you’d also know that I’m vegetarian.“

“They’re delicious and healthy.“

“Heard about that, never had a piece,“ he pushed the tray back. “Thanks.“

“What about these, darling?“ she tried her luck with another plate. This time the serving contained bananas, figs, nutmeg cakes and pine nuts topped with honey. Just as she placed the serving in Wukong’s lap, she stood up to pour a cup of ginger tea for him. Once she leaned over to handle it to him, Yawen noticed the hostility growing in his eyes. She retracted, but the arrogance still emitted from her. “A business is a business, right, Qitian Dasheng?“

He nodded,“Aye.“

“I help my brother Jin or, as you know him, Golden Wind Viper. He sent me messages warning me about particular Pilgrims crossing our territory. Give us your Shifu and you’ll be free to leave without Shufen hot on your heels.

“My Shifu? What an insolence. Have you lost your mind? No, don’t answer that, I’m pretty sure you did. Rather tell me, Yawen, why are you doing this? Who’s pulling the strings?“

“Somebody who said is close to you and wants to simply help. He went on about getting the world rid of sinful filth. He needs the monk for that. And me? To be honest,“ Yawen sharply inhaled when Wukong cackled and crossed his legs while making himself more comfortable in the chaise,“I despise being a handmaiden. When Shufen doesn’t feel like it, and she doesn’t feel like it quite often, she sends me to do the dirty job. She thinks she can lead. The truth is, she only needs enough people for her revenge against Laozi and the Jade Emperor. Little does she realise that life is simply not fair. Never will be. It belongs to the strongest and the most cunning. She’s lost once, she’ll lose again. You surely understand me.“

“No,“ the monkey spat and massaged his temples,“I really don’t. Neither do I understand your brother and that ‘somebody’. This whole place reeks of backstabbing. If you think I’d enjoy taking part in your games, you’re wrong.“

“Am I, Dasheng?“ Yawen stood up and made her way to the incense burner which stood next to a miniature mountain landscape with peculiar dwarfed trees. She switched the contents of the object and continued,“I hope this one shall be better…“

The viper was taking her time with her speech while she was watching the disciple’s every movement in the thickening haze. “You need somebody to tell you the truth. Those who died at Mount Huaguo deserved it. Everyone who fell under your hand was meant to have their neck snapped. It’s impossible to escape fate.“

Wukong clutched the backrest. Barely keeping his cool, he fairly replied,“Fate doesn’t exist.“

“You’re one of those, are you? How surprising considering you monks always speak of the circle of life and so on. Well, then, let me rephrase. Weaklings are good servants or good food, nothing else. And the elite, us, we must make that decision for them.“

“You’re sick.“

The monkey’s scowl didn’t take away Yawen’s high spirits who continued,“Remember yourself. You fought, you survived and perfected yourself. My gift are schemes, but I lack my brother’s muscles. Though I’m sure I easily surpass that barbarian whore you brought.“

Yawen sneered, knowing she hit the sensitive note that made Wukong snap, cutting the demoness short,“Language, Yawen!“ In no time, the new incense made him relax a bit. He was even dizzier despite her casual reaction fueling his rage. Due to the sleepiness and blinding fury, the monkey was left oblivious to the two shadows slithering behind or the steps by the foot of the long staircase.

“Dear Wukong, by all means, you have to give at least some credit. I’m holding the cards now,“ she switched her seats to close the distance and played with her loosely tied hair while resting her head on the macaque’s spread arm,“I love Jin, he’s my blood. But my poor brother’s dense. I have the brain and all I need’s a little help to reach my perfection. Look at me, am I not beautiful? Mesmerising? Lovely?“

The Sage glowered at her attempt to direct his face to her. Yet Yawen wasn’t discouraged by it. Quite the opposite happened as the viper started tracing the edges of the macaque’s figure. His left cheek and jaw, his shoulder and chest, his abdomen and thigh. She rubbed and tucked the yellow-brown fabric on his tunic, apron and trousers. “Join us, join me. You’ll have more than just the gold. The crown of the emperor awaits you once we’re done with Shufen and the Celestials. That’s what you wanted from the start. Join and you’ll have twenty thousands of Mounts Huaguo! Compare it with what you have now. You’re filthy, you smell, you beg for water and food each day. You’re the boy’s circus monkey jumping and dancing whenever he pleases,“ her nail clanked against Wukong’s headband as she poked another wound,“Yet you could easily pass as his Shifu with your wisdom and knowledge. The boy acts as your father, but shouldn’t the roles be reversed? It must’ve been so painful to admit you lost all your freedom. I’ll give you everything you secretly dream of.“

The Monkey King shut the large eyes and clenched his teeth. He was fed up with the handmaiden’s games. Wukong was close to vomiting caused not solely by the nutty fragrance. Her slimy touch made his stomach and entrails twist and clutch.

When he thought it couldn’t get worse, the snake demoness brushed her lips against his earlobe. Initially, the macaque consoled himself that it was a trick of his mind. However, his body shuddered the moment Yawen clearly licked his cheek with her forked tongue. It flickered in between her whispers,“Give me your might, your energy. Give me your untarnished seed. Plant it in me.“

Wukong’s eyes popped out in sheer disbelief. Wrath flooded him whole and made him jump to his feet with the golden-black cudgel in his hands. The magical pole shone as it swiftly flung with Wukong roaring,“You filth! Give my regards to Yama ‘cause I’m sending you to meet him!“ When the cudgel was about to collide with Yawen’s skull, her elongated hair wrapped around Wukong’s wrists and neck like pythons. The slick shackles tightened and threw him back to his seat. Immobilised Wukong didn’t admit a loss easily. Even in this dire moment, he fought to the very end. “Looks like I was right all along ‘bout you and Shufen. Lustful sluts rotten to the bone. Big words but not a single sign of fairness in the fight.“

“I don’t think so,“ Yawen loosened her evening garb and let it slide down. She approached him with only a nearly transparent camisole covering her. The demoness firmly clasped the disciple’s hips with her knees and settled in his lap. Her tongue slid up and down his cheek again, then she did so on his chest after ripping his shirt into pieces. Despite the intimacy, she didn’t notice his skin was slowly turning to a dark shade of grey. It hardened, protecting the macaque from grazes, while the veins beneath started glowing with a weak orange light.

****

Márgerdra kicked in her sleep. The dream was gone but her hand sought the comfort anyway. It wandered until it bumped into a scattered bedspread. She brought the fabric, which carried a smell of herbs and salt, under her nose. Though there was no sign of her companion, it seemed odd enough to comfort her. The dread didn’t hide its claws yet.

A tiger in a golden cage slowly morphed to a young bride. The very same bride she saw in the waves of the river and whose groom had but a white brocade for a face. The crowd sneered at her, pointing at her left sleeve. Its red fabric lolled at first. A trace of a slithery object followed, which looped under. A snake hissed and striked against the witch, aiming at her neck. Márgerdra retracted only to shoot out to stab the snake with her bestial claws. When she was about to hit it, the animal dispersed into millions of glass shards. Such a distraction let it reassemble a large distance away. The she-wolf sneaked through the fog closer to discover an unmoving body of a man. His contours were unclear but she had a feeling of knowing him very well. It was someone formidable. Someone whose presence was her sun and spirit her pillar. Márgerdra’s heart ached upon seeing how the scales rattled against his slim neck. Yet, he was still breathing. The witch once again dashed and kicked the snake away for good. Kneeling down, she held the man only to realise a pair of large eyes gazed back at her from under the heavy lids. Those wild and dark sparks made the witch shudder, she soon found a tear rolling down his bruised cheek. Whether it belonged to her or to him, Márgerdra didn’t care as she tried to keep him awake. He whispered but she couldn’t understand him, though it wasn’t because of her despair. Márgerdra refused to understand him. Then he collapsed. He let out his last breath in her arms and Márgerdra felt a half of her soul was gone with him. Yet the true terror was about to be released. A monstrous hand perforated his chest and the dead man’s blood splashed at the witch. His black shadow slowly stood up from underneath with a hardly beating heart in its grasp. The flesh turned to a grey stone and crumbled to pieces. Cider-like eyes fixated on her. She spat at the figure that crowned itself with the deceased one’s scalp. Tolerating no disrespect, the shadow dashed at her to deliver a fatal blow. Before it did, everything went black, then white. Then a scenery opened in front of Márgerdra. Her eyes slid slowly to the left until she turned around. There, the little girl faced a gaunt creature firmly standing in the snowfall. The deep look penetrated her like a needle does to a skin. The legs and arms were long and only a bit thicker than a twig. Instead of running away, the child ran towards it, seeking comfort in the disfigured girl. Her ashen skin was ice cold, yet the embrace warmed up Márgerdra. It heated even more when yells and cries reached their ears. Those two were torn apart. Márgerdra found herself half-naked and lying on stomach on the hard ground, screaming, crying, begging. That black-eyed creature banged on the door. But she didn’t hear anything anymore. All that she held in her vision by the end of the dream was the vast red sky of the sunset and branches with white flowers and a single unfamiliar ripe fruit. Márgerdra clutched the gaping wound in her belly. She inhaled the delightful scent. It was the last breath she’ll ever take.

One of the shutters closed itself with an unpleasant din. The sound disrupted the witch’s slumber. An equally restless boobook crashed inside the room. Brown and white feathers splattered around as the bird cried. Márgerdra had to catch her breath before she approached it. “How dumb you have to be not to hit a window. Doesn’t seem that bad, though. Hold still, sweetie, it’ll be over soon.“ Only when she immobilised the creature did green sparks glow in her palm to heal the bruised wing. “If it were more severe you could easily shake hands with one local rascal,“ she shook her head. Petting the boobook for the last time she sat him on the windowsill, however it refused to return to the sky. Instead, it warily watched the witch, keeping her a strange company.

“Wait,“ Márgerdra halted. Showing the bird her back covered in sweat, she searched the room. She called his name but Wukong appeared not to be with her. Yet there remained a single trace of him - his body odour. “You can’t shut up unless there’s trouble ahead.“

Exasperated, the witch hurtled down the halls like a billow of a petrifying smoke. She sniffed the air, listened to the tiniest of sounds. The trace led her to the eastern wing where she encountered a dumpy man. Due to his clothing, Márgerdra concluded he had to be an eunuch. Not wasting more time, the Wolf Witch used the best of her charms. “My apologies, may I ask whether you’ve seen my husband? He suffers from insomnia and sometimes I have to come and search for him.“

“Most likely not, Miss Yaling. I’ve been here but a while therefore I saw not a single man crossing these parts.“

“Is that so? I gave you my reason for why I’m awake this late at night. What about you, though? The patrol isn’t your duty.“

The eunuch was an innocence itself. He grinned like a child caught stealing sweets. Márgerdra’s adamant manners weren’t unexpected to him. When the witch no longer cared, she quickly dropped her polite act and let the frustration take over. It amused the eunuch, his grin widened even more, showing plenty of pearly white teeth.

A stifled shriek coming from upstairs was the last nail in the coffin.

The eunuch didn’t draw his hidden dagger in time. Márgerdra kicked the weapon out of his hand and punched him. Her brute force and dull pain threw him out of balance, giving the Wolf Witch a chance to deliver a knee blow into the man’s navel.

She no longer ran. Márgerdra jumped over several stairs at a time to get upstairs as soon as possible. A heavy fragrance fell onto her after she bursted inside the chamber. The smoke was heady, narcotic even. She froze when she spotted the scenery ahead.

****

“Don’t worry, my love. You’re going to love every second of this. Even beg for more. My Wukong-“ Yawen let out a muffled scream when the monkey’s fist finally escaped the clasp and hit her. Although unable to shatter her jaw into pieces, it still made her eyes water and even nearly fell off of him. Her teeth suddenly felt out of place as the right side started swelling. No matter the amount of wrath held within her slit pupils, the Sage expression changed to a pure jeer.

Retraining his wrist with a strand twice as thick, she stuffed his mouth with the nutmeg pie and figs with a piece of banana and then let her hair wrap around to silence the protest. However Yawen still struggled to untie his trousers. The handmaiden realised the drug caught up to her and she felt dizzy. Compared to Wukong, her endurance, thinking and coordination remained in better shape due to regular usage.

The knot gave up only partially so the demoness was able to slide just her fingers to his crotch. She sighed in between the tensed smooches,“Why are you still so soft? I gave you everything…“ She gazed into his eyes. Giving her idea a second thought, she let a few strands slide away to uncover the macaque’s lower lip. “Nevermind…“ Yawen caressed it with her thumb and leaned to nibble on it.

The sound of cracking wood and tearing paper drew both the snake and the monkey’s attention. Yawen’s hair flew around her head like horrific tentacles.

Using his chance to spat out the charcoal strands, Wukong cried out,“Blondie! Watch out!“

Márgerdra barely dodged the incoming attack. The witch was glad there was an antique armchair behind which she rolled on the ground until she reached a folding screen. The tentacle tore a hole in it easily and went to wrap around Márgerdra’s throat. Fortunately, the witch was able to find a second incense burner by touch. She threw it with all her might. Although she missed Yawen initially, it landed onto Wukong’s foot who, now almost completely free, easily kicked it into the viper’s face.

The handmaiden shrieked and backed off. Yet, she wasn’t finished. Her neck monstrously elongated and thrusted forward while the viper attempted to spit her venom into Márgerdra’s eyes.

Recognising the trick, the Wolf Witch’s whip swished and knocked Yawen off of her feet. Once she was on the ground, the leather tightened and dragged her to the window. As the witch fought with her, Yawen was still putting up a fight by grabbing on the shell, knocking it down and throwing the items at her enemy.

The last pot with dried leaves hit Márgerdra’s forehead. The world blacked out and then filled up with twinkles. She felt two hands wrapped around her neck. Not only were they clasping it, they pushed the witch towards the open window.

“Better stop stealing my lovers, rabid puppy. They belong to me.“

“So you can suck their life energy?“

“Naturally. Say, after the foreplay, why did you refuse my sweet Jun? Even I’m not that cruel. Do you prefer the Monkey King? Out of pleasure? To keep yourself young? Or were you foolish enough to do it out of pity? Or is it something else?“

When Yawen received no response she angrily hissed and coiled her neck before another venomous strike. “Can you fly? I bet it’s gonna be a spectacle.“

Even though the witch found no problem with quickly unwrapping the fingers from around her throat, the Wolf Witch couldn’t deny the monkey’s help. He grabbed Yawen by her hair and threw a hook punch under her right costal arch to toss her aside as if she were nothing.

Yawen remained lying on the ground. The couple approached warily only to make her last desperate attempt. The handmaiden’s sharp elongated face covered in green and grey scales twisted and she launched forward. Wukong’s fingers located her pressure points on the neck and Márgerdra kicked into the paralyzed demoness from the side. Yawen’s body flew out of the window.

The pair rushed to quickly recover her as they didn’t intend for the situation to end fatally. Yet the queen’s right hand was nowhere to be found.

“Monkey, do you think that she…?“

“No. She must’ve used one of the windows beneath. Or one of her accomplices caught her. She wouldn’t try something without a back-up. Besides, snakes heal quickly. Her showing up again than not should worry us more.“

Márgerdra looked at Wukong. His orange tunic had so many holes it barely hung on his torso. His ear, his cheek, jaw and neck were covered in red as if he suffered from smallpox. The same could’ve been said about his chest. The skin there resembled a stone but when she blinked, it was but bare flesh. Shivering and naked just like Mei in that cell. Just like that child lying on her stomach in the middle of winter. Not the pain buried in the soil of the past. Suddenly, there was an unbearable drought in her throat and she had to bury the pain in the soil of the past. And so should he. But first, he has to admit the truth. “I know it’s a dumb question-“

“Then don’t ask it,“ Wukong faced her, wrath marking every detail of his expression, and she saw the red sparks dying in nearly amber eyes and turning dark brown. She finished anyway.

“-are you alright?“

“You’re the one whose forehead’s bleeding, blondie.“

“Wukong, tell the truth. Please. How do you feel?“

At first he turned away. Wukong caressed the shreds hanging past his waist. His grip tightened it nearly tore away the tatters. The demon looked back. The air he was inhaling jabbed his mouth, throat and then lungs as if he were breathing in an entire nest of wasps. A voice more fragile than the glass and porcelain lying around, broken into numerous pieces, asked into the dead of the night,“Is this how the boy feels all the time?“

His mind told him not to expect Márgerdra to answer. But that annoying beating which made itself known each time in her presence said otherwise.

“A piece of meat thrown to wild beasts? I’m afraid so… But he has you. You saved him each time-“

“I’m sorry. I really am. For Sanzang. For little Mei. That they had to go through this. And so did you, Mar.“ Wukong let go of the shredded fabric and directed his hand to hold onto Márgerdra’s.

“Don’t be. You’re here now. And we fought her off. Together. That’s what matters. Let’s go to bed. You need to rest.“

In their bedroom, Márgerdra took Wukong behind the screen and to change. She brought him new clothes but briskly retracted to give him privacy. She didn’t forget to leave him a bowl of water and a cloth to clean the marks off of his body. The monkey demon came back to a neatly made bed. Yet he couldn’t go to sleep right away. Only when he wiped away the blood from Márgerdra’s forehead and treated her wound with simmering sparkles from his warmed up palm Wukong lay on his stomach beside Márgerdra. Exhausted but still gazing at each other, they kept silent.

“Mar, it was just a bad dream. It wasn’t real.“

The witch’s expression, though wreathed by loose hair, indicated stun. “No. It was more…I saw…horrible things. Terrible, gut-wrenching things. Things that are destined to be. An eye of the storm, unmovable, one we can’t bypass. Wukong, I’m scared.“

“Give me your hand.“

“Why?“

“Do it and I’ll tell you.“ Once he proceeded to give her hand a reassuring squeeze, the Sage continued,“Life is what you make of it. I don’t believe you can’t change things. As I said, life's a stone and you’re supposed to carve it. I agree that sometimes you just gotta dive into whatever you encounter. But why not just dive together?“

A silent question glimmered in Márgerdra’s look - an unspoken confusion mixed with disbelief and curiosity.

“Like now,“ Wukong raised his second hand and waited until Márgerdra herself bumped into his palm to signal approval of the comfort he brought by caressing her cheek,“We don’t want to be left alone. And neither could we survive this night without knowing somebody won’t leave us.“

“Everyone leaves by the end of it.“

“I won’t. I promise. Even when your time comes, I’ll be there to hold you. But promise me, you’ll continue to be this fierce, you stubborn witch.“

“Always, Kong-Kong.“

The monkey lifted his head. His tail, which till now peacefully had laid alongside his stretched body, did as well. “What did you call me like? Asking for trouble?“ he joked.

Márgerdra excused herself in haste. “You better get some sleep. You’re too tired to hear me properly. Good night.“ She intertwined her fingers with his and shut her blue eyes.

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Taglist (let me know if you'd like to be added): @vanessaroades-author @morganmaietto @aohendo @rbbess110 @jgmartin @outpost51

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List of chapters:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Epilogue

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baeddoll · 3 months ago

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got tagged by @thefleetingflashofa-sword623 thank you, i think i already did this one but im a mercurial creature

fav color: red!!! ❤️♥️❤️♥️ hopefully maybe gonna dye my hair next week but i’ve been saying that for 2 months

currently reading: finished my books and manga and such and now trying to decide what i want off my reading list next

currently watching: revolutionary girl utena! just got to the black rose arc and the show feels like it’s gotten way better suddenly? it was good before but really vibing now

last song: kill all your friends black dresses cover. having a normal one (pardon wack ass soundcloud link i’m on mobile)

currently craving: good nights rest, i’ve been sleeping really poorly lately. having a normal one

coffee or tea: love tea but coffee still holds a thrall upon my soul, shitty coffee can still be good shitty tea is complete ass

hobby i want to try: god i gotta draw more but it hurts my hands :/

i think last time i got this one i tagged everyone who would want to do an ask game. i’m tagging you this time (the girl reading this)

#asks

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satorena · 10 months ago

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ITS PEARL ANON, HIYAAA!

i dont think you understand how much i SQUEALED at the request you did for me 😭😭 I WAS WALKING HOME N MY KNEES WERE WEAKKK (i read it like 10 mins ago, still on cloud nine)

I WANTED TO SHOW YA IN PICS but silly tumblr wont lemme send pics in anon, so ill js waffle !

toji?? dont get me STARTED on it, as soon as i read the “fushiguro toji” i was like THIS IS GONNA BE GOOODDD. it was the details that did it for me 😻 ALSO I WAS SO SHOCOED WHEN I FOUND OUT IT WAS TITTY FUCKIN?? LIKE, YES PLEASE !! HE KEPT ON SAYIN MAMA AND THAT “atta fuckin girl”, how you know i liked that? AND THE CLICKING HIS TONGUE, I HEARD IT N I MIGHTVE LOST MY MIND ,,, and when he was sayin open up wide n allat i mighta saw stars,,,, i absolutely ADORED it <3

got onto sukuna’s part, soon as i read the first “the fuck d’you need all’em tits for?” i was GAGGED. like, HELLO ?? 🤤🤤 n him blowin cold air on the nipples, DETAILSSSS, YK JUST WHAT I LIKE N HOW TO DO ITTTT — then he callin me a slut n sayin “let kuna know how good he’s makin yer pathetic ass feel”, I HAD TO SS THAT AND SEND IT TO MY FRIEND WITH A VN OF HOW HARD I WAS GEEKINGGG (i did that with all of em) n i love how you brang back the sukuna n nipple piercings, he was acc my fav one when u uploaded that post !!

in other words, i absolutely loved ittt, and don’t apologise at the end bc i actually couldnt get enough of it, you’ll probably see me more in ya inbox n tysm 🤍 !!

— pearl anon <3

PEARL ANONNN AHHH GET ME LIT 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

this entire message is SAUR CUTE im literally crying 🥲 like geeking over it has me SQUEALING you are so adorable!! you’re my very first named anon so i gotta make a tag for you <33

ALSO i had initially answered in the request you asked but immediately got flagged bc of the banner 🧍🏾‍♀️so i had to reupload and only then i realized my mistake. SIGHHH but i’m glad you were able to find it anyway :D & yes i’m ashamed to say i’m obsessed with the idea of sukuna being obsessed with nipple piercings 🤫

and come on gang !! feel free to drown my inbox with asks i absolutely loved writing this 🗣️ thank you so much again, i’m sooo glad you loved it muah muah

#𝐔𝐇 𝐎𝐇! 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐎𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐋 📩#[ from : pearl anon ]

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heartkaji · 2 months ago

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suna rintarou’s the type of guy to comment “my girl prettier” under random thirst traps of girls he sees on his for you page.

and you hate when he does it. not because you’re mad that he’s even interacting with the videos in the first place, but because it’s just so fucking embarassing.

“rin, you do realize you can just scroll past, right ?”

suna rintarou drags a lazy palm up your bare stomach. “nah,” he mumbles into your hair, “gotta let the whole world know i’m dating the baddest b of them all.”

“you’re so embarrassing.”

he kisses your hair, a small grin tugging at his lips. you roll your eyes as you encounter suna in yet another comment section, this time writing ‘looked at my girl and smiled.’ you flick his cheek & he dips his head to place his lips on your neck. “i love you too.”

bear in mind that his comments are always replied to with ‘nobody asked’ or ‘and the crowd…doesn’t care ?’ but frankly suna doesn’t care either. you’re the prettiest girl he’s ever seen and the whole wide world (or the entire comment section at least) will know it.

this is you and suna i fear

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daddyslilchickenfingers2 · 1 year ago

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Kinktober (reuploaded)

Jealousy (Chris)

Request: y/n’s been flirting with dudes at a party and chris likes her so gets really possessive and spanks her when she says she loves his big hands on her body and she makes a mess all over his thigh + just a full fic of chris fucking reader doggy style (like i just know that man LOVES doggy) —> or maybe even like times where chris fucked u doggy like the one time u guys did it in front of a mirror, the one time he bend u over the couch etc

Warnings: spanking, doggy style, jealous Chris, slight angst, fighting, daddy kink

Chris’ pov

I really had no right to be jealous, it’s not like Y/n is my girlfriend, she’s my best friend. My kind, beautiful, funny, sexy, and single best friend. Plus it’s a party, all the single people were dancing and grinding on each other, overall having a great time. Well, everyone but me. I stood there in the corner, tightly gripping onto my near-empty Pepsi can as I watched her from across the room. Swaying her hips to the song with some random guy behind her, he was staring at her curves that her dress perfectly showed. I couldn’t take it anymore, I hate seeing her with other guys, especially ones we don’t know. I abandoned my now empty Pepsi can and made my way onto the dance floor to get Y/n. I was going to take her home since were only a few blocks away from her house, we needed to talk. As I approached her and the guy, I noticed his hands were now on her hips, trying to pull her back against him and I got even more angry.

Y/n’s pov

I was at a random influencers house party that was only a couple blocks away from my house just hanging out and dancing when some guy asked if I’d dance with him. He was honestly pretty cute so I obviously said yes, even as the songs got more sexual. I felt his hands on my hips and I was going to start grinding on him because a girls gotta have some fun, but before I could, I felt him get pushed off of me. I turned around to be face-to-face with my best friend. “Chris! What the fuck are you doing!?” I yelled at him over the music. I watched as the guy, whose name I didn’t catch, stumbled back towards Chris, looking ready to fight. He was definitely drunk, but me and Chris were completely sober as we don’t drink or smoke. Instead of causing a scene, Chris just grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the door. He was walking incredibly fast and I could barely keep up with him due to my heels. “Chris, slow down! Where are we going!?” I yelled at him once again, completely unaware of what was happening.

“Shut up we’re going home! C’mon, it’s cold out here you’re going to get sick” he said pulling me faster until I yanked my arm away and stopped. “What the fuck is your problem Chris!? I was having a good time in there!” I yelled again, getting frustrated. “Would you stop fucking yelling! Jesus Christ, let’s go!” he slightly raised his voice, getting irritated. “Not until you tell me what’s going on!” I said sternly. We were only about a block and a half away from my house at this point but I still wanted to know why he pulled me away from the party and why he was so angry. “I’ll tell you when we get to your house! Now are you going to walk like a fucking adult or do I need to carry you?” he asked in a condescending tone, making me feel small. “Fuck you Christopher! Don’t fucking talk to me you asshole!” I yelled, harshly shoving him. After that, I just started walking as fast as I could towards my house, trying not to cry.

I don’t know what’s going on or why he’s acting like this but I don’t like it, this isn’t my Chris. I could hear his footsteps getting increasingly louder from behind me as he ran to catch up with me while I held onto myself, trying to keep warm in the crisp night air. I could hear Chris’ heavy breathing and footsteps right behind me now, as he stood there processing what happened after I shoved him. “Y/n! Y/n, wait! I’m sorry, I’m an asshole, I know! Just let me explain!” he tried pleading with me. We got to my door and I put the code in to unlock it, standing in the doorway and looking at him furiously. “Explain what!? That you’re fucking possessive and can never let me have fucking fun if it involves another guy!? Just fuck off Chris, go home, I’m done with you!” I screamed, letting my anger get the best of me as I slammed the door in his face. I took off my shoes and sat on the couch before I started crying. Thank god I was only really wearing waterproof mascara and some powder on my face, otherwise I’d look like a wreck.

Chris’ pov

I fucked up… I knew that the second she pushed me, I had gone too far. I can’t help it, when it comes to her, I lose the ability to communicate my emotions and just fuck everything up. I just wanted to explain where I was coming from but she slammed the door in my face. She slammed it so hard that her neighbor, an older, gay gentleman in his late 40s, came out to make sure everything was okay. “Christopher? What happened, is Y/n okay?” he asked, relieved to see me outside the door and not some random creep. “I fucked up Rick, I fucked up so bad and I think I might’ve just lost my best friend” I told him before explaining everything that happened. He put his hand on my shoulder and smiled a bit, “Sounds like you’re in love kid. I want you to go in there and make things right, go tell her why you did what you did, and express your feelings. If I know Y/n, she’s in there scared to death of losing you, she loves you more than you know. Go fix the shit you fucked up” he told me.

I was a bit confused as to what he meant by the second to last sentence, but I thanked him anyways. “Thanks Rick, hopefully I can fix this” I said while shaking his hand. “You got this, good luck kid” he replied as he walked back inside. I took a deep breath before putting the code in and opening the door. I immediately felt like shit as Y/n was crying on FaceTime with Madi, who didn’t go to the party. “Y/n/n…” I tried slowly, Madi heard me and said “I’m gonna hang up now, just hear him out and remember what I told you.“ before yelling “You better fucking fix this Chris!” through the phone. Y/n let out a shaky breath, looking at me with tear filled eyes. I move to sit on the couch with her, keeping my distance. “Before you say anything, let me explain. You’re right, I am possessive over you and I don’t like seeing you with other guys, but it’s because I’m fucking in love with you…” I looked up to see no emotion on her face so I let out a shaky breath and continued.

“I fucked up, I know that. I’m not very good at expressing my emotions when I’m jealous, I just know I don’t want you to be with another guy. I-I want you to be with me. It’s stupid, I get it, and I should’ve just talked to you instead of dragging you down the street. I’m really, really sorry. And I’m sorry I’m in love with you” I explained, knowing I probably sound fucking pathetic. I didn’t dare look up at her, scared of rejection and/or causing her more pain. I did, however, look up at her when I heard her quietly say, “I’m not” “What?” I asked confused. She scooted closer to me, “I’m not sorry that you’re in love with me, because it makes it a lot easier to do this” she said before she cupped both sides of my face and kissed me, hard. She kissed me until we were out of breath and forced to pull away. The next thing that came out of her mouth shocked me and sent a shiver down my spine. “I deserve a punishment for not hearing you out and purposely making you jealous, don’t ya think?” she asked seductively, her innocent big y/e/c eyes looking up at me. “W-What?” I asked, wanting to make sure I heard her right, “I think I’ve been bad and deserve to be punished” she teased.

Y/n’s pov

I don’t know why I said what I did, but I was horny and frustrated so it just came out. I looked Chris up and down as he bit his lip, watching his cock slowly grow hard in his pants. I could see the gears in his head turning, trying to figure out if I was fucking with him or not. I was feeling a bit bold and loved the idea of Chris’ big, rough hands on my body, so I leaned it his ear. “Come spank me daddy, I’ve been a bad girl” I whispered before going upstairs to my room. Chris quickly followed behind me, pushing me up against the wall before I got the chance to get on my bed. His hand came up to wrap around my throat, “You’re a little slut aren’t you? Making me jealous on purpose and practically begging me to punish you, how pathetic!” he smirked. I let out a whine after he said that, just wanting to be touched already. “Go get undressed for me baby” he said in a softer tone, pulling away to discard his own shirt and pants.

I quickly got fully naked before shuffling over to Chris, who was sitting on the edge of my bed in his boxers. “So pretty” he muttered as he moved to sit against my headboard. “C’mon, lay across my lap for me” I did as he said and he moved me so my ass was over his lap. “H-How many am I getting daddy?” I asked nervously as Chris rubbed his hands over my ass. “I was gonna do 50, but you’re being a good girl so I’m gonna lower it to 30, and I want you to count. You’re getting 15 each cheek baby” he replied making me whine. Chris started off with soft slaps “One… two… three… four… f-five…” but they quickly grew harder, the sound of each slap getting louder as I felt myself getting wetter. Every time his hand would come in contact with my ass, it would jerk me forward a bit, causing my clit to rub across his hard cock. “nineteen… twe—nty… twenty o-one… tw-twenty two-o…” I managed to count through my moans, however, once I got to twenty-eight, I felt myself unintentionally cum.

I let out an extremely loud moan as I finished counting “t-thirty” I whispered out, my ass now sore and most definitely welted and red. Chris spread my legs a little, rubbing his fingers across my cum covered cunt. “I don’t remember saying you could cum baby” he said seriously, flipping me over so I was now laying with my back against the bed. Chris immediately hovered over me, “You didn’t even ask” he continued, “I didn’t mean to daddy, it was an accident. Never done that before” I squirmed as he stared down at me. “I believe you babe, but if you cum again without permission, daddy’s gonna have to punish you some more” he stated gruffly. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him down so we could makeout, Chris quickly won dominance and started to suck on my tongue before softly biting my lip. I honestly didn’t know Chris would be THIS good of a kisser, he ran his tongue across the roof of my mouth. I shuddered and let out a moan as one hand came up to toy with my nipples, whining when he pulled away.

“Remember how you called me possessive earlier? Well I’m gonna be really possessive now and mark you up so everyone knows you belong to me” he growled before harshly biting hickies into my neck, running his tongue across and sucking on them afterwards. I knew these were going to be dark and would take at least a week to go away but I also really liked the thought of everyone seeing how marked up I was from my daddy. Chris pulled away to admire his work and when he did, I asked in a shy voice, “Can I give you some hickies to daddy? Don’t want other girls to look at you” I pouted a bit. Chris nodded and let me suck a few hickies into his neck as he started slowly pumping two fingers into me, quickly adding a third to stretch me out. Once he deemed me loose enough he pulled me away from his neck by my hair, sitting on his knees to take off his boxer. “I want you on your hands and knees, facing the mirror so you can watch yourself getting fucked like a slut” he ordered, I immediately obeyed, loving the thought of watching it through the mirror that was close to my bed.

I watched as Chris spit onto his cock, stroking it a few times before lining it up with my hole. “Ready to get fucked like a cheap whore?” he asked, slightly kneading my ass with one hand. “Please daddy, please fuck me!” I begged before he slammed his full length into me, giving me no time to adjust before he started pounding into me. Chris pulled my hair back so I could see myself being fucked, and it was pretty fucking hot. I was trying my hardest to keep my eyes open but it felt so good and I just couldn’t. “Keep your eyes open slut!” Chris growled, pulling my hair harder, making me whimper and whine from the pain. “C-Can’t! It feels too good, please!” I don’t even know what I was asking for, “Please what baby? You need to use your words for me to know what you want” he said softer. “Need to close my eyes, want my face shoved into the mattress” I pathetically moaned out, causing Chris to let go of my hair and push my head down, making my back arch more.

“You’re doing so good for me, I think your punishment should be over and I should just fuck my pretty girl, don’t you agree?” he asked while moaning. “Wanna be good girl, I’ll do whatever you tell me daddy!” I moaned out as I felt myself getting close, that moan was quickly replaced with a cry when Chris pulled out. “No! No daddy! Was so close!” I said as literal tears welled up in my eyes, but Chris just rolled me onto my back, causing me to wince as my ass hit the bed. “Hey, it’s okay sweetheart. I’m not done fucking you, I just wanted to see that pretty face” he said calmly, stroking my cheek to reassure me. Chris slid back in and went back to his fast pace, moving my legs to wrap around his waist before caging in my head with his arms. “Feel so good daddy! Like this way better, I can see your face” I whined which made Chris smile. “Yeah? Me too, I like seeing the pretty faces you make” he said, making me blush as my nails started to lightly scratch down his back as I got close again. “Can I please cum? You can cum in me!” I whimpered out as I was holding back my orgasm, Chris’ lips came down on mine in a long and deeply passionate kiss.

He only pulled away to speed up his thrusts, “Go ahead princess, cum on my cock, I’m not far behind” he groaned. With his permission, I came, moaning out his name as I did so, “Oh Chris! Shit, feels so good” I moaned loudly. “Fuck! My name sounds so pretty coming out of your mouth like that” he grunted, thrusting in a few more times before cumming inside of me. Chris pulled out but used his fingers to scoop up the cum dripping out of me and bringing them to my mouth. “Suck” he instructed me before grabbing his shirt and wiping off both his dick and my cunt, ridding them of any excess cum. Chris turned off the light while I pulled the blankets back and we crawled under them, I put my hand on Chris’ cheek and turned his face to capture his lips in a feverish kiss. I swear my heart melted a bit when I felt him smile into it before pulling away, “I love you so much, and I’m sorry I acted like a bitch” I said quietly. Chris kissed my forehead, “And I’m sorry for being such an asshole. I love you so much more by the way” he said back, “Cuddles?” I questioned sleepily as I rolled onto my side. “Cuddles” he laughed, doing the same and spooning me, holding me against him tightly as we drifted off to sleep.

All work is subject to copyright

©️ Daddyslilchickenfingers2 2023

Do not steal my work

#chris sturniolo smut #christopher sturniolo smut #christopher sturniolo x reader #christopher sturniolo x you #chris sturniolo x reader #chris sturniolo x you #christopher sturniolo #chris sturniolo #sturniolo triplets #sturniolo #smut #sturniolo fanfic #sturniolo triplet smut #sturniolo x reader #sturniolo triplets imagine #sturniolo triplets smut #sturniolo smut

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nocturna-nara · 11 months ago

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Gotta remember to reupload one of my favorite and fully finished pieces of my girl here🫡

I also forget that I have to show off the full version of haori because there's more to it than just being white, my bad!😭

Also pose credits goes to hao0047 on tiktok <3

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genshingorlsrevengeance · 2 years ago

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Eula, Jean, Lisa, and Lumine with a Trevor Belmont-esque S/O

This is a reupload from the original Genshingorls, many thanks to the og anon who asked for this, and the others who were interested in it!

Eula was universally shunned in the beginning years of her time in Mondstadt.

Even trying to get groceries to eat was a major problem for her due to her clan's history.

Clan Lawrence was seen as nothing but monsters, and the people of Mondstadt treated her as such.

There were precious little people who treated her as an equal, disregarding her past.

Though, there was one person who she never expected to meet…

===

Eula's early years...

In Angel's Share, Eula stopped by the bar to grab a drink after a hard day's work.

But of course, it wasn't as simple as she wanted.

Everyone in the tavern looked at her with scorn, either scooting away or muttering behind her back.

Eula sighed, looking at the bartender.

(Eula) "Can I just get a drink? I'll leave as soon-"

(Bar patron) "Maybe you should just go."

Eula turned to her left and saw three customers who were obviously drunk.

The Bartender thankfully gave her the drink without a fuss, though it was most likely to get her to leave as soon as possible.

Eula grabbed her drink and prepared to leave before being stopped by the three men.

(Man 1) "Put that back, you don't deserve it!"

(Eula) "Tch, do you want me to leave or not?"

(Man 2) "You're damn right we do! But you don't get to leave with Mondstadt beer, Lawrence girl!"

Eula was about to say something else before the door swung wildly open, hitting two of the three away.

Everyone looked up in surprise, including Eula, to see who did so.

(???) "Whoops, pardon me."

The man/woman waltzed right in without a care in the world, ignoring the potential fight that was about to break out and sat themselves in front of the stool.

Though what Eula could notice, no one was any happier to see them than her.

…Now that she thought about it, who were they?

They had a massive fur cape on, completely concealing the clothes they were wearing.

Eula had never met them before, which was strange considering that their clothing would stick out like a sore thumb in the city.

Not even the Knights of Favonius dressed as flashy.

(???) "Barkeep, a mug please."

(Bartender) "Hmph. Surprised you haven't drank yourself to death."

(???) "Trust me, working on it."

One of the men pushed Eula aside while the other two blocked the door.

(Man 1) "Oh great, now we gotta deal with you."

The mystery man/woman paid no attention as they yawned.

(Man 1) "HEY, I'M TALKING TO YOU!"

The man shoved them nearly off the chair, making the person annoyed.

(???) "Hi yes, welcome to my personal spa-"

They stopped their sentence when they made eye contact with Eula.

(???) "…What, is it my turn to get harassed?"

(Man 1) "It's your turn to get the hell out! We don't want Lawrence or Belmont filth in our city!"

Eula's eyes widened at the name.

Belmont.

House Belmont?!

Back during Clan Lawrence's rule, they banished House Belmont for supposedly working against them.

To her knowledge, the Belmont's were monster hunters, taking down anything that was a threat to the city. But due to fear from Lawrence and misinformation, they were eventually exiled.

That was centuries ago, and everyone believed the lineage to be extinct.

Though, Eula supposed she must've missed a person if she's hearing about it now.

Getting a good look at them now, their hair was disheveled and greasy, their clothes looked grimy and most likely smelled horrible.

Their eyes had bags and face looked dirty and tired.

Where the hell were they living?

Her mind snapped out of thinking when she realized the Belmont was staring directly at her now.

(???) "Lawrence, eh?"

They got up from their seats, pushing away the man, making him almost trip.

The other two blocking Eula stanced up.

(???) "Back away from the lady, eh? Doubt she needs to deal with a buncha assholes like us right now."

(Man 2) "WHAT DID YOU CALL US?!"

The second man charged the Belmont, for them to step to the right and dodge.

Well, step was a strong word for what Eula saw. More like drunkenly stagger.

The man ran straight into a stool as they continued talking to her.

(???) "So you're the Lawrence everyone keeps whining about."

Eula furrowed her brow. She had no idea if this Belmont resented her for being a Lawrence, though this time it was much more of a justified reason.

(???) "Honestly? Not as scary as the city makes you out to be."

They turned to the third man.

(???) "Why's it you hate her exactly?"

(Man 3) "Like you, Belmont.-" spits "-A child of such an evil clan doesn't belong here!"

(???) "Mhm. Riveting. Attention everyone!"

It was clear to Eula the Belmont was being dramatic, since everyone was already staring.

(???) "(Y/N) Belmont and…Er, What's your name?"

(Eula) "Eula?-"

(Y/N) "-Eula Lawrence, will take our drinks and leave in peace! Now kindly stop riding our asses and piss off." (Y/N) grabbed their own drink after shoving the two men aside, then walked near the door past Eula.

Eula set to follow before the third man grabbed her by the wrist.

(Eula) "H-Hey!"

(Man 3) "WE SAID LEAVE IT-"

(Y/N) "Ugh, I'm sorry my beautiful beer-"

SMASH! Eula gasped when the man's head was hit full force with (Y/N)'s mug, sending them flying and hitting the other two.

(Bartender) "GET THE HELL OUT, BELMONT! I'LL MAKE SURE YOU NEVER GO ANYWHERE IN MONDSTADT AGAIN!"

(Y/N) "Yeah yeah, plague be upon my House and name and all that shit. Fuck off Mondstadt, and good night!"

They stormed away after kicking the door open, Eula standing there shocked for a moment.

After processing what happened, she ran after them.

(Eula) "H-Hey!"

(Y/N) "Oh for god's sake I'm-" They stopped midsentence upon seeing Eula.

(Y/N) "…Oh. You."

They looked at her wrist for a moment.

(Y/N) "They didn't hurt you did they?"

(Eula) "Thanks to you, no."

(Y/N) "There's my good deed for the year, nice talking to you, bye-bye!"

They continued to walk away but Eula still went after.

(Eula) "Why did you do that for me?"

They didn't stop walking towards the exit of the city, but continued talking.

(Y/N) "I just hate jackasses like those guys, that's all."

(Eula) "But…I'm a Lawrence."

(Y/N) "That you are."

(Eula) "Shouldn't you hate me?"

They stopped in their tracks, Eula running into their back and bouncing off.

(Y/N) "…I should, shouldn't I? It was House Lawrence that condemned my family to extinction."

They turned around and looked at her.

(Y/N) "They were the ones who made my ancestors stop protecting the people of Mondstadt, to make them forget we protected them from monsters, to make them hate us!"

Eula stepped back in a small amount of fear.

(Y/N) "No, you're right. I hate House Lawrence."

Eula looked down. She shouldn't have expected anything else-

(Y/N) "But I don't hate you."

(Eula) "…W-What?"

(Y/N) "Sure I wish your ancestors can fuck a dead dog in a ditch and kill themselves, but what's that gotta do with you?"

They shrugged nonchalantly.

(Y/N) "What would a descendant from House Lawrence be doing in Mondstadt if they weren't trying to get away from their family? You might be trying to make them not seem as bad anymore, but you do what you do. I don't care."

They waved goodbye as they walked out the gates.

(Y/N) "Gave that dream up ever since my folks kissed the dirt."

(Eula) "Wait a second, where are you going?"

(Y/N) "To sleep."

(Eula) "But where?"

(Y/N) "Under a tree."

(Eula) "Not in a house?-"

(Y/N) "Are you going to be asking questions all night?"

(Eula) "…I can't just let you sleep somewhere so…barbaric."

(Y/N) "I sincerely doubt you want my gross ass on your noble couch."

…They weren't entirely wrong but-

(Eula) "At least for tonight. As thanks."

(Y/N) "I don't need thanks. I just need some sleep, and some more beer."

Eula looked down and realized she still had the drink.

(Eula) "Then how about we share?"

This caught their attention as they spun around at an honestly alarming speed, considering they were most likely drunk this second.

(Y/N) "…Okay, fine. You win. Now give me that."

Eula yanked it back before they could grab it. She smirked a little.

(Eula) "Share, Belmont. We're sharing."

(Y/N) "Bagh…"

They muttered something under their breath as they followed Eula her house.

(Eula) "Make yourself at home."

(Y/N) "Mug, Lawrence. Now."

She rolled her eyes and she gave them a mug and poured their half.

As soon as she was done, they yanked the mug and chugged it down in a matter of seconds.

(Y/N) "Ah, now that is a gift from Barbatos. You don't got anymore do ya?"

(Eula) "I'm afraid that was all I got."

(Y/N) "Shit, knew I shouldn't have smashed my damn mug…"

(Eula) "Thank you for that. Really. That's the first time a stranger has ever stood up for me."

(Y/N) looked surprised before clearing their throat.

(Y/N) "It's nothing."

(Eula) "…Before you go to bed, could you kindly take a bath? You admittedly do have a bit of a stench."

(Y/N) "Course I do, I've been sleeping in fuckin' nature all the time!"

(Eula) "So can you go?"

(Y/N) "…Dunno why I'm arguing against clean water, god I really am drunk."

They went into bathroom as told, making Eula worried.

Eula at least had Amber, Jean, and Master Varkas vouch for her.

The fact she had never even heard mention of them until now…

…

The next morning, Eula woke up and called out to Y/N.

(Eula) "Hey, Belmont. Are you awake?"

No response.

(Eula) "Belmont?"

After going downstairs, the room was empty.

The blanket she gave them was neatly folded on the couch, alongside a pouch of gold and a small note.

Thanks for letting me crash, Lawrence. Don't worry, the filthy Belmont didn't steal anything. You didn't have any alcohol for me to grab anyway. I checked the pantry and everything.

Here's something to pay you back for the trouble I caused. I don't know what you do but we'll probably see each other again.

Keep yourself safe, you hear?

(Y/N)

(Eula) "That idiot! I swear I'm going to enact my vengeance on them!…Huh. That doesn't sound like a bad phrase, actually.

===

Eula asked Amber if she knew (Y/N) when they met up.

Amber said that she had only seen them, but successfully managed to evade her everytime she called out to them.

She did know the location of where they seemed to frequent, which was near Starfell Valley.

So, Eula decided to perform her reconnaissance duty there.

Eula stealthily traversed the hills as she scouted the area for any potential threats.

Finally after three weeks of their first meeting, she found the Belmont again, walking the trail to Mondstadt.

She was going to call out their name before realizing something was moving in the trees.

A group of Treasure Hoarders came out to attack them, prompting Eula to move quickly to their location.

(Treasure Hoarder) "Hah, another Test Subj-"

(Y/N) spun around quickly, dropping their cape and a chained whip came flying out, hitting them square in the chest.

The whip suddenly ignited and exploded, sending the bandits flying back hitting stones, landing in the water, and some into each other.

The bandit who was originally hit couldn't be seen anymore, shocking Eula.

(Y/N) "Great. Now I'm sober."

Twirling their whip rapidly, (Y/N) spun around using the whip's length to attack in a circular motion, causing everyone to back up.

With one flick of their wrist, the chain went flying upwards before (Y/N) swung their arm down, causing it to land on top of another Treasure Hoarder making them explode.

When Eula finally approached them, she saw a small pyro vision dangling off the hilt of their whip.

(Eula) "BELMONT!"

(Y/N) quickly reacted and got the whip away from the direction of her voice as she came crashing down with her greatsword, breaking parts of the ground and causing some of the Treasure Hoarders to fly up.

They used the whip to fling it upwards hitting the left one, exploding and sending the bandit on the right to fly off behind a hill.

(Treasure Hoarder) "Damn it, picked the wrong subjects, LET'S GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE!"

Seeing them run, (Y/N) turned to Eula with a smile.

(Y/N) "Lawrence, good to see you. Coulda handled that myself, you know."

(Eula) "I do not doubt that. Your skills with that whip is incredible!"

(Y/N) "I know right, it's a thing of beauty! 'The Morning Star' is what this baby is called, it was a family relic. It could make monsters explode in a single hit without the Vision!"

She saw the excitement in their eyes talking about the weapon. They probably haven't had the chance to brag about it in a long time.

(Eula) "Impressive. Though, what are you doing out here?"

(Y/N) "Just fulfilling a contract. Getting my pay for hunting down a couple Hilichurls bothering folks out here."

He held out a few broken masks.

(Y/N) "See?"

(Eula) "You're acting as a Mercenary? Why don't you come and work for the Knights of Favonius?"

(Y/N) "Psh, please. I'm not working with a bunch of goody two shoes. They take too long to get anything done."

(Eula) "Ugh, you're sounding like Diluc."

(Y/N) "Hey, he's got the right idea. So what are you doing-…Ah shit, you're a Knight aren't you?"

(Eula) "I am. Is that a bad thing?"

(Y/N) "Depends. You about to lecture me?"

(Eula) "As a Knight? No. But as Eula? I will. Why did you leave without saying anything?!"

(Y/N) "What are you- Oh right. Didn't want you bothering me that's all."

They walked past her again, making her angry.

(Eula) "Is that seriously the only reason, Belmont?!"

(Y/N) "…" sigh "I know what you're trying to do. I get it."

They turned to face her, that casual expression they had suddenly vanished.

(Y/N) "You want me to come with so people don't judge us based on our last names alone. But I'm done with that. The Belmont's are gone. I'm the only one left. There's no point."

(Eula) "What do you mean there's no point? You're still alive aren't you?"

(Y/N) "If you can call this being alive, sure Lawrence."

(Eula) "I'm not asking you to suddenly like the city of Mondstadt. But it has good people worth protecting. At the very least, you shouldn't do it alone."

(Y/N) "What makes you think I'm pro-"

(Eula) "What would a descendant from house Belmont be doing in Mondstadt if they weren't fighting to protect the city, just as their family once did? You had every opportunity to leave, but you're still here."

(Y/N) "…"

Eula walked up to them and held out a hand.

(Eula) "Besides, wouldn't it be fun to show these jackasses that a Belmont and Lawrence are working together for the sake of Mondstadt? At the very least it might cause some of them to have a mental breakdown."

(Y/N) didn't say anything before smiling.

(Y/N) "Know what? That does sound fun."

They grabbed her hand and shook it hard.

(Y/N) "I'm not working with the Knights, but working with you sounds good to me, Eula."

Eula smiled upon hearing her name.

(Eula) "Likwise, (Y/N)."

The two walked side by side, back towards the city.

===

Several years had passed and their relationship had grown even stronger.

Though (Y/N) was constantly asked to join the Knights of Favonius, they refused, instead always being with Eula.

The two had been living together, and Eula was only somewhat successful in trying to stop (Y/N) from getting shitfaced every single night.

When it came to her 'vengeance' talk, (Y/N) found it amusing, at that point she had also come to stop caring about the reputation of her name.

At this point, (Y/N) had finally met Amber, but found her a bit too energetic for their liking.

Eula had fallen for (Y/N) a while back, and was working the courage up to actually say something.

It was thanks to the Traveler and Paimon, Eula finally got the courage to tell (Y/N).

===

(Y/N) yawned as they walked towards the trail of Windrise, noting the big tree.

(Y/N) "Ah, hello old friend."

(Eula) "What, going to play in it again?"

(Y/N) "Hmph, I might. This where you wanted to talk."

Eula took a deep breath and nodded.

(Eula) "It is."

The two sat down by the tree and looked up at the night skies, the stars glistening with the moonlight.

(Y/N) "Hm. It's a bit cold."

(Eula) "I like it personally."

(Y/N) "…You're blushing."

Normally, Eula would try to deny it or get extremely flustered.

Yet, she didn't do either. Instead she smiled. Eula knew (Y/N) could read her like an open book, so there was no point in hiding it.

(Eula) "Yes, I am…Do you know why I asked you here?"

(Y/N) "If I had to guess why you asked me to come to the single most romantic spot on a beautiful night…-"

(Y/N) opened their cape and motioned towards them.

Eula looked at them and smiled, getting closer and sitting comfortably with them, grabbing her knees.

(Y/N) "This is why."

(Eula) "You knew, didn't you?"

(Y/N) "Have for at least a little bit now, actually."

(Eula) "And you didn't say anything because?"

(Y/N) "…I was scared. Scared that you actually fell for an idiot like me. All I do is drink beer, scream, and hunt monsters. I'm not exactly what you call someone 'stable'."

(Eula) "And swear. Don't forget that part."

(Y/N) "Oh, definitely swearing."

(Eula) "I was afraid you wouldn't love someone so vicious as a Lawrence, swearing vengeance upon the townspeople and who steals a poor man's beer every night."

The two laughed softly as their heads slowly fell closer together.

(Y/N) "How could I not?"

Eula hummed contently as their hands wrapped around each others.

(Eula) "…You won't go anywhere, right?"

(Y/N) "I go where you go, Eula. Now, and always."

(Eula) "Then I swear eternal vengeance upon you by giving you the best life I can."

(Y/N) "I'm looking forward to it."

Jean was pleasantly surprised to see Eula had befriended the infamous Belmont.

While she held no personal grudge against them, S/O's reputation was similar to Eula's where they met prejudice wherever they went.

She did everything in her power to protect them, but their foul language and alcohol addiction did little to stem the issue.

Jean always lectured them, much to S/O's dismay but they knew it came out of a place for worry.

It wasn't until Jean personally asked them to join the Knights that finally got them to start behaving a bit more, if anything to stop worrying her.

But it led to patrols reporting less monsters were on the roads, and Jean knew it could only mean one thing.

Late at nights when Jean was still working to the bone, it would be S/O who came in to help her finally get some rest.

(S/O) "Come on, if you take away my beer, I can take away your work."

(Jean) "S/O, one is significantly worse than the other when it comes to overindulging yourself in it."

(S/O) "Yeah, you can't even drink paper."

(Jean) "You know that's not what I-"

(S/O) "Don't have a stick up your ass, let's just get yours in bed!"

(Jean) "Excuse me?"

(S/O) "W-Well, I mean you don't have a stick I just-…Er…"

…

(S/O) "And that Barbara, is why I need your help."

(Barbara) "You're not very-"

(S/O) "Good at talking to your big sis? No. No I am not."

Jean does find them endearing however, and admittedly began to fall for them.

How she fell for someone so rude? She honestly doesn't know entirely herself.

Barbara has to be the one helping them the entire time, because Jean is shy and S/O is incompetent when talking to people.

Lisa knew better than to judge a book by it's cover.

But she did honestly have a very rough impression of S/O.

They had come into the library smelling like piss and beer, and they were about to get their filthy hands all over her books.

(S/O) "Sorry, this the bathroom?"

(Lisa) "…Are you looking for Eula, Sir/Miss Belmont?"

(S/O) "K-Kinda. Said to meet her here but I needed to wash myself first."

(Lisa) "Well, at least you know that. Third door, on the right when you get out."

(S/O) "Thanks purple lady."

They stumbled out the door, making her sigh in relief.

They'd be cuter if they weren't reeking of dirt.

Later on when they were actually sober (mostly), they came in to apologize, this time being clean much to her relief.

(Lisa) "Ah, you look far more handsome/pretty without all that grime covering it up!"

(S/O) "Er, r-right. Anyways, I came in to rent a book from your forbidden section."

Lisa's eye was twitching now.

(Lisa) "Excuse me?"

…

Lisa smiled fondly on those memories. She actually went out to a monster hunt with Eula and S/O. It was admittedly fun.

It was also how Lisa got to know how much a softie S/O actually was.

There was a kitten that was almost crushed by a Ruin Guard, yet S/O rushed in to save them, which caused her heart to melt.

She still teases them about it, and recalls that the moment she began liking S/O truly.

(S/O) "How many people have you told that story?!"

(Lisa) "How many beers have you drank in your life?"

Lumine first met S/O when she, Paimon, and Eula were stopping Eula's uncle teaming with the Fatui to attack Mondstadt.

But it was when they went to Angel's Share to drink with Eula is when they truly spoke.

(S/O) "Ah, you're the Honorary Knight. Must be a pain in the ass."

(Paimon) "Jeez, you stink!"

(Eula) "You get used to it."

(Lumine) "Honestly they could smell worse considering how they look."

(S/O) "Psh, you try hunting monsters and smell good at the same time."

With how vulgar and different S/O was from Eula, Lumine only wanted to get to know them more.

It was after seeing Lumine in action that S/O began to take true notice of her other than a friend of Eula's.

Lumine frequently talked to S/O and actually brought them along for many commissions, asking them for advice on what monster or enemy they had the most efficient plan on.

Then, Lumine became their apprentice, to keep the Belmont knowledge alive.

And it was then S/O began to feel more of a connection with Lumine, even going along with commissions they didn't like.

But, love does that to someone.

(Girl) "…And that's why I need you to fight four Ruin Guards to get these delicious eggs!"

(Paimon) "…Seriously?"

S/O tried their best to look away to not get roped into the stupidest hunt they've ever taken.

Lumine looked at them with a bright smile.

(S/O) "…I'm not looking at you, Lumine.."

(Lumine) "You're going to!~"

(S/O) "I won't."

(Lumine) "You like looking at me!"

(S/O) "Still not looking."

(Lumine) "You're going to, and when you do, you'll crack like an egg!"

(S/O) "…"

…

(Eula) "I can't believe you actually made S/O hunt four Ruin Guards for an egg-"

(S/O) "Lawrence. Shut. Up."

(Paimon) "I know right? They're SO soft for-"

(S/O) "EAT SHIT AND DIE, PAIMON."

(Lumine) "They're so soft for me!"

(S/O) sigh "…That I am, dear."

(Paimon) "H-HEY!"

#genshin impact headcanons #genshin impact imagines #genshin impact x reader #eula lawrence #eula x belmont!s/o #eula x reader #jean gunnhildr #jean gunnhildr x reader #lisa minci #lisa minci x reader #lumine x reader #lumine #paimon

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shotorozu · 4 years ago

Note

hi!! so um i wanted to request maybe some hc or scenarios about midoriya, shoto and shinsou being loyal? if that makes sense? idk i've just read some angsty fics about cheating todoroki and now i'm sad :(

being loyal

character(s) : todoroki shouto, midoriya izuku, shinsou hitoshi (bnha)

legend : [Y/N = your name] gender neutral; they/them pronouns, quirk not mentioned

headcanon type : fluff, angst-ish, suggestive but it’s barely there (x reader)

note(s) : first of all, cheater! todoroki isn’t realistic at all in my opinion, even if it’s used as a weapon for other x reader fics. i don’t think todoroki would ever be with someone he didn’t love anymore, especially since that being in a romantic relationship would be a very big step for him, i could go on, but don’t worry about it anon!

no proofread wndnwnw

»»————-　♡　————-««

todoroki shouto

shouto as a lover is interesting. sure, you’ll argue like any normal couple— he’s not the best at understanding what’s wrong sometimes

and occasionally, you’ll have to shove it in his face for him to get the memo

his blunt words don’t help at all sometimes

but, you know one thing that shouto’s not? a cheater.

not even sugar coating it. he’ll never cheat. he loves you too much for him to even be thinking about other people

and i don’t think he’d stay and hurt someone’s feelings, if he felt like he shouldn’t be with them anymore

shouto’s popular, as to be expected. he’s the son of endeavor— who happens to be loaded, handsome, and also equipped with an amazing quirk

there’ll be a handful of people that’ll try to throw themselves at him.

as i’ve mentioned in the pick me girl post, shouto may be unaware about certain things, but as soon as he realizes what they’re trying to do

he won’t be nice, and that cold demeanor of his will come back in a snap. and, he’ll most likely try to leave right away.

like,, a girl could be half naked in front of him, but he wouldn’t even spare a glance at them. they’re not you, because they’re not hot. why does it matter? here’s an example :

random girl : “a man like you wouldn’t mind having a few extra lovers, right? there’s not harm”

shouto : 😐

shouto on the inside : ‘cooking some soba for Y/N would be delightful tonight, wouldn’t it? you should leave before it gets too late.’

he wouldn’t even say goodbye, the look on his face is enough to tell that he’s not at all interested in their advances

after all, you already make him feel complete and so loved🤠 shouto would rather slurp 3 pairs of jeans through a straw than ever think of cheating.

midoriya izuku

it’s not difficult for him to stay loyal either, i mean,, loyalty in a relationship is the bare minimum anyway

all he’s focused on is you, improving and honing his skills, and fulfilling his dreams.

heavens forbid anyone for thinking that he’d ever get with any other person that’s not you

he’s aware that over time, he’s been an unintentional chick magnet— and technically, he’s friendly with everyone excluding bakugou, sorta

but right away, he understands when someone’s trying to get with him

while he might’ve said they were just being friendly before, he recognizes the signs well— considering that he thought YOU were just being friendly

izuku’s not blushy and well,, a mess. he’s still polite, compared to the other two— but, you can tell that he’s losing interest in the conversation that’s rare

but, if a girl’s going to stand in front of him half naked, he’s going to get flustered at first because they’re NEARLY flashing him tf?

and if anyone accuses of him being disloyal, he’ll get offended but mostly sad, because the thought makes him feel utterly sick to the stomach.

oh, and he’ll always make sure to mention you and your existence.

here’s a short example of how he’d be loyal!

random girl : “your quirk’s awesome! our kids would be super powerful ;)”

izuku, knowing well that his kids wouldn’t be able to genetically inherit any quirk of his: “thanks! if Y/N wants to have kids, our kids will be raised well. i appreciate for the compliment!”

random girl : “no, i mean—”

izuku : “it was nice speaking to you :) gotta find my darling now.”

he’ll leave immediately, not even thinking about looking back to see their reaction. he needs to see you

and the first thing he’ll tell you when he sees you is what had just occurred. the feeling in his stomach disappearing when you lend him an attentive ear

shinsou hitoshi

ehh— compared to the other two, he wouldn’t notice right away.

he’ll assume that the people trying to snag him away are just being nice. because of his middle school days, friendliness is still something he’s trying to figure out.

he wouldn’t understand why someone would want to be with him since well,, man’s taken. no one would stoop that low to be a homewrecker

except for a few people, that had no sense of what was right or wrong. they just went for it regardless of his relationship status.

and when he realized what they were after, he’ll deadpan, absolutely uninterested.

compared to todoroki, hitoshi will simply tell them straight to their face that he’s taken, and he’ll just have to hope that they’d get it— and end the conversation in a nice away

but— if they don’t, he won’t hesitate on using his quirk this time. not to harm them of course, but to steer them away

example :

hitoshi : “i’m taken, and very happy with my relationship.”

random girl : “hmm,, but they don’t have to kno—”

and before the pursuer could even finish her sentence, they’re under his quirk, and he’ll demand that she forgets about the encounter, and that she’ll stay away.

because how dare they suggest that you wouldn’t be smart enough to find that out. their desperation makes hitoshi laugh

oh, and hitoshi will definitely shit talk them when he sees you again. he’ll even be so extra about it if he needs to

»»————-　♡　————-««

likes and reblogs are appreciated, thanks for reading!

i do not own bnha/mha and it’s characters. boku no hero academia/my hero academia belongs to horikoshi kohei, i only own the writing and i do not profit off of my hobby

do not plagiarize, reupload, translate, or use my works for audio readings without permission

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subskz · 2 years ago

Note

bestie,,, babie,,, queenie,,, imma need you to stop putting me in a chokehold with every fic you post becuz yr girl is at her fucking limit 🫡

THE WAY THE READER TALKS TO BINNIE IN DESTRESS?!? YEAH I’M SICK ACTUALLY. and YOU are sick once again for pretending like you can’t write degradation respectfully i am going to kick yr ass i’m never letting you live down that straight up lie

saur changbin…..WHOREEE i won’t him 🫣 the vitamin bin part was so mf cute btw his goofy ass would deffo 201% say that

ILY THANK YOU FOR KEEPING ME FED AND SHELTERED AND CLOTHED IN THESE TRYING TIMES

SAUR CHANGBIN IS TAKING ME OUT 😭😭

THANK YOU SO MUCH ANGEL <3!! i know i always say this but seeing your reactions seriously makes my day every time esp bc i have mixed feelings on these reuploads since they’re all pretty old ^^; i appreciate your encouragement so much it really keeps me going! being mean to binnie is extra difficult for me i can’t help but wanna drown him in praise so i’m honored that you like how the degradation was written haha 💖 but i still stand by what i said so if we’ve gotta square up then so be it!!

ily right back!! thank YOU for all your kind words and for making me giggle i’m so glad you enjoyed it babe! ^_^

#ask #grindset #💌

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cloverque · 4 years ago

Text

departure (haiba lev)

出发 (灰羽リエーフ)

a departure doesn’t always guarantee a return

4128 words

post time skip! model lev, fiances, angst, concept of waiting, alt ending (w/ closure)

a (reuploaded) req for a certain lev lover <3

Haiba Lev wasn’t the most level headed person. He was blunt, foolish, assertive, and sometimes, a simpleton. And yet, despite his innumerable flaws, you loved him.

You adored the discordant, entwined, looping threads that made up for who he was, his strengths and weaknesses, every fibre of his being. Furthermore, your love was unyielding; a delicate yet persistent wild flower, sprung from the cracks in concrete.

Your love for the male stemmed from your starting days in high school. It was a random encounter, in which he bumped into you in a hallway, and then somehow, you began fawning over the half Russian.

Inconspicuously, you would watch him from afar: walking by the gym to sneak glances, matching up your schedule with the volleyball club’s, just to catch glimpses of him during their laps around the school.

You were fascinated with the long limbed teen’s energy and presence on the court. He was handsome too, his facial and body structure flawlessly sculpted by God himself to be the epitome of masculinity.

Your puppy love and admiration for him motivated you to travel far and wide to watch his volleyball matches, with hopes that maybe one day, Lev would notice you.

Lev wasn’t the brightest with a few things, with consciousness of his surroundings topping his list. Your encounter with him had slipped his mind, since it meant only so little, and he never realised you were in the same cohort, for pete’s sake.

If it weren’t for Kenma, who had pointed you out among the spectators, he wouldn’t have realised you always watched their matches. So he decided to approach you after one, and asked if you were from Nekoma High. You were momentarily stunned, then gave him a radiant smile, one so bright he would never forget.

After that, the two of you hit it off effortlessly. Within a few months, your freshly sprouted friendship with Lev blossomed into something more. Years passed, both of you graduated, and the two of you were still going strong, happily dating. The now esteemed model and you even began contemplating on a larger milestone, one which would change both of your lives forever.

That is, until Lev received an ominous phone call that presaged the end of your current chapter.

It happened too quickly to say for sure what was going on. He had told you the night before, as he held you in his arms, that he would be gone for a while. That he needed to attend to some personal matters back at home.

Lev’s tone was a little too quiet when he broke the news. “I… gotta leave for a while, (y/n).“ He was holding you close, arms draped around your waist and legs tangled with yours.

You stopped circling your finger around his bicep to glance up at him. Studying the distant look in his green orbs, you raised your brows. “Okay, where to?”

“Russia. My grandma wants me to return immediately.” Lev’s attention shifted from the ceiling to your curious gaze. His warm, minty breath fanned your face as he exhaled. “I think I’ll take a while.”

“Oh…” You rest your cheek on his chest, lashes fluttering close as you murmured. “I’ll miss you, but I can wait. Just don’t keep me waiting for long, alright?”

“Mhmm, okay.” Smiling tenderly, Lev peppered your skin with kisses, making you giggle. You slowly opened your eyes to take in the way the moonlight from the balcony glossed over his flawless, pale skin.

Lev’s fingers hovered over the silver band on your ring finger, lingering there before taking your hand in his. His own matching ring clinked against yours softly when you laced your fingers with his, your warm palms heating up his cold ones as you dozed off, flushed against his chest.

When morning came, he was gone. You had failed to bid him goodbye as Lev‘s egression was committed silently. The days passed like any other, and you would text him once in a while to check up on him. However, you never received a response. Not on SMS. Not on social media. Nowhere.

Days trickled to weeks, months, and by the third one, you were too overwhelmed with paranoia. After deep recollection, you realised he never told you when he would return. Surely, his departure meant a return, right?

You had asked the Nekoma volleyball club alumni and his friends of his whereabouts, and they all told you the same thing: they didn’t know. Desperate, you attempted to contact his sister Alisa, but to no avail. Both Haiba siblings were uncontactable, and the calls always went to voicemail.

Over the days, your fear and anxiety manifested into dark rings, rimming your puffy eyelids. Life went on whilst your heart and mind ran rampant, and eventually, you stopped appearing at work.

Not a day went by without you thinking of him. Your fiancé plagued your mind and heart 24/7, and it was impossible to stop thinking about him.

Where is he? When will he return? What’s taking him so long? Why is he not home yet? Has he forgotten about me?

Did Lev forget that I’m still waiting for him?

…

The front door to your shared apartment creaked slowly, and a raven haired man in a dark suit shuffled in. He closed the door slowly, his pupils dilating to compensate for the lack of light entering the apartment. The once bright green plants lining the balcony were drooping in their eternal shade, signifying that the curtain had not been drawn in days.

The man slipped off his shoes and socks, taking notice of the unworn, white slippers by the front door, then shuffled in. You glanced up from the blankets when you heard the soft padding of feet.

Your heart threatened to leap out of your chest as your eyes grew wide with anticipation. “Lev?” You croaked, hauling yourself to a sitting position. “Is that you?”

The door slowly creaked open to reveal your colleague and good friend, Kuroo Tetsurō. Your smile faded away, and your lips pressed into a thin line.

“Sorry I’m not who you think I am.” The male stood by the now open doorway, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

Ever since you stopped showing up at work, Kuroo would check up on you every weekend, and sometimes the posse would tag along too. The ex-captain had your apartment’s spare key, thanks to Lev, who randomly picked the holder during your home warming party.

You glanced down at the crumpled bed sheets as he walked into the dusty bedroom. Kuroo drew open the curtains leisurely, filling the room with a dim, blue light whilst multi coloured lights from the skyscrapers across the balcony twinkled with animosity. Specks of dust scattered in the air, latching onto the nearby furniture while some drifted aimlessly. The end of the bed dipped as he sat down, and you looked up to find him scrutinising you with a furrowed frown.

“Have you been eating well?” His eyes trailed over your sunken cheeks and jaundiced skin. Your face was devoid of your usual, radiant glow.

You glanced away from his piercing amber eyes. The eyes in the photos atop the nightstand bore holes into your soul as you rasped, “Why are you here? If it’s about work, I already told you that I asked my section manager to let me work from home–“

“(y/n), that’s not why I’m here.” Kuroo interrupted with a huff. Cloth rustled as he fished his phone out of his jacket’s inner pocket. With a few soft taps, he turned to you, and showed you his screen. You squinted your eyes and unconsciously leaned closer to read the blurry, digital print.

“SUPERMODELS HAIBA LEV AND RUSSIAN ACTRESS KHRISTINA SNOW POTTED LEAVING LUXURIOUS HOTEL TOGETHER“

Your eyes threatened to pop out of their sockets as you absorbed the image below the title. It was indeed your fiancé, you could recognise his broad shoulders and otherworldly jawline a mile away.

Dressed in a crisp suit, Lev’s arm was linked with a dainty woman, whose diamond necklace scintillated under the harsh glare of camera lights. The pencil skirt clinging to her wide hips had a scandalously long slit that stopped at her upper thigh, exposing her red lacey panties by a hair length.

Both of them had sunglasses on, but only the woman had a gleeful expression, while Lev’s lips were pressed together tightly. Just like the title had stated, they seemed to be walking away from an edifice constructed of solely glass panels, and you instantly recognised it. It was a renowned, five star hotel. In Japan.

You were too stunned to say anything. Even your mind, which had been incessantly filled with nothing but your lover, was now blank. The information overload was overwhelming.

This is all too much.

Suddenly, Kuroo withdrew his phone, pulling you back to reality with it. “So, I’m guessing you didn’t know?” He raised a dark brow as he pocketed his electronic device. “The article’s from some lowly paparazzi, so I doubt anything’s true… But it’s blowing up on Twitter.”

Your eyes flickered from your trembling hands to the bed sheets as you began quietly. “I… I thought he left for Russia…” Gripping the covers on your lap, your eyes silently brimmed with tears as you continued shakily, “I don’t know what’s going on anymore. I’m so confused…”

Kuroo‘s gaze never left you as you began shaking uncontrollably. He knew that you were desperately fighting back your tears. It was something you did often back in high school: you would try not to cry in front of the team when they won a match, despite your voice breaks and your glassy eyes. It was something the boys found endearing, especially Lev.

The raventte cursed inwardly at his junior’s stupidity. How could he make such a lovely girl like you cry? Wordlessly, the male shifted closer and pulled you into his chest, surprising you but you didn’t retreat.

Kuroo’s gesture was nothing but friendly, after all. He patted your back reassuringly, and your bottom lip trembled as you clung onto his shirt.

Pitter patter.

Your tears fell like torrents, gushing endlessly as you buried your face into his chest. Gripping tightly onto his dress shirt, you cried into the fabric, wailing the pent up emotions you had kept at bay the past few months. You wept like tomorrow would never come.

…

A few days had passed and you finally decided to confront Lev. Seeing how he wouldn’t respond to your messengers, you decided to hunt him down and talk to him face to face. It was easy to track him down, thanks to the ‘lowly paparazzi’ website, which constantly updated his whereabouts. For once, you were grateful for his overbearing fans.

To be fair, you felt a little bad about his own privacy, but you were also too engulfed in a mixture of confusion, jealousy and infuriation to sympathise with him.

You had everything planned out, what to say and retort, and you had to remind yourself that as much as he deserved to be heard out, you also had a right to be upset with him. Especially after the emotional and mental torment he intentionally (or unintentionally) subjected you to.

But it was impossible to deny that you had hoped that he had a good explanation for everything. You prayed fervently that he would return to your arms, like he always did. Memories of past, better days solely stabilised you during this emotional period.

When the weekend arrived, you threw on a your coat and hopped into your car and drove off. Apparently, Lev and Khristina, were dining at a high class café, located in the fancier suburbs of Tokyo. When you reached there, you parked your car by the sidewalk and sauntered in, ignoring the valet who glanced at you then at your vehicle.

Honestly, you never thought you would see the day when you would resort to stalking your fiancé, just to have a talk with him. But this was no ordinary talk, and the half blood knew when he saw you walk into the café.

You were fuming, brows scrunched up with the angriest expression he had ever seen in his life. Lev jumped up in his seat, like he had seen the ghost of Christmas past, and quickly excused himself.

As he shuffled towards the entrance, he met you halfway and tugged you outside by the wrist. His strides were quick, and he hissed when you dug your fingernails into his hand in defiance.

“Let me go!” You snapped fiercely, like a tigress baring its jaws at its adversary. He released you from his hold when he reached his destination: the back alleys of the shops.

The silver haired man didn’t back away. He was looking at you with shock, hurt and something else. Was it fear, nervousness? You couldn’t tell. You were too frustrated with him.

“(y/n)… I can explain–“ He began, a hand outstretched but you cut him off.

“I told you I‘d wait, didn’t I?” You glared up at him with narrowed eyes. His aghast expression wedged the knife deeper in your heart as you inhaled. “You… You said you had to leave. And I believed you! But four months passed and you didn’t bother to contact me. Not even once…”

Lev ran a hand through his now disheveled hair, which was pushed back until now. “Please, let me explain. I had my reasons, I swear.”

You realised the engagement ring on his finger was nowhere to be seen. Your lover opened his mouth to explain when you deadpanned.

“Where’s your ring?”

Lev’s eyes widened, from fright or concern, you weren’t sure. His usually bright, green orbs would he glowing with love whenever he gazed at you, but not today.

“(y/n), I–“

“Love, who’s that?” Came a sweet, enchanting voice at the start of the alley. It was Khathrina, a long legged lady with platinum blonde hair that cascaded down her back in voluminous waves.

She blinked her thick, wispy lashes at you curiously, and you clenched your jaw in retaliation. Glancing at Lev, you hoped that he would put her in her place. Anything along the lines of ‘she’s my girlfriend’ or ‘fiancé’ would have suffice, but no. It was a far fetched dream.

“No one, my dear.” Came Lev’s response, and he walked past you, bumping shoulders into you in the process. You gasped quietly when he cast you a cold, once over behind his broad shoulders.

He had looked at you as if the two of you had never met before. It burned a hole in your stomach, and you were too stunned to react. Frozen in your spot, your facade crumbled with every step he took, further away from you and to someone else.

When he reached the woman’s side, the duo linked arms and departed without another word.

…

You fumbled with your keys for the hundredth time. It took you a whole five minutes to enter your apartment, and when you did, you slammed the door shut behind you and slumped to the floor.

What on earth was that? How could he do that to me? How is that the same boy I fell in love with?

You had driven over to confront Lev, but in the end all you got was a deeper scar. Everything made no sense, and your mind throbbed with confusion and fatigue.

Everything became blurry as tears overwhelmed your vision, and you tugged at your shirt, at the thorn embedded in your heart. It was so close yet so far and out of reach. Drawing your knees to your chest, you cried your heart out once again.

Moments passed with you laying at the entrance, gazing at the unworn white slippers speckled with dust.

…

Like before, days spun into weeks, months, and even a year. Eventually, you deserted your shared apartment and rented a place, one far away from your previous home. You had only taken your clothes and necessities, leaving behind the photo frames and everything else as everything reminded you of him.

It would be a lie to claim that you didn’t miss him, but you had partially given up when the news stated that supermodels Lev and Khathrina were now married.

It made no sense, really. Perhaps this was all a bad dream, you reasoned, fiddling with the silver band around your ring. Maybe you were in a coma, and this was all a lengthy nightmare that you would soon wake up from.

Yes, when you wake up, your fiancé would be next to you, lying in bed, chest rising in steady rhythms whilst the morning sun shines on his handsome face. Haiba would turn around to greet you good morning through half lidded eyes, and he would tuck your hair behind your ears with a cheeky, yet gentle smile.

There’s no way any of this is real…! We’ve come so far, and he loves me more than anyone can imagine.

But as time passed, you began to realise that, perhaps Haiba Lev had departed long ago.

(ALT. END)　　　　　　　　

You fumbled with your keys for the hundredth time. It took you a whole five minutes to enter your apartment, and when you did, you slammed the door shut behind you and slumped to the floor.

What on earth was that? How could he do that to me? How is that the same boy I fell in love with back then?

You had driven over to confront Lev, but in the end all you got was a deeper scar. Everything made no sense, and your mind throbbed with confusion and fatigue.

Out of nowhere, your phone began vibrating.

Sniffling, you fished it out of your coat and accepted the call blindly. “H-Hello?” You stuttered, rubbing away your tears with the back of your hand.

“It’s me, (y/n).” The familiar warm, low voice of Lev’s filled the silent room. Your eyes grew wide in shock, and you glanced at the caller ID to realise it wasn’t his usual phone number. “I don’t have much time, I’ll be gone by tomorrow, love.”

“Tomorrow? What?” You parroted, albeit dumbly as you raked your foggy mind for clarity.

You could almost imagine the frown on your boyfriend’s face when he blabbered. “Are you crying? I mean, were you…?” His voice trailed off, and you quickly blurted out that you weren’t.

A soft chuckle graced your ears and you felt the frustration and sadness from before ebb away. Leaning against the door, you listened attentively as he directed you to a location where he had agreed to rendezvoused. No sooner had he ended the call did you fly out of the apartment.

When you reached the park, you realised it was already midnight. You waited by a willow tree he had mentioned to you, and within a few minutes, he showed up.

You had lost all your fight and gave in to temptation. Throwing your arms around Lev, you held him in a tight embrace as you buried your face into his neck. Grinning widely, the ‘skyscrapper’ wrapped his arms around your back and rest his head atop yours, humming softly.

“I missed you, (y/n).” He had whispered softly, as if he was afraid that you would disappear any moment. “I’m always thinking of you, your smile, your smell…”

Shamelessly, he pressed his face against your head and inhaled it greedily. You giggled at the warm air tickling your scalp then looked up at him with glossy, doe eyes. “I missed you too. More than you can imagine.”

“Hey, I’m here now,” and Lev’s smile began to fade as he set you down onto your feet. Taking your hand, he guided you to sit under the beautiful willow tree. “I promised I’d tell you everything, and I will.”

As the moon waned in the night sky, you listened intently as the silver haired man explained to you what had happened the past few months. He went into detail that he had received a call from his tragically ill grandmother, that she had requested for him and his sister to return to Russia to see them one last time.

And being the filial grandson he was, he accompanied Alisa back to Russia. But upon their arrival, he realised that she was perfectly fine! Her real motive was to introduce him to a fair maiden, whom she had taken a liking to, and so she did. The girl just so happened to be another model, and one of pure Russian descent.

Lev explained animatedly how upset the old lady was when he told her that he was already engaged.

Your lover raised his ring finger to show you his gleaming band, and you almost teared up at the sight. He continued with a sigh, shaking his head as he relayed that she wanted Lev to give the girl a chance.

And in the end, he was forced to be engaged to her temporarily, until the octogenarian passed on.

So for now, they were spending some time in Japan, as the girl was determined to sightsee with her short-term fiancé. But eventually they would return to Russia, so that they could spend time together with his grandma.

It was, without a doubt, a peculiar situation. But a huge burden had been lifted off your shoulders, now that you knew why they were involved for a while.

“At first I didn’t contact you because I was unsure of myself. What to say, and to think…” He took your hand in his, and raised his head, green orbs gleaming with guilt.

He was threading carefully, something he hardly did, and your heart swelled. “But then it slowly turned into something bigger than that, and I feared that you would leave me because of this mess.

“I know what I did was awful and I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I hope you know how much I love you and that I think about you every single day.” Closing his eyes, he brought your hand to his lips to kiss your knuckles tenderly. When he reopened them, he gave you a dejected, lopsided smile. “I always have.”

“Then why did you act like you didn’t know me earlier?” You dipped your head, sideways. “You know, in front of her?”

“I had to put on an act, just to please my granny… I didn’t mean to hurt you,” He squeezed your hand, “This is only temporary. Once it’s over, I’ll return to Japan as soon as possible.”

You swallowed the forming lump in your throat. He was about to depart again, the man you had loved for a decade.

“Promise me you’ll come back. Back to me.” Placing a hand atop his, you locked eyes with him, “Please.”

He brushed back the stray strands of hair to glimpse at your sparkling irises. Lev’s heart clenched at the eyebags under your beautiful orbs, and he leaned forward to press his forehead against yours.

“I promise.”

The willow branches hid two of you from the world as the two of you conversed for hours, catching up on everything that had happened. You spent the rest of the night holding each other in the secluded park, fingers entwined silently.

…

Lev departed for Russia once again when the sun rose. You had bidded him goodbye tearfully, knowing you wouldn’t be able to speak to him in, possibly, a very long time. Nevertheless, you believed in the promise the two of you had made, and that kept you going.

It was still a little sad to wake up every morning without him next to you. Sometimes, you would even mistake a morning zephyr for his breath against your skin. Watching your favourite drama series alone without his ignorant comments and boisterous laughter pained you with a smile. But despite the lonely moments, you pushed forward.

Haiba Lev wasn’t the most level headed person. He was blunt, foolish, assertive, and sometimes, a simpleton. And yet, despite his innumerable flaws, you loved him.

And you knew that one day, he would return. After all, his departure was not permanent.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　fin.

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